Patents by Inventor Francis M. Jensen

Francis M. Jensen 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: 20110113612
    Abstract: A method of assembling vehicles is provided that includes providing a first engine with a first engine manifold having a first opening, and installing a first fitting in the first opening. A second engine is provided with a second engine manifold having a second opening, and a second fitting substantially identical to the first fitting is installed in the second opening. A seal portion of the first fitting is separated from a body portion of the first fitting at a weakened joint between the seal portion and the body portion. The body portion of the first fitting is then connected with a brake system on a first vehicle to enable vacuum assist of the brake system via a vacuum within the first engine manifold. The second engine is operated without separating a seal portion of the second fitting so that the second opening is plugged by the second fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Francis M. Jensen, Timothy D. Carr, Debra Benson, Roger M. Brisbane
  • Patent number: 7900967
    Abstract: A dual-purpose engine fitting is provided that may be used both during engine testing and during engine use, for vehicles with vacuum assisted brakes and for those without. The fitting has a body portion configured to fit within an opening in the manifold and defining a passage having opposing first and second ends. The fitting has a seal portion enclosing the first end of the passage. The second end of the passage is open to the manifold when the body portion is fit within the manifold. A thinned wall joins the body portion and the seal portion, establishing a predetermined fracture region at which the seal portion will separate from the body portion when sufficient torque is applied to the seal portion to thereby open the first end of the passage. A method of assembling vehicles is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Francis M. Jensen, Timothy D. Carr, Debra Benson, Roger M. Brisbane
  • Publication number: 20100066073
    Abstract: A dual-purpose engine fitting is provided that may be used both during engine testing and during engine use, for vehicles with vacuum assisted brakes and for those without. The fitting has a body portion configured to fit within an opening in the manifold and defining a passage having opposing first and second ends. The fitting has a seal portion enclosing the first end of the passage. The second end of the passage is open to the manifold when the body portion is fit within the manifold. A thinned wall joins the body portion and the seal portion, establishing a predetermined fracture region at which the seal portion will separate from the body portion when sufficient torque is applied to the seal portion to thereby open the first end of the passage. A method of assembling vehicles is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Francis M. Jensen, Timothy D. Carr, Debra Benson, Roger M. Brisbane