Patents by Inventor J. Funk

J. Funk 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: 6976459
    Abstract: A method of controlling an engine having a valve actuation system is provided. The engine is started. A first parameter indicative of a first temperature of the engine is sensed. A second parameter indicative of a second temperature of the engine is sensed. The valve actuation system is disabled to prevent the implementation of a variation on conventional engine valve actuation timing in response to each of the first and second temperatures being below a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Robert A. Kagy, Jason K. Bloms, Steven J. Funke
  • Patent number: 6971366
    Abstract: Engine compression release brakes include some degree of lash between the brake actuation portion and the engine exhaust valve portion. The disclosed apparatus and method provides an integral lash adjuster that includes an adjusting screw that is threadably received by a slidable plunger. Rotation of the adjusting screw causes the plunger to slide relative to a plunger cavity and responsively modify the amount of lash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Michael P. Harmon, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz
  • Patent number: 6913588
    Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid, the circuit including in serial fluidic communication an inlet for receiving the body fluid from a patient, a first pump, a first treatment device for processing the body fluid, a second pump, an outlet for returning processed body fluid to the patient; and a shunt. The shunt is upstream from the first pump and downstream from the second pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignees: Nephros Therapeutics, Inc., The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: William Frederick Weitzel, H. David Humes, Emil Presley Paganini, Deborah Ann Buffington, Angela J. Funke
  • Patent number: 6824359
    Abstract: A turbine blade has a platform and an airfoil extending from a root at the platform to a tip. The airfoil has an internal cooling passageway network including at least one trailing edge cavity. A group of trailing edge holes extends from the trailing edge to the trailing edge cavity and a group of tip holes extends from the tip to the trailing edge cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Wieslaw A. Chlus, Stanley J. Funk
  • Patent number: 6823298
    Abstract: In the pyrolytic oil-production index method, or POPI method, the numerical values obtained by the application of the prior art POPI method are standardized or normalized. In another aspect, the POPI method and associated data are employed in combination with other empirically determined information to provide values of (1) the API gravity for the reservoir oil; (2) the Apparent Water Saturation (ASw) of the reservoir rock; and (3) the cementation and saturation exponents that are used in the Archie equation for calculating the water saturation in the oil-reservoir rock. This method results in the standardization of the numerical values derived by the POPI method. Applying the normalization or standardization process to the POPI method results in the conversion of the numerical value of POPIo for good oil-producing reservoir rock to a standard value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Jones, Emad N. Al-Shafei, Henry I Halpern, Jaffar M. Al-Dubaisi, Robert E. Ballay, James J. Funk
  • Patent number: 6823228
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for analyzing fabricator capacity. The invention simplifies analysis by determining a common tool set capacity based on common non-key shared tool sets, a technology capacity based on a unique tool set for a technology, and key shared tool set capacity. Capacity opportunities and constraints, and the capacity shortfalls of tool sets are then evident. Many potential fabricator wafer start loadings can quickly be assessed and the best candidates analyzed further by more detailed, but time-consuming methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Otto J. Funke, Edward F. Merrill, Jr., Manoj S. Sanghvi, Sharon B. Sisler, George E. Thyng
  • Publication number: 20040151586
    Abstract: A turbine blade has a platform and an airfoil extending from a root at the platform to a tip. The airfoil has an internal cooling passageway network including at least one trailing edge cavity. A group of trailing edge holes extends from the trailing edge to the trailing edge cavity and a group of tip holes extends from the tip to the trailing edge cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Wieslaw A. Chlus, Stanley J. Funk
  • Patent number: 6769392
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of homogenous charge compression ignition engines, in which fuel is injected when the cylinder piston is relatively close to the bottom dead center position for its compression stroke. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder during the compression stroke to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. The present invention utilizes internal exhaust gas recirculation and/or compression ratio control to control the timing of ignition events and combustion duration in homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. Thus, at least one electro-hydraulic assist actuator is provided that is capable of mechanically engaging at least one cam actuated intake and/or exhaust valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Keith E. Lawrence, James J. Faletti, Steven J. Funke, Ronald P. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20040146401
    Abstract: A turbine blade tip plenum has means for preferentially directing or diverting cooling air from a cooling passageway network to cool areas subject to extreme heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Wieslaw A. Chlus, Stanley J. Funk
  • Publication number: 20040073468
    Abstract: A fleet management system manages a plurality of machines. The fleet manager includes a communication conduit coupled to the machines for receiving status information related to the machines and a repository coupled to the communication conduit for receiving and storing the status information. The system also includes a fleet manager controller coupled to the repository for analyzing the status information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Bhavin J. Vyas, Timothy J. Funk
  • Publication number: 20040024342
    Abstract: A circuit for extracorporeal treatment of a body fluid, the circuit including in serial fluidic communication an inlet for receiving the body fluid from a patient, a first pump, a first treatment device for processing the body fluid, a second pump, an outlet for returning processed body fluid to the patient; and a shunt. The shunt is upstream from the first pump and downstream from the second pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: William Frederick Weitzel, H. David Humes, Emil Presley Paganini, Deborah Ann Buffington, Angela J. Funke
  • Patent number: 6687238
    Abstract: The invention is a CDMA transmission control technology that includes various combinations of the following functionality: decresting, in-band to out-of-band ratio (RIO), power control, and spectral shaping. Decresting reduces peaks in the CDMA signal. RIO generates a ratio based on the signal strength of in-band versus out-of-band portions of the CDMA signal. Power control adjusts the gain of the CDMA signal based on quadrature signal calculations. Spectral shaping attenuates in-band portions of the CDMA signal adjacent to the corner frequencies. The CDMA transmission control technology can be implemented in a CDMA base station to extend range and capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony C. K. Soong, Lindsay A. Weaver, Jr., Brian K. Harms, Thomas J. Funk, Larry D. Flowers, Bruce S. Schwartz, Todd A. Pressley, Robin Night
  • Publication number: 20030213445
    Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. An intake valve is moveable between a first position where the intake valve prevents a flow of fluid relative to the intake valve and a second position where the intake valve allows a flow of fluid relative to the intake valve. A cam assembly is configured to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator having a chamber is adapted to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A fluid supply system is adapted to deliver fluid to the chamber of the fluid actuator. A pressure sensor is operatively engaged with the fluid supply system and is adapted to sense the pressure of the fluid within the fluid supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, Steven J. Funke, Robert A. Kagy, Evan E. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 6622694
    Abstract: A number of engine operating strategies have been developed that allow for engine braking when combustion is not needed. In these strategies, air within the engine cylinder is compressed by the cylinder piston; however, rather than introducing fuel into the cylinder to facilitate a combustion event, the cylinder is opened to an exhaust manifold and the compressed air is vented, and the energy is released by the engine. However, it has been learned that the venting of this compressed air from the engine can produce undesirable noise emissions. Thus, the present invention employs a dual exhaust valve lift strategy to reduce noise produced during engine braking while still allowing relatively high engine braking horsepowers to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Steven J. Funke
  • Patent number: 6609495
    Abstract: A method of engine braking includes a initial step of determining whether fuel injector tip temperatures are at or above a pre-determined temperature. If the injector tip temperatures are below the pre-determined temperature, then the electronic control module commands performance of dual event engine braking. If the injector tip temperatures are at or above the pre-determined temperatures, then the electronic control module commands the performance of single event engine braking. Such a strategy can achieve higher overall engine braking horsepower without risking the potential catastrophic dangers associated with injector tip overheating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Sean O. Cornell, Scott A. Leman, Steven J. Funke
  • Publication number: 20030159123
    Abstract: A system, method and program product for analyzing fabricator capacity. The invention simplifies analysis by determining a common tool set capacity based on common non-key shared tool sets, a technology capacity based on a unique tool set for a technology, and key shared tool set capacity. Capacity opportunities and constraints, and the capacity shortfalls of tool sets are then evident. Many potential fabricator wafer start loadings can quickly be assessed and the best candidates analyzed further by more detailed, but time-consuming methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Otto J. Funke, Edward F. Merrill, Manoj S. Sanghvi, Sharon B. Sisler, George E. Thyng
  • Patent number: 6601563
    Abstract: Exhaust gas re-circulation is achieved internally in an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves actuated by a camshaft. A controller monitors at least one engine parameter and automatically actuates an electrically actuated fluid operated brake actuator at a predetermined timing of movement of an engine piston to cause the actuator to maintain the exhaust valve at an intermediate position between a full open position and a closed position of the exhaust valve and cause exhaust gasses to be delivered from the exhaust manifold to the combustion chamber of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Joshua C. Ruedin
  • Patent number: 6595189
    Abstract: The present invention finds application in engines using mechanically actuated electronically controlled fuel injectors having direct control needle valves. In valves such as these, a spill control valve member controls fuel pressurization within the injector while a needle control valve member controls the timing and duration of the injection event. However, when the momentum of fuel exiting the fuel injector past the spill valve is greater than that of the tappet and plunger moving toward their downward positions, engine components upstream of the tappet can briefly separate and re-engage, which can result in increased mechanical noise levels. Therefore, the present invention is directed to maintaining sufficient contact force in the various engine components to reduce the mechanical noise levels by positioning a flow restriction between the fuel pressurization chamber of the fuel injector and a fuel source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Steven J. Funke, George E. Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20030116124
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of homogenous charge compression ignition engines, in which fuel is injected when the cylinder piston is relatively close to the bottom dead center position for its compression stroke. The fuel mixes with air in the cylinder during the compression stroke to create a relatively lean homogeneous mixture that preferably ignites when the piston is relatively close to the top dead center position. However, if the ignition event occurs either earlier or later than desired, lowered performance, engine misfire, or even engine damage, can result. The present invention utilizes internal exhaust gas recirculation and/or compression ratio control to control the timing of ignition events and combustion duration in homogeneous charge compression ignition engines. Thus, at least one electro-hydraulic assist actuator is provided that is capable of mechanically engaging at least one cam actuated intake and/or exhaust valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Caterpillar, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith E. Lawrence, James J. Faletti, Steven J. Funke, Ronald P. Maloney
  • Patent number: D510528
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Lawrence Paper Company
    Inventor: David J. Funk