The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 19, 2016
Filed:
Dec. 01, 2014
Launchpoint Technologies, Inc., Goleta, CA (US);
Brian A. Paden, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
Orlo James Fiske, Goleta, CA (US);
Michael R. Ricci, Camarillo, CA (US);
Murat Okcuoglu, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
David B. Paden, Goleta, CA (US);
Bradley E. Paden, Santa Barbara, CA (US);
LAUNCHPOINT TECHNOLOGIES, INC., Goleta, CA (US);
Abstract
An electromagnetic valve apparatus with nonlinear springs for variable valve timing in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a valve, floating spring assembly, translational cam, and motor. The cam and spring serve to minimize lash and valve stem bending forces. During opening and closing of the valve, spring potential energy is converted into valve kinetic energy and then back into potential energy at the end of the motion. The potential energy is then available for the next opening/closing event. The motor initiates motion, replaces friction and vibration losses, and terminates motion. However, the motor supplies minimal energy as the valve opens and closes, and vice-versa, naturally due to combined effects of system inertia and the nonlinear spring. In addition to valve control, the apparatus may be applied to fuel injectors, or any reciprocating linear or rotary mechanism where electronic control is used.