Patents by Inventor William E. Hill
William E. Hill 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: 10598059Abstract: A snap-action valve assembly for an exhaust system and a method for manufacturing the same is provided. The valve assembly includes a first conduit and a second conduit that is partially received in the first conduit. A valve flap is disposed within the first conduit for controlling exhaust flow. A shaft supports the valve flap in the first conduit for rotation between open and closed positions. The first conduit has first and second slots, each extending from an open slot end to a closed slot end. First and second bushings supporting the shaft are disposed within the slots between the second conduit and the closed slot ends. A pad made of wire mesh is attached to the valve flap. The pad includes an end portion that contacts the first conduit in the closed position to dampen vibration and reduce valve flap flutter.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Larry J. Geer, Erwin Peters, Stephen M. Thomas, William E. Hill
-
Patent number: 10180092Abstract: A snap-action valve assembly for an exhaust system is provided that includes a first conduit and a second conduit that are joined to together to define an exhaust passageway. A valve flap is disposed within the exhaust passageway for controlling exhaust flow. A shaft supports the valve flap in the exhaust passageway for rotation between open and closed positions. First and second bushings support the shaft. A pad made of wire mesh is attached to the valve flap. The pad includes an end portion that contacts the first or second conduit in the closed position and side wings that contact the first or second conduit in the open position. A resilient tongue may support the pad on an angle relative to the valve flap and a mass damper may be attached to one end of the shaft. These features dampen vibration and reduce valve flap flutter.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Larry J. Geer, Erwin Peters, Stephen M. Thomas, William E. Hill
-
Publication number: 20180051609Abstract: A snap-action valve assembly for an exhaust system and a method for manufacturing the same is provided. The valve assembly includes a first conduit and a second conduit that is partially received in the first conduit. A valve flap is disposed within the first conduit for controlling exhaust flow. A shaft supports the valve flap in the first conduit for rotation between open and closed positions. The first conduit has first and second slots, each extending from an open slot end to a closed slot end. First and second bushings supporting the shaft are disposed within the slots between the second conduit and the closed slot ends. A pad made of wire mesh is attached to the valve flap. The pad includes an end portion that contacts the first conduit in the closed position to dampen vibration and reduce valve flap flutter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Larry J. GEER, Erwin PETERS, Stephen M. THOMAS, William E. HILL
-
Publication number: 20180051607Abstract: A snap-action valve assembly for an exhaust system is provided that includes a first conduit and a second conduit that are joined to together to define an exhaust passageway. A valve flap is disposed within the exhaust passageway for controlling exhaust flow. A shaft supports the valve flap in the exhaust passageway for rotation between open and closed positions. First and second bushings support the shaft. A pad made of wire mesh is attached to the valve flap. The pad includes an end portion that contacts the first or second conduit in the closed position and side wings that contact the first or second conduit in the open position. A resilient tongue may support the pad on an angle relative to the valve flap and a mass damper may be attached to one end of the shaft. These features dampen vibration and reduce valve flap flutter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Larry J. GEER, Erwin PETERS, Stephen M. THOMAS, William E. HILL
-
Patent number: 8657065Abstract: An exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit includes a valve plate rotatable between open and closed positions. An axle is adapted to pivotally couple the valve plate to the exhaust conduit about a longitudinal axis of the axle. The axle axis is adapted to extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of exhaust flow through the conduit. A cantilevered spring pad has a first portion coupled to the valve plate and a second portion spaced apart from the valve plate. The second portion is oriented to contact an inner surface of the conduit as the valve plate moves toward the closed position to dampen vibration.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventor: William E. Hill
-
Patent number: 8468813Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine exhaust system includes a housing having an inlet and outlet headers enclosing opposite ends of an outer shell. A partition divides a housing interior into first and second chambers, the first chamber having sound absorbing material positioned therein. The partition has an aperture allowing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. A through pipe extends through the inlet and outlet headers and the partition and has a plurality of perforations enabling fluid communication between the through pipe and the first chamber. A valve assembly has a valve flap positioned inside the through pipe for rotation with an axle pivotally coupled to the pipe between a closed position and an open position. The valve is positioned downstream of the pipe perforations such that all of an exhaust gas flowing through the muffler passes through the valve regardless of the valve flap position.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: William E. Hill, Howard C. Macaluso, Steven Clayton
-
Patent number: 8381401Abstract: A method of assembly of a rotatable flapper valve to an interior of a conduit features the ability to couple the valve plate to its axle outside of the conduit in an independent operation. The conduit is split into first and second sections each having a flared end and a pair of indentations for receipt of the valve axle. While separated, the valve axle is placed in a pair of indentations in one of the conduit sections and then the second conduit section is moved into abutting engagement such that its indentations also partially surround the axle. The first and second conduit sections are then joined by welding.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Jordan Sahs, Jason Lefler, William E. Hill
-
Patent number: 8215103Abstract: A passive, exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit is pivotally mounted to an off-center axle for rotation between fully closed and fully opened positions. A bias element forces the valve flap toward the fully closed position. The valve flap is shaped in a manner enabling use of the interior surface of the exhaust conduit to define stops at the full closed and full opened positions. The valve flap shape, in conjunction with the bias element arrangement, enables the flap to lie substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit in the fully opened position, which provides for minimum back pressure in the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventor: William E. Hill
-
Patent number: 8191572Abstract: A rotary valve plate adapted for housing within a conduit employs a vibration absorbing bumper pad coupled to the valve plate at a surface thereof adapted to contact an inner surface of the conduit whenever the valve plate is rotated to a closed position. The bumper pad minimizes vibratory noise and improves the durability of the valve plate over extended periods of operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Jason Lefler, William E. Hill, Jordan Sahs
-
Publication number: 20110061969Abstract: A muffler for an internal combustion engine exhaust system includes a housing having an inlet and outlet headers enclosing opposite ends of an outer shell. A partition divides a housing interior into first and second chambers, the first chamber having sound absorbing material positioned therein. The partition has an aperture allowing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. A through pipe extends through the inlet and outlet headers and the partition and has a plurality of perforations enabling fluid communication between the through pipe and the first chamber. A valve assembly has a valve flap positioned inside the through pipe for rotation with an axle pivotally coupled to the pipe between a closed position and an open position. The valve is positioned downstream of the pipe perforations such that all of an exhaust gas flowing through the muffler passes through the valve regardless of the valve flap position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Inventors: William E. Hill, Howard C. Macaluso, Steven Clayton
-
Patent number: 7896130Abstract: Snap action valve assemblies for use in conduits of automotive exhaust systems have their operation controlled by use of inertia damper elements coupled to an axle of a rotatable valve plate of the valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: William E. Hill, Jordan Sahs, Jason Lefler
-
Publication number: 20100294589Abstract: Snap action valve assemblies for use in conduits of automotive exhaust systems have their operation controlled by use of inertia damper elements coupled to an axle of a rotatable valve plate of the valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE OPERATING COMPANY INC.Inventors: William E. Hill, Jordan Sahs, Jason Lefler
-
Publication number: 20100263211Abstract: A method of assembly of a rotatable flapper valve to an interior of a conduit features the ability to couple the valve plate to its axle outside of the conduit in an independent operation. The conduit is split into first and second sections each having a flared end and a pair of indentations for receipt of the valve axle. While separated, the valve axle is placed in a pair of indentations in one of the conduit sections and then the second conduit section is moved into abutting engagement such that its indentations also partially surround the axle. The first and second conduit sections are then joined by welding.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Jordan Sahs, Jason Lefler, William E. Hill
-
Publication number: 20100263743Abstract: A rotary valve plate adapted for housing within a conduit employs a vibration absorbing bumper pad coupled to the valve plate at a surface thereof adapted to contact an inner surface of the conduit whenever the valve plate is rotated to a closed position. The bumper pad minimizes vibratory noise and improves the durability of the valve plate over extended periods of operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventors: Jason Lefler, William E. Hill, Jordan Sahs
-
Patent number: 7775322Abstract: A passive, exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit is pivotally mounted to an off-center axle for rotation between fully closed and fully opened positions. A bias element forces the valve flap toward the fully closed position. The valve flap is shaped in a manner enabling use of the interior surface of the exhaust conduit to define stops at the full closed and full opened positions. The valve flap shape, in conjunction with the bias element arrangement, enables the flap to lie substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit in the fully opened position, which provides for minimum back pressure in the conduit. The valve assembly finds particularly advantageous use inside a bypass through pipe of a muffler assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventor: William E. Hill
-
Patent number: 7434570Abstract: A passive, exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit is pivotally mounted to an off-center axle for rotation between fully closed and fully opened positions. A bias element forces the valve flap toward the fully closed position. The valve flap is shaped in a manner enabling use of the interior surface of the exhaust conduit to define stops at the full closed and full opened positions. The valve flap shape, in conjunction with the bias element arrangement, enables the flap to lie substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit in the fully opened position, which provides for minimum back pressure in the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2007Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.Inventor: William E. Hill
-
Publication number: 20080245063Abstract: A passive, exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit is pivotally mounted to an off-center axle for rotation between fully closed and fully opened positions. A bias element forces the valve flap toward the fully closed position. The valve flap is shaped in a manner enabling use of the interior surface of the exhaust conduit to define stops at the full closed and full opened positions. The valve flap shape, in conjunction with the bias element arrangement, enables the flap to lie substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit in the fully opened position, which provides for minimum back pressure in the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventor: WILLIAM E. HILL
-
Publication number: 20080224083Abstract: A passive, exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit is pivotally mounted to an off-center axle for rotation between fully closed and fully opened positions. A bias element forces the valve flap toward the fully closed position. The valve flap is shaped in a manner enabling use of the interior surface of the exhaust conduit to define stops at the full closed and full opened positions. The valve flap shape, in conjunction with the bias element arrangement, enables the flap to lie substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit in the fully opened position, which provides for minimum back pressure in the conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: WILLIAM E. HILL
-
Publication number: 20080223025Abstract: A passive, exhaust pressure actuated valve assembly for placement inside a tubular exhaust conduit is pivotally mounted to an off-center axle for rotation between fully closed and fully opened positions. A bias element forces the valve flap toward the fully closed position. The valve flap is shaped in a manner enabling use of the interior surface of the exhaust conduit to define stops at the full closed and full opened positions. The valve flap shape, in conjunction with the bias element arrangement, enables the flap to lie substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the conduit in the fully opened position, which provides for minimum back pressure in the conduit. The valve assembly finds particularly advantageous use inside a bypass through pipe of a muffler assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: William E. Hill
-
Patent number: 5519994Abstract: An arrangement for silencing the exhaust gases discharged from a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, wherein the exhaust gas is discharged in first and second streams from separate exhaust gas manifolds on opposite sides of the engine and the two streams traverse a different but equal lengthed path to be combined into a single stream to be presented to exhaust system components, such as catalytic converters and separate mufflers. In one embodiment, the streams pass through conduits integrally formed, in part, with through structure of a muffler. In other embodiments, the stream paths are equalized by being passed through conduits formed in closed shells.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: Tennessee Gas Pipeline CompanyInventor: William E. Hill