Patents by Inventor Mike J. Dinkel

Mike J. Dinkel 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).

  • Hydraulic manifold assembly for variable activation and deactivation of valves in an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 6817325
    Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves. First and second plates have portions of flow passages integrally molded therein. The plates are formed preferably by injection molding of a suitable polymer, for example, glass-filled nylon, and are joined together as by cementing or preferably by fusion welding (vibration welding) along mating surfaces to form the full pattern of flow passages. This method of forming the manifold obviates the need for separate fasteners to connect the plates and for internal seals to form the flow passages. The assembly further comprises a retainer for retaining a plurality of individual solenoid-actuated valves in sockets formed in the plates. Preferably, the retainer is formed to function simultaneously as a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) baffle that attaches to the plates via integrally molded releasable snap tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike J. Dinkel, Dave Beiswenger, Doug Gnage, Michael Brosseau, Daniel F. Smith
  • Hydraulic manifold assembly for variable activation and deactivation of valves in an internal combustion engine
    Publication number: 20030089322
    Abstract: A hydraulic manifold assembly for variable actuation of engine valves. First and second plates have portions of flow passages integrally molded therein. The plates are formed preferably by injection molding of a suitable polymer, for example, glass-filled nylon, and are joined together as by cementing or preferably by fusion welding (vibration welding) along mating surfaces to form the full pattern of flow passages. This method of forming the manifold obviates the need for separate fasteners to connect the plates and for internal seals to form the flow passages. The assembly further comprises a retainer for retaining a plurality of individual solenoid-actuated valves in sockets formed in the plates. Preferably, the retainer is formed to function simultaneously as a positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) baffle that attaches to the plates via integrally molded releasable snap tabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Mike J. Dinkel, Dave Beiswinger, Doug Gnage, Michael Brosseau, Daniel F. Smith