Patents by Inventor Michael J. Zdroik

Michael J. Zdroik 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: 9574534
    Abstract: A fuel rail or pressure vessel assembly extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a fluid conduit having an opening at either or both of the longitudinal ends of the conduit. The conduit has an inlet coupled to a high-pressure fuel source, a plurality of outlets, and a conduit interior that forms a fluid flow passageway between inlet and outlets. An end cap assembly is mounted to cover and close each fluid conduit opening. The end cap assembly includes a cup having a free edge that defines an aperture that leads to a cup interior. The cup has an inner surface facing the conduit interior. The end cap assembly also includes a reinforcement that is mounted to the inner surface of the cup. Both the cup and the reinforcement can be stamped metal components and are brazed together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: MILLENNIUM INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik
  • Publication number: 20160341167
    Abstract: A fuel rail or pressure vessel assembly extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a fluid conduit having an opening at either or both of the longitudinal ends of the conduit. The conduit has an inlet coupled to a high-pressure fuel source, a plurality of outlets, and a conduit interior that forms a fluid flow passageway between inlet and outlets. An end cap assembly is mounted to cover and close each fluid conduit opening. The end cap assembly includes a cup having a free edge that defines an aperture that leads to a cup interior. The cup has an inner surface facing the conduit interior. The end cap assembly also includes a reinforcement that is mounted to the inner surface of the cup. Both the cup and the reinforcement can be stamped metal components and are brazed together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik
  • Patent number: 9157401
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling components in a fuel delivery system together is presented. The apparatus comprises a first member having a first end, a second end, and throughgoing passageway therebetween. The apparatus further comprises a second member having a throughgoing bore therein. The throughgoing bore is configured to receive the first end of the first member. The first and second members of the apparatus are configured to be affixed together to create a joint between the first end of the first member and the inner wall of the bore of the second member such that the passageway and the bore are in substantial alignment with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Millennium Industries
    Inventors: David C. Stieler, Michael J. Zdroik, Robert J. Doherty, Jackson zel Roe, Gary L. Handshoe
  • Patent number: 8458904
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid conduit assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive fluid conduit assembly includes a fluid conduit having an inlet, at least one outlet and a fluid flow passageway therebetween configured to allow for fluid to be communicated between said inlet and said at least one outlet. The inventive fluid conduit assembly further includes at least one damper disposed within the passageway of the fluid conduit. The damper includes a sealed vent configured to vent gases captured by the damper during a brazing process performed on the fluid conduit when unsealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Millennium Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Zdroik, Robert J. Doherty
  • Publication number: 20110308653
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprises a source, a fuel rail, and a damper coupled therebetween. The damper comprises a body having first and second sides, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The first and second sides and sidewall combine to define a cavity. The damper further includes first and second ports disposed in the sidewall of the body. A first portion of the first port is disposed outside of the cavity, and a second portion is disposed within the cavity. The second portion further includes an orifice therein to allow fluid to be communicated between the first port and the cavity. A first portion of the second port is disposed outside of the cavity of the body, and a second portion is disposed proximate the cavity. A portion of the first and/or second sides of the body has a diaphragm shape, thereby rendering the portion flexible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Michael J. Zdroik, Robert J. Doherty, Jackson Zel Roe
  • Patent number: 7921881
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid conduit assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive fluid conduit assembly includes a fluid conduit having an inlet, at least one outlet and a fluid flow passageway therebetween configured to allow for fluid to be communicated between said inlet and said at least one outlet. The inventive fluid conduit assembly further includes at least one damper disposed within the passageway of the fluid conduit. The damper includes a sealed vent configured to vent gases captured by the damper during a brazing process performed on the fluid conduit when unsealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Millennium Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Zdroik, Robert J. Doherty
  • Publication number: 20110057017
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid conduit assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive fluid conduit assembly includes a fluid conduit having an inlet, at least one outlet and a fluid flow passageway therebetween configured to allow for fluid to be communicated between said inlet and said at least one outlet. The inventive fluid conduit assembly further includes at least one damper disposed within the passageway of the fluid conduit. The damper includes a sealed vent configured to vent gases captured by the damper during a brazing process performed on the fluid conduit when unsealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Millennium Industries Corporation
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. ZDROIK, ROBERT J. DOHERTY
  • Patent number: 7810471
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprises a fuel rail having an outlet, and a fuel injector cup associated with the fuel rail outlet. The fuel injector cup includes a cup portion and a ring portion. The cup portion comprises a body, and the body includes a base at a first end, an opening at a second end, and an inner cavity therein between the base and the opening. The cavity of the cup portion is configured to receive a fuel injector, and the first end of the cup portion is configured to be associated with the outlet of the fuel rail. The ring portion of the fuel injector cup is configured to be affixed to the cup portion, and the second end thereof, in particular. The ring portion is further configured to reinforce the second end of said cup portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Millennium Industries
    Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik
  • Publication number: 20090178650
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprises a fuel rail having an outlet, and a fuel injector cup associated with the fuel rail outlet. The fuel injector cup includes a cup portion and a ring portion. The cup portion comprises a body, and the body includes a base at a first end, an opening at a second end, and an inner cavity therein between the base and the opening. The cavity of the cup portion is configured to receive a fuel injector, and the first end of the cup portion is configured to be associated with the outlet of the fuel rail. The ring portion of the fuel injector cup is configured to be affixed to the cup portion, and the second end thereof, in particular. The ring portion is further configured to reinforce the second end of said cup portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik
  • Publication number: 20090179421
    Abstract: An apparatus for coupling components in a fuel delivery system together is presented. The apparatus comprises a first member having a first end, a second end, and throughgoing passageway therebetween. The apparatus further comprises a second member having a throughgoing bore therein. The throughgoing bore is configured to receive the first end of the first member. The first and second members of the apparatus are configured to be affixed together to create a joint between the first end of the first member and the inner wall of the bore of the second member such that the passageway and the bore are in substantial alignment with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: David C. Stieler, Michael J. Zdroik, Robert J. Doherty, Jackson Zel Roe, Gary L. Handshoe
  • Publication number: 20090173317
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprising a fuel rail having an outlet and a receptor cup associated therewith. The system further including a fuel injector having an inlet, an outlet and a body therebetween. The inlet is configured for insertion into the cup of the fuel rail and for fluid communication with the outlet thereof. The system still further including a retention clip configured for engagement with the fuel injector and the cup in order to couple the fuel injector with the fuel rail. In the inventive system, the fuel injector further includes a load distribution feature. This feature is configured to engage a portion of the retention clip and to assist with the distribution about the clip of a load applied to the injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: MILLENNIUM INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Doherty, Michael J. Zdroik
  • Patent number: 7556022
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprising a fuel rail having an outlet and a receptor cup associated therewith. The system further including a fuel injector having an inlet, an outlet and a body therebetween. The inlet is configured for insertion into the cup of the fuel rail and for fluid communication with the outlet thereof. The system still further including a retention clip configured for engagement with the fuel injector and the cup in order to couple the fuel injector with the fuel rail. In the inventive system, the fuel injector further includes a load distribution feature. This feature is configured to engage a portion of the retention clip and to assist with the distribution about the clip of a load applied to the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Millennium Industries
    Inventors: Robert Doherty, Michael J. Zdroik
  • Publication number: 20090084358
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprises a fuel rail having an inlet, an outlet opening, and a flow channel therein configured to allow fuel to be communicated between the inlet and outlet opening. The system further comprises a fuel injector having a body that includes a keying feature. The system still further comprises an injector cup configured for receiving a portion of the injector. The system yet still further comprises a mating feature associated with the fuel rail and/or the injector cup. The mating feature includes an aperture in the fuel rail and/or a portion of the injector cup, and is configured for receiving and mating with the keying feature. The mating feature is further configured to allow the injector to be rotated such that the keying feature can be transitioned from an aligned arrangement with the aperture of the mating feature to a misaligned arrangement to retain the injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Millennium Industries
    Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik
  • Patent number: 7467618
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system in accordance with the present invention comprises a fuel rail having an outlet opening and an outlet cup that is insertable into the outlet opening. The cup includes a flange. The flange includes at least one tab extending therefrom. The cup further defines a vertical axis extending therethrough. The system further includes a fuel injector with an inlet insertable within the cup. The system still further includes a retention clip. The clip includes an inner peripheral surface, at least a portion of which is configured for engagement with the injector when the clip and injector are assembled together. The clip further includes at least one arm, the arm further including a finger configured for spring engagement with the tab of the cup. The clip is operative to limit the movement of the fuel injector when it is assembled with the clip and inserted in the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Millennium Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Zdroik, Robert Doherty
  • Patent number: 7415970
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system in accordance with the present invention comprises a fuel rail having an outlet opening and an outlet cup that is insertable into the outlet opening. The cup includes a flange. The flange includes at least one tab extending therefrom. The cup further defines a vertical axis extending therethrough. The system further includes a fuel injector with an inlet insertable within the cup. The system still further includes a retention clip. The clip includes an inner peripheral surface, at least a portion of which is configured for engagement with the injector when the clip and injector are assembled together. The clip further includes at least one arm, the arm further including a finger configured for spring engagement with the tab of the cup. The clip is operative to limit the movement of the fuel injector when it is assembled with the clip and inserted in the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Millennium Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Zdroik, Robert Doherty
  • Publication number: 20080169364
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a vehicular fuel delivery system. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the fuel delivery system includes a fuel rail having at least one feed, and at least one fuel injector assembly comprising a fuel injector and an outer housing. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the fuel injector assembly is permanently affixed to the fuel rail so that the feed of the fuel rail is in fluid communication with an inlet of the fuel injector, wherein at least a portion of the fuel injector assembly is configured to be replaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Zdroik, David C. Stieler
  • Publication number: 20080142105
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluid conduit assembly. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the inventive fluid conduit assembly includes a fluid conduit having an inlet, at least one outlet and a fluid flow passageway therebetween configured to allow for fluid to be communicated between said inlet and said at least one outlet. The inventive fluid conduit assembly further includes at least one damper disposed within the passageway of the fluid conduit. The damper includes a sealed vent configured to vent gases captured by the damper during a brazing process performed on the fluid conduit when unsealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Michael J. Zdroik, Robert J. Doherty
  • Patent number: 7360524
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system in accordance with the present invention comprises a fuel rail having an outlet opening and an outlet cup that is insertable into the outlet opening. The cup includes a flange. The flange includes at least one tab extending therefrom. The cup further defines a vertical axis extending therethrough. The system further includes a fuel injector with an inlet insertable within the cup. The system still further includes a retention clip. The clip includes an inner peripheral surface, at least a portion of which is configured for engagement with the injector when the clip and injector are assembled together. The clip further includes at least one arm, the arm further including a finger configured for spring engagement with the tab of the cup. The clip is operative to limit the movement of the fuel injector when it is assembled with the clip and inserted in the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Millenium Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Zdroik, Robert Doherty
  • Patent number: 7225797
    Abstract: A fuel system comprises a fuel tank having an outlet. The system further includes a reservoir having a housing defining a cavity. The reservoir is located remotely from the tank and is configured to receive and store fuel. The system still further includes a fuel pump having an inlet and outlet. The system yet still further includes a valve having a fuel tank inlet port, a reservoir inlet port and an outlet port. The fuel tank inlet port is in fluid communication with the fuel tank, the reservoir inlet port is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the outlet port is configured to be connected to and in fluid communication with the fuel pump. The valve is configured to couple the outlet port with the reservoir inlet port when predetermined conditions occur indicative of fuel vapor air in the fuel tank inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Millennium Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik
  • Patent number: 7159570
    Abstract: A fuel delivery system arrangement is provided which includes a clip having an inner circumferential surface which engages the fuel injector body but has an outer circumferential surface which is inserted within the fuel rail injector cup outlet. Therefore an inadvertent torque placed upon the fuel injector will cause the outer diameter of the clip to engage the interior of the cup and thereafter be prevented from opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Millennium Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Michael J. Zdroik