Patents by Inventor Robert E. Scharfenberg

Robert E. Scharfenberg 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: 8388322
    Abstract: A fuel pump for deployment in a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprises a 3-phase brushless direct current motor, a sling vane impeller with blade-shaped sling vanes, sensorless electronic motor drive and an electronic controller. The controller is adapted to receive analog or pulse-width modulation inputs to control pump speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Patent number: 7810470
    Abstract: A return-flow electronic fuel pressure regulator for a fuel-injected engine fuel system is plumbed to the fuel rail and return line of the fuel system. The regulator includes a fill chamber connected to the fuel rail, a return chamber connected to the return line and a return reservoir disposed between the fill chamber and return chamber. Fuel flow from the fill chamber to the return reservoir is regulated via a diaphragm valve assembly. Fuel flow from the return reservoir to the return chamber is subject to restriction by an adjustable valve. Integral comparative pressure sensing means measures the fuel pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber. An electronic control module, preferably programmed to maintain a constant pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber, receives a signal from the pressure sensing means and outputs a power supply signal to the fuel pump to control pump speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Patent number: 7774125
    Abstract: A programmable fuel pump control for a fuel system includes integral sensors, an expansible fill chamber and a return chamber. The control can be used in either a return-style of returnless fuel system. The expansible fill chamber is in fluid communication with the fuel rail. A restrictable fuel passage connects the fill chamber to a return chamber that in a return-style fuel system can be optionally connected to a return line. The control includes an integral pressure transducer measuring fuel pressure relative to intake manifold pressure and one or more adjunct sensors that allow real time control of a fuel pump speed, and therefore fuel pressure, as a function of engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Publication number: 20100036585
    Abstract: A programmable fuel pump control for a fuel system includes integral sensors, an expansible fill chamber and a return chamber. The control can be used in either a return-style of returnless fuel system. The expansible fill chamber is in fluid communication with the fuel rail. A restrictable fuel passage connects the fill chamber to a return chamber that in a return-style fuel system can be optionally connected to a return line. The control includes an integral pressure transducer measuring fuel pressure relative to intake manifold pressure and one or more adjunct sensors that allow real time control of a fuel pump speed, and therefore fuel pressure, as a function of engine performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Publication number: 20100036584
    Abstract: A return-flow electronic fuel pressure regulator for a fuel-injected engine fuel system is plumbed to the fuel rail and return line of the fuel system. The regulator includes a fill chamber connected to the fuel rail, a return chamber connected to the return line and a return reservoir disposed between the fill chamber and return chamber. Fuel flow from the fill chamber to the return reservoir is regulated via a diaphragm valve assembly. Fuel flow from the return reservoir to the return chamber is subject to restriction by an adjustable valve. Integral comparative pressure sensing means measures the fuel pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber. An electronic control module, preferably programmed to maintain a constant pressure drop between the return reservoir and return chamber, receives a signal from the pressure sensing means and outputs a power supply signal to the fuel pump to control pump speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Publication number: 20090107470
    Abstract: A fuel pump for deployment in a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprises a 3-phase brushless direct current motor, a sling vane impeller with blade-shaped sling vanes, sensorless electronic motor drive and an electronic controller. The controller is adapted to receive analog or pulse-width modulation inputs to control pump speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Fluid Control Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Scharfenberg
  • Patent number: 6371445
    Abstract: A pressure release valve which is simple, compact, and easy to assemble for small applications, such as may be found in a flow control device on an oxygen container. A poppet of the valve has a resilient compressible cone providing spring-like characteristics to the poppet, eliminating any requirement for a separate spring, so that the pressure release valve is springless. A stem of the poppet carries a button manual actuation of the poppet. The cone resides in a slightly compressed state within a valve chamber, and the stem is loosely fitted inside the bore of a threaded insert. The poppet is normally seated in a sealing relationship with the insert. Pressing the button shifts the poppet toward an inner valve chamber, compressing the cone further, and allowing the release of gas about the stem. The resilient cone restores the sealing relationship upon button release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Essex Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gaupongse G. Supattanasiri, Robert E. Scharfenberg