Patents by Inventor J. Connor

J. Connor 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).

  • REPLACEABLE FILTER ELEMENTS INCLUDING PLURAL FILTER MEDIA AND RELATED FILTRATION SYSTEMS, TECHNIQUES AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20120006737
    Abstract: One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP, INC.
    Inventors: Zemin Jiang, Melvin Douglas McCormick, David P. Genter, Norman C. Blizard, Jeffrey A. Husband, Michael J. Connor, Wassem Abdalla, Barry M. Verdegan
  • CORRUGATED FIN AND FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR BATTERY COOLING
    Publication number: 20110293982
    Abstract: A cooling module for a battery pack assembly is disclosed. The cooling module includes a frame having a plurality of legs forming an opening through a central portion of the frame, at least one of the plurality of legs including a slot formed therethrough. A cooling fin is coupled to the frame. The cooling fin includes a corrugated plate interposed between a first plate and a second plate forming a plurality of fluid flow channels between the first plate and the second plate. The cooling modules are disposed in a stack having at least one battery cell disposed between adjacent cooling modules. The battery cell is in heat transfer communication with the cooling fin of at least one cooling module, wherein the cooling fin facilitates a transfer of heat energy between the battery cell and the flow channels formed in the cooling fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: William L. Martz, Michael Duffield, Megan J. Quick, Stuart D. Barter, Glenn W. Skala, Steven J. Fogarassy, Eric J. Connor, Thaddeus J. Grey
  • END CELL THERMAL BARRIER HAVING VARIABLE PROPERTIES
    Publication number: 20110287332
    Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed, the fuel cell assembly including a plurality of fuel cell plates arranged in a stack, each fuel cell plate having reactant inlets and outlets and a coolant inlet and outlet; a first terminal plate disposed at a first end of the stack of the fuel cell plates; and a barrier layer disposed between one of the plurality of fuel cell plates and the first terminal plate to provide a thermal barrier therebetween, wherein the barrier layer includes a first portion having a first thermal conductivity and a second portion having a second thermal conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric J. Connor, Todd D. Bogumil
  • Fuel cell compression retention system using planar strips
    Patent number: 8053134
    Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end, the stack comprising at least one fuel cell, a first end unit disposed adjacent the first end of the fuel cell stack, a second end unit disposed adjacent the second end of the fuel cell stack, and a compression retention system. The compression retention system includes at least one generally planar strip forming at least one bend, wherein the at least one strip extends from the first end unit to the second end unit of the fuel cell system. The at least one bend of the planar strip can form at least one serpentine shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael K. Budinski, Eric J. Connor, Daniel Miller, Yeh-Hung Lai, Gerald W. Fly
  • Side spring compression retention system
    Patent number: 8012648
    Abstract: A compression retention system for a fuel cell system is provided. The compression retention system includes a first end unit and a second end unit configured to hold a fuel cell stack therebetween. A spring configured to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack is disposed between a first spring plate and a second spring plate. The first spring plate has an aperture formed therein. The compression retention system further includes a pair of sheets coupled to the first spring plate and the first end unit, and a spring strut disposed through the aperture of the first spring plate and coupled to the second spring plate and to the second end unit. A fuel cell system and method for assembling the fuel cell system with the compression retention system are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Todd D. Bogumil, Eric J. Connor, Anthony G. Chinnici, Paul F. Spacher, Mark W. Keyser
  • Inertial gas-liquid separator with axially variable orifice area
    Patent number: 7964009
    Abstract: An inertial gas-liquid separator removes liquid particles from a gas-liquid stream and has a variable orifice area variable along an axial direction and dependent upon axial movement of a plunger relative to a housing sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Scott P. Heckel, Michael J. Connor, Christopher E. Holm, Chirag D. Parikh, Bradley A. Smith, Glen B. Schneider, Ashwin K. Koleshwar
  • STEERABLE AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WITH ADAPTABLE WHEEL SPACING
    Publication number: 20110100656
    Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a hitch assembly configured to couple the agricultural implement to a tow vehicle. The agricultural implement also includes a carrier frame pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly by a main pivot joint such that the main pivot joint resists substantially all lateral loads between the carrier frame and the hitch assembly. The agricultural implement further includes a pair of wheel assemblies each rotatably coupled to the carrier frame by a respective knuckle pivot joint, and an actuator assembly configured to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective knuckle pivot joint while the agricultural implement is in both a working and transport position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Brian Anderson, Marvin A. Prickel
  • STEERABLE AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WITH EQUALIZED STEERING EFFORT
    Publication number: 20110100657
    Abstract: An agricultural implement is provided that includes a hitch assembly configured to couple the agricultural implement to a tow vehicle, and a carrier frame pivotally coupled to the hitch assembly. The agricultural implement also includes a pair of wheel assemblies each rotatably coupled to the carrier frame by a respective pivot joint. The agricultural implement further includes an actuator assembly configured to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a first direction by applying a first torque, and to rotate each wheel assembly about the respective pivot joint in a second direction, opposite the first direction, by applying a second torque. A magnitude of the first torque and a magnitude of the second torque are substantially equal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Brian Anderson, Marvin A. Prickel, Leonard A. Bettin
  • TRANSFORMING COMPONENTS OF A WEB PAGE TO VOICE PROMPTS
    Publication number: 20110106537
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention address the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a method, apparatus, and program product to of converting components of a web page to voice prompts for a user. In some embodiments, the method comprises selectively determining at least one HTML component from a plurality of HTML components of a web page to transform into a voice prompt for a mobile system based upon a voice attribute file associated with the web page. The method further comprises transforming the at least one HTML component into parameterized data suitable for use by the mobile system based upon at least a portion of the voice attribute file associated with the at least one HTML component and transmitting the parameterized data to the mobile system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Paul M. Funyak, Norman J. Connors, Paul E. Kolonay, Matthew Aaron Nichols
  • PEM FUEL CELL STACK INLET WATER REGULATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110053011
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed that includes a porous member disposed within a flow path for a reactant. A fluid collection member is provided within the flow path adjacent to and in fluid communication with the porous member. The porous member and the fluid collection member cooperate to collect liquid water from the reactant flowing in the flow path, wherein the collected liquid water may be drained from the fluid collection member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jon P. Owejan, Thomas A. Trabold, William H. Pettit, Thomas W. Tighe, James M. Keogan, Eric J. Connor, Steven G. Goebel
  • Replaceable filter elements including plural filter media and related filtration systems, techniques and methods
    Patent number: 7887704
    Abstract: One embodiment is a filter element including an outer filter media and an inner filter media. The outer filter media is operable to remove particulates present in a flow of fluid and/or coalesce water contained in the flow of fluid. The inner filter media is operable to remove particulates from the flow of fluid, separate water form the flow of fluid, and remove particulates from the flow of fluid. Other embodiments include unique apparatus, devices, systems, and methods relating to fuel filters and filtration. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits of the present application shall become apparent from the detailed description and figures included herewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Zemin Jiang, Melvin Douglas McCormick, David P. Genter, Norman C. Blizard, Jeffrey A. Husband, Michael J. Connor, Wassem Abdalla, Barry M. Verdegan
  • Crankcase ventilation system with pumped scavenged oil
    Patent number: 7870850
    Abstract: A crankcase ventilation system for an internal combustion engine has a jet pump suctioning scavenged separated oil from the oil outlet of an air/oil separator and pumping same to the crankcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter K. Herman, Michael J. Connor, Christopher E. Holm, Mark V. Holzmann
  • INSULATING LAYER FOR A FUEL CELL ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20110008702
    Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed, the fuel cell assembly including a pair of terminal plates, one terminal plate disposed at each end of the fuel cell assembly, a fuel cell disposed between a pair of end fuel cells and the terminal plates, and a thermally insulating, electrically conductive layer formed between the fuel cell and one of the terminal plates adapted to mitigate thermal losses from the end plate, and fluid condensation and ice formation in an end fuel cell. The end fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly have a membrane and/or a cathode having a thickness greater than an average thickness of a membrane and/or a cathode disposed in the fuel cell that may be used in conjunction with, or instead of, the insulating layer to further mitigate thermal losses from the end plate, and fluid condensation and ice formation in the end fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric J. Connor, Daniel P. Miller, Wenbin Gu, Jeanette E. Owejan, Mark Mathias
  • Filter assembly with trapped auxiliary flow component
    Patent number: 7867311
    Abstract: A filter assembly, including an air cleaner, has an auxiliary flow component having a mounting flange extending into a gap between a housing port and a conduit in trapped relation to mount the auxiliary flow component to the port and the conduit at the interface thereof. The port and conduit are mounted to each other with the mounting flange therebetween in permanently captured sandwiched relation, without detachment fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Connor, Robert A. Bannister, Jessie A. Knight
  • Filter with installation integrity and magnetic flow-control
    Patent number: 7850845
    Abstract: A filter with installation integrity permits fluid flow only in a first installation condition and not in a second undesired or mis-installation condition, including improper alignment or mounting of a filter element in a housing, an incorrect replacement filter element, absence of a filter element, and an incorrect housing cover. A magnetically actuated valve has a piston controlling fluid flow according to installation condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Wieczorek, Chad M. Thomas, Mark V. Holzmann, Peter K. Herman, Jeffrey A. Husband, Hendrik N. Amirkhanian, Michael J. Connor
  • Bulk shipping, storage and discharge box
    Patent number: 7849892
    Abstract: A discharge box capable of transporting and then dispensing a high bulk density of solid product with substantially no human intervention. The discharge box includes separable/replaceable components allowing for a low cost, low maintenance, and long-term package and includes a tamper-evidence site window, and desiccant pockets, in a lid portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Remcon Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Connors, Thomas W. Wise, Kenneth Miller, Jr.
  • Planter
    Patent number: D627373
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Marvin Prickel, Travis L. Harnetiaux, Joshua E. Breuer, Dennis G. Thompson, Cory L. Vincent, David D. Seib, Ricardo Diaz, Brian Anderson, Michael J. Connors
  • Planter
    Patent number: D629426
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Marvin Prickel, Travis L. Harnetiaux, Joshua E. Breuer, Dennis G. Thompson, Cory L. Vincent, David D. Seib, Ricardo Diaz, Brian Anderson, Michael J. Connors
  • Planter
    Patent number: D629427
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Marvin Prickel, Travis L. Harnetiaux, Joshua E. Breuer, Dennis G. Thompson, Cory L. Vincent, David D. Seib, Ricardo Diaz, Brian Anderson, Michael J. Connors
  • Planter
    Patent number: D631068
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: CNH Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Marvin Prickel, Travis L. Harnetiaux, Joshua E. Breuer, Dennis G. Thompson, Cory L. Vincent, David D. Seib, Ricardo Diaz, Brian Anderson, Michael J. Connors