Dennis S Shimmell

20130200656, Aug 8, 2013

Feb 8, 2012

13/368394

Dennis Shimmell - Montague MI, US
James M. Palmer - Hudsonville MI, US

CORVAC COMPOSITES, LLC - Byron Center MI

B62D 25/20
B23P 11/00

296204, 29428

An underbody panel assembly and related method of manufacture is provided. The underbody panel assembly includes an underbody panel coupled to a thermal shield including a plurality of expansion joints. The expansion joints are adapted to accommodate a lengthening or shortening of the thermal shield in response to a corresponding lengthening or shortening of the underbody panel. The related method includes providing an underbody panel, providing a thermal shield including a plurality of expansion joints, and joining the thermal shield to the underbody panel at intervals. The thermal shield can be joined to the underbody panel using a plurality of welds, with each weld being proximate a separate expansion joint. The resulting underbody panel assembly can withstand repeated heating and cooling cycles along a vehicle exhaust, muffler or catalytic converter, while also reducing aerodynamic drag at high vehicle speeds, contributing to an overall increase in vehicle fuel efficiency.

56304633, May 20, 1997

Dec 8, 1994

8/351937

Dennis S. Shimmell - Hudsonville MI

Nelson Metal Products Corporation - Grandville MI

B22D 1708
B22D 1732

164312

A variable volume metal delivery system for a die casting machine. The system includes a shot sleeve having a plunger propelled by a shot cylinder. A stroke adjustment rod operated by a second cylinder extends into the shot cylinder to define the backward stroke limit of the shot cylinder and consequently that of the plunger. The stroke adjustment rod is movable by means of the second cylinder between a high-volume position, permitting a relatively long stroke, and a low-volume position, providing a relatively short stroke. Accordingly, the volume of the shot sleeve can be changed easily, for example, to accommodate the manufacture of articles either with or without structural inserts.

61257834, Oct 3, 2000

Apr 27, 1999

9/300587

Dennis S. Shimmell - Hudsonville MI
Dennis S. Shimmell - Kentwood MI

B63B 800

114343

A flush mount system for a marine vessel including a backing plate with at least one adjustable height stud. The backing plate is secured to the inner surface of the mounting structure. The stud is threaded to the backing plate and extends through the mounting structure. The stud defines a threaded bore that is adapted to receive a mounting bolt for the desired accessory. The stud is threaded within a throughbore in the backing plate to permit the height of the stud to be easily adjusted. A locknut is threaded over the stud against the backing place to lock the stud in place at the desired height.

51689642, Dec 8, 1992

Apr 22, 1991

7/688457

Dennis S. Shimmell - Hudsonville MI

Nelson Metal Products Corporation - Grandville MI

F16D 5518
B22D 1900

188 724

A brake caliper for a disk-type brake is disclosed having a prefabricated, cast-in-place cylinder bore liner. The liner is made of a machinable material, preferably steel, and the caliper body is made of a lightweight material, preferably aluminum. The caliper body is cast around the cylinder liner so that no further machining of the caliper bore is required. A reinforcing arm may be provided extending from the cylinder liner through the bridge portion of the caliper. A method for making the caliper is also disclosed in which the cylinder liner is positioned within a die cavity and molten metal material is cast around the liner to incorporate the liner into the caliper body.

52053385, Apr 27, 1993

Dec 11, 1991

7/805033

Dennis S. Shimmell - Hudsonville MI

Nelson Metal Products Corporation - Grandville MI

B22D 1300

164113

A method and apparatus for closed shot die casting is disclosed in which a molten metal filling cylinder is provided intersecting a shot sleeve in fluid communication with a filling hole in the shot sleeve. Molten metal is introduced into the filling cylinder. The molten metal passes from the filling cylinder through the filling hole into the shot sleeve until the shot sleeve is completely filled with molten metal. The filling cylinder includes a piston-like, reciprocating internal valve which moves into position to seal off the filling hole. As a result, the shot sleeve is completely filled with molten metal and pressure-sealed prior to the advancement of the shot plunger.

55605915, Oct 1, 1996

May 2, 1995

8/432989

Curtis A. Trudeau - Caledonia MI
Gary L. Schafer - Shelbyville MI
Dick E. Winter - Kentwood MI
Dennis S. Shimmell - Hudsonville MI
Sean P. Seaver - Kentwood MI

Hadley Products - Grandville MI

B60G 1126

267 6416

A leveling valve for controlling the amount of air within an air spring for maintaining a constant level of a vehicle chassis or frame relative to its axles. The valve includes several features including a novel actuating mechanism for actuating the valve. The mechanism includes a sleeve assembly slideable on an actuating plunger and constructed of three parts so designed as to compensate for any wear between the sleeve assembly and the actuator for the sleeve. Another feature is the construction of the elongated actuator extending between one end of the valve body wherein the actuating mechanism is located and the other end wherein a valve is located. Still another feature is the construction of the valve for metering the exhaust of air through the exhaust outlet, such metering being determined by the position of the actuator arm as the air spring adjusts to find the proper height. The fourth feature resides in a one-piece, molded dampening cylinder, dump cylinder, and guide for the valve actuator.

53874722, Feb 7, 1995

Dec 21, 1992

7/994272

Dennis S. Shimmell - Hudsonville MI

Nelson Metal Products Corporation - Grandville MI

B32B 330

428571

A assembly of mated molded parts and a method for making same are disclosed in which the assembly has first and second parts with precisely mating surfaces. The first part is formed by molding, casting, or the like such that the mating surface of the first part is formed with at least one protrusion. The second part is formed in place against the first part such precisely mating surfaces are formed with the second part enveloping the protrusion. The two parts thus formed are forced apart from each other. The protrusion may be formed with a head which interlocks with the second part. When the parts are separated, the head breaks from the protrusion. In a particular embodiment, a bearing cap is disclosed having a central opening for the passage of a shaft.

57629692, Jun 9, 1998

Aug 1, 1996

8/691171

Dennis S. Shimmell - Hudsonville MI

Nelson Metal Products Corporation - Grandville MI

B29C 3910
B29C 4514
B22D 1900

425112

A mold assembly for casting or molding a multiple portion article in sequential shots without opening the mold assembly. The mold assembly includes a movable mold insert that permits the portions to be interconnected as an integral part of the casting process. The mold insert includes a first or male void for defining a male end and a second or female void for defining a female end. In operation, the mold insert is placed in a first position and molten material is introduced into a first cavity portion to form a first portion with a male end. The mold insert is then placed in a second position with the female portion surrounding the male end of the first portion. Molten material is introduced into a second cavity portion to form a second portion with a female end at least partially surrounding the male end of the first portion.