Patents by Inventor Darren C. Downs

Darren C. Downs 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).

  • Spark plug with ground electrode having mechanically locked precious metal feature
    Patent number: 7190106
    Abstract: A ground electrode for a spark plug has a through hole located adjacent a firing end of the electrode, with a precious metal firing tip extending through the hole. The firing tip is compressed axially to define a bulging portion extending radially outwardly from its longitudinal axis to mechanically retain the firing tip within the through hole. The firing tip additionally has an enlarged head or otherwise expanded portion at each axial end of the tip to provide a second mechanical interlock of the tip to the ground electrode. The firing tip can then also be welded to further strengthen its connection to the ground electrode. A method of manufacturing the ground electrode and a spark plug containing the ground electrode is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Federal Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren C. Downs, Michael E. Garrett
  • Spark plug with ground electrode having mechanically locked precious metal feature
    Patent number: 7011560
    Abstract: A ground electrode for a spark plug has a through hole located adjacent a firing end of the electrode, with a precious metal firing tip extending through the hole. The firing tip is compressed axially to define a bulging portion extending radially outwardly from its longitudinal axis to mechanically retain the firing tip within the through hole. The firing tip additionally has an enlarged head or otherwise expanded portion at each axial end of the tip to provide a second mechanical interlock of the tip to the ground electrode. The firing tip can then also be welded to further strengthen its connection to the ground electrode. A method of manufacturing the ground electrode and a spark plug containing the ground electrode is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Darren C. Downs, Michael E. Garrett