Patents by Inventor Matthew G. Mickiewicz

Matthew G. Mickiewicz 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: 12006924
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump or motor includes a mounting flange that is disposed at the first end of the housing. The mounting flange defines a pair of fastener receiving apertures that are disposed along the X-axis on either side of the shaft. The pair of fastener receiving apertures each define a radius center that are spaced away from each other a X dimension, and a pilot projection extends longitudinally away from the mounting flange, defining a pilot projection diameter. A ratio of the X dimension to the pilot projection diameter ranges from 1.07 to 1.11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Stive Ramalho, Darren Joseph Hopf, Justin Douglas Speichinger, Paul Alan Rousseau, Brice Mallein
  • Publication number: 20230043842
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump or motor includes a mounting flange that is disposed at the first end of the housing. The mounting flange defines a pair of fastener receiving apertures that are disposed along the X-axis on either side of the shaft. The pair of fastener receiving apertures each define a radius center that are spaced away from each other a X dimension, and a pilot projection extends longitudinally away from the mounting flange, defining a pilot projection diameter. A ratio of the X dimension to the pilot projection diameter ranges from 1.07 to 1.11.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Stive Ramalho, Darren Joseph Hopf, Justin Douglas Speichinger, Paul Alan Rousseau, Brice Mallein
  • Patent number: 6971366
    Abstract: Engine compression release brakes include some degree of lash between the brake actuation portion and the engine exhaust valve portion. The disclosed apparatus and method provides an integral lash adjuster that includes an adjusting screw that is threadably received by a slidable plunger. Rotation of the adjusting screw causes the plunger to slide relative to a plunger cavity and responsively modify the amount of lash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Michael P. Harmon, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz
  • Patent number: 6622694
    Abstract: A number of engine operating strategies have been developed that allow for engine braking when combustion is not needed. In these strategies, air within the engine cylinder is compressed by the cylinder piston; however, rather than introducing fuel into the cylinder to facilitate a combustion event, the cylinder is opened to an exhaust manifold and the compressed air is vented, and the energy is released by the engine. However, it has been learned that the venting of this compressed air from the engine can produce undesirable noise emissions. Thus, the present invention employs a dual exhaust valve lift strategy to reduce noise produced during engine braking while still allowing relatively high engine braking horsepowers to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Steven J. Funke
  • Patent number: 6601563
    Abstract: Exhaust gas re-circulation is achieved internally in an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves actuated by a camshaft. A controller monitors at least one engine parameter and automatically actuates an electrically actuated fluid operated brake actuator at a predetermined timing of movement of an engine piston to cause the actuator to maintain the exhaust valve at an intermediate position between a full open position and a closed position of the exhaust valve and cause exhaust gasses to be delivered from the exhaust manifold to the combustion chamber of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Joshua C. Ruedin
  • Publication number: 20030116125
    Abstract: Exhaust gas re-circulation is achieved internally in an internal combustion engine having intake and exhaust valves actuated by a camshaft. A controller monitors at least one engine parameter and automatically actuates an electrically actuated fluid operated brake actuator at a predetermined timing of movement of an engine piston to cause the actuator to maintain the exhaust valve at an intermediate position between a full open position and a closed position of the exhaust valve and cause exhaust gasses to be delivered from the exhaust manifold to the combustion chamber of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Joshua C. Ruedin
  • Publication number: 20030101965
    Abstract: An integral lash adjustor for an engine braking system is provided for quick and easy access to adjust and maintain a lash. The integral lash adjustor is located on the top portion of an engine brake stand to eliminate additional steps of removing engine components to access the lash adjusting site. An adjusting screw is threadably fixed inside a plunger body and secured to a plunger. The adjusting screw may be turned in a first direction a predetermined number of turns until abutment against a valve bridge pin, which is in contact with an engine exhaust valve. Next, the adjusting screw is turned in the opposite direction a predetermined number of turns to set the lash, and is then mechanically fastened. In certain embodiments, a pin running from the plunger body into the plunger prevents rotation of the plunger but allows the adjusting screw to turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Steven J Funke, Michael P. Harmon, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz
  • Publication number: 20030019469
    Abstract: A number of engine operating strategies have been developed that allow for engine braking when combustion is not needed. In these strategies, air within the engine cylinder is compressed by the cylinder piston; however, rather than introducing fuel into the cylinder to facilitate a combustion event, the cylinder is opened to an exhaust manifold and the compressed air is vented, and the energy is released by the engine. However, it has been learned that the venting of this compressed air from the engine can produce undesirable noise emissions. Thus, the present invention employs a dual exhaust valve lift strategy to reduce noise produced during engine braking while still allowing relatively high engine braking horsepowers to be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Steven J. Funke
  • Patent number: 6453873
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling combustion engine compression braking having the variable timing of the dwell period of at least one exhaust valve by an electronic control module within each one of the engine cylinders during a braking event as well as the variable timing of the commencement or onset of the braking event. The system and method thus facilitate the proper performance of the braking event as a function of engine speed and prevents interference or physical impact with the cam driving elements used for achieving the normal or regular exhaust valve event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman, Joshua C. Ruedin, Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Sameer Bhargava
  • Publication number: 20020104509
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling combustion engine compression braking has the variable timing of the opening of at least one exhaust valve by an electronic control module within each one of the engine cylinders and within a time range of 15°-150° before the top-dead-center position of each cylinder piston during each compression stroke such that variable compression braking power levels, and attendant noise levels, can be obtained as required or desired dependent upon various road, vehicle, and vehicle location parameters. The system and method facilitate a wide range of braking power levels or values, the braking power is smoothly modulated as a result of all of the designated exhaust valves of the cylinders being activated, and the braking power levels can also be generated as a function of engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Sameer Bhargava, Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz, Joshua C. Ruedin
  • Patent number: 6205975
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an actuation of a compression brake associated with a combustion engine. The engine includes a fluid circuit for delivering a fluid to the compression brake. The engine also includes a cylinder having an associated exhaust valve. The method includes the steps of establishing a desired timing of an actuation of the brake, determining an air pressure of the engine, and determining a desired fluid pressure in response to the timing and the air pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua C. Ruedin, Steven J. Funke, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz