Patents by Inventor Gilbert Heck

Gilbert Heck 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: 20260098511
    Abstract: A system and methods are provided for a hydrocarbon absorbing air filter system to arrests evaporative hydrocarbon emissions from an intake duct of an internal combustion engine. The system comprises an air filter box that includes an air inlet to an air filter disposed inside the air filter box. A hydrocarbon trap outside the air filter box and in fluid communication with the air filter absorbs evaporative hydrocarbon emissions leaking from the air intake duct when the engine is not operating. The hydrocarbon trap includes an outer housing that couples with an inner housing and a hydrocarbon absorbing pad within an interior between the outer and inner housings. Ports in the inner housing allow hydrocarbon emissions to be arrested by the hydrocarbon absorbing pad. A conduit extends from the hydrocarbon trap to the air intake duct of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2025
    Publication date: April 9, 2026
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20260097343
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an air filter box for conducing filtered air to an air intake of an internal combustion engine. The air filter box includes a housing that communicates an airstream to an air filter in an interior of the housing. An opening in the housing retains a mount portion of the air filter. A tapered female surface bordering the opening receives a tapered male surface of the mount portion. The tapered surfaces establish an airtight seal when the air filter is installed into the interior of the air filter box. The mount portion includes a locking lip and an insertion stop flange. The insertion stop flange prevents the mount portion from traveling too far into the interior of the air filter box. The locking lip engages with an internal edge of the tapered female surface when the tapered male surface contacts the tapered female surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2025
    Publication date: April 9, 2026
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20250389240
    Abstract: A turbo-boost controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2025
    Publication date: December 25, 2025
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 12404826
    Abstract: A turbo-boost controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2025
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20250214015
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an air filter precleaner for an open air filter box. The air filter precleaner includes a filter medium between a base and a grating that are fastened over an opening into an interior of the air filter box. The filter medium comprises a sheet of filter material having a shape and a size suitable for being supported between the base and the grating. The base is a rigid member that supports the filter medium in a sheet configuration, such that the airstream passes through the filter medium before entering the air filter box. The grating is a rigid member comprising a screen portion surrounded by a frame that is configured to be fastened onto the air filter box. The screen portion comprises a shaped lattice that allows the airstream to pass through the filter medium before entering the air filter box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2025
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20250172100
    Abstract: A throttle-controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over engine functions and vehicle performance. The throttle-controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module processes input signals from a throttle pedal of the vehicle and sends modified throttle position signals to a throttle body of the vehicle so as to increase throttle responsiveness of the vehicle. The throttle-controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness electrically couples the control module with the throttle pedal and the throttle body. The control module sends signals directly to the throttle body of the engine, bypassing an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the throttle responsiveness of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2025
    Publication date: May 29, 2025
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 12257538
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an air filter precleaner for an open air filter box. The air filter precleaner includes a filter medium between a base and a grating that are fastened over an opening into an interior of the air filter box. The filter medium comprises a sheet of filter material having a shape and a size suitable for being supported between the base and the grating. The base is a rigid member that supports the filter medium in a sheet configuration, such that the airstream passes through the filter medium before entering the air filter box. The grating is a rigid member comprising a screen portion surrounded by a frame that is configured to be fastened onto the air filter box. The screen portion comprises a shaped lattice that allows the airstream to pass through the filter medium before entering the air filter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2025
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 12209543
    Abstract: A throttle-controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over engine functions and vehicle performance. The throttle-controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module processes input signals from a throttle pedal of the vehicle and sends modified throttle position signals to a throttle body of the vehicle so as to increase throttle responsiveness of the vehicle. The throttle-controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness electrically couples the control module with the throttle pedal and the throttle body. The control module sends signals directly to the throttle body of the engine, bypassing an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the throttle responsiveness of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20250001341
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a magnetic cover for an air filtration system for an internal combustion engine. The air filtration system includes a housing that has an interior that receives an air filter. A mount portion comprising the housing supports the air filter. The magnetic cover encloses the interior of the housing. An edge portion surrounding an opening in the housing forms an airtight connection with an edge portion of the magnetic cover. The edge portion of the housing includes a number of magnets that attach to a similar number of magnets in the edge portion of the magnetic cover to establish the airtight connection. A seal provides an airtight connection between the housing and the magnetic cover. The housing and the magnetic cover are configured for hand removal of the magnetic cover from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Patrick Gallagher, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20240309834
    Abstract: A turbo-boost controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11994092
    Abstract: A turbo-boost controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20230417200
    Abstract: A throttle-controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over engine functions and vehicle performance. The throttle-controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module processes input signals from a throttle pedal of the vehicle and sends modified throttle position signals to a throttle body of the vehicle so as to increase throttle responsiveness of the vehicle. The throttle-controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness electrically couples the control module with the throttle pedal and the throttle body. The control module sends signals directly to the throttle body of the engine, bypassing an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the throttle responsiveness of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20230364543
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an air filter precleaner for an open air filter box. The air filter precleaner includes a filter medium between a base and a grating that are fastened over an opening into an interior of the air filter box. The filter medium comprises a sheet of filter material having a shape and a size suitable for being supported between the base and the grating. The base is a rigid member that supports the filter medium in a sheet configuration, such that the airstream passes through the filter medium before entering the air filter box. The grating is a rigid member comprising a screen portion surrounded by a frame that is configured to be fastened onto the air filter box. The screen portion comprises a shaped lattice that allows the airstream to pass through the filter medium before entering the air filter box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11773794
    Abstract: A throttle-controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over engine functions and vehicle performance. The throttle-controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module processes input signals from a throttle pedal of the vehicle and sends modified throttle position signals to a throttle body of the vehicle so as to increase throttle responsiveness of the vehicle. The throttle-controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness electrically couples the control module with the throttle pedal and the throttle body. The control module sends signals directly to the throttle body of the engine, bypassing an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the throttle responsiveness of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Publication number: 20230279794
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a high capacity oil filter configured to remove contaminants from engine oil flowing within an internal combustion engine. The oil filter comprises a hollow canister having a length and a diameter suitable for housing a large filtration medium. A base gasket forms a fluid-tight seal between the oil filter and the engine. A base plate circulates oil from the engine through the oil filter. An anti-drainback valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter and passages within the engine when the engine is not operating. A key aspect of the present disclosure is that the relatively large dimensions and the configuration of the filtration media provide a large surface area for entrapping contaminants flowing with the engine oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2023
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck
  • Patent number: 11724226
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for an air filter precleaner for an open air filter box. The air filter precleaner includes a filter medium between a base and a grating that are fastened over an opening into an interior of the air filter box. The filter medium comprises a sheet of filter material having a shape and a size suitable for being supported between the base and the grating. The base is a rigid member that supports the filter medium in a sheet configuration, such that the airstream passes through the filter medium before entering the air filter box. The grating is a rigid member comprising a screen portion surrounded by a frame that is configured to be fastened onto the air filter box. The screen portion comprises a shaped lattice that allows the airstream to pass through the filter medium before entering the air filter box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11668213
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a high capacity oil filter configured to remove contaminants from engine oil flowing within an internal combustion engine. The oil filter comprises a hollow canister having a length and a diameter suitable for housing a large filtration medium. A base gasket forms a fluid-tight seal between the oil filter and the engine. A base plate circulates oil from the engine through the oil filter. An anti-drainback valve prevents oil from draining out of the filter and passages within the engine when the engine is not operating. A key aspect of the present disclosure is that the relatively large dimensions and the configuration of the filtration media provide a large surface area for entrapping contaminants flowing with the engine oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Williams, Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck
  • Publication number: 20230167790
    Abstract: A turbo-boost controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2022
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: 11549469
    Abstract: A turbo-boost controlled intake system is disclosed that provides a driver of a vehicle with greater control over vehicle performance. The turbo-boost controlled intake system includes a control module that is coupled with an aircharger air intake. The control module instructs an electronic control unit of the vehicle to increase manifold pressure to a higher level before releasing the pressure through a waste gate so as to provide a greater power output of the engine. The turbo-boost controlled intake system further includes a wiring harness and a signal adjuster. The wiring harness couples the control module with a turbo inlet pressure sensor, a manifold absolute pressure sensor, and an electronic control unit of the vehicle. The signal adjuster includes a rheostat that enables manual adjustment of the power output of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Richard Fiello, Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams
  • Patent number: D1018827
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: K&N Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert Heck, Steve Williams