Patents by Inventor Michael R. Thelen

Michael R. Thelen 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: 8122867
    Abstract: A wrap-around cover or noise muffler of oil and temperature resistant noise absorbing resilient elastomer covers the front and sides of a front mounted engine oil pump forming a pump and muffler assembly. The muffler absorbs vibrations and reduces the transfer of noise frequencies from the oil pump to an engine front cover that covers the pump. Additionally, the front of the muffler is shaped to fill the gap and engage the front cover in compression between the oil pump and the rear surface of the front cover, thereby damping vibrations of the front cover adjacent to the oil pump and to an accessory drive pulley that rotates ahead of the front cover for driving accessories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Carl E. Fonville, Michael R. Thelen
  • Patent number: 8122866
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel acoustic bumpers that can dampen vibrations and control noise transmission from an engine front cover, or other component. In one embodiment, the front cover carries a water pump and internal water distribution passages and covers an overhead camshaft drive mechanism and an oil pump mounted on the engine block. Noise control of unsupported cover central portions is provided by acoustic bumpers carried on inside cover bosses and engaging surfaces in accessible locations on the engine block front face or on associated components. The acoustic bumpers may be doughnut shaped annular rings having identical coaxial locating recesses on opposite sides for error-free installation. A central web between the recesses includes an axially located retainer hole. Each bumper may be mounted on a pillar on the inside cover face that includes a fastener receiving blind hole centrally located on a raised circular boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Carl E. Fonville, Michael R. Thelen
  • Publication number: 20100122870
    Abstract: A wrap-around cover or noise muffler of oil and temperature resistant noise absorbing resilient elastomer covers the front and sides of a front mounted engine oil pump forming a pump and muffler assembly. The muffler absorbs vibrations and reduces the transfer of noise frequencies from the oil pump to an engine front cover that covers the pump. Additionally, the front of the muffler is shaped to fill the gap and engage the front cover in compression between the oil pump and the rear surface of the front cover, thereby damping vibrations of the front cover adjacent to the oil pump and to an accessory drive pulley that rotates ahead of the front cover for driving accessories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Carl E. Fonville, Michael R. Thelen
  • Publication number: 20100101528
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel acoustic bumpers that can dampen vibrations and control noise transmission from an engine front cover, or other component. In one embodiment, the front cover carries a water pump and internal water distribution passages and covers an overhead camshaft drive mechanism and an oil pump mounted on the engine block. Noise control of unsupported cover central portions is provided by acoustic bumpers carried on inside cover bosses and engaging surfaces in accessible locations on the engine block front face or on associated components. The acoustic bumpers may be doughnut shaped annular rings having identical coaxial locating recesses on opposite sides for error-free installation. A central web between the recesses includes an axially located retainer hole. Each bumper may be mounted on a pillar on the inside cover face that includes a fastener receiving blind hole centrally located on a raised circular boss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: CARL E. FONVILLE, Michael R. Thelen