Internal-combustion Engine Patents (Class 417/380)
  • Patent number: 11255202
    Abstract: A turbine housing defining a pair of volutes with respective outlets divided by a divider wall, includes a diffuser space in the gas flow path between the volutes and the turbine wheel. The diffuser space has an upstream portion having a smaller axial extent than a downstream portion of the diffuser space. The widening of the diffuser space tends to direct exhaust gas entering the diffusion space from at least one side of the divider wall towards the corresponding axial end of the diffuser space. Thus reduces the tendency of this gas to interrupt the flow into the diffuser space of exhaust gas from the other inlet volute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: CUMMINS LTD
    Inventor: Jon-Luke Keating
  • Patent number: 10501387
    Abstract: An exemplary method of actuating an operational device includes activating a propellant in a pyrotechnic pressure generator, the pyrotechnic pressure generator comprising an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a bore extending axially from a barrier to the second end, a piston slidably disposed in the bore, the propellant located in a chamber between the first end and the barrier, a gas outlet orifice through the barrier providing gas communication between the chamber, and a port at the second end in communication with the operational device; producing a gas in the chamber in response to activating the propellant, the gas escaping through the gas outlet orifice into the bore and the gas applying a force to the piston; moving the piston in a stroke from a position proximate to the barrier to a position proximate to the second end; communicating a pressure to the operational device that is equal to or greater than an operating pressure of the operational device in response to moving the piston;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Bastion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Don Coppedge, Dewey James Louvier, Anna Azzolari Ronalds, Hildebrand A. Rumann
  • Patent number: 9995227
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for using negative pressure energy of an engine, comprising: a first cavity (10), which first cavity (10) is in communication with the atmosphere via a first intake port (20); a second cavity (30), which second cavity (30) is in communication with the intake port of the engine (50) for supplying air to the intake port of the engine; a second intake port (40), which second intake port (40) is connected to the second cavity (30), wherein when the second intake port (40) is open, the second cavity (30) is in communication with the atmosphere for supplying the air to the intake port of the engine; and a rotating device (60), which rotating device (60) is located between the first cavity (10) and the second cavity (30), and can be rotated under the action of pressure difference between the first cavity (10) and the second cavity (30). Further disclosed is a method for using negative pressure energy of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignees: Belqi Foton Motor Co. Ltd., Beijing Zhi Ke Investment and Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lei Feng
  • Patent number: 9879660
    Abstract: A pump moves fluid by a piston reciprocating inside a cylinder. Fluid enters the cylinder through an inlet valve that passes through the cylinder head, and has an enlarged surface inside the cylinder, which seals against the cylinder head. This valve is normally held closed by a spring. As the piston advances, fluid is forced out of the cylinder through a passage in the cylinder head and a check valve. A rod is affixed to the piston and passes through the inlet valve. As the piston retracts, the rod slides through the inlet valve, until a stop, affixed to the rod, encounters the stem of the inlet valve. The spring holding the valve closed is overcome and the valve opens as the piston and rod move farther, until the piston is in its fully retracted position. Fluid enters the cylinder until the piston again begins to advance. The stop ceases to push the inlet valve open, and the spring again holds it closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Springboard Biodiesel, LLC
    Inventor: Galen Michael Bowen
  • Patent number: 9217361
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining a cylinder and a cylinder head mounted to the block. The cylinder head supplies air and fuel to the cylinder for combustion therein. The engine also includes an exhaust manifold operatively connected to the cylinder head and having a first outlet and a second outlet configured to exhaust post-combustion gasses from the cylinder. The engine also includes a turbocharging system configured to pressurize an airflow for delivery thereof to the cylinder. The turbocharging system includes a low-flow turbocharger driven by the post-combustion gasses from the first outlet to pressurize the airflow and a high-flow turbocharger driven by the post-combustion gasses from the second outlet to pressurize the airflow. The turbocharging system additionally includes a flow control device for selectively directing the post-combustion gasses to the low-flow and high-flow turbochargers. A vehicle employing such an engine is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ko-Jen Wu, Dustin Loveland
  • Patent number: 8979508
    Abstract: A variable-vane assembly for a turbocharger includes an annular nozzle ring supporting an array of rotatable vanes, an insert having a tubular portion sealingly received into the bore of the turbine housing and having a nozzle portion extending radially out from one end of the tubular portion and being axially spaced from the nozzle ring with the vanes therebetween, and an annular retainer ring disposed radially outward of the nozzle ring and extending generally radially inwardly. The nozzle ring's face is stepped, and a radially inner edge of the retainer ring engages the face of the nozzle ring radially outward of the step, the radially inner edge of the retainer ring having an axial thickness that is less than the step height such that a remaining portion of the step is presented to the exhaust gas flowing through the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Julien Mailfert, Nicolas Morand, Calogero Beltrami
  • Publication number: 20150037178
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a turbo compound system for a vehicle which recovers emission gas energy of an engine, and particularly, to a turbo compound system for a vehicle which may recover emission gas energy and provide the energy to various auxiliary devices for a vehicle in various forms. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a turbo compound system for a vehicle in which recovered emission gas energy is transferred directly to auxiliary devices for a vehicle without passing through a crank shaft for a vehicle, thereby preventing deterioration of fuel efficiency or output reduction, and simplifying facility and control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Tae Joong Wang
  • Patent number: 8341955
    Abstract: A pumping system is provided which is a mobile, vehicle-mounted pumping system, such as for water or fuels, which mounts on a vehicle and may be used for various applications. The pumping system operates a drive system and control system for liquid pumps almost exclusively by hydraulic fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel R. Brantley, Ivars R. Bergs, Jeffrey J. Sietsema, Michael J. Brennan
  • Patent number: 8206129
    Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine including a pressurized fluid outlet, the engine comprising a two-ended piston, with one end received in a combustion chamber, and another end received in a hydraulic chamber. The piston further including a portion intermediate the two ends and received within an air chamber, and the air chamber has an air outlet communicating with a combustion air inlet to the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Robert A. Sanderson
  • Patent number: 8197227
    Abstract: An improved multi-stage compressor device for compressing gas, which compressor device (1) mainly consists of at least two compressor elements (2-5-28) placed in series one after the other, at least one of which (5-28) is driven by a motor (9), characterized in that at least one other compressor element (2) is driven separately, in other words without any mechanical link with said motor (9), by means of an expander (18) of a closed power cycle (12) with a circulating medium inside which is heated by the compressed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower, Naamloze Vennootschap
    Inventor: Philippe Alphonse Louis Ernens
  • Patent number: 8104436
    Abstract: A quasi free piston engine uses, a small, lightweight crankshaft to connect the piston assemblies of the free piston engine with a flywheel. While most of the power output from the combustion pistons is extracted by pumping pistons as hydraulic power, the small crankshaft and flywheel ensure exact TDC position of the combustion pistons in operation, and provide a rotating means to drive combustion cylinder intake and exhaust valves. Flywheel speed may be monitored to provide feedback on power extraction for further control of the system. In addition, a hydraulic push-rod system for efficient valve actuation is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7959417
    Abstract: The hydraulic engine includes first and second reaction chambers, the first and second reaction chambers each having an enclosure within which is disposed a floating piston. An impulse turbine is in fluid communication with the first and second reaction chambers. A delay valve is in fluid communication with the first and second reaction chambers and the impulse turbine, the delay valve operable to switch between a first position and a second position, the first position providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the first reaction chamber to cause an explosion therein and the second position providing a flow of pressurized fluid to the second reaction chamber to cause an explosion therein. Successive explosions in the first and second reaction chambers provide flows of high pressure fluid to drive the impulse turbine and to switch the delay valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Charles A. White, III
  • Patent number: 7503753
    Abstract: A variable capacity fluid pump that can be controlled independently of the rotation of the engine is provided. The fluid pump comprises a planetary gear mechanism having a first gear, second gears and a third gear. The second gears are connected to a crankshaft of the engine and transmits a rotational force of the crankshaft. The third gear is connected to the fluid pump. The fluid pump further comprises braking means connected to the first gear. The breaking means generates a braking force upon the first gear. The fluid pump further comprises a one-way clutch provided between the second gears and the third gear. The braking means controls a rotational speed of the first gear so that a rotational speed of the fluid pump is controlled independently of a rotational speed of the crankshaft of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Yasui
  • Publication number: 20040151605
    Abstract: Method and compressor arrangement for generating compressed air, particularly for commercial vehicles, which is generated by way of a compressor unit (3) driven by an internal-combustion engine (1) from the ambient air according to a control unit (14), in which cases, by means of the compressor unit (3) operated by the internal-combustion engine, compressed of only a low pressure level is generated for assigned low-pressure consuming devices (7a, 7b), and in that, starting from the compressed air of the low pressure level, by means of a separate auxiliary compressor unit (8), compressed air of a high pressure level is generated for assigned high-pressure consuming devices (11a, 11b), the coordinated triggering of the two compressor units (3,8) being carried out, in a pressure-demand-controlled manner, centrally by means of the control unit (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Doerr, Eduard Gerum
  • Publication number: 20040148932
    Abstract: A multi-cylinder diesel engine provides split mode operation in which one or more cylinders function as air pumps. Compressed air supplied by the cylinders is amplified and stored to a high pressure air tank from which it may be used to run air brakes or other systems. Improved energy density is achieved over prior art vehicle air systems and an auxiliary air compressor is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald L. Larson
  • Publication number: 20040151606
    Abstract: An internal-combustion engine for generating a rotational movement is provided to drive a compressor unit which is connected on the output side, for generating compressed air from ambient air. A control unit triggers the generating of compressed air when compressed air is demanded. An auxiliary compressor unit covers peak demands for compressed air and is fluidically connected in parallel with respect to the internal-combustion-engine-driven compressor unit. The auxiliary compressor unit is driven by an electric motor. The control unit starts the operation of the auxiliary compressor unit in the event of a detected peak demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Doerr, Eduard Gerum
  • Patent number: 6726457
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor system for production of compressed air, consisting of a compressor driven by an internal combustion engine, connected by piping to compressed air discharge points and supplied with precompressed air by an exhaust turbocharger on the drive side connected on the exhaust side of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Harald Wenzel
  • Patent number: 6551076
    Abstract: An engine type apparatus converts the energy released by the internal combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel directly into high pressure. A power cylinder is physically located opposite one of a gas or liquid work cylinder. The power piston is coupled directly to either the gas/liquid work piston. Gas/liquid, under low pressure, enters the work cylinder to cause the coupled pistons to move and generate the compression stroke. The ignition of compressed fuel and air forces the coupled pistons in the opposite direction and the trapped gas/liquid travels through a one-way valve into one or more high-pressure accumulator(s). The pressure of the gas/liquid drives a pneumatic/hydraulic motor to accomplish work. The process is controlled by load requirements to create an “energy on demand” system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Jim L. Boulware
  • Publication number: 20020127122
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor system for production of compressed air, consisting of a compressor driven by an internal combustion engine, connected by piping to compressed air discharge points and supplied with precompressed air by an exhaust turbocharger on the drive side connected on the exhaust side of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Harald Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20020076339
    Abstract: An engine type apparatus converts the energy released by the internal combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel directly into high pressure. A power cylinder is physically located opposite one of a gas or liquid work cylinder. The power piston is coupled directly to either the gas/liquid work piston. Gas/liquid, under low pressure, enters the work cylinder to cause the coupled pistons to move and generate the compression stroke. The ignition of compressed fuel and air forces the coupled pistons in the opposite direction and the trapped gas/liquid travels through a one-way valve into one or more high-pressure accumulator(s). The pressure of the gas/liquid drives a pneumatic/hydraulic motor to accomplish work. The process is controlled by load requirements to create an “energy on demand” system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Jim L. Boulware
  • Patent number: 6227174
    Abstract: An electronically controlled unit injector for internal combustion engine. The unit injector is mounted on a cylinder and has a plunger that extends into the combustion chamber. Fuel flow through the unit injector is accomplished by the plunger, which moves upward into the unit injector in response to upward motion of the piston. This motion displaces fuel and pressurizes a fuel path within the unit injector, including a pressure void at the tip of the needle. The pressurized fuel lifts the needle, which permits fuel to exit through injection spray holes into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: John C. Hedrick, Robert W. Burrahm
  • Patent number: 6162028
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel pumping device for two-cycle engines with at least a one-piece housing, on which a pulse air connector (14), which is pneumatically connected with the crankcase of the two-cycle engine, a fuel aspiration connector and a fuel pressure connector are arranged, in which a diaphragm (41) on which pulse air acts, drives a pump piston (22) in connection with a diaphragm disk (42), in the course of which fuel being supplied from the tank (1) at the fuel aspiration connector during the pump aspiration stroke is aspirated via a flap valve (61) into the compression chamber (51) located upstream of the pump piston, and is pumped during the compression stroke via a further flap valve (71) into the fuel pressure connector and into a reservoir (73) and/or an injection valve (5). The pulse air connector (14) terminates in a housing chamber (13) located between the diaphragm (41) and the pump piston (22), and at least one spring element (15, 35, 94) acts on each side of the diaphragm (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Rembold
  • Patent number: 6158972
    Abstract: A fluid actuated fuel pump assembly including a body 12 having saucer-like sections 54 defining separate concave inlet 14 and outlet 16 hollows and a cylindrical central section 52 defining a fuel intake passage 48 for admitting fuel and extending in the opposite direction to a fuel outlet passage 50. A first pulse cover 18 is disposed over the inlet hollow 14 and a first flexible diaphragm 20 is sandwiched between the first pulse cover 18 and one saucer-like section 54 to define a first pulse chamber 22 and a first pumping chamber 24. A second pulse cover 26 is disposed over the outlet hollow 16 and a second flexible diaphragm 28 is sandwiched between the second pulse cover 26 and the other saucer-like section 54 to define a second pumping chamber 30 and a second pulse chamber 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey L. Ruth
  • Patent number: 6065433
    Abstract: A fluid metering pump (1) is disclosed which is operated by a source of pressurised fluid, which in the case of a pump for metering fuel, may be the crankcase (37) of a two stroke, crankcase scavenged, internal combustion engine. The metered quantity of fluid displaced by the pump (1) is a function of the pressure of the pressurised fluid and time that the pressure acts on a pumping means (15) of the pump (1). Attenuation of the pressure may be achieved, especially under idle or high engine speed conditions in the case of an engine, by a throttle (35) placed in a conduit (33) communicating an actuation chamber of the pump (1) with the source of pressurised fluid, such as the crankcase of a two stroke engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Raymond John Hill
  • Patent number: 6017199
    Abstract: A diaphragm type carburetor is disclosed wherein a cantilever portion is used to augment the resilience of a first diaphragm and return it to an undeformed position during the neutral signal produced by a 4-cycle engine. The cantilever portion cooperates with the intermittent vacuum signal from the crankcase piped to one side of the first diaphragm so as to oscillate the diaphragm and draw fuel from the fuel tank of the engine into the carburetor. The device is also suited for use with 2-cycle engines which produce both vacuum and pressure pulses wherein the cantilever portion is used to augment either pulse to improve the performance of the fuel diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: U.S.A. Zama, Inc.
    Inventor: Yuzuru Yanaka
  • Patent number: 6000628
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a housing having a differential piston surrounded by a coil, the differential piston carrying and surrounding an armature carrying a needle valve element. The valve seat for the needle valve is carried for movement with the differential piston. An air chamber in the injector housing communicates with the intake manifold and a fuel inlet to the fuel injector includes a check valve. At the beginning of the combustion chamber intake stroke, the differential piston is moved by a spring toward the combustion chamber, enabling the check valve to open and fuel to enter the injector fuel passages. Upon increasing pressure within the combustion chamber on the compression stroke, the differential piston is displaced to pressurize the fuel in the injector. Near the top of the compression stroke, the coil is energized and the fuel control valve is opened to inject pressurized fuel into the combustion chamber. Upon deenergization, the fuel control valve closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Jack R. Lorraine
  • Patent number: 5894730
    Abstract: An internal combustion hydraulic engine for use in motor vehicles and the like comprises at least one piston having a first piston head and a second piston head; a first or combustion cylinder at least partially surrounding the first piston head for receiving fuel and air; an igniter for inducing combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the first cylinder; and a second or hydraulic cylinder at least partially surrounding the second piston head for receiving fluid such that the action of the combustion of the fuel on the first piston head induces the second piston head to pressurize the fluid in the hydraulic cylinder. Preferably, the pressurized fluid communicates through a high pressure tank with a hydraulic motor to convert fluid pressure into rotational power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Herman R. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5832731
    Abstract: An expandable piston rotary engine includes a core having a substantially circular periphery and central axis, and a rotor/flywheel mounted concentrically for rotation relative to the core. The core defines a plurality of cylinders spaced symmetrically about, and open at, the periphery of the core. Each cylinder contains a radially expandable, substantially cylindrical piston formed of a relatively thin web of material, such as sapphire or amorphous steel. The piston web material is coiled about its associated cylinder axis, and defines an internal combustion chamber whose diameter, and volume, vary in response to a relative coiling and uncoiling of the web in its cylinder. The inner surface of the rotor/flywheel defines with the periphery of the core, the cylinders and the outer surfaces of the pistons a closed space for a hydraulic fluid. Intake and exhaust valves and fuel igniters are associated with each of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventor: Manfred R. Kuehnle
  • Patent number: 5785505
    Abstract: An integral fluid pump is disposed in the cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is directly driven by an engine piston and provides fluid flow to a fluid system. First and second check valves are connected to the cylinder head and control fluid flow between a reservoir, the fluid pump, the fluid system. The integral fluid pump is particularly suited for providing fluid flow to an engine lubricating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Price
  • Patent number: 5775305
    Abstract: A fuel pump injector for a reciprocating engine having a piston and combustion chamber. The injector comprises a housing having a driving piston slidably received therein. The driving piston is responsive to the pressure in the combustion chamber. A driving cylinder of fuel interfaces with the driving piston and holds the driving piston in place by static pressure. A second smaller diameter driven cylinder of fuel is responsive to the pressure of the driving cylinder. The driving piston statically pressurizes the driving cylinder during the engine's compression stroke. A valve releases the pressure from the driving cylinder to effect fuel injection by transferring the force on the driving piston onto the smaller diameter driven cylinder which injects the atomized fuel into the combustion chamber where it ignites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen R. Bolger
  • Patent number: 5702238
    Abstract: A reciprocating piston gas compressor driven by an integral internal combustion engine is disclosed. The compressor may be used as an air compressor but has particular application for compressing natural gas from natural gas wells. It has few moving parts. The compressor has a reciprocating assembly, one end of which functions as the piston in an engine and the other end of which functions as the piston in a compressor. Motion of the assembly is regulated by a crankshaft. The crankshaft is connected to the reciprocating assembly by a linkage having arms which pass on either side of the assembly. The crankshaft preferably extends through a slot in the reciprocating assembly. Several compressors may be combined to make a multi-stage compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignees: Daniel Cecil Simmons, Walter James Forsyth
    Inventors: Daniel Cecil Simmons, Walter James Forsyth, Reggald Emory Isley
  • Patent number: 5685272
    Abstract: A fuel injection system for an engine having a combustion chamber, the injection system having at least one fuel injector with a hydraulically operated actuator for amplifying the pressure of fuel injected from the injector into the combustion chamber, the hydraulic actuator communicating with a hydraulic pulse pump having a slide piston displaced by the pressure of compression and combustion gases within the combustion chamber, the fuel pressure having an amplified pressure profile paralleling the developed pressure profile of gases compressed and combusted in the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventors: Marius A. Paul, Ana Paul
  • Patent number: 5647734
    Abstract: A hydraulic combustion accumulator includes a cylinder divided into a combustion chamber and a hydraulic fluid chamber by a free reciprocating piston. An injection mechanism is provided for separately injecting a combustion fuel and air into the combustion chamber. The combustion fuel preferably includes at least one of ammonia and hydrogen. An ignition mechanism ignites the combustion gas in the combustion chamber thereby causing the piston to apply a pressurizing force to a hydraulic fluid contained in the hydraulic fluid chamber. A control unit controls the operation of the injection mechanism and ignition mechanism such that, in a preferred embodiment, multiple ignitions are achieved during a single combustion stroke of the piston. The hydraulic combustion accumulator can be utilized in a propulsion system as either a primary propulsion power source or a secondary propulsion power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Norman Milleron
  • Patent number: 5615643
    Abstract: A pump comprising a pumping chamber (3) for pumping a liquid; at least part of the pumping chamber (3) being formed by a pumping means (6) having a pumping area (A2); an actuation chamber (2) in communication with a source of pressurised fluid, at least part of the, actuation chamber (2) being formed by an actuation means (5) having an actuation area (A1); a connection means (7) connecting the actuation means and the pumping means, so that, at least during those times that liquid is required to be pumped by the pump, variations of the pressure in the actuation chamber effect movement of the actuation means which in-turn effects movement of the pumping means to enable supply of liquid to the pumping chamber and delivery of liquid therefrom; wherein the pressure within the pumping chamber is greater than the pressure within the actuation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Orbital Engine Company (Australia) Pty. Limited
    Inventor: Raymond J. Hill
  • Patent number: 5556262
    Abstract: A free-piston engine having a fluid energy unit comprises a cylinder and a piston reciprocating within the cylinder. The piston is equipped with a plunger-shaped extension including a first axial face moving within a chamber when the piston is moved. There are supply means for supply of liquid from a reservoir to the chamber and discharge means for discharge of fluid from the chamber to an accumulator. The plunger-shaped extension further comprises an axial face opposite the first axial face and bordering a pressurized room in the top dead center of the piston. The hydraulic unit further includes a compression section for making a compression stroke of the piston. The discharge means include separate first and second discharge channels. The first discharge channel connects to the chamber in such a manner that a discharge of liquid from the chamber to the accumulator can take place only in a first part of the expansion stroke of the piston and the first discharge channel having a low flow resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Innas Free Piston B.V.
    Inventors: Peter A. J. Achten, Theodorus G. Potma
  • Patent number: 5461861
    Abstract: A process for compressing a gaseous medium, particularly air, in which sucked in gas of a lower initial pressure, particularly atmospheric pressure, is compressed to a predetermined final pressure by means of a compressor driven by the useful side of a thermal engine. The sucked in gas is pre-compressed before entering the compressor and/or the compressed gas is re-compressed after exiting the compressor by a turbocharger. The drive side of the turbocharger is acted upon by the energy of the exhaust gas flow of the thermal engine. In order to increase the overall efficiency of transportable compressor installations in particular, a liquid of a closed or open liquid/steam circulation system, which liquid is under pressure, is evaporated and superheated by the exhaust gas flow of the thermal engine and the superheated steam is fed to the drive side of the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Wenzel
  • Patent number: 5419686
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a fuel pump for an internal combustion engine such as a two-stroke engine in a portable handheld work apparatus such as a motor-driven chain saw or the like. A pump chamber is connected via a suction valve to a fuel feed and via a pressure valve to a pressure line. A pump membrane delimits the pump chamber and is driven by the fluctuating crankcase pressure of the engine which is present in the work chamber. Pump operation free of disturbances over a wide rpm range is attained with the suction valve to the pump chamber being configured essentially as a valve having the shape of a part circle, The pressure valve is disposed approximately at the center of the suction valve and delimits the pump chamber in the stroke direction of the pump membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventors: Michael Wissmann, Hans Nickel, Roland Schierling, Roland Adam, Werner Geyer
  • Patent number: 5403164
    Abstract: A passive compressor is disclosed which includes a free piston or a flexible membrane whose movement is controlled by pressure variations in a main chamber. The pressure in the main chamber changes according to the pressure in the motor crankcase, as the main chamber is coupled to the crankcase by a crankcase transfer passage duct.As the free piston or flexible membrane moves towards the main chamber, it causes a pressure decrease in the air chamber which subsequently admits external air through an inlet valve. When the free piston or the flexible membrane moves in the direction of the air chamber, the increased pressure on the piston or membrane forces the external air into the motor cylinder, through an air transfer passage duct, and towards a port on the cylinder that is opened due to the position of the motor piston. The inlet valve prevents the loss of pressure in the air chamber. Alternatively, the main chamber may be directly attached to the motor crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Luciano N. Gama
  • Patent number: 5385449
    Abstract: A compressor arrangement for producing compressed air includes a compressor connected through a line to devices using the compressed gas and a supercharger driven by the exhaust of a heat engine. In order to improve the overall efficiency of the arrangement, the compressor is driven by the drive side of the heat engine and the supercharger is arranged in one of an intake line and a pressure line of the compressor. The pressure line forms the connection between the compressor and a pressure reservoir which is connected through another line to the devices using the compressed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Mannesmann Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Harald Wenzel
  • Patent number: 5314314
    Abstract: Arrangements for engine compressor units are disclosed in which power cylinders operating on the two-stroke cycle are provided with charging air from a blower or other source which also provides charging air to two-cycle compressor cylinders via a separate turbocharging unit driven by the charging air and delivering more highly pressurized air to the compressor cylinders so as to increase compressor volumetric efficiency through the delivery of the precompressed inlet charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Stanley J. Hinkle
  • Patent number: 5261797
    Abstract: A two cycle internal combustion engine is disclosed incorporating a spherical joint between the piston and the connecting rod. The spherical joint draws lubricating oil into a clearance volume, wherein the oil is sealed therein to hydrostatically transfer piston loads thereacross as the piston reciprocates. The engine further includes a working pump piston for operating on hydraulic fluid. An accumulator chamber is also provided in combination with the engine, wherein the pressure of the fluid in the accumulator chamber is maintained equal to the working fluid pressure of the engine pump by valve means. Also disclosed is a pulse pressure booster for delivering charged air to the combustion chamber of the engine. The pulse pressure booster receives pressurized sump gas and includes a piston for separating the inlet air from the sump gas while communicating pressures thereacross.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Howard W. Christenson
  • Patent number: 5259352
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a membrane fuel pump for a membrane carburetor of an internal combustion engine. The carburetor has a pressure controller and the engine has a crankcase wherein pressure fluctuates during the operation thereof. The membrane fuel pump includes a pump membrane mounted in a housing which partitions a space of the housing into a pump chamber for receiving fuel from a fuel supply connection and a drive chamber. The drive chamber is charged with the pressure of the crankcase. A pressure connection connects the pump chamber to the pressure controller of the membrane carburetor. A bypass channel connects the pressure connection to the fuel supply connection and a valve is interposed between the pressure connection and the bypass channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl
    Inventors: Reinhard Gerhardy, Werner Vonderau
  • Patent number: 5109810
    Abstract: A two-cycle internal combustion engine includes two opposed pistons reciprocatable within a cylinder, between which an air-fuel mixture is injected and ignited. One of the pistons, a compression piston, is connected to a rotatable flywheel for storing energy from reciprocation of the compression piston during the adiabatic expansion stroke. The other piston, a power piston, is attached to a pump piston which operates in a hydraulic pump to displace a hydrostatic fluid at a constant reaction pressure but at a variable stroke. Work is removed from this engine through the hydrostatic fluid, which can be fed to a hydrostatic drive unit. The flywheel is not connected to the primary load, but is used principally to drive the compression piston upward during the compression stroke of the engine. During the compression stroke, the air-fuel mixture is compressed and ignited to a pressure determined by the hydraulic reaction pressure in the hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Inventor: Howard W. Christenson
  • Patent number: 5079784
    Abstract: A control system for hydro-massage tub systems in which water is circulated through a pump and heater from the tub back to a plurality of jets in the tub to create a turbulent massaging action. The system is comprised of an activating device, a pump, a switch activating circuit, a heater with proportional control and a water level sensing safety system. The pump is controlled by a switching and timing circuit that limits the time the pump is on which is slaved to a heater control circuit to prevent operation of the heater unless the pump is circulating water. The proportional heater control circuit maintains the water temperature within a degree or two of a preset temperature by proportionally reducing power as the temperature approaches the preset limit. The activating device transmits a ignal to the switching and timer circuit when a mechanical plunger isolated from electrical circuits is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Hydr-O-Dynamic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno A. Rist, Charles S. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5067467
    Abstract: This invention relates to a novel device for compressing and injecting gaseous fuel from a variable pressure gaseous fuel supply into a fuel receiving apparatus. More particularly, this invention relates to an intensifier-injector which compresses and injects gaseous fuel from a variable pressure source into the cylinder of a positive displacement engine. An intensifier-injector for gaseous fuels in internal combustion engines comprising means which utilizes the compressed gas from the chamber of the internal combustion engine or compressed fluid or gas from an external compressor to drive an intensifier means which raises the pressure of fuel gas supplied to the internal combustion engine for rapid late-cycle injection into the cylinder of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: The University of British Columbia
    Inventors: Philip G. Hill, Ronald J. Pierik, K. Bruce Hodgins
  • Patent number: 4952123
    Abstract: A gear wheel driven air compressor that is constructed as a piston compressor, the drive gear wheel of which, on the air compressor crankshaft, meshes with a gear wheel on the camshaft of the internal combustion engine. With drives of this type, the negative torque of the air compressor, which is produced once the upper dead center position of the air compressor piston has been reached, leads to a sudden flank change in the tooth mesh, which is associated with an unpleasant noise. In order to reduce this noise, it is known to make the meshing flank clearance as small as possible. However, clearances which are too small lead to increased rotational bending strain on the air compressor crankshaft and the camshaft. In order to prevent this, a sinusoidal meshing flank clearance change is proposed, which is obtained via a specific eccentricity of the air compressor drive gear wheel, which is associated with the upper dead center position of the air compressor piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Hans Gebhardt
  • Patent number: 4917069
    Abstract: A fuel pump is mounted on an engine to reduce heat transmission therefrom by a construction in which the housing of the fuel pump is formed at its base with an annular flange with a relatively small diameter which rests on the engine around on opening therein for the operating rod of the fuel pump. The housing of the pump is secured to the engine by a holder which has a shelf bearing on the flange and which includes a depending perimetral flange secured on the engine by a bolt at the distal end of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventor: Ernst Kuhlen
  • Patent number: 4915598
    Abstract: A gear wheel drive air compressor which is constructed as a piston compressor, the drive gear wheel of which on the air compressor crankshaft meshes with a gear wheel on the camshaft of the internal combustion engine. The inventive construction prevents the reverse acceleration of the camshaft drive gear wheel and minimizes the knocking pulse and noise in the mesh of the camshaft gear wheel in that the transmission ratio between the air compressor drive gear wheel and the camshaft gear wheel is embodied as a multiple load cycle of the camshaft drive torque, and at the same time the angular position of the air compressor crankshaft relative to the camshaft is fixed such that negative torque components of the air compressor crankshaft are eliminated by the overlapping of positive torque components of the camshaft. Furthermore, the air compressor drive gear wheel is arranged in alignment with the air compressor crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Heribert Kubis
  • Patent number: 4884405
    Abstract: A piston charger being driven by exhaust gas having a mechanism controlling the exiting of the exhaust gas from the charger. The control mechanism is coupled with the charger piston and includes a member for opening and closing the exhaust gas outlet. Also included is a method of driving the piston charger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1989
    Inventor: Oskar Schatz
  • Patent number: H2219
    Abstract: The coating method includes the steps of dissolving coating precursor(s) in a solvent to form a precursor solution: adding with mixing a miscible diluent to the precursor solution to form a coating solution; admixing solid particles to the coating solution to form a coating slurry, with the particles surrounded with the coating solution; spraying the coating slurry to form droplets containing at least one particle; passing the droplets through a drying zone where the droplets are dried and form dry particles coated with a coating material formed from the coating precursor(s); heat-treating the coating material on the particles emanating from the drying zone to remove volatile matter on the coating material, to improve integrity of the coating material and/or to effect another objective; and collecting dry coated particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Shyam S. Bayya, Guillermo R. Villalobos, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, Ishwar D. Aggarwal