Patents by Inventor Michael P. Harmon
Michael P. Harmon 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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Patent number: 9010209Abstract: A gear assembly including a main gear including a first hub, a first gear ring positioned about the first hub, and a first helically splined region. The gear assembly further includes a sub-gear co-axially disposed relative to the main gear with a resilient member disposed therebetween. The sub-gear including a second hub, a second gear ring positioned about the second hub, and a second helically splined region complementary to the first helically splined region.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Murphy, Anthony K. Chan, Michael P. Harmon
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Patent number: 8695455Abstract: A transmission system includes a crankshaft having an outer surface with a plurality of splines and a hub having an inner surface with a plurality of splines. The hub is mounted on the crankshaft such that the plurality of splines on the inner surface of the hub meshes with the plurality of splines on the outer surface of the crankshaft. The transmission system further includes a flywheel mounted to the hub.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Travis T. Petry-Johnson, Franklin J. Struwe, Michael P. Harmon
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Publication number: 20130228029Abstract: A gear assembly including a main gear including a first hub, a first gear ring positioned about the first hub, and a first helically splined region. The gear assembly further includes a sub-gear co-axially disposed relative to the main gear with a resilient member disposed therebetween. The sub-gear including a second hub, a second gear ring positioned about the second hub, and a second helically splined region complementary to the first helically splined region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Murphy, Anthony K. Chan, Michael P. Harmon
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Publication number: 20120152048Abstract: A transmission system disclosed herein includes a crankshaft having an outer surface with a plurality of splines and a hub having an inner surface with a plurality of splines. The hub is mounted on the crankshaft such that the plurality of splines on the inner surface of the hub meshes with the plurality of splines on the outer surface of the crankshaft. The transmission system further includes a flywheel mounted to the hub.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Travis T. Petry-Johnson, Franklin J. Struwe, Michael P. Harmon
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Patent number: 8074611Abstract: A thermostat assembly for a combustion engine having at least one cylinder is disclosed. The assembly has a cylinder head configured to cap off the at least one cylinder, the cylinder head having a recess fluidly connected to a coolant passage of the combustion engine. The assembly also has a thermostat located completely within the recess.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: William L. Schell, Paul F. Olsen, Michael P. Harmon, Geary W. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 7650863Abstract: A valve actuation system for a combustion engine is provided. The valve actuation system may have an engine valve movable between first and second spaced apart end positions. The valve actuation system may also have a first cam element mechanically coupled to move the engine valve, and a first hydraulic slave piston operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve independent of movement of the first cam element. The valve actuation system may further have a high pressure rail fluidly connected to the first hydraulic piston, and a control valve disposed between the high pressure rail and the first hydraulic piston to regulate movement of the engine valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Bond, Steven J. Funke, Michael P. Harmon
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Patent number: 7594485Abstract: A valve actuation system for an engine is provided. The valve actuation system can include two or more engine cylinders, each cylinder having at least one intake valve configured to control air-flow into each of the two or more cylinders and at least one exhaust valve configured to control the flow of exhaust gases out of each of the two or more cylinders. The at least one first cylinder includes an exhaust cam lobe configured to control the valve timing of an exhaust valve of the at least one first cylinder and to cause an exhaust valve of a second cylinder to open during an expansion stroke of the second cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Michael P. Harmon
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Patent number: 7520257Abstract: A cylinder head of an engine is disclosed, the cylinder head including an upper deck, a lower deck, and a sidewall extending between the upper deck and the lower deck. The lower deck defines a block-engaging portion and a combustion chamber flame deck. The combustion chamber flame deck is spaced apart from the block-engaging portion. An engine is also disclosed that includes a cylinder block having a cylinder bore, and a piston slidably positioned within the cylinder bore. The engine also includes a cylinder head having a lower deck connected to the cylinder block, the lower deck defining a block-engaging portion and a combustion chamber flame deck. The combustion chamber flame deck is spaced apart from the block-engaging portion by a recess.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Adams, Scott Beatty, James William Brogdon, Michael P. Harmon, Humphrey Niven, James D. Peltier
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Publication number: 20090084331Abstract: A thermostat assembly for a combustion engine having at least one cylinder is disclosed. The assembly has a cylinder head configured to cap off the at least one cylinder, the cylinder head having a recess fluidly connected to a coolant passage of the combustion engine. The assembly also has a thermostat located completely within the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventors: William L. Schell, Paul F. Olsen, Michael P. Harmon, Geary W. Smith, JR.
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Patent number: 7481048Abstract: A regeneration assembly includes a first portion including a combustion chamber connected to a combustor head. The regeneration assembly also includes a second portion including a housing. The first portion is removably connectable to the second portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Harmon, Cho Y. Liang, Gregory J. Kaufmann, Mari Lou Balmer-Millar
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Publication number: 20080149053Abstract: A valve actuation system for an engine is provided. The valve actuation system can include two or more engine cylinders, each cylinder having at least one intake valve configured to control air-flow into each of the two or more cylinders and at least one exhaust valve configured to control the flow of exhaust gases out of each of the two or more cylinders. The at least one first cylinder includes an exhaust cam lobe configured to control the valve timing of an exhaust valve of the at least one first cylinder and to cause an exhaust valve of a second cylinder to open during an expansion stroke of the second cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2006Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Michael P. Harmon
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Publication number: 20080127920Abstract: A valve actuation system for a combustion engine is provided. The valve actuation system may have an engine valve movable between first and second spaced apart end positions. The valve actuation system may also have a first cam element mechanically coupled to move the engine valve, and a first hydraulic slave piston operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve independent of movement of the first cam element. The valve actuation system may further have a high pressure rail fluidly connected to the first hydraulic piston, and a control valve disposed between the high pressure rail and the first hydraulic piston to regulate movement of the engine valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Michael S. Bond, Steven J. Funke, Michael P. Harmon
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Publication number: 20070228191Abstract: A fluid-injecting system includes a nozzle assembly which includes a housing defining an outlet cooling passage, an outlet control passage, at least one inlet supply passageway, and an injection orifice. The nozzle assembly also includes a shaft disposed within the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position. The fluid-injecting system further includes a first valve in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly configured to regulate the supply of a fluid through the at least one inlet passageway and a second valve in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly to regulate a flow of fluid through the outlet passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: October 4, 2007Inventors: Michael P. Harmon, Cho Y. Liang
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Patent number: 6971366Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Funke, Michael P. Harmon, Scott A. Leman, Matthew G. Mickiewicz
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Patent number: 6814044Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping oil in a machine. The apparatus and method includes a first gear drivably connected to the machine, a second gear connected to the machine such that a set of teeth located on the first gear engage a set of teeth located on the second gear, an oil inlet port located near the teeth of the first gear slightly before a point of engagement of the teeth of the first and second gears, and an oil outlet port located at the point of engagement of the teeth of the first and second gears.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Christopher M. Elliott, Michael P. Harmon, Aaron J. Weber
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Publication number: 20040107940Abstract: An apparatus and method for pumping oil in a machine. The apparatus and method includes a first gear drivably connected to the machine, a second gear connected to the machine such that a set of teeth located on the first gear engage a set of teeth located on the second gear, an oil inlet port located near the teeth of the first gear slightly before a point of engagement of the teeth of the first and second gears, and an oil outlet port located at the point of engagement of the teeth of the first and second gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Christopher M. Elliott, Michael P. Harmon, Aaron J. Weber
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Patent number: 6659092Abstract: A bypass venturi assembly for recirculating exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine, and particularly suitable for use in a vehicle, is provided with a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. A center piece is positioned within the housing and in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. An annular venturi nozzle positioned between the housing and the center piece is in communication with the combustion air inlet and defines a combustion air venturi section. The venturi nozzle is in communication with the exhaust gas inlet and defines an exhaust gas venturi section. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. An exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet. The venturi nozzle is separate from the housing and allows a nozzle with a particular configuration to be utilized, depending upon the application.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Dennis D. Feucht, Michael P. Harmon, David A. Pierpont, Matthew D. Rampenthal
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Patent number: 6640542Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with a combustion air supply and an exhaust manifold. A bypass venturi assembly includes a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. A center piece is positioned within the housing and is in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. An exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet. A single shaft is coupled with and carries each of the combustion air bypass valve and the exhaust gas valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Dennis D. Feucht, Michael P. Harmon, David A. Pierpont, Matthew D. Rampenthal
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Patent number: 6609373Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with an exhaust manifold, a turbocharger, and a bypass venturi assembly. The turbocharger includes a turbine and a compressor, with the turbine having a variable geometry inlet coupled with the exhaust manifold, and the compressor having an outlet. The bypass venturi assembly includes a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. The combustion air inlet is coupled with the compressor outlet. The exhaust gas inlet is coupled with the exhaust manifold. A center piece is positioned within the housing and is in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. The exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Gerald N. Coleman, David A. Pierpont, Dennis D. Feucht, Matthew D. Rampenthal, Michael P. Harmon
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Publication number: 20030115874Abstract: An internal combustion engine, particularly suitable for use in a work machine, is provided with a combustion air supply and an exhaust manifold. A bypass venturi assembly includes a housing having an outlet, a combustion air inlet and an exhaust gas inlet. A center piece is positioned within the housing and is in communication with the combustion air inlet. The center piece defines a combustion air bypass section therein. A combustion air bypass valve is positioned in association with the combustion air bypass section. An exhaust gas valve is positioned in association with the exhaust gas inlet. A single shaft is coupled with and carries each of the combustion air bypass valve and the exhaust gas valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventors: Gerald N. Coleman, Dennis D. Feucht, Michael P. Harmon, David A. Pierpont, Matthew D. Rampenthal