Patents by Inventor Gene R. Slinkard

Gene R. Slinkard 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: 7401583
    Abstract: An adjustment device for changing the relative rotation between a cam and a crankshaft is provided. The adjustment device includes a driven device operatively connected to the crankshaft. The driven device has a first plurality of channels directed radially inward toward a central axis. The adjustment device also has a hub axially aligned with the driven device along the central axis and connectable to the cam. The hub has a second plurality of channels directed inward toward a point radially offset from the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Gene R. Slinkard
  • Patent number: 7108206
    Abstract: The present invention broadly applies to any fluid valve made up of a plurality of body components that create sealing lands where the body components are clamped together. The invention is further applicable to any such valves in which pressure differentials within the valve can cause fluid leakage in the region of these sealing lands. Fluid leakage is reduced by locating at least some of these sealing lands within a hollow clamp that holds the valve body components together. This clamping strategy that locates the clamping load where it is needed most is applicable to a wide variety of valves, but is particularly applicable to pressure control valves used in fuel injection systems that experience extremely high pressure differentials during their usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Victor I. Yacoub, Gene R. Slinkard, Charles D. Ellenbecker
  • Patent number: 6955114
    Abstract: The present invention relates to high speed control valves which are especially applicable for use in fuel injection systems. Producing a valve with a quick response time within acceptable packaging constraints and with a structure that allows the valve to be mass produced with consistent performance between valves is extremely problematic. By moving flow restrictions within the valve away from the valve seats, flow forces on the valve member can be reduced, while possibly also permitting a reduction in the necessary travel distance of the valve member to improve response time and other performance characteristics. The valve is particularly applicable in controlling hydraulic pressure applied to the closing hydraulic surface of a direct control needle valve in a fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Alan R. Stockner, Norval J. Wiemken, Scott F. Shafer, Gene R. Slinkard, Mark S. Cavanagh, Ye Tian
  • Publication number: 20040124272
    Abstract: The present invention broadly applies to any fluid valve made up of a plurality of body components that create sealing lands where the body components are clamped together. The invention is further applicable to any such valves in which pressure differentials within the valve can cause fluid leakage in the region of these sealing lands. Fluid leakage is reduced by locating at least some of these sealing lands within a hollow clamp that holds the valve body components together. This clamping strategy that locates the clamping load where it is needed most is applicable to a wide variety of valves, but is particularly applicable to pressure control valves used in fuel injection systems that experience extremely high pressure differentials during their usage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Victor I. Yacoub, Gene R. Slinkard, Charles D. Ellenbecker