Patents by Inventor Bruce R. Dinger

Bruce R. Dinger has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5329806
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exhaust oxygen sensor including a component requiring electricity to operate such as a heater or oxygen electrode. The first electrical terminal is provided in electrical contact with the component and wherein the electrical terminal has at least one male prong. The second electrical terminal in electrical contact with a wire for delivering electrical power from an external source is also provided. The second electrical terminal has at least one female connector or receptacle. The male prong and the female connector are constructed and arranged so at least one of the first and second electrical terminals is removable with respect to the other terminal. The sensor may include a threaded nut slidably received over a tubular housing, constructed and arranged to be threaded onto a threaded exhaust manifold boss without rotating the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. McClanahan, Bruce R. Dinger, Richard W. Duce
  • Patent number: 4860499
    Abstract: A spark plug grinding machine is equipped with force sensors to measure grinding forces and other forces attendant to a grinding operation. Ceramic spark plug insulators are carried by spindles on a Ferris wheel into a grinding station. A control wheel engages and spins each part as a grinding wheel grinds the surface of the insulator. A three axis transducer on one of the spindles measures force components along the axis of the spindle, parallel to a tangent of the grinding wheel and in a radial direction. A torque sensor on the control wheel measures the torque as the wheel rotates each insulator. Either or both of the sensors may be used. They are coupled through slip rings to a recorder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce R. Dinger, Mark R. McClanahan, David B. Quinn, Frederick L. Kennard