Patents by Inventor Richard D. Starr

Richard D. Starr 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: 9587761
    Abstract: A multi-position actuator includes a solenoid selectively energized to extend a rod. The actuator also includes a push-lever pivotably mounted to the rod and a crank-arm rotatably mounted on a first axis. The crank-arm includes multiple engagement elements arranged on a diameter centered relative to the first axis, and also includes a projection. The push-lever engages one of the engagement elements to rotate the crank-arm about the first axis in a forward direction when the solenoid is energized. The actuator additionally includes a pivoting locking-lever that blocks rotation of the crank-arm in forward direction and a one-way-clutch that blocks rotation of the crank-arm in reverse direction when the solenoid is de-energized. Furthermore, the actuator includes a slider-box lever having first and second slots. The projection slidably engages the first slot. The second slot is engaged with and operates an external device when rotation of the crank-arm swings the slider-box lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian L. Spohn, Richard D. Starr, Todd M. York
  • Publication number: 20160123494
    Abstract: A multi-position actuator includes a solenoid selectively energized to extend a rod. The actuator also includes a push-lever pivotably mounted to the rod and a crank-arm rotatably mounted on a first axis. The crank-arm includes multiple engagement elements arranged on a diameter centered relative to the first axis, and also includes a projection. The push-lever engages one of the engagement elements to rotate the crank-arm about the first axis in a forward direction when the solenoid is energized. The actuator additionally includes a pivoting locking-lever that blocks rotation of the crank-arm in forward direction and a one-way-clutch that blocks rotation of the crank-arm in reverse direction when the solenoid is de-energized. Furthermore, the actuator includes a slider-box lever having first and second slots. The projection slidably engages the first slot. The second slot is engaged with and operates an external device when rotation of the crank-arm swings the slider-box lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Brian L. Spohn, Richard D. Starr, Todd M. York
  • Patent number: 8463495
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle including an engine, a transmission, an exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) heat exchanger, and an oil-to-water heat exchanger providing selective heat-exchange communication between the engine and transmission. The method includes controlling a two-way valve, which is configured to be set to one of an engine position and a transmission position. The engine position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the engine, but does not allow heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the oil-to-water heat exchanger. The transmission position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger, the oil-to-water heat exchanger, and the engine. The method also includes monitoring an ambient air temperature and comparing the monitored ambient air temperature to a predetermined cold ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian L. Spohn, George M. Claypole, Richard D Starr
  • Publication number: 20120143437
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle including an engine, a transmission, an exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) heat exchanger, and an oil-to-water heat exchanger providing selective heat-exchange communication between the engine and transmission. The method includes controlling a two-way valve, which is configured to be set to one of an engine position and a transmission position. The engine position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the engine, but does not allow heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger and the oil-to-water heat exchanger. The transmission position allows heat-exchange communication between the EGHR heat exchanger, the oil-to-water heat exchanger, and the engine. The method also includes monitoring an ambient air temperature and comparing the monitored ambient air temperature to a predetermined cold ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Brian L. Spohn, George M. Claypole, Richard D. Starr