Patents by Inventor Brooks S. Mann

Brooks S. Mann 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).

  • Publication number: 20210402936
    Abstract: An automobile, comprising an interior compartment, a sanitization system adapted to sanitize surfaces within the interior compartment, a controller adapted to activate the sanitization system when at least one of a plurality of operating conditions exists and when there are no passengers present within the interior compartment, and to lock all doors to the interior compartment prior to activating the sanitization system, the sanitization system including a plurality of ultraviolet light arrays, each ultraviolet light array comprising a plurality of ultraviolet light fixtures, wherein each of the plurality of ultraviolet light fixtures is an ultraviolet light emitting diode adapted to emit ultraviolet light having a wavelength between approximately 200 nanometers and approximately 280 nanometers, at least one of the plurality of ultraviolet light arrays adapted to articulate when the sanitization system is active to re-direct the ultraviolet light being emitted to targeted areas within the interior compartment
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Brooks S. Mann, Margarita M. Mann, Holly C. Schwarzwalder, Nicholas R. Estes
  • Publication number: 20180076153
    Abstract: A power module assembly has a plurality of electrically conducting layers, including a first layer and a third layer. One or more electrically insulating layers are operatively connected to each of the plurality of electrically conducting layers. The electrically insulating layers include a second layer positioned between and configured to electrically isolate the first and the third layers. The first layer is configured to carry a first current flowing in a first direction. The third layer is configured to carry a second current flowing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby reducing an inductance of the assembly. The electrically insulating layers may include a fourth layer positioned between and configured to electrically isolate the third layer and a fifth layer. The assembly results in a combined substrate and heat sink structure. The assembly eliminates the requirements for connections between separate substrate and heat sink structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Terence G. Ward, Constantin C. Stancu, Marko Jaksic, Brooks S. Mann
  • Patent number: 9917065
    Abstract: A power module assembly has a plurality of electrically conducting layers, including a first layer and a third layer. One or more electrically insulating layers are operatively connected to each of the plurality of electrically conducting layers. The electrically insulating layers include a second layer positioned between and configured to electrically isolate the first and the third layers. The first layer is configured to carry a first current flowing in a first direction. The third layer is configured to carry a second current flowing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, thereby reducing an inductance of the assembly. The electrically insulating layers may include a fourth layer positioned between and configured to electrically isolate the third layer and a fifth layer. The assembly results in a combined substrate and heat sink structure. The assembly eliminates the requirements for connections between separate substrate and heat sink structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Terence G. Ward, Constantin C. Stancu, Marko Jaksic, Brooks S. Mann
  • Publication number: 20160056676
    Abstract: A partially segmented rotor assembly for an electric motor and a method for the same is provided. The partially segmented rotor assembly includes a first rotor segment and a plurality of second rotor segments. The first rotor segment has a plurality of first poles wound with a wire and defines a first circumferential gap between the wire of each adjacent pair of the first poles. Each second rotor segment has a second pole wound with the wire and is rigidly attached to the first rotor segment in a respective one of the first circumferential gaps to form a plurality of second circumferential gaps between the wire of each first pole and the wire of the adjacent second poles. The first and second rotor segments are configured to cooperate with one another to minimize the second circumferential gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Terence G. Ward, Constantin C. Stancu, Khwaja M. Rahman, Srihari Gangaraj, Brooks S. Mann
  • Patent number: 8488315
    Abstract: A manifold is provided for supporting a power module assembly with a plurality of power modules. The manifold includes a first manifold section. The first face of the first manifold section is configured to receive the first power module, and the second face of the first manifold section defines a first cavity with a first baseplate thermally coupled to the first power module. The first face of the second manifold section is configured to receive the second power module, and the second face of the second manifold section defines a second cavity with a second baseplate thermally coupled to the second power module. The second face of the first manifold section and the second face of the second manifold section are coupled together such that the first cavity and the second cavity form a coolant channel. The first cavity is at least partially staggered with respect to second cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Hayden Herron, Brooks S. Mann, Mark D. Korich
  • Patent number: 8279620
    Abstract: A power electronics assembly is provided. A first support member includes a first plurality of conductors. A first plurality of power switching devices are coupled to the first support member. A first capacitor is coupled to the first support member. A second support member includes a second plurality of conductors. A second plurality of power switching devices are coupled to the second support member. A second capacitor is coupled to the second support member. The first and second pluralities of conductors, the first and second pluralities of power switching devices, and the first and second capacitors are electrically connected such that the first plurality of power switching devices is connected in parallel with the first capacitor and the second capacitor and the second plurality of power switching devices is connected in parallel with the second capacitor and the first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Hayden Herron, Brooks S. Mann, Mark D. Korich, Cindy Chou, David Tang, Douglas S. Carlson, Alan L. Barry
  • Patent number: 8248809
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods are provided for an inverter power module with distributed support for direct substrate cooling. An inverter module comprises a power electronic substrate. A first support frame is adapted to house the power electronic substrate and has a first region adapted to allow direct cooling of the power electronic substrate. A gasket is interposed between the power electronic substrate and the first support frame. The gasket is configured to provide a seal between the first region and the power electronic substrate. A second support frame is adapted to house the power electronic substrate and joined to the first support frame to form the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David Harold Miller, Mark D. Korich, Terence G. Ward, Brooks S. Mann
  • Patent number: 8169779
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for power electronics substrates adapted for direct substrate cooling. A power electronics substrate comprises a first surface configured to have electrical circuitry disposed thereon, a second surface, and a plurality of physical features on the second surface. The physical features are configured to promote a turbulent boundary layer in a coolant impinged upon the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Khiet Le, Terence G. Ward, Brooks S. Mann, Edward P. Yankoski, Gregory S. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110168435
    Abstract: A printed circuit board includes, but is not limited to, a plurality of electrically conductive layers and a plurality of dielectric layers. Each dielectric layer is interposed between adjacent conductive layers to form a body of alternate conductive layers and dielectric layers. At least one of the electrically conductive layers protrudes beyond an end of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: ALAN L. BARRY, ELI B. SMITH, BROOKS S. MANN, NICHOLAS HAYDEN HERRON, MARK D. KORICH, DAVID TANG, CINDY CHOU
  • Publication number: 20110141690
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus are provided for power electronics substrates adapted for direct substrate cooling. A power electronics substrate comprises a first surface configured to have electrical circuitry disposed thereon, a second surface, and a plurality of physical features on the second surface. The physical features are configured to promote a turbulent boundary layer in a coolant impinged upon the second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Khiet LE, Terence G. WARD, Brooks S. MANN, Edward P. YANKOSKI, Gregory S. SMITH
  • Patent number: 7948125
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for an electric motor and comprises a rotor assembly, an intake assembly, and a first reservoir. The rotor assembly is coupled to and rotatable within a housing, and comprises a rotor having a first and second ends having a first plurality of veins extending therebetween, each vein having an inlet and an outlet. The rotor assembly also comprises a first manifold coupled to and rotatable with the first end of the rotor in fluid communication with the inlets of the first plurality of veins. The intake assembly is coupled to the housing and is in fluid communication with the first manifold. The first reservoir is configured to contain a motor coolant and is coupled to the housing for collecting the motor coolant from the outlets of the first plurality of veins, and for providing a source of motor coolant to the intake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: George R. Woody, Brooks S. Mann, Terence G. Ward
  • Publication number: 20110069466
    Abstract: A power electronics assembly is provided. A first support member includes a first plurality of conductors. A first plurality of power switching devices are coupled to the first support member. A first capacitor is coupled to the first support member. A second support member includes a second plurality of conductors. A second plurality of power switching devices are coupled to the second support member. A second capacitor is coupled to the second support member. The first and second pluralities of conductors, the first and second pluralities of power switching devices, and the first and second capacitors are electrically connected such that the first plurality of power switching devices is connected in parallel with the first capacitor and the second capacitor and the second plurality of power switching devices is connected in parallel with the second capacitor and the first capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: NICHOLAS HAYDEN HERRON, BROOKS S. MANN, MARK D. KORICH, CINDY CHOU, DAVID TANG, DOUGLAS S. CARLSON, ALAN L. BARRY
  • Publication number: 20110042038
    Abstract: A manifold is provided for supporting a power module assembly with a plurality of power modules. The manifold includes a first manifold section. The first face of the first manifold section is configured to receive the first power module, and the second face of the first manifold section defines a first cavity with a first baseplate thermally coupled to the first power module. The first face of the second manifold section is configured to receive the second power module, and the second face of the second manifold section defines a second cavity with a second baseplate thermally coupled to the second power module. The second face of the first manifold section and the second face of the second manifold section are coupled together such that the first cavity and the second cavity form a coolant channel. The first cavity is at least partially staggered with respect to second cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: NICHOLAS HAYDEN HERRON, BROOKS S. MANN, MARK D. KORICH
  • Patent number: 7884468
    Abstract: A cooling device is provided for liquid cooling a power semiconductor device. The device includes a coolant diverter for guiding liquid coolant to the power semiconductor device. The coolant diverter has a first plate for dividing the coolant diverter into a first cavity and a second cavity. The second cavity positioned adjacent the power semiconductor device. The first plate further includes an opening to fluidly couple the first cavity with the second cavity such that the liquid coolant flows into the first cavity, through the opening in the first plate, and into the second cavity to cool the power semiconductor device. The first cavity has a cross-sectional area that generally decreases in a downstream direction, and the second cavity has a cross-sectional area that generally increases in the downstream direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brooks S Mann, George R. Woody, Terence G. Ward, David F. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7847256
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting when an enclosure having a body and a removable cover is opened. The system comprises a light source for generating a light beam, a light detector for detecting the light beam, and at least one reflector all mounted inside the enclosure. The reflector reflects the light beam along a predetermined pathway toward the light detector when the removable cover is closed over the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Seok-Joo Jang, Terrence G. Ward, Daniel J. Kaplan, Brooks S. Mann, Louis Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100109351
    Abstract: A system is provided for securing a cover having a first surface onto a chassis having a rim, the rim having a second surface. The system comprises a clamping rail and a fastener coupled to the rail. The clamping rail is configured to form a loop that circumferentially engages the first surface and the second surface and, when constricted, produces a first force substantially coplanar with the loop. The fastener is configured to constrict the rail, the rail and the first and second surfaces configured to produce a second force having a component substantially orthogonal to the loop when the rail is constricted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: George R. Woody, Edward P. Yankoski, Terence G. Ward, Brooks S. Mann
  • Publication number: 20100053889
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods are provided for an inverter power module with distributed support for direct substrate cooling. An inverter module comprises a power electronic substrate. A first support frame is adapted to house the power electronic substrate and has a first region adapted to allow direct cooling of the power electronic substrate. A gasket is interposed between the power electronic substrate and the first support frame. The gasket is configured to provide a seal between the first region and the power electronic substrate. A second support frame is adapted to house the power electronic substrate and joined to the first support frame to form the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: DAVID HAROLD MILLER, MARK D. KORICH, TERENCE G. WARD, BROOKS S. MANN
  • Publication number: 20100033038
    Abstract: A cooling system is provided for an electric motor and comprises a rotor assembly, an intake assembly, and a first reservoir. The rotor assembly is coupled to and rotatable within a housing, and comprises a rotor having a first and second ends having a first plurality of veins extending therebetween, each vein having an inlet and an outlet. The rotor assembly also comprises a first manifold coupled to and rotatable with the first end of the rotor in fluid communication with the inlets of the first plurality of veins. The intake assembly is coupled to the housing and is in fluid communication with the first manifold. The first reservoir is configured to contain a motor coolant and is coupled to the housing for collecting the motor coolant from the outlets of the first plurality of veins, and for providing a source of motor coolant to the intake assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: GEORGE R. WOODY, BROOKS S. MANN, TERENCE G. WARD
  • Publication number: 20090294675
    Abstract: A system is provided for detecting when an enclosure having a body and a removable cover is opened. The system comprises a light source for generating a light beam, a light detector for detecting the light beam, and at least one reflector all mounted inside the enclosure. The reflector reflects the light beam along a predetermined pathway toward the light detector when the removable cover is closed over the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: SEOK-JOO JANG, TERENCE G. WARD, DANIEL J. KAPLAN, BROOKS S. MANN, LOUIS THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20090032937
    Abstract: A cooling device is provided for liquid cooling a power semiconductor device. The device includes a coolant diverter for guiding liquid coolant to the power semiconductor device. The coolant diverter has a first plate for dividing the coolant diverter into a first cavity and a second cavity. The second cavity positioned adjacent the power semiconductor device. The first plate further includes an opening to fluidly couple the first cavity with the second cavity such that the liquid coolant flows into the first cavity, through the opening in the first plate, and into the second cavity to cool the power semiconductor device. The first cavity has a cross-sectional area that generally decreases in a downstream direction, and the second cavity has a cross-sectional area that generally increases in the downstream direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Brooks S. MANN, George R. WOODY, Terence G. WARD, David F. NELSON