Patents Assigned to Fram Group IP LLC
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Publication number: 20130099652Abstract: A spark plug is provided having an insulator with a center axis. A center electrode is coupled to the insulator and has a second end extending from an end of the insulator, the center electrode having a first tip member. A ground electrode is spaced apart from the center electrode, wherein the ground electrode has a first portion extending substantially parallel to the center axis and a second portion extending on an angle from the first portion and relative to the center axis. A second tip member is disposed on the second portion of the ground electrode such that the first tip member and the second tip member cooperate to form a gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2012Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: FRAM GROUP IP LLCInventor: FRAM GROUP IP LLC
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Patent number: 8388838Abstract: A filter, comprising: a housing defining an inlet fluid opening and an outlet fluid opening, the inlet fluid opening and the outlet fluid opening defining a fluid path through the filter; a filter element disposed inside the filter housing, the filter element being disposed in the flow path such that fluid flowing through the flow path must pass through the filter element; and a dispersement device disposed within the housing, the dispersement device comprising a housing having at least one chamber for an additive disposed within the at least one chamber, the dispersement device further comprises a metering opening that is sealed with an oil soluble material the metering opening being in fluid communication with the at least one chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the metering opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Weston H. Gerwin, Michael S. Lynch, Nageswara R. Cheekala, Zafar Hussain, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Daniel E. Bause, Peter D Unger
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Patent number: 8366798Abstract: A filter is disclosed herein, the filter having: a plurality of sheets of filter media, each sheet of filter media having an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein each of the plurality of sheets of filter media has a first layer of filtration media thermoformed to have a plurality of channels, the first layer having an upper surface and a lower surface; a second layer of filtration media sonically welded to a portion of to the first layer of filtration media after the first layer is formed with the plurality of channels, wherein at least one edge of the first layer is not sonically welded to at least one edge of the second layer, and wherein the sheet of filtration media has a plurality of fluid channels each having an inlet opening at the at least one edge of the first layer and the second layer and a sealed end at another end of the sheet; wherein each of the plurality of sheets of filter media are secured together by a strip of adhesive located between each upper surface of each first layer facing the seconType: GrantFiled: September 6, 2011Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Philip P. Treier, Christopher R. Reamsnyder, Michael S. Lynch
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Publication number: 20130009537Abstract: An igniter for an internal combustion engine includes a center electrode, an insulator disposed about the center electrode, and a ground shield or a threaded portion disposed about the insulator, wherein the insulator includes a tip portion extending past an end portion of the ground shield and a tip portion of the center electrode extending through and away from the tip portion of the insulator. The igniter further includes a cap secured to the center electrode, wherein the cap extends past and covers a distal end of the tip portion of the center electrode and a distal end of the tip portion of the insulator. A spark gap is disposed between a peripheral edge of the cap and the end portion of the ground shield or threaded portion wherein the peripheral edge of the cap is spaced away from a surface of the tip portion of the insulator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: FRAM GROUP IP LLCInventors: Matthew Brian Below, Jeff Boehler, Corey Eiden
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Patent number: 8350456Abstract: A spark plug is provided providing resistance to fouling. The spark plug includes a metal shell having a first end, a second end and an intermediate portion that collectively define a central cavity. The spark plug also includes an insulator that extends through the central cavity of the metal shell. The insulator includes a first end portion extending through an intermediate portion to a stepped tip portion having a first length. The stepped tip portion includes a first section and a substantially straight second section having a second length. The substantially straight second section includes a segment that extends beyond the second end of the metal shell to a third length. The second length of substantially straight portion is based upon at least one of the first length and the third length.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: FRAM Group IP LLCInventor: Matthew B. Below
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Patent number: 8348709Abstract: A method of making a spark plug includes providing a metal shell, an insulator at least partially disposed in the metal shell, a ground electrode coupled to the metal shell, and a center electrode disposed within the insulator. The method also includes depositing a tip substance on the spark plug to form an electrode tip.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Eric Passman, Martin Carlin Baker, Jeffrey Boehler
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Patent number: 8350454Abstract: A spark plug comprises a shell having a substantially cylindrical threaded portion for threadable engagement in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, an insulator disposed coaxially in the shell, a center electrode disposed coaxially in the insulator, a side ground electrode having a first end coupled to the shell and a second end facing an end of the center electrode to define a spark discharge gap therebetween, and an electrode tip portion secured to either the side ground electrode or the center electrode proximate the spark discharge gap. The tip portion is formed from an alloy comprising from about 60 to about 70 percent by weight iridium, from about 30 to about 35 percent by weight rhodium, from 0 to about 10 percent by weight nickel, from about 3500 to about 4500 parts per million tantalum, and from about 100 to about 200 parts per million zirconium.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Eric P. Passman, Jeffrey T. Boehler, Edgar A. Leone
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Publication number: 20120325752Abstract: An additive cartridge for dispersing an additive within a filter housing is provided. The additive cartridge includes an additive cartridge housing having a peripheral wall, the additive cartridge housing defining first interior area and a second interior area being divided by a first wall. A first unidirectional fluid path is disposed adjacent the second end, the first fluid path defining a flow path from the second interior area. A first biasing member being made from a shape-memory alloy disposed in the second interior area adjacent the first end, the shape memory alloy moving between a first position and a second position in response to a change in temperature. A first piston member is movably disposed within the second interior area and coupled to the first biasing member, the first piston member defining a dispensing chamber within the second interior area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: FRAM GROUP IP, LLCInventor: Donald William Baldwin, JR.
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Patent number: 8337269Abstract: A method of manufacturing a spark plug, the method including the step of: securing an electrode tip to at least one of a side ground electrode or a center electrode of the spark plug, the electrode tip comprising a platinum-based alloy comprising 20 to 35% by weight of palladium, from greater than 0 to 15% by weight iridium, and the balance of the alloy being platinum, all % by weight being based on the total weight of the alloy.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Jeffrey T. Boehler, Eric P. Passman
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Patent number: 8337268Abstract: A spark plug casing includes a single-piece shell having a nut portion, first and second tubular portions and a converging shell portion, which are configured to be removed from a cylinder head as an integral device. The first tubular portion extends from the nut portion and has a first cross-sectional size. The second tubular portion has a second cross-sectional size less than the first cross-sectional size. The converging shell portion is coupled between the first and second tubular portions. The casing further includes a ground strap having a third cross-sectional size less than the second cross-sectional size. The ground strap is received within an end portion of the second tubular portion opposite the converging shell portion, such that the ground strap and the cylinder head are in a spaced relationship with respect to each other for preventing carbon buildup from binding the ground strap to the cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2011Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Matthew B. Below, J. Braden Richards
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Publication number: 20120306345Abstract: A spark plug is provided having a resistor. The resistor is made from resistor glass material containing an alkali free barium alumino-silicate glass mixed with mullite. In one embodiment, the resistor is a 15 to 30 wt % alkali free barium alumino-silicate glass and 10 to 25 wt % mullite. The resistor material provides for a greater processing kiln temperature range with reduced resistor variability and improved durability performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: FRAM GROUP IP, LLCInventors: Jing Zheng, Jeffrey Boehler
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Publication number: 20120299457Abstract: A spark plug is provided. The spark plug has an insulative sleeve with a central axial bore and an exterior surface of a shaped tip portion. A coating is disposed on the exterior surface of the shaped tip portion and the coating comprises a transition metal compound or a combination of transition metal compounds, and an alkali metal compound. A center electrode extends through the central axial bore of the insulative sleeve. A metal sleeve is provided, wherein the insulating sleeve is positioned within, and secured to, the metal shell. A ground electrode is coupled to the metal shell and positioned in a spaced relationship relative to the center electrode so as to define a spark gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: FRAM GROUP IP, LLCInventors: Peter D. Unger, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Jeffrey T. Boehler, Jing Zheng
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Patent number: 8294343Abstract: A side electrode for a spark plug is provided. The side electrode includes a side wire having a first end and a second end; an opening proximate to the first end, the opening extending from a first surface of the side wire to a second surface of the side wire, wherein the first surface has a flared portion proximate to the opening; and an electrode tip secured to the first end of the side wire, the electrode tip having a tip portion and a shaft portion, wherein the tip portion is located on the second surface and the shaft portion is secured to the side wire by engaging the flared portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Eric P. Passman, Jeffrey T. Boehler, Matthew B. Below
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Patent number: 8216015Abstract: A method of forming a spark plug for an internal combustion engine is provided, the method including the steps of: separately securing a ground electrode to a ground shield, the ground shield having an elongated base section being configured to substantially surround a first insulator section of an insulator configured to substantially surround a center electrode, the insulator having a substantially cylindrical body with at least the first insulator section and a second insulator section, the first and second insulator sections having first and second diameters respectively and being separated by an insulator shoulder; and the elongated center electrode having a center electrode tip at one end and a terminal proximate another end of the center electrode, wherein the ground shield has a frustoconical flange protruding from a first end of the elongated base section, the frustoconical flange being configured to engage the insulator shoulder, and wherein the ground electrode extends from a second end of the elonType: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventor: Matthew B. Below
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Patent number: 8216349Abstract: An evaporative emissions filter for an engine air induction system. The evaporative emissions filter includes a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed within the air induction system outside the direct air flow path. A mechanism is provided for mounting the evaporative emissions filter within the air induction system. Hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system after the engine starts.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Fram Group IP LLCInventors: Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Robert L. Smith, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Richard J. Berkey, Bryon W. Stremler, Peter D. Unger
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Publication number: 20120169205Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spark plug comprising an insulative sleeve having a central axial bore and an exterior surface and a center electrode extending through the central axial bore of the insulative sleeve. The insulating sleeve is positioned within, and secured to, a metal shell that serves as a mounting platform and interface to an internal combustion engine. The metal sleeve also supports a ground electrode that is positioned in a spaced relationship relative to the center electrode so as to generate a spark gap. The insulating sleeve includes a shaped tip portion that resides in a recessed end portion of the metal shell. A coating is disposed on the exterior surface of the insulative sleeve. The coating comprises a silicone resin, optionally in combination with a filler.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: FRAM GROUP IP LLCInventors: Peter Unger, Ron Rohrbach, Jeff Boehler, Jing Zheng
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Publication number: 20120139405Abstract: Disclosed herein is a spark plug comprising an insulative sleeve having a central axial bore and an exterior surface and a center electrode extending through the central axial bore of the insulative sleeve. The insulating sleeve is positioned within, and secured to, a metal shell that serves as a mounting platform and interface to an internal combustion engine. The metal sleeve also supports a ground electrode that is positioned in a spaced relationship relative to the center electrode so as to generate a spark gap. The insulating sleeve includes a shaped tip portion that resides in a recessed end portion of the metal shell. A coating is disposed on the exterior surface of the shaped tip portion of the insulative sleeve. The coating comprises a metal oxide, a noble metal, late transition metal, or a combination comprising two or more of the foregoing metals.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: FRAM GROUP IP LLCInventors: Peter Unger, Ron Rohrbach, Jeff Boehler, Jing Zheng
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Patent number: 8171774Abstract: A hydrocarbon liquid-seal device is provided. The device includes first and second conduits in fluid communication with each other such that the first and second conduits define a flow path therethrough configured to pass a hydrocarbon vapor. The first and second conduits are in a spaced relationship and are not rigidly coupled to one another for isolating a vibration or movement respectively therein. The device further includes a liquid disposed within a space between first and second end portions of the first and second conduits, respectively, such that the liquid blocks the space between the first and second end portions and seals the hydrocarbon vapor in the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: FRAM Group IP LLCInventor: Gerard W. Bilski
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Patent number: 8106573Abstract: A spark plug and an alloy for an electrode tip of a spark plug is disclosed herein. The spark plug having: an insulator shell; a center electrode inside the insulator shell such that one end of the center electrode protrudes from the insulator shell; a metal shell exterior to the insulator shell; a side ground electrode having one end coupled to the metal shell and the other end facing the protruding end of the center electrode to form a spark discharge gap between the center electrode and the side ground electrode; and an electrode tip secured to at least one of the side ground electrode or the center electrode, located at the spark discharge gap, the electrode tip comprising a platinum-based alloy comprising 20 to 35% by weight of palladium, from greater than 0 to 15% by weight iridium, and the balance of the alloy being platinum, all % by weight being based on the total weight of the alloy.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: FRAM Group IP LLCInventors: Jeffrey T. Boehler, Eric P. Passman
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Patent number: 8101075Abstract: A filter assembly, comprising: a housing defining an inner cavity; a mounting member formed with the housing, the mounting member having at least one feature for engaging a feature of a center tube of a removable filter cartridge being configured to be removably inserted into the housing, wherein the at least one feature engages the feature of the center tube as the filter assembly rotates therein.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: FRAM Group IP LLCInventor: Christopher P. Montelauro