Patents by Inventor Jack A. Merchant

Jack A. Merchant 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: 9702327
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder receiving air during operation through an intake air fluid passage, an engine component that at least partially forms a section of the intake air fluid passage, and a gas diffuser having a tip disposed within the intake air fluid passage. A gas injector housing is connected to the body portion of the gas diffuser. The gas diffuser is structurally interchangeable with other gas diffusers such that gas dispersion in various engine applications can be modified by installing an appropriate gas diffuser and otherwise maintaining common engine parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Merchant, Keith A. IntVeld
  • Publication number: 20160245445
    Abstract: A dual-wall fitting includes an outer fitting member and a fitting insert. The fitting insert may be slideably placed within the outer fitting member. The outer fitting member has an inner surface and a channel surface. The inner surface defines an upper channel and the channel surface defines a first leakage channel that extends from an exterior of the outer fitting member to the upper channel. The fitting insert has an outer insert surface that defines a groove. When the fitting insert is slideably placed within the outer fitting member, the inner surface of the outer fitting member and the groove defined by the fitting insert define a second leakage channel. The first leakage channel is in fluid communication with the second leakage channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Merchant, Nicholas Wainscott
  • Publication number: 20160230730
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder receiving air during operation through an intake air fluid passage, an engine component that at least partially forms a section of the intake air fluid passage, and a gas diffuser having a tip disposed within the intake air fluid passage. A gas injector housing is connected to the body portion of the gas diffuser. The gas diffuser is structurally interchangeable with other gas diffusers such that gas dispersion in various engine applications can be modified by installing an appropriate gas diffuser and otherwise maintaining common engine parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Merchant, Keith A. IntVeld
  • Patent number: 9102445
    Abstract: A tank assembly is provided for a machine. The tank assembly may have a tank with a plurality of sides connected to each other to substantially enclose a volume. A first side of the plurality of sides has an upper surface and a lower surface, and defines an opening into the volume and a first rotational stop feature at the opening. The tank assembly may also have a mounting flange with an upper member configured to engage the upper surface of the first side, a lower member configured to engage the lower surface of the first side, and a second rotational stop feature. The tank assembly may additionally have a resilient member disposed between the tank and the mounting flange. The resilient member may be configured to substantially seal an interface between the tank and the mounting flange and to bias the second rotational stop feature toward the first rotational stop feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jack A. Merchant
  • Patent number: 8850800
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system for machine is disclosed that includes a burner body having an inlet for receiving a flow of exhaust, an outlet for the exhaust flow to exit, an opening and a receiving mount disposed around the opening. A fuel injector head is mounted over the opening in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the body. The burner body includes a plurality of mounting pads extending at least partially and circumferentially around the burner body for coupling a support bracket to the burner body in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the burner body. The support bracket may be used to couple the burner to a fixture device such as a cradle for supporting other exhaust treatment system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Charles, Jack A. Merchant, David L. Demeny, Govind S. Madaiah, Naseer A. Niaz, Eric J. Blankenship, Thomas R. McClure
  • Publication number: 20130145749
    Abstract: A reductant dosing system manifold includes: a body, a first passage in the body configured to receive a first fluid from a first separately disposed component of a reductant dosing system, and a second passage in the body configured to receive the first fluid from a second separately disposed component of the reductant dosing system, wherein the first passage and the second passage are fluidly isolated from each other within the body, and wherein a positional relationship of the first passage and the second passage is fixed by the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Jack A. Merchant
  • Patent number: 8429903
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system for machine is disclosed that includes a burner body having an inlet for receiving a flow of exhaust, an outlet for the exhaust flow to exit, an opening and a receiving mount disposed around the opening. A fuel injector head is mounted over the opening in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the body. The burner body includes a plurality of mounting pads extending at least partially and circumferentially around the burner body for coupling a support bracket to the burner body in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the burner body. The support bracket may be used to couple the burner to a fixture device such as a cradle for supporting other exhaust treatment system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Charles, Jack A. Merchant, David L. Demeny, Govind S. Madaiah, Naseer A. Niaz, Eric J. Blankenship, Thomas R. McClure
  • Publication number: 20130074936
    Abstract: A reductant delivery and supply system including a storage tank, a pump, a dosing module, and a mis-fill prevention system. The storage tank stores a fluid. The pump is coupled to the storage tank by a delivery line. The dosing module is coupled to the pump by a supply line. The mis-fill prevention system includes an expandable plug. The expandable plug is configured in contact with the fluid. Moreover, the expandable plug is configured to expand on contact with a hydrocarbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Merchant, Randy L. Marquis
  • Publication number: 20130047590
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system for machine is disclosed that includes a burner body having an inlet for receiving a flow of exhaust, an outlet for the exhaust flow to exit, an opening and a receiving mount disposed around the opening. A fuel injector head is mounted over the opening in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the body. The burner body includes a plurality of mounting pads extending at least partially and circumferentially around the burner body for coupling a support bracket to the burner body in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the burner body. The support bracket may be used to couple the burner to a fixture device such as a cradle for supporting other exhaust treatment system components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Charles, Jack A. Merchant, David L. Demeny, Govind S. Madaiah, Naseer A. Niaz, Eric J. Blankenship, Thomas R. McClure
  • Publication number: 20130000281
    Abstract: A fluid supply assembly includes a tank configured for holding a fluid and a pump configured to draw the fluid from the tank, wherein the tank includes a recess and the pump is mounted to the tank in the recess. The pump may be connected to the tank along either, or both of, a first and/or a second surface of the recess, wherein the first surface and the second surface may be orthogonal to one another. The fluid supply assembly may further include a header disposed on a horizontal surface of the tank, the header may include at least a portion thereof which extends into an interior of the tank, wherein the pump may draw the fluid from the tank via the header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Merchant, Stephan D. Roozenboom
  • Publication number: 20130000729
    Abstract: A fluid supply system configured to be utilized with a coolant system of an engine, the fluid supply system including; a fluid tank, a fluid pump coupled to the fluid tank and a thermal management system in thermal communication with the fluid tank and the fluid pump, wherein the thermal management system includes; a first coolant circuit in thermal communication with the fluid tank and a second coolant circuit in thermal communication with the fluid pump, wherein flow of coolant from the coolant system through the first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit is in parallel when coolant flows through the second fluid circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Mahesh K. Mokire, Jinhui Sun, Jack A. Merchant, Raymond U. Isada, Yong Yi, Daniel R. Wentzel
  • Publication number: 20120273502
    Abstract: A tank assembly is provided for a machine. The tank assembly may have a tank with a plurality of sides connected to each other to substantially enclose a volume. A first side of the plurality of sides has an upper surface and a lower surface, and defines an opening into the volume and a first rotational stop feature at the opening. The tank assembly may also have a mounting flange with an upper member configured to engage the upper surface of the first side, a lower member configured to engage the lower surface of the first side, and a second rotational stop feature. The tank assembly may additionally have a resilient member disposed between the tank and the mounting flange. The resilient member may be configured to substantially seal an interface between the tank and the mounting flange and to bias the second rotational stop feature toward the first rotational stop feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Jack A. MERCHANT
  • Publication number: 20110213224
    Abstract: The invention provides a tool for improved self inspection of surface skin abnormalities of the human back. The Back-Aid device also enables one to treat complexion issues, precisely apply medicines or sunscreen, and monitor would healing by themselves. The device consists of a computer web-cam strategically mounted to a handle of rigid material which provides for easy manipulation over desired areas of the back. The images captured by the web-cam are displayed on a computer screen in which photo's and video's of images can be e-mailed to a doctor of the operators choice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Jack Merchant
  • Publication number: 20110146248
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment system for machine is disclosed that includes a burner body having an inlet for receiving a flow of exhaust, an outlet for the exhaust flow to exit, an opening and a receiving mount disposed around the opening. A fuel injector head is mounted over the opening in any one of a plurality of angular positions relative to the body. The burner body includes a plurality of mounting pads extending at least partially and circumferentially around the burner body for coupling a support bracket to the burner body in any one of a plurality of positions relative to the burner body. The support bracket may be used to couple the burner to a fixture device such as a cradle for supporting other exhaust treatment system components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Eric J. Charles, Jack A. Merchant, David L. Demeny, Govind S. Madaiah, Naseer A. Niaz, Eric J. Blankenship, Thomas R. McClure
  • Publication number: 20100186381
    Abstract: An exhaust system for a power system contained in an engine compartment. The exhaust system includes a mount for two or more exhaust treatment devices and an enclosure surrounding the two or more exhaust treatment devices. The enclosure defines a space with a higher temperature than a space defined by the engine compartment during steady state operation of the power system. At least one electronic or fluid device is coupled to the enclosure or mount and located on an exterior of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Eric J. Charles, Jack A. Merchant, Paul F. Olsen
  • Patent number: 7703421
    Abstract: A plurality of injector hold-down clamps (310) is arranged to connect, one each, each of a plurality of fuel injectors (106) to an internal combustion engine (100). Each fuel injector forms a neck region (212), and each clamp surrounds each injector around the neck region, such that a plurality of annular volumes (604) is defined, one each, between the neck region of each injector and each injector clamp. Each annular volume collects a quantity of lubrication oil during operation of the internal combustion engine such that the volume of oil collected in each respective annular volume removes heat from the respective fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Merchant, Thomas D. Gens, Scott A. Wallington
  • Publication number: 20100024746
    Abstract: A plurality of injector hold-down clamps (310) is arranged to connect, one each, each of a plurality of fuel injectors (106) to an internal combustion engine (100). Each fuel injector forms a neck region (212), and each clamp surrounds each injector around the neck region, such that a plurality of annular volumes (604) is defined, one each, between the neck region of each injector and each injector clamp. Each annular volume collects a quantity of lubrication oil during operation of the internal combustion engine such that the volume of oil collected in each respective annular volume removes heat from the respective fuel injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Merchant, Thomas D. Gens, Scott A. Wallington
  • Patent number: 7552584
    Abstract: A fuel system for an engine is disclosed. The fuel system has a common source of pressurized fuel, at least one injection device, an exhaust treatment device, and a regeneration device. The at least one injection device is configured to inject fuel from the common source into a combustion chamber of the engine. The exhaust treatment device is configured to remove particulate matter from an exhaust flow of the engine. The regeneration device is configured to inject fuel from the common source into at least one of the exhaust treatment device and the exhaust flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Lifeng Wang, Rui Zhang, John D. Gierszewski, Curtis J. Graham, Andrew C. Heebink, Jack A. Merchant
  • Patent number: 7469680
    Abstract: A fluid system for an engine is disclosed. The fluid system has a manifold with a plurality ports, and a retention device configured to constrain the manifold relative to the engine in only a single translational direction. The fluid system also has a plurality of tubes configured to communicate fluid from the ports with the engine and to constrain the manifold in the remaining translational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Merchant, Paul F. Olsen
  • Patent number: D701814
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Merchant, Stephan D. Roozenboom