Patents by Inventor Robert J. Boychuk

Robert J. Boychuk 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: 11988301
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a fuel tank includes a cage having a seat that defines an aperture and a spring latch that holds a poppet in an intermediate-open position, which spaces the poppet from a seat to allow fluid communication through an aperture. A method of operating a valve assembly due to a first-time fueling event is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Bruce McLauchlan, Brian J. O'Neil, Kandice M. Kawala, Robert J. Boychuk
  • Publication number: 20160268030
    Abstract: A method for actuating a solenoid can include, when the solenoid is in the unactuated position: (i) providing a control signal at a first voltage level to the solenoid, and (ii) adjusting the control signal to a second voltage level to actuate the solenoid to the actuated position. The first voltage level can be greater than zero but less than a voltage sufficient to switch the solenoid to the actuated position. When the solenoid is in the actuated position, the control signal can be adjusted to a third voltage level (less than the second voltage level and less than a voltage insufficient to maintain the solenoid in the actuated position) to switch the solenoid to the unactuated position. The control signal can be adjusted to the first voltage level after the solenoid has returned to the unactuated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Robert J. Boychuk, John R. Barla, Brian J. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 9022067
    Abstract: A solenoid valve module includes a first solenoid valve having a first solenoid portion and a first valve body and a second solenoid valve having a second solenoid portion and a second valve body. The first valve body and the second valve body are integrally formed by a solenoid housing. The solenoid valve module is secured to a surface of an engine to provide hydraulic control for an engine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, Robert J. Boychuk
  • Patent number: 8459218
    Abstract: An adjustable-stroke solenoid valve assembly includes supply, control, and exhaust ports, an inner cavity having first and second seats, a solenoid coil, and a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes an armature shifted by the coil. The plunger assembly also includes a stem having a first end adjustably engaged with the armature, and a second end adjustably engaged with a poppet. The plunger assembly additionally includes a first surface that gets pressed against the first seat to block fluid flow to the control port when the coil is de-energized and a second surface that gets pressed against the second seat to facilitate fluid flow to the control port when the coil is energized. Adjustment of the stem's first end relative to the armature and of the poppet on the stem's second end establish a predetermined stroke for the plunger assembly and a predetermined fluid flow rate to the control port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, Robert J. Boychuk, Keith A. Krett
  • Publication number: 20120291727
    Abstract: An adjustable-stroke solenoid valve assembly includes supply, control, and exhaust ports, an inner cavity having first and second seats, a solenoid coil, and a plunger assembly. The plunger assembly includes an armature shifted by the coil. The plunger assembly also includes a stem having a first end adjustably engaged with the armature, and a second end adjustably engaged with a poppet. The plunger assembly additionally includes a first surface that gets pressed against the first seat to block fluid flow to the control port when the coil is de-energized and a second surface that gets pressed against the second seat to facilitate fluid flow to the control port when the coil is energized. Adjustment of the stem's first end relative to the armature and of the poppet on the stem's second end establish a predetermined stroke for the plunger assembly and a predetermined fluid flow rate to the control port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, Robert J. Boychuk, Keith A. Krett
  • Publication number: 20100089347
    Abstract: A solenoid valve module includes a first solenoid valve having a first solenoid portion and a first valve body and a second solenoid valve having a second solenoid portion and a second valve body. The first valve body and the second valve body are integrally formed by a solenoid housing. The solenoid valve module is secured to a surface of an engine to provide hydraulic control for an engine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, Robert J. Boychuk
  • Publication number: 20100019186
    Abstract: An engine valve assembly is provided with a valve housing configured to promote easy fastening and removal of the valve assembly from an engine cover. The housing has a first wall and a side wall that extends therefrom to partially define an interior cavity with a cavity opening opposite the first wall. In some embodiments, the first wall has a generally teardrop-shaped surface. The first wall has a valve opening and a fastener opening that is spaced from and aligned with the valve opening along the first wall. A valve body is supported by the valve housing at least partially within the interior cavity, and may be press-fit therein. The valve housing mounts to the engine cover with the fastener inserted through the fastener opening to extend through the interior cavity and fasten to the engine cover, with the valve body extending into the engine cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, Robert J. Boychuk
  • Patent number: 7004138
    Abstract: A servo-operated rotary vane valve is intended for external assembly through an opening in an engine inlet manifold passage with an integral rib formed therein. Baffling surfaces on the edge of the vane minimize pressure pulse communication over the rib when the valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Keller, Marc H. Sanderson, Kevin Petri, Robert J. Boychuk