Patents by Inventor David R. Staley

David R. Staley 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).

  • Publication number: 20140238334
    Abstract: A vehicle and a compression load limiter assembly for the vehicle are disclosed. The assembly includes a first component defining a first hole along a first axis to present a first wall radially spaced from the first axis. The assembly also includes a second component defining a second hole along a second axis to present a second wall radially spaced from the second axis. The first and second holes generally align with each other to couple together the first and second components. The assembly further includes a load limiter member including a first body portion engaging one of the first and second walls when disposed in one of the first and second holes. The first body portion has a radially compliant feature to allow movement of the load limiter member within one of the first and second holes in response to a force being applied to the load limiter member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leonard Barry Griffiths, David R. Staley
  • Publication number: 20140216389
    Abstract: A seal retention assembly is disclosed. The seal retention assembly includes a cover defining an aperture along a longitudinal axis. The seal retention assembly further includes a seal coupled to the cover adjacent to the aperture. The seal retention assembly also includes a retention device cooperating with the cover and the seal to secure the seal in engagement with the cover. In addition, a seal is disclosed. The seal includes a body portion, with the body portion including a first side and a second side opposing each other along a longitudinal axis. The body portion also includes an outer periphery disposed between the first and second sides and faces away from the longitudinal axis. The seal further includes a first retainer extending from at least one of the outer periphery and the first and second sides for securing the body portion to a cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leonard Barry Griffiths, David R. Staley
  • Publication number: 20140216852
    Abstract: An impact resistant article is disclosed. The impact resistant article includes a body, with the body including a side wall and a base wall extending from the side wall. The base wall includes an exterior surface. The impact resistant article also includes an energy absorbing member, and in certain embodiments, includes a plurality of energy absorbing members each extending along a respective central axis from the exterior surface of the base wall to a respective distal end. Each of the energy absorbing members define an elliptical cross-sectional configuration transverse to the central axis of respective energy absorbing members. In certain embodiments, the energy absorbing members are spaced from each other such that during an impact to one of the energy absorbing members, the impacted one of the energy absorbing members absorbs energy independently of the other energy absorbing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leonard Barry Griffiths, David R. Staley
  • Publication number: 20140165956
    Abstract: A combination usable together in an automotive vehicle includes an engine block, a cover, and a band clamp. The engine block includes an opening configured to provide access to an interior volume, a first flange having a periphery that surrounds the opening, and a first engagement surface disposed proximate the first flange. The cover includes a second flange disposed around a periphery of the cover, and a second engagement surface disposed proximate the second flange, the second engagement surface configured to mate with the first engagement surface, wherein when the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are disposed in engagement with each other the first flange and the second flange in combination define an exterior surface having a first profile. The band clamp includes an interior surface with a second profile that is complementary with the first profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leonard Barry Griffiths, David R. Staley
  • Patent number: 8746408
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: William C. Albertson, David R. Staley, Mike M McDonald, Bryan K. Pryor
  • Publication number: 20140150748
    Abstract: A seal alignment system includes an engine block, a cover component spaced apart from the engine block and defining a first bore therethrough, and a crankshaft protruding from the engine block and extending through the first bore, wherein the crankshaft is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis and has an outer surface. The seal alignment system also includes an annular seal spaced apart from the engine block and defining a second bore therethrough, and an alignment device configured for coaxially aligning the annular seal with the central longitudinal axis so that the crankshaft extends through the second bore and the annular seal abuts the outer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leonard Barry Griffiths, David R. Staley
  • Patent number: 8734140
    Abstract: A reversible gerotor pump for a machine having a drive shaft is provided, the pump including a housing, an offset ring, and an inner and outer gear. The offset ring is disposed in the housing and includes a tab extending radially from an outer periphery. The outer periphery of the offset ring defines a first axis in common with the axis of a drive shaft. The inner periphery of the offset ring defines a second axis that is slightly offset from the second axis. The axis of the outer gear moves relative to the axis of the inner gear to allow pumping action in both rotational directions using the same suction and line cavities for both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, John C. Schultz, David R. Staley
  • Patent number: 8734122
    Abstract: A control system includes an oil pump module and a diagnostic module. The oil pump module, based on engine operating conditions, selectively generates a first mode request signal to initiate a first transition from operating an oil pump of an engine in one of a first pressure mode and a second pressure mode to operating the oil pump in another one of the first pressure mode and the second pressure mode. The second pressure mode is different from the first pressure mode. The diagnostic module, based on when a driver starts the engine, selectively generates a second mode request signal to initiate consecutive transitions from operating the oil pump in the second pressure mode to operating the oil pump in the first pressure mode. The diagnostic module diagnoses a pump fault when a first oil pressure change associated with the consecutive transitions is less than a first predetermined pressure change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Lawrence O. Murray, David R. Staley, Kevin J. Storch, Colin S. Yager, Morena Bruno
  • Publication number: 20140137833
    Abstract: An engine front cover assembly includes a plastic engine cover. A metal insert is secured within the plastic engine cover and defines a bore configured to receive a rotating engine component. A seal is located in a seal seat defined within the bore of the metal insert and configured to sealingly engage the rotating engine component. The metal insert is overmolded within the plastic engine cover and serves as a datum point to properly locate the seal relative to the rotating engine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Charles K. BUEHLER, David R. STALEY, Thomas A. SPIX
  • Publication number: 20140069356
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine cover having a pump cavity through which fluid is pumped. A liner is configured to line the pump cavity to protect the engine cover from erosion due to the pumped fluid. The engine cover can be a composite material. The liner may be a composite material as well, or, in some embodiments, can be steel or another suitable material. A method of assembling an engine includes securing a liner to an engine cover so that the liner lines a pump cavity of the engine cover to protect the engine cover from erosion at the pump cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leonard Barry Griffiths, David R. Staley
  • Publication number: 20140069940
    Abstract: A reinforced oil pan assembly includes a reinforcement component and an overmold component that are combined via an injection molding process utilizing a standard oil pan mold. The reinforcement component adds structural stiffness to the oil pan assembly in order to alleviate NVH characteristics, such as powertrain bending. The reinforcement component is placed within the oil pan mold, and is embedded within the overmold component after the injection molding process. The reinforcement component has at least one rear wall and at least two side walls, each of which may include apertures and/or ribs to enhance the bond between the reinforcement component and the overmold component. The reinforcement component may be made of a layered-sheet composite overmolded with a base polymer, a metallic material, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leonard Barry Griffiths, David R. Staley
  • Publication number: 20140030086
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a centrifugal pump assembly including a pump housing defining a cavity and an impeller disposed within the cavity, the impeller being affixed to a shaft. The pump housing includes an inner surface having a geometric pattern configured in increase a turbulence of a fluid flow over the inner surface. The impeller includes one or more blades and a shroud. The inner surface of the pump housing and the shroud of the impeller define a leakage path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: David R. Staley, Robert S. McAlpine, Roxann M. Bittner
  • Publication number: 20140020649
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a housing is disclosed. The housing includes an asymmetric surface portion having a periphery, the asymmetric surface portion comprising a plurality of asymmetric surface sections disposed about the periphery, each asymmetric surface section having a surface contour differing from the surface contours of the other surface sections. In another embodiment, an engine front cover is disclosed. The engine front cover includes a substantially circular asymmetric surface portion disposed concentrically about a crankshaft bore, the asymmetric surface portion comprising a plurality of asymmetric surface sections disposed substantially concentrically about the crankshaft bore, each asymmetric surface section having a surface contour differing from the surface contours of the other surface sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eric D. Staley, David R. Staley
  • Patent number: 8499738
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin J. Storch, David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, Vijay Ramappan, Morena Bruno, Roberto Argolini
  • Publication number: 20130068778
    Abstract: A drainable container system for a vehicle includes a container having an exterior surface and defining an interior cavity configured for storing a fluid, and a drain hole configured for draining the fluid from the cavity. The hole has a central longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the surface. The system includes a drain plug, wherein the plug is insertable into the hole along the axis into a locked position so that the fluid does not drain, and removable from the hole along the axis when disposed in an unlocked position so that the fluid drains. The system includes a locking element configured for preventing rotation of the plug within the hole about the axis when the plug is disposed in the locked position, wherein the element is formed from a metal that is substantially elastic at a temperature of from about ?40° C. to about 10° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Leonard Barry Griffiths, Roxann M. Bittner, David R. Staley
  • Patent number: 8397690
    Abstract: A lubrication system includes a rotary pump, an eductor, and a solenoid valve and is configured to provide pressurized oil to an engine. The rotary pump is configured to generate oil flow. A supplemental supply line selectively provides pressurized oil into the eductor. The solenoid valve is movable between a first position and a second position. The solenoid valve supplies a fluid signal that allows pressurized oil to flow from the supplemental supply line and into the eductor when the solenoid valve is in the first position to increase the volume of oil flowing from a sump of the engine into the rotary pump. When the solenoid valve does not supply a fluid signal, pressurized oil is prevented from entering the eductor and the volume of oil flowing from the sump and through the eductor to the rotary pump is not increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David R. Staley, John C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 8392054
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining remaining oil life prior to an oil change in an internal combustion engine that uses a body of oil. The method includes transferring the body of oil to the engine and determining a volume of the transferred body of oil. The method also includes determining a factor representative of a volume of oil from the transferred body of oil that is exposed to a combustion event in the engine. Additionally, the method includes determining the remaining oil life based on the determined volume of the body of oil and the determined factor representative of a volume of oil that is exposed to a combustion event. Moreover, the method includes activating an oil change indicator when the remaining oil life reaches a predetermined level. A system for determining a number of engine revolutions permitted on a volume of oil is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Schneider, Matthew J. Snider, Robert M. Olree, David R. Staley
  • Patent number: 8359912
    Abstract: A method is provided for determining remaining oil life prior to an oil change in an internal combustion engine that uses a body of oil. The method includes transferring the body of oil to the engine and determining a volume of the transferred body of oil. The method also includes determining a volume of oil consumed by the engine from the transferred body of oil and determining the remaining oil life based on the determined volume of the body of oil and the determined volume of oil consumed. The method additionally includes activating an oil change indicator when the remaining oil life reaches a predetermined level. A system for determining a number of engine revolutions permitted on a volume of oil is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric W. Schneider, Matthew J. Snider, David R. Staley
  • Patent number: 8355880
    Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, the state of engine oil degradation is monitored and determined using the size of viscosity hysteresis during heating-cooling cycles. In another exemplary embodiment, the state of engine oil degradation is monitored and determined using the sign of viscosity hysteresis during heating-cooling cycles. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the state of engine oil degradation is monitored and determined using relative viscosity changes hysteresis during heating-cooling cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ion C. Halalay, Eric W. Schneider, Robert M. Olree, David R. Staley
  • Patent number: 8347835
    Abstract: A cam bearing cap may include a first bearing cap region, a pump mounting region, an oil inlet, and an oil outlet. The first bearing cap region may extend over and secure a first camshaft to an engine assembly. The pump mounting region may extend from the first bearing cap region and may have a secondary oil pump mounted thereto. The oil inlet may extend through the pump mounting region and may provide communication between the secondary oil pump and an oil supply. The oil outlet may extend through the pump mounting region and may provide communication between the secondary oil pump and a hydraulically actuated engine component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Jack Gallon, David R. Staley