Patents by Inventor Kenneth D. Dudek

Kenneth D. Dudek 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).

  • Patent number: 10309870
    Abstract: A fixture assembly includes a primary gage member, camshaft gages, a crankshaft gage and an engine gage, all of which have planar datum surfaces that are each dimensionally located relative to the primary gage member planar datum surface. The engine gage includes an engine datum surface, and is sized and shaped to receive, support and dimensionally locate the engine. An engine block datum surface is configured to be positioned on the engine datum surface thereby locating the engine relative to the primary gage member datum surface. The primary, first, second and engine datum surfaces are fixed in a parallel relationship to each other so as to form a parallel alignment system such that when the fixture assembly datum surfaces engage and form parallel alignment with the corresponding engine datum surfaces, the camshafts and crankshaft are angularly located in a predetermined angular orientation for proper timing of the engine assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth D Dudek, Mark S Hannon
  • Publication number: 20170363511
    Abstract: A fixture assembly includes a primary gage member, camshaft gages, a crankshaft gage and an engine gage, all of which have planar datum surfaces that are each dimensionally located relative to the primary gage member planar datum surface. The engine gage includes an engine datum surface, and is sized and shaped to receive, support and dimensionally locate the engine. An engine block datum surface is configured to be positioned on the engine datum surface thereby locating the engine relative to the primary gage member datum surface. The primary, first, second and engine datum surfaces are fixed in a parallel relationship to each other so as to form a parallel alignment system such that when the fixture assembly datum surfaces engage and form parallel alignment with the corresponding engine datum surfaces, the camshafts and crankshaft are angularly located in a predetermined angular orientation for proper timing of the engine assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth D. Dudek, Mark S. Hannon
  • Patent number: 9038591
    Abstract: An intake control system for a multi-cylinder combustion engine with control valves positioned within intake passageways that can vary the cross-sectional area of the intake runners to increase air intake velocity at low engine speeds. The control system includes an inner frame that can be inserted into a lower manifold after manufacture. The inner frame includes a plurality of flapper valves that are actuated by a four-bar link design, which is driven by a hypoid gear-set. The control system controls an internal DC electric motor that actuates a worm-drive gear-set, which in turn drives the hypoid gear-set to either engage or retract the flapper valves within the intake passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth D Dudek
  • Publication number: 20140096734
    Abstract: An intake control system for a multi-cylinder combustion engine with control valves positioned within intake passageways that can vary the cross-sectional area of the intake runners to increase air intake velocity at low engine speeds. The control system includes an inner frame that can be inserted into a lower manifold after manufacture. The inner frame includes a plurality of flapper valves that are actuated by a four-bar link design, which is driven by a hypoid gear-set. The control system controls an internal DC electric motor that actuates a worm-drive gear-set, which in turn drives the hypoid gear-set to either engage or retract the flapper valves within the intake passageways.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Dudek
  • Patent number: 7448357
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a single shaft with cam-actuated control valves and one linear solenoid for control of air flow control vales in the air induction system for a V-type engine. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the single shaft and one sensor are utilized to activate all control valves. Additionally, the present invention can also be used in in-line engines. Advantageously, the present invention utilizes one moving shaft and sensor to activate all control valves on both sides of the intake manifold without restricting air flow by locating the shaft in the middle of the manifold—lower housing. Further, the control valves are not attached with screws, thus eliminating a tolerance stack-up at assembly problem. The air induction sub-system can be manufactured with metals or plastic, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Dudek
  • Publication number: 20080141970
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a single shaft with cam-actuated control valves and one linear solenoid for control of air flow control vales in the air induction system for a V-type engine. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the single shaft and one sensor are utilized to activate all control valves. Additionally, the present invention can also be used in in-line engines. Advantageously, the present invention utilizes one moving shaft and sensor to activate all control valves on both sides of the intake manifold without restricting air flow by locating the shaft in the middle of the manifold—lower housing. Further, the control valves are not attached with screws, thus eliminating a tolerance stack-up at assembly problem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Dudek
  • Patent number: 7302930
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes a single shaft with cam-actuated control valves and one linear solenoid for control of air flow control vales in the air induction system for a V-type engine. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the single shaft and one sensor are utilized to activate all control valves. Additionally, the present invention can also be used in in-line engines. Advantageously, the present invention utilizes one moving shaft and sensor to activate all control valves on both sides of the intake manifold without restricting air flow by locating the shaft in the middle of the manifold—lower housing. Further, the control valves are not attached with screws, thus eliminating a tolerance stack-up at assembly problem. The air induction sub-system can be manufactured with metals or plastic, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Chrysler LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Dudek