Patents by Inventor Robb Janak
Robb Janak 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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Publication number: 20240125253Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Bruce A. SWANBON, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Robb JANAK, G. Michael GRON, JR., John MANDELL, Marc B. SILVA, Tyler HINES, Matei ALEXANDRU, Austen P. METSACK, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, P. Douglas AUBIN, Nathaniel P. HASSALL, John Jerl PURCELL, III, Adam C. CECIL, David M. BARNES
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Patent number: 11401838Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2021Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Jacob Moore, Justin D. Baltrucki, Eric J. Hodgkinson, Timothy P. Neal, Bruce A. Swanbon, Robb Janak, Matei Alexandru
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Publication number: 20220178279Abstract: A system for controlling actuation of an engine valve comprises a pivot and a torsion spring having first and second legs operatively connected to the pivot. A lever arm is adjustably affixed to and extending away from the pivot, and is further rotatable about a pivot axis of the pivot between a retracted position and an extended position and vice versa relative to a motion conveying component. Furthermore, a housing is provided having a pivot bore formed therein with the pivot rotatably disposed in the pivot bore. The housing further comprises a first and second openings intersecting with the pivot bore such that the first and second legs extend out of the first opening and the lever arm extends out of the second opening. When a first force is applied by the motion conveying component to the lever arm, such first force maintains the lever arm in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2021Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Jacob MOORE, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Eric J. HODGKINSON, Timothy P. NEAL, Bruce A. SWANBON, Robb JANAK, Matei ALEXANDRU
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Patent number: 11300014Abstract: A switching finger follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The finger follower may be configured as a lost motion device and may include a biasing assembly and a travel limiter. The latch may support the lever in at least one precise position and may support the lever in a second position for partial lost motion, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2021Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Mandell, Justin D. Baltrucki, Gabriel S. Roberts, Robb Janak
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Patent number: 11208921Abstract: A switching finger may operate in two or three states or positions and cooperate with a single motion source to achieve methods of operating an engine in corresponding two or three modes. The modes may include cylinder deactivation, main event or auxiliary modes, including lost motion braking, LIVC and EEVO. A follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The latch may support the lever in one or more precise positions, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: John Mandell, Gabriel S. Roberts, Robb Janak
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Publication number: 20210340886Abstract: A switching finger follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The finger follower may be configured as a lost motion device and may include a biasing assembly and a travel limiter. The latch may support the lever in at least one precise position and may support the lever in a second position for partial lost motion, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2021Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: John MANDELL, Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Robb JANAK
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Patent number: 11162438Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling valves in valve actuation systems in internal combustion engines systems may be particularly suitable for sequencing valve motion in engine environments that combine cylinder deactivation and high-power density (HPD) engine braking. A main event motion system is configured to produce main event motion in one or more valve sets. An engine braking system produces engine braking motion and a cylinder deactivation system selectively deactivates main event motion of the intake and exhaust valves the valve set. A blocking system selectively prevents the cylinder deactivation system from deactivating main event motion of at least one intake valve during the engine braking operation. Thus, main event intake valve motions may be available for braking operations, such as HPD braking where main event intake valve motion may be used to enhance CR braking. One actuator can control deactivation of paired intake and exhaust main event motion.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2021Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Justin D. Baltrucki, Robb Janak
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Publication number: 20210310425Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling valves in valve actuation systems in internal combustion engines systems may be particularly suitable for sequencing valve motion in engine environments that combine cylinder deactivation and high-power density (HPD) engine braking. A main event motion system is configured to produce main event motion in one or more valve sets. An engine braking system produces engine braking motion and a cylinder deactivation system selectively deactivates main event motion of the intake and exhaust valves the valve set. A blocking system selectively prevents the cylinder deactivation system from deactivating main event motion of at least one intake valve during the engine braking operation. Thus, main event intake valve motions may be available for braking operations, such as HPD braking where main event intake valve motion may be used to enhance CR braking. One actuator can control deactivation of paired intake and exhaust main event motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Inventors: Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Robb JANAK
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Patent number: 10883392Abstract: A valve bridge system comprises a valve bridge configured to extend between at least two engine valves of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, a valve bridge guide is operatively connected to the valve bridge and configured to extend between at least two valve springs respectively corresponding to the at least two engine valves, the valve bridge guide defining a surface conforming to a valve spring of the at least two valve springs. In another embodiment, the valve bridge guide may comprise at least a first member maintained in a first fixed position relative to and at a predetermined distance from the valve bridge. In both embodiments, the valve bridge guide is configured to avoid contact with the valve bridge in a controlled state, but to permit contact with valve bridge to resist uncontrolled movement of the valve bridge.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: G. Michael Gron, Jr., Justin D. Baltrucki, Peter Popadiuc, Robb Janak, Jared Annis
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Publication number: 20200291826Abstract: A switching finger may operate in two or three states or positions and cooperate with a single motion source to achieve methods of operating an engine in corresponding two or three modes. The modes may include cylinder deactivation, main event or auxiliary modes, including lost motion braking, LIVC and EEVO. A follower for an engine valve train utilizes an adjustable support assembly that eliminates potential for partial engagement during operation. A lever engagement member or latch is disposed for movement on the follower body and interacts with a lever to provide a constant contact geometry. The latch may support the lever in one or more precise positions, or permit the lever to pivot free of the latch for complete lost motion, as in cylinder deactivation applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2020Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: John MANDELL, Gabriel S. ROBERTS, Robb JANAK
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Publication number: 20200141287Abstract: A valve bridge system comprises a valve bridge configured to extend between at least two engine valves of an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, a valve bridge guide is operatively connected to the valve bridge and configured to extend between at least two valve springs respectively corresponding to the at least two engine valves, the valve bridge guide defining a surface conforming to a valve spring of the at least two valve springs. In another embodiment, the valve bridge guide may comprise at least a first member maintained in a first fixed position relative to and at a predetermined distance from the valve bridge. In both embodiments, the valve bridge guide is configured to avoid contact with the valve bridge in a controlled state, but to permit contact with valve bridge to resist uncontrolled movement of the valve bridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: G. Michael GRON, JR., Justin D. BALTRUCKI, Peter POPADIUC, Robb JANAK, Jarad ANNIS
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Patent number: 9347383Abstract: A third motion transfer mechanism transfers valve actuation motion from a second motion source to a first engine valve. A motion decoupler is configured to selectively discontinue the transfer of motion from a first motion transfer mechanism to the first engine valve. Furthermore, a reset mechanism is configured to selectively discontinue, based on operation of a second motion transfer mechanism, the transfer of motion from the third motion transfer mechanism to the first engine valve. The third motion transfer mechanism may comprise a master piston and a slave piston in fluid communication with each other via a hydraulic circuit, the master piston being configured to receive motion from the second motion source and the slave piston being configured to transfer motion to the first engine valve.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Robb Janak, G. Michael Gron, Jr.
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Publication number: 20140238324Abstract: A third motion transfer mechanism transfers valve actuation motion from a second motion source to a first engine valve. A motion decoupler is configured to selectively discontinue the transfer of motion from a first motion transfer mechanism to the first engine valve. Furthermore, a reset mechanism is configured to selectively discontinue, based on operation of a second motion transfer mechanism, the transfer of motion from the third motion transfer mechanism to the first engine valve. The third motion transfer mechanism may comprise a master piston and a slave piston in fluid communication with each other via a hydraulic circuit, the master piston being configured to receive motion from the second motion source and the slave piston being configured to transfer motion to the first engine valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robb JANAK, G. Michael GRON, JR.
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Publication number: 20140109848Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating engine valves are disclosed. The systems may include primary and auxiliary rocker arms disposed adjacent to each other on a rocker arm shaft. The primary rocker arm may actuate engine valves for primary valve actuation motions, such as main exhaust events, in response to an input from a first valve train element, such as a cam. The auxiliary rocker arm may receive one or more auxiliary valve actuation motions, such as for engine braking, exhaust gas recirculation, and/or brake gas recirculation events, from a second valve train element to actuate one of the engine valves. Master and slave pistons may be provided in the primary rocker arm. The master piston may be actuated by the auxiliary rocker arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Inventors: Robb Janak, Brian Ruggiero, Zdenek S. Meistrick
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Patent number: 8627791Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating engine valves are disclosed. The systems may include primary and auxiliary rocker arms disposed adjacent to each other on a rocker arm shaft. The primary rocker arm may actuate engine valves for primary valve actuation motions, such as main exhaust events, in response to an input from a first valve train element, such as a cam. The auxiliary rocker arm may receive one or more auxiliary valve actuation motions, such as for engine braking, exhaust gas recirculation, and/or brake gas recirculation events, from a second valve train element to actuate one of the engine valves. Master and slave pistons may be provided in the primary rocker arm. The master piston may be actuated by the auxiliary rocker arm.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robb Janak, Brian Ruggiero, Zdenek S. Meistrick
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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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Publication number: 20120298057Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating engine valves are disclosed. The systems may include primary and auxiliary rocker arms disposed adjacent to each other on a rocker arm shaft. The primary rocker arm may actuate engine valves for primary valve actuation motions, such as main exhaust events, in response to an input from a first valve train element, such as a cam. The auxiliary rocker arm may receive one or more auxiliary valve actuation motions, such as for engine braking, exhaust gas recirculation, and/or brake gas recirculation events, from a second valve train element to actuate one of the engine valves. Master and slave pistons may be provided in the primary rocker arm. The master piston may be actuated by the auxiliary rocker arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robb Janak, Brian Ruggiero, Zdenek S. Meistrick
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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: 7793624Abstract: Apparatus and methods for hydraulic valve actuation of engine valves are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a lost motion piston assembly that transfers motion between first and second rocker arms to selectively provide auxiliary engine valve actuation motions to the engine valves for engine operations such as engine braking and exhaust gas recirculation. The lost motion piston assembly may reduce or eliminate transient loads that may otherwise be transmitted to engine valve train elements during the times that lost motions systems are turned on and off for auxiliary valve actuations.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robb Janak, Brian L. Ruggiero, Jonathan W. Prusak