Patents by Inventor James D. Hendrickson
James D. Hendrickson 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: 20230261300Abstract: A structural battery pack includes a bottom cover, a bottom cell carrier, multiple battery cells, a cooling ribbon, a top cell carrier, and a top cover. The bottom cover has a rectangular shape that defines a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction. The bottom cell carrier is coupled to the bottom cover, and defines multiple bottom holders. The bottom holders are arranged in a hexagon pattern that defines multiple rows in the longitudinal direction and multiple columns in the lateral direction. The top cell carrier is coupled to the top cover, defines multiple top holders, and includes an interconnect board that interconnects the battery cells. The top holders are arranged in the hexagon pattern. The battery cells are installed in the bottom cell carrier and the top cell carrier. Each battery cell has a cylindrical shape. The cooling ribbon is installed between the battery cells along the rows.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2022Publication date: August 17, 2023Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nicholas Compton, Giles D. Bryer, Ian A. Stines, Jason Mitchick, Alexander M. Bilinski, Gustavo Cibrian Salazar, Jacqueline Nava, Andrew P. Oury, James D. Hendrickson, Phillip D. Hamelin
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Patent number: 11460513Abstract: A system for assessing health of a cell group within a module of a battery pack includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. One or more sensors are configured to obtain a series of respective average cell group voltages at different stages. The controller is adapted to obtain a measured voltage (VM) of the cell group at a calibration event occurring after the third stage. The controller is adapted to calculate a predicted voltage (VP) of the cell group based in part on a sum of a disparity factor (?V) and a third stage cell group voltage (V3). The cell group is controlled based at least partially on a difference between the measured voltage (VM) and the predicted voltage (VP).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2020Date of Patent: October 4, 2022Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James D. Hendrickson, Jeffrey A. Tymitz
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Publication number: 20220187383Abstract: A system for assessing health of a cell group within a module of a battery pack includes a controller having a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which instructions are recorded. One or more sensors are configured to obtain a series of respective average cell group voltages at different stages. The controller is adapted to obtain a measured voltage (VM) of the cell group at a calibration event occurring after the third stage. The controller is adapted to calculate a predicted voltage (VP) of the cell group based in part on a sum of a disparity factor (?V) and a third stage cell group voltage (V3). The cell group is controlled based at least partially on a difference between the measured voltage (VM) and the predicted voltage (VP).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2020Publication date: June 16, 2022Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James D. Hendrickson, Jeffrey A. Tymitz
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Patent number: 10876620Abstract: A motor vehicle vacuum driven hydraulic balance system includes a housing. A shaft rotatably supported in the housing has a longitudinal bore to deliver oil flow to a plurality of ports created in the shaft. A vacuum flow passage communicates with both the longitudinal bore and an oil sump. A first delivery passage is created in a portion of the housing, the first delivery passage in direct communication with the longitudinal bore. An electrical oil pump pumps oil from the oil sump to the longitudinal bore through the first delivery passage. Axial rotation of the shaft creates a partial vacuum in the longitudinal bore acting to vacuum drag oil from the oil sump through the vacuum flow passage to the longitudinal bore in addition to a volume of the oil delivered to the longitudinal bore by the electrical oil pump.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Yujiro Suwa, Robert Benson Parrish, James D. Hendrickson
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Patent number: 10557527Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive unit connectable with first and second motor/generators includes an output member, a stationary member, a gear-train, and a torque-transmitting device. The drive unit also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement having a ring gear structure, first and second sun gears, and a carrier structure. The gear arrangement includes first, second, third, and fourth junction points and has a double-pinion assembly having a first pinion gear in mesh with the first sun gear member and a second pinion gear in mesh with the first pinion gear and with the ring gear structure. The gear arrangement is operatively connected to the second motor/generator at the first junction point via the gear-train and to the first motor/generator at the fourth junction point. The output member is operatively connected to the second junction point. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the third junction point to the stationary member.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2017Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James D. Hendrickson, Craig S. Ross
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Publication number: 20190017578Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive unit connectable with first and second motor/generators includes an output member, a stationary member, a gear-train, and a torque-transmitting device. The drive unit also includes a compound planetary gear arrangement having a ring gear structure, first and second sun gears, and a carrier structure. The gear arrangement includes first, second, third, and fourth junction points and has a double-pinion assembly having a first pinion gear in mesh with the first sun gear member and a second pinion gear in mesh with the first pinion gear and with the ring gear structure. The gear arrangement is operatively connected to the second motor/generator at the first junction point via the gear-train and to the first motor/generator at the fourth junction point. The output member is operatively connected to the second junction point. Furthermore, the torque-transmitting device is engageable to ground the third junction point to the stationary member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2017Publication date: January 17, 2019Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James D. Hendrickson, Craig S. Ross
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Patent number: 10171014Abstract: An electric machine assembly includes a rotor assembly that includes a plurality of rotor parts including a reference rotor part and a first control rotor part. Each rotor part is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and mechanically separated from another rotor part along the longitudinal axis. The first control rotor part is controllable to rotate while aligned with the reference rotor part with a zero or near zero skew angle relative to the reference rotor part. The first control rotor part is also controllable to rotate while unaligned with the reference rotor part with a non-zero skew angle relative to the reference rotor part. The electric machine assembly further includes a rotor controller that is configured to control the degree of skew angle between the control rotor part and the reference rotor part.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James D. Hendrickson, Khwaja M. Rahman, William F. Miller, III
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Patent number: 9863522Abstract: A torque converter clutch (TCC) release fluid lubrication system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a first fluid line, a second fluid line and a third fluid line. The first fluid line supplies TCC apply fluid to the TCC. The second fluid line receives TCC release fluid from the TCC. And the third fluid line supplies a first lubrication fluid to the transmission. The TCC release fluid and the first lubrication fluid combine into a second lubrication fluid that is fed into the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David J. Varda, James D. Hendrickson, Steven P. Moorman
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Publication number: 20170248222Abstract: A motor vehicle vacuum driven hydraulic balance system includes a housing. A shaft rotatably supported in the housing has a longitudinal bore to deliver oil flow to a plurality of ports created in the shaft. A vacuum flow passage communicates with both the longitudinal bore and an oil sump. A first delivery passage is created in a portion of the housing, the first delivery passage in direct communication with the longitudinal bore. An electrical oil pump pumps oil from the oil sump to the longitudinal bore through the first delivery passage. Axial rotation of the shaft creates a partial vacuum in the longitudinal bore acting to vacuum drag oil from the oil sump through the vacuum flow passage to the longitudinal bore in addition to a volume of the oil delivered to the longitudinal bore by the electrical oil pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2016Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Yujiro Suwa, Robert Benson Parrish, James D. Hendrickson
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Publication number: 20170016527Abstract: A torque converter clutch (TCC) release fluid lubrication system for a motor vehicle transmission includes a first fluid line, a second fluid line and a third fluid line. The first fluid line supplies TCC apply fluid to the TCC. The second fluid line receives TCC release fluid from the TCC. And the third fluid line supplies a first lubrication fluid to the transmission. The TCC release fluid and the first lubrication fluid combine into a second lubrication fluid that is fed into the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: David J. Varda, JAMES D. HENDRICKSON, STEVEN P. MOORMAN
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Publication number: 20160312909Abstract: A method of selectively matching at least one diameter of a valve spool or piston of a spool valve to at least one diameter of a valve bore in an automatic transmission valve body reduces hydraulic fluid leakage in the valve body. The method includes the steps of fabricating a spool valve having at least one spool or piston, measuring a diameter of the at least one spool or piston and identifying the spool valve as belonging to certain size class, fabricating a valve body having a plurality of machined bores, measuring the diameter of at least one portion of a bore and, based on this measurement, installing a spool valve of the appropriate size class in the bore of the valve body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2016Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Thomas R. Martin, JR., James D. Hendrickson, Chinar S. Ghike, Christopher G. Benson
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Patent number: 8915343Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes controlling a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
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Patent number: 8904893Abstract: A method of controlling a hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes controlling a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: Steven P. Moorman, Philip C. Lundberg, John R. Czoykowski, Bret M. Olson, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Christopher Jay Weingartz
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Patent number: 8820185Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventors: John R. Czoykowski, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Philip C. Lundberg, Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson
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Publication number: 20140182266Abstract: A system and method of operating a waste heat recovery system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes an expander/compressor portion mechanically linked to wheels of the vehicle, the expander/compressor portion including an inlet valve and an exhaust valve. A combustion engine is provided having an exhaust portion. A working fluid path is thermally coupled between the combustion engine and a working fluid, the working fluid path being fluidly coupled to the expander/compressor portion. A boiler portion is fluidly coupled to the working fluid path, the boiler portion further being thermally coupled to the exhaust portion. An accumulator tank portion having a cavity is operative to receive and store the working fluid, the accumulator tank portion fluidly coupled to the inlet valve and the exhaust valve. A condenser is fluidly coupled to the working fluid path and the exhaust valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James D. Hendrickson, John R. Bucknell
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Patent number: 8590684Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a dual clutch transmission includes a plurality of pressure and flow control devices in fluid communication with a plurality of clutch actuators and with a plurality of synchronizer actuators. The clutch actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of torque transmitting devices and the synchronizer actuators are operable to actuate a plurality of synchronizer assemblies. Selective activation of combinations of the pressure control solenoids and the flow control solenoids allows for a pressurized fluid to activate at least one of the clutch actuators and synchronizer actuators in order to shift the transmission into a desired gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: John R. Czoykowski, Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Philip C. Lundberg, Steven P. Moorman, Bret M. Olson
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Patent number: 8562483Abstract: A method of executing an electric-only (EV) mode transition in a vehicle includes determining vehicle operating values using a control system, processing the values to identify the transition, and executing the transition to or from the first or second EV mode. The transition is executed by selectively engaging and disengaging the input brake to zero, and by using the first and/or second traction motor to synchronize slip across the input brake. When the transition is from the first to the second EV mode or vice versa, the control system may use multiple speed and torque control phases to enter multiple intermediate modes, e.g., a pair of engine-on electrically-variable transmission modes and a fixed gear mode. A vehicle includes an engine, an input brake, first and second traction motors, and a transmission driven via the motors in a first and second EV mode. The vehicle includes the control system noted above.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Hong Yang, Anthony L. Smith, Shawn H. Swales, James D. Hendrickson, Brendan M. Conlon, Jy-Jen F. Sah
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Patent number: 8499843Abstract: The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Dinesh R. Patel, Y. Gill Hillsman, III, Herve Ohmer, Stephane Hiron, Philippe Gambier, Jonathan K. C. Whitehead, Randolph J. Sheffield, Rodney J. Wetzel, John R. Whitsitt, Thomas D. MacDougall, Nitin Y. Vaidya, James D. Hendrickson, John E. Edwards, Donald W. Ross, Rashmi B. Bhavsar
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Patent number: 8413437Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for providing a pressurized hydraulic fluid, a main line circuit in fluid communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, a regulation valve in communication with the source of pressurized hydraulic fluid, the regulation valve moveable between a plurality of positions, and a lubrication valve in communication with the regulation valve, the lubrication valve moveable between a plurality of positions. A lubrication circuit and a cooling circuit are in communication with the lubrication valve.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chinar S. Ghike, James D. Hendrickson, Zhe Xie, Terry Johnecheck
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Patent number: 8240390Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for releasing a releasable packer. The apparatus may include shear screws, a mechanism for isolating the shear screw from a shearing force. The mechanism for isolating the shear screw from a shearing force is selectively unlockable to expose the shear screw to the shearing force. The methods may include unlocking a mechanism protecting at least one shear screw, applying a shearing force to the at least one shear screw, and shearing the at least one shear screw.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: James D. Hendrickson, Baozhong Yang