Patents by Inventor Glen F. Forck
Glen F. Forck 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).
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Patent number: 6880769Abstract: An electronically-controlled fuel injector includes a pressurized fluid chamber that communicates high pressure fluid to first and second pressure control chambers. A direct-operated check moves between closed and open positions in response to a difference in fluid pressure in the first and second pressure control chambers. A thermally pre-stressed bender actuator is used to operate a control valve that controls the fluid pressure in the first pressure control chamber to effectively control opening and closing of the check during portions of an injection sequence.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Dana R. Coldren, Glen F. Forck, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Patent number: 6856222Abstract: A solenoid includes first and second armatures disposed on either side of a solenoid core. The core includes first and second sets of legs disposed on opposite sides of a central member. A drive circuit provides a first current level to cause flux to flow in a first path through the core and thereby move the first armature without substantially moving the second armature. The drive circuit can provide a second current level greater than the first current level to saturate the first path and thereby redirect flux into a second core path to move the second armature.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Glen F Forck
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Patent number: 6792921Abstract: An electronically-controlled fuel injector includes a pressurized fluid chamber that communicates high pressure fluid to first and second pressure control chambers. A direct-operated check moves between closed and open positions in response to a difference in fluid pressure in the first and second pressure control chambers. A first thermally pre-stressed bender actuator is used to operate a control valve that controls fluid communication between the fluid chamber and a fluid source. A second thermally pre-stressed bender actuator is used to operate a control valve that controls the fluid pressure in the first pressure control chamber to effectively control opening and closing of the check during portions of an injection sequence.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Glen F. Forck, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Patent number: 6739575Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Clifford E. Cotton, III, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle
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Patent number: 6705588Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Clifford E. Cotton, III, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Patent number: 6695283Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Clifford E. Cotton, III, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Patent number: 6684854Abstract: An engine is provided comprising an engine housing defining at housing and has a different portion associated with each engine cylinder. Each different portion of the engine auxiliary system has a first electrical actuator coupled to a first valve and a second electrical actuator coupled to a second valve which are wired in series. For example, a fuel injection system is provided with a first electrical actuator operably coupled to a fuel pressurizer and a second electrical actuator operably coupled to a direct control needle valve. The electrical actuators are wired in series on an electrical circuit. A method of controlling a portion of the engine auxiliary system is also provided which consists of actuating a first electrical actuator with a relatively low current and actuating a second electrical actuator with a relatively high current.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Dana R. Coldren, Stephen R. Lewis, Glen F. Forck, Michael R. Huffman, Matthew A. Bredesen
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Patent number: 6679474Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Clifford E. Cotton, III, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Publication number: 20030226988Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Clifford E. Cotton, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Publication number: 20030226989Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Clifford E. Cotton, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Publication number: 20030226992Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Clifford E. Cotton, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Publication number: 20030226905Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Clifford E. Cotton, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Publication number: 20030226991Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2003Publication date: December 11, 2003Inventors: Clifford E. Cotton, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Patent number: 6655654Abstract: A valve system having a valve operated by a piezoelectric device to control the flow of fluid through the valve system. Movement of the valve is controlled by a pre-stressed bender actuator that changes its shape by deforming in opposite axial directions in response to a control signal applied by an actuator control system. The valve system may comprise a common rail fuel injector, electrohydraulic actuator system, electronically-controlled fuel injector, gasoline port injector, fluid metering valve, relief valve, reducing valve, direct valve or direct-injection gasoline injector.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Clifford E. Cotton, III, Glen F. Forck, Richard H. Holtman, Ronald D. Shinogle, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Patent number: 6595188Abstract: Inclusion of a direct control needle valve in fuel injectors can allow for independent control of injection pressure and timing. Engineers have learned that it is desirable to position the control valve assembly in close proximity to the needle valve member to improve response time. However, by placing the control valve assembly in a central portion of the fuel injector, at least one fluid passage must often be routed through the electrical actuator included in the valve assembly. The present invention seeks to address this problem by providing a direct control valve assembly for a fuel injector that directs fluid around the electrical actuator without increasing the size of the fuel injector. Thus, the present invention includes an electrical actuator having an actuator centerline that is oriented at an angle, which is preferably perpendicular, with respect to a centerline of the fuel injector.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Glen F. Forck, James J. Streicher, Dana R. Coldren
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Publication number: 20030127532Abstract: An electronically-controlled fuel injector includes a pressurized fluid chamber that communicates high pressure fluid to first and second pressure control chambers. A direct-operated check moves between closed and open positions in response to a difference in fluid pressure in the first and second pressure control chambers. A thermally pre-stressed bender actuator is used to operate a control valve that controls the fluid pressure in the first pressure control chamber to effectively control opening and closing of the check during portions of an injection sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Glen F. Forck, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Publication number: 20030116140Abstract: An electronically-controlled fuel injector includes a pressurized fluid chamber that communicates high pressure fluid to first and second pressure control chambers. A direct-operated check moves between closed and open positions in response to a difference in fluid pressure in the first and second pressure control chambers. A first thermally pre-stressed bender actuator is used to operate a control valve that controls fluid communication between the fluid chamber and a fluid source. A second thermally pre-stressed bender actuator is used to operate a control valve that controls the fluid pressure in the first pressure control chamber to effectively control opening and closing of the check during portions of an injection sequence.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Glen F. Forck, L. Glenn Waterfield
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Publication number: 20030111061Abstract: An engine is provided comprising an engine housing defining at least one cylinder. At least one engine auxiliary system is attached to the engine housing and has a different portion associated with each engine cylinder. Each different portion of the engine auxiliary system has a first electrical actuator coupled to a first valve and a second electrical actuator coupled to a second valve which are wired in series. For example, a fuel injection system is provided with a first electrical actuator operably coupled to a fuel pressurizer and a second electrical actuator operably coupled to a direct control needle valve. The electrical actuators are wired in series on an electrical circuit. A method of controlling a portion of the engine auxiliary system is also provided which consists of actuating a first electrical actuator with a relatively low current and actuating a second electrical actuator with a relatively high current.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Stephen R. Lewis, Glen F. Forck, Michael R. Huffman, Matthew A. Bredesen
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Publication number: 20030101967Abstract: Inclusion of a direct control needle valve in fuel injectors can allow for independent control of injection pressure and timing. Engineers have learned that it is desirable to position the control valve assembly in close proximity to the needle valve member to improve response time. However, by placing the control valve assembly in a central portion of the fuel injector, at least one fluid passage must often be routed through the electrical actuator included in the valve assembly. The present invention seeks to address this problem by providing a direct control valve assembly for a fuel injector that directs fluid around the electrical actuator without increasing the size of the fuel injector. Thus, the present invention includes an electrical actuator having an actuator centerline that is oriented at an angle, which is preferably perpendicular, with respect to a centerline of the fuel injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2001Publication date: June 5, 2003Inventors: Glen F. Forck, James J. Streicher, Dana R. Coldren
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Publication number: 20030099562Abstract: An actuator carrier comprises an aperture being adapted to receive actuator and a bore being adapted to carry high pressure fluid through the carrier. The actuator carrier can be incorporated into a unit pump allowing for a more efficient design and manufacture process, including linear alignment of all of the unit pumps primary components.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2001Publication date: May 29, 2003Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Glen F. Forck, Daniel R. Ibrahim