Patents by Inventor Bryant G. Hammond

Bryant G. Hammond 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: 10145716
    Abstract: A mass airflow sensor according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a sensor element, and a flow deflector. The housing defines an airflow passage configured to receive air flowing in a first direction. The sensor element is disposed in the airflow passage and generates a signal indicating a mass flow rate of air flowing through the airflow passage. The flow deflector is disposed in the airflow passage downstream of the sensor element, extends from an inner wall surface of the airflow passage, and is configured to inhibit air flow through the airflow passage in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Guangzhi A. Zhao, Bryant G. Hammond, Christopher K. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20170268918
    Abstract: A mass airflow sensor according to the present disclosure includes a housing, a sensor element, and a flow deflector. The housing defines an airflow passage configured to receive air flowing in a first direction. The sensor element is disposed in the airflow passage and generates a signal indicating a mass flow rate of air flowing through the airflow passage. The flow deflector is disposed in the airflow passage downstream of the sensor element, extends from an inner wall surface of the airflow passage, and is configured to inhibit air flow through the airflow passage in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Guangzhi A. ZHAO, Bryant G. HAMMOND, Christopher K. CLARKE
  • Patent number: 9659414
    Abstract: A control methodology for a wireless oil level sensor includes mounting a wireless oil pressure sensor to the oil plug of an engine. The oil pressure sensor detects a pressure which is used to determine a volume or level of oil in the oil pan. The oil level sensor can include an accelerometer sensor that can be excited by the vibration caused by the starting of the engine to “wake up” the sensor. The sensor can take an initial pressure reading at start up and associate the pressure reading with an oil level that can then be transmitted to a vehicle control unit. The sensor can remain idle until the accelerometer sensor no longer detects engine vibrations. The sensor is activated to take pressure readings at predetermined time intervals and to transmit an associated oil level to the vehicle central processor unit until a predetermined time period has expired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: David R. Staley, Karl R. Gilgenbach, Eric W. Schneider, Bryant G. Hammond
  • Publication number: 20160210793
    Abstract: A control methodology for a wireless oil level sensor includes mounting a wireless oil pressure sensor to the oil plug of an engine. The oil pressure sensor detects a pressure which is used to determine a volume or level of oil in the oil pan. The oil level sensor can include an accelerometer sensor that can be excited by the vibration caused by the starting of the engine to “wake up” the sensor. The sensor can take an initial pressure reading at start up and associate the pressure reading with an oil level that can then be transmitted to a vehicle control unit. The sensor can remain idle until the accelerometer sensor no longer detects engine vibrations. The sensor is activated to take pressure readings at predetermined time intervals and to transmit an associated oil level to the vehicle central processor unit until a predetermined time period has expired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: David R. STALEY, Karl R. GILGENBACH, Eric W. SCHNEIDER, Bryant G. HAMMOND
  • Patent number: 8606486
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a density determination module and a mass air flow (MAF) determination module. The density determination module determines a density of air in an induction system of the engine based on a temperature of the air, a pressure of the air, and a relative humidity of the air. The MAF determination module, based on the determined density of the air, a velocity of the air, and a cross-sectional area of the induction system, determines a MAF through the induction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventors: Bryant G. Hammond, Layne K. Wiggins, Jan Andrzej Gatowski
  • Publication number: 20110315114
    Abstract: A control system for an engine includes a density determination module and a mass air flow (MAF) determination module. The density determination module determines a density of air in an induction system of the engine based on a temperature of the air, a pressure of the air, and a relative humidity of the air. The MAF determination module, based on the determined density of the air, a velocity of the air, and a cross-sectional area of the induction system, determines a MAF through the induction system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryant G. Hammond, Layne K. Wiggins, Jan Andrzej Gatowski
  • Patent number: 7028463
    Abstract: A valve assembly defines a chamber and three ports. A first valve selectively obstructs a first port to prevent fluid communication between a secondary air injection pump and the chamber. A second valve selectively obstructs a second port to prevent fluid communication between an air intake manifold and the chamber. A third port provides fluid communication between the chamber and an exhaust manifold. The chamber thus serves as a common passageway for secondary air flowing from the pump to the exhaust manifold and for exhaust gas flowing from the exhaust manifold to the air intake manifold. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second valves are rigidly interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant G. Hammond, David A. Frank, Martin L. Hall