Patents by Inventor Charles E. Freese, V

Charles E. Freese, V 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: 8220264
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a first and a second cylinder bank. The first and second cylinder banks are arranged such that they have less than a 180 degree included angle with respect to one another, thereby forming an inboard region or generally V-shaped cavity. A respective first and second cylinder head is mounted with respect to the first and second cylinder bank. Integrated within the first and second cylinder head is a first and second integrated exhaust manifold, respectively. The first and second integrated exhaust manifolds are provided on the engine in an “inboard” orientation, i.e. disposed on a side of their respective cylinder heads such that they are substantially adjacent to the generally V-shaped cavity. The first and second integrated exhaust manifold may operate to convey exhaust gases from the engine to at least one turbocharger, which is mounted substantially within the generally V-shaped cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary J. Arvan, Charles E. Freese, V
  • Patent number: 8205668
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation cooler may include a housing and a first wall. The housing may include an exhaust gas region, a coolant region, an exhaust gas inlet, and an exhaust gas outlet. The first wall may be fixed within the housing and may separate the exhaust gas region from the coolant region. The first wall may include a first portion formed from a first material and facing the exhaust gas region and a second portion formed from a second material and facing the coolant region. One of the first and second materials may have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than the other of the first and second materials. The first wall may be deflected toward one of the exhaust gas region and the coolant region during cooler operation based on a difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first and second materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese, V
  • Patent number: 8191915
    Abstract: An automatic docking system for docking a towing vehicle with a towed vehicle includes a sensing device, a controller, an automatic steering system, an automatic braking system, and a plurality of targets. The sensing device detects the plurality of targets located on a hitch of the towed vehicle. The controller determines the location of the towing vehicle relative to the towed vehicle based on the detection of the plurality of targets. The controller automatically steers the towing vehicle towards the towed vehicle to assist in the docking of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. The controller engages the automatic braking system to slow or stop the towing vehicle as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Freese, V, Brent D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 8166752
    Abstract: An exhaust gas cooling apparatus and method for cooling an exhaust gas is provided. The exhaust cooling apparatus having a first fluid conduit having a variable nozzle opening disposed at one end of the first fluid conduit, the variable nozzle opening being defined by a shape memory alloy extending from the first fluid conduit; and a second fluid conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end, the variable nozzle opening being disposed in the second fluid conduit proximate to the inlet end of the second fluid conduit such that a fluid inlet opening is disposed about an outer periphery of the variable nozzle opening and an inner surface of the inlet end of the second fluid conduit, the shape memory alloy varying the size of the variable nozzle opening by moving toward or away from a center line of the first fluid conduit in response to a temperature of an exhaust gas flowing through the first fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Linda Garcia, Charles E. Freese, V, Adam Vosz
  • Patent number: 7926471
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation cooler may include a housing and a first wall. The housing may include an exhaust gas region, a coolant region, an exhaust gas inlet, and an exhaust gas outlet. The first wall may be fixed within the housing and may separate the exhaust gas region from the coolant region. The first wall may include a first region facing the exhaust gas region and a first tab having a fixed end coupled to the first region and a free end generally opposite the fixed end. The free end may be displaceable between first and second positions based on an operating temperature of the exhaust gas. The free end may be displaced in a direction generally perpendicular to the first region when in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese, V
  • Publication number: 20100126155
    Abstract: An exhaust gas cooling apparatus and method for cooling an exhaust gas is provided. The exhaust cooling apparatus having a first fluid conduit having a variable nozzle opening disposed at one end of the first fluid conduit, the variable nozzle opening being defined by a shape memory alloy extending from the first fluid conduit; and a second fluid conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end, the variable nozzle opening being disposed in the second fluid conduit proximate to the inlet end of the second fluid conduit such that a fluid inlet opening is disposed about an outer periphery of the variable nozzle opening and an inner surface of the inlet end of the second fluid conduit, the shape memory alloy varying the size of the variable nozzle opening by moving toward or away from a center line of the first fluid conduit in response to a temperature of an exhaust gas flowing through the first fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Linda Garcia, Charles E. Freese, V, Adam Vosz
  • Publication number: 20100096203
    Abstract: An automatic docking system for docking a towing vehicle with a towed vehicle includes a sensing device, a controller, an automatic steering system, an automatic braking system, and a plurality of targets. The sensing device detects the plurality of targets located on a hitch of the towed vehicle. The controller determines the location of the towing vehicle relative to the towed vehicle based on the detection of the plurality of targets. The controller automatically steers the towing vehicle towards the towed vehicle to assist in the docking of the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle. The controller engages the automatic braking system to slow or stop the towing vehicle as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles E. Freese V, Brent D. Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20100071656
    Abstract: A method may include operating an engine in a first valvetrain mode during a first engine operating condition, operating the engine in a second valvetrain mode different from the first valvetrain mode during a second engine operating condition, and controlling a temperature of an exhaust aftertreatment component in communication with an exhaust gas from the engine during the second engine operating condition based on the second valvetrain mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TCHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles E. Freese, V, Gary J. Arvan
  • Publication number: 20100000205
    Abstract: An exhaust gas cooling apparatus and method for cooling an exhaust gas is provided. The exhaust cooling apparatus has a first fluid conduit and a variable nozzle extending from the first fluid conduit. The variable nozzle being disposed in an inlet end of a second fluid conduit, wherein the variable nozzle has at least two dissimilar materials adjacent to each other and a fluid inlet opening is located between an outer periphery of the variable nozzle and an inner surface of the inlet end of the second fluid conduit. The at least two dissimilar materials vary the size of an opening of the variable nozzle by moving toward or away from a center line of the first fluid conduit in response to a temperature of an exhaust gas flowing through the first fluid conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese, V
  • Publication number: 20090313972
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation cooler may include a housing and a first wall. The housing may include an exhaust gas region, a coolant region, an exhaust gas inlet, and an exhaust gas outlet. The first wall may be fixed within the housing and may separate the exhaust gas region from the coolant region. The first wall may include a first portion formed from a first material and facing the exhaust gas region and a second portion formed from a second material and facing the coolant region. One of the first and second materials may have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than the other of the first and second materials. The first wall may be deflected toward one of the exhaust gas region and the coolant region during cooler operation based on a difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion of the first and second materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese, V
  • Publication number: 20090314265
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation cooler may include a housing and a first wall. The housing may include an exhaust gas region, a coolant region, an exhaust gas inlet, and an exhaust gas outlet. The first wall may be fixed within the housing and may separate the exhaust gas region from the coolant region. The first wall may include a first region facing the exhaust gas region and a first tab having a fixed end coupled to the first region and a free end generally opposite the fixed end. The free end may be displaceable between first and second positions based on an operating temperature of the exhaust gas. The free end may be displaced in a direction generally perpendicular to the first region when in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese V
  • Patent number: 7584748
    Abstract: An engine including an exhaust system operable to convey exhaust gases from the engine. A turbocharger is in fluid communication with the exhaust system. A diesel particulate filter, disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust system and located in downstream relation to the turbocharger, operates to substantially remove particulate matter from within the exhaust gases. An exhaust gas recirculation passage, disposed in downstream relation from the diesel particulate filter, operates to communicate a portion of the exhaust gases to an air-to-air heat exchanger, which operates to cool the portion of the exhaust gases. An exhaust gas recirculation valve operates to selectively and variably communicate the portion of the exhaust gases to an inlet air duct of an intake system. An engine cover defines an opening operable to communicate ambient air to the air-to-air heat exchanger to promote the cooling of the portion of the exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese, V
  • Patent number: 7448368
    Abstract: An engine including an exhaust system operable to convey exhaust gases from the engine. A turbocharger is in fluid communication with the exhaust system. A diesel particulate filter, disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust system and located in downstream relation to the turbocharger, operates to substantially remove particulate matter from within the exhaust gases. An exhaust gas recirculation passage, disposed in upstream relation from the turbocharger and diesel particulate filter, operates to communicate a portion of the exhaust gases to an air-to-air heat exchanger, which operates to cool the portion of the exhaust gases. An exhaust gas recirculation valve operates to selectively and variably communicate the portion of the exhaust gases to an inlet air duct of an intake system. An engine cover defines an opening operable to communicate ambient air to the air-to-air heat exchanger to promote the cooling of the portion of the exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese, V
  • Publication number: 20080115492
    Abstract: An engine including an exhaust system operable to convey exhaust gases from the engine. A turbocharger is in fluid communication with the exhaust system. A diesel particulate filter, disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust system and located in downstream relation to the turbocharger, operates to substantially remove particulate matter from within the exhaust gases. An exhaust gas recirculation passage, disposed in downstream relation from the diesel particulate filter, operates to communicate a portion of the exhaust gases to an air-to-air heat exchanger, which operates to cool the portion of the exhaust gases. An exhaust gas recirculation valve operates to selectively and variably communicate the portion of the exhaust gases to an inlet air duct of an intake system. An engine cover defines an opening operable to communicate ambient air to the air-to-air heat exchanger to promote the cooling of the portion of the exhaust gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese V
  • Publication number: 20080115491
    Abstract: An engine including an exhaust system operable to convey exhaust gases from the engine. A turbocharger is in fluid communication with the exhaust system. A diesel particulate filter, disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust system and located in downstream relation to the turbocharger, operates to substantially remove particulate matter from within the exhaust gases. An exhaust gas recirculation passage, disposed in upstream relation from the turbocharger and diesel particulate filter, operates to communicate a portion of the exhaust gases to an air-to-air heat exchanger, which operates to cool the portion of the exhaust gases. An exhaust gas recirculation valve operates to selectively and variably communicate the portion of the exhaust gases to an inlet air duct of an intake system. An engine cover defines an opening operable to communicate ambient air to the air-to-air heat exchanger to promote the cooling of the portion of the exhaust gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese V
  • Patent number: 6116026
    Abstract: A turbocharged V type engine can be equipped with an exhaust gas recirculation cooler integrated into the intake manifold, so as to achieve efficiency, cost reductions and space economization improvements. The cooler can take the form of a tube-shell heat exchanger that utilizes a cylindrical chamber in the air intake manifold as the heat exchanger housing. The intake manifold depends into the central space formed by the two banks of cylinders on the V type engine, such that the central space is effectively utilized for containing the manifold and cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventor: Charles E. Freese, V
  • Patent number: 5604441
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the degree of deterioration of a lubricating oil for an operating machine includes a grid-like capacitive sensor that uses the lubricating oil as a dielectric medium. A magnetic field is imposed upon the oil to attract ferromagnetic wear particles into the vicinity of the sensor. Preferably, the magnetic field is generated by at least two independently controlled electromagnet windings aligned such that the magnetic field produced by each winding acts upon the wear particles. A plurality of capacitance measurements are taken at periodic intervals at each of several magnet operational states for respective classification and analysis. All windings may be simultaneously de-energized for release of captured particles back in to an oil circulation stream and to clean the capacitative sensor grid of accumulated particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Freese, V, Michael J. Rostoskey, Raymond E. Garvey, III