Patents by Inventor Lee A. Naffziger

Lee A. Naffziger 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).

  • Publication number: 20140044575
    Abstract: One embodiment includes an impeller (10) for use with a fluid pump assembly (12) such as a secondary air pump assembly of an automotive exhaust breathing system. The impeller has numerous vanes (50) and ribs (52). Among other things, the ribs help optimize manufacture of the impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Lee A. Naffziger
  • Patent number: 5421366
    Abstract: A composite check valve and positively closing electromagnetic solenoid valve, particularly such a valve for regulating the introduction of secondary air into the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine at selected times during the operation of the engine. The valve comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a first valve element movable between open and closed positions for nominally regulating the flow of a fluid between the inlet and outlet ports, and an electromagnetic solenoid having a closure element for overriding the first element. The rigid disk or closure element can function by seating against the same seat as the first element, or by "latching" the first element in its closed position. The disclosed embodiment is a flap valve which is modified by superimposing a rigid, movable valve disk over the flap. The rigid disk is connected to the solenoid armature and is movable between an override (closed) position and a disengaged (open) position when the solenoid is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Naffziger, Thomas D. Herrington
  • Patent number: 5345967
    Abstract: A composite check valve and positively closing valve, particularly such a valve for regulating the introduction of secondary air into the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine at selected times during the operation of the engine. The valve comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a first valve element movable between open and closed positions for nominally regulating the flow of a fluid between the inlet and outlet ports, and a second valve element for overriding the first element. The second element can function by seating against the same seat as the first element, or by "latching" the first element in its closed position. The disclosed embodiment is a flap valve which is modified by superimposing a rigid, movable valve disk over the flap. The rigid disk is movable between a disengaged position where it may have no immediate function and an override position urging the flap against its seat or otherwise closing the aperture defined by the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Electronic & Mechanical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Lee A. Naffziger
  • Patent number: 5203872
    Abstract: A composite check valve and positively closing valve, particularly such a valve for regulating the introduction of secondary air into the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine at selected times during the operation of the engine. The valve comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a first valve element movable between open and closed positions for nominally regulating the flow of a fluid between the inlet and outlet ports, and a second valve element for overriding the first element. The second element can function by seating against the same seat as the first element, or by "latching" the first element in its closed position. The disclosed embodiment is a flap valve which is modified by superimposing a rigid, movable valve disk over the flap. The rigid disk is movable between a disengaged position where it may have no immediate function and an override position urging the flap against its seat or otherwise closing the aperture defined by the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Electronic & Mechanical Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Lee A. Naffziger