Patents by Inventor Dennis H. Gibson

Dennis H. Gibson 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).

  • Patent number: 6220521
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle housing which defines a passenger compartment. Attached to the vehicle housing is a hydraulic system, that includes a hydraulic fluid which flows through at least one passageway within the hydraulic system. Also attached to the vehicle housing is a passenger compartment heating system. The passenger compartment heating system includes a heat exchanger, wherein a portion of the heat exchanger is a segment of the at least one passageway of the hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6216670
    Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated system includes a fixed displacement pump with at least one piston that reciprocates in a pump housing that defines a high pressure area and a low pressure area. A control valve is attached to the pump housing and moveable between a first position in which the piston displaces fluid in a first proportion between the high pressure area and the low pressure area, and a second position in which the piston displaces fluid in a second proportion between the high pressure area and the low pressure area. At least one hydraulically-actuated device is connected to the high pressure area of the pump. A source of low pressure fluid is connected to the low pressure area of the pump. An electronic control module is in communication with and capable of controlling the position of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Anderson, Dennis H. Gibson, Michael E. Pickell, Jerry A. Wear, Matthew D. Friede
  • Patent number: 6162022
    Abstract: A variable delivery liquid pump system includes a housing defining an inlet, an outlet and a plunger bore. A rotating shaft includes a cam that defines a fixed displacement distance with each rotation of the shaft. A plunger is slidably positioned in the plunger bore. A supply of liquid at a supply pressure is attached to the inlet by a supply passage. An output control mechanism includes an electronically-controlled flow restriction valve positioned in the supply passage. The plunger retracts less than the fixed displacement distance of the cam during each rotation of the shaft when the flow restriction valve is at least partially closed. The variable delivery pump is particularly suited for use in a hydraulically-actuated fuel injection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Anderson, Dennis H. Gibson, Ronald D. Shinogle, Matthew D. Friede
  • Patent number: 6148805
    Abstract: An engine system comprises a hydraulically actuated fuel injection system and an EGR valve circuit connected via a fluid flow passage that provides hydraulic fluid to both the fuel injection system and to the EGR valve circuit. The hydraulically actuated system includes a high pressure pump. The fluid control passage is in fluid communication with an outlet from the high pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6142110
    Abstract: An engine comprises a hydraulic system attached to an engine housing that includes a high pressure pump and a hydraulic fluid flowing through at least one passageway. A fan drive system is also attached to the engine housing and includes a hydraulic motor and a fan which can move air over the engine. The hydraulic motor includes an inlet fluidly connected to the at least one passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6067962
    Abstract: An engine includes a high pressure hydraulic system having a high pressure pump and at least one hydraulically-actuated device attached to an engine housing. A low pressure engine lubricating system is attached to the engine housing and includes a circulation conduit fluidly connected to an outlet from the high pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley E. Bartley, James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 6035828
    Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated system includes a fixed displacement pump with a plurality of parallel disposed pistons that reciprocate in a pump housing that defines a high pressure area and a low pressure area. A control valve is attached to the pump housing and moveable between a first position in which the pistons displace fluid in a first proportion between the high pressure area and the low pressure area, and a second position in which the pistons displace fluid in a second proportion between the high pressure area and the low pressure area. A high pressure common rail is connected to the high pressure area of the pump. At least one hydraulically-actuated device is connected to the high pressure rail. A source of low pressure fluid is connected to the low pressure area of the pump. An electronic control module is in communication with and capable of controlling the position of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Anderson, Matthew D. Friede, Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: 5983864
    Abstract: A jumper tube with improved misalignment capability comprising a cylindrically shaped receiver portion having a central bore that receives an electronically controlled hydraulically actuated unit fuel injector, an annular groove disposed adjacent each end of the bore, a resilient seal ring disposed in each annular groove, forming a seal between the injector and the bore and providing three degrees of freedom between the injector and bore, a tubular portion having an elongated passage in fluid communication with the bore and a conduit in fluid communication with an actuating fluid manifold and the elongated passage and a bolt extending through the tubular portion, the conduit portion and a portion of the actuating fluid manifold removably attaching the jumper tube to a head of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Scott A. Chockley, Dennis H. Gibson, Gregory W. Hefler, Ronald D. Shinogle, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 5894830
    Abstract: An engine includes an engine housing having an oil pan with an amount of oil therein. An oil lubricating system for the engine has a low pressure pump attached to the engine housing. A hydraulic system, which uses the same oil as the lubricating system, has a high pressure pump positioned in the oil pan, attached to the engine housing, and at least partially submerged in the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Blass, Dennis H. Gibson, Dean D. Messinger, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 5697342
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated fuel injector includes an injector body having a needle control chamber, a nozzle chamber, and a nozzle outlet that opens to the nozzle chamber. Fuel within the injector is hydraulically pressurized during each injection cycle. A needle valve is positioned to reciprocate in the nozzle chamber between an open position in which the nozzle outlet is open and a closed position in which the nozzle outlet is closed. The needle valve includes a closing hydraulic surface exposed to pressure in the needle control chamber. A needle control valve is mounted within the injector body and is moveable between an off position in which the needle control chamber is opened to a source of high pressure fluid and an on position in which the needle control chamber is opened to a low pressure passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Anderson, Dennis H. Gibson, Gregory W. Hefler, Dale C. Maley, Ronald D. Shinogle, Mark F. Sommars
  • Patent number: 5669355
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated fuel injector includes an injector body having at least one actuation fluid inlet, a needle control chamber, a nozzle chamber, and a nozzle outlet that opens to the nozzle chamber. A hydraulic means within the injector pressurizes fuel in the nozzle chamber. The hydraulic means includes an actuation fluid control valve having a first solenoid and is moveable between an open position in which the actuation fluid inlet is open and a closed position in which the actuation fluid inlet is closed. A needle valve member is positioned to reciprocate in the nozzle chamber between an open position in which the nozzle outlet is open and a closed position in which the nozzle outlet is closed. A needle valve member includes a closing hydraulic surface exposed to pressure in the needle control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Gregory W. Hefler
  • Patent number: 5628293
    Abstract: An improved electronically-controlled fluid injector system comprises a fluid storage chamber and a direct-operated check. Pressurization of fluid in the storage chamber begins before the start of fluid injection. Fluid injection begins by hydraulically unbalancing the check. Fluid injection sharply ends by hydraulically balancing the check to allow a biasing device to close the check. The present invention provides improved control of several fluid injection parameters, including higher peak fluid injection capability and less fluid injection pressure drop at the end of injection, resulting in improved engine performance and lower emissions, noise, and wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Gregory W. Hefler, Ronald D. Shinogle, Mark F. Sommars, Howard N. Cannon
  • Patent number: 5551398
    Abstract: An improved electronically-controlled fluid injector system comprises a fluid storage chamber and a direct-operated check. Pressurization of fluid in the storage chamber begins before the start of fluid injection. Fluid injection begins by hydraulically unbalancing the check. Fluid injection sharply ends by hydraulically balancing the check to allow a biasing device to close the check.The present invention provides improved control of several fluid injection parameters, including higher peak fluid injection capability and less fluid injection pressure drop at the end of injection, resulting in improved engine performance and lower emissions, noise, and wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Gregory W. Hefler, Ronald D. Shinogle, Mark F. Sommars
  • Patent number: 5535723
    Abstract: An improved electronically-controlled fluid injector system comprises a fluid storage chamber and a direct-operated check. Pressurization of fluid in the storage chamber begins before the start of fluid injection. Fluid injection begins by hydraulically unbalancing the check. Fluid injection sharply ends by hydraulically balancing the check to allow a biasing device to close the check. A fluid, such as fuel, can be injected as a purely vapor phase to improve mixing with combustion air.The present invention provides improved control of several fluid injection parameters, including higher peak fluid injection capability and less fluid injection pressure drop at the end of injection, resulting in improved engine performance and lower emissions, noise, and wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Ronald D. Shinogle
  • Patent number: 5479901
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly for a fuel injection system has a fuel pumping assembly with a fuel inlet and a fuel nozzle for causing fuel to be periodically pumped from the fuel inlet through the nozzle. The fuel injector assembly has an electro-hydraulic control valve associated with the fuel pumping means. The control valve comprises a housing, a first conduit formed in the housing and fluidly coupled to the fuel pumping means, a second conduit formed in the housing and fluidly coupled to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid. A valve element is disposed in the housing and is reciprocable between a first position in which the first conduit is fluidly coupled to the second conduit and a second position in which the first conduit is fluidly isolated from the second conduit. The control valve also includes a pair of electrically energizable electromagnetic devices for controlling the reciprocation of the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Gregory W. Hefler, Dale C. Maley, Ronald D. Shinogle
  • Patent number: 5421521
    Abstract: A check valve assembly for a fuel injector includes an injector body having an injector bore therein, an elongate check disposed within the injector bore and an actuator for moving the check along an axial path between a sealing position and an open position. Axial forces acting on the check are balanced during movement between the sealing and open positions so that direct control over the check position may be accomplished through the use of a low-force actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Ronald D. Shinogle
  • Patent number: 4785778
    Abstract: A governor (11) for providing at least two different regulation factors for an internal combustion engine (10) including a fuel injection system (12). The governor (11) includes a rotatable flyweight assembly (18,20,22) adapted to be mechanically connected (24) to the engine (10) to be driven thereby. A first spring (28) may be compressed by the flyweight assembly (18,20,22) proportional to engine speed. The flyweight assembly (18,20,22) is adapted to be connected to the engine fuel injection system (12) by a rack (14) and a control level (34) abuts the first spring (28), in opposition to the flyweight assembly (18,20,22). The governor (11) includes a second compressible spring (70) along with an actuator (56,58) for selectively engaging and disengaging the control lever (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Ralph Tegg, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4554901
    Abstract: In the use of fuel injection pumps, a distributing rotor is often utilized to sequentially deliver fuel from an inlet to a combustion chamber on an engine in combination with one or more reciprocating high pressure pistons. Due to the positioning of the various passages through which the fuel is directed, cavitation of the pump is often experienced which has a very serious effect on the life of the components within the pump. The fluid distribution apparatus of the present invention provides a single delivery passage between the pumping chambers of the reciprocating pistons and the distributing rotor. With this arrangement, fluid that is communicated from the bore to the pumping chambers in response to the intake stroke of the pistons is directed back through the same passage during the pressurization stroke of the pistons. The positioning of the single delivery passage prevents the fuel injection pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Dennis H. Gibson, Alan R. Stockner, Donald J. Waldman
  • Patent number: 4541391
    Abstract: Fuel injection apparatuses are used to inject fuel into the combustion chambers of compression ignition engines. The known mechanical drive arrangements for driving the distributor rotor and controlling beginning moment of fuel injection are complex, bulky and expensive to manufacture. The subject timing control for fuel injection apparatus includes a planetary gear arrangement driven by a pumping section and drivingly connected to a distributor rotor. A ring gear controls the timing phase relationship between the rotor and a delivery passage communicating the pumping section with the rotor. A riser of a flyweight assembly is mechanically connected to the ring gear so that the ring gear is positioned in accordance with the engine speed. The planetary gear arrangement is of simple construction requiring a minimum of space and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1985
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Dennis H. Gibson
  • Patent number: D332578
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1993
    Inventor: Dennis H. Gibson