Patents by Inventor Kevin C. O'Connor

Kevin C. O'Connor 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: 20040055298
    Abstract: A combustion engine method and system provides increased fuel efficiency and reduces polluting exhaust emissions by burning fuel in a two-stage combustion system. Fuel is combusted in a piston engine in a first stage producing piston engine exhaust gases. Fuel contained in the piston engine exhaust gases is combusted in a second stage turbine engine. Turbine engine exhaust gases are used to supercharge the piston engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Larry E. Fischer, Brian L. Anderson, Kevin C. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6577959
    Abstract: A fluid level measuring system for machines which utilizes fluids and has rotating and/or reciprocating elements. The system receives data from sensors as to the measured fluid level and measured fluid temperature. Optionally, data is received from other sensors such as to the angle of inclination of the machine, gear setting (for a transmission), idle speed (for an engine or transmission), and dielectric constant of the fluid. The measured data is stored in a first data storage device. A second data storage device contains data as to the recommended fluid level and acceptable deviations thereof based upon a variety of possible sensor readings, which can be obtained from sources such as the manufacturer of the machine or by controlled dynamic measurements. A processor compares the stored sensor readings to the data stored in the second memory to arrive at the operational fluid level. The processor controls a display to identify the operational fluid level to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Power Plus Corporation
    Inventors: Zdzislaw W. Chajec, Steven D. Nelson, Eric A. Nelson, Kevin C. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 4449587
    Abstract: Lock-open mechanism for surface controlled subsurface safety valves. A lock-open sleeve can be positioned by wireline techniques to hold open the valve closure means for a subsurface safety valve. The operating tube of the safety valve can be used to return the valve closure means to normal operations. One embodiment of the present invention is particularly useful as a well tool which can readily be attached to the lower portion of presently available flapper type safety valves. Alternative embodiments of the present invention can be built into both ball type and flapper type safety valves as an integral part of the complete safety valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: Otis Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Charles M. Rodenberger, Phillip S. Sizer, Kevin C. O'Malley