Patents by Inventor Justin D. Baltrucki

Justin D. Baltrucki 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
  • Patent number: 11952923
    Abstract: Systems and related methods include a rocker arm having integrated components, including a lost motion actuator piston and components for resetting the lost motion actuator piston to provide normal valve closing or late valve closing. Selective reset is facilitated by a reset piston and a blocking piston disposed in a hydraulic circuit including a reset passage. In a non-resetting mode of operation, the blocking piston may block oil flow within the reset passage, regardless of the position of the reset piston, which facilitates late valve closing. An alternative embodiment includes a blocking sleeve disposed concentrically relative to the reset piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Patent number: 11649739
    Abstract: Valve bridge systems include constraints and guides for managing bridge jump and other uncontrolled valve bridge motion during engine operation. Constraints may include an e-foot collar, an extended portion on the bridge, and a bridge brake pin. Guides may include valve stem tip lead-in chamfers surrounding the valve bridge valve pockets as well as a deflection surface on the bridge extended portion. Methods of configuring valve bridges may include configuring the valve step tip lead-in chamfers based on worst-case positions of the valve bridge defined by one or more or a combination of the constraints provided by the e-foot collar, extended portion and brake pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Svstems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Hodgkinson, Timothy P. Neal, Justin D. Baltrucki, G. Michael Gron, Jr.
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20230007897
    Abstract: Valve bridge systems include constraints and guides for managing bridge jump and other uncontrolled valve bridge motion during engine operation. Constraints may include an e-foot collar, an extended portion on the bridge, and a bridge brake pin. Guides may include valve stem tip lead-in chamfers surrounding the valve bridge valve pockets as well as a deflection surface on the bridge extended portion. Methods of configuring valve bridges may include configuring the valve step tip lead-in chamfers based on worst-case positions of the valve bridge defined by one or more or a combination of the constraints provided by the e-foot collar, extended portion and brake pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Eric J. HODGKINSON, Timothy P. NEAL, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, G. Michael GRON, JR.
  • Patent number: 11542877
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing excessive intake flow path pressure and counter flow are implemented to support enhanced engine braking applications, such as 2-stroke or 1.5-stroke engine braking implementations where the intake flow path may be exposed to excessive transient pressures in the combustion chamber during activation or deactivation of an engine brake. Intake throttle, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve, intake manifold blow-off valve, compressor bypass valve, exhaust throttle, turbocharger geometry or turbocharger waste gate may be controlled to effectuate counter flow management separately or in combination. Excessive transient conditions may also be prevented or managed by sequential valve motion in which brake motion activation occurs first and then exhaust valve main event deactivation occurs second. Delay between brake activation and main event deactivation may be facilitated using mechanical and/or hydraulic implements as well as electronically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Lilly, Matei Alexandru, Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Patent number: 11519307
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a valve actuation motion source configured to provide a main valve actuation motion and an auxiliary valve actuation motion for actuating at least one engine valve via a valve actuation load path. A lost motion subtracting mechanism is arranged in a pre-rocker arm valve train component 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 valve bridge 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 in series with the lost motion subtracting mechanism in the valve actuation load path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Patent number: 11473458
    Abstract: Hydraulic systems in an engine valvetrain having lost motion and/or braking hydraulic circuits are provided with a conditioning circuit that may include a supplemental supply passage, which provides continuous and supplemental supply of hydraulic fluid from a supply source to the braking and lost motion circuits, as well as a venting of the circuits to ambient, such that the hydraulic fluid in these circuits is kept in a refreshed and conditioned state without air contamination. A vented three-way solenoid valve may be utilized. The supplemental supply passage may be provided at various locations in the valvetrain and in the engine head environment. The supplemental supply passage may include flow and pressure control devices to control the flow of the supplemental supply of hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin D. Baltrucki, Trevor Morrissey
  • Publication number: 20220298935
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a valve actuation motion source configured to provide a main valve actuation motion and an auxiliary valve actuation motion for actuating at least one engine valve via a valve actuation load path. A lost motion subtracting mechanism is arranged in a pre-rocker arm valve train component 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 valve bridge 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 in series with the lost motion subtracting mechanism in the valve actuation load path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventor: Justin D. BALTRUCKI
  • Patent number: 11434836
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a plurality of cylinders, including at least one de-activatable cylinder having at least one deactivator assembly operatively connected to the at least one valve train for the de-activatable cylinder. In such an internal combustion engine, a method for actuating engine valves comprises operating at least one cylinder of the plurality of cylinders to provide positive power generation according to the main valve actuations and, additionally, placing the at least one deactivator assembly for a de-activatable cylinder of the at least one de-activatable cylinder in a deactivation state. While the at least one deactivator assembly for the de-activatable cylinder is in the deactivation state and while the at least one cylinder is operating to provide positive power generation according to main valve actuations, the method further comprises performing at least one secondary valve event via at least one engine valve for the de-activatable cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Justin D. Baltrucki
  • Patent number: 11408310
    Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a valve actuation motion source configured to provide a main valve actuation motion and an auxiliary valve actuation motion for actuating at least one engine valve via a valve actuation load path. A lost motion subtracting mechanism is arranged in the valve actuation load path 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 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 in series with the lost motion subtracting mechanism in the valve actuation load path at least during the second activated state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin D Baltrucki, G. Michael Gron, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11401838
    Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Jacob Moore, Justin D. Baltrucki, Eric J. Hodgkinson, Timothy P. Neal, Bruce A. Swanbon, Robb Janak, Matei Alexandru
  • Publication number: 20220178279
    Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2021
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Jacob MOORE, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Eric J. HODGKINSON, Timothy P. NEAL, Bruce A. SWANBON, Robb JANAK, Matei ALEXANDRU
  • Patent number: 11319842
    Abstract: A valve bridge comprises a central body and at least first and second valve interface portions extending from the central body, each of the at least first and second valve interface portions defining a chamber configured to receive an engine valve and corresponding valve spring and spring retainer. Each chamber comprises a valve bridge control surface configured to selectively contact at least one of the corresponding valve spring and spring retainer, wherein each valve bridge control surface is a concave surface configured to extend downward around the corresponding valve spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Justin D. Baltrucki
  • 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: 11261805
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an internal combustion engine comprises a plurality of cylinders, each of the plurality of cylinders comprising at least one intake deactivator operatively connected to at least one intake valve and at least one exhaust deactivator operatively connected to at least one exhaust. An intake deactivator controller is operatively connected to the intake deactivators associated with at least two cylinders of the plurality of cylinders, and an exhaust deactivator controller is operatively connected to the exhaust deactivators associated with the at least two cylinders. In another embodiment, only a single deactivator controller is operatively connected to both the intake deactivators and to the exhaust deactivators associated with the at least two cylinders of the plurality of cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Justin D. Baltrucki
  • 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: 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