Patents by Inventor Dan Radulescu

Dan Radulescu 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).

  • Publication number: 20180058276
    Abstract: A switching rocker arm for engaging a cam includes a first arm having a first end and a second end, and a first and a second side arm; a second arm disposed between the first and second side arms, having a first end and a second end, where the second arm is an inner arm. The second arm is pivotably secured adjacent its first end to the first arm adjacent the first end of the first arm. The rocker arm includes an over-travel limiter that limits pivoting motion of the first arm relative to the second arm, where the over-travel limiter is pivotally coupled to the outer arm and interacts with the inner arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Andrei Dan Radulescu, Austin Robert Zurface, James R. Sheren, Anthony L. Spoor, Luigi Lia, Philip Michael Kline
  • Publication number: 20180045084
    Abstract: A valve train assembly having a valve train carrier including a body having a cartridge cavity formed in the body, a hydraulic lash adjuster adjustment (HLA) assembly, and a cartridge removably disposed in the cartridge cavity. The cartridge includes a main body defining an inner bore, wherein the HLA assembly is disposed in the inner bore, and the cartridge is sized and shaped for insertion into the cartridge cavity formed in an underside of the valve train carrier. The cartridge is configured to have a valve train lash set prior to insertion into the cartridge cavity. A rocker arm assembly includes a body configured to engage the hydraulic lash adjustment (HLA) assembly, an end having a socket formed therein, and an e-foot extending through the socket and coupled to the end, the e-foot configured to maintain substantially flat contact with a top surface of an engine valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Eric John Yankovic, Majo Cecur, Debra Lynn McFadden, Andrei Dan Radulescu, Anthony Leon Spoor, Douglas Wright
  • Publication number: 20180045089
    Abstract: A rocker arm includes an outer arm having a first side and a second side, an inner arm positioned between the first side and the second side of the outer arm, a pivot axle pivotally coupling the inner arm and the outer arm at a first end of each of the inner arm and the outer arm, and a latch having a first position and a second position. The latch in the first position pivotally fixes the inner arm and the outer arm at a second end of each of the inner arm and the outer arm, and in the second position allows the inner arm and the outer arm to pivot independently. The latch is responsive to hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic fluid passage to selectively move to other of the first position and the second position. A lost motion spring is coupled to the inner arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Andrei Dan Radulescu, Austin Robert Zurface, James R. Sheren, Anthony L. Spoor, Luigi Lia, Philip Michael Kline
  • Publication number: 20180045086
    Abstract: A deactivating hydraulic lash adjustment (HLA) assembly includes an outer body configured to be received within a cartridge for a valve train carrier, a plunger disposed at least partially within the outer body, the plunger including a hollowed inner area, and an inner body disposed at least partially within the outer body and at least partially within the hollowed inner area. The inner body includes a low pressure chamber defined therein, and a high pressure chamber is defined between the plunger and the inner body within the hollowed inner area. The plunger is movable relative to the outer body and the inner body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Majo Cecur, Andrei Dan Radulescu, Eric John Yankovic
  • Publication number: 20170298785
    Abstract: A switching rocker arm system includes a rocker assembly having a first end and a second end, and engaging a lash adjuster an and engine valve. The system further includes a first arm rotationally coupled to a second arm at the first or second end, and selectively rotationally coupled to the second arm at the other of the first end and the second end by a latch. In the latched position, a second cam engagement surface of the second arm engages the second cam to operate the engine valve in a high-lift mode, a biasing spring urges the second cam engagement surface into contact with the second cam, and a rotational stop prevents contact of the second cam engagement surface with a base circle portion of the second cam in the low-lift mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 19, 2017
    Inventors: Austin Robert Zurface, Daniel Bennett Trudell, Andrei Dan Radulescu
  • Publication number: 20170241300
    Abstract: A valvetrain includes a rocker arm assembly having an electromagnetic latch housed in a chamber formed by a rocker arm. The chamber may be a retrofit hydraulic chamber. A flux shifting bi-stable latch provides a sufficiently compact design. Isolation of the magnetic elements within the rocker arm chamber may provide protection from metal particles carried by oil in an operating environment for the rocker arm assembly. Wiring connections to the rocker arms may be made through spring posts on the rocker arms. Connection to the rocker arms may be made with springs that can endure the rapid motion induced by the rocker arms. A wiring harness for the rocker arms may attach to hydraulic lash adjusters of the rocker arm assemblies. The rocker arm assemblies and their wiring may be formed into a unitary module that facilitates installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Petr Liskar, Mark Allan Juds, Mustafa Huseyin, Peter John Theisen, Amogh Vilas Kank, Dale Arden Stretch, Andrei Dan Radulescu, Douglas Anthony Hughes, Otto Schultheis, Kyle Crayne, James Edward McCarthy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9726052
    Abstract: A method of precision manufacture of an outer arm of a rocker arm assembly is performed by determining structures of a rough outer arm that would require precision processing and locations to support the structures as they are processed. Starting with at least one structure requiring precision processing, locations on the outer arm close to the structure to hold the outer arm during processing are determined that would cause minimal distortion of the outer arm during processing. The outer arm is then provided with clamping lobes at these locations. The clamping lobes of the outer arm are clamping into a fixture for manufacturing. The slider pad may now be precision ground while the outer arm is clamped in the fixture with minimal risk of distortion of the outer arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Austin Robert Zurface, Daniel Bennett Trudell, Andrei Dan Radulescu
  • Patent number: 9708942
    Abstract: A switching rocker arm having an outer arm having a first end, a second end, a first and second outer side arm having slider pads that ride on a second cam is disclosed. The switching rocker arm also has an inner arm disposed between the first and second outer side arms. The inner arm has a first end, a second end and a bearing disposed between the first and second end adapted to ride along a first cam. The inner arm is pivotably secured adjacent its first end to the outer arm adjacent its first end. At least one arm has an over-travel limiter structure limits pivoting motion of the first arm relative to the second arm. The switching rocker arm also exhibits decreased lash as the bearing wears, and increased lash as the latch and slider pads wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Austin Robert Zurface, Daniel Bennett Trudell, Andrei Dan Radulescu
  • Publication number: 20170138230
    Abstract: A system for selectively deactivating engine valves of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The system employs switching rocker assemblies between the valves of the engine and rotating cam lobes. The disclosed design is able to operate using a single cam lobe per valve. The rocker assembly employs a first arm pivotally attached to a second arm at one end. The first arm engages the valve and the second arm has a roller bearing that engages the cam lobe. A latch causes the first and second arm to move in unison following the cam surface when latched. When unlatched, the second arm follows and moves according to the rotating cam surface, but the first arm does not follow and does not actuate the valve, thereby deactivating the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Andrei Dan Radulescu, Austin Robert Zurface
  • Patent number: 9581058
    Abstract: A system for selectively deactivating engine valves of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The system employs switching rocker assemblies between the valves of the engine and rotating cam lobes. The disclosed design is able to operate using a single cam lobe per valve. The rocker assembly employs a first arm pivotally attached to a second arm at one end. The first arm engages the valve and the second arm has a roller bearing that engages the cam lobe. A latch causes the first and second arm to move in unison following the cam surface when latched. When unlatched, the second arm follows and moves according to the rotating cam surface, but the first arm does not follow and does not actuate the valve, thereby deactivating the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrei Dan Radulescu, Austin Robert Zurface
  • Publication number: 20170051643
    Abstract: A rocker arm for engaging a cam in a valve actuation arrangement includes a latch pin assembly having includes a latch pin, retainer, and biasing mechanism. The latch pin has a pin body with a head and a tail at the second end; the body defining an open volume; the tail having an open mouth in communication with the open volume of the body; and the open volume having a non-circular cross-section. The retainer has a male engagement portion and an outer portion. The male engagement portion is within the open volume of the body through the open mouth. The male engagement portion has a non-circular cross section. The outer portion is non-removably secured to an outer arm of the rocker arm. The biasing mechanism is oriented in the open volume of the body and between and against the latch pin and the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventor: Andrei Dan Radulescu
  • Patent number: 9488075
    Abstract: A rocker arm for engaging a cam in a valve actuation arrangement includes a latch pin assembly having includes a latch pin, retainer, and biasing mechanism. The latch pin has a pin body with a head and a tail at the second end; the body defining an open volume; the tail having an open mouth in communication with the open volume of the body; and the open volume having a non-circular cross-section. The retainer has a male engagement portion and an outer portion. The male engagement portion is within the open volume of the body through the open mouth. The male engagement portion has a non-circular cross section. The outer portion is non-removably secured to an outer arm of the rocker arm. The biasing mechanism is oriented in the open volume of the body and between and against the latch pin and the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Andrei Dan Radulescu
  • Publication number: 20160138435
    Abstract: A method of precision manufacture of an outer arm of a rocker arm assembly is performed by determining structures of a rough outer arm that would require precision processing and locations to support the structures as they are processed. Starting with at least one structure requiring precision processing, locations on the outer arm close to the structure to hold the outer arm during processing are determined that would cause minimal distortion of the outer arm during processing. The outer arm is then provided with clamping lobes at these locations. The clamping lobes of the outer arm are clamping into a fixture for manufacturing. The slider pad may now be precision ground while the outer arm is clamped in the fixture with minimal risk of distortion of the outer arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Austin Robert Zurface, Daniel Bennett Trudell, Andrei Dan Radulescu
  • Publication number: 20160138438
    Abstract: A novel cylinder head arrangement for an in-line four cylinder or eight cylinder engine. A modified arrangement allows additional space for installation of wider rocker arm assemblies used for variable valve lift (VVL), cylinder deactivation (CDA) and other types of variable valve actuation (VVA). In one embodiment, cam towers adjacent the end two cylinders are not used. At least one end support is used, which may be an outboard bearing on a camshaft for each end. The wider rocker assemblies may then be installed. In another embodiment, cam towers adjacent the inner two cylinders are eliminated and a single camshaft support piece with a support bearing is installed between the inner cylinders to provide support for the camshafts. The wider rocker assemblies may then be installed on at least one of the middle cylinders. A novel oil control valve operates latches in switching rocker arm assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: David Gerard Genise, Andrei Dan Radulescu
  • Publication number: 20160130991
    Abstract: A method of precision manufacture of an outer arm of a rocker arm assembly is performed by determining structures of a rough outer arm that would require precision processing and locations to support the structures as they are processed. Starting with at least one structure requiring precision processing, locations on the outer arm close to the structure to hold the outer arm during processing are determined that would cause minimal distortion of the outer arm during processing. The outer arm is then provided with clamping lobes at these locations. The clamping lobes of the outer arm are clamping into a fixture for manufacturing. The slider pad may now be precision ground while the outer arm is clamped in the fixture with minimal risk of distortion of the outer arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Austin Robert Zurface, Tony Eric Gordon, Andrei Dan Radulescu, Otto Jerome Schultheis
  • Patent number: 9267396
    Abstract: A method of precision manufacture of an outer arm of a rocker arm assembly is performed by determining structures of a rough outer arm that would require precision processing and locations to support the structures as they are processed. Starting with at least one structure requiring precision processing, locations on the outer arm close to the structure to hold the outer arm during processing are determined that would cause minimal distortion of the outer arm during processing. The outer arm is then provided with clamping lobes at these locations. The clamping lobes of the outer arm are clamping into a fixture for manufacturing. The slider pad may now be precision ground while the outer arm is clamped in the fixture with minimal risk of distortion of the outer arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Austin Robert Zurface, Tony Eric Gordon, Andrei Dan Radulescu, Otto Jerome Schultheis
  • Publication number: 20150267574
    Abstract: A system for selectively deactivating engine valves of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The system employs switching rocker assemblies between the valves of the engine and rotating cam lobes. The disclosed design is able to operate using a single cam lobe per valve. The rocker assembly employs a first arm pivotally attached to a second arm at one end. The first arm engages the valve and the second arm has a roller bearing that engages the cam lobe. A latch causes the first and second arm to move in unison following the cam surface when latched. When unlatched, the second arm follows and moves according to the rotating cam surface, but the first arm does not follow and does not actuate the valve, thereby deactivating the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Andrei Dan Radulescu, Austin Robert Zurface
  • Publication number: 20140290608
    Abstract: A rocker arm for engaging a cam in a valve actuation arrangement includes a latch pin assembly having includes a latch pin, retainer, and biasing mechanism. The latch pin has a pin body with a head and a tail at the second end; the body defining an open volume; the tail having an open mouth in communication with the open volume of the body; and the open volume having a non-circular cross-section. The retainer has a male engagement portion and an outer portion. The male engagement portion is within the open volume of the body through the open mouth. The male engagement portion has a non-circular cross section. The outer portion is non-removably secured to an outer arm of the rocker arm. The biasing mechanism is oriented in the open volume of the body and between and against the latch pin and the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Andrei Dan Radulescu
  • Patent number: 8752513
    Abstract: A rocker arm for engaging a cam is disclosed. An outer arm and inner arm are configured to transfer motion to a valve of an internal combustion engine. A latching mechanism includes a latch, sleeve and orientation member. The sleeve engages the latch and a bore in the inner arm, and also provides an opening for an orientation member used in providing the correct orientation for the latch with respect to the sleeve and the inner arm. The sleeve, latch and inner arm have reference marks used to determine the optimal orientation for the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Austin Zurface, Andrei Dan Radulescu, Majo Cecur, Philip M. Kline, Tony Gordon, James R. Sheren
  • Patent number: 8726862
    Abstract: A rocker arm for engaging a cam is disclosed. An outer arm and inner arm are configured to transfer motion to a valve of an internal combustion engine. A latching mechanism includes a latch, sleeve and orientation member. The sleeve engages the latch and a bore in the inner arm, and also provides an opening for an orientation member used in providing the correct orientation for the latch with respect to the sleeve and the inner arm. The sleeve, latch and inner arm have reference marks used to determine the optimal orientation for the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Austin Zurface, Andrei Dan Radulescu, Majo Cecur, Philip M. Kline, Tony Gordon, James R. Sheren