Patents by Inventor Thomas Porter Rutherford

Thomas Porter Rutherford 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: 8061135
    Abstract: A condensate extractor system for an internal combustion engine assembly with a charge air cooler system is provided. The condensate extractor system includes a hose member with a first end in direct fluid communication with the charge air cooler system, and a second end in direct fluid communication with the intake manifold of the engine air intake system. The hose member removes condensate from the charge air cooler system in a continuous manner in response to a pressure gradient created by the throttle body when the engine is in an on-state. The hose member defines an orifice configured to restrict the flow of air and condensate through the hose member. A filter is placed in direct fluid communication with the hose member, upstream from the orifice. The hose member is preferably characterized by a lack of fluid communication with a reservoir configured to collect condensate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Porter Rutherford
  • Patent number: 7980076
    Abstract: A condensate extractor assembly is provided for collecting and evacuating condensate from inside a charge air cooler in an internal combustion engine assembly. The condensate extractor assembly includes a sump that is attached to or formed in the charge air cooler. The sump is adapted to drain and collect condensate from the charge air cooler. A hose is fluidly coupled at one end to the sump, and fluidly coupled at a second end to the intake manifold. The hose is configured to evacuate condensate from the sump and distribute it directly to the intake manifold in response to the pressure gradient generated by the engine assembly when in an on-state. The hose defines an orifice that restricts the flow of air and condensate through the hose. A filter is fluidly coupled to the hose, fluidly intermediate the orifice and the sump member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Christian John-Augustin Buia, Darren Lee Bohne, Ryan A. Kuhlenbeck, Paul S. Czarnowczan, Thomas Porter Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20100077995
    Abstract: A condensate extractor assembly is provided for collecting and evacuating condensate from inside a charge air cooler in an internal combustion engine assembly. The condensate extractor assembly includes a sump that is attached to or formed in the charge air cooler. The sump is adapted to drain and collect condensate from the charge air cooler. A hose is fluidly coupled at one end to the sump, and fluidly coupled at a second end to the intake manifold. The hose is configured to evacuate condensate from the sump and distribute it directly to the intake manifold in response to the pressure gradient generated by the engine assembly when in an on-state. The hose defines an orifice that restricts the flow of air and condensate through the hose. A filter is fluidly coupled to the hose, fluidly intermediate the orifice and the sump member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Christian John-Augustin Buia, Darren Lee Bohne, Ryan A. Kuhlenbeck, Paul S. Czarnowczan, Thomas Porter Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20090223493
    Abstract: A condensate extractor system for an internal combustion engine assembly with a charge air cooler system is provided. The condensate extractor system includes a hose member with a first end in direct fluid communication with the charge air cooler system, and a second end in direct fluid communication with the intake manifold of the engine air intake system. The hose member removes condensate from the charge air cooler system in a continuous manner in response to a pressure gradient created by the throttle body when the engine is in an on-state. The hose member defines an orifice configured to restrict the flow of air and condensate through the hose member. A filter is placed in direct fluid communication with the hose member, upstream from the orifice. The hose member is preferably characterized by a lack of fluid communication with a reservoir configured to collect condensate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Porter Rutherford