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: 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20210340886
    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: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: John MANDELL, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Robb JANAK
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20200291826
    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: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: John MANDELL, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Robb JANAK
  • Publication number: 20200263571
    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: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Steven BENN, Dong YANG, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Bruce A. SWANBON, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, John MANDELL
  • Publication number: 20200182103
    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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: John MANDELL, Matei ALEXANDRU
  • Publication number: 20200182107
    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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: John MANDELL, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, David M. FERREIRA
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20190277170
    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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: John MANDELL, David M. FERREIRA, Gabriel S. ROBERTS