Patents by Inventor Michael J. Hornby
Michael J. Hornby 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).
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Publication number: 20160090952Abstract: A fluid injector includes a valve structure movable in the passageway between a first position and a second position. The valve structure includes a hollow tube having a longitudinal axis and a valve member connected to an end of the tube by a weld, with a weld zone being defined inside of the tube generally adjacent to the weld. The tube has surfaces defining a through-hole that is disposed transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube. The through-hole permits the fluid to enter an interior of the tube. Corrosion prevention structure is disposed in the tube between the through-hole and the valve member to prevent the fluid in the tube from accessing the weld zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Hornby, Carl F. Hayden
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Publication number: 20160084129Abstract: A liquid cooled reduction unit includes a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) injection valve. The valve includes a housing that forms an elongated chamber therein. The valve configured to receive a DEF and force the DEF through the chamber to exit the chamber and the DEF is then being directed and applied to an exhaust stream of a vehicle engine. A coolant jacket is selectively filled with a coolant and has an outer side and an inner side. The inner side of the jacket faces a length of the valve body and is separated from the length of the valve body by an air gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Robert Wayne McFarland, Keith Aaron Shaw, Michael J. Hornby, James A. Wynn, Joshua Lee Hatfield, Christopher Caulkins, Stephen C. Bugos
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Publication number: 20160053652Abstract: A reductant delivery unit reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from a vehicle. The delivery unit includes a solenoid operated fluid injector having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The inlet receives a source of reducing agent and the outlet communicates with an exhaust gas flow path of the vehicle so that the fluid injector controls injection of the reducing agent into the exhaust gas flow path. The fluid injector has an inlet tube for directing the reducing agent between the inlet and the outlet. A coil heater is integral with the fluid injector and is constructed and arranged, when energized, to inductively heat the inlet tube and thus at least a portion of the reducing agent so that an unheated volume, of the reducing agent in the inlet tube, which is adjacent to the fluid outlet, is less than about 100 mm3.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2015Publication date: February 25, 2016Inventors: Willem Nicolaas van Vuuren, Stephen C. Bugos, Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 9157545Abstract: An air bypass valve (10) includes a solenoid assembly (30) including a magnetic housing (32), a coil bobbin (34) in the magnetic housing, a coil (36) disposed about the coil bobbin, and a magnetic flux ring (38) coupled with the magnetic housing. An armature and seal assembly (12) includes an armature structure (14, 16) that can move with respect to the solenoid assembly from a closed position to an open position in response to a magnetic field generated by the coil. Seal structure (22) is coupled with armature structure so that the seal structure can pivot with respect to the armature structure. The seal structure has a sealing edge (28) to seal with a manifold component when the armature structure is in the closed position thereof. A spring (44) biases the armature structure to the closed position and a main housing covers (46) the magnetic housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Perry Robert Czimmek, Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 9151201Abstract: Dosing structure (30) supplies diesel fuel to an exhaust passage of a diesel system. The dosing structure includes an electrically operated control valve (31). An inlet tube (45) is coupled with an inlet of the control valve. A first welded joint (6) is between the inlet tube and the control valve. The inlet tube is constructed and arranged to be coupled to a supply of diesel fuel for feeding fuel to the control valve. A dosing valve (32) is constructed and arranged to receive fuel from the control valve and deliver the fuel to the exhaust passage. An extension tube (33) is fluidly coupled between the control valve and the dosing valve to space the control valve from the dosing valve. A second welded joint (62) is between the extension tube and the control valve and a third welded joint (64) is between the extension tube and the dosing valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Hornby, Stephen C. Bugos, Hamid Sayar, David Stockmaster
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Patent number: 9010089Abstract: A reductant delivery unit (10) includes a fluid injector (12) and a flange (20) coupled with the fluid injector. An exhaust boss (28) has a surface (39) defining a through-hole (40) that communicates with a vehicle's exhaust flow path. The flange is coupled to a mounting surface such that the outlet of the fluid injector communicates with the exhaust flow path so as to control injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. A gasket (32) is sandwiched between the flange and the mounting surface. The gasket has a surface (37) defining a through-hole (38) therein that communicates with the through-hole in the exhaust boss to permit the urea solution to pass from the fluid outlet to the exhaust flow path. Gasket shielding structure (44) covers the surface defining the through-hole in the gasket to prevent the urea solution from contacting the gasket.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Bugos, Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 8997463Abstract: A reductant delivery unit for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles includes a solenoid operated fluid injector associated with an exhaust gas flow path upstream of a SCR catalytic converter. The fluid injector has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet receiving a source of reducing agent and the fluid outlet communicating with the exhaust gas flow path so that the fluid injector controls injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. The fluid injector has an inlet tube for directing the reducing agent between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A shield is fixed with respect to the fluid injector and surrounds at least portions of the fluid injector. A coil heater is integral with the fluid injector and is constructed and arranged, when energized, to inductively heat the inlet tube to thereby heat the reducing agent within the inlet tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Bugos, Michael J. Hornby, Perry Czimmek, Keith Shaw, Willem Nicolaas van Vuuren
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Patent number: 8967124Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. A first coil receives a first signal from a driver to generate a first magnetic field that moves an armature between an open and closed position. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The alternating current signal produces a time varying second magnetic field that induces heating of a magnetically active component with the fuel flow that in turn heats the fuel.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Hornby, John F. Nally, Jr., Hamid Sayar, Perry Robert Czimmek
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Publication number: 20140314644Abstract: A reductant delivery unit for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles includes a solenoid operated fluid injector associated with an exhaust gas flow path upstream of a SCR catalytic converter. The fluid injector has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet receiving a source of reducing agent and the fluid outlet communicating with the exhaust gas flow path so that the fluid injector controls injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. The fluid injector has an inlet tube for directing the reducing agent between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A shield is fixed with respect to the fluid injector and surrounds at least portions of the fluid injector. A coil heater is integral with the fluid injector and is constructed and arranged, when energized, to inductively heat the inlet tube to thereby heat the reducing agent within the inlet tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Bugos, Michael J. Hornby, Perry Czimmek, Keith Shaw, Willem Nicolaas van Vuuren
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Patent number: 8695901Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil driven by a direct current driver and a second coil driven by an alternating current driver where both the first coil and the second coil share a common connection to reduce the number of external terminal connections. The second coil generates a second magnetic field that is utilized to heat a component in thermal contact with the fuel flow that in turn heats fuel before exiting the fuel injector.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Hornby, John F. Nally, Jr., Hamid Sayar, Perry Robert Czimmek
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Patent number: 8678343Abstract: An armature-stator structure (45) includes a stator (56) having a magnetic housing (57) of generally U-shaped cross-section. The housing includes an open end (58) in communication with an interior portion (60). A coil (94) is associated with the stator and to be energized to generate a magnetic field. An armature (46) has a generally ring-shaped base (48) and a generally rod-shaped stem portion (50) extending transversely from the base such that the base and stem portion define a generally T-shaped cross-section. The base is able to be received in the opened end of the housing with the stem portion extending into the interior portion. The armature moves with respect to the stator from a first position to a second position in response to the generated magnetic field. The stator and armature are configured such that a force on the armature decreases as a portion of the armature moves further into the interior portion of the body of the stator, towards the second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Perry Robert Czimmek, Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 8678300Abstract: Dosing structure (30) is provided for supplying diesel fuel to an exhaust passage (12) of a diesel system. The dosing structure includes an electrically operated dosing valve (32) constructed and arranged to receive a supply of diesel fuel and to deliver the fuel to the exhaust passage. A water jacket (34) surrounds at least a portion of the dosing valve so as to provide direct water-cooling of the dosing valve. The dosing valve is preferably an electrically controlled fuel injector.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Hornby
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Publication number: 20130333361Abstract: A dosing valve for administering a reducing agent into an exhaust stream within an exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The dosing valve includes a valve needle internally coaxial to a valve body and held in a closed position by a force of compressed spring acting axially and held in relation to the valve needle and valve body. The negative impact of varnish and dehydrogenated compounds, or coking products, of hydrocarbon based reducing agents, is substantially reduced or eliminated. Additionally, this includes decreased sensitivity to the negative impact of the precipitates and crystals that come out of the solution due to temperature change with urea-based reducing agents.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2012Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Hamid Sayer, Michael J. Hornby, Perry Robert Czimmek, Christopher Lee Szymanski
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Patent number: 8443829Abstract: A solenoid device includes a solenoid assembly (30) including a stator (42, 32, 38), a coil (36) for generating a magnetic field, and first retention structure (64). Armature and seal assembly includes armature structure (14, 16) that moves with respect to the solenoid assembly from a closed position to an open position in response to the magnetic field generated by the coil, seal structure (22) that is coupled with a proximal end of the armature structure and has a sealing edge (28) to seal with a component when the armature structure is in the closed position thereof, and second retention structure (68). A spring (44) biases the armature structure to the closed position. The first and second retention structures engage and retain the armature and seal assembly with respect to the stafor assembly prior to installation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.Inventors: Perry Robert Czimmek, Michael J. Hornby
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Publication number: 20130042598Abstract: A reductant delivery unit (10) includes a fluid injector (12) and a flange (20) coupled with the fluid injector. An exhaust boss (28) has a surface (39) defining a through-hole (40) that communicates with a vehicle's exhaust flow path. The flange is coupled to a mounting surface such that the outlet of the fluid injector communicates with the exhaust flow path so as to control injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. A gasket (32) is sandwiched between the flange and the mounting surface. The gasket has a surface (37) defining a through-hole (38) therein that communicates with the through-hole in the exhaust boss to permit the urea solution to pass from the fluid outlet to the exhaust flow path. Gasket shielding structure (44) covers the surface defining the through-hole in the gasket to prevent the urea solution from contacting the gasket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS US, INC.Inventors: Stephen C. Bugos, Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 8347605Abstract: A dosing valve assembly is disclosed for administering a reducing agent into an exhaust stream from an internal combustion engine upstream of a catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter. The dosing valve assembly includes a control valve coupled to a source of reducing agent, a delivery valve constructed and arranged for coupling to the exhaust stream to enable a quantity of reducing agent to be administered into the exhaust stream, and an elongated conduit connecting the control valve and delivery valve for fluidly communicating reducing agent from the control valve to the fuel delivery valve. The disclosed arrangement enables the control valve to be displaced from the delivery valve and thus away from the high temperature environment proximal to the exhaust stream.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Bugos, Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 8348231Abstract: A solenoid device includes a solenoid assembly (30) including a stator (42, 32, 38) and a coil (36) for generating a magnetic field. An armature structure (14, 16) can move with respect to the solenoid assembly from a closed position, defining a working gap area (62) between the coil and a portion of the armature structure, to an open position in response to the magnetic field generated by the coil. Seal structure (22) is coupled with a proximal end of the armature structure and has a sealing edge (28) to seal with a component when the armature structure is in the closed position thereof. A spring (44) biases the armature structure to the closed position. Under certain operating conditions of the device, pressure is balanced between the working gap area and an area defined adjacent to 1) the sealing edge, and 2) a distal end of the armature structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.Inventors: Perry Robert Czimmek, Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 8317157Abstract: A module solenoid valve (14) includes a valve body (16) defining an inlet opening (22) and an outlet opening (20). The valve body includes a seating surface (18) at a distal end thereof. A valve member (24) controls flow of fuel through the outlet opening. A movable armature (26) is coupled with the valve member such that movement of the armature moves the valve member between a closed position and an open position. A stator (38) is associated with the armature. A first spring (32) biases the armature and thus the valve member to the closed position. A cover (28) is coupled to the stator. A second spring 34 is between the cover and the armature to provide a biasing force on the armature. An electromagnetic coil (36) is associated with the stator and armature for causing movement of the armature towards the stator.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Hornby
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Patent number: 8215573Abstract: A direct fuel injector (10) includes a body (12) having a passage between inlet and outlet ends. A seat (16) is at the outlet end and a closure member (28) is associated with the seat. A needle member (30) is associated with the closure member and is movable with respect to a pole piece (35) between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A spring (42) biases the needle member to the first position. An armature (32) is free-floating with respect to the needle member. An intermediate pole structure (38) is coupled with the needle member and is disposed between the pole piece and the armature and is decoupled there-from. An armature stop (40) is coupled to the needle member and is spaced from the intermediate pole structure. An electromagnetic coil (46) is associated with the pole piece, intermediate pole structure and armature. The injector reduces bounce of the needle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Hornby
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Publication number: 20110278368Abstract: A direct fuel injector (10) includes a body (12) having a passage between inlet and outlet ends. A seat (16) is at the outlet end and a closure member (28) is associated with the seat. A needle member (30) is associated with the closure member and is movable with respect to a pole piece (35) between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A spring (42) biases the needle member to the first position. An armature (32) is free-floating with respect to the needle member. An intermediate pole structure (38) is coupled with the needle member and is disposed between the pole piece and the armature and is decoupled there-from. An armature stop (40) is coupled to the needle member and is spaced from the intermediate pole structure. An electromagnetic coil (46) is associated with the pole piece, intermediate pole structure and armature. The injector reduces bounce of the needle assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS US, INC.Inventor: Michael J. Hornby