Patents by Inventor Karl Kazmirski
Karl Kazmirski 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).
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Patent number: 9285011Abstract: A shock absorber includes a pressure sensitive valve assembly that controls fluid flow through the pressure sensitive valve assembly based upon the velocity of the piston assembly in the shock absorber. The pressure sensitive valve assembly restricts fluid flow as the velocity of the piston in a compression stroke increases to increase the damping loads provided by the shock absorber. A secondary valve assembly controls fluid flow through the pressure sensitive valve assembly when the pressure sensitive valve assembly is in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Karl Kazmirski, Darrell G. Breese, Matthew L. Roessle, John McGahey
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Patent number: 9272598Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly including a first end, a second end, and a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is movable between a retracted position providing the vehicle suspension assembly with a first overall length, and an extended position providing the vehicle suspension assembly with a second overall length greater than the first overall length. The vehicle suspension assembly is configured to raise a vehicle when moved from the first overall length to the second overall length by the hydraulic actuator. The vehicle suspension assembly is configured to lower the vehicle when moved from the second overall length to the first overall length by the hydraulic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Karl Kazmirski, Rudi Schurmans, David Blankenship, Scott Dunaway, Zoren Gaspar
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Publication number: 20140318908Abstract: A shock absorber includes a pressure sensitive valve assembly that controls fluid flow through the pressure sensitive valve assembly based upon the velocity of the piston assembly in the shock absorber. The pressure sensitive valve assembly restricts fluid flow as the velocity of the piston in a compression stroke increases to increase the damping loads provided by the shock absorber. A secondary valve assembly controls fluid flow through the pressure sensitive valve assembly when the pressure sensitive valve assembly is in a closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2014Publication date: October 30, 2014Inventors: Karl Kazmirski, Darrell G. Breese, Matthew L. Roessle, John McGahey
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Publication number: 20140306409Abstract: A vehicle suspension assembly including a first end, a second end, and a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator is movable between a retracted position providing the vehicle suspension assembly with a first overall length, and an extended position providing the vehicle suspension assembly with a second overall length greater than the first overall length. The vehicle suspension assembly is configured to raise a vehicle when moved from the first overall length to the second overall length by the hydraulic actuator. The vehicle suspension assembly is configured to lower the vehicle when moved from the second overall length to the first overall length by the hydraulic actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Karl Kazmirski, Rudi Schurmans, David Blankenship, Scott Dunaway, Zoren Gaspar
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Patent number: 8714320Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Patent number: 8668061Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Patent number: 8590678Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Patent number: 8511446Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Publication number: 20120292144Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Publication number: 20120292147Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Publication number: 20120292146Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Publication number: 20120292145Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Patent number: 8297418Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Publication number: 20090301831Abstract: A shock absorber has a compression valve assembly which functions during a compression stroke, a rebound valve assembly which functions during a rebound stroke and a velocity sensitive valve which is in series with one or both of the compression valve assembly and the rebound valve assembly. The compression valve assembly, the rebound valve assembly and the velocity sensitive valve can be incorporated into a piston assembly, a base valve assembly or both.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2008Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Bombrys, Darrell Breese, Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, Daniel Keil, Matthew Roessle, Ben Schaller, Matthew Schelosky, Jim Szymusiak
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Patent number: 7438164Abstract: A shock absorber includes a pressure tube with a piston slidably disposed therein. A separate valve includes a fluid circuit for fluid low in rebound and a fluid circuit for fluid flow in compression. Each fluid circuit includes a variable orifice which allows selection between a firm rebound with a soft compression, a soft rebound with a soft compression and a soft rebound with a firm compression. Each variable orifice is in communication with a blowoff valve in such a manner that they provide a variable blowoff feature to the blowoff valves.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Gary W Groves, Karl Kazmirski, David L Steed, Michael L Zebolsky
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Publication number: 20050121268Abstract: A shock absorber includes a pressure tube with a piston slidably disposed therein. A separate valve includes a fluid circuit for fluid low in rebound and a fluid circuit for fluid flow in compression. Each fluid circuit includes a variable orifice which allows selection between a firm rebound with a soft compression, a soft rebound with a soft compression and a soft rebound with a firm compression. Each variable orifice is in communication with a blowoff valve in such a manner that they provide a variable blowoff feature to the blowoff valves.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2003Publication date: June 9, 2005Inventors: Gary Groves, Karl Kazmirski, David Steed, Michael Zebolsky
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Patent number: 6843472Abstract: An upper mounting system for a MacPherson strut includes a shock absorber mount and an air spring mount. The air spring mount is disposed coaxially around the shock absorber mount. A curved spherical interface of the air spring mount permits pivotal movement of the air spring such that it maintains a coaxial relationship with the shock absorber. The curved spherical interface also provides a seal for sealing the gas chamber of the air spring.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: The Pullman CompanyInventors: Harold H. Henry, III, Steven O. Luzsicza, David Steed, Karl Kazmirski, Gary Groves
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Patent number: 6793048Abstract: A shock absorber includes a pressure tube with a piston slidably disposed therein. A separate valve includes a fluid circuit for fluid low in rebound and a fluid circuit for fluid flow in compression. Each fluid circuit includes a variable orifice which allows selection between a firm rebound with a soft compression, a soft rebound with a soft compression, and a soft rebound with a firm compression. Each variable orifice is in communication with a blowoff valve in such a manner that they provide a variable blowoff feature to the blowoff valves.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Gary W. Groves, Karl Kazmirski, David L. Steed, Michael L. Zebolsky
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Patent number: 6793049Abstract: A shock absorber having a pair of valve assemblies which include an acceleration sensitive valve which couples the working chamber of the shock absorber to the shock absorber's reservoir chamber through a fluid path to provide a soft damping characteristic for the shock when the shock absorber experiences acceleration beyond a specific amount. A compression valve assembly and a rebound valve assembly are also provided which controls the fluid flow through the piston and the base assembly, respectively, to provide a firm damping characteristic for the shock absorber during low acceleration movement.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2003Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company, Inc.Inventor: Karl Kazmirski
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Publication number: 20040140601Abstract: An upper mounting system for a MacPherson strut includes a shock absorber mount and an air spring mount. The air spring mount is disposed coaxially around the shock absorber mount. A curved spherical interface of the air spring mount permits pivotal movement of the air spring such that it maintains a coaxial relationship with the shock absorber. The curved spherical interface also provides a seal for sealing the gas chamber of the air spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 22, 2004Inventors: Harold H. Henry, Steven O. Luzsicza, David Steed, Karl Kazmirski, Gary Groves