Patents by Inventor Tyler J. Kass

Tyler J. Kass 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: 11441456
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tuning a muffler. An apparatus comprises a housing for a muffler, a first inlet pipe, and a second inlet pipe. The housing includes a coupling chamber. The first inlet pipe has a first set of physical features and carries exhaust to the coupling chamber. The second inlet pipe has a second set of physical features and carries the exhaust to the coupling chamber. The first set of physical features varies from the second set of physical features with respect to at least one physical feature such that a first sound waveform passing through the first inlet pipe and a second sound waveform passing through the second inlet pipe are uniquely tuned to thereby tune an overall sound waveform emitted by the muffler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Freeman, Tyler J. Kass
  • Patent number: 11105233
    Abstract: A system for regulating performance characteristics of a vehicle includes an engine configured to output an exhaust gas. The system further comprises an emissions system in fluid communication with the engine, the emissions system configured to clean the exhaust gas. The system further comprises a valve system in fluid communication with the emissions system, the valve system configured to regulate a flow of the exhaust gas. The valve system comprises a vane movable between a forward open position, a closed position, and a rear open position. The valve system further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the vane in the forward open position. The valve system further comprises a bypass channel configured to provide a bypass flow path for the exhaust gas to control a backpressure on the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Tyler J. Kass, Stephen E. Freeman
  • Publication number: 20210003054
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for tuning a muffler. An apparatus comprises a housing for a muffler, a first inlet pipe, and a second inlet pipe. The housing includes a coupling chamber. The first inlet pipe has a first set of physical features and carries exhaust to the coupling chamber. The second inlet pipe has a second set of physical features and carries the exhaust to the coupling chamber. The first set of physical features varies from the second set of physical features with respect to at least one physical feature such that a first sound waveform passing through the first inlet pipe and a second sound waveform passing through the second inlet pipe are uniquely tuned to thereby tune an overall sound waveform emitted by the muffler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2019
    Publication date: January 7, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen E. Freeman, Tyler J. Kass
  • Publication number: 20200240301
    Abstract: A system for regulating performance characteristics of a vehicle includes an engine configured to output an exhaust gas. The system further comprises an emissions system in fluid communication with the engine, the emissions system configured to clean the exhaust gas. The system further comprises a valve system in fluid communication with the emissions system, the valve system configured to regulate a flow of the exhaust gas. The valve system comprises a vane movable between a forward open position, a closed position, and a rear open position. The valve system further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the vane in the forward open position. The valve system further comprises a bypass channel configured to provide a bypass flow path for the exhaust gas to control a backpressure on the vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Tyler J. Kass, Stephen E. Freeman