Patents by Inventor Merle J. Athmer

Merle J. Athmer 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: 4969542
    Abstract: A dust shield for use with a damper includes a hollow cylindrical body having first and second ends. A plurality of convolutions are provided in the outer surface of the body between its ends. A plurality of inwardly projecting fingers are provided in the body portion. Each finger includes a centering rib extending to the damper to prevent shifting of the dust shield during use, thereby eliminating contact between the dust shield and a surrounding coil spring or a bump plate mounted on the damper. Additionally, each finger includes a retaining wall. The bump plate engages the retaining wall during rebound of the damper to pull the dust shield to its approximate original length to provide full-time cover of a piston rod of the damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Merle J. Athmer, Chris F. Keller, Jr.