Patents by Inventor William T. Harvey

William T. Harvey 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: 9631594
    Abstract: A fuel injector with an anti-rotation clip for use in conjunction with a twist lock fuel injector inserted into a receiving fuel cup. The clip includes at least one connector leg which extends at least partially over the electrical connector for the fuel injector and locks the clip against rotation relative to the fuel injector electrical connector. A protrusion on a fuel cup arm engages a notch formed in the fuel cup to lock the arm against rotation relative to the fuel cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS AMERICAS INC.
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki, Jeffrey P. Mara
  • Patent number: 9617961
    Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine having an elongated body with a fuel inlet end and a fuel discharge end. The injector body includes an outwardly extending plate attached at a position between its ends and this plate includes at least one radially outwardly extending tab so that the cross-sectional shape of the plate is noncircular. A fuel cup receives the fuel inlet end of the fuel injector and includes a radially inwardly extending ledge at a mid position of the cavity. This ledge includes a through bore complementary in shape to the shape of the plate so that, with the fuel injector and plate aligned at a predetermined angular assembly position, the plate passes through the ledge upon insertion of the fuel injector into the cavity. Thereafter, rotation of the fuel injector and attached plate to a locking position positions the tabs above the ledge thus locking the fuel injector to the fuel cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS AMERICAS, INC.
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Publication number: 20140353408
    Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine having an elongated body with a fuel inlet end and a fuel discharge end. The injector body includes an outwardly extending plate attached at a position between its ends and this plate includes at least one radially outwardly extending tab so that the cross-sectional shape of the plate is noncircular. A fuel cup receives the fuel inlet end of the fuel injector and includes a radially inwardly extending ledge at a mid position of the cavity. This ledge includes a through bore complementary in shape to the shape of the plate so that, with the fuel injector and plate aligned at a predetermined angular assembly position, the plate passes through the ledge upon insertion of the fuel injector into the cavity. Thereafter, rotation of the fuel injector and attached plate to a locking position positions the tabs above the ledge thus locking the fuel injector to the fuel cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Patent number: 8813722
    Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine having an elongated body with a fuel inlet end and a fuel discharge end. The injector body includes an outwardly extending plate attached at a position between its ends and this plate includes at least one radially outwardly extending tab so that the cross-sectional shape of the plate is noncircular. A fuel cup receives the fuel inlet end of the fuel injector and includes a radially inwardly extending ledge at a mid position of the cavity. This ledge includes a through bore complementary in shape to the shape of the plate so that, with the fuel injector and plate aligned at a predetermined angular assembly position, the plate passes through the ledge upon insertion of the fuel injector into the cavity. Thereafter, rotation of the fuel injector and attached plate to a locking position positions the tabs above the ledge thus locking the fuel injector to the fuel cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Products (USA)
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Publication number: 20140151469
    Abstract: A fuel injector with an anti-rotation clip for use in conjunction with a twist lock fuel injector inserted into a receiving fuel cup. The clip includes at least one connector leg which extends at least partially over the electrical connector for the fuel injector and locks the clip against rotation relative to the fuel injector electrical connector. A protrusion on a fuel cup arm engages a notch formed in the fuel cup to lock the arm against rotation relative to the fuel cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki, Jeffrey P. Mara
  • Patent number: 8739763
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly for use with an engine block of a direct injection engine. The fuel injector assembly includes an elongated tubular fuel rail which is fluidly connected to a high pressure fuel source. At least two fuel cups are attached to and extend downwardly from the fuel rail and each fuel cup is adapted to receive one fuel injector. First fasteners attach a bracket to the engine block while second fasteners attach the bracket to the fuel rail. These second fasteners, furthermore, are positioned so that the second fasteners are coplanar with a plane extending through a longitudinal axis of each fuel injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Patent number: 8646434
    Abstract: A fuel injector with an anti-rotation clip for use in conjunction with a twist lock fuel injector inserted into a receiving fuel cup. The clip includes at least one connector leg which extends at least partially over the electrical connector for the fuel injector and locks the clip against rotation relative to the fuel injector electrical connector. A protrusion on a fuel cup arm engages a notch formed in the fuel cup to lock the arm against rotation relative to the fuel cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki, Jeffrey P. Mara
  • Patent number: 8555858
    Abstract: A high pressure fuel pipe construction for an internal combustion engine, such as a direct injection engine. A conduit for the fuel is open at each end and a ball having a throughbore is slidably positioned over one end of the conduit. A reinforcing sleeve is positioned inside the end of the conduit so that the sleeve extends entirely through the ball. The sleeve, ball and the end of the conduit are then brazed together to attach the ball and conduit together. A double chamfer is provided at one end of the ball throughbore to facilitate inspection of the brazing quality. Additionally, a loop is formed in the conduit and a dampener is attached to the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd
    Inventors: Harsha Badarinarayan, Akira Inoue, Takashi Yoshizawa, Atsushi Hohkita, Hiroaki Saeki, Hiroshi Ono, Masahiro Soma, William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Su-Wei Sung
  • Publication number: 20120204837
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly for use with an engine block of a direct injection engine. The fuel injector assembly includes an elongated tubular fuel rail which is fluidly connected to a high pressure fuel source. At least two fuel cups are attached to and extend downwardly from the fuel rail and each fuel cup is adapted to receive one fuel injector. First fasteners attach a bracket to the engine block while second fasteners attach the bracket to the fuel rail. These second fasteners, furthermore, are positioned so that the second fasteners are coplanar with a plane extending through a longitudinal axis of each fuel injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Publication number: 20120031997
    Abstract: A fuel injector with an anti-rotation clip for use in conjunction with a twist lock fuel injector inserted into a receiving fuel cup. The clip includes at least one connector leg which extends at least partially over the electrical connector for the fuel injector and locks the clip against rotation relative to the fuel injector electrical connector. A protrusion on a fuel cup arm engages a notch formed in the fuel cup to lock the arm against rotation relative to the fuel cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki, Jeffrey P. Mara
  • Publication number: 20120031996
    Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine having an elongated body with a fuel inlet end and a fuel discharge end. The injector body includes an outwardly extending plate attached at a position between its ends and this plate includes at least one radially outwardly extending tab so that the cross-sectional shape of the plate is noncircular. A fuel cup receives the fuel inlet end of the fuel injector and includes a radially inwardly extending ledge at a mid position of the cavity. This ledge includes a through bore complementary in shape to the shape of the plate so that, with the fuel injector and plate aligned at a predetermined angular assembly position, the plate passes through the ledge upon insertion of the fuel injector into the cavity. Thereafter, rotation of the fuel injector and attached plate to a locking position positions the tabs above the ledge thus locking the fuel injector to the fuel cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Patent number: 8087398
    Abstract: A fuel system for a direct injection engine having a fuel rail and a plurality of direct injection fuel injector assemblies mounted to the fuel rail. Each fuel injector assembly includes a mounting surface and a dampener made of a resilient material is disposed around this mounting surface. A bracket is secured to the engine and has a recess for each fuel injector assembly. Each fuel injector assembly is positioned in its associated recess so that at least a portion of the dampener is sandwiched between the fuel injector assembly mounting surface and a complementary mounting surface formed on the recess. A holder secures the injector assembly in its associated recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Patent number: 7856962
    Abstract: A fuel system for a direct injection internal combustion engine having a fuel rail and at least one annular cup secured to the fuel rail so that fuel from the fuel rail flows into the cup. A direct injection fuel injector has a portion axially insertable into the fuel cup to a connected position. A recessed channel on the fuel injector registers with a slot in the annular cup when in the connected position so that a U-shaped clip insertable into the cup slots and the fuel injector channels secures the fuel injector and cup together against axial movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Products (USA), Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Publication number: 20100300409
    Abstract: A fuel system for a direct injection engine having a fuel rail and a plurality of direct injection fuel injector assemblies mounted to the fuel rail. Each fuel injector assembly includes a mounting surface and a dampener made of a resilient material is disposed around this mounting surface. A bracket is secured to the engine and has a recess for each fuel injector assembly. Each fuel injector assembly is positioned in its associated recess so that at least a portion of the dampener is sandwiched between the fuel injector assembly mounting surface and a complementary mounting surface formed on the recess. A holder secures the injector assembly in its associated recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Publication number: 20100300406
    Abstract: A fuel system for a direct injection internal combustion engine having a fuel rail and at least one annular cup secured to the fuel rail so that fuel from the fuel rail flows into the cup. A direct injection fuel injector has a portion axially insertable into the fuel cup to a connected position. A recessed channel on the fuel injector registers with a slot in the annular cup when in the connected position so that a U-shaped clip insertable into the cup slots and the fuel injector channels secures the fuel injector and cup together against axial movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: William T. Harvey, Steven J. Miller, Hiroaki Saeki
  • Patent number: 6418909
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure damper element is manufactured by shaping a stainless steel tube; flattened each end of the tube; and sealing a gas within the tube. Wire retaining devices may also be attached to the ends of the damper in order to support the device within a fuel rail tube in a fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Paul L. Rossi, Kenneth O. Jahr, William T. Harvey, Shari F. Stottler, Kevin A. Grabowski, Dewey McKinley Sims, Jr., Helmut G. Schwegler, Wolfgang B. Weinbrecht
  • Patent number: 6371083
    Abstract: A fuel manifold having a rigid base portion with a fuel injector pocket defined therein, a top wall portion, a first substantially flat thin-walled portion extending between the rigid base portion and the top wall portion and a second substantially flat thin-walled portion extending between the rigid base portion and the top wall portion. The base portion, the top wall portion and the first and second thin-walled portions are defined by a one-piece aluminum extrusion and together define a fuel cavity that extends into the base portion and communicates with the fuel injector pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Paul L. Rossi, Kenneth O. Jahr, William T. Harvey, Shari F. Stottler, Kevin A. Grabowski, Michael T. Streb
  • Publication number: 20010042538
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure damper element is manufactured by shaping a stainless steel tube; flattened each end of the tube; and sealing a gas within the tube. Wire retaining devices may also be attached to the ends of the damper in order to support the device within a fuel rail tube in a fuel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventors: PAUL L. ROSSI, KENNETH O. JAHR, WILLIAM T. HARVEY, SHARI F. STOTTLER, KEVIN A. GRABOWSKI, DEWEY MCKINLEY SIMS, HELMUT G. SCHWEGLER, WOLFGANG B. WEINBRECHT
  • Patent number: 6205979
    Abstract: A fuel rail assembly comprising a fuel rail and a damper assembly in the fuel rail. The damper assembly includes a damper having an end and an inner surface defining a cavity, and a sealing member at least partially received in the end and bonded to the inner surface to substantially seal the cavity. The sealing member is preferably a metal wire that includes a sealing portion bonded to the inner surface to substantially seal the cavity. The bond is preferably formed by induction brazing, and the sealing member is coated with copper to facilitate the brazing. The invention also provides a fuel rail assembly comprising a fuel rail having a longitudinal axis and an inner wall. A damper assembly in the fuel rail includes a damper, and a spring locator coupled with the damper, the spring locator having two positioning portions outwardly biased to engage the inner wall of the fuel rail and position the damper assembly axially in the fuel rail. The spring locator is preferably a metal wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Dewey M. Sims, Jr., Paul L. Rossi, Kenneth O. Jahr, William T. Harvey, Shari F. Stottler, Kevin A. Grabowski, Helmut G. Schwegler, Wolfgang B. Weinbrecht