Patents by Inventor Alan W. Hayman

Alan W. Hayman 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: 9022168
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine assembly configured to power a vehicle. The engine assembly defines a first engine end and a second engine end opposite the first engine end. The first engine end is spaced apart from the second engine end along a first direction. The engine assembly defines a third engine end and a fourth engine end opposite the third engine end. The third engine end is spaced apart from the fourth engine end along a second direction. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The vehicle further includes a steering assembly disposed in close proximity to the engine assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering body disposed closer to the first engine end than to the second engine end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, William A. Bear
  • Publication number: 20150096511
    Abstract: A hydraulic cam phaser includes at least one of an advance chamber and a retard chamber for receiving hydraulic fluid for advancing or retarding a rotational position of the camshaft. The hydraulic actuation system includes a hydraulic accumulator in selective communication with the at least one of the advance and retard chambers of the hydraulic cam phaser. A first system oil pump provides lubrication oil to the valvetrain system, and the hydraulic actuation system includes a second oil pump for supplying oil to the hydraulic accumulator. The second oil pump is controlled with a clutch device connecting the second oil pump to the engine drive system. The internal combustion engine includes a controller which controls actuation of the clutch device to actuate the clutch device during deceleration of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. HAYMAN, David R. STALEY, Eric D. STALEY
  • Patent number: 8978813
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine assembly configured to power a vehicle. The engine assembly defines a first engine end and a second engine end opposite the first engine end. The first engine end is spaced apart from the second engine end along a first direction. The engine assembly defines a third engine end and a fourth engine end opposite the third engine end. The third engine end is spaced apart from the fourth engine end along a second direction. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The vehicle further includes a steering assembly disposed in close proximity to the engine assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering body disposed closer to the first engine end than to the second engine end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, William A. Bear
  • Patent number: 8943797
    Abstract: A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine defines first and second intake passages for supplying air through first and second intake valve openings to first and second cylinders. The cylinder head also defines first and second exhaust passages for conveying first and second streams of exhaust gas from first and second exhaust valve openings associated with first and second cylinders. The first exhaust valve opening is disposed outboard of the first intake valve opening, and the second exhaust valve opening is disposed outboard of the second intake valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Eric C. Douse
  • Publication number: 20150020781
    Abstract: An intake manifold having an EGR-air flow distributor for distributing the desired air flow and EGR-air mixture through the intake manifold to each cylinder is disclosed. The EGR-air flow distributor includes a set of guide vanes defining plural flow channels in a plenum region of the inlet manifold. The EGR-air flow distributor also includes an EGR tube partially extending into the inlet manifold and having a slot formed therein for introducing EGR into the plenum region at a single location between the engine throttle and the guide vanes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. KEATING, Alan W. HAYMAN, Robert S. MCALPINE
  • Patent number: 8935917
    Abstract: A partially integrated manifold assembly is disclosed which improves performance, reduces cost and provides efficient packaging of engine components. The partially integrated manifold assembly includes a first leg extending from a first port and terminating at a mounting flange for an exhaust gas control valve. Multiple additional legs (depending on the total number of cylinders) are integrally formed with the cylinder head assembly and extend from the ports of the associated cylinder and terminate at an exit port flange. These additional legs are longer than the first leg such that the exit port flange is spaced apart from the mounting flange. This configuration provides increased packaging space adjacent the first leg for any valving that may be required to control the direction and destination of exhaust flow in recirculation to an EGR valve or downstream to a catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Rodney E. Baker
  • Publication number: 20150013651
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a first engine bank and a second engine bank. A first intake valve is disposed in an intake port of a cylinder of the first engine bank, and is configured for metering the first flow of combustion air by periodically opening and closing according to a first intake valve lift and duration characteristic. A variable valve train control mechanism is configured for affecting the first intake valve lift and duration characteristic. Either a lift or duration of the first intake valve is modulated so as to satisfy an EGR control criterion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Robert S. McAlpine, Edward J. Keating
  • Patent number: 8925501
    Abstract: A crankshaft for an internal combustion engine comprises at least four main journals aligned on a crankshaft axis of rotation and at least three crankpins, each crankpin being disposed about a respective crankpin axis and positioned between the main journals. Each of the respective crankpin axes is oriented parallel to, and spaced radially from, the crankshaft axis of rotation. Each of the crankpins is joined to a pair of crank arms for force transmission between the crankpin and the pair of crank arms. Each pair of crank arms is joined to a respective main journal for transmitting torque between the pair of crank arms and the main journal. At least two of the crankpins are spaced radially a first semi-stroke distance from the crankshaft axis of rotation, and a third crankpin is spaced radially a second semi-stroke distance from the crankshaft axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alan W. Hayman
  • Patent number: 8915081
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a compressor disposed in an intake system configured to compress combustion air and deliver it to cylinders of the engine. A compressor inlet assembly has a combustion air inlet, in fluid communication with, and configured to receive combustion air from the intake system. A combustion air passage extends through the assembly to an outlet located downstream of the inlet and is configured for fluid communication with the compressor. An EGR mixing conduit is disposed within the compressor inlet assembly and has an EGR inlet configured for fluid communication with, and receipt of EGR from, an EGR supply conduit. An EGR passage extends from the EGR inlet to an EGR supply annulus disposed about the combustion air inlet opening and a plurality of EGR ports extend between the EGR supply annulus and the combustion air passage for delivery of EGR thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Rodney E. Baker
  • Patent number: 8904786
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a four stroke working cylinder, a four stroke EGR cylinder, an intake system for supplying a combustion air charge to the cylinders, a first exhaust system for removing exhaust gas from the four stroke working cylinder and to the atmosphere and a second exhaust system for removing exhaust from the four stroke EGR cylinder and to the intake system, wherein the combustion air charge is a combination of combustion air and exhaust gas from the four stroke EGR cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alan W. Hayman
  • Publication number: 20140338992
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine assembly configured to power a vehicle. The engine assembly defines a first engine end and a second engine end opposite the first engine end. The first engine end is spaced apart from the second engine end along a first direction. The engine assembly defines a third engine end and a fourth engine end opposite the third engine end. The third engine end is spaced apart from the fourth engine end along a second direction. The second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The vehicle further includes a steering assembly disposed in close proximity to the engine assembly. The steering assembly includes a steering body disposed closer to the first engine end than to the second engine end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, William A. Bear
  • Patent number: 8887680
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block having a first bank defining a first cylinder bore and a second bank defining a second cylinder bore. A first cylinder head is coupled to the first bank and defines first and second ports in communication with the first cylinder bore. A second cylinder head is coupled to the second bank and defines a third port in communication with the second cylinder bore. A first valve is located in the first port and engaged with a first valve lift mechanism, a second valve is located in the second port and engaged with a second valve lift mechanism, and a third valve is located in the third port and engaged with a third valve lift mechanism. A first camshaft is engaged with the first and third valve lift mechanisms and a second camshaft is engaged with the second valve lift mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Rodney E. Baker
  • Patent number: 8850804
    Abstract: A secondary air injection or SAIR system is illustrated and described which includes a first air injection path defined by in part by a lower ditch formed in the head mounting surface of the cylinder block, and a second air injection path defined in part by a second ditch formed in the block mounting surface. The cylinder head gasket is used to separate and seal the first ditch from the second ditch. The first and second air injection paths are separate and isolated from one another such that secondary air may be selectively introduced through the first air injection path into the first exhaust leg and selective introduced through the second injection path into the second exhaust leg independent of the first air injection path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Kenneth M. Eastman, Robert S. McAlpine
  • Publication number: 20140283783
    Abstract: A crankshaft includes a plurality of crankpins. The crankpins are defined on the crankshaft and are longitudinally spaced apart from each other along a rotational axis. Each of the crankpins is configured to be operatively connected to a piston of an engine including a plurality of cylinders. The engine is configured to deactivate one of the cylinders. At least two of the crankpins are substantially aligned with each other along a pin axis. At least one of the crankpins is rotationally offset from the pin axis in a rotational direction of the crankshaft such that the engine has an even firing order even when one of the cylinders is deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Robert S. McAlpine
  • Publication number: 20140238363
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system includes an engine defining first and second combustion chambers, wherein a fuel is combustible to produce a combustion gas. The system includes an intake manifold disposed in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, an exhaust manifold disposed in fluid communication with the second chamber, and an exhaust gas recirculation conduit disposed in fluid communication with the first chamber and configured for directing the gas from only the first chamber to the intake manifold. The system includes a bypass valve transitionable between a first position wherein the conduit is disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold such that the gas flows from the first chamber to the exhaust manifold, and a second position wherein the conduit is not disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold such that the gas does not flow from the first chamber to the exhaust manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Keating, Alan W. Hayman
  • Publication number: 20140230772
    Abstract: A secondary air injection or SAIR system is illustrated and described which includes a first air injection path defined by in part by a lower ditch formed in the head mounting surface of the cylinder block, and a second air injection path defined in part by a second ditch formed in the block mounting surface. The cylinder head gasket is used to separate and seal the first ditch from the second ditch. The first and second air injection paths are separate and isolated from one another such that secondary air may be selectively introduced through the first air injection path into the first exhaust leg and selective introduced through the second injection path into the second exhaust leg independent of the first air injection path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. HAYMAN, Kenneth M. EASTMAN, Robert S. MCALPINE
  • Publication number: 20140224206
    Abstract: An engine assembly is provided including a block defining a plurality of cylinders. A plurality of pistons are disposed in the plurality of cylinders and a crankshaft is drivingly attached to the plurality of pistons. A cover is mounted to an end of the block and supports a crankshaft seal around the crankshaft. The cover includes a dimpled pattern in a surface adjacent to the crankshaft seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eric D. STALEY, Alan W. HAYMAN, Thomas A. SPIX
  • Patent number: 8794204
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a camshaft rotationally supported within the engine structure and including a lobe, a first rocker arm, a valve lift mechanism, a valve, and a second rocker arm. The first rocker arm may include a first end rotationally coupled relative to the engine structure and a second end defining a cam engagement surface engaged with the lobe and a convex lift surface opposite the cam engagement surface. The valve lift mechanism may have a first end engaged with the lift surface of the first rocker arm. The second rocker arm may be supported relative to the engine structure and engaged with a second end of the valve lift mechanism and the valve to selectively open the valve based on displacement of the lift mechanism by the first rocker arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Eric C. Douse, Robert S. McAlpine
  • Publication number: 20140208727
    Abstract: A partially integrated manifold assembly is disclosed which improves performance, reduces cost and provides efficient packaging of engine components. The partially integrated manifold assembly includes a first leg extending from a first port and terminating at a mounting flange for an exhaust gas control valve. Multiple additional legs (depending on the total number of cylinders) are integrally formed with the cylinder head assembly and extend from the ports of the associated cylinder and terminate at an exit port flange. These additional legs are longer than the first leg such that the exit port flange is spaced apart from the mounting flange. This configuration provides increased packaging space adjacent the first leg for any valving that may be required to control the direction and destination of exhaust flow in recirculation to an EGR valve or downstream to a catalytic converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. HAYMAN, Rodney E. BAKER
  • Patent number: 8763570
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block defining a first cylinder bore, a second cylinder bore directly adjacent to the first cylinder bore and a third cylinder bore directly adjacent to the second cylinder bore. The engine block defines a first distance from a diametrical center of the first cylinder bore to a diametrical center of the second cylinder bore and defines a second distance from the diametrical center of the second cylinder bore to a diametrical center of the third cylinder bore. The first distance is different than the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan W. Hayman, Terry Wayne Black