Michael L Hawkes

US Patent:

20150096514, Apr 9, 2015

Filed:

Dec 15, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/571131

Inventors:

- San Carlos CA, US
Michael Hawkes - San Francisco CA, US
William H. Anderson - Cameron Park CA, US

International Classification:

F01L 1/30

US Classification:

123 9026, 123 901

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:

20150059694, Mar 5, 2015

Filed:

Nov 10, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/537824

Inventors:

- San Carlos CA, US
Michael Hawkes - San Francisco CA, US

International Classification:

F02D 9/12
F02P 5/04
F02M 9/02
F02D 11/10

US Classification:

123399, 261 641, 261 642

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. The first throttle control input can include activation of a throttle control device against a first control resistance provided by the throttle control device, and the second throttle control input can include activation of the throttle control device against a second control resistance provided by the throttle control device and that is greater than the first control resistance. Related methods, systems, and article of manufacture are described.