The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 03, 2002
Filed:
May. 17, 2001
Steven W. Ballem, Mississauga, CA;
Daniel P. McNaught, Mississauga, CA;
Noma Company, Concord, CA;
Abstract
In accordance with the present invention, a cartridge-style heater received into a bore in an engine block is provided with a quick-release retaining member that attaches to the heater about its outer circumference. A pair of spaced legs and an arm extending from a center portion define the retaining member. The pair of legs frictionally engage the heater while permitting heater to rotate within the bore relative to the member even if the member is fixed to the engine. The rotation also permits the retaining member to rotate about the sleeve to align the retaining member to a predetermined attachment location on the engine independent of the orientation of the heater within the engine bore. This invention provides flexibility in the orientation of the heater to receive an electrical connector from an external power supply and attachment of the heater to the engine regardless of the engine configuration or vehicle model, thereby improving installation, serviceability, and use of the heater.