Patents by Inventor Darrel H. Meffert

Darrel H. Meffert 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: 20080236118
    Abstract: An exhaust particulate filter for an engine system includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet and a shell shaped to fit the particulate filter within a predefined spatial envelope. Filter elements arranged in a bundle and having a packing arrangement are positioned within the housing. Each of the filter elements includes a perforated tube wrapped with fibrous metallic filter media. The bundle defines a perimetric line at least partially matched to the shape of the shell. An assembly method for a particulate filter includes arranging filter elements in a packing structure within a bundle, the bundle having peripherally located filter elements and internally located filter elements. The filter elements each include a perforated tube wrapped with fibrous metallic filter media. The assembly method further includes positioning the bundle of filter elements within a housing having a shape at least partially matched to a shape of the bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Robert L. Meyer, Darrel H. Meffert, Michael J. Pollard, Herbert F.M. Dacosta, Ronak Shah
  • Patent number: 6604508
    Abstract: A hydraulically activated fuel injection system uses a common rail that is maintained at relatively high pressure by a pump when the engine is running. During start-up, a volume reducer is used to pressurize the common rail until the pump can take over. A member of the volume reducer protrudes through one end of the common rail and is movable into and out of the common rail. When the ignition is activated, the member advances into the common rail causing the fluid volume to decrease and the pressure within the hydraulic system to increase, thereby allowing activation of the fuel injectors and starting the engine before the system pump is able to supply high pressure fluid to the common rail. Once the pump is able to sustain system pressure to the desired level, the member can retract to its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Darrel H. Meffert
  • Publication number: 20030041841
    Abstract: A hydraulically activated fuel injection system uses a common rail that is maintained at relatively high pressure by a pump when the engine is running. During start-up, a volume reducer is used to pressurize the common rail until the pump can take over. A member of the volume reducer protrudes through one end of the common rail and is movable into and out of the common rail. When the ignition is activated, the member advances into the common rail causing the fluid volume to decrease and the pressure within the hydraulic system to increase, thereby allowing activation of the fuel injectors and starting the engine before the system pump is able to supply high pressure fluid to the common rail. Once the pump is able to sustain system pressure to the desired level, the member can retract to its original position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Darrel H. Meffert