Patents Assigned to Tenneco Automotive Operating Company, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11236799
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a damper is provided. The valve assembly includes a housing defining a fluid cavity. The valve assembly includes a spool valve movably disposed within the housing. Further, the valve assembly includes a bumper disposed between the housing and the spool valve. At least the bumper, the spool valve and the housing together define an enclosed volume. The valve assembly further includes one or more bleed paths defined on at least one of the bumper, the spool valve and the housing, the one or more bleed paths fluidly communicating the fluid cavity with the enclosed volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Frederik Baldoni, Christof Kleynen, Jan Vochten
  • Patent number: 11225897
    Abstract: A vehicle exhaust system includes a tubular component having an inner surface and an outer surface such that the inner surface defines a primary exhaust gas flow path. The tubular component extends along a central axis from an inlet end to an outlet end. The tubular component includes at least one ridge extending at least partly along a circumference of the tubular component. The at least one ridge includes a first portion angularly extending inwardly from the tubular component, and a second portion disposed downstream of the first portion. The second portion angularly extends inwardly from the tubular component. In some cases, the second portion defines a plurality of openings extending therethrough and spaced apart from each other. In some cases, the tubular component defines a plurality of tube openings disposed downstream of the at least one ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick Michael Baumgartner, Garrick Robert Zuver
  • Patent number: 11199116
    Abstract: A muffler for receiving exhaust gas from a combustion engine may include a shell, an inlet pipe, at least one outlet pipe, one or more baffles, and an internal communication pipe. The inlet pipe may extend through the shell. The outlet pipe may be in fluid communication with the inlet pipe and may be at least partially disposed within the shell. The baffles are disposed within the shell and cooperate with the shell to define a plurality of chambers. The internal communication pipe may be disposed entirely within the shell and may be in fluid communication with the inlet pipe. The internal communication pipe may include an inlet opening and first and outlet openings. The first outlet opening is open to and in direct fluid communication with one of the chambers. The second outlet opening is open to and in direct fluid communication with another one of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Ostromecki, Ankit Barot
  • Patent number: 11187135
    Abstract: A vehicle exhaust system includes a tubular component which allow passage of exhaust gases therethrough. The tubular component includes an upstream pipe having a first end and a second end. The tubular component further includes a downstream pipe having a third end and a fourth end. The third end of the downstream pipe at least partially encloses the second end of the upstream pipe such that the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe together define a junction region and the fourth end defines a primary exhaust gas flow path. The downstream pipe at least partially defines an opening within the junction region such that the opening provides a secondary exhaust gas flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Golin, Gabriel Ostromecki, Frederick M. Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 11174773
    Abstract: An injector includes an injector body having an upper portion defining a top surface. An injector core is received through the upper portion. The injector core has an interfacing surface that is disposed adjacent and raised with respect to the top surface. A cover member is disposed on the upper portion of the injector body. The cover member has a top wall for receiving at least a portion of the injector core, a side wall extending from at least a portion of the top wall, and a lip that is adapted to be attached to the other of the side wall or the injector body through a snap-fit connection. Upon attachment of the lip to the other of the side wall or the injector body, the top wall of the cover member presses on the interfacing surface of the injector core to restrict an axial movement of the injector core relative to the injector body along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark DeVito, Abhijit Upadhye, Jeffrey Tong, Alex Kong, Alan Brockman
  • Patent number: 11156261
    Abstract: A damper with inner and outer tubes and a piston slidably disposed within the inner tube to define first and second working chambers. A fluid transport chamber is positioned between the inner and outer tubes and a collector chamber is positioned outside the outer tube. First and second external control valves are positioned in fluid communication with the collector chamber. An intake valve assembly, abutting one end of the inner tube, includes first and second intake valve bodies with intake passages and intake valves. A first intermediate chamber is positioned between the first and second intake valve bodies and an accumulation chamber is positioned between the second intake valve body and a closed end of the outer tube. The fluid transport chamber, first intermediate chamber, and accumulation chamber are arranged in fluid communication with the collector chamber. The intake valves control fluid flow between the accumulation chamber and second working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Deferme
  • Patent number: 11149814
    Abstract: A cover system for a damper includes an outer tube and a piston rod extending from an end of the outer tube. The cover system also includes a dust tube disposed around a portion of the outer tube. The dust tube includes a first end located proximal to the end of the outer tube and a second end opposite to the first end. The dust tube at least partially encloses the piston rod. The cover system further includes a cap connected to the outer tube. The cap is adapted to at least partially cover the first end of the dust tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Lukasz Wichary, Grzegorz Tomczuk, Tomasz Gorski
  • Patent number: 11143260
    Abstract: A damper with inner and outer tubes and a piston slidably disposed within the inner tube to define first and second working chambers. A collector chamber is positioned outside the outer tube. An external control valve is positioned in fluid communication with the collector chamber. An intake valve assembly, mounted to one end of the inner tube, includes an intake valve body, intake passages, and intake valve. The intake valve body abuts the outer tube to define an accumulation chamber positioned between the intake valve assembly and a closed end of the outer tube. The accumulation chamber is arranged in fluid communication with the collector chamber. The intake valve body forms a fluid-tight partition between the accumulation chamber and a fluid transport chamber is positioned between the inner and outer tubes. The intake valve controls fluid flow between the accumulation chamber and the second working chamber through the intake passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Deferme
  • Patent number: 11132848
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a vehicle component through a mobile device is provided. The mobile device includes an application configured to receive a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) indicative of a vehicle with which the vehicle component is associated. The application is configured to receive operational data corresponding to the vehicle component based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The application is configured to evaluate an operational status of the vehicle component based on the operational data. The application is configured to generate a diagnostic code corresponding to the operational status of the vehicle component. The diagnostic code refers to a suggested action in response to the operational status. The application is also configured to track usage of the application by a user after generating the diagnostic code. The application is further configured to generate a reward based on the tracked usage of the application by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Kunkel
  • Patent number: 11130453
    Abstract: A sound management system for a vehicle is provided. The sound management system includes a vehicle window coupled to a vehicle body. The vehicle body defines an interior space of the vehicle. The sound management system also includes a laminate disposed on the vehicle window. The laminate is configured to reduce noise in the interior space of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Hans Gijrath
  • Patent number: 11118496
    Abstract: A single-piece tubular shell for an exhaust device includes a first peripheral wall portion, a second peripheral wall portion, and a third peripheral wall portion. The first peripheral wall portion at least partially defines a first interior region having a first longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The second peripheral wall portion at least partially defines a second interior region having a second longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The second longitudinal axis is non-coaxially aligned with the first longitudinal axis. The third peripheral wall portion extends between and connects the first peripheral wall portion and the second peripheral wall portion such that the first interior region and the second interior region are in fluid communication. The first peripheral wall portion, the second peripheral wall portion, and the third peripheral wall portion are integrally formed and define an uninterrupted, smooth shell inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Scott D. Carper, Sakib R. Kazi
  • Patent number: 11118649
    Abstract: A damper with inner and outer tubes and a piston slidably disposed within the inner tube to define first and second working chambers. A fluid transport chamber is positioned between the inner and outer tubes. A collector chamber is positioned outside the outer tube. An intake valve assembly, abutting one end of the inner tube, includes first and second intake valve bodies and a divider body, which define first and second intermediate chambers in the intake valve assembly. An accumulation chamber is positioned between the intake valve assembly and a closed end of the outer tube. The first intermediate chamber and accumulation chamber are arranged in fluid communication with the collector chamber. A first intake valve controls fluid flow between the second working chamber and the collector chamber. A second intake valve controls fluid flow between the second intermediate chamber and the collector chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Deferme
  • Patent number: 11084349
    Abstract: A suspension system of a vehicle includes: an unsprung mass of a vehicle; a sprung mass of the vehicle; at least one transverse leaf spring coupled between the unsprung mass of the vehicle and the sprung mass of the vehicle; and a linear actuator coupled in parallel with the at least one transverse leaf spring between the unsprung mass of the vehicle and the sprung mass of the vehicle and configured to modify vibrational characteristics of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Dhaens, Monzer Al Sakka, Emilie Boulay
  • Patent number: 11060428
    Abstract: A snap-action valve assembly for an exhaust system is provided with a conduit that defines an exhaust passageway. A valve flap is disposed within the exhaust passageway for controlling exhaust flow. A shaft supports the valve flap in the exhaust passageway and allows the valve flap to rotate between closed and open positions. A mass damper, positioned outside the conduit, includes a longitudinal segment that is rotatably coupled to the shaft and that extends between first and second coiled ends. The longitudinal segment includes an inboard side and an outboard side. The first and second coiled ends include a series of overlapping layers arranged in either a folded serpentine shape or a spiral shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Thomas, Garrick Zuver, Danny Alexander
  • Patent number: 11047445
    Abstract: A damper includes a pressure tube defining a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The pressure tube includes a primary section extending from the first end and a reduced-diameter section extending from the second end. The damper includes a primary piston slidably disposed within the pressure tube. The primary piston defines a rebound chamber and a compression chamber within the pressure tube. The damper further includes a secondary piston movable with the primary piston. The damper includes a sleeve connected to the pressure tube and surrounding the reduced-diameter section. The damper also includes a base valve. The pressure tube and the sleeve define an intermediate chamber therebetween. The pressure tube further defines at least one tube opening to fluidly communicate the compression chamber with the intermediate chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Shivanand Sankaran
  • Patent number: 11041459
    Abstract: An exhaust gas heat recovery system includes a housing, a heat exchanger and a valve assembly. The valve assembly is disposed within the housing and includes a monolithic valve body, a moveable valve plate and a rotatable valve shaft. The valve body includes a bore, a valve seat surrounding the bore and trunnions integrally formed with the valve seat. The trunnions are diametrically opposed to each other and laterally extending outside of the housing. The valve plate coupled for rotation with the valve shaft between a first position allowing exhaust gas flow through the bore and the first exhaust gas passageway, and a second position allowing exhaust gas flow through the second exhaust gas passageway and preventing exhaust gas flow through the bore and the first exhaust gas passageway. The valve shaft being supported for rotation by the trunnions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Kunkel, John Stanavich, Keith G. Olivier
  • Patent number: 11022069
    Abstract: An exhaust gas heat recovery system includes a housing assembly, a valve assembly and a heat exchanger. The valve assembly is disposed within the housing assembly and includes a shaft and a plate. The plate is rotatable between a first position whereat exhaust gas flow through a first fluid passageway is allowed and exhaust gas flow through a second exhaust gas passageway is prevented, and a second position whereat exhaust gas flow through the second fluid passageway is allowed and exhaust gas flow through the first gas passageway is prevented. The heat exchanger assembly includes a heater core having a working fluid circulating therein. The working fluid is in thermal communication with fluid in the heater core. The housing assembly includes first and second shells attached to each other at a joint. An axis of the shaft being at the joint of the first and second shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Kunkel, John Stanavich, Keith G. Olivier, Daniel Salanta
  • Patent number: 11009095
    Abstract: A damper including a damper tube, a piston assembly, a piston rod attached to the piston assembly, and a monolithic base. The piston assembly is slidingly disposed within the damper tube. The monolithic base includes a closed end, an open end, a base portion at the closed end, and a wall portion. The base portion is joined to and seals one end of the damper tube. The base portion includes a concave depression that tapers inwardly from a base portion perimeter to a cup bottom. The wall portion extends longitudinally from the base portion perimeter to the open end such that the cup bottom is positioned between opposing sides of the wall portion. Integrally formed fastening eyes are provided in the opposing sides of the wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Amirahmad Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 11007834
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a pressure tube forming a working chamber. A reserve tube is concentric with and radially outward from the pressure tube. A baffle tube is positioned radially outward from the pressure tube. A reservoir chamber is formed between the reserve tube and the baffle tube. A piston is attached to a piston rod and slidably disposed within the pressure tube. A rod guide is attached to the pressure tube and supports the piston rod. An electromechanical valve is positioned within the rod guide. A plurality of longitudinal passageways are defined by the baffle tube and at least one of the pressure tube and the reserve tube for transporting fluid between the electromechanical valve and the reservoir chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Roessle, Karl C. Kazmirski, Jeroen K. Paenhuysen, Matthew R. Schelosky
  • Patent number: 10995815
    Abstract: A damper system for a vehicle including a pressure tube, piston assembly, and stroke dependent damper assembly. The stroke dependent damper assembly is coupled to a piston rod at a position below the piston assembly. The stroke dependent damper assembly includes a disc chamber that slidably receives a flexible floating disc. The disc chamber has proximal and distal chamber surfaces, which can include holes. The flexible floating disc is moveable between a first position where it contacts the proximal chamber surface and a second position where it contacts the distal chamber surface. The proximal chamber surface defines a proximal tapered cavity and the distal chamber surface defines a distal tapered cavity. The flexible floating disc is resilient and can flex into the proximal tapered cavity or the distal tapered cavity when it makes contact with the proximal chamber surface or the distal chamber surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Jelle Van De Plas, Ioannis Trikalinos, Werner Bosmans, Frederic Baldoni