Patents by Inventor Derek F. Lahr

Derek F. Lahr 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: 20170328456
    Abstract: Disclosed are engine flexplates with integrated engine disconnects, methods for making and for using such flexplates, and motor vehicles with an engine flexplate having an integrated engine disconnect device. An engine flexplate assembly is disclosed for operatively coupling an engine to a hydrokinetic torque converter. The flexplate assembly includes a disk-shaped body with a central hub that rigidly attaches on the fore side thereof to the engine output shaft for common rotation therewith. A disconnect device, which is positioned on the aft side of the disk-shaped body, includes concentric inner and outer races. The outer race is rigidly attached to the disk-shaped body for common rotation therewith. The inner race rigidly attaches to the front cover of the TC housing for common rotation therewith. The disconnect device operatively disconnects the engine output shaft from the TC housing front cover when a torque transmitted therebetween reverses direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Derek F. Lahr, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20170326964
    Abstract: A drivetrain system for a vehicle is described, and includes an internal combustion engine, a geartrain, an electric machine, a power take-off unit, and a driveline. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the geartrain via a disconnect clutch and a torque converter. The geartrain includes a transmission and a differential gearset, including an output member of the transmission coupled to an input member of the differential gearset. The input member of the differential gearset is coupled to a rotor of the electric machine and the power take-off unit. The differential gearset is coupled to first and second intermediate driveshaft members of the driveline to transfer propulsion power to vehicle wheels that are arranged in a front-wheel configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Derek F. Lahr, Farzad Samie, Norman K. Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Chandra S. Namuduri, Alexandru Rajala
  • Publication number: 20170326965
    Abstract: A powertrain system is described, and includes an internal combustion engine including a crankshaft and an electric machine including a rotatable shaft, wherein the rotatable shaft is coupled to a motor pulley. A torque converter includes an impeller and a pump, wherein the pump is coupled to an outer sheave. An off-axis mechanical drive system includes the outer sheave of the torque converter rotatably coupled to the motor pulley of the electric machine. The electric machine is coupled to the pump of the torque converter via the off-axis mechanical drive system, and the crankshaft is coupled to the pump of the torque converter via a clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Derek F. Lahr, Farzad Samie, Norman K. Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li, Chandra S. Namuduri, Alexandru Rajala
  • Publication number: 20170268645
    Abstract: A product may include a power source, and a pump may be driven by the power source. A variable load may be driven by the power source and may be supplied with a fluid from the pump. A torque splitting device may have an input from the power source and may provide an output to each of the pump and the variable load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventor: DEREK F. LAHR
  • Publication number: 20170198794
    Abstract: A product may include a power source and a power transmission system. A coupling may be connected between the power source and the power transmission system. An engagement mechanism in the coupling may selectively provide a connection between the power source and the power transmission system. A damper may be included in the engagement mechanism through which the connection may be communicated. The damper may comprise a number of coils and may have a first end connected to the power source through the engagement mechanism and may have a second end connected to the power transmission system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Inventors: DEREK F. LAHR, FARZAD SAMIE
  • Publication number: 20160265634
    Abstract: A variable speed drive mechanism includes a fixed disk concentric with, attached to, and rotatable with a shaft about a central axis. A plurality of pulley segments are supported by the fixed disk, and are moveable relative to the fixed disk in a radial direction relative to the central axis. A moveable disk is concentric with the shaft, and is rotatably moveable about the shaft relative to the fixed disk. The moveable disk defines a spiral groove having a center concentric with the shaft. The pulley segments include a guided groove portion engaged with and moveable along the spiral groove. Rotation of the moveable disk relative to the fixed disk rotates the spiral groove about the central axis relative to the pulley segments, thereby moving the guided groove portions along the spiral groove to move the pulley segments radially relative to the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Derek F. Lahr
  • Publication number: 20090281634
    Abstract: A prosthetic device for the intestine is disclosed that bypasses an enterocutaneous fistula so that the intestinal tract can properly function without bowel contents leaking onto the skin. The prosthetic device includes means to securely connect and seal it to the intestine, means to push bowel contents through it, and means to prevent the backflow of bowel contents through the digestive tract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: The University of Mississippi Medical Center Research Development Foundation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Abell, Christopher J. Lahr, Derek F. Lahr