Patents by Inventor Ralph B. Henson

Ralph B. Henson 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: 4327694
    Abstract: In fuel injectors of the type which include a rotating plunger (12) having a double helix, or "double scroll", control edges (62, 64), a control edge configuration is disclosed which improves the starting characteristics of certain internal combustion engines. A starting groove (76) and a starting projection (78) are provided in the control edges (62, 64) which simultaneously greatly increase the amount of fuel injected into the combustion space and retard engine timing. Also provided is a control mechanism (92-96) which prevents the injectors from accidently or intentionally rotating to the start position when the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1982
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Ralph B. Henson, James L. Martin
  • Patent number: 4126997
    Abstract: An engine comprises a pump adapted to communicate lubricating oil from the crank case thereof to a directional control valve. Upon engine start-up, the valve is conditioned to communicate oil through a filter and to a first manifold which, in turn, communicates with the crankshaft and rod bearings of the engine. Simultaneously therewith, cooled but unfiltered oil is communicated directly to bearings rotatably mounting a shaft in a turbocharger, mounted on the engine. After start-up, the valve will shift to further communicate unfiltered oil directly to a second manifold which, in turn, communicates with a plurality of jets for the purpose of cooling the pistons employed in the engine. The shifted valve will further function to permit communication of oil through the filter to the bearings of the turbocharger and to the crankshaft and rod bearings of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1977
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Ralph B. Henson
  • Patent number: 4089234
    Abstract: A reciprocating member and a retainer cooperate to limit rotation of the reciprocating member in a bore. Grooves in the reciprocating member cooperate with corresponding portions of a retainer to guide the reciprocating member and limit rotation of the member in the bore due to the compressive engagement of a portion of the retainer by the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventors: Ralph B. Henson, Noel D. Wiggins
  • Patent number: 4058981
    Abstract: An engine comprises a pump adapted to communicate lubricating oil from the crank case thereof to a directional control valve. Upon engine start-up, the valve is conditioned to communicate oil through a filter and to a first manifold which, in turn, communicates with the crankshaft and rod bearings of the engine. Simultaneously therewith, cooled but unfiltered oil is communicated directly to bearings rotatably mounting a shaft in a turbocharger, mounted on the engine. After start-up, the valve will shift to further communicate unfiltered oil directly to a second manifold which, in turn, communicates with a plurality of jets for the purpose of cooling the pistons employed in the engine. The shifted valve will further function to permit communication of oil through the filter to the bearings of the turbocharger and to the crankshaft and rod bearings of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1977
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Ralph B. Henson
  • Patent number: 3951118
    Abstract: An engine timing device for adjusting the relative angularity between drive gear and a fuel pump actuating shaft including a coupling member slidably, drivingly connected to a driving member and a driven member operatively associated with the drive gear and fuel pump actuating shaft, respectively, a helical connection linking the coupling member with one of the driving or driven members and an actuating device rotatably mounted on the coupling member and engagable with a housing selectively to move the coupling member axially relative to the one member for adjusting the angular position of the driven member relative to the driving member while the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1976
    Assignee: Caterpillar Tractor Co.
    Inventor: Ralph B. Henson