Patents by Inventor Richard J. Lannen
Richard J. Lannen 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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Patent number: 10131402Abstract: A propulsion system may include an electric machine and a gear set that may be operatively connected with the electric machine. A crank shaft may extend through the electric machine and the gear set. A battery array may be disposed around the electric machine and the gear set.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Richard J. Lannen, Lawrence G. Cole, Shawn H. Swales, Jiri Jager, Marek Riha, Pavel Koreckek, Cameron Philip Williams
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Patent number: 10023264Abstract: An electric cycle with a frame that may include a tube and an opening. The tube may extend from a first end to a second end and may define a tube interior volume in fluid communication with the opening. An electric power unit may be mounted to the frame proximal the second end of the tube and may have a cooling air inlet and an exhaust port. A cooling path may be defined through the tube interior volume and at least a portion of the electric power unit. The cooling path may be in fluid communication with the opening so that air may flow into the opening, through the tube, into the cooling air inlet and out of the exhaust port of the electric power unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Jess R. Bailie, Peter Bostwick, Richard J. Lannen, Wade W. Bryant
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Publication number: 20170341700Abstract: A product that may include a first axle assembly that may have a lock shaft extendable from the first axle assembly. The lock shaft may be retractable into the first axle assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2016Publication date: November 30, 2017Inventors: Lawrence G. COLE, Richard J. LANNEN, Wade W. BRYANT, Jess R. BAILIE, Miranda P. STEINHAUSER
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Patent number: 9802673Abstract: A number of variations may include an electric cycle powertrain having a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set, wherein the second planetary gear set is constructed and arranged to selectively overdrive a pedal cadence and wherein the first planetary gear set is constructed and arranged to selectively provide additional gear ratio for a motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Shawn H. Swales, Richard J. Lannen, Jussi A. Timonen
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Publication number: 20170158284Abstract: A propulsion system may include an electric machine and a gear set that may be operatively connected with the electric machine. A crank shaft may extend through the electric machine and the gear set. A battery array may be disposed around the electric machine and the gear set.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2015Publication date: June 8, 2017Inventors: Steven L. Hayslett, Richard J. Lannen, Lawrence G. Cole, Shawn H. Swales, Jiri Jager, Marek Riha, Pavel Koreckek, Cameron Philip Williams
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Patent number: 9669788Abstract: A number of variations may include a knee airbag mounted on a dash panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Richard J. Lannen, David J. Gorman
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Publication number: 20170120940Abstract: A container may include six sides that may define eight corners. Six wheels may be included with one disposed at each of six of the eight corners.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2015Publication date: May 4, 2017Inventors: WADE W. BRYANT, RICHARD J. LANNEN, THOMAS J. SUSTARICH
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Publication number: 20160339993Abstract: A number of variations may include an electric cycle powertrain having a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set, wherein the second planetary gear set is constructed and arranged to selectively overdrive a pedal cadence and wherein the first planetary gear set is constructed and arranged to selectively provide additional gear ratio for a motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2015Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: STEVEN L. HAYSLETT, SHAWN H. SWALES, RICHARD J. LANNEN, JUSSI A. TIMONEN
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Publication number: 20160288874Abstract: An electric cycle with a frame that may include a tube and an opening. The tube may extend from a first end to a second end and may define a tube interior volume in fluid communication with the opening. An electric power unit may be mounted to the frame proximal the second end of the tube and may have a cooling air inlet and an exhaust port. A cooling path may be defined through the tube interior volume and at least a portion of the electric power unit. The cooling path may be in fluid communication with the opening so that air may flow into the opening, through the tube, into the cooling air inlet and out of the exhaust port of the electric power unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2015Publication date: October 6, 2016Inventors: STEVEN L. HAYSLETT, Jess R. Bailie, Peter Bostwick, Richard J. Lannen, Wade W. Bryant
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Publication number: 20160243908Abstract: A number of variations may include a product comprising: a semi-autonomous trailer hitch comprising a coupler; a towed device structure, wherein the coupler and the towed device structure are pivotally attached to each other; and at least one sensor on at least one of the coupler or the towed device structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2015Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: Richard J. Lannen, Wade W. Bryant, Edward J. Miller
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Patent number: 9409538Abstract: An integrated airbag and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly includes an airbag module and an HVAC unit. The airbag module includes an airbag housing and an inflatable bladder at least partially disposed in the airbag housing. The inflatable bladder is movable relative to the airbag housing between a stowed position and a deployed position. The HVAC unit includes an HVAC housing. The HVAC housing supports the airbag housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David J. Gorman, Richard J. Lannen
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Publication number: 20160096500Abstract: A number of variations may include a knee airbag mounted on a dash panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2014Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Richard J. Lannen, DAVID J. GORMAN
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Patent number: 9233590Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a suspension corner connected to a road wheel in a vehicle's adjustable suspension system. The method includes monitoring operation of the vehicle, detecting an occurrence of a predetermined vehicle event, and detecting a road speed of the vehicle. The method also includes monitoring a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner. The vehicle ride height at the suspension corner is selected via a bladder arranged at the suspension corner. The bladder is characterized by a variable height and configured to pump a fluid in response to forces generated at the road wheel and hold a volume of the fluid. The method additionally includes selecting the ride height at the suspension corner in response to the detected occurrence of the predetermined vehicle event and the detected vehicle road speed by regulating the volume of the fluid being held by the bladder.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Richard J. Lannen, Robert E. Zeweke, Andrew R. Krenz
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Publication number: 20150375592Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a suspension corner connected to a road wheel in a vehicle's adjustable suspension system. The method includes monitoring operation of the vehicle, detecting an occurrence of a predetermined vehicle event, and detecting a road speed of the vehicle. The method also includes monitoring a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner. The vehicle ride height at the suspension corner is selected via a bladder arranged at the suspension corner. The bladder is characterized by a variable height and configured to pump a fluid in response to forces generated at the road wheel and hold a volume of the fluid. The method additionally includes selecting the ride height at the suspension corner in response to the detected occurrence of the predetermined vehicle event and the detected vehicle road speed by regulating the volume of the fluid being held by the bladder.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Richard J. Lannen, Robert E. Zeweke, Andrew R. Krenz
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Patent number: 9120454Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. A wall includes a first portion disposed adjacent to a first end, a second portion disposed adjacent to a second end and a middle portion disposed between the first and second portions. A panel includes a first panel portion disposed along the first portion, a second panel portion disposed along the second portion and a middle panel portion disposed along the middle portion. The panel extends outwardly away from the wall a distal surface to define a cavity. An airbag device is attached to the second portion and disposed inside the cavity. A beam is coupled to one of the first portion and the middle portion inside the cavity. The beam extends into the cavity from the first end of the wall along an axis such that the beam is spaced from the second panel portion and the second portion along the axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David J. Gorman, Richard J. Lannen
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Publication number: 20150183390Abstract: An integrated airbag and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) assembly includes an airbag module and an HVAC unit. The airbag module includes an airbag housing and an inflatable bladder at least partially disposed in the airbag housing. The inflatable bladder is movable relative to the airbag housing between a stowed position and a deployed position. The HVAC unit includes an HVAC housing. The HVAC housing supports the airbag housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2013Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: David J. Gorman, Richard J. Lannen
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Publication number: 20150145235Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. A wall includes a first portion disposed adjacent to a first end, a second portion disposed adjacent to a second end and a middle portion disposed between the first and second portions. A panel includes a first panel portion disposed along the first portion, a second panel portion disposed along the second portion and a middle panel portion disposed along the middle portion. The panel extends outwardly away from the wall a distal surface to define a cavity. An airbag device is attached to the second portion and disposed inside the cavity. A beam is coupled to one of the first portion and the middle portion inside the cavity. The beam extends into the cavity from the first end of the wall along an axis such that the beam is spaced from the second panel portion and the second portion along the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: David J. Gorman, Richard J. Lannen
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Patent number: 9004499Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a road wheel includes a suspension corner connecting the road wheel to the vehicle body. The suspension corner maintains contact between the road wheel and a road surface. The suspension system includes a bladder arranged at the suspension corner for pumping a fluid in response to forces generated at the wheel and holding a volume of the fluid. The suspension system also includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the bladder for selectively accumulating the fluid pumped by and releasing the fluid to the bladder. The suspension system additionally includes a valve for selectively retaining the accumulated fluid in and releasing thereof from the accumulator. The height of the bladder varies in response to the volume of fluid being held by the bladder to set a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Robert E. Zeweke, Andrew R. Krenz, Richard J. Lannen
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Publication number: 20140367930Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a road wheel includes a suspension corner connecting the road wheel to the vehicle body. The suspension corner maintains contact between the road wheel and a road surface. The suspension system includes a bladder arranged at the suspension corner for pumping a fluid in response to forces generated at the wheel and holding a volume of the fluid. The suspension system also includes a reservoir in fluid communication with the bladder for selectively accumulating the fluid pumped by and releasing the fluid to the bladder. The suspension system additionally includes a valve for selectively retaining the accumulated fluid in and releasing thereof from the reservoir. The height of the bladder varies in response to the volume of fluid being held by the bladder to set a ride height of the vehicle at the suspension corner.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Robert E. Zeweke, Andrew R. Krenz, Richard J. Lannen
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Publication number: 20100198754Abstract: A method of offering or providing batteries for a hybrid or electric vehicle allows the customer to choose a vehicle electrical battery power rating that will match their expected driving range needs. Specifically, the method includes offering different modular battery packs for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle. Each of the different modular battery packs has a different number of interconnected batteries, a different energy level, and is configured to be operable for providing propulsion power to the vehicle. At least one of the different modular battery packs is installed on the hybrid or electric vehicle. The method may include recharging and/or recycling used battery back modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Thomas A. Jones, Therese A. Tant, Wade W. Bryant, John Thomas Guerin, Richard J. Lannen, Norman K. Bucknor, Brandon Jeffrey Flood, Brian V. Castillo, William R. Philippi, Eric M. Kern, Jan H. Aase