Patents by Inventor Scott Alan Leman
Scott Alan Leman 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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Patent number: 7506625Abstract: A method of controlling an engine during an engine startup or shutdown condition includes operating a valve to open a port of a combustion chamber to allow fluid to flow between the combustion chamber and the port for at least one entire engine cycle. The method also includes preventing combustion of fuel during a combustion stroke of the at least one engine cycle. The engine cycle occurs during the engine startup or shutdown condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Scott Alan Leman, Jason Kenneth Bloms, Steven James Funke, James Richard Weber
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Publication number: 20090062968Abstract: A system for coordinating transfer of electricity between parked mobile machines is disclosed. Each parked mobile machine may include a propulsion system operable to propel the mobile machine, and one or more of the mobile machines may have an electricity-generation system. The system may include one or more information-processing devices that automatically coordinate one or more aspects of the transfer of electricity between a plurality of the parked mobile machines. The one or more information-processing devices may coordinate one or more aspects of the transfer of electricity between the plurality of parked mobile machines by receiving information relating to one or more of the parked mobile machines and automatically determining which of the parked mobile machines will supply electricity to one or more of the other parked mobile machines based at least in part on the received information.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventor: Scott Alan Leman
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Publication number: 20080022657Abstract: A power source may have at least one combustion chamber, a first valve configured to control an airflow between an air source and the at least one combustion chamber and a second valve configured to control an exhaust gas flow between the combustion chamber and an exhaust system. The power source may also have a fuel source configured to supply a fuel to the at least one combustion chamber and a controller operatively connected to the first valve and the second valve. The controller may be configured to determine one or more temperatures and, if the one or more temperatures are below a predetermined threshold, cause the first valve to substantially limit the airflow to the combustion chamber and cause the second valve to substantially limit the exhaust gas flow from the combustion chamber, such that a combustion stroke of one or more combustion cycles is executed with air substantially provided during an intake stroke of a previous combustion cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: David Andrew Pierpont, Scott Alan Leman
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Patent number: 7258088Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The engine valve actuation system includes an intake valve that is moveable between a first position to prevent a flow of fluid and a second position to allow a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is configured to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator is configured to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A source of fluid is in fluid communication with the fluid actuator. A directional control valve is configured to control a flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A fluid passageway connects the directional control valve with the fluid actuator. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. A restricted orifice is disposed between the accumulator and the fluid passageway to restrict a flow of fluid between the accumulator and the fluid passageway.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sean O. Cornell, Scott Alan Leman
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Patent number: 7255075Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. An intake valve is moveable between a first position to prevent a flow of fluid and a second position to allow a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is connected to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator is configured to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A source of fluid is in fluid communication with the fluid actuator. A directional control valve is configured to control a flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A control valve is disposed between the source of fluid and the directional control valve. The control valve is moveable between a first position to prevent the flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the directional control valve and a second position to allow the flow of fluid from the source of fluid to the directional control valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sean O. Cornell, Scott Alan Leman
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Patent number: 7100552Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position where the intake valve blocks a flow of fluid and a second position where the intake valve allows a flow of fluid. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. A valve actuation period is determined based on the at least one operating parameter. A valve actuator is engaged with the intake valve to prevent the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to operation of the cam assembly. The valve actuator is released to allow the intake valve to return to the first position at the end of the determined valve actuation period.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont, James Richard Weber
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Patent number: 7069887Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. An intake valve is moveable between a first position to prevent a flow of fluid and a second position to allow a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is connected to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator is configured to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A source of fluid is in fluid communication with the fluid actuator. A directional control valve is configured to control a flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A control valve is disposed between the source of fluid and the directional control valve. The control valve is moveable between a first position to prevent the flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the directional control valve and a second position to allow the flow of fluid from the source of fluid to the directional control valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sean O. Cornell, Scott Alan Leman
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Patent number: 7063055Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. A spring is operatively connected to the engine valve to bias the engine valve towards the closed position. An actuator is operatively connected to the engine valve and is operable to selectively engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position. A sensor is configured to provide information related to the operation of the actuator. A controller is configured to transmit a signal to the actuator to engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to the allow the engine valve to return to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Richard Herman Holtman, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont
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Patent number: 7004122Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The engine valve actuation system includes an intake valve that is moveable between a first position to prevent a flow of fluid and a second position to allow a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is configured to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator is configured to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A source of fluid is in fluid communication with the fluid actuator. A directional control valve is configured to control a flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A fluid passageway connects the directional control valve with the fluid actuator. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. A restricted orifice is disposed between the accumulator and the fluid passageway to restrict a flow of fluid between the accumulator and the fluid passageway.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Sean O. Cornell, Scott Alan Leman
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Patent number: 6928969Abstract: A method of controlling an engine is provided. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. The engine is operated in a first mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined first set of conditions. In the first mode, a cam assembly moves an intake valve from a first position when a piston starts an intake stroke and the cam assembly returns the intake valve to the first position when the piston completes the intake stroke. The engine is operated in a second mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined second set of conditions. In the second mode, the cam assembly moves the intake valve from the first position when the piston starts an intake stroke and an actuator prevents the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to the cam assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont, James Richard Weber
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Patent number: 6899068Abstract: An engine valve actuation system may include an actuation assembly having a body, a slidable piston, and first, second, and third chambers defined between the piston and the body. Low pressure and high pressure fluid sources may be included. A first fluid passage may connect the low pressure fluid source to the second chamber. A second fluid passage may connect the high pressure fluid source to the second chamber, and a third fluid passage may connect the high pressure fluid source to the third chamber. A control valve may be connected to the low pressure fluid source, to the high pressure fluid source, and to the first chamber. The control valve may be configured to move between a first position at which the high pressure fluid source is connected to the first chamber, and a second position at which the low pressure fluid source is connected to the first chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Xinshuang Nan, Sean Olen Cornell, Scott Alan Leman
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Patent number: 6807929Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. A spring is operatively connected to the engine valve to bias the engine valve towards the closed position. An actuator is operatively connected to the engine valve and is operable to selectively engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position. A sensor is configured to provide information related to the operation of the actuator. A controller is configured to transmit a signal to the actuator to engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to the allow the engine valve to return to the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Richard Herman Holtman, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont
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Publication number: 20040060529Abstract: An engine valve actuation system may include an actuation assembly having a body, a slidable piston, and first, second, and third chambers defined between the piston and the body. Low pressure and high pressure fluid sources may be included. A first fluid passage may connect the low pressure fluid source to the second chamber. A second fluid passage may connect the high pressure fluid source to the second chamber, and a third fluid passage may connect the high pressure fluid source to the third chamber. A control valve may be connected to the low pressure fluid source, to the high pressure fluid source, and to the first chamber. The control valve may be configured to move between a first position at which the high pressure fluid source is connected to the first chamber, and a second position at which the low pressure fluid source is connected to the first chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Xinshuang Nan, Sean Olen Cornell, Scott Alan Leman
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Patent number: 6679207Abstract: A valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a first position where the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid relative to the engine valve and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid relative to the engine valve. A first cam is rotated to move the engine valve from the first position to the second position during a first lift period. A second cam is rotated to affect movement of the engine valve between the first position and the second position during a second lift period. A phase shifting device is operatively connected to the second cam and is adapted to adjust the rotational phase of the second cam relative to the first cam, thereby adjusting the relative timing between the first lift period and the second lift period.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventor: Scott Alan Leman
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Patent number: 6668773Abstract: A method of calibrating a variable valve actuation system is provided. An engine valve is moved from a first position where the engine valve blocks a flow of fluid to a second position where the engine valve passes a flow of fluid. A valve actuator is actuated to prevent the engine valve from returning to the first position. A signal is transmitted to cause the valve actuator and to allow the engine valve to return to the first position. The return of the engine valve to the first position is determined. A time parameter indicative of an elapsed time between the transmission of the signal and movement of the engine valve to the first position is determined.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Caterpillar IncInventors: Richard Herman Holtman, Scott Alan Leman, Sean O. Cornell, John Stephen Pipis, Jr., Ronald D. Shinogle
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Publication number: 20030213443Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The engine valve actuation system includes an intake valve that is moveable between a first position to prevent a flow of fluid and a second position to allow a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is configured to move the intake valve between the first position and the second position. A fluid actuator is configured to selectively prevent the intake valve from moving to the first position. A source of fluid is in fluid communication with the fluid actuator. A directional control valve is configured to control a flow of fluid between the source of fluid and the fluid actuator. A fluid passageway connects the directional control valve with the fluid actuator. An accumulator is in fluid communication with the fluid passageway. A restricted orifice is disposed between the accumulator and the fluid passageway to restrict a flow of fluid between the accumulator and the fluid passageway.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Sean O. Cornell, Scott Alan Leman
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Publication number: 20030213448Abstract: A method of calibrating a variable valve actuation system is provided. An engine valve is moved from a first position where the engine valve blocks a flow of fluid to a second position where the engine valve passes a flow of fluid. A valve actuator is actuated to prevent the engine valve from returning to the first position. A signal is transmitted to cause the valve actuator and to allow the engine valve to return to the first position. The return of the engine valve to the first position is determined. A time parameter indicative of an elapsed time between the transmission of the signal and movement of the engine valve to the first position is determined.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Richard Herman Holtman, Scott Alan Leman, Sean O. Cornell, John Stephen Pipis, Ronald D. Shinogle
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Publication number: 20030213450Abstract: A method of controlling a variable valve actuation system is provided. A cam assembly is operated to move an intake valve between a first position where the intake valve blocks a flow of fluid and a second position where the intake valve allows a flow of fluid. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. A valve actuation period is determined based on the at least one operating parameter. A valve actuator is engaged with the intake valve to prevent the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to operation of the cam assembly. The valve actuator is released to allow the intake valve to return to the first position at the end of the determined valve actuation period.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont, James Richard Weber
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Publication number: 20030213447Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided. The system includes an engine valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. A spring is operatively connected to the engine valve to bias the engine valve towards the closed position. An actuator is operatively connected to the engine valve and is operable to selectively engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to allow the engine valve to return to the closed position. A sensor is configured to provide information related to the operation of the actuator. A controller is configured to transmit a signal to the actuator to engage the engine valve to prevent the engine valve from returning to the closed position and to release the engine valve to the allow the engine valve to return to the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Richard Herman Holtman, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont
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Publication number: 20030213449Abstract: A method of controlling an engine is provided. At least one operating parameter of the engine is sensed. The engine is operated in a first mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined first set of conditions. In the first mode, a cam assembly moves an intake valve from a first position when a piston starts an intake stroke and the cam assembly returns the intake valve to the first position when the piston completes the intake stroke. The engine is operated in a second mode in response to the sensed operating parameter being at one of a predetermined second set of conditions. In the second mode, the cam assembly moves the intake valve from the first position when the piston starts an intake stroke and an actuator prevents the intake valve from returning to the first position in response to the cam assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Jason Kenneth Bloms, James J. Faletti, Scott Alan Leman, David Andrew Pierpont, James Richard Weber