Patents by Inventor John G. Crofts

John G. Crofts 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: 5720248
    Abstract: An improved coupling assembly is provided for transmitting rotary power from the working end of an internal combustion engine to a driven shaft. The crankshaft also has a free end connected to an accessory drive train. The coupling assembly comprises a low inertia flywheel having a mass so selected as to cause the node of the first crankshaft mode of torsional vibration to be located in the vicinity of the middle of the crankshaft, and a flexible coupling which interconnects the working end of the crankshaft with the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Crofts
  • Patent number: 5303681
    Abstract: An improved coupling assembly is provided for transmitting rotary power from the working end of an internal combustion engine to a driven shaft. The crankshaft also has a free end connected to an accessory drive train. The coupling assembly comprises a low inertia flywheel having a mass so selected as to cause the node of the first crankshaft mode of torsional vibration to be located in the vicinity of the middle of the crankshaft, and a flexible coupling which interconnects the working end of the crankshaft with the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Crofts
  • Patent number: 4776390
    Abstract: The invention consists of an improved apparatus for filling, venting, de-aerating, and detecting the coolant level in an engine coolant system. The apparatus provided has a de-aerating tank with a filler neck disposed on top of the tank. A fill line and a vent line interconnect the engine block coolant jacket and the deaerating tank. At least one radiator vent conduit interconnects the filler neck and the top header tank of the radiator, thereby providing a passageway for gas and coolant. A removable cap is provided having a subtending cup portion disposed within the filler neck. The cup portion defines at least one groove on its outer surface and an orifice disposed within the groove, and having sealing O-rings bands opposite both sides of the groove and a stem connecting to an overflow conduit. When the cap is secured to the filler neck, the flow of coolant and gas from the radiator vent conduit to the filler neck is limited by the size of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Crofts
  • Patent number: 4620509
    Abstract: A cooling system for an internal combustion engine is provided wherein coolant subsequent to flowing through the engine is selectively directed through one of two circuits or simultaneously through both circuits dependent upon the temperature of the coolant at predetermined locations within the system. One of the circuits includes a thermostatically controlled primary valve downstream of the engine unit and having an inlet port communicating therewith; a first bypass line having an upstream end connected to one outlet port of said valve; a radiator with a common inlet header and an outlet header with segregated segments, the inlet header being connected to a second outlet port of the valve; and an aftercooler downstream of the radiator and having an inlet side communicating with one segment of the radiator outlet header and a downstream end of the first bypass line. The aftercooler has an outlet side communicating with an intake side of a coolant pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1986
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Crofts
  • Patent number: 4550692
    Abstract: An engine cooling system wherein coolant is circulated through a circuit including an engine, a radiator and an aftercooler. Means are provided for automatically regulating the temperature of the coolant passing through the aftercooler. Greater cooling is achieved in the aftercooler by utilizing the natural occurrence of low temperature coolant in the bottom tank of a conventional radiator during the most frequently prevailing operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1985
    Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John G. Crofts, Sr.