Patents by Inventor Dallas J. SMOLAREK

Dallas J. SMOLAREK has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Inductive positive crankcase ventilation valve position sensor
    Patent number: 10060378
    Abstract: A sensor circuit for a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve includes an electrical source, a measuring circuit, a position calculator, and a transmitter. The electrical source is configured to apply an electrical bias across a spring of the PCV valve. The electrical bias is applied between a first end of the spring and an opposite end of the spring. The measuring circuit is configured to measure a value of an electrical parameter of the spring while the electrical bias is applied. The electrical parameter indicates at least one of a voltage across the spring and a current through the spring. The position calculator is configured to calculate an inductance of the spring based on the value of the electrical parameter and calculate a position of the PCV valve based on the inductance. The transmitter is configured to output a signal that indicates the position of the PCV valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: DENSO International America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dallas J. Smolarek, Blaise D. Friery
  • Inductive Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve Position Sensor
    Publication number: 20170335786
    Abstract: A sensor circuit for a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve includes an electrical source, a measuring circuit, a position calculator, and a transmitter. The electrical source is configured to apply an electrical bias across a spring of the PCV valve. The electrical bias is applied between a first end of the spring and an opposite end of the spring. The measuring circuit is configured to measure a value of an electrical parameter of the spring while the electrical bias is applied. The electrical parameter indicates at least one of a voltage across the spring and a current through the spring. The position calculator is configured to calculate an inductance of the spring based on the value of the electrical parameter and calculate a position of the PCV valve based on the inductance. The transmitter is configured to output a signal that indicates the position of the PCV valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Dallas J. SMOLAREK, Blaise D. FRIERY