Michael T Lucas

US Patent:

6598388, Jul 29, 2003

Filed:

Feb 1, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/775412

Inventors:

Michael Lucas - Columbus IN
Matthew Schneider - Columbus IN
Louis P. Oldham - Greenwood IN
Dean Dringenburg - Seymour IN

Assignee:

Cummins, Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

F01N 302

US Classification:

60311, 60278, 55DIG 30

Abstract:

An exhaust gas recirculation system for an internal combustion engine includes intake and exhaust manifolds that respectively receive ambient air and expel exhaust gas. A recirculation line fluidly connects the exhaust and intake manifolds. An exhaust gas recirculation valve is included in the recirculation line and is controlled to distribute exhaust gas into the intake manifold. A particle trap is arranged to receive all of the exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold and includes a particle collection chamber therein. A stagnation region is provided within the particle trap such that all the exhaust gas passed through the exhaust gas particle trap is directed toward the stagnation region therein and at least a portion of debris carried with the exhaust gas is retained within the particle collection chamber.

US Patent:

7156368, Jan 2, 2007

Filed:

Apr 14, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/823692

Inventors:

Michael A. Lucas - Morgantown IN, US
David L. Buchanan - Westport IN, US
David M. Rix - Columbus IN, US
Donald J. Benson - Columbus IN, US

Assignee:

Cummins Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

F02M 47/02

US Classification:

25112919, 25112918

Abstract:

A flow control valve for controlling the flow of fuel in a fuel system including a housing with a fuel passage, a valve device movable to close the fuel passage to block fuel flow through the fuel passage, and to open the fuel passage to permit fuel flow through the fuel passage, a valve plunger engaging the valve device, an actuator for reciprocally moving the valve plunger, an armature overtravel feature for permitting continued movement of the armature relative to the valve plunger from an engaged position into a disengaged position when the valve plunger reaches the extended position, and an armature stop for stopping overtravel of the armature.

US Patent:

7690361, Apr 6, 2010

Filed:

Sep 28, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/905410

Inventors:

Kevin L. Vogt - Columbus IN, US
Jung-Min C. Sung - Columbus IN, US
Michael A. Lucas - Columbus IN, US

Assignee:

Cummins Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

F02M 37/00
F02M 37/08

US Classification:

123514, 123506

Abstract:

A system and method for metering fuel is provided which includes a fuel supply line and a metering valve in fluid connection with the fuel supply line to control a flow of fuel through the fuel supply line. The valve is movable into a closed position to block a primary flow of fuel and create a leakage fuel flow in the fuel supply line downstream of the metering valve. The system also includes a venturi apparatus fluidly coupled to the fuel supply line upstream of the metering valve. The venturi apparatus is further coupled to the fuel supply line downstream of the metering valve to direct the leakage fuel flow out of the fuel supply line.

US Patent:

7950370, May 31, 2011

Filed:

Mar 13, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/047434

Inventors:

Michael A. Lucas - Morgantown IN, US
Lars Tegnelius - Columbus IN, US
Donald J. Benson - Columbus IN, US

Assignee:

Cummins Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

F02M 69/46

US Classification:

123435, 123526

Abstract:

A high pressure common rail fuel system is provided including a fuel supply, a high pressure pump assembly fluidly connected to receive fuel from the fuel supply, and a gas supply system fluidly connected to provide gas to the high pressure pump assembly to create a high pressure gas fuel mixture. A common rail fuel system is fluidly connected to the high pressure pump assembly to receive the high pressure gas fuel mixture.

US Patent:

20060138374, Jun 29, 2006

Filed:

Dec 15, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/304869

Inventors:

Michael Lucas - Columbus IN, US
David Rix - Columbus IN, US
David Buchanan - Westport IN, US
Gary Vanderlind - Columbus IN, US

International Classification:

F16K 31/02

US Classification:

251129160

Abstract:

A valve actuator assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a stator; an armature housing; and an adjustable spacer coupled between the stator and the armature housing, wherein the spacer yields at a controlled rate when an axial load is applied thereto. The adjustable spacer is positioned between the stator and the armature housing such that when an axial load is applied, the adjustable spacer compresses at a controlled rate, thereby allowing adjustment of the valve stroke. A system and method in accordance with the present invention is applicable to any valve which includes a housing containing a seat, an armature, a stator, and a mechanism that is capable of applying a load to the housing.

US Patent:

20090267008, Oct 29, 2009

Filed:

Sep 14, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/855333

Inventors:

Michael A. LUCAS - Morgantown IN, US
Martin W. Long - Columbus IN, US
Donald J. Benson - Columbus IN, US
Gary A. Garitson - Columbus IN, US
Steven E. Ferdon - Columbus IN, US
David M. Rix - Columbus IN, US
Rodney A. Ewing - Columbus IN, US
Terry L. Underwood - Seymour IN, US

Assignee:

CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

F16K 31/06
H02K 15/02
H02K 33/02

US Classification:

25112915, 29596, 310 30

Abstract:

An electromagnetic valve includes an extra-high pressure injection system control valve having soft metal powder particles in a magnetic stator core. Electroless nickel plating is applied to the stator core to provide an intermediate surface to absorb grinding wheel stress as a working face is exposed during manufacturing, as well as an external compression layer or casing to hold or encapsulate the powder particles in place and together during assembly and use.

US Patent:

59186305, Jul 6, 1999

Filed:

Jan 22, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/010545

Inventors:

Michael A. Lucas - Columbus IN
Chafic M. Hammoud - Downey CA

Assignee:

Cummins Engine Company, Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

F15B 13044

US Classification:

13759617

Abstract:

A solenoid operated pin-within-a-sleeve three-way valve for high pressure fuel systems is provided which is capable of effectively minimizing the side loads imparted to the movable pin and sleeve elements while effectively controlling the timing and quantity of fuel injection. The three-way valve assembly includes a floating pin telescopingly received within the cavity of the movable valve member. A side load reducing device is provided for minimizing side loading on the floating pin and the movable valve member which includes a tappet reciprocally mounted in the valve housing adjacent one end of the floating pin, a biasing spring for causing the tappet to follow the pin and for causing the pin to follow the movable valve member to keep the second valve seat closed as the movable valve member is advanced toward the first position from the second position. The side load reducing feature also includes a planar surface formed on the tappet, and a semi-spherical surface formed on the floating pin for abutment against the planar surface. The side load reducing device ensures that transverse or side loads on the floating pin are minimized by transferring biasing spring-induced side loads to a tappet housing via the tappet while minimizing the contact surface between floating pin and tappet via the point-of-contact abutment of the semi-spherical and planar surfaces.

US Patent:

49864726, Jan 22, 1991

Filed:

Sep 5, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/402893

Inventors:

Timothy A. Warlick - Columbus IN
Jeffrey L. Campbell - Hope IN
Lester L. Peters - Columbus IN
Michael E. Lucas - Columbus IN
Julius P. Perr - Columbus IN
Kuang-Wen T. Wan - Columbus IN

Assignee:

Cummins Engine Company, Inc. - Columbus IN

International Classification:

F02M 4500
F02M 5304

US Classification:

239 88

Abstract:

A fuel injector includes an injector housing having a plunger assembly disposed within a central axial bore and including a lower plunger, an intermediate plunger, and an upper plunger. The lower plunger reciprocates within the central bore to meter a variable quantity of fuel during downward portions of the reciprocating motion. A timing spring is wound around the upper portion of the lower plunger to bias the lower plunger upwardly. A timing chamber formed between the upper and intermediate plungers receives timing fluid to create a hydraulic link between the plungers. Timing fluid exits the timing chamber through a central passage, which may have a reduced area regulating orifice, formed through the intermediate plunger, which is ordinarily closed by a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism is acted upon in part by the timing spring. To improve the pressure regulation using a higher spring load and to accommodate a larger area drainage passage, a valve spring biases closed the passage.