Patents by Inventor G. Michael Gron

G. Michael Gron 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: 12297757
    Abstract: A compact, modular, lost motion variable valve actuation assembly includes a dry start hydraulic circuit to enable quick priming of a lost motion master-slave circuit from a dry start reservoir to the master piston chamber during engine start. Motion of the master piston on engine startup may draw in fluid from the dry start hydraulic circuit. The dry start components may be integrated into a compact modular rocker shaft pedestal package suitable for retrofit on existing engine head assemblies. The master piston may include a push tube interface that includes a deep push tube cavity and lubrication capabilities in the master piston that provides for improved wear, stability, easy installation and alignment. The slave piston may be provided with a valve catch to reduce valve closing velocity during cycles involving lost-motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Schwoerer, G. Michael Gron, Jr., Jacob M. Moore, Thomas P. Howell
  • Patent number: 12264605
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a cylinder deactivation controller operatively connected to and in fluid communication with intake and exhaust deactivators for at least one cylinder. The valve actuation system further comprises an engine braking controller operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the engine braking actuators for the at least one cylinder. A braking-dependent deactivator controller is disposed between and in fluid communication with the cylinder deactivation controller and the intake deactivators, and in fluid communication with the engine braking controller via a control input. The braking-dependent deactivator controller is configured, in a first state based on its control input, to permit hydraulic fluid flow in hydraulic fluid control passages for the intake deactivators when in a non-1.5-stroke engine braking mode and, in a second state, to vent the hydraulic fluid control passages for the intake deactivators when in a 1.5-stroke engine braking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Matei Alexandru, John Mandell, Paul M. Bovat, Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Patent number: 12018599
    Abstract: A system for actuating at least two engine valves comprises a first rocker assembly operatively connected to a first valve actuation motion source and to a first engine valve. The first rocker assembly comprises a first lost motion component arranged in series with a first input rocker and a first output rocker. A second rocker assembly is operatively connected to a second valve actuation motion source and to a second engine valve. The second rocker assembly comprises at least one second rocker. The system further comprises a one-way coupling mechanism disposed between the first output rocker and the at least one second rocker such that second valve actuation motions are transferred from the at least one second rocker to the first output rocker, and first valve actuation motions are not transferred from the first output rocker to the at least one second rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Matei Alexandru, John Mandell, Tyler Hines, Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, Bruce A. Swanbon, Robb Janak, G. Michael Gron, Jr., Marc B. Silva, Austen P. Metsack
  • Publication number: 20240200476
    Abstract: A system for actuating at least two engine valves comprises a first rocker assembly operatively connected to a first valve actuation motion source and to a first engine valve. The first rocker assembly comprises a first lost motion component arranged in series with a first input rocker and a first output rocker. A second rocker assembly is operatively connected to a second valve actuation motion source and to a second engine valve. The second rocker assembly comprises at least one second rocker. The system further comprises a one-way coupling mechanism disposed between the first output rocker and the at least one second rocker such that second valve actuation motions are transferred from the at least one second rocker to the first output rocker, and first valve actuation motions are not transferred from the first output rocker to the at least one second rocker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Matei ALEXANDRU, John MANDELL, Tyler HINES, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Bruce A. SWANBON, Robb JANAK, G. Michael GRON, JR., Marc B. SILVA, Austen P. METSACK
  • Publication number: 20240183291
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a cylinder deactivation controller operatively connected to and in fluid communication with intake and exhaust deactivators for at least one cylinder. The valve actuation system further comprises an engine braking controller operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the engine braking actuators for the at least one cylinder. A braking-dependent deactivator controller is disposed between and in fluid communication with the cylinder deactivation controller and the intake deactivators, and in fluid communication with the engine braking controller via a control input. The braking-dependent deactivator controller is configured, in a first state based on its control input, to permit hydraulic fluid flow in hydraulic fluid control passages for the intake deactivators when in a non-1.5-stroke engine braking mode and, in a second state, to vent the hydraulic fluid control passages for the intake deactivators when in a 1.5-stroke engine braking mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Matei ALEXANDRU, John MANDELL, Paul M. BOVAT, Justin D. BALTRUCKI
  • Publication number: 20240125253
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Bruce A. SWANBON, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Robb JANAK, G. Michael GRON, JR., John MANDELL, Marc B. SILVA, Tyler HINES, Matei ALEXANDRU, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, P. Douglas AUBIN, Nathaniel P. HASSALL, John Jerl PURCELL, III, Adam C. CECIL, David M. BARNES
  • Publication number: 20240125254
    Abstract: A discrete lost motion device for use in a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprises a housing having a housing bore extending longitudinally into the housing and a second end having a housing contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a first valve train component. A plunger slidably is disposed in the housing bore is controllable between a first state in which the plunger rigidly extends out of the housing bore and a second state in which the plunger is permitted to reciprocate within the housing bore, the plunger further comprising an end having a plunger contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a second valve train component. The housing contact surface and the plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first and second valve train components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: G. Michael GRON, Jr., Bruce A. SWANBON, John MANDELL, Marc B. SILVA, Tyler HINES, Matei ALEXANDRU, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, P. Douglas AUBIN
  • Patent number: 11649739
    Abstract: Valve bridge systems include constraints and guides for managing bridge jump and other uncontrolled valve bridge motion during engine operation. Constraints may include an e-foot collar, an extended portion on the bridge, and a bridge brake pin. Guides may include valve stem tip lead-in chamfers surrounding the valve bridge valve pockets as well as a deflection surface on the bridge extended portion. Methods of configuring valve bridges may include configuring the valve step tip lead-in chamfers based on worst-case positions of the valve bridge defined by one or more or a combination of the constraints provided by the e-foot collar, extended portion and brake pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Svstems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Hodgkinson, Timothy P. Neal, Justin D. Baltrucki, G. Michael Gron, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20230081789
    Abstract: A valve actuation system includes a rocker for conveying motion to an engine valve, a motion source arranged to impart motion to the rocker, rocker stop assembly configured to operate in an activated mode, in which the rocker stop assembly maintains the rocker in a position corresponding to partial valve lift, and a deactivated mode, in which the rocker stop assembly allows the rocker to move to a position corresponding to a fully closed valve position, and a rocker stop reset assembly for resetting the rocker stop assembly to the deactivated mode subsequent to a main event peak lift to thereby achieve late valve closing. A damper assembly may interact with the rocker stop assembly to provide a smooth transition of the rocker and valve motion to a late intake valve closing dwell. A valve catch assembly may control the seating velocity of the at least one valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: John A. SCHWOERER, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, John MANDELL, G. Michael GRON, Jr., Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Trevor MORRISSEY
  • Publication number: 20230007897
    Abstract: Valve bridge systems include constraints and guides for managing bridge jump and other uncontrolled valve bridge motion during engine operation. Constraints may include an e-foot collar, an extended portion on the bridge, and a bridge brake pin. Guides may include valve stem tip lead-in chamfers surrounding the valve bridge valve pockets as well as a deflection surface on the bridge extended portion. Methods of configuring valve bridges may include configuring the valve step tip lead-in chamfers based on worst-case positions of the valve bridge defined by one or more or a combination of the constraints provided by the e-foot collar, extended portion and brake pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Eric J. HODGKINSON, Timothy P. NEAL, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, G. Michael GRON, JR.
  • Patent number: 11408310
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a valve actuation motion source configured to provide a main valve actuation motion and an auxiliary valve actuation motion for actuating at least one engine valve via a valve actuation load path. A lost motion subtracting mechanism is arranged in the valve actuation load path and configured, in a first default operating state, to convey at least the main valve actuation motion and configured, in a first activated state, to lose the main valve actuation motion and the auxiliary valve actuation motion. Additionally, a lost motion adding mechanism configured, in a second default operating state, to lose the auxiliary valve actuation motion and configured, in a second activated state, to convey the auxiliary valve actuation motion, wherein the lost motion adding mechanism is in series with the lost motion subtracting mechanism in the valve actuation load path at least during the second activated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin D Baltrucki, G. Michael Gron, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11401838
    Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Jacob Moore, Justin D. Baltrucki, Eric J. Hodgkinson, Timothy P. Neal, Bruce A. Swanbon, Robb Janak, Matei Alexandru
  • Publication number: 20220178279
    Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Jacob MOORE, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Eric J. HODGKINSON, Timothy P. NEAL, Bruce A. SWANBON, Robb JANAK, Matei ALEXANDRU
  • Publication number: 20220145785
    Abstract: A compact, modular, lost motion variable valve actuation assembly includes a dry start hydraulic circuit to enable quick priming of a lost motion master-slave circuit from a dry start reservoir to the master piston chamber during engine start. Motion of the master piston on engine startup may draw in fluid from the dry start hydraulic circuit. The dry start components may be integrated into a compact modular rocker shaft pedestal package suitable for retrofit on existing engine head assemblies. The master piston may include a push tube interface that includes a deep push tube cavity and lubrication capabilities in the master piston that provides for improved wear, stability, easy installation and alignment. The slave piston may be provided with a valve catch to reduce valve closing velocity during cycles involving lost-motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: John A. SCHWOERER, G. Michael GRON, JR., Jacob M. MOORE, Thomas P. HOWELL
  • Patent number: 11319842
    Abstract: A valve bridge comprises a central body and at least first and second valve interface portions extending from the central body, each of the at least first and second valve interface portions defining a chamber configured to receive an engine valve and corresponding valve spring and spring retainer. Each chamber comprises a valve bridge control surface configured to selectively contact at least one of the corresponding valve spring and spring retainer, wherein each valve bridge control surface is a concave surface configured to extend downward around the corresponding valve spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Patent number: 11230951
    Abstract: A compact, modular, lost motion variable valve actuation assembly includes a dry start hydraulic circuit to enable quick priming of a lost motion master-slave circuit from a dry start reservoir to the master piston chamber during engine start. Motion of the master piston on engine startup may draw in fluid from the dry start hydraulic circuit. The dry start components may be integrated into a compact modular rocker shaft pedestal package suitable for retrofit on existing engine head assemblies. The master piston may include a push tube interface that includes a deep push tube cavity and lubrication capabilities in the master piston that provides for improved wear, stability, easy installation and alignment. The slave piston may be provided with a valve catch to reduce valve closing velocity during cycles involving lost-motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Schwoerer, G. Michael Gron, Jr., Jacob M. Moore, Thomas P. Howell
  • Patent number: 11162437
    Abstract: A system and associated methods for controlling valve motion in internal combustion engines provide a pulsing component for energizing a solenoid control valve in pulsatile fashion to cause a transient pressure change in a hydraulic network linking the control valve to a common, paired set of intake and exhaust main event deactivation mechanisms, which may be provided in respective valve bridges. The pressure change results in hydraulic deactivation of main event motion of the exhaust valve while avoiding deactivation of main intake event motion and thereby preserving intake main event valve motion, and supporting use of the intake main event motion for additional braking or other operations. The systems and methods are particularly suited for engine environments that employ cylinder deactivation (CDA) combined with high-power density (HPD) engine braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Publication number: 20210324769
    Abstract: A valve bridge comprises a central body and at least first and second valve interface portions extending from the central body, each of the at least first and second valve interface portions defining a chamber configured to receive an engine valve and corresponding valve spring and spring retainer. Each chamber comprises a valve bridge control surface configured to selectively contact at least one of the corresponding valve spring and spring retainer, wherein each valve bridge control surface is a concave surface configured to extend downward around the corresponding valve spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Justin D. BALTRUCKI
  • Publication number: 20210310424
    Abstract: A system and associated methods for controlling valve motion in internal combustion engines provide a pulsing component for energizing a solenoid control valve in pulsatile fashion to cause a transient pressure change in a hydraulic network linking the control valve to a common, paired set of intake and exhaust main event deactivation mechanisms, which may be provided in respective valve bridges. The pressure change results in hydraulic deactivation of main event motion of the exhaust valve while avoiding deactivation of main intake event motion and thereby preserving intake main event valve motion, and supporting use of the intake main event motion for additional braking or other operations. The systems and methods are particularly suited for engine environments that employ cylinder deactivation (CDA) combined with high-power density (HPD) engine braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: G. Michael Gron, JR., Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Publication number: 20210180481
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a valve actuation motion source configured to provide a main valve actuation motion and an auxiliary valve actuation motion for actuating at least one engine valve via a valve actuation load path. A lost motion subtracting mechanism is arranged in the valve actuation load path and configured, in a first default operating state, to convey at least the main valve actuation motion and configured, in a first activated state, to lose the main valve actuation motion and the auxiliary valve actuation motion. Additionally, a lost motion adding mechanism configured, in a second default operating state, to lose the auxiliary valve actuation motion and configured, in a second activated state, to convey the auxiliary valve actuation motion, wherein the lost motion adding mechanism is in series with the lost motion subtracting mechanism in the valve actuation load path at least during the second activated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Justin D. BALTRUCKI, G. Michael GRON, JR.