Patents by Inventor Michael J. Eifert

Michael J. Eifert 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: 20140090497
    Abstract: A disconnect shaft arrangement interposes a biasing element between a shoulder formed on the disconnect shaft and a cup-shaped washer, in which the cup-shaped washer is sized and configured to be axially displaceable with respect to the disconnect shaft. The cup-shaped washer selectively engages an axially fixed adjacent structure, such as a thrust washer, during disengagement of the disconnect shaft and attendant spring compression. The present disconnect shaft arrangement obviates the need for a retaining ring against which the spring compresses, such that the relatively deep retaining ring groove needed for such a retaining ring need not be cut into the outer surface of the disconnect shaft. Removal of material in the outer surface of the shaft is therefore minimized, such that the torque transmission capability of the shaft is maximized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: AUBURN GEAR, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Eifert
  • Patent number: 8056327
    Abstract: An exhaust gas-cooling device for use on an exhaust gas conveyance system of a vehicle having an exhaust gas passageway to emit exhaust gases from an engine to an outlet includes an exhaust passageway pipe in fluid communication with the engine, and a micro-venturi mixing chamber pipe in fluid communication with and located downstream of the exhaust passageway pipe. The micro-venturi mixing chamber pipe defines the outlet of the exhaust gas-cooling device and has at least one aperture disposed on a pipe body of the micro-venturi mixing chamber for introducing ambient air into the micro-venturi mixing chamber pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Andrea C. Brown, Jeffrey R. Kelso, Michael J. Eifert, Timothy Juan, Mark A. Schmale, Daniel C. Dew, Roger W. Byers, Ronald E. Schoon, Brent Koontz
  • Patent number: 7628012
    Abstract: An Exhaust Temperature Reduction Device for Aftertreatment Device is provided useful for lowering the temperature of exhaust gasses exiting the tailpipe of a vehicle having an aftertreatment device. The Exhaust Temperature Reduction Device for Aftertreatment Device may be manufactured from a single piece of formed sheet metal, two pieces of formed sheet metal that have been joined, or a net formed process such as investment cast stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Eifert, Andrea Brown, Mark A. Schmale, Jeffrey R. Kelso, Timothy Juan
  • Publication number: 20090184493
    Abstract: A removable tow device and tow device receiver is provided having lugs upon the removable tow device that engage lug pockets within the tow device receiver for secure engagement. The removable tow device and receiver are simple to use, requiring a minimal of manipulation to install. Installation is reduced to insert, twist, and release. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Eifert, Kevin L. Grady, Matthew D. Friede, Blaine L. Hershberger
  • Publication number: 20090139217
    Abstract: A motor vehicle exhaust system has at least a first housing for a pollution control element, a nozzle in the housing and a ventilation path into the housing through which outside air is drawn into the exhaust system for mixing with an exhaust flow following the nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Eifert, Andrea Brown
  • Publication number: 20090095556
    Abstract: An Exhaust Temperature Reduction Device for Aftertreatment Device is provided useful for lowering the temperature of exhaust gasses exiting the tailpipe of a vehicle having an aftertreatment device. The Exhaust Temperature Reduction Device for Aftertreatment Device may be manufactured from a single piece of formed sheet metal, two pieces of formed sheet metal that have been joined, or a net formed process such as investment cast stainless steel. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Michael J. Eifert, Andrea Brown, Mark A. Schmale, Jeffrey R. Kelso, Timothy Juan
  • Publication number: 20070245725
    Abstract: An exhaust gas-cooling device for use on an exhaust gas conveyance system of a vehicle having an exhaust gas passageway to emit exhaust gases from an engine to an outlet includes an exhaust passageway pipe in fluid communication with the engine, and a micro-venturi mixing chamber pipe in fluid communication with and located downstream of the exhaust passageway pipe. The micro-venturi mixing chamber pipe defines the outlet of the exhaust gas-cooling device and has at least one aperture disposed on a pipe body of the micro-venturi mixing chamber for introducing ambient air into the micro-venturi mixing chamber pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Andrea C. Brown, Jeffrey R. Kelso, Michael J. Eifert, Timothy Juan, Mark A. Schmale, Daniel C. Dew, Roger W. Byers, Ronald E. Schoon, Brent Koontz
  • Patent number: 6430921
    Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine has special accommodations for preventing the pooling of water in the passageways of the exhaust system. One or more of the components of the exhaust system such as mufflers and or sections of exhaust tubing etc. have absorbent liners disposed at points within said exhaust system where water is likely to pool. The absorbent liners wick moisture away from the inner surfaces of the exhaust components in which they are disposed. Moisture is held within the absorbent liners until the temperature of the exhaust system rises enough to evaporate the moisture at which time the water vapor exits the exhaust system with the combustion products of the internal combustion engine. The absorbent liners are of a size and shape and are positioned within the exhaust system components such that they present minimal restriction to flow of combustion products through the exhaust system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: John W. Stuart, Michael J. Eifert
  • Patent number: 6056081
    Abstract: A steerable drive axle for improved steering is provided. The steerable drive axle includes a drive shaft housing and at least one axle shaft. A portion of the axle shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing in the drive shaft housing. The drive shaft housing has an actuator recess disposed therein. The steerable drive axle further includes a wheel drive shaft supported by a wheel bearing assembly in a wheel bearing support. An angle drive assembly connects the axle shaft to the wheel drive shaft, and a pivot assembly pivotally attaches the drive shaft housing to the wheel bearing support. In addition, the steerable drive axle includes an actuator coupled between the drive shaft housing and the pivot assembly. A portion of the actuator is located within the actuator recess of the drive shaft housing when the pivot assembly is pivoted relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Hatlen, Charles R. Busch, Michael J. Eifert