Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Hommes

Daniel J. Hommes 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: 9643665
    Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle includes a splitter body having a first splitter-body side and a second splitter-body side. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow. The splitter body is mounted at the first vehicle body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce thereon when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system has a first winglet operatively connected to a first splitter-body side and a second winglet operatively connected to a second splitter-body side, wherein the first and second winglets are configured to control movement of the ambient airflow relative to the splitter body. A mechanism is configured to selectively shift each of the winglets in a direction transverse to the longitudinal body axis, to thereby adjust the aerodynamic downforce generated by the splitter body on the first vehicle body end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hommes
  • Publication number: 20170057566
    Abstract: A splitter system for a vehicle includes a splitter body having a first splitter-body side and a second splitter-body side. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal body axis and having a first vehicle body end configured to face oncoming ambient airflow. The splitter body is mounted at the first vehicle body end to generate an aerodynamic downforce thereon when the vehicle is in motion. The splitter system has a first winglet operatively connected to a first splitter-body side and a second winglet operatively connected to a second splitter-body side, wherein the first and second winglets are configured to control movement of the ambient airflow relative to the splitter body. A mechanism is configured to selectively shift each of the winglets in a direction transverse to the longitudinal body axis, to thereby adjust the aerodynamic downforce generated by the splitter body on the first vehicle body end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2015
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hommes
  • Patent number: 9103304
    Abstract: An induction system for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder includes a centrifugal compressor configured to pressurize an airflow being received from the ambient. The induction system also includes an intake manifold configured to channel the pressurized airflow to the at least one cylinder. The centrifugal compressor is disposed within and integral to the intake manifold. An internal combustion engine employing such an induction system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hommes, Carnell E. Williams
  • Patent number: 9004047
    Abstract: An engine assembly generally includes an engine and an intake manifold. The engine includes a plurality of cylinders. The plurality of cylinders includes a pair of cylinders. The engine is configured to sequentially fire the pair of cylinders. The intake manifold defines a plurality of ports. Each port is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of cylinders. The plurality of ports includes a pair of ports. Each of the pair of ports is disposed in fluid communication with one of the pair of cylinders. The intake manifold further includes a baffle disposed between the pair of ports to restrict fluid flow within the intake manifold between the pair of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Claywell, Daniel J. Hommes
  • Publication number: 20140290629
    Abstract: An engine assembly generally includes an engine and an intake manifold. The engine includes a plurality of cylinders. The plurality of cylinders includes a pair of cylinders. The engine is configured to sequentially fire the pair of cylinders. The intake manifold defines a plurality of ports. Each port is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of cylinders. The plurality of ports includes a pair of ports. Each of the pair of ports is disposed in fluid communication with one of the pair of cylinders. The intake manifold further includes a baffle disposed between the pair of ports to restrict fluid flow within the intake manifold between the pair of ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Claywell, Daniel J. Hommes
  • Patent number: 8794914
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor wheel for a turbocharger is disclosed. The wheel includes an axially extending hub having an inlet end, an outlet end, an arcuate outer surface and a shaft bore. The wheel also includes a blade array disposed on the outer surface of the hub, the blade array comprising a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, radially and axially extending, arcuate centrifugal impeller blades disposed thereon; the hub and the blade array comprising a non-woven, discontinuous-fiber-filled, polymer matrix composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hommes, Carnell E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130319380
    Abstract: An induction system for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder includes a centrifugal compressor configured to pressurize an airflow being received from the ambient. The induction system also includes an intake manifold configured to channel the pressurized airflow to the at least one cylinder. The centrifugal compressor is disposed within and integral to the intake manifold. An internal combustion engine employing such an induction system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hommes, Carnell E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20120124994
    Abstract: A centrifugal compressor wheel for a turbocharger is disclosed. The wheel includes an axially extending hub having an inlet end, an outlet end, an arcuate outer surface and a shaft bore. The wheel also includes a blade array disposed on the outer surface of the hub, the blade array comprising a plurality of circumferentially-spaced, radially and axially extending, arcuate centrifugal impeller blades disposed thereon; the hub and the blade array comprising a non-woven, discontinuous-fiber-filled, polymer matrix composite material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hommes, Carnell E. Williams
  • Publication number: 20090242331
    Abstract: A dry sump oil tank assembly is provided for a vehicle. The dry sump oil tank assembly includes a main oil tank that defines a main outlet aperture. A reserve oil tank defines a reserve outlet aperture. An oil transfer tube connects the main oil tank at the main outlet aperture to the reserve oil tank at the reserve outlet aperture. The reserve oil tank is shaped to fit between a frame rail and a fender of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hommes
  • Patent number: 7562652
    Abstract: An engine crankcase emission control system for an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder air intake system connected to associated engine cylinders. The system also includes an engine crankcase. A crankcase air outlet connects the crankcase to the cylinder air intake system at a location subject to variable intake vacuum pressures to allow crankcase vapors to be drawn into inlet air passing to the cylinders. A hydrophobic, oleophobic membrane covers the crankcase air outlet. The membrane inhibits the passage of oil and water out of the crankcase through the crankcase air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hommes, Thomas A. Spix
  • Publication number: 20080314572
    Abstract: An oil cooler for an engine or other lubricated mechanism includes a connector through which the oil cooler is connected to an oil supply passage and a return oil passage in an engine crankcase or other supply source. The connector includes a seal face to which inlet and outlet passages from the cooler are connected with oil supply and return passages in a connected mechanism. A continually open oil bypass is provided by forming a groove or slot in the seal face of the oil cooler extending between the inlet and outlet passages of the oil cooler and forming the cooler oil bypass. Alternatively, a bypass may be formed by a slot in a mating engine or mechanism connector connecting with the supply and return oil passages. Using a perimeter gasket between mating connectors can increase the bypass oil flow by the area of the clearance within the gasket opening created by the thickness of the gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: DANIEL J. HOMMES
  • Publication number: 20080223347
    Abstract: An engine crankcase emission control system for an internal combustion engine includes a cylinder air intake system connected to associated engine cylinders. The system also includes an engine crankcase. A crankcase air outlet connects the crankcase to the cylinder air intake system at a location subject to variable intake vacuum pressures to allow crankcase vapors to be drawn into inlet air passing to the cylinders. A hydrophobic, oleophobic membrane covers the crankcase air outlet. The membrane inhibits the passage of oil and water out of the crankcase through the crankcase air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Daniel J. Hommes, Thomas A. Spix
  • Patent number: 7165541
    Abstract: A baffle plate for an internal combustion engine is used to separate air and oil as required for recirculation of crankcase gasses. The baffle plate includes oil holes with protrusions extending therefrom. The protrusions extend in a direction opposing the flow of an air/oil mixture. These protrusions prevent oil that strikes the baffle plate from flowing over the hole in the baffle plate and into the air induction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Hommes
  • Patent number: 7017546
    Abstract: A tank assembly for a dry sump lubrication system for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The tank assembly includes a tank having an upper tank portion and a lower tank portion. An interface assembly is disposed at the lower tank portion and is configured to operably deliver and receive a lubricant to and from the engine. A first end of a return tube in fluid communication with a second end is configured to receive lubricant from the engine at the interface assembly. The second end opposite the first end is in fluid communication with the upper tank portion. In this manner, a return hose and a feed hose may be connected to a same portion of the tank assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Dipak R. Patel, Daniel J. Hommes