Patents by Inventor Steven Ernest

Steven Ernest 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).

  • Publication number: 20160222841
    Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Joesph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Publication number: 20160076414
    Abstract: Lost motion engine valve actuation systems and methods of actuating engine valves are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include a valve train element, a first lost motion piston, an accumulator, and a hydraulic circuit, among other components. Variation of the first lost motion piston position may be carried out by placing the first lost motion piston in hydraulic communication with a trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the first lost motion piston position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Publication number: 20160076413
    Abstract: Lost motion engine valve actuation systems and methods of actuating engine valves are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include a valve train element, a first lost motion piston, an accumulator, and a hydraulic circuit, among other components. Variation of the first lost motion piston position may be carried out by placing the first lost motion piston in hydraulic communication with a trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the first lost motion piston position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Publication number: 20160076463
    Abstract: Lost motion engine valve actuation systems and methods of actuating engine valves are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include a valve train element, a first lost motion piston, an accumulator, and a hydraulic circuit, among other components. Variation of the first lost motion piston position may be carried out by placing the first lost motion piston in hydraulic communication with a trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the first lost motion piston position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Publication number: 20160076464
    Abstract: Lost motion engine valve actuation systems and methods of actuating engine valves are disclosed. Exemplary systems may include a valve train element, a first lost motion piston, an accumulator, and a hydraulic circuit, among other components. Variation of the first lost motion piston position may be carried out by placing the first lost motion piston in hydraulic communication with a trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the first lost motion piston position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Publication number: 20140311449
    Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Joesph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Patent number: 8820276
    Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Patent number: 8776738
    Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Joesph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Publication number: 20140165937
    Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: JACOBS VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Joesph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Publication number: 20110197833
    Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joesph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski, Andrew Brzoska, Gheorghe Cosma
  • Patent number: 7059282
    Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Jacobs Vehicle Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski
  • Publication number: 20060006007
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for providing electrical power onboard a vehicle. In one embodiment, the system comprises: an AC/DC converter; an onboard power supply connected to the AC/DC converter so as to provide an input to the AC/DC converter; an external power source; a cable connected at one end to the external power source and at the other end to the AC/DC converter so as to provide electrical power from the external power source as an input to the AC/DC converter; and a controller, connected to the AC/DC converter and controlling various parameters of the selected power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Inventors: Steven Ernest, John Lester, Hua Bai
  • Publication number: 20050252484
    Abstract: Lost motion systems and methods for providing engine valves with variable valve actuation for engine valve events are disclosed. The system may include a master piston hydraulically linked to a slave piston, and a dedicated cam operatively connected to the master piston. The slave piston may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the master piston in a common housing. The slave piston is adapted to actuate one or more engine valves. The slave piston may incorporate an optional valve seating assembly into its upper end. A trigger valve may be operatively connected to the master-slave hydraulic circuit to selectively release and add hydraulic fluid to the circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Richard Vanderpoel, Zhou Yang, Andrew Brzoska, Brian Ruggiero, David Smith, James Judd, Neil Fuchs, Michael Dailey, Steven Ernest
  • Publication number: 20050127766
    Abstract: An electromagnetic retarder system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the retarder system comprises: a shaft; a coil statically disposed on the shaft and having a hollow cylindrical shape; a yoke statically disposed on the shaft, the yoke having a first cylindrical surface and a second cylindrical surface, the second cylindrical surface disposed coaxial with said coil; at least one claw pole rotor mounted on the shaft, the at least one claw pole rotor formed of magnetic half wheels that taper into claws; and an induction drum disposed coaxial with the shaft and mounted so as to encompass the coil, the yoke and the at least one rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 16, 2005
    Inventor: Steven Ernest
  • Publication number: 20030098000
    Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski
  • Patent number: 6510824
    Abstract: A lost motion engine valve actuation system and method of actuating an engine valve are disclosed. The system may comprise a valve train element, a pivoting lever, a control piston, and a hydraulic circuit. The pivoting lever may include a first end for contacting the control piston, a second end for transmitting motion to a valve stem and a means for contacting a valve train element. The amount of lost motion provided by the system may be selected by varying the position of the control piston relative to the pivoting lever. Variation of the control piston position may be carried out by placing the control piston in hydraulic communication with a control trigger valve and one or more accumulators. Actuation of the trigger valve releases hydraulic fluid allowing for adjustment of the control piston position. Means for limiting valve seating velocity, filling the hydraulic circuit upon engine start up, and mechanically locking the control piston/lever for a fixed level of valve actuation are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Diesel Engine Retarders, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Vorih, Jeffrey Mossberg, Richard Vanderpoel, Steven Ernest, Guy Paterson, John A. Schwoerer, Edward T. Leitkowski