Patents by Inventor Gabriel S. ROBERTS
Gabriel S. ROBERTS 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: 20240287920Abstract: A rocker arm comprises an actuator piston slidably disposed in an actuator piston bore formed in a motion imparting end thereof. A lash adjustment assembly is disposed in the motion imparting end and comprises an internal bore. A hydraulic passage is in fluid communication with the actuator piston bore and the internal bore. A resetting assembly is disposed in the lash adjustment assembly and comprises a reset slider and a checking element in fluid communication with the internal bore. The reset slider is slidably disposed in the internal bore and has a first end configured to engage a valve train component or engine valve, and has a second end with a resetting pin disposed thereon configured to contact and place the checking element in an unchecked state in response to positioning of the rocker arm when the first end contacts the valve train component or engine valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2024Publication date: August 29, 2024Inventors: Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS
-
Publication number: 20240280037Abstract: A system for actuating at least one engine valve comprises an output rocker operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A first rocker assembly is operatively connected to a first valve actuation motion source. The first rocker assembly comprises a first input rocker arranged in series with a first lost motion component, wherein the first input receives first valve actuation motions from the first valve actuation motion source and the first lost motion component is operatively connected to the output rocker. A second rocker assembly is operatively connected to a second valve actuation motion source. The second rocker assembly comprises a second input rocker arranged in series with a second lost motion component, wherein the second input rocker receives second valve actuation motions from the second valve actuation motion source and the second lost motion component is operatively connected to the output rocker.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2023Publication date: August 22, 2024Inventors: Matei ALEXANDRU, Tyler HINES, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Austen P. METSACK
-
Publication number: 20240280036Abstract: A rocker arm comprises a hydraulic actuator piston slidably disposed in an actuator bore. An actuator spring is configured to bias the hydraulic actuator piston out of actuator bore and into contact with a valve train component or at least one engine valve, wherein reaction of the hydraulic actuator piston against the valve train component or the at least one engine valve biases a motion receiving portion of the rocker arm into contact with the valve actuation motion source. In an unactuated state of the hydraulic actuator piston, hydraulic fluid is permitted to flow out of the actuator bore and, in an actuated state of the hydraulic actuator piston, hydraulic fluid is locked in the actuator bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2024Publication date: August 22, 2024Inventors: Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, John MANDELL
-
Patent number: 12055075Abstract: A system for actuating at least one engine valve comprises an output rocker operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A first rocker assembly is operatively connected to a first valve actuation motion source. The first rocker assembly comprises a first input rocker arranged in series with a first lost motion component, wherein the first input receives first valve actuation motions from the first valve actuation motion source and the first lost motion component is operatively connected to the output rocker. A second rocker assembly is operatively connected to a second valve actuation motion source. The second rocker assembly comprises a second input rocker arranged in series with a second lost motion component, wherein the second input rocker receives second valve actuation motions from the second valve actuation motion source and the second lost motion component is operatively connected to the output rocker.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2023Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Matei Alexandru, Tyler Hines, Gabriel S. Roberts, Austen P. Metsack
-
Patent number: 12044152Abstract: Systems for valve actuation in internal combustion engines provide rocker control components in the form of biasing mechanisms for biasing the valve side of a lost motion rocker toward the engine valves. This may prevent gaps in the valvetrain, particularly when used with cams having sub-base circle auxiliary motion event profiles. Valvetrain components, such as an e-foot engaging a valve bridge, may be provided with a biasing mechanism and stroke limiting and retaining components to maintain engagement between the e-foot and valve bridge, to control stability of the valve bridge, and to make assembly/disassembly easier.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2021Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Gabriel S. Roberts, Marc Silva, Dong Yang
-
Patent number: 12018599Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2023Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: 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: 20240200476Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2023Publication date: June 20, 2024Inventors: 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: 20240125253Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: 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: 20240125254Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: 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
-
Publication number: 20230383676Abstract: Systems for valve actuation in internal combustion engines provide rocker control components in the form of biasing mechanisms for biasing the valve side of a lost motion rocker toward the engine valves. This may prevent gaps in the valvetrain, particularly when used with cams having sub-base circle auxiliary motion event profiles. Valvetrain components, such as an e-foot engaging a valve bridge, may be provided with a biasing mechanism and stroke limiting and retaining components to maintain engagement between the e-foot and valve bridge, to control stability of the valve bridge, and to make assembly/disassembly easier.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2021Publication date: November 30, 2023Inventors: Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Marc SILVA, Dong YANG
-
Publication number: 20230151743Abstract: Systems for valve actuation in internal combustion engines provide for control of rocker arms and other valvetrain components by utilizing biasing and stroke limited components. Such features may be implemented in any valvetrain component, including e-foot assemblies or pushrod assemblies. The biasing component may bias the cam side of a lost motion rocker toward the cam. The components may be extendable to permit a biasing mechanism to keep the valvetrain components in a controlled position at all times. Stroke limiting features may facilitate the formation of small gaps between valvetrain components during the engine cycle for improved lubrication. Stroke limiting features may also retain valvetrain components in an assembled configuration even when not installed in an engine or valve actuation system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2023Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Austen METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Thomas BENNER, Ryan D. LILLY
-
Patent number: 11619180Abstract: A valve actuation system comprising a valve actuation motion source configured to provide a main event valve actuation motion to at least one engine valve via a main motion load path that comprises at least one valve train component. The valve actuation system further includes a lost motion component arranged within a first valve train component in the main motion load path, the lost motion component being controllable to operate in a motion conveying state or a motion absorbing state. The valve actuation system also comprises a high lift transfer component arranged in the main motion load path, with the high lift transfer component being configured to permit the main motion load path to convey at least a high lift portion of the main event valve actuation motion when the lost motion component is in the motion absorbing state.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel S. Roberts, Steven Benn, Dong Yang, Eric Hodgkinson, Dominick Guarna
-
Publication number: 20230081789Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2022Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: John A. SCHWOERER, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, John MANDELL, G. Michael GRON, Jr., Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Trevor MORRISSEY
-
Patent number: 11300014Abstract: A switching finger follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The finger follower may be configured as a lost motion device and may include a biasing assembly and a travel limiter. The latch may support the lever in at least one precise position and may support the lever in a second position for partial lost motion, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Mandell, Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, Robb Janak
-
Patent number: 11255226Abstract: Systems for valve actuation in internal combustion engines provide configurations for hydraulic lash adjusters and valve actuation valvetrain components that are particularly suitable for prevention of HLA jacking in dedicated cam environments including Type II valvetrain architectures. In one implementation, a lash adjuster loading component, which may comprise a stroke-limited spring biased piston associated with the main event valvetrain keeps the lash adjuster under a constant compressive force to prevent jacking.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, Matei Alexandru, John Mandell
-
Patent number: 11208921Abstract: A switching finger may operate in two or three states or positions and cooperate with a single motion source to achieve methods of operating an engine in corresponding two or three modes. The modes may include cylinder deactivation, main event or auxiliary modes, including lost motion braking, LIVC and EEVO. A follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The latch may support the lever in one or more precise positions, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Mandell, Gabriel S. Roberts, Robb Janak
-
Patent number: 11181012Abstract: A valve actuation system for actuating at least one engine valve comprises a first half-rocker arm configured to receive main valve actuation motions from a main valve actuation motion source and a second rocker arm configured to actuate the at least one engine valve. A collapsing mechanism is also provided and configured relative to the first half-rocker arm and the second rocker arm, in a first collapsing mechanism state, to convey the main valve actuation motions from the first half-rocker arm to the second rocker arm and, in a second collapsing mechanism state, to prevent conveyance of the main valve actuation motions from the first half-rocker arm to the second rocker arm. The collapsing mechanism may be disposed in the first half-rocker arm or the second rocker arm, where the rocker arm not including the collapsing mechanism is provided with a collapsing mechanism contact surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 23, 2021Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Matei Alexandru, Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, John Mandell
-
Publication number: 20210340886Abstract: A switching finger follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The finger follower may be configured as a lost motion device and may include a biasing assembly and a travel limiter. The latch may support the lever in at least one precise position and may support the lever in a second position for partial lost motion, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: John MANDELL, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Robb JANAK
-
Publication number: 20210340891Abstract: A valve actuation system comprising a valve actuation motion source configured to provide a main event valve actuation motion to at least one engine valve via a main motion load path that comprises at least one valve train component. The valve actuation system further includes a lost motion component arranged within a first valve train component in the main motion load path, the lost motion component being controllable to operate in a motion conveying state or a motion absorbing state. The valve actuation system also comprises a high lift transfer component arranged in the main motion load path, with the high lift transfer component being configured to permit the main motion load path to convey at least a high lift portion of the main event valve actuation motion when the lost motion component is in the motion absorbing state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Steven BENN, Dong YANG, Eric HODGKINSON, Dominick GUARNA
-
Patent number: 11053819Abstract: A valve bridge system comprises a valve bridge configured to extend between at least two engine valves of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, a valve bridge guide is operatively connected to the valve bridge and configured to extend between at least two valve springs respectively corresponding to the at least two engine valves, the valve bridge guide defining a surface conforming to a valve spring of the at least two valve springs. In another embodiment, the valve bridge guide may comprise at least a first member maintained in a first fixed position relative to and at a predetermined distance from the valve bridge. In both embodiments, the valve bridge guide is configured to avoid contact with the valve bridge in a controlled state, but to permit contact with valve bridge to resist uncontrolled movement of the valve bridge.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Steven Benn, Dong Yang, Gabriel S. Roberts, Bruce A. Swanbon, Justin D. Baltrucki, John Mandell