Patents by Inventor Neil Fuchs
Neil Fuchs 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: 9790824Abstract: A system for actuating one or more engine valves comprises a lost motion assembly including locking elements to selectively lock and unlock a locking mechanism disposed within a valve train such that motions may be likewise selectively applied to, or prevented from being applied to, one or more engine valves. In an embodiment, the locking elements comprise wedges having at least one wedge inclined surface defined according to a cone frustum and configured to engage an outer recess formed in a housing, the outer recess comprising an outer recess inclined surface also defined according to the cone frustum. The device may comprise a locking mechanism disposed within a housing bore in the housing and a snubber also disposed in the housing bore. Furthermore, the outer recess may be configured to permit movement of the locking element along a longitudinal axis of the housing bore.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Justin Baltrucki, G. Michael Gron, Jr., Kevin Audibert, Neil Fuchs
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Patent number: 9739184Abstract: Start-up of an internal combustion engine comprises maintaining one or more engine valves in an engine cylinder in a continuously open state for more than one engine cycle during engine cranking. When it is determined that an engine parameter or transmission oil pressure has reached a predetermined value, maintenance of the one or more engine valves in the continuously open state is discontinued and fuel is subsequently provided to the engine cylinder for engine start-up. In various embodiments, the engine parameter may comprise an engine temperature parameter, an engine pressure parameter or an engine electrical parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Justin Damien Baltrucki, Neil Fuchs, John J. Lester
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Publication number: 20160290186Abstract: Start-up of an internal combustion engine comprises maintaining one or more engine valves in an engine cylinder in a continuously open state for more than one engine cycle during engine cranking. When it is determined that an engine parameter or transmission oil pressure has reached a predetermined value, maintenance of the one or more engine valves in the continuously open state is discontinued and fuel is subsequently provided to the engine cylinder for engine start-up. In various embodiments, the engine parameter may comprise an engine temperature parameter, an engine pressure parameter or an engine electrical parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2016Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Justin Damien BALTRUCKI, Neil FUCHS, John J. LESTER
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Patent number: 9410455Abstract: Engine valve actuation systems and methods used to decompress an engine cylinder during engine start-up, shut-down, and for bleeder braking are disclosed. An exemplary system may include a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a rocker shaft, and a structure mounted adjacent to the rocker arm in a fixed position relative to the rocker arm. A latch piston may be slidably disposed between the rocker arm and the structure. The latch piston may be selectively extended to engage both the rocker arm and structure to limit the pivotal motion of the rocker arm and maintain the engine valves in an open condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Justin Damien Baltrucki, Neil Fuchs, John J. Lester
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Patent number: 9068478Abstract: An apparatus for actuating first and second engine valves comprises a rocker arm that receives motion from primary and auxiliary valve actuation motion sources at a motion receiving end of the rocker arm. A master piston residing in a master piston bore in the rocker arm is configured to received motion from the auxiliary valve actuation motion source. A slave piston residing in a slave piston bore in the rocker arm is configured to provide auxiliary valve actuation motion to the first engine valve. A hydraulic circuit is provided in the rocker arm connecting the master piston bore and the slave piston bore, and a check valve is disposed within the rocker arm, configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic circuit. The apparatus may be incorporated into a system comprising a rocker arm shaft and the primary and secondary valve actuation motion sources, such as an internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Roberts, Neil Fuchs, Justin Baltrucki
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Publication number: 20140326212Abstract: A system for actuating one or more engine valves comprises a lost motion assembly including locking elements to selectively lock and unlock a locking mechanism disposed within a valve train such that motions may be likewise selectively applied to, or prevented from being applied to, one or more engine valves. In an embodiment, the locking elements comprise wedges having at least one wedge inclined surface defined according to a cone frustum and configured to engage an outer recess formed in a housing, the outer recess comprising an outer recess inclined surface also defined according to the cone frustum. The device may comprise a locking mechanism disposed within a housing bore in the housing and a snubber also disposed in the housing bore. Furthermore, the outer recess may be configured to permit movement of the locking element along a longitudinal axis of the housing bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Justin BALTRUCKI, G. Michael GRON, JR., Kevin AUDIBERT, Neil FUCHS
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Publication number: 20140238015Abstract: An apparatus for actuating first and second engine valves comprises a rocker arm that receives motion from primary and auxiliary valve actuation motion sources at a motion receiving end of the rocker arm. A master piston residing in a master piston bore in the rocker arm is configured to received motion from the auxiliary valve actuation motion source. A slave piston residing in a slave piston bore in the rocker arm is configured to provide auxiliary valve actuation motion to the first engine valve. A hydraulic circuit is provided in the rocker arm connecting the master piston bore and the slave piston bore, and a check valve is disposed within the rocker arm, configured to supply hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic circuit. The apparatus may be incorporated into a system comprising a rocker arm shaft and the primary and secondary valve actuation motion sources, such as an internal combustion engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gabriel Roberts, Neil Fuchs, Justin Baltrucki
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Publication number: 20140182539Abstract: Engine valve actuation systems and methods used to decompress an engine cylinder during engine start-up, shut-down, and for bleeder braking are disclosed. An exemplary system may include a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a rocker shaft, and a structure mounted adjacent to the rocker arm in a fixed position relative to the rocker arm. A latch piston may be slidably disposed between the rocker arm and the structure. The latch piston may be selectively extended to engage both the rocker arm and structure to limit the pivotal motion of the rocker arm and maintain the engine valves in an open condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: G. Michael Gron, JR., Justin Damien Baltrucki, Neil Fuchs, John J. Lester
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Patent number: 8578901Abstract: A system and method of actuating one or more engine valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a shaft and adapted to rotate between a first position and a second position, the rocker arm selectively receiving motion from the valve train element; a valve bridge disposed above the one or more engine valves; and a lost motion system disposed in the valve bridge.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Ruggiero, Neil Fuchs, Zhou Yang, Robb Janak
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Patent number: 8453613Abstract: A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system comprises: a housing having a bore formed therein; an outer piston slidably disposed in the bore, the outer piston having an orifice formed therein; a catch piston slidably disposed in the outer piston; and an cone-shaped extension extending from the inner piston, wherein the cone-shaped extension is adapted to provide a variable flow area through the outer piston orifice to provide improved engine valve seating.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2006Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Zhou Yang, Ryan C Noss, Brian Ruggiero, John A. Schwoerer, Neil Fuchs
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Publication number: 20110132298Abstract: A system and method of actuating one or more engine valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a shaft and adapted to rotate between a first position and a second position, the rocker arm selectively receiving motion from the valve train element; a valve bridge disposed above the one or more engine valves; and a lost motion system disposed in the valve bridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: BRIAN RUGGIERO, Neil Fuchs, Zhou Yang, Robb Janak
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Patent number: 7905208Abstract: A system and method of actuating one or more engine valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a shaft and adapted to rotate between a first position and a second position, the rocker arm selectively receiving motion from the valve train element; a valve bridge disposed above the one or more engine valves; and a lost motion system disposed in the valve bridge.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Brian Ruggiero, Neil Fuchs, Zhou Yang, Robb Janak
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Patent number: 7555998Abstract: Systems and methods for hydraulic and/or variable valve actuation of engine valves are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may include a hydraulic valve actuation system operatively connected to an engine valve. First and second control valves may be operatively connected to the hydraulic valve actuation system and adapted to selectively release hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic valve actuation system independent of one another. The first control valve is preferably a solenoid actuated trigger valve and the second control valve is preferably a mechanically or hydraulically actuated valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Zhou Yang, Andrew Brzoska, Brian Ruggiero, David B Smith, James Judd, Neil Fuchs, Michael Dailey
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Publication number: 20070125327Abstract: Systems and methods for hydraulic and/or variable valve actuation of engine valves are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention may include a hydraulic valve actuation system operatively connected to an engine valve. First and second control valves may be operatively connected to the hydraulic valve actuation system and adapted to selectively release hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic valve actuation system independent of one another. The first control valve is preferably a solenoid actuated trigger valve and the second control valve is preferably a mechanically or hydraulically actuated valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2005Publication date: June 7, 2007Inventors: Zhou Yang, Andrew Brzoska, Brian Ruggiero, David Smith, James Judd, Neil Fuchs, Michael Dailey
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Publication number: 20060273271Abstract: A variable valve actuation system to actuate and control the seating velocity of an internal combustion engine valve is disclosed. The system comprises: a housing having a bore formed therein; an outer piston slidably disposed in the bore, the outer piston having an orifice formed therein; a catch piston slidably disposed in the outer piston; and an cone-shaped extension extending from the inner piston, wherein the cone-shaped extension is adapted to provide a variable flow area through the outer piston orifice to provide improved engine valve seating.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2006Publication date: December 7, 2006Inventors: Zhou Yang, Ryan Noss, Brian Ruggiero, John Schwoerer, Neil Fuchs
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Patent number: 7066159Abstract: A system and method for actuating one or more engine valves to produce an engine valve event is disclosed. The system may comprise: a housing; an accumulator disposed in the housing having a first open end and a second open end; a master piston slidably disposed in a first bore formed in the housing; a valve train element(s) for imparting motion to the master piston; and a slave piston slidably disposed in a second bore formed in the housing, the slave piston in fluid communication with the master piston through a high pressure hydraulic passage, wherein the first open end and the second open end of the accumulator are in communication with the high pressure hydraulic passage to selectively modify the imparted motion.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventors: Brian Ruggiero, Zhou Yang, Neil Fuchs, Robb Janak, Shengqiang Huang
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Publication number: 20050252484Abstract: Lost motion systems and methods for providing engine valves with variable valve actuation for engine valve events are disclosed. The system may include a master piston hydraulically linked to a slave piston, and a dedicated cam operatively connected to the master piston. The slave piston may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the master piston in a common housing. The slave piston is adapted to actuate one or more engine valves. The slave piston may incorporate an optional valve seating assembly into its upper end. A trigger valve may be operatively connected to the master-slave hydraulic circuit to selectively release and add hydraulic fluid to the circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2005Publication date: November 17, 2005Inventors: Richard Vanderpoel, Zhou Yang, Andrew Brzoska, Brian Ruggiero, David Smith, James Judd, Neil Fuchs, Michael Dailey, Steven Ernest
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Publication number: 20050211206Abstract: A system and method of actuating one or more engine valves is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises: a valve train element; a rocker arm pivotally mounted on a shaft and adapted to rotate between a first position and a second position, the rocker arm selectively receiving motion from the valve train element; a valve bridge disposed above the one or more engine valves; and a lost motion system disposed in the valve bridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2005Publication date: September 29, 2005Inventors: Brian Ruggiero, Neil Fuchs, Zhou Yang, Robb Janak
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Publication number: 20050188966Abstract: A system and method for actuating one or more engine valves to produce an engine valve event is disclosed. The system may comprise: a housing; an accumulator disposed in the housing having a first open end and a second open end; a master piston slidably disposed in a first bore formed in the housing; a valve train element(s) for imparting motion to the master piston; and a slave piston slidably disposed in a second bore formed in the housing, the slave piston in fluid communication with the master piston through a high pressure hydraulic passage, wherein the first open end and the second open end of the accumulator are in communication with the high pressure hydraulic passage to selectively modify the imparted motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2005Publication date: September 1, 2005Inventors: Brian Ruggiero, Zhou Yang, Neil Fuchs, Robb Janak, Shengqiang Huang
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Patent number: 6868824Abstract: A gas recirculation system is disclosed for improving engine braking in an internal combustion engine having an intake valve, an exhaust valve, and a cylinder. The system includes an exhaust manifold operatively connected to the cylinder through the exhaust valve; an intake manifold operatively connected to the cylinder through the intake valve; and a gas recirculation passage adapted to recirculate gas from the exhaust manifold to the intake manifold during an engine braking event.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc.Inventors: Zhou Yang, Robb Janak, Neil Fuchs