Patents by Inventor John G. Ertel

John G. Ertel 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: 5121730
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods of conditioning fluid, such as damping fluid, in an electronically-controlled unit injector in order to facilitate quick starting of an engine. Fluid normally used to dampen the motion of an electrical actuator assembly of the unit injector can remain in the actuator assembly after the engine is stopped. If too much fluid remains and cools off in the actuator assembly, quick starting of a cold engine may be hindered. Each of the above methods expels and/or heats up at least a portion of the remaining fluid in the actuator assembly while the engine is at rest and thereby enables quicker response of the actuator assembly when the engine is started. Such quicker response improves the fuel injection delivery capability and timing accuracy of the unit injector during engine startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Ausman, John G. Ertel, Michael A. Flinn