Patents Assigned to Tenneco Automotive Operating Company, Inc.
  • Patent number: 10987988
    Abstract: A shock absorber including a pressure tube, a piston assembly slidably disposed within the pressure tube, and a fluid transfer tube that extends about the pressure tube is provided. The piston assembly divides an inner volume of the pressure tube into first and second working chambers. An intermediate chamber between the pressure tube and the fluid transfer tube is arranged in fluid communication with the first working chamber. A valve assembly is disposed in fluid communication with the intermediate chamber and the second working chamber. The valve assembly controls fluid flow between the intermediate chamber and the second working chamber. At least part of the intermediate chamber is formed by a fluid transfer channel that extends longitudinally within the fluid transfer tube to provide a fluid flow path extending between the first working chamber and the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Iñaki Garcia, Veronica Diez, Yves Pivot
  • Patent number: 10989268
    Abstract: A damper includes a pressure tube and a piston. The piston defines a rebound chamber and a compression chamber. The damper further includes a piston rod that reciprocates with the piston. The damper includes a sealing ring slidably disposed around the piston rod. The sealing ring includes a locking mechanism adapted to lock the sealing ring around the piston rod. The sealing ring also includes an inner surface having a plurality of concave surfaces and a plurality of convex surfaces. Each of the plurality of concave surfaces is located adjacent to a corresponding convex surface of the plurality of convex surfaces. The sealing ring further includes an upper surface extending between the outer and inner surfaces. The upper surface defines a plurality of channels. The sealing ring further includes grooves and bleeds for tuning energy dissipated by the damper during rebound stroke to help reduction of noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Diego Alves de Oliveira, Nirupam Kar, Matthew Ryan Schelosky, Matthew Roessle
  • Patent number: 10975743
    Abstract: An exhaust component for a motor vehicle includes a wall, an internal volume, an inlet, and an outlet. The wall includes a core layer having a surface and a first layer disposed on a portion of the surface. The portion is less than 100 percent of an area of the surface. The core layer has a first composition. The first layer is a cold-sprayed layer. The core layer has a second composition different from the first composition. The first layer reduces surface-radiated noise from the exhaust component during operation of the motor vehicle. The internal volume is at least partially defined by the wall. The inlet is in fluid communication with the internal volume. The outlet is in fluid communication with the internal volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Guangchun Quan
  • Patent number: 10962081
    Abstract: A damper includes a pressure tube and a piston defining a rebound chamber and a compression chamber within the pressure tube. The damper further includes an adapter attached to the pressure tube. The damper includes a retainer slidably disposed within the pressure tube. The retainer and the adapter define an end chamber therebetween within the pressure tube. The damper also includes a cup movably disposed within the pressure tube between the retainer and the adapter. The damper further includes a tubular member disposed adjacent to the cup and attached to the adapter. The tubular member includes at least one through aperture. The damper includes a base valve attached to the adapter. The damper also includes a first spring disposed between the retainer and the cup and a second spring disposed between cup and the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Shivanand Sankaran, Wojciech Weglorz
  • Patent number: 10961923
    Abstract: A valve assembly for an exhaust system of a vehicle. The valve assembly includes a housing, a valve flap and a mass damper. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinally extending exhaust gas passageway in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The valve flap is disposed in the housing and is rotatable between a first position restricting exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway, and a second position whereat exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway is less restricted. The mass damper is disposed within the exhaust gas passageway. The mass damper is attached to the valve flap and comprise of a material having a high density. The mass damper is shielded from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas passageway when the valve flap is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Thomas, Danny D. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10941692
    Abstract: A mixer assembly for an exhaust aftertreatment system includes a first support ring. The first support ring defines a plurality of first slots angularly spaced apart from each other. A second support ring spaced apart from the first support ring defines a plurality of second slots angularly spaced apart from each other. A plurality of blades extends between the first support ring and the second support ring. Each of the plurality of blades is coupled to each of the first support ring and the second support ring. Each of the plurality of blades includes a base. The base includes a first connecting portion engaged with a corresponding first slot from the plurality of first slots and a second connecting portion engaged with a corresponding second slot from the plurality of second slots. At least one tab extends outwardly from the base at an angle relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Yanping Zhang, Henry Zhang, Meng-Huang Lu, Fulun Yang
  • Patent number: 10920847
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a damper tube is provided. The method includes providing a tube having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The method includes providing a reinforcing insert, at least partly, within the first end of the tube. The method includes flattening a portion of the first end of the tube. The method also includes bending at least one of the reinforcing insert and the flattened portion of the first end of the tube into a loop. The method further includes connecting an edge of the loop to the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Amirahmad Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 10876591
    Abstract: A shock absorber includes a pressure tube, a rod, a rod guide, a first piston, a second piston, and a cup. The pressure tube has an inner surface that defines a fluid chamber. The rod extends into the pressure tube. The rod guide locates the rod relative to the pressure tube. The first piston is coupled to the rod and divides the fluid chamber into an upper working chamber and a lower working chamber. The second piston is coupled to the rod and disposed within the lower working chamber. The cup has an open end configured to receive the second piston and a closed end opposite of the open end. The cup includes a sidewall and a bottom wall. The sidewall includes a cylindrical section and a flared section. The bottom wall forms the closed end of the cup, extends radially outward of the sidewall, and supports the pressure tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Mallin, Gary W. Groves
  • Patent number: 10850586
    Abstract: A system for controlling a suspension of a vehicle includes a plurality of sensors, an anti-roll moment module configured to determine a front-to-total anti-roll moment distribution based on at least a first operating parameter of the vehicle, at least one suspension actuator, and a suspension control module configured to control the at least one suspension actuator based on the determined front-to-total anti-roll moment distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Aldo Sorniotti, Marco Ricco, Miguel Dhaens, Christophe Lauwerys, Bert Vandersmissen
  • Patent number: 10837515
    Abstract: A shock absorber with a pressure tube, a reserve tube, and a piston slidably disposed within the pressure tube to define first and second working chambers. A reservoir chamber is positioned between the pressure tube and the reserve tube. A damper baffle tube, positioned in the reservoir chamber, defines a baffle tube chamber between the pressure tube and the damper baffle tube. One or more electromechanical valves are positioned in fluid communication with the first working chamber and the baffle tube chamber. The damper baffle tube includes a compliant portion that has a sealing surface configured to move into and out of contact with the pressure tube in response to fluctuations in fluid pressure in the baffle tube chamber so as to form a check valve that holds a constrained volume of hydraulic fluid in the baffle tube chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew L. Roessle, Darrell G. Breese, Thomas P. Mallin, Michael S. Weaver
  • Patent number: 10815852
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system for an exhaust aftertreatment system includes a pump disposed within an outer housing. A filter assembly is in fluid communication with the pump and also disposed within the outer housing. A tubular filter medium is disposed within a pump housing. An elongated first compensation element is disposed within an elongated aperture of the filter medium. A support ring is associated with the pump housing and includes a plurality of flexible arms. Second and third compensation elements are also provided to contract in response to expansion of fluid within the pump housing due to freezing and expand in response to thawing of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Deenaraj Neelagal, Larry J. Geer, Ryan Barrus
  • Patent number: 10816055
    Abstract: A damper bumper cap for covering the rod side end of the damper tube containing a piston rod seal and for retaining a dust cover on the damper tube. The cap includes a side wall positioned in contact with the damper tube, an end wall that extends radially inwardly over the piston rod seal, and an annular skirt that is spaced radially outward of the side wall. First and second groups of connection wall segments extend radially between the side wall and the annular skirt at different heights to define vent openings in the spaces between the connection wall segments in the first and second groups of connection wall segments. The vent openings thus provide a plurality of tortuous airflow paths through the cap at circumferentially spaced locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Tomasz Górski, Sebastian Kostelecki
  • Patent number: 10801383
    Abstract: A system includes an engine having multiple cylinders and an exhaust manifold. A fuel delivery device and an igniter are disposed in the exhaust manifold. The fuel delivery device injects a fuel into the exhaust manifold. The system also includes an exhaust aftertreatment setup in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold, and a controller in communication with the multiple cylinders, the fuel delivery device and the igniter. The controller is configured to deactivate at least one cylinder to provide air to the exhaust manifold, and control the fuel delivery device to provide the fuel within the exhaust manifold such that the fuel and the air from the at least one deactivated cylinder forms a mixture within the exhaust manifold. The controller is configured to control the igniter to ignite the mixture to generate combustion products within the exhaust manifold for heating the exhaust aftertreatment setup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Rackmil, Matthew Muhleck, Tom Harris, Timothy Gardner, David L Anderson, Pankaj Vazirani, Adam Kotrba
  • Patent number: 10788136
    Abstract: A damper valve assembly for an exhaust system of a vehicle includes a valve housing and a valve flap. The valve housing is adapted to be attached to a pipe of the exhaust system and defines an opening. The valve flap is rotatable relative to the valve housing and about a pivot axis between a first position whereat fluid flow through the opening of the valve housing is restricted and a second position whereat fluid flow through the opening of the valve housing is allowed. The valve flap includes a body and a mass damper. The mass damper is integral with the body and includes a plurality of segments that are folded so that the plurality of segments are in a stacked arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen M. Thomas, Danny D. Alexander
  • Patent number: 10787951
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a subassembly for an exhaust treatment device includes providing a metal sheet including first and second apertures having respective first and second sizes, and a one-piece pipe including first and second linear portions having respective third and fourth sizes. The method further includes defining the first size based on a first difference between the first size and the third size being less than or equal to a predetermined value, and defining the second size based on manufacturing tolerances of the pipe to assure that the second linear portion will pass through the second aperture while the first linear portion passes through the first aperture. The method further includes fixing the first linear portion to the sheet, expanding the second linear portion from the fourth size to an enlarged size less than or equal to the predetermined value, and fixing the second linear portion to the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: James Dougherty, Wendall T. Heaton, Joshua Ottobre, Steven M. Rakowski, Lawrence J. Noren, IV
  • Patent number: 10767543
    Abstract: An exhaust system for receiving exhaust gas from an engine of a vehicle includes first, second, and third exhaust components, and first and second pipes. The first and second exhaust components are each adapted to receive exhaust gas from the engine. The first pipe has a first inlet, and first and second outlets. The first inlet is adapted to receive exhaust gas from the first exhaust component. The second pipe has a second inlet, and third and fourth outlets. The second inlet is adapted to receive exhaust gas from the second exhaust component. The third exhaust component is disposed downstream of and laterally between the first and second exhaust components. The third exhaust component has third and fourth inlets, and fifth and sixth outlets. The third inlet is fluidly connected to the first outlet. The fourth inlet is fluidly connected to the third outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Herwat, Gabriel Ostromecki, Jason Johnson
  • Patent number: 10767533
    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 disposed proximal to the top surface of the injector body and defining an aperture for receiving the injector core therethrough, a side wall extending from the top wall, and a lip that is disposed at an end of the side wall. The lip is adapted to be attached to a circumferential wall of the injector body through a snap-fit connection. Upon attachment, the top wall presses on the interfacing surface of the injector core to restrict an axial movement of the injector core relative to the injector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Mark DeVito, Abhijit Upadhye, Jeffrey Tong, Alex Kong, Alan Brockman
  • Patent number: 10746248
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a first valve plate defining at least one first opening and at least one second opening. A valve element located above the first valve plate has a central portion, and at least one tab extending outwards from the central portion. The at least one tab includes a narrow portion axially aligned with the at least one first opening such that the narrow portion at least partially covers the at least one first opening. The at least one tab is selectively provided with electrical energy to melt the narrow portion to form an orifice. The orifice is fluidly coupled with the at least one first opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Perry Paielli
  • Patent number: 10711677
    Abstract: A mixer assembly for mixing an injected reductant with an exhaust gas output from a combustion engine comprises a mixer housing including a wall defining an exhaust passageway having a longitudinal axis. A tubular swirling device housing extends along a first axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis. The tubular swirling device includes a plurality of openings through which exhaust gas enters. The exhaust gas within the tubular swirling device swirls about the first axis and exits at an outlet end of the tubular swirling device. A mixing plate is positioned immediately downstream of the tubular swirling device. The mixing plate swirls the exhaust about a second axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Noren, IV, Daniel J. Owen, Jeffrey W. Denton, Attila Kovacs, Eric A. Hein, Meng-Huang Lu, Manoj K. Sampath
  • Patent number: 10704444
    Abstract: An injector for injecting a reagent includes an axially translatable valve member positioned within a housing. A flux sleeve is surrounded by a coil of an electromagnet. A pole piece defines a return passageway for reagent to flow. A filter surrounds the pole piece and includes a cage and a mesh fixed to the cage. The cage includes a deformable first seal biasedly engaging an outer surface of the pole piece. The cage includes a second seal biasedly engaging the housing. The first and second seals define a closed volume such that all of the reagent flowing through the injector passes through the mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventor: Olaf Enke