Patents by Inventor Douglas Ronald Gnage

Douglas Ronald Gnage 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).

  • Laser welded air control valve and method
    Patent number: 6589380
    Abstract: An engine air control valve assembly includes a valve shaft and a valve plate made from composite polymeric plastics that are formed to be welded together by infrared laser welding. In a preferred embodiment, the valve shaft includes an intermediate portion with a longitudinal open groove along one side. The valve plate is formed with a central raised portion that engages the valve shaft in assembly. A tongue extends inward from the raised portion of the plate and is fitted into the shaft groove after assembly of the shaft into a valve body. The tongue is softened by a laser beam applied to the tongue/groove interface, thereby welding the valve components together in the installed location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Ronald Gnage, Gary John DeAngelis, David M. Peers
  • Laser welded air control valve and method
    Publication number: 20020104981
    Abstract: An engine air control valve assembly includes a valve shaft and a valve plate made from composite polymeric plastics that are formed to be welded together by infrared laser welding. In a preferred embodiment, the valve shaft includes an intermediate portion with a longitudinal open groove along one side. The valve plate is formed with a central raised portion that engages the valve shaft in assembly. A tongue extends inward from the raised portion of the plate and is fitted into the shaft groove after assembly of the shaft into a valve body. The tongue is softened by a laser beam applied to the tongue/groove interface, thereby welding the valve components together in the installed location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Douglas Ronald Gnage, Gary John Deangelis, David M. Peers