Michael Raymond Hawkes

US Patent:

20120085305, Apr 12, 2012

Filed:

Oct 7, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/269539

Inventors:

James M. Cleeves - Redwood City CA, US
Michael Hawkes - San Francisco CA, US
William H. Anderson - Cameron Park CA, US

Assignee:

Pinnacle Engines, Inc. - San Carlos CA

International Classification:

F01L 5/08
F01L 1/30

US Classification:

123 9026, 1231885

Abstract:

Various types of valve systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a positive control reciprocating sleeve valve system for use with an internal combustion engine includes opening and closing rockers controlled by corresponding opening and closing cam lobes. In one aspect of this embodiment, interference can be designed into the valve control system to provide additional “hold-closed” force to hold the valve against its seat during a portion of the engine cycle. In another aspect of this embodiment, positive control valve systems can include compliant components and systems, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and/or mechanical spring systems to control valve lash, facilitate sealing, etc.

US Patent:

20120085309, Apr 12, 2012

Filed:

Oct 10, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/270192

Inventors:

James M. Cleeves - Redwood City CA, US
Michael Hawkes - San Francisco CA, US

International Classification:

F01L 5/00

US Classification:

1231885

Abstract:

A sleeve valve with a valve body that at least partially encircles at least one piston that moves in a reciprocating manner can, at least partially define with the at least one piston a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A valve actuation mechanism can move the sleeve valve between an open position and a closed position to control flow through a port of the internal combustion engine. The sealing edge of the sleeve valve can be urged against a valve seat by an urging force generated by the valve actuation mechanism when the sleeve valve is moved to the closed position. At least one of the sleeve valve and the valve seat can include a valve assistance feature that assists the valve actuation mechanism in resisting forces generated by the internal combustion engine in opposition to the urging force. Related articles, systems, and methods are described.

US Patent:

20120085319, Apr 12, 2012

Filed:

Oct 10, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/270182

Inventors:

James M. Cleeves - Redwood City CA, US
Michael Hawkes - San Francisco CA, US

International Classification:

F02D 11/10
B01F 3/04

US Classification:

123399, 261 641

Abstract:

An internal combustion engine can be operated in response to a received first throttle control input in a first operating regime that includes delivering a first air-fuel mixture having a first air/fuel ratio to a combustion volume to deliver a first output power in a first output power range between zero and a transition output power level. The engine can be operated in response to a received second throttle control input in a second operating regime that includes delivering a second air/fuel ratio richer than the first air/fuel ratio to the combustion volume to deliver a second output power in a second output power range between the transition output power level and a maximum output power level. Related methods, systems, and article of manufacture are described.

US Patent:

20120089316, Apr 12, 2012

Filed:

Oct 10, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/270200

Inventors:

James M. Cleeves - Redwood City CA, US
Simon David Jackson - Redmond City CA, US
Michael Hawkes - San Francisco CA, US
Michael A. Willcox - Redmond City CA, US

International Classification:

F02B 75/04
F02D 28/00
F01L 5/08

US Classification:

701102, 123312, 123 48 AA

Abstract:

An internal combustion engine can include a piston moving in a cylinder and a junk head disposed opposite the piston head in the cylinder. The junk head can optionally be moveable between a higher compression ratio position closer to a top dead center of the piston and a lower compression ratio position further from the top dead center position of the piston. At least one intake port can deliver a fluid comprising inlet air to a combustion chamber within the cylinder. Combustion gases can be directed out of the combustion volume through at least one exhaust port. One or both of the intake port and the exhaust port can be opened and closed by operation of a sleeve valve that at least partially encircles the piston. Related articles, systems, and methods are described.

US Patent:

20120111293, May 10, 2012

Filed:

Oct 10, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/270173

Inventors:

James M. Cleeves - Redwood City CA, US
Michael Hawkes - San Francisco CA, US

International Classification:

F01L 1/18

US Classification:

123 9015, 123 9039

Abstract:

A cam can rotate on a camshaft of an internal combustion engine. A rocker arm that actuates a valve of the internal combustion engine can include a rocker pivot connection point located on a distal side of a valve component from a proximate end of the rocker arm that is deflected by action of the cam. The rocker arm can include a contact point located between the rocker pivot point and the proximate end. The contact point can act on the valve component to actuate the valve. The rocker pivot connection point can be translated such that it is closer to or further from the cam. This translation can be used to vary valve lift and/or valve timing. The cam can have a three-dimensional profile to provide different actuation distance of the rocker arm. Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture consistent with one or more of these features are described.

US Patent:

20140158093, Jun 12, 2014

Filed:

Jul 9, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/937964

Inventors:

James M. Cleeves - Redwood City CA, US
Michael Hawkes - San Francisco CA, US

International Classification:

F02D 41/30

US Classification:

123492

Abstract:

Fuel efficiency of small carbureted engines can be improved through the use of a fuel shut off valve that ceases fuel flow in the carburetor upon determination that the engine throttle has been closed and the engine is not at or near an idle condition.