Patents by Inventor John MANDELL

John MANDELL 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).

  • Publication number: 20260104000
    Abstract: A valve train component for conveying valve actuation motions within an internal combustion engine is provided, which valve train component comprises a body member having a bore formed therein; a sliding member disposed in the bore; and an overload feature operatively connected to the body member and the sliding member. The overload feature is configured to not yield when a load placed on the overload feature is less than a load threshold, thereby preventing movement of the sliding member into the bore, and to yield when a load placed on the overload feature meets or exceeds the load threshold, thereby permitting movement of the sliding member into the bore such that at least a portion of the valve actuation motions is not conveyed by the valve train component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2025
    Publication date: April 16, 2026
    Inventors: Sanjaykumar PATEL, Matei ALEXANDRU, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, John MANDELL, G. Michael GRON, JR., Eric J. HODGKINSON, Jarrett J. STICKELS
  • Publication number: 20260085625
    Abstract: A rocker arm for actuating at least two engine valves in an internal combustion engine comprises a unitary body configured to span at least two engine valves and a motion source interface supported by the body and configured to receive main valve actuations and auxiliary valve actuations from a motion source. The rocker arm further comprises a hydraulic control circuit supported by the body and configured to receive hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic fluid source, and a valve interface operatively supported by the body and operatively connected to the hydraulic control circuit, wherein the valve interface is configured and selectively operable via the hydraulic control circuit to convey the main valve actuations to the at least two engine valves and to convey the auxiliary valve actuations to at least a first engine valve of the at least two engine valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2025
    Publication date: March 26, 2026
    Inventors: John MANDELL, Thomas BENNER, Tyler HINES, Tao SUN, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Matei ALEXANDRU, P. Douglas AUBIN
  • Publication number: 20250389211
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2025
    Publication date: December 25, 2025
    Inventors: Bruce A. SWANBON, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Robb JANAK, G. Michael GRON, JR., John MANDELL, Marc B. SILVA, Tyler HINES, Matei ALEXANDRU, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, P. Douglas AUBIN, Nathaniel P. HASSALL, John Jerl PURCELL, III, Adam C. CECIL, David M. BARNES
  • Patent number: 12435649
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2025
    Assignees: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC., CUMMINS INC.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Swanbon, Justin D. Baltrucki, Robb Janak, G. Michael Gron, Jr., John Mandell, Marc B. Silva, Tyler Hines, Matei Alexandru, Austen P. Metsack, Gabriel S. Roberts, P. Douglas Aubin, Nathaniel P. Hassall, John Jerl Purcell, III, Adam C. Cecil, David M. Barnes
  • Publication number: 20250116213
    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: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Gabriel S. ROBERTS, John MANDELL, Thomas BENNER
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20240280036
    Abstract: A rocker arm comprises a hydraulic actuator piston slidably disposed in an actuator bore. An actuator spring is configured to bias the hydraulic actuator piston out of actuator bore and into contact with a valve train component or at least one engine valve, wherein reaction of the hydraulic actuator piston against the valve train component or the at least one engine valve biases a motion receiving portion of the rocker arm into contact with the valve actuation motion source. In an unactuated state of the hydraulic actuator piston, hydraulic fluid is permitted to flow out of the actuator bore and, in an actuated state of the hydraulic actuator piston, hydraulic fluid is locked in the actuator bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, John MANDELL
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20240200476
    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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    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
  • Publication number: 20240183291
    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: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2023
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Matei ALEXANDRU, John MANDELL, Paul M. BOVAT, Justin D. BALTRUCKI
  • Publication number: 20240125253
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Bruce A. SWANBON, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Robb JANAK, G. Michael GRON, JR., John MANDELL, Marc B. SILVA, Tyler HINES, Matei ALEXANDRU, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, P. Douglas AUBIN, Nathaniel P. HASSALL, John Jerl PURCELL, III, Adam C. CECIL, David M. BARNES
  • Publication number: 20240125254
    Abstract: A discrete lost motion device for use in a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprises a housing having a housing bore extending longitudinally into the housing and a second end having a housing contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a first valve train component. A plunger slidably is disposed in the housing bore is controllable between a first state in which the plunger rigidly extends out of the housing bore and a second state in which the plunger is permitted to reciprocate within the housing bore, the plunger further comprising an end having a plunger contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a second valve train component. The housing contact surface and the plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first and second valve train components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: G. Michael GRON, Jr., Bruce A. SWANBON, John MANDELL, Marc B. SILVA, Tyler HINES, Matei ALEXANDRU, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, P. Douglas AUBIN
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20230081789
    Abstract: A valve actuation system includes a rocker for conveying motion to an engine valve, a motion source arranged to impart motion to the rocker, rocker stop assembly configured to operate in an activated mode, in which the rocker stop assembly maintains the rocker in a position corresponding to partial valve lift, and a deactivated mode, in which the rocker stop assembly allows the rocker to move to a position corresponding to a fully closed valve position, and a rocker stop reset assembly for resetting the rocker stop assembly to the deactivated mode subsequent to a main event peak lift to thereby achieve late valve closing. A damper assembly may interact with the rocker stop assembly to provide a smooth transition of the rocker and valve motion to a late intake valve closing dwell. A valve catch assembly may control the seating velocity of the at least one valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: John A. SCHWOERER, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, John MANDELL, G. Michael GRON, Jr., Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Trevor MORRISSEY
  • Publication number: 20230015394
    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: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    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