Patents by Inventor Gary D. Bourn

Gary D. Bourn 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: 7866147
    Abstract: A method of improving scavenging operation of a two-stroke internal combustion engine. The exhaust pressure of the engine is analyzed to determine if there is a pulsation frequency. Acoustic modeling is used to design an absorber. An appropriately designed side branch absorber may be attached to the exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ralph E. Harris, Eugene L. Broerman, III, Gary D. Bourn
  • Patent number: 7275916
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling an engine that drives a reciprocating compressor, such as the large compressors used for natural gas transmission. A controller receives data from the compressor representing operation conditions, such as load step, suction pressure, and discharge pressure. The controller then calculates engine control parameters, such as air intake and spark timing, based on the compressor data to optimize engine performance and emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Jack A. Smith, James J. Cole, Gary D. Bourn, Ralph E. Harris, Anthony J. Smalley
  • Patent number: 7168411
    Abstract: An engine control strategy that ensures that NOx emissions from the engine will be maintained at an acceptable level. The control strategy is based on a two-dimensional fuel-air curve, in which air manifold pressure (AMP) is a function of fuel header pressure and engine speed. The control strategy provides for closed loop NOx adjustment to a base AMP value derived from the fuel-air curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Gary D. Bourn, Jack A. Smith, Jess W. Gingrich
  • Patent number: 6990857
    Abstract: A fuel injector timing tool has an elongated tubular member on which a measurement device may be mounted. A lower end of the tubular member is attached to a base member disposed perpendicularly to the tubular member and has an open end that only partially circumscribes a plunger follower slidably disposed on a retainer element of the fuel injector. The timing tool permits ready access to an adjustable ball stud and associated lock nut mounted in a plunger actuator end of an injector rocker arm so that accurate plunger position can be set while the timing tool remains in place on the retainer element of the fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Gary D. Bourn, John C. Hedrick, Steven G. Fritz, Larry W. Wolter
  • Patent number: 6981488
    Abstract: A method of balancing combustion among cylinders of an internal combustion engine. For each cylinder, a normalized peak firing pressure is calculated as the ratio of its peak firing pressure to its combustion pressure. Each cylinder's normalized peak firing pressure is compared to a target value for normalized peak firing pressure. The fuel flow is adjusted to any cylinder whose normalized peak firing pressure is not substantially equal to the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ralph E. Harris, Gary D. Bourn, Anthony J. Smalley
  • Patent number: 6062178
    Abstract: A method of operating a two-cycle internal combustion engine under low load conditions. A throttle is placed at the intake air system to reduce air intake into the engine cylinders. A pump is placed in the exhaust system, such that it creates reduced pressure downstream of the exhaust valves. In this manner, when the air intake ports close, the exhaust is evacuated and the air trapped in the cylinder is reduced. This permits fuel to be reduced so that the engine may operate in a low load state without losing combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: David P. Meyers, John C. Hedrick, Gary D. Bourn, John T. Kubesh, Kevin D. Beaty, Robert W. Burrahm