Patents by Inventor Robert W. Burrahm

Robert W. Burrahm 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: 9926901
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine oil utilization system, comprising one or more oil pumps to receive and discharge engine oil including an engine oil circulation loop comprising a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path receives at least a portion of the oil discharged from the one or more oil pumps and utilizes the oil to lubricate the engine during running operation of the engine. The second flow path receives at least a portion of the oil discharged from the one or more oil pumps and accumulates the oil to start the engine and/or to lubricate the engine during at least one of a pre-starting operation and a starting operation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Robert W. Burrahm, Glenn R. Wendel
  • Publication number: 20170335815
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine oil utilization system, comprising one or more oil pumps to receive and discharge engine oil including an engine oil circulation loop comprising a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path receives at least a portion of the oil discharged from the one or more oil pumps and utilizes the oil to lubricate the engine during running operation of the engine. The second flow path receives at least a portion of the oil discharged from the one or more oil pumps and accumulates the oil to start the engine and/or to lubricate the engine during at least one of a pre-starting operation and a starting operation of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Inventors: Robert W. BURRAHM, Glenn R. WENDEL
  • Patent number: 9206769
    Abstract: A method and system for using an internal combustion engine with dedicated EGR cylinders to provide an adjustable EGR rate to the main (non dedicated) cylinders. The dedicated EGR cylinder(s) are configured to receive fresh air via a fresh air intake or to receive a portion of the mixture of fresh air and EGR gas via the same mixed intake line that delivers intake to the main cylinders. If the dedicated EGR cylinder(s) receive only fresh air, the main cylinder(s) receive EGR at higher EGR rate. If the dedicated EGR cylinder(s) receive only the portion of fresh air and EGR gas, the main cylinder(s) receive EGR at a lower EGR rate. The EGR rate to the main cylinder(s) may be adjusted between these rates in response to operating conditions of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Robert W Burrahm
  • Publication number: 20140196697
    Abstract: A method and system for using an internal combustion engine with dedicated EGR cylinders to provide an adjustable EGR rate to the main (non dedicated) cylinders. The dedicated EGR cylinder(s) are configured to receive fresh air via a fresh air intake or to receive a portion of the mixture of fresh air and EGR gas via the same mixed intake line that delivers intake to the main cylinders. If the dedicated EGR cylinder(s) receive only fresh air, the main cylinder(s) receive EGR at higher EGR rate. If the dedicated EGR cylinder(s) receive only the portion of fresh air and EGR gas, the main cylinder(s) receive EGR at a lower EGR rate. The EGR rate to the main cylinder(s) may be adjusted between these rates in response to operating conditions of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Robert W. Burrahm
  • Patent number: 7578179
    Abstract: A temperature control system and method for use with an exhaust flow simulation system. A typical exhaust flow simulator is a burner-based system, in which exhaust from a combustive burner is exhausted through an exhaust line. A temperature control section divides the exhaust from the burner line into two paths: a cool path and an uncooled (hot) path. The cool path uses a heat exchanger to cool the exhaust. The cool path also has a control valve that controls the relative portions of hot and cool exhaust, which are re-mixed downstream the valve into an exhaust line. Various embodiments have different configurations for the two paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ernest Melvin Krueger, Cynthia Chaffin Webb, Jason T. Miwa, Robert W. Burrahm
  • Publication number: 20080236134
    Abstract: A temperature control system and method for use with an exhaust flow simulation system. A typical exhaust flow simulator is a burner-based system, in which exhaust from a combustive burner is exhausted through an exhaust line. A temperature control section divides the exhaust from the burner line into two paths: a cool path and an uncooled (hot) path. The cool path uses a heat exchanger to cool the exhaust. The cool path also has a control valve that controls the relative portions of hot and cool exhaust, which are re-mixed downstream the valve into an exhaust line. Various embodiments have different configurations for the two paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Ernest M. Krueger, Cynthia Chaffin Webb, Jason T. Miwa, Robert W. Burrahm
  • Patent number: 6227174
    Abstract: An electronically controlled unit injector for internal combustion engine. The unit injector is mounted on a cylinder and has a plunger that extends into the combustion chamber. Fuel flow through the unit injector is accomplished by the plunger, which moves upward into the unit injector in response to upward motion of the piston. This motion displaces fuel and pressurizes a fuel path within the unit injector, including a pressure void at the tip of the needle. The pressurized fuel lifts the needle, which permits fuel to exit through injection spray holes into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: John C. Hedrick, Robert W. Burrahm
  • Patent number: 6062178
    Abstract: A method of operating a two-cycle internal combustion engine under low load conditions. A throttle is placed at the intake air system to reduce air intake into the engine cylinders. A pump is placed in the exhaust system, such that it creates reduced pressure downstream of the exhaust valves. In this manner, when the air intake ports close, the exhaust is evacuated and the air trapped in the cylinder is reduced. This permits fuel to be reduced so that the engine may operate in a low load state without losing combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: David P. Meyers, John C. Hedrick, Gary D. Bourn, John T. Kubesh, Kevin D. Beaty, Robert W. Burrahm
  • Patent number: 5353776
    Abstract: The system for controlling the air/fuel mixture introduced into a lean burn engines includes a fuel/air mixing carburetor that is connected to the intake conduit to the engine and an air by-pass conduit that is also connected to the intake conduit. The main throttle valve is located downstream of the connection between the carburation conduit and the by-pass conduit so that mixing of the carbureted fuel/air mixture with the by-pass air occurs upstream of the main throttle valve. Accordingly, the main throttle valve does not control the air/fuel ratio but rather controls the quantity of fuel being introduced into the engine. The by-pass throttle valve may be controlled by an oxygen sensor in the exhaust system or by a fuel sensor in the intake system, when operating on natural gas, gasoline, hydrogen or alcohol fuel, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Robert W. Burrahm, David P. Meyers
  • Patent number: 5151695
    Abstract: A telemetric measuring device for measuring physical conditions of machinery having a periodically moving part. The device generates its own power with power generator that uses the periodic motion of the machinery to move a reciprocator slug inside a coil, and thereby opening and closing a magnetic circuit and generating a continuous alternating current. This current powers a transmitter that receives output from a multi-channel switch for a number of sensors. The transmitter delivers a radio frequency signal, whose frequency is a function of the condition being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: William L. Rollwitz, Armando De Los Santos, William D. Perry, Robert W. Burrahm, James K. Davis
  • Patent number: 4907544
    Abstract: A two-stroke cycle internal combustion engine without crankcase scavenging is disclosed which is able to operate in a four-stroke mode at cranking and idle speeds. The engine utilizes a turbocharger driven by exhaust gases to recharge the cylinder with fresh air or an air/fuel mixture. An auxiliary inlet valve responsive to pressure within the cylinder enables the engine to operate in a four-stroke mode, thus eliminating the need for an externally driven air pump when the engine is either idling, being started, or under light loads where turbocharger boost is too low to supply sufficient flow of air or an air/fuel mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Robert W. Burrahm