Patents by Inventor Dirk De Gronckel

Dirk De Gronckel 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).

  • Extra support land for valve disc
    Patent number: 6886670
    Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow through a passage defined by a valve body or a piston includes a valve disc which abuts the valve body or the piston. The valve body or the piston defines a first supporting member for the valve disc, a second supporting member for the valve disc located radially inward from the first supporting member and a third supporting member for the valve disc located between the first and second supporting members. This valve disc abuts the first and second supporting members and a clearance is defined between the valve disc and the third supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: David Holiviers, Dirk De Gronckel, Johan Vangrieken