Valve Patents (Class 123/188.1)
  • Patent number: 12038036
    Abstract: A seal includes a barrel extending between a base and a top, in which the barrel has a cylindrical cavity passing through it between its base and its top, and a skirt indissociable from the barrel and extending around said barrel, in which the skirt adopts the shape of a dome of which the exterior edges extend out beyond the base starting from the top. The seal is able to divert the fluid and keep the space under the skirt fluid tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Simon Foucart-Gaudy, Vincent Delpy, Gerard Millet
  • Patent number: 11808180
    Abstract: An engine valve actuation system includes a lifter sleeve having a control fluid slot formed therein and extending from an outer sleeve surface to an inner sleeve surface. A valve lifter is movable in a sleeve bore in the lifter sleeve and limited from rotation about a longitudinal axis. The valve lifter includes a hydraulically actuated activation-deactivation switch, and a control fluid port in continuous fluid communication with the control fluid slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy C. Adams, Eric D. Wiebrecht
  • Patent number: 11732622
    Abstract: A method for producing a valve body of a hollow valve with optimised interior stem geometry includes a preform with a valve plate and a tubular wall surrounding a cavity. Flow forming the tubular wall over a flow-forming mandrel, which is inserted into the cavity to enlarge a length of the tubular wall. An interior area of the tubular wall is embossed with a structure either due to the fact that the flow-forming mandrel is a structuring mandrel having a surface structure, or alternatively, because the method includes a further step of reducing an outer diameter of the tubular wall by swaging or drawing and ironing over a structuring mandrel. Furthermore, a hollow valve is produced by this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Valvetrain GmbH
    Inventors: Thorsten Matthais, Antonius Wolking, Guido Bayard
  • Patent number: 11300018
    Abstract: In a hollow exhaust poppet valve including a fillet increasing in diameter toward a leading end, a stem, and a head and having a coolant within a hollow part formed from the head to the stem, the stem includes a first stem part on a base end side, and a second stem part integrated with the first stem part via a step part and integrated with the fillet, and the hollow part includes a first hollow part formed inside the first stem part, and a second hollow part formed inside the second stem part, the fillet, and the head in such fashion as to have a constant inner diameter greater than the first hollow part and formed so as to be continuous with the first hollow part via a tapered part or a curved part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: NITTAN VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koji Kunitake, Jin Hasegawa, Yuki Sasagawa
  • Patent number: 10900589
    Abstract: A valve for opening up or closing off a flow path includes: a valve disk; a valve tappet having: a central axis, a first end region adjacent to the valve disk, and a second end region facing away from the valve disk; and a transmission device configured to transmit a rotational movement into a translational movement. The transmission device includes: a toothed segment, and a rocker lever mounted so as to be rotatable, about a rocker lever axis of rotation, by a drive plate via the toothed segment. The rocker lever is connected to the valve tappet by pushrods, the pushrods being mounted rotatably in relation to the rocker lever and the valve tappet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Vitesco Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Carsten Mikolajek, Christian Weis
  • Patent number: 10794334
    Abstract: A valve arrangement for supplying air to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes a first valve, the first valve including a first valve head, a first valve stem assembly and an internal cavity, which is at least partly located in the first valve stem assembly, and a second valve partly arranged within the internal cavity of the first valve, the second valve including a second valve head and a second valve stem assembly, and being movable within the internal cavity between an upper, closed position and a lower, open position, wherein a junction seal extends over a junction between the first valve stem assembly and the second valve stem assembly when the second valve is in the closed position. A leakage preventing arrangement is arranged to hinder leakage of liquid from the outside of the junction seal from reaching in between the first valve stem assembly and the second salve stem assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Stig Arne Svensson, Lennart Langervik
  • Patent number: 10731522
    Abstract: An engine insert having an insert appendage that projects outwardly from the insert body in a direction away from the seat face, into an engine, such as to form an engine finger void between the appendage and the insert axis, in which engine finger void a finger of engine material may be positioned between the insert appendage and the insert axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Frank J. Ardezzone
  • Patent number: 10514007
    Abstract: In one example, an air intake system is provided. The air intake system includes a first air inlet duct providing intake air to an engine intake conduit, the first air inlet duct including an opening positioned external to an engine compartment. The air intake system also includes a second air inlet duct positioned upstream of the engine intake conduit and external to the engine compartment, the second air inlet duct including a foam plug selectively impeding airflow through the second air inlet duct, the foam plug spanning an opening of the second air inlet duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Matthew McCann, David Lowrie, James Labadie, Jeff Sean Boulton
  • Patent number: 10480661
    Abstract: A sealing assembly includes a flow control body and a sealing device configured to engage the flow control body to prevent fluid flow through the sealing assembly. The sealing device includes a primary engagement feature configured to contact the flow control body upon engagement of the sealing device with the flow control body, the primary engagement feature having a front surface exposed to the fluid, and a secondary engagement feature disposed behind the primary engagement feature relative to the exposed surface, the primary engagement feature and the secondary engagement feature forming a cavity therebetween, the cavity configured to create a pressure drop in response to a leak of the fluid through the primary engagement feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventors: Doseo Park, Zhi Yong HE
  • Patent number: 10100717
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating tumble in intake air by creating an asymmetrical annulus opening for flowing intake air into a combustion chamber of an engine cylinder. The asymmetrical annulus opening may be created by changing an angle of an intake valve disc of an intake valve. The angle of the intake valve disc may be varied based on engine operating parameters by extending or retracting one or more connect rods coupled to an annulus tumble guide movably housed inside an annulus channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Xiaogang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9983599
    Abstract: A pressure reducing valve includes a partition member. The partition member separates a valve chamber and a pressure regulating chamber from each other and has a communication hole for ensuring communication between the valve chamber and the pressure regulating chamber. A valve body has a body portion, which is located in the valve chamber, and a rod section, which extends from the body portion. The rod section extends to the pressure regulating chamber through the communication hole. A communication line is arranged between a peripheral wall of the communication hole and the rod section. The partition member has an annular groove in the peripheral wall of the communication hole. The groove extends along the full circumference of the communication hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: AISAN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Norihiko Shigeoka, Tametoshi Mizuta
  • Patent number: 9982583
    Abstract: A dosing valve includes at least a valve housing with a duct, a valve body being movable in order to open and close the dosing valve and a spring exerting a spring force on the valve body and thus holding the valve body in a rest position. The spring is supported on at least one calibration body. The valve body, the spring and the at least one calibration body are disposed in the duct. The at least one calibration body is fastened in the valve housing at least by using a cohesive or material connection. A method for producing the dosing valve and a motor vehicle having the dosing valve are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Jan Hodgson, Sven Schepers, Rolf Brueck
  • Patent number: 9523436
    Abstract: A novel valve assembly is provided. In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes a seat plate that includes a fluid conduit and an impact bushing that is coupled to the seat plate at a position adjacent to the fluid conduit. The valve assembly also includes a sealing assembly that is configured to form a seal with the impact bushing and to control flow of a fluid through the fluid conduit via relative displacement of the sealing assembly from the impact bushing. Systems and methods related to such a valve assembly are also disclosed. Data supplied from the esp@cenet database-Worldwide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Zahroof Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: Zahroof Mohamed, Darren D. Matheny
  • Patent number: 9115814
    Abstract: A valve trim apparatus comprises a valve seat (216) and a closure member (214) to operatively engage the valve seat (216). One of the closure member (214) and the valve seat (216) includes a plurality of annular ribs (222), and at least one of the valve seat (216) and the closure member (214) defines at least one groove (218) to be positioned between at least two of the annular ribs (222) to receive material from a sealing surface (220) between the closure member (214) and the valve seat (216) when the closure member (214) is sealingly engaged with the valve seat (216).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT (TIANJIN) VALVE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhimin Sun, Chun Gao, Zhengyu Chen
  • Patent number: 9026337
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a quantity control valve, at least two parameters characterizing the quantity control valve are utilized. A control signal supplied to the quantity control valve is defined by the at least two parameters. At least one parameter is ascertained based on the result of a first adaptation and a second adaptation, or based on the result of a first adaptation and the other parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Wilms, Matthias Schumacher, Joerg Kuempel, Matthias Maess
  • Patent number: 9010301
    Abstract: Two-stage exhaust apparatus for a reciprocating internal combustion engine having one or more cylinders each with at least one piston and at least one exhaust port, the apparatus including a first-stage jet port in each cylinder, the jet port configured to open to release high-pressure exhaust gas to a high-pressure motor prior to exhaust-port opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Hotchkiss Super Deltic Ltd.
    Inventor: Justin Gudgeon
  • Patent number: 8931452
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle valve stem seal having both durability and sliding properties at an extremely high level in addition to usual sealing performance. The present invention is a vehicle valve stem seal comprising an elastic member with a seal lip portion on an end of a valve stem guide, the seal lip portion slidably closely contacting with a valve stem of an engine, wherein the elastic member is formed of a composition containing a fluororubber and a fluororesin and has projecting portions at least on a surface of the seal lip portion, the projecting portions being substantially formed of the fluororesin contained in the composition, the fluororesin is a copolymer including a polymerization unit derived from ethylene and a polymerization unit derived from tetrafluoroethylene, and the fluororubber is a polymer including a polymerization unit derived from vinylidene fluoride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetaka Ogishi, Tetsuya Mizone, Kouhei Takemura, Tomihiko Yanagiguchi
  • Patent number: 8919316
    Abstract: One exemplary illustration of a valve system for controlling the charge exchange in an internal combustion engine may include a valve seat ring and a valve. The valve may have a valve seat configured to form a sealing system with the valve seat ring. The entire valve is nitrocarburized, and a nitrocarburized surface layer is formed on the valve. The nitrocarburized surface layer is produced by a nitrocarburizing method in a salt bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventors: Arvid Lehrkamp, Alexander Puck, Matthias Vogelsang
  • Patent number: 8910920
    Abstract: A shutter valve for regulating pressure and controlling fluid flow comprising: an actuator ring comprising a plurality of gear teeth, the gear teeth driven by a mating gear; a plurality of arm pin bosses, each pin boss affixed within an inside circumference of the actuator ring, each arm pin boss further comprising a hinge pin aperture; three or more pivot arms, each pivot arm having a first end and a second end, the first end forming a hinge and mounted to a hinge pin aperture of an arm pin boss; three or more obturator elements; and a housing defining a cavity for holding the actuator ring, the pivot arms and the obturator elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Kyle P Daniels
  • Patent number: 8899205
    Abstract: A method includes coupling a cylinder head to a cylinder block. A valve member is then moved into a valve pocket defined by the cylinder head such that a first stem portion of the valve member engages an actuator. A first portion of the biasing member is then disposed against a second stem portion of the valve member, the second stem portion being opposite the first stem portion. An end plate is then coupled to the cylinder head such that a second portion of the biasing member engages the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: JP Scope, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Price
  • Patent number: 8893681
    Abstract: A valve stem seal assembly for an internal combustion engine includes an annular rigid case disposed around a valve guide and a valve stem. An annular elastomeric body is press fit within the annular rigid case and including a radially inwardly extending seal lip in sealing contact with the valve stem. The annular elastomeric body includes a first axial end facing the valve guide and a second axial end facing away from the valve guide. The annular rigid case includes a radially inwardly extending end wall opposing the second axial end of the annular elastomeric body and including a lip support extending axially from an inner portion of the radially inwardly extending end wall and opposing a radially inner surface of the radially inwardly extending seal lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership
    Inventor: David Sakata
  • Publication number: 20140338630
    Abstract: A dosing valve includes at least a valve housing with a duct, a valve body being movable in order to open and close the dosing valve and a spring exerting a spring force on the valve body and thus holding the valve body in a rest position. The spring is supported on at least one calibration body. The valve body, the spring and the at least one calibration body are disposed in the duct. The at least one calibration body is fastened in the valve housing at least by using a cohesive or material connection. A method for producing the dosing valve and a motor vehicle having the dosing valve are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: JAN HODGSON, SVEN SCHEPERS, ROLF BRUECK
  • Publication number: 20140209063
    Abstract: A valve assembly in an internal combustion engine fuel system includes a valve member movable within a valve body to contact a valve seat and block fluid communication between first and second passages. The valve seat and valve member each include a multi-layered coating having a harder metal nitride base layer and a softer metal nitride outer layer. The base layer is relatively incompliant to impacts between the valve member and the valve seat, and the outer layer is relatively compliant to the impacts and thereby deformable. Related methodology is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Bao Feng, Steven C. Taylor, Lucy V. Berg, Colm M. Flannery
  • Patent number: 8763593
    Abstract: An engine has a stationary first body portion with one or more surfaces that define a portion of a fluid flow path through the engine. The stationary first body portion has a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A first piston assembly is configured to reciprocate relative to the stationary first body portion and to accommodate one or more second piston assemblies reciprocating inside and relative to the first piston assembly. The first piston assembly has an extension portion. The extension portion has a substantially cylindrical inner surface that defines a space to receive the stationary first body portion. One or more sealing elements are between the substantially cylindrical outer surface of the stationary first body portion and the extension portion of the first piston assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Motiv Engines, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20140137829
    Abstract: Multi-section sleeve valves for internal combustion engines for improved aspiration. An open connecting rod section is separated from an internal, tubular passageway by a closed wall. A port section proximate the wall defines valve ports. A power stroke midsection borders the port section. An oiling section borders the midsection, and an open section adjacent the oiling section is in fluid flow communication with the tubular passageway. The lower-diameter midsection forms a relief annulus between the valve and the tunnel or sleeve in which the valve is disposed. Fluid flow occurs through the valve interior and through ports dynamically positioned above the compression cylinder, proximate aligned sleeve and head ports. Sleeve ports are separated by bridges that maintain valve rings in compression during reciprocation to prevent damage. High pressure gas is confined between axially spaced apart, stepped sealing rings that prevent gases from flowing axially about the valve exterior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Gary W. Cotton
  • Patent number: 8714120
    Abstract: A new and improved combustion-powered fastener-driving tool utilizes a new and improved single component in-take/exhaust valve member which integrally defines both the intake and exhaust valves thereon. The intake/exhaust valve member is axially movable within the combustion chamber, and operatively cooperates with wall structure of the combustion chamber. When the intake/exhaust valve member is disposed, for example, at a first upper position, both the intake and exhaust ports defined within the wall structure of the combustion chamber are closed so as to permit the ignition and combustion phases of the tool-firing cycle to proceed, whereas, conversely, when the intake/exhaust valve member is disposed, for example, at a second lower position, both the intake and exhaust ports within the combustion chamber are open so as to permit incoming air to scavenge combustion exhaust products and to subsequently mix with injected fuel in preparation for the commencement of another tool-firing cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Adams
  • Publication number: 20140109859
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is a methane pressure reducer/regulator for feeding internal combustion engines which comprises a body divided into three chambers, communicating with each other by means of high resistance conduits and by means of an opening/closing element which is integral with an elastic diaphragm, whose surface is proportionally larger than the opening/closing element so that a modest pressure in the chamber upstream from the elastic diaphragm is sufficient to bend it, overcoming both the methane pressure resistance in the adjacent chamber, and the methane pressure resistance in the chamber directly connected to the tank(s), as well as the counter spring resistance. When the elastic diaphragm bends, it pushes a stem whose end is integral with the opening/closing element that allows or prevents the methane passage through a hole connecting the chamber from which methane is sent to the engine to the chamber wherein methane comes directly from the tank(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ICOMET S.P.A.
    Inventor: Luciano Cippitani
  • Patent number: 8689761
    Abstract: A forged exhaust poppet valve and a method of solution heat treating the same are provided. The forged exhaust poppet valve (10) includes a head portion (12) which has a seat portion (14) on the outer periphery thereof and is integral with a diametrically tapered neck portion (16) connected to a stem portion (18). Using a radio-frequency heating apparatus, a solution heat treatment is given to a predetermined transitional region (A) of the neck portion and the stem portion that is exposed to exhaust air during a valve opening period such that the grain size in the region (A) does not exceed ASTM 10, thereby securing a necessary high-temperature creep strength in the region (A) and a necessary hardness (wear resistance) in the seat portion (14) and thereby rendering the exhaust poppet valve highly durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nittan Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Tanaka, Hisanaga Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 8689760
    Abstract: A poppet valve for controlling fuel in an electronically actuated valve assembly for diesel engine fuel injection systems comprising along a common axis a stem with a cylindrical guide and a neck, and a circular head, the neck being smaller in cross section than the guide, and the head being larger than the guide, the head having a conical surface facing the guide, the conical surface having an annular primary sealing area and a receding surface area radially outward of the primary sealing area, the primary sealing area having an inside diameter less than a diameter of the guide, an outside diameter greater than the guide and oriented obtusely to the axis, the receding surface area merging with the primary sealing area at an outside diameter of the primary sealing area, the receding surface area being oriented more obtusely to the axis than the orientation of the primary sealing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Buescher Developments, LLC
    Inventor: Anh Pham
  • Patent number: 8683973
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, which includes a cylinder block, a cylinder head fastened to the cylinder block, an aperture formed in a side of the cylinder head, and a conduit assembly, such as an intake runner assembly or an exhaust conduit assembly. A combustion chamber is formed by the cylinder block and the cylinder head. The intake runner assembly is received within the aperture and configured to communicate air to the combustion chamber. The intake runner assembly includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece has a first channel that includes a bend. The second piece has a second channel that includes another bend mirroring the bend of the first channel. The first piece is coupled to the second piece such that the first and second channels together form a flow path through the intake runner assembly, and the bends of the first and second channels together form a smooth turn in the flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Jason J. Raasch
  • Patent number: 8671922
    Abstract: An engine includes an engine casing and a first piston configured to reciprocate relative to the engine casing. The first piston has a wall that defines a substantially cylindrical chamber. One or more second pistons are configured to reciprocate inside the substantially cylindrical chamber. A combustion chamber intake port and a combustion chamber exhaust port extend through the wall. A shutter is outside the wall and is movable between a first position substantially blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber exhaust port but not blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber intake port and a second position substantially blocking fluid flow through the combustion chamber intake port but not blocking flow through the combustion chamber exhaust port. An actuator causes the shutter to move between the first position and the second position in response to the first piston reciprocating relative to the engine casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Motiv Engines LLC
    Inventor: John M. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20140034007
    Abstract: An engine component incorporates an installation feature for minimizing probability of misassembly of the component to or within an engine structure. For example, a ventless thermostatic valve may be made distinguishable from a vented, but otherwise identical, thermostatic valve, via the provision of tabs extending upwardly from the top of the ventless thermostatic valve. The tabs may be received into a corresponding tab-receiving groove of an associated engine part. As such, the tabs of the ventless component may offer a tactically sensitive distinguishing feature to signal that something may be amiss during an engine installation. The corresponding tab-receiving groove may be a widened aperture within a radiator elbow sleeve into which an upper portion of the ventless thermostatic valve may be mated and secured between an elbow sleeve flange and a cylinder head. Finally, a method of using the installation feature to reduce opportunities for misassembly error is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Qiyu Liang, Arun Aakalu Ashok
  • Patent number: 8640671
    Abstract: A bearing device includes a plurality of pairs of bearing parts for supporting shafts to each of which a plurality valves are attached and connecting parts for connecting the bearing parts. Each connecting part is elastically deformable and includes a bent portion in a bent shape to absorb the force that will act in at least one of an axial direction and a radial direction of the shafts when the shafts are rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Iwata, Naotaka Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8613267
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to valves comprising a member such as a plate or poppet, that is moveable relative to a stationary seat. The state of the member may be maintained against opposing forces with relatively little expenditure of energy. According to one embodiment, a poppet displaced from seating in the valve seat, may be held in position against opposing forces tending to close the valve, until a desired flow of gas through the valve has taken place. The poppet may then be released as desired, such that those opposing forces serve to passively close the valve. The valve may be secured in position utilizing mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, electrostatic, or hydraulic approaches. Valve embodiments may be particularly suited to controlling gas flows for compression and/or expansion in an energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Gordon Rado, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130327306
    Abstract: An exemplary two-stroke internal combustion engine can comprise one or more cylinders comprising exhaust ports, one or more pistons configured to cyclically cover and uncover the exhaust ports during reciprocation of the pistons within the cylinders, and one or more rotary exhaust valves associated with each exhaust port. The exhaust valves can be configured to rotate around a valve axis that is substantially parallel to an axis of rotation of a crank shaft of the engine. Each exhaust valve at least partially obstructs the associated exhaust port during a portion of the exhaust valve's rotation about the valve axis while the associated exhaust port is at least partially uncovered by the associated piston, thereby trapping fresh charge within the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
    Inventors: Andrew Hooper, Coleman Bode, Alexander Fuhrman, Ty Lord
  • Patent number: 8601992
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to valves comprising a member such as a plate or poppet, that is moveable relative to a stationary seat. The state of the member may be maintained against opposing forces with relatively little expenditure of energy. According to one embodiment, a poppet displaced from seating in the valve seat, may be held in position against opposing forces tending to close the valve, until a desired flow of gas through the valve has taken place. The poppet may then be released as desired, such that those opposing forces serve to passively close the valve. The valve may be secured in position utilizing mechanical, magnetic, electromagnetic, pneumatic, electrostatic, or hydraulic approaches. Valve embodiments may be particularly suited to controlling gas flows for compression and/or expansion in an energy storage system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Gordon Rado, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130312678
    Abstract: Control valve for a device, in particular for a hydraulic control device, for variably setting the control times of gas exchange valves in internal combustion engines, including a housing component, a control piston and a retaining ring, the control piston being movably mounted, loaded by a spring, on the one hand, and limited with the aid of the retaining ring, on the other hand, the retaining ring projecting over the control piston in the radial direction and being fixable in the axial direction in a recess in the housing component, and a control sleeve and a plastic shell surrounding the control sleeve being provided between the control piston and the housing component, and the retaining ring being axially attachable to the plastic shell in addition to being fixable to the housing component, and limiting the movement of the control piston and/or the control sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: David KOEHLER
  • Publication number: 20130298889
    Abstract: Disclosed is an engine valve port including a valve opening, a first portion, and a separate second portion. The first portion and the second portion are separately connected to the valve opening, and the first portion and the second portion merge together at a location spaced from the valve opening. The valve port has a bifurcated, porpoise-like shape. The first portion and the second portion are generally arcuate in shape, and the first portion and the second portion have a generally semicircular cross-section. Also disclosed is an engine including such a valve port. A valve associated with the valve port may be an outwardly-opening valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: SCUDERI GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: FORD A. PHILLIPS, CHRISTOPHER L. WRAY, MITCHEL A. SMOLIK
  • Publication number: 20130276764
    Abstract: A valve device controls the air intake for a compressor of a vehicle. The valve device includes a valve housing having a first compressed air inlet for connecting to an ambient air infeed, a second compressed air inlet for connecting to a charge air infeed, through which pre-compressed air can be fed, and a compressed air outlet for connecting to the compressor. The valve device includes a first switched state in which the compressed air outlet is fluidically connected to the first compressed air inlet, and a second switched state in which the compressed air outlet is fluidically connected to the second compressed air inlet. The valve device includes a switching device capable of switching the valve device between the first switched and the second switched state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Huba NÉMETH, Laslo MENYHART
  • Publication number: 20130269646
    Abstract: A device for holding down a valve for metering fuel in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is provided. The valve is inserted for fuel supply, using a connection piece, into a sealing region which presses against the connection piece at an outlet opening of a manifold fixed to the cylinder head. Between a first support shoulder on the side of the valve and a second support shoulder on the side of the manifold, the device has a clamped spring element for transferring a holding-down force onto the valve. In order to achieve an inward deflection of the spring element required for the transfer of the holding-down force, the spring element is prestressed to a prestressing force that is reduced with respect to the holding-down force, and the prestressed spring element is fixed on the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar SCHMIEDER, Tilo LANDENFELD
  • Publication number: 20130247861
    Abstract: A valve that constitutes part of an exhaust gas recirculation valve is connected to a shaft, such that the valve is rotatable together with the shaft in the interior of a main body. An outer peripheral surface of the valve is formed in a substantial spherical shape, the axis (center of curvature) of the valve and the axis of the shaft being arranged eccentrically by a predetermined distance along a flow direction of the exhaust gas. In addition, a percentage between the eccentric distance between the center of curvature of the valve and the axis of the shaft, and the diameter of a gas inlet port of the main body into which the exhaust gas flows is 5.5% or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: KEIHIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Moriyoshi Awasaka, Ryuji Numabe, Ken Nakano, Yuya Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20130247862
    Abstract: A shutter opening/closing control device is proposed which can reduce an operation noise of the shutter without increasing the manufacturing cost. The shutter opening/closing control device includes a grille shutter for opening and closing a grille opening which introduces the outside air into the engine compartment, a shutter opening and closing operating portion having a drive source for operating the shutter to be open or to be closed, a closing operation judging portion for judging whether or not the grille shutter is operated in a closing direction based on the vehicle information and a drive source torque controlling portion for controlling the drive source of the shutter opening/closing operating portion to operate the grille shutter first by a high torque and thereafter by a low torque which is lower than the high torque when the grille shutter is judged to be operated in the closing direction by the closing operation judging portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Morio Sakai
  • Publication number: 20130233269
    Abstract: An exhaust valve assembly for use in an exhaust system includes a body region and an auxiliary region. The body region has first and second ends and defines a longitudinal axis defined between the ends. The body region has an interior surface terminating at the ends and defines a flow path along the axis and an opening. The auxiliary region is coupled to the body region about the opening. The auxiliary region has at least one wall that defines a space in communication with the opening outside the flow path. The exhaust valve assembly further includes a shaft coupled to the wall of the auxiliary region and a vane coupled to the shaft. The vane is movable between an open position with the vane disposed entirely within the auxiliary region and a closed position with at least a portion of the vane disposed in the body region intersecting the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: KATCON USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Houtschilt, John Boehnke, Sandra Serna, Joseph Furnari
  • Publication number: 20130186378
    Abstract: One embodiment may include a bushing (100, 300) and a seal member (102, 104, 200, 302). The bushing may be located in a cavity (56) of a stationary body (46) of an engine breathing system valve (12). The bushing may be located around a moveable stem (48) of the engine breathing system valve in order to facilitate movement of the valve. The seal member may be located in the cavity and around the stem. The seal member may substantially prevent fluid-flow between an outer diametrical surface (76) of the stem and a confronting inner diametrical surface (120, 128, 202, 308) of the seal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Todd R. Peterson, Murray Busato
  • Patent number: 8490605
    Abstract: An actuating drive for a bi-directionally adjustable actuator for at least on of an exhaust gas recirculation device and an exhaust gas turbocharger. The actuating drive includes an electric motor; a toggle lever, which articulates with the actuator via a first toggle lever bearing; and a gear mechanism, connecting the electric motor with the toggle lever, wherein the gear mechanism includes a toothing element on an output side mounted in a pivot bearing, wherein the toggle lever is articulating mounted via a second toggle lever bearing, wherein in a starting state of the actuating drive is associated with a starting position of the actuator, and wherein an acute angle exists between a first straight line extending through the first toggle lever bearing and through the second toggle lever bearing, and a second straight line extending through the pivot bearing and through the second toggle lever bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Reinhold Gracner, David Klemen
  • Publication number: 20130160726
    Abstract: Valve assembly and method in which a valve member is connected to an elongated lever arm for controlling communication between two chambers in an engine. The valve assembly is disposed at least partially within one of the chambers, and the valve member is moved between open and closed by an actuator connected to the lever arm. In some disclosed embodiments, a pilot valve is opened to equalize pressure on both sides of the valve member prior to moving the valve member toward the open position. In others, where a piston in an expansion cylinder is driven by hot, expanding gases from a separate combustion chamber or heat exchanger, the exhaust valve is closed before the piston has completed its exhaust stroke, and pressure is allowed to build up in the expansion cylinder to a level corresponding to the pressure in the combustion chamber before the valve member is moved toward the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: John Zajac
  • Publication number: 20130014719
    Abstract: A vibration insulator which can compensate for axial eccentricity occurring in a fuel injection valve and suppress vibrations of the valve during operation of a combustion engine and a support structure for the valve. The vibration insulator is interposed between a step height portion of the valve and a shoulder portion. The step height portion is increased in diameter in a tapered fashion and inserted into an insertion hole of a cylinder head. The shoulder portion is annularly extended in an inlet portion of the insertion hole opposed to the step height portion. The vibration insulator includes an annular tolerance ring on an inner circumferential inclined face thereof with recessed tapered faces opposed to the tapered face of the step height portion and which abuts the tapered face. The taper angles of the tolerance ring and of the step height portion are set so as to be different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicants: UCHIYAMA MANUFACTURING CORP., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Natsuki Sugiyama, Tomokazu Sumida, Seizo Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20120304950
    Abstract: A port that communicates an inside of a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine with an outside of the combustion chamber includes a throat portion that has at least a portion of a truncated cone shape, a valve seat portion that is connected to one end portion of the throat portion to communicate the throat portion with the inside of the combustion chamber, and a passage portion that is connected to the other end portion of the throat portion to communicate the throat portion with the outside of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi ABE
  • Publication number: 20120304951
    Abstract: A control device may include a control drive and a coupling unit coupled to a drive side of the control drive for performing bidirectional control motions and also be coupled to an output side of the control member to be bidirectionally actuated. The coupling unit may have a drive element on the drive side coupled to the control drive. The coupling unit may have an output element on the output side coupled to the control member and to the drive element via a joint for transferring tensile and compression forces in a longitudinal axis of the output element. The joint may be configured to allow pivot motions between the drive element and the output element about a transverse axis running in the joint transverse to the longitudinal axis. The joint may also be configured to allow linear motions parallel to the transverse axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Weber
  • Patent number: 8251037
    Abstract: A fluid flow valve in a cylinder head comprises a first valve end and an axially disposed second shaft end connected by a valve shaft. A first valve member is located at the first valve end and a second valve member is located axially from, and in fixed relationship to, the first valve member along the valve shaft. A valve support extends axially between and connects the first valve member and the second valve member; the valve support including an axially extending wall portion having circumferentially spaced support struts extending radially between the valve shaft and the wall portion. Fluid flow passages extend axially through the wall portion, between the circumferentially spaced support struts, wherein fluid flows simultaneously about the exterior of the wall portion and through the fluid flow passages in the wall portion when the valve member is biased to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: John R. Bucknell