Patents by Inventor John Mandel

John Mandel 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: 12270322
    Abstract: A valve actuation system for actuating at least one of two or more engine valves in an internal combustion engine comprises at least one motion source including a first motion source configured to provide an exhaust main valve event. A valve train for conveying valve events from the at least one motion source to the two or more engine valves comprises a lost motion component for selectively conveying valve events to the at least one of the two or more engine valves. A phasing assembly is configured to advance a phase of at least the first motion source and the exhaust main valve event. The at least one motion source is configured to provide a recompression relief valve event to the at least one of the two or more engine valves when the phase of the exhaust main valve event is advanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel S. Roberts, John Mandell, Thomas Benner
  • Patent number: 12264605
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a cylinder deactivation controller operatively connected to and in fluid communication with intake and exhaust deactivators for at least one cylinder. The valve actuation system further comprises an engine braking controller operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the engine braking actuators for the at least one cylinder. A braking-dependent deactivator controller is disposed between and in fluid communication with the cylinder deactivation controller and the intake deactivators, and in fluid communication with the engine braking controller via a control input. The braking-dependent deactivator controller is configured, in a first state based on its control input, to permit hydraulic fluid flow in hydraulic fluid control passages for the intake deactivators when in a non-1.5-stroke engine braking mode and, in a second state, to vent the hydraulic fluid control passages for the intake deactivators when in a 1.5-stroke engine braking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Matei Alexandru, John Mandell, Paul M. Bovat, Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Patent number: 12018599
    Abstract: A system for actuating at least two engine valves comprises a first rocker assembly operatively connected to a first valve actuation motion source and to a first engine valve. The first rocker assembly comprises a first lost motion component arranged in series with a first input rocker and a first output rocker. A second rocker assembly is operatively connected to a second valve actuation motion source and to a second engine valve. The second rocker assembly comprises at least one second rocker. The system further comprises a one-way coupling mechanism disposed between the first output rocker and the at least one second rocker such that second valve actuation motions are transferred from the at least one second rocker to the first output rocker, and first valve actuation motions are not transferred from the first output rocker to the at least one second rocker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Matei Alexandru, John Mandell, Tyler Hines, Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, Bruce A. Swanbon, Robb Janak, G. Michael Gron, Jr., Marc B. Silva, Austen P. Metsack
  • Patent number: 11619147
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a valve actuation motion source configured to provide main and auxiliary valve actuation motions for actuating at least one engine valve via a valve actuation load path. A lost motion subtracting mechanism is arranged in a valve bridge and configured, in a first default operating state, to convey at least the main valve actuation motion and configured, in a first activated state, to lose the main valve actuation motion and the auxiliary valve actuation motion. Additionally, a lost motion adding mechanism is arranged in a rocker arm and configured, in a second default operating state, to lose the auxiliary valve actuation motion and configured, in a second activated state, to convey the auxiliary valve actuation motion, wherein the lost motion adding mechanism is parallel with the lost motion subtracting mechanism in the valve actuation load path at least during the second activated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mandell, Marc B. Silva, Justin D. Baltrucki, P. Douglas Aubin
  • Patent number: 11486274
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises at least one main rocker arm operatively connected to a first engine valve, the at least one main rocker arm configured to receive at least main valve actuation motions. A second rocker arm is operatively connected to a second engine valve, the second rocker arm being configured to receive first auxiliary valve actuation motions. The second rocker arm further comprising a hydraulically-controlled first actuator that can selectively couple or decouple the second rocker arm and the second engine valve thereby permitting or preventing conveyance of the first auxiliary valve actuation motions from the second rocker arm to the second engine valve. A one-way coupling mechanism disposed between the at least one main rocker arm and the second rocker arm permits valve actuation motions to be transferred from the at least one main rocker arm to the second rocker arm, but not vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mandell, Matei Alexandru
  • Patent number: 11300014
    Abstract: A switching finger follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The finger follower may be configured as a lost motion device and may include a biasing assembly and a travel limiter. The latch may support the lever in at least one precise position and may support the lever in a second position for partial lost motion, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mandell, Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, Robb Janak
  • Patent number: 11255226
    Abstract: Systems for valve actuation in internal combustion engines provide configurations for hydraulic lash adjusters and valve actuation valvetrain components that are particularly suitable for prevention of HLA jacking in dedicated cam environments including Type II valvetrain architectures. In one implementation, a lash adjuster loading component, which may comprise a stroke-limited spring biased piston associated with the main event valvetrain keeps the lash adjuster under a constant compressive force to prevent jacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, Matei Alexandru, John Mandell
  • Patent number: 11208921
    Abstract: A switching finger may operate in two or three states or positions and cooperate with a single motion source to achieve methods of operating an engine in corresponding two or three modes. The modes may include cylinder deactivation, main event or auxiliary modes, including lost motion braking, LIVC and EEVO. A follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The latch may support the lever in one or more precise positions, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mandell, Gabriel S. Roberts, Robb Janak
  • Patent number: 11181012
    Abstract: A valve actuation system for actuating at least one engine valve comprises a first half-rocker arm configured to receive main valve actuation motions from a main valve actuation motion source and a second rocker arm configured to actuate the at least one engine valve. A collapsing mechanism is also provided and configured relative to the first half-rocker arm and the second rocker arm, in a first collapsing mechanism state, to convey the main valve actuation motions from the first half-rocker arm to the second rocker arm and, in a second collapsing mechanism state, to prevent conveyance of the main valve actuation motions from the first half-rocker arm to the second rocker arm. The collapsing mechanism may be disposed in the first half-rocker arm or the second rocker arm, where the rocker arm not including the collapsing mechanism is provided with a collapsing mechanism contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Matei Alexandru, Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, John Mandell
  • Patent number: 11181018
    Abstract: A Type II valvetrain and engine brake arrangement includes a brake housing defining a hydraulic circuit and a follower piston chamber and a brake piston chamber. A follower piston in the follower piston chamber is configured to follow a rotating brake cam lobe. A brake piston in the brake piston chamber is in pressure responsive relation with the follower piston to move. A finger follower is disposed so that a brake rod coupled to the brake piston engages the finger follower at least when the brake piston is in an activated position. When the brake piston is the activated position, the finger follower pivots from a first end about a pivot as the finger follower follows a valve cam lobe to effect lifting and seating of a cylinder valve. When the brake piston is activated, the finger follower, at least in part, pivots from the first end about the pivot and the brake rod lifts the cylinder valve and released compression from the engine cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Neil S. Erickson, John Mandell
  • Patent number: 11060426
    Abstract: A switching finger follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The finger follower may be configured as a lost motion device and may include a biasing assembly and a travel limiter. The latch may support the lever in at least one precise position and may support the lever in a second position for partial lost motion, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: John Mandell, Justin D. Baltrucki, David M. Ferreira
  • Patent number: 11053819
    Abstract: A valve bridge system comprises a valve bridge configured to extend between at least two engine valves of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, a valve bridge guide is operatively connected to the valve bridge and configured to extend between at least two valve springs respectively corresponding to the at least two engine valves, the valve bridge guide defining a surface conforming to a valve spring of the at least two valve springs. In another embodiment, the valve bridge guide may comprise at least a first member maintained in a first fixed position relative to and at a predetermined distance from the valve bridge. In both embodiments, the valve bridge guide is configured to avoid contact with the valve bridge in a controlled state, but to permit contact with valve bridge to resist uncontrolled movement of the valve bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Benn, Dong Yang, Gabriel S. Roberts, Bruce A. Swanbon, Justin D. Baltrucki, John Mandell
  • Patent number: 10634019
    Abstract: Systems for valve actuation in internal combustion engines with a dedicated rocker for actuating the at least one of two or more engine valves in a braking operation may include a biasing component, such as a compression spring, tension spring, spring catch, hydraulic actuator, pneumatic actuator for biasing the dedicated rocker in a biased direction away from the motion source, and a limiting component, such as a physical stop including a set screw or a stop integrated in the biasing component, for limiting the motion of the dedicated rocker in the biased direction. The biasing component and limiting component maintain the dedicated rocker in a controlled state and a positive, neutral position during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mandell, David M. Ferreira, Gabriel S. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8620740
    Abstract: An offer delivery system provides a mechanism for coordinating presentation of offers to customers that may originate from multiple different sources and that may be delivered to the customers over different channels. The systems makes use of rules to prioritize, select, and time the delivery of offers to any particular customer, allocate limited resources in the channels to deliver offers to a set of customers, and provide mechanisms for users or their agents to limit the delivery of offers, for example, by their frequency or type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Bergh, Michael S. Bauer, Sidra Michon, Zack Miloushev, Kevin Furbish, Charles Evett, Gregory Erman, John Mandel
  • Patent number: 8533038
    Abstract: An offer delivery system provides a mechanism for coordinating presentation of offers to customers that may originate from multiple different sources and that may be delivered to the customers over different channels. The systems makes use of rules to prioritize, select, and time the delivery of offers to any particular customer, allocate limited resources in the channels to deliver offers to a set of customers, and provide mechanisms for users or their agents to limit the delivery of offers, for example, by their frequency or type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher P. Bergh, Michael S. Bauer, Sidra Michon, Zack Miloushev, Kevin Furbish, Charles Evett, Gregory Erman, John Mandel
  • Publication number: 20110208578
    Abstract: An offer delivery system provides a mechanism for coordinating presentation of offers to customers that may originate from multiple different sources and that may be delivered to the customers over different channels. The systems makes use of rules to prioritize, select, and time the delivery of offers to any particular customer, allocate limited resources in the channels to deliver offers to a set of customers, and provide mechanisms for users or their agents to limit the delivery of offers, for example, by their frequency or type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher P. Bergh, Michael S. Bauer, Sidra Michon, Zack Miloushev, Kevin Furbish, Charles Evett, Gregory Erman, John Mandel
  • Publication number: 20070150334
    Abstract: An offer delivery system provides a mechanism for coordinating presentation of offers to customers that may originate from multiple different sources and that may be delivered to the customers over different channels. The systems makes use of rules to prioritize, select, and time the delivery of offers to any particular customer, allocate limited resources in the channels to deliver offers to a set of customers, and provide mechanisms for users or their agents to limit the delivery of offers, for example, by their frequency or type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Christopher Bergh, Michael Bauer, Sidra Michon, Zack Miloushev, Kevin Furbish, Charles Evett, Gregory Erman, John Mandel
  • Patent number: 6743024
    Abstract: A system and method of processing responses to questions presented to an individual. Testing seeks to define what primitive components of the educational program that the individual doesn't understand. Using multiple-choice questions where incorrect answers are derived from failing to process primitives to the problem correctly, the system ensures that every answer to every question defines the problem area for the individual by weighting those primitives against a base threshold when answered incorrectly. Once the threshold has been passed, the system adapts to test the primitive that has failed to be understood. Questions are generated that test to see if the individual understands the theory and concepts associated to the initial primitives' primitive components. The test is complete when there are no further primitives to be examined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventors: John Mandel Ivler, Frank Rubin
  • Publication number: 20020026356
    Abstract: An offer delivery system provides a mechanism for coordinating presentation of offers to customers that may originate from multiple different sources and that may be delivered to the customers over different channels. The systems makes use of rules to prioritize, select, and time the delivery of offers to any particular customer, allocate limited resources in the channels to deliver offers to a set of customers, and provide mechanisms for users or their agents to limit the delivery of offers, for example, by their frequency or type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher P. Bergh, Michael S. Bauer, Sidra Michon, Zack Miloushev, Kevin Furbish, Charles Evett, Gregory Erman, John Mandel