Patents by Inventor Jeff A. Jensen

Jeff A. Jensen 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: 10660633
    Abstract: A suture anchor made of a single length of wire that forms a suture retaining loop having two diverging legs, each having a pointed end. The transverse spacing of the diverging legs is greater than the diameter of the bone tunnel. The suture anchor may be spring loaded and set into the bone tunnel so that the distal points of each diverging leg are below the surface of a bone cortex, the sharp distal points of each diverging leg expand out laterally under pressure and penetrate the bone tunnel wall prohibiting removal of the suture anchor. The diverging legs further penetrate the bone tunnel wall in response to applied withdrawal forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Inventors: Edwin D. Vyhmeister, Jeff A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 10378569
    Abstract: A mounting structure for adhesively bonding onto a surface includes a base, an outer face of the base and an inner face of the base. An adhesive injection port is provided on the outer face of the base for supplying an adhesive. A primary adhesive flow path is provided on the inner face of the base. The primary adhesive flow path is in fluid communication with the adhesive injection port and allows the adhesive to flow. Further, a plurality of secondary adhesive flow paths originating from the primary adhesive flow path allow the adhesive to distribute on the inner face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Jensen, Joe J. Every, Aaron K. Amstutz, Steve D. Lundquist
  • Patent number: 10358770
    Abstract: A method for making a suspension cable to a desired length is provided. The method includes providing an initial pin hole on a tab of a socket associated with the cable. The method includes stretching the cable to a desired percentage of a rated breaking strength of the cable. The method includes measuring a length of the cable. The method includes determining a position of a final pin hole to be formed on the tab based on the measured length of the cable and a predefined tolerance. The method includes creating the final pin hole at the determined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Jensen, Christopher Robert Wanasek, Carl Delbert Gilmore, Jeffrey Ryan Asman, Randy Tyler Ross, James Leigh Gill, Joseph Jeffery Every, Joseph Anthony Rapp, Brian F. Weber
  • Publication number: 20190120269
    Abstract: A mounting structure for adhesively bonding onto a surface includes a base, an outer face of the base and an inner face of the base. An adhesive injection port is provided on the outer face of the base for supplying an adhesive. A primary adhesive flow path is provided on the inner face of the base. The primary adhesive flow path is in fluid communication with the adhesive injection port and allows the adhesive to flow. Further, a plurality of secondary adhesive flow paths originating from the primary adhesive flow path allow the adhesive to distribute on the inner face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Jensen, Joe J. Every, Aaron K. Amstutz, Steve D. Lundquist
  • Patent number: 10232442
    Abstract: A method of making a machine component includes extruding a supply of an aluminum alloy to produce an extrusion. The extrusion is formed under temperature-limited forming conditions of 275° C. or less to produce a blank. The blank is machined to at least one predetermined tolerance to produce the machine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Yang, Jeff A. Jensen, Yajun Fan
  • Publication number: 20190040575
    Abstract: A method for making a suspension cable to a desired length is provided. The method includes providing an initial pin hole on a tab of a socket associated with the cable. The method includes stretching the cable to a desired percentage of a rated breaking strength of the cable. The method includes measuring a length of the cable. The method includes determining a position of a final pin hole to be formed on the tab based on the measured length of the cable and a predefined tolerance. The method includes creating the final pin hole at the determined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Jensen, Christopher Robert Wanasek, Carl Delbert Gilmore, Jeffrey Ryan Asman, Randy Tyler Ross, James Leigh Gill, Joseph Jeffery Every, Joseph Anthony Rapp, Brian F. Weber
  • Publication number: 20180079007
    Abstract: A method of making an engine system component is disclosed. The method may include loading a first metal-based material and a second metal-based material into an extrusion chamber. The first metal-based material may concentrically surround the second metal-based material, and the first metal-based material may have at least one of a thermal property and a wear resistance different than the second metal-based material. The method may additionally include forming an extrudate by simultaneously passing the first metal-based material and the second metal-based material through a die. The first metal-based material of the extrudate may be metallurgically bonded to the second metal-based material of the extrudate. The method may also include forging the extrudate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2016
    Publication date: March 22, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Yang, Jeff A. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20180015545
    Abstract: A method of making a machine component includes extruding a supply of an aluminum alloy to produce an extrusion. The extrusion is formed under temperature-limited forming conditions of 275° C. or less to produce a blank. The blank is machined to at least one predetermined tolerance to produce the machine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Yang, Jeff A. Jensen, Yajun Fan
  • Publication number: 20160039040
    Abstract: A method of fusing an edge member to a peripheral portion of the metallic component is disclosed. The method initiates with providing an edge forming apparatus, which includes a manipulator, a heating unit, and at least one set of rollers. The manipulator is capable of receiving the edge member and the metallic component. Thereafter, edge member and the metallic component are positioned on the manipulator. After positioning, the heating unit heats a first portion of the edge member and a first section of the peripheral portion. Thereafter, the manipulator is manipulated to facilitate an engagement between the first portion and the first section, by passing the first portion and the first section through the set of rollers. Afterwards, the first portion of the edge member is fused with the first section of the peripheral portion of the metallic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: JEFF A. JENSEN
  • Patent number: 8950367
    Abstract: A cooling fan shroud comprises multiple, functionally identical sections that form a ring-like structure that completely surrounds the fan when the shroud is installed onto an aperture plate or other structure. The shroud makes the cooling system more efficient by improving air flow at a given fan speed by reducing fan tip clearance, and increasing air flow due through the fan. An alternative, single piece shroud is also provided which can be retrofitted to an existing cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Jensen, Alexander Speros Leanos, Donald Lemont Stamets, Gerald Alan Nuese, John Curtis Simkins, Casey Bradford Behringer
  • Patent number: 8915708
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbine section, a compressor section and a bearing section. A turbine wheel and a compressor wheel are mounted on a shaft and the shaft is rotatably mounted in a bore of a housing. A lubrication system circulates lubricant through the bearing section. First and second spaced apart seals are positioned along the shaft. A recess is positioned between the first seal and the second seal to define an air buffer chamber. The air buffer chamber is provided with pressurized air to discourage lubricant leakage past the first seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Yang, Jeff A. Jensen, Robert C. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8784065
    Abstract: A frictional welding process for joining a titanium aluminide turbine to a titanium alloy shaft is disclosed. The disclosed process includes preheating the turbine to a designated temperature, providing a specially-designed joining interface geometry at the distal end of the shaft and optimizing the frictional welding parameters. The frictional welding is carried out in multiple steps but, while the shaft is being spun by a rotating chuck, two different pressures and two different time periods are used until the narrower portions of the distal end of the shaft have been fused onto the welding surface of the turbine. Then, an additional forging step with yet another engagement pressure between the shaft and the turbine is carried out without rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Yang, Jeff A. Jensen, Jesus G. Chapa Cabrera
  • Publication number: 20140079523
    Abstract: A laminate structure is provided. The laminate structure includes a plurality of laminate layers. The laminate structure also includes a joint interface. The joint interface includes a retention member at least partially disposed between any two of the plurality of laminate layers. Further, the retention member has an opening for receiving a pin retaining member. The retention member is configured to provide a surface for transitioning the pin retaining member to the laminate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Jensen, Kevin Martin, Benjamin Nelson, Aaron Amstutz
  • Publication number: 20140026833
    Abstract: A cooling fan shroud comprises multiple, functionally identical sections that form a ring-like structure that completely surrounds the fan when the shroud is installed onto an aperture plate or other structure. The shroud makes the cooling system more efficient by improving air flow at a given fan speed by reducing fan tip clearance, and increasing air flow due through the fan. An alternative, single piece shroud is also provided which can be retrofitted to an existing cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Jeff A. Jensen, Alexander Speros Leanos, Donald Lemont Stamets, Gerald Alan Nuese, John Curtis Simkins, Casey Bradford Behringer
  • Publication number: 20120328418
    Abstract: A turbocharger includes a turbine section, a compressor section and a bearing section. A turbine wheel and a compressor wheel are mounted on a shaft and the shaft is rotatably mounted in a bore of a housing. A lubrication system circulates lubricant through the bearing section. First and second spaced apart seals are positioned along the shaft. A recess is positioned between the first seal and the second seal to define an air buffer chamber. The air buffer chamber is provided with pressurized air to discourage lubricant leakage past the first seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: NAN YANG, JEFF A. JENSEN, ROBERT C. GRIFFITH
  • Publication number: 20120301307
    Abstract: A frictional welding process for joining a titanium aluminide turbine to a titanium alloy shaft is disclosed. The disclosed process includes preheating the turbine to a designated temperature, providing a specially-designed joining interface geometry at the distal end of the shaft and optimizing the frictional welding parameters. The frictional welding is carried out in multiple steps but, while the shaft is being spun by a rotating chuck, two different pressures and two different time periods are used until the narrower portions of the distal end of the shaft have been fused onto the welding surface of the turbine. Then, an additional forging step with yet another engagement pressure between the shaft and the turbine is carried out without rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Nan Yang, Jeff A. Jensen, Jesus G. Chapa Cabrera
  • Publication number: 20120043490
    Abstract: A valve seat insert operable with a valve to selectively open and close a passage to a cylinder in an internal combustion engine. The valve seat insert includes a cobalt alloy base including at least about 40 wt % Co and at least about 5 wt % Cr. An oxide scale coating is disposed on at least a wear face of the valve seat insert adapted to engage the valve and optionally on a portion of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Kelsey, Nathaniel S. L. Phillips, Jeff A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8118556
    Abstract: A turbocharger system for an internal combustion engine includes at least one compressor wheel. The at least one compressor wheel of a single stage or multiple stage turbocharger system is formed, such as by pressure casting, from at least one of an aluminum metal matrix composite and an aluminum alloy containing up to 5 weight percent scandium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Yang, Jeff A. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8082730
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system includes an engine having an engine housing. The engine system further includes an exhaust system, and a turbine disposed within the exhaust system. A particulate reduction device is disposed in the exhaust system upstream of the turbine. The particulate reduction device includes an exhaust retarder having a flow property which is based at least in part on a residence requirement for combustion of particulates in exhaust gases passing therethrough. The flow property may be a flow restriction property, and the exhaust retarder may include a flow restricting trapping element configured to trap particulates in the exhaust gases. The flow restricting trapping element defines a combustion efficacy to exhaust mass flow and temperature coefficient for the particulate reduction device which is based at least in part on a combustion initiating residence requirement for particulates passing through the particulate reduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Yang, Jeff A. Jensen, Michael Pollard, Jamie Stringfield, Herbert DaCosta
  • Publication number: 20100025500
    Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector has an injector body and an injector needle located inside the injector body. At least one of the injector body and injector needle has a portion configured to be exposed to a combustion chamber, the portion including maraging or carburizing steel and having a nitrided outer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Michael J. Pollard, Petr Michlik, Jeff A. Jensen, Scott A. Johnston, Pingshun Zhao