Patents by Inventor Nicholas Badain

Nicholas Badain 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: 9133758
    Abstract: A split-cycle air hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. In an Air Expander and Firing (AEF) mode of the engine, the engine has a residual expansion ratio at XovrE valve closing of 15.7 to 1 or greater, and more preferably in the range of 15.7 to 1 and 40.8 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20140158102
    Abstract: A split-cycle air hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. In an Air Expander and Firing (AEF) mode of the engine, the engine has a residual expansion ratio at XovrE valve closing of 15.7 to 1 or greater, and more preferably in the range of 15.7 to 1 and 40.8 to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8689745
    Abstract: A split-cycle air-hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. The engine is operable in an Air Expander and Firing (AEF) mode. In the AEF mode, the pressure in the air reservoir is greater than or equal to approximately 5 bar absolute, preferably greater than or equal to approximately 7 bar absolute, and more preferably greater than or equal to approximately 10 bar absolute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Scuderi Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8677953
    Abstract: A split-cycle air hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. In an Air Expander and Firing (AEF) mode of the engine, the engine has a residual expansion ratio at XovrE valve closing of 15.7 to 1 or greater, and more preferably in the range of 15.7 to 1 and 40.8 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Scuderi Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Patent number: 8590497
    Abstract: A split-cycle air-hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An exhaust valve selectively controls gas flow out of the expansion cylinder. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve therein. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. In an Air Compressor (AC) mode of the engine, the XovrE valve is kept closed during an entire rotation of the crankshaft, and the exhaust valve is kept open for at least 240 CA degrees of the same rotation of the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Scuderi Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20120255296
    Abstract: Systems and related methods are disclosed that generally involve adjusting the temperature of an air mass to improve the efficiency of an air hybrid engine. In one embodiment, an air management system is provided that includes a heat exchanger, a recuperator, and associated control valves that connect between the air hybrid engine, its exhaust system, and its air tank. The air management system improves the efficiency of the energy transfer to the air tank by compressed air during AC and FC modes and improves the efficiency of the energy transfer from the air tank by compressed air during AE and AEF modes. The improvement in efficiency from the system results in reduced engine and vehicle fuel consumption during driving cycles comprising accelerations, decelerations, and steady-state cruising.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Ford A. Phillips, Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian P. Gilbert, Jean-Pierre Pirault
  • Publication number: 20120192841
    Abstract: Devices and related methods are disclosed that generally involve actuating an engine valve with a cam having a dwell section. These devices and methods have application in split-cycle engines, air hybrid engines, conventional engines, and/or various combinations thereof. Both inwardly- and outwardly-opening valves can be actuated with the devices and methods disclosed herein. Additional valve train elements are disclosed, including rockers, lost-motion systems, and valve seating control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, John Schwoerer, Nicholas Badain, Clive Lacy
  • Publication number: 20110220080
    Abstract: A split-cycle air-hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. In an Engine Firing (EF) mode, the air reservoir valve is kept closed. In an Air Expander (AE) and an Air Expander and Firing (AEF) mode, the air reservoir valve is kept open for a duration that is at least as long as a duration of the XovrE valve opening event. In an Air Compressor (AC) mode and a Firing and Charging (FC) mode, the air reservoir valve is selectively opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20110220081
    Abstract: A split-cycle air-hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir port connects the crossover passage to the air reservoir. An air reservoir valve is disposed in the air reservoir port. The air reservoir port includes a first air reservoir port section between the crossover passage and the air reservoir valve. The first air reservoir port section has a volume that is less than or equal to a volume of the crossover passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20110220076
    Abstract: A split-cycle air hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. In an Air Expander and Firing (AEF) mode of the engine, the engine has a residual expansion ratio at XovrE valve closing of 15.7 to 1 or greater, and more preferably in the range of 15.7 to 1 and 40.8 to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20110220077
    Abstract: A split-cycle air-hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An intake valve selectively controls air flow into the compression cylinder. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and crossover expansion (XovrE) valve therein. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. In a Firing and Charging (FC) mode of the engine, the air reservoir valve is kept closed until the XovrE valve is substantially closed during a single rotation of the crankshaft such that the expansion cylinder is charged with compressed air before the air reservoir is charged with compressed air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20110220075
    Abstract: An engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve disposed therein. In an Engine Firing (EF) mode of the engine, the engine has a residual expansion ratio at XovrE valve closing of 10.0 to 1 or greater, and more preferably 15.7 to 1 or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20110220078
    Abstract: A split-cycle air-hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An intake valve selectively controls air flow into the compression cylinder. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve therein. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. In an Air Expander (AE) mode and an Air Expander and Firing (AEF) mode of the engine, the XovrC valve is kept closed during an entire rotation of the crankshaft, and the intake valve is kept open for at least 240 CA degrees of the same rotation of the crankshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20110220082
    Abstract: A split-cycle air-hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve defining a pressure chamber therebetween. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. The engine is operable in an Air Expander and Firing (AEF) mode. In the AEF mode, the pressure in the air reservoir is greater than or equal to approximately 5 bar absolute, preferably greater than or equal to approximately 7 bar absolute, and more preferably greater than or equal to approximately 10 bar absolute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20110220079
    Abstract: A split-cycle air-hybrid engine includes a rotatable crankshaft. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An exhaust valve selectively controls gas flow out of the expansion cylinder. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover compression (XovrC) valve and a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve therein. An air reservoir is operatively connected to the crossover passage. An air reservoir valve selectively controls air flow into and out of the air reservoir. In an Air Compressor (AC) mode of the engine, the XovrE valve is kept closed during an entire rotation of the crankshaft, and the exhaust valve is kept open for at least 240 CA degrees of the same rotation of the crankshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20110220083
    Abstract: An engine includes a crankshaft rotatable about a crankshaft axis. A compression piston is slidably received within a compression cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. An expansion piston is slidably received within an expansion cylinder and operatively connected to the crankshaft. A crossover passage interconnects the compression and expansion cylinders. The crossover passage includes a crossover expansion (XovrE) valve disposed therein. In at least one of an Engine Firing (EF) mode, an Firing and Charging (FC) mode, and an Air Expander and Firing (AEF) mode of the engine, the timing of the XovrE valve closing is variable to control engine load, and the engine has a residual expansion ratio at XovrE valve closing of 14 to 1 or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Scuderi Group, LLC
    Inventors: Riccardo Meldolesi, Nicholas Badain, Ian Gilbert, Ford Phillips