Patents by Inventor Bryan K. Pryor
Bryan K. Pryor 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).
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Publication number: 20170107872Abstract: A fluid pump includes a housing defining a cavity. An end plate is disposed within the cavity and divides the cavity into a gear section and an end section. A gear set is disposed within the gear section and comprises at least one gear rotatable about an axis. The end plate is movable longitudinally along the axis for compressing the gear set. A channel is in fluidic communication with the end section for supplying a fluid to the end section to force the plate toward the gear set.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2015Publication date: April 20, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Sean M. McGowan, Bryan K. Pryor, John Byron Davis
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Patent number: 9556764Abstract: One variation may include a product comprising a piston oil squirting system comprising at least one piston oil squirter operatively communicating with at least one engine oil channel and which is constructed and arranged to squirt oil at at least one piston; and at least one mechanism which is constructed and arranged to control a flow rate and a timing of at least one oil jet stream from the at least one piston oil squirter so that the oil jet stream flows at single or multiple intervals from a zero to a maximum flow rate within an engine cycle or a crankshaft revolution.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark R. Claywell, Bryan K. Pryor, Mojtaba Eshraghi
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Publication number: 20160003113Abstract: A system includes a first scavenge oil pump that draws oil from a first draw location within a vehicle according to a first variable displacement associated with the first scavenge oil pump. The first variable displacement is based on a first modified scavenge ratio assigned to the first scavenge oil pump. An oil pump control module determines a first scavenge ratio, determines a first scavenge ratio multiplier based on at least one of vehicle acceleration and vehicle orientation, and applies the first scavenge ratio multiplier to the first scavenge ratio to generate the first modified scavenge ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2015Publication date: January 7, 2016Inventors: Mark R. Claywell, Bryan K. Pryor
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Publication number: 20150330286Abstract: One variation may include a product comprising a piston oil squirting system comprising at least one piston oil squirter operatively communicating with at least one engine oil channel and which is constructed and arranged to squirt oil at at least one piston; and at least one mechanism which is constructed and arranged to control a flow rate and a timing of at least one oil jet stream from the at least one piston oil squirter so that the oil jet stream flows at single or multiple intervals from a zero to a maximum flow rate within an engine cycle or a crankshaft revolution.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2014Publication date: November 19, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mark R. CLAYWELL, Bryan K. PRYOR, Mojtaba ESHRAGHI
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Publication number: 20150147192Abstract: A vehicle and a method of reducing sound produced by a liquid fluid pump are disclosed. A pump is activated when a predetermined event is detected. A control valve of the pump is operated in one of an initial and a standard mode when the pump is activated. The control valve is operable to allow a gaseous fluid to vent out of the pump when in the initial mode corresponding to the pump being in a first phase. The control valve is operable to allow a liquid fluid to move through the pump when in the standard mode corresponding to the pump being in a second phase. A solenoid of the control valve is energized and de-energized, at a calibrated frequency, in a sequence when in the initial mode to reduce the sound in the pump during the initial mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Bryan K. Pryor, Bruce A. Tucker, Karl R. Gilgenbach, Richard B. Jess
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Publication number: 20150059718Abstract: An internal combustion engine is disclosed which includes an improved crankcase drain back system. A set of drain flow diodes are disposed in each of the drain lines to direct fluid flow in a direction from the head portion to the crankcase. Likewise, a set of breather flow diodes are disposed in the breather lines to direct fluid flow in a second direction from the cylinder portion to the head portion. The flow diodes include a series of stacked flow diode elements which allow flow in one direction, while resisting flow in the opposite direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mark R. CLAYWELL, Bryan K. PRYOR
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Publication number: 20140321966Abstract: A packaged vacuum pump and oil pump for use in a vehicle generally includes an oil pump module and a vacuum pump module. The oil pump module is configured to circulate oil, and is fitted to a first drive shaft configured to transmit torque to the oil pump module. The vacuum pump module is configured to generate a vacuum, and is fitted to a second drive shaft configured to transmit torque to the vacuum pump module. The packaged vacuum pump and oil pump also includes a clutch. The clutch connects the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft, and is configured to transfer torque from the first drive shaft to the second drive shaft when the clutch is engaged. The clutch may be a hydraulic clutch configured to receive a pressurized fluid, which may be oil received from the oil pump module, to engage the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Bryan K. Pryor, Michael B. Fleck, Scott A. Kavanagh
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Patent number: 8746408Abstract: An engine oil change detection control system is provided. The system includes an armature position module that monitors a solenoid armature position based on a position signal. A solenoid control module selectively generates a solenoid control signal and estimates a delay time based on the solenoid control signal and the armature position. An engine oil change detection module detects an engine oil change event based on the delay time.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Inventors: William C. Albertson, David R. Staley, Mike M McDonald, Bryan K. Pryor
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Patent number: 8499738Abstract: An oil circulating control system for an engine includes an engine speed module and a mode selection module. The engine speed module determines a speed of the engine. The mode selection module is configured to select a first pressure mode and a second pressure mode of an oil pump of the engine for the speed. The selection module selects one of the first pressure mode and the second pressure mode based on at least one mode request signal. The mode selection module signals a solenoid valve of a variable oil pressure circuit of the oil pump to transition to a first position when operating in the first pressure mode and to a second position when operating in the second pressure mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Inventors: Kevin J. Storch, David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, Vijay Ramappan, Morena Bruno, Roberto Argolini
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Patent number: 8292497Abstract: Cloud point monitoring systems for determining a cloud point temperature value for diesel fuel are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a cloud point monitoring system receives diesel fuel in the tubular conduit and propagates light through the diesel fuel. The cloud point monitoring system further determines a cloud point temperature value indicative of a cloud point of the diesel fuel based on a light intensity level of the light that has propagated through cooled diesel fuel.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Mike M. McDonald
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Patent number: 8245684Abstract: An engine having a fluid lubrication and control system is provided. The engine also includes a pump configured to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system when the engine is running. The engine additionally includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the lubrication and control system. The accumulator is configured to accumulate and retain fluid when the engine is running, and to discharge the fluid when the engine is not running in order to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system. A method for controlling oil pressure in the engine is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael G. Reynolds, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Mike M. McDonald
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Patent number: 8146561Abstract: A dynamic engine oil pickup system is disclosed. The dynamic engine oil pickup system includes a scavenge pump and a pickup tube assembly in fluid communication with the scavenge pump. The pickup tube assembly includes at least two oil pickup portions operable to pickup engine oil from at least two different oil pickup locations and a flow control operable to control a flow of engine oil between the at least two different oil pickup locations and the scavenge pump. The flow control includes a suction valve, and movement of the suction valve is controlled by selectively applying a high pressure oil to a head of the suction valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bryan K. Pryor, David R. Staley, Bryce E. Mazzola
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Patent number: 8128279Abstract: Cloud point monitoring systems for determining a cloud point of diesel fuel are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a cloud point monitoring system determines a cloud point temperature value utilizing signals indicating a viscosity level of diesel fuel and a temperature of the diesel fuel.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson
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Patent number: 8127597Abstract: An engine oil system comprises an oil condition sensing device and a control module. The oil condition sensing device includes an electrically actuated member and is in fluid communication with an engine oil reservoir. The control module selectively causes current to be supplied to the oil condition sensing device to actuate the member, measures the current, determines a parameter of the current, and selectively identifies at least two of an oil level, an oil change event, and an oil viscosity level based on the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventors: David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Timothy L. Neal, Mike M. McDonald
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Publication number: 20110209682Abstract: An oil circulating control system for an engine includes an engine speed module and a mode selection module. The engine speed module determines a speed of the engine. The mode selection module is configured to select a first pressure mode and a second pressure mode of an oil pump of the engine for the speed. The selection module selects one of the first pressure mode and the second pressure mode based on at least one mode request signal. The mode selection module signals a solenoid valve of a variable oil pressure circuit of the oil pump to transition to a first position when operating in the first pressure mode and to a second position when operating in the second pressure mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Kevin J. Storch, David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, Vijay Ramappan, Morena Bruno, Roberto Argolini
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Patent number: 8007248Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the momentum of oil-containing air rotating with a crankshaft counterweight in an engine crankcase is converted to static pressure by blocking the flow and directing the resulting static pressure through an orifice to a vent chamber wherein the pressure acts against a cam ring of a variable displacement oil pump. The arrangement modifies the action of an oil pressure control by increasing the effective pump outlet pressure as a function of engine speed using relatively low cost modifications of the engine and oil pump. This pressure may also be used in various ways to modify the control functions of other devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bryan K. Pryor, David R. Staley, Karl R. Gilgenbach
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Patent number: 7991525Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for receiving in-vehicle information regarding diesel fuel cloud point condition. The method includes establishing communication between a telematics unit in a vehicle and i) a global positioning system device, ii) a call center including a database, and iii) a cloud point monitoring device in the vehicle. The telematics unit receives from at least one of i, ii, or iii, information pertaining to vehicle location, cloud point, and ambient temperature. The telematics unit determines from the information whether fuel in a fuel system of the vehicle is reaching cloud point or can reach cloud point within a given time period. The telematics unit then transmits an in-vehicle alert when the fuel in the vehicle fuel system is reaching cloud point or can reach cloud point within a given time period. The disclosure also relates to a system for performing the method.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, General Motors LLCInventors: Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Mike M. Mc Donald, Jeffrey D. Lines
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Patent number: 7862306Abstract: A variable displacement engine oil vane pump includes a displacement control for controlling displacement of the pump. The control includes a cam ring in a housing pivotally connected to a wall of the housing by a pivot. The cam ring is internally engaged by slide vanes. A control chamber is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall. A control orifice provides for communication of control oil from a pressurized source to the control chamber. A vent chamber is generally opposite the control chamber and is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall. A dump chamber is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall and is generally disposed between the control chamber and the vent chamber. A dump orifice provides for communication between the control chamber and the dump chamber. A vent orifice provides for communication between the vent chamber and the dump chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor
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Publication number: 20100284823Abstract: An engine having a fluid lubrication and control system is provided. The engine also includes a pump configured to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system when the engine is running. The engine additionally includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the lubrication and control system. The accumulator is configured to accumulate and retain fluid when the engine is running, and to discharge the fluid when the engine is not running in order to maintain fluid pressure in the lubrication and control system. A method for controlling oil pressure in the engine is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2009Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Michael G. Reynolds, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Mike M. Mc Donald
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Patent number: 7677086Abstract: An engine oil viscosity measurement system is provided. The system includes: a solenoid response module that determines an actual response time based on a position signal; an expected response module that determines an expected response time based on a system voltage and engine oil temperature; and a diagnostic module that diagnoses viscosity of the engine oil based on the actual response time and the expected response time.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: William C. Albertson, David R. Staley, Mike M. McDonald, Bryan K. Pryor