Patents by Inventor Sana Mahmood

Sana Mahmood 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: 11859583
    Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector may have an injector body having a fuel inlet and at least one orifice. The fuel injector may also have a first check valve member. The first check valve member may be selectively movable to fluidly block a first flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the at least one orifice. The fuel injector may have a second check valve member. The second check valve member may be selectively movable to fluidly block a second flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the at least one orifice. The fuel injector may also have a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly may be configured to selectively operate either the first check valve or both the first check valve and the second check valve to fluidly connect the fuel inlet and the at least one orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sana Mahmood, Robert M. Campion, Lifeng Wang
  • Patent number: 11840993
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly for a fuel-actuated fuel injector includes an injector body, and an injection control valve assembly. The injector body includes therein a low-pressure fuel passage extending from a clamping face to an armature cavity to convey spent actuating fuel to the armature cavity. The fuel injector assembly also includes a flushing drain formed by the injector body and fluidly connected to at least one of a valve pin bore in the injector body or the armature cavity. The flushing drain forms, together with the low-pressure fuel passage and the armature cavity, a cooling circuit for the spent actuating fuel. The flushing drain extends to a drain opening formed in an outer body surface of the injector body. Related methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Sana Mahmood, Glenn B. Cox, Zhenyu Li
  • Patent number: 11506163
    Abstract: A fuel injector nozzle assembly includes a two-piece outlet check having a timing control piece and a rate control piece. A nozzle passage is formed between a nozzle body and a two-piece outlet check, and a sac cavity is formed by the rate control piece and the nozzle body and fluidly connects a through-hole in the rate control piece to nozzle outlets. A starting-flow clearance is formed by the rate control piece and the timing control piece, and is opened by moving the timing control piece relative to the rate control piece. Moving the rate control piece relative to the nozzle body opens a main-flow seat. The nozzle assembly provides a slow starting injection rate shape in a common rail or similar fuel system and improved controllability over minimum delivery quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sana Mahmood, Glenn Brian Cox, Dana Ray Coldren
  • Patent number: 11506162
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel injector having a split check assembly with a control piece, an outlet piece, and a check sleeve. A trapped volume is formed between the control piece and the outlet piece within the check sleeve, to hydraulically couple the control piece to the outlet piece. A starting rate shape clearance fluidly connects the trapped volume to a fuel cavity and is formed between the check sleeve and one of the control piece or outlet piece received therein, and modulates a starting rate shape of fuel injection from the fuel injector. Related methodology is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cory Andrew Brown, Sana Mahmood, Dana Ray Coldren, Glenn Brian Cox, Matthew Robert Vanderveen
  • Publication number: 20220186697
    Abstract: A fuel injector nozzle assembly includes a two-piece outlet check having a timing control piece and a rate control piece. A nozzle passage is formed between a nozzle body and a two-piece outlet check, and a sac cavity is formed by the rate control piece and the nozzle body and fluidly connects a through-hole in the rate control piece to nozzle outlets. A starting-flow clearance is formed by the rate control piece and the timing control piece, and is opened by moving the timing control piece relative to the rate control piece. Moving the rate control piece relative to the nozzle body opens a main-flow seat. The nozzle assembly provides a slow starting injection rate shape in a common rail or similar fuel system and improved controllability over minimum delivery quantities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sana Mahmood, Glenn Brian Cox, Dana Ray Coldren
  • Publication number: 20220154673
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel injector having a split check assembly with a control piece, an outlet piece, and a check sleeve. A trapped volume is formed between the control piece and the outlet piece within the check sleeve, to hydraulically couple the control piece to the outlet piece. A starting rate shape clearance fluidly connects the trapped volume to a fuel cavity and is formed between the check sleeve and one of the control piece or outlet piece received therein, and modulates a starting rate shape of fuel injection from the fuel injector. Related methodology is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cory Andrew Brown, Sana Mahmood, Dana Ray Coldren, Glenn Brian Cox, Matthew Robert Vanderveen
  • Patent number: 11225933
    Abstract: A liquid fuel injector such as for a dual fuel system in an internal combustion engine includes two-way injection control valves for controlling twin outlet checks. A first set of orifices are arranged in an A-F-Z pattern, and a second set of orifices are arranged in an A-F-Z pattern, within the fuel injector, among a high-pressure inlet passage, a low-pressure space, and first and second outlet check control chambers, respectively. A common nozzle supply cavity is fluidly connected to the high-pressure inlet passage and supplies each of two sets of nozzle outlets opened and closed by the twin outlet checks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Campion, Dean Craig Diers, Sana Mahmood, Jonathan Anders, Bobby John, Jonathan Richard Chittenden
  • Publication number: 20210277856
    Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector may have an injector body having a fuel inlet and at least one orifice. The fuel injector may also have a first check valve member. The first check valve member may be selectively movable to fluidly block a first flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the at least one orifice. The fuel injector may have a second check valve member. The second check valve member may be selectively movable to fluidly block a second flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the at least one orifice. The fuel injector may also have a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly may be configured to selectively operate either the first check valve or both the first check valve and the second check valve to fluidly connect the fuel inlet and the at least one orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sana Mahmood, Robert M. Campion, Lifeng Wang
  • Patent number: 11035332
    Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector may have an injector body having a fuel inlet and at least one orifice. The fuel injector may also have a first check valve member. The first check valve member may be selectively movable to fluidly block a first flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the at least one orifice. The fuel injector may have a second check valve member. The second check valve member may be selectively movable to fluidly block a second flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the at least one orifice. The fuel injector may also have a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly may be configured to selectively operate either the first check valve or both the first check valve and the second check valve to fluidly connect the fuel inlet and the at least one orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sana Mahmood, Robert M. Campion, Lifeng Wang
  • Patent number: 11008957
    Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a nozzle, a fuel pump, a spill valve assembly, and a pumping control unit. The spill valve assembly includes a first spill valve and a second spill valve fluidly in parallel between a plunger cavity in the fuel pump and a low pressure space. A pumping control unit commands closing of the first spill valve and then the second spill valve to adjust the spill valve assembly to start pressurization in the fuel pump, and commands opening the first spill valve to end pressurization in the fuel pump. A pumping duration is determined based on a timing of the commanded closing of the second spill valve and a timing of the commanded opening of the first spill valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Coldren, Sana Mahmood
  • Publication number: 20200386171
    Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a nozzle, a fuel pump, a spill valve assembly, and a pumping control unit. The spill valve assembly includes a first spill valve and a second spill valve fluidly in parallel between a plunger cavity in the fuel pump and a low pressure space. A pumping control unit commands closing of the first spill valve and then the second spill valve to adjust the spill valve assembly to start pressurization in the fuel pump, and commands opening the first spill valve to end pressurization in the fuel pump. A pumping duration is determined based on a timing of the commanded closing of the second spill valve and a timing of the commanded opening of the first spill valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2019
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dana Coldren, Sana Mahmood
  • Patent number: 10711754
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a pump includes an electrical actuator having a stator and an armature, where the armature includes a top armature surface facing the stator and having an inwardly stepped-up profile that forms a raised surface at a radially inward location, and a lower, gap-forming surface at a radially outward location that forms a gap between the armature and the stator when the electrical actuator is activated to facilitate displacing fluid and avoiding production of high velocity, potentially damaging fluid flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Edward Nelson, Sana Mahmood, Stephen R Lewis
  • Publication number: 20200025154
    Abstract: A liquid fuel injector such as for a dual fuel system in an internal combustion engine includes two-way injection control valves for controlling twin outlet checks. A first set of orifices are arranged in an A-F-Z pattern, and a second set of orifices are arranged in an A-F-Z pattern, within the fuel injector, among a high-pressure inlet passage, a low-pressure space, and first and second outlet check control chambers, respectively. A common nozzle supply cavity is fluidly connected to the high-pressure inlet passage and supplies each of two sets of nozzle outlets opened and closed by the twin outlet checks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Campion, Dean Craig Diers, Sana Mahmood, Jonathan Anders, Bobby John, Jonathan Richard Chittenden
  • Patent number: 10519916
    Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a common rail and a plurality of fuel injectors connected to the common rail and each including an outlet check, an injection control valve, and an injection rate controller. The injection rate controller varies a flow area to a nozzle of the fuel injector such that a pressure drop through the fuel injector is varied to provide injection rate shaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Sana Mahmood, Stephen R. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20190383254
    Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes a common rail and a plurality of fuel injectors connected to the common rail and each including an outlet check, an injection control valve, and an injection rate controller. The injection rate controller varies a flow area to a nozzle of the fuel injector such that a pressure drop through the fuel injector is varied to provide injection rate shaping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Dana R. Coldren, Sana Mahmood, Stephen R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 10378535
    Abstract: A damping assembly for a valve is provided. The valve is configured to move between an open position and a close position. The valve includes a valve element and a valve stem disposed within a head. The damping assembly includes a damping chamber defined within the head. The damping assembly defines a sidewall. The damping assembly also includes a collar configured to receive the valve stem. The collar includes a collar stem. The collar also includes a collar head having an outer diameter. The collar head includes a side surface. The damping assembly includes a liquid passageway. The liquid passageway is being defined by a radial clearance between the side surface of the collar head and the sidewall of the damping chamber. The liquid passageway is configured to control a flow of a liquid as the valve moves between the open position and the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Sana Mahmood, Dennis H Gibson
  • Publication number: 20190186448
    Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector may have an injector body having a fuel inlet and at least one orifice. The fuel injector may also have a first check valve member. The first check valve member may be selectively movable to fluidly block a first flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the at least one orifice. The fuel injector may have a second check valve member. The second check valve member may be selectively movable to fluidly block a second flow of fuel from the fuel inlet to the at least one orifice. The fuel injector may also have a control valve assembly. The control valve assembly may be configured to selectively operate either the first check valve or both the first check valve and the second check valve to fluidly connect the fuel inlet and the at least one orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.
    Inventors: Sana MAHMOOD, Robert M. CAMPION, Lifeng WANG
  • Publication number: 20190170267
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a pump includes an electrical actuator having a stator and an armature, where the armature includes a top armature surface facing the stator and having an inwardly stepped-up profile that forms a raised surface at a radially inward location, and a lower, gap-forming surface at a radially outward location that forms a gap between the armature and the stator when the electrical actuator is activated to facilitate displacing fluid and avoiding production of high velocity, potentially damaging fluid flows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Edward Nelson, Sana Mahmood, Stephen R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 10060421
    Abstract: A cryogenic fluid pump includes a plurality of pumping elements, each of the plurality of pumping elements having an actuator portion that is associated with and configured to selectively activate one end of a pushrod in response to a command by an electronic controller, an activation portion associated with an opposite end of the pushrod, and a pumping portion associated with the activation portion. For each of the plurality of pumping elements, the pumping portion is activated for pumping a fluid by the activation portion, which activation portion is activated by the actuator portion. The electronic controller is configured to selectively activate each of the plurality of pumping elements such that a flow of fluid from the cryogenic fluid pump results from continuous activations of the plurality of pumping elements at selected dwell times between activations of successive pumping elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Cory A. Brown, Adrienne M. Brasche, Sunil J. Bean, Shivangini S. Hazari, Sana Mahmood, Nikhil M. Arya, Joshua W. Steffen, Daniel R. Baldwin, Dana R. Coldren, Robert M. Campion, Alan R. Stockner
  • Patent number: 10041484
    Abstract: A pump is disclosed having a manifold with an inlet, a pressure outlet, and a return outlet. The pump may also have a jacket connected to an end of the manifold to create an enclosure that is in fluid communication with the inlet of the manifold, and at least one pumping mechanism extending from the manifold into the jacket. The at least one pumping mechanism may have an inlet open to the enclosure and an outlet in communication with the pressure outlet of the manifold. The pump may further have a standpipe extending from the manifold into the enclosure. The standpipe may be in communication with the return outlet of the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua W. Steffen, Sunil J. Bean, Adrienne M. Brasche, Cory A. Brown, Sana Mahmood