Patents by Inventor Gary L. Knepp

Gary L. Knepp 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: 4297742
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated fuel valve opens automatically when the engine is started to allow fuel to flow from a fuel tank to the engine and closes automatically when the engine throttle is moved to fuel-off position to shut down flow of fuel through the governor for the engine. In the event of an emergency, operation of a manual shutdown control will de-energize the fuel valve solenoid to shut off flow of fuel to the engine compartment and will also shut down the engine by energizing a solenoid to move the fuel rack for the governor to fuel-off position. Actuation of a fire-extenguisher system for the engine will automatically de-energize the fuel-valve solenoid and energize the fuel-rack solenoid. The fuel-rack solenoid remains energized for a timed period sufficient to ensure engine shutdown in emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1981
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Gary N. Heitzman, Clay L. Hutchings, Gary L. Knepp, Robert G. Miller
  • Patent number: 4150654
    Abstract: A solenoid-operated fuel valve opens automatically when the engine is started to allow fuel to flow from a fuel tank to the engine and closes automatically when the engine throttle is moved to fuel-off position to shut down flow of fuel through the governor for the engine. In the event of an emergency, operation of a manual shutdown control will de-energize the fuel valve solenoid to shut off flow of fuel to the engine compartment and will also shut down the engine by energizing a solenoid to move the fuel rack for the governor to fuel-off position. Actuation of a fire-extinguisher system for the engine will automatically de-energize the fuel-valve solenoid and energize the fuel-rack solenoid. The fuel-rack solenoid remains energized for a timed period sufficient to ensure engine shutdown in emergency situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1979
    Inventors: Gary N. Heitzman, Clay L. Hutchings, Gary L. Knepp, Robert G. Miller, Caterpillar Tractor Co.