Patents by Inventor Tom Staab

Tom Staab 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: 6453892
    Abstract: A damped steel baffle for an engine cam cover aids in separation of oil mist entrained in a flow of crankcase air vented through the cam cover, and directs the air to a PCV valve atop the cover. The baffle forms a channel for the air, and effectively absorbs noise generated within the cover. Oil droplets condense on channel and baffle surfaces, and drain to an engine oil sump. The interface between baffle and cam cover is sealed with a foam gasket layer or RTV sealant. The baffle is constructed of two metal layers joined together by a thin layer of viscoelastic adhesive that converts vibrational energy into heat to dampen resonant vibrations. Amplitudes of vibration are significantly lower than for plain steel baffles, hence lower sound radiation is achieved. The individual steel layers are 0.2 to 0.6 mm thick; the viscoelastic layer has a thickness up to 0.15 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Plunkett, Tom Staab, Brent Boldt