Patents by Inventor MICHAEL KUJAK

MICHAEL KUJAK 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: 20240084181
    Abstract: A refrigerant composition includes R1225ye(E) refrigerant, a second refrigerant that is one of R1234ze(E) refrigerant and R32 refrigerant, and a third refrigerant that is one of R227ea refrigerant, R125 refrigerant, and R1234yf refrigerant. The refrigerant composition has a GWP of at or less than about 2000. A method of making a refrigerant composition includes mixing at least an amount of R1225ye(E) refrigerant, an amount of a second refrigerant, and an amount of a third refrigerant to obtain a refrigerant composition that has a GWP of at or about or less than 2000. A method of retrofitting a refrigerant composition in an HVACR system includes adding an amount of at least one refrigerant to a refrigerant composition to produce a retrofit refrigerant composition that includes R1225ye(E) refrigerant, a second refrigerant, and a third refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Petersen, Stephen A. Kujak, Kenneth J. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20240018886
    Abstract: Systems and method for a cam phaser are provided. In some configurations, the cam phaser includes a drive member having a first mating surface, a driven member having a second mating surface, and a locking mechanism arranged between the first mating surface and the second mating surface. The locking mechanism is operable to contact the first mating surface and the second mating surface, in response to an outside force applied to the driven member that loads the locking mechanism. The cam phaser further includes an engaging member. The engaging member is configured to selectively actuate the locking mechanism to enable rotation of the driven member relative to the drive member. The cam phaser may include a reaction mechanism configured to receive additional force from an input mechanism and selectively transmit the additional force to the driven member to unload the locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2023
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Austin Schmitt, Todd Wollenberg
  • Patent number: 11781450
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a valve assembly including one or more poppet valves. In general, the valve assembly can have one or more poppet assemblies selectively actuatable between a first end position and a second end position. According to some aspects, a crankshaft assembly can be coupled to the one or more poppet assemblies and the crankshaft assembly can selectively actuate the one or more poppet assemblies between the first end position and the second end position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Jessica Siefker, Anthony Barr, Debora Manther, Austin Schmitt, Alexander Schlarmann, Michael Kujak
  • Publication number: 20230243281
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods to compensate for backlash within a cam phasing system. For example, compensating for backlash by commanding a predetermined amount of additional actuator movement to account for backlash within a cam phaser. According to some aspects, a spring is provided within a cam phaser to unidirectionally take up the backlash within the cam phasing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Todd Wollenberg, Patrick Heithoff
  • Publication number: 20230050408
    Abstract: The systems and methods described herein provide an approach for cam phase angle control where an axial or rotational position of an actuator of a cam phaser has a direct relationship to the phase angle of the cam shaft, allowing for accurate cam phasing without the need for cam shaft or crank shaft position sensors. Providing phase angle adjustability without the need for crank shaft or cam shaft position sensors enables control of phase angle solely by sensing the axial or rotational position of the actuator of the cam phaser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Todd Wollenberg, Patrick Heithoff, Dean Wardle
  • Patent number: 11352916
    Abstract: A mechanical cam phasing system includes a stator, a cradle rotor, a first locking mechanism having a first locking feature and a second locking feature, a cage, and a second locking mechanism rotationally coupled to the cradle rotor and selectively moveable between a locking state and a phasing state. In the locking state, a clearance is provided between the cradle rotor and the cage to allow the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the cage and lock the first locking feature or the second locking feature. In the phasing state, the clearance between the cradle rotor and the cage is reduced to ensure rotational coupling between the cradle rotor and the cage in at least one direction, which displaces the first locking feature or the second locking feature relative to the cradle rotor and enables the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Austin Schmitt, Alexander Schlarmann
  • Patent number: 11053990
    Abstract: Systems and method for a two-way clutch are provided. In some configurations, the two-way clutch includes a driven member having a first mating surface, a drive member having a second mating surface, and a locking mechanism arranged between the first mating surface and the second mating surface. The locking mechanism is operable to contact the first mating surface and the second mating surface, in response to an outside force applied to the drive member that loads the locking mechanism. The two-way clutch further includes an engaging member. The engaging member provides a predetermined interference on the locking mechanism to hold the locking mechanism off of at least one of the first mating surface and the second mating surface, when the locking mechanism is in an unloaded state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Allen Tewes, Austin Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20210148256
    Abstract: A mechanical cam phasing includes a stator, a cradle rotor, a first locking mechanism having a first locking feature and a second locking feature, a cage, and a second locking mechanism rotationally coupled to the cradle rotor and selectively moveable between a locking state and a phasing state. In the locking state, a clearance is provided between the cradle rotor and the cage to allow the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the cage and lock the first locking feature or the second locking feature. In the phasing state, the clearance between the cradle rotor and the cage is reduced to ensure rotational coupling between the cradle rotor and the cage in at least one direction, which displaces the first locking feature or the second locking feature relative to the cradle rotor and enables the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Austin Schmitt, Alexander Schlarmann
  • Publication number: 20210062687
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a valve assembly including one or more poppet valves. In general, the valve assembly can have one or more poppet assemblies selectively actuatable between a first end position and a second end position. According to some aspects, a crankshaft assembly can be coupled to the one or more poppet assemblies and the crankshaft assembly can selectively actuate the one or more poppet assemblies between the first end position and the second end position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventors: Jessica Siefker, Anthony Barr, Debora Manther, Austin Schmitt, Alexander Schlarmann, Michael Kujak
  • Patent number: 10900387
    Abstract: A mechanical cam phasing system includes a stator, a cradle rotor, a first locking mechanism having a first locking feature and a second locking feature, a cage, and a second locking mechanism rotationally coupled to the cradle rotor and selectively moveable between a locking state and a phasing state. In the locking state, a clearance is provided between the cradle rotor and the cage to allow the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the cage and lock the first locking feature or the second locking feature. In the phasing state, the clearance between the cradle rotor and the cage is reduced to ensure rotational coupling between the cradle rotor and the cage in at least one direction, which displaces the first locking feature or the second locking feature relative to the cradle rotor and enables the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Austin Schmitt, Alexander Schlarmann
  • Patent number: 10865665
    Abstract: Cam phasing systems and methods are provided. In particular, a cam phasing system is provided that includes a reduced number of components when compared to current mechanical cam phasing systems. The cam phasing system includes a helix locking design that is configured to frictionally lock an helix rod during cam torque pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak, Brian Heidemann
  • Patent number: 10711657
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: HUSCO AUTOMOTIVE HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Brian Heidemann, Dean Wardle, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak
  • Publication number: 20200182106
    Abstract: A mechanical cam phasing includes a stator, a cradle rotor, a first locking mechanism having a first locking feature and a second locking feature, a cage, and a second locking mechanism rotationally coupled to the cradle rotor and selectively moveable between a locking state and a phasing state. In the locking state, a clearance is provided between the cradle rotor and the cage to allow the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the cage and lock the first locking feature or the second locking feature. In the phasing state, the clearance between the cradle rotor and the cage is reduced to ensure rotational coupling between the cradle rotor and the cage in at least one direction, which displaces the first locking feature or the second locking feature relative to the cradle rotor and enables the cradle rotor to rotate relative to the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Austin Schmitt, Alexander Schlarmann
  • Publication number: 20200173316
    Abstract: Cam phasing systems and methods are provided. In particular, a cam phasing system is provided that includes a reduced number of components when compared to current mechanical cam phasing systems. The cam phasing system includes a helix locking design that is configured to frictionally lock an helix rod during cam torque pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: AUSTIN SCHMITT, ALLEN TEWES, MICHAEL KUJAK, BRIAN HEIDEMANN
  • Patent number: 10557383
    Abstract: Cam phasing systems and methods are provided. In particular, a cam phasing system is provided that includes a reduced number of components when compared to current mechanical cam phasing systems. The cam phasing system includes a helix locking design that is configured to frictionally lock a helix rod during cam torque pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak, Brian Heidemann
  • Publication number: 20190234250
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: AUSTIN SCHMITT, BRIAN HEIDEMANN, DEAN WARDLE, ALLEN TEWES, MICHAEL KUJAK
  • Patent number: 10344631
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Brian Heidemann, Dean Wardle, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak
  • Publication number: 20190186557
    Abstract: Systems and method for a two-way clutch are provided. In some configurations, the two-way clutch includes a driven member having a first mating surface, a drive member having a second mating surface, and a locking mechanism arranged between the first mating surface and the second mating surface. The locking mechanism is operable to contact the first mating surface and the second mating surface, in response to an outside force applied to the drive member that loads the locking mechanism. The two-way clutch further includes an engaging member. The engaging member provides a predetermined interference on the locking mechanism to hold the locking mechanism off of at least one of the first mating surface and the second mating surface, when the locking mechanism is in an unloaded state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Kujak, Allen Tewes, Austin Schmitt
  • Patent number: 10294830
    Abstract: Systems and methods for varying a rotational relationship between a cam shaft and a crank shaft on an internal combustion engine (i.e., cam phasing) are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided that facilitates a rotary position of a first component to be accurately controlled with a mechanism causing a second component, which can be coupled to the cam shaft or crank shaft, to follow the rotary position of the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Brian Heidemann, Dean Wardle, Allen Tewes, Michael Kujak
  • Patent number: 10174648
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a cam phasing control system are provided. In particular, systems and methods are provided for a cam phasing control system that can be configured to control a first cam phase actuator and a second cam phase actuator and selectively switch the operation thereof between a regenerative mode and an oil pressure actuation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: HUSCO Automotive Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Austin Schmitt, Allen Tewes, Brian Heidemann, Michael Kujak