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).

  • Publication number: 20140190377
    Abstract: An inductor box for an agricultural implement having compression limiters. One inductor box includes a housing having a first side configured to receive an agricultural product from a tank. The first side has a sealable surface, and the sealable surface has plates attached thereto. The inductor box includes a first gasket disposed on the sealable surface and configured to establish a seal between the sealable surface and a corresponding surface of the tank. The plates are configured to extend through respective openings in the gasket, and to block compression of the first gasket beyond a desired compression limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Publication number: 20140190379
    Abstract: An agricultural product distribution system is presented that includes an inductor box configured to receive agricultural product and conveyed air to combine the agricultural product and the conveyed air. The agricultural product distribution system also includes a removable baffle configured to control an amount of the conveyed air that flows into each port of the plurality of ports. Furthermore, the inductor box is configured to enable the removable baffle to be slidingly inserted into the inductor box, and the removable baffle comprises a tang configured to at least partially block insertion of the removable baffle into the inductor box while the removable baffle is oriented at an undesirable orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Johnson, Michael J. Connors
  • Publication number: 20140193215
    Abstract: A system includes an inductor assembly of an agricultural implement having an inductor box with a wall configured to separate an interior of the inductor box from an exterior of the inductor box, an inductor segment, and a mounting clip. The wall includes an inner surface in the interior and an outer surface on the exterior. The inductor segment includes a mixing portion and a delivery portion, wherein the mixing portion interfaces with the inner surface and is configured to mix agricultural product and airflow into a mixture. The delivery portion is configured to convey the mixture through the wall. The mounting clip is configured to form a seal between the interior and the exterior of the inductor box, and to interface with the outer surface and the delivery portion in an installed position to couple the inductor segment to the inductor box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Chad M. Johnson, Marvin A. Prickel
  • Publication number: 20140193211
    Abstract: An agricultural product delivery system for an agricultural implement includes an inductor box with an agricultural product inlet configured to receive an agricultural product, an air inlet configured to receive an airflow, a plurality of mixing chambers, and a plurality of air bypass channels. Each mixing chamber is configured to mix the agricultural product and a respective first portion of the airflow. The plurality of air bypass channels is configured to guide a respective second portion of the airflow from the air inlet to a respective mixing chamber of the plurality of mixing chambers. The plurality of bypass channels includes inside air bypass channels that contact adjacent inside air bypass channels, and outside air bypass channels that are arranged adjacent to an exterior inductor box wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, David D. Flamme, Chad M. Johnson, Scott A. Long, Grant T. MacDonald, Marvin A. Prickel, Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 8637202
    Abstract: A device for minimizing a buoyancy driven convective flow inside a manifold of a fuel cell stack includes a plurality of spaced apart baffle walls. The spaced apart baffle walls are configured to be disposed inside the manifold of the fuel cell stack. The spaced apart baffle walls increase a viscous resistance to the buoyancy driven convective flow inside the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Todd D. Bogumil, Steven D. Burch, Steven G. Goebel, Eric J. Connor, Glenn W. Skala
  • Publication number: 20140008286
    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 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    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
  • Patent number: 8530106
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Connor, Todd D. Bogumil
  • Patent number: 8440083
    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: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    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
  • Publication number: 20130087497
    Abstract: A filter within a filter cartridge design is described that includes a sealing structure on an endplate of an outer filter element. Generally, the sealing structure includes an annular flange on the endplate that can directly seal against an interior surface of a housing when the filter cartridge is assembled for use. During filtration, the annular flange prevents a working fluid from bypassing the outer filter element. The sealing flange can seal with the housing in a press fit engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron M. WELLS, Terry W. SHULTS, Ismail C. BAGCI, Dean OLSON, Zemin JIANG, Kevin C. SOUTH, Peter K. HERMAN, Hendrik N. AMIRKHANIAN, Jeffrey B. SHARP, David P. GENTER, Norman C. BLIZARD, Melvin Douglas MCCORMICK, Jeffrey A. HUSBAND, Wassem ABDALLA, Michael J. CONNOR, Barry M. VERDEGAN, Donna BUTLER, Chad T. BRUMMITT
  • Publication number: 20130082000
    Abstract: A fluid pumping system with energy recovery features may provide feed water to a reverse osmosis unit. The system includes an electronic controller unit that regulates the output of three hydraulic pumps. Each hydraulic pump drives the movement of a piston in a cylinder. The pistons collectively deliver a generally constant flow of high pressure feed water. Valve bodies direct reverse osmosis concentrate to the back sides of the pistons. The electronic controller coordinates the output of the hydraulic pumps with the actuation of the valve bodies. Movement of the pistons is controlled, in part, by a feed back loop to verify the desired hydraulic pump output. Valve bodies are designed to begin closing when an associated piston velocity decreases. The valve body moves after a dwell period when an associated piston should not be moving. The piston and cylinder are designed for exposure to high salt-content water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew D. d'Artenay, Willard D. Childs, Gerard J. Vanderloop, Michael J. Connor, JR.
  • Patent number: 8342255
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Connors, Brian Anderson, Marvin A. Prickel, Leonard A. Bettin
  • Patent number: 8333890
    Abstract: A filter within a filter cartridge design is described that includes a sealing structure on an endplate of an outer filter element. Generally, the sealing structure includes an annular flange on the endplate that can directly seal against an interior surface of a housing when the filter cartridge is assembled for use. During filtration, the annular flange prevents a working fluid from bypassing the outer filter element. The sealing flange can seal with the housing in a press fit engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Wells, Terry W. Shults, Ismail C. Bagci, Dean Olson, Zemin Jiang, Kevin C. South, Peter K. Herman, Hendrik Amirkhanian, Jeffrey B. Sharp, David P. Genter, Norman C. Blizard, Melvin Douglas McCormick, Jeffrey A. Husband, Wassem Abdalla, Michael J. Connor, Barry M. Verdegan, Donna Butler, Chad T. Brummitt
  • Publication number: 20120285324
    Abstract: A filter includes a plurality of annular filter elements arranged in axially staggered relation. An axial flow path includes a plurality of flow path segments, some being filtered by a respective filter element, and others bypassing a respective filter element. Various combinations are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Holm, Michael J. Connor, Peter K. Herman, Scott W. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120285901
    Abstract: A filter includes a plurality of annular filter elements arranged in axially staggered relation. An axial flow path includes a plurality of flow path segments, some being filtered by a respective filter element, and others bypassing a respective filter element. Various combinations are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Holm, Michael J. Connor, Peter K. Herman, Scott W. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120285902
    Abstract: A filter includes a plurality of annular filter elements arranged in axially staggered relation. An axial flow path includes a plurality of flow path segments, some being filtered by a respective filter element, and others bypassing a respective filter element. Various combinations are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP INC.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Holm, Michael J. Connor, Peter K. Herman, Scott W. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20120202132
    Abstract: A device for minimizing a buoyancy driven convective flow inside a manifold of a fuel cell stack includes a plurality of spaced apart baffle walls. The spaced apart baffle walls are configured to be disposed inside the manifold of the fuel cell stack. The spaced apart baffle walls increase a viscous resistance to the buoyancy driven convective flow inside the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Todd D. Bogumil, Steven D. Burch, Steven G. Goebel, Eric J. Connor, Glenn W. Skala
  • Patent number: 8206871
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric J. Connor, Daniel P. Miller, Wenbin Gu, Jeanette E. Owejan, Mark Mathias
  • Patent number: 8192885
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a fuel cell stack purge to remove excess water during system shut-down. A compressor is operated at a shut-down speed to force water out of the cathode flow channels and draw water through the membrane from the anode flow channels so that a desired amount of water is removed from the fuel cell stack without over drying the membrane. The cathode shut-down purge flow can be introduced in the forward or reverse direction. Further, the flow of hydrogen fuel can be directed so that it flows through the anode flow channels in an opposite direction to push water out of an anode outlet manifold into the anode flow channels so that it will also be drawn through the membrane by the cathode airflow. Finally, a brief rehydration step is added after the shut-down purge to achieve the desired water content in the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pinkhas A. Rapaport, Steven R. Falta, Derek R. Lebzelter, Eric J. Connor
  • Publication number: 20120088174
    Abstract: A barrier layer for a fuel cell assembly is disclosed, the barrier layer having a thermally insulating layer having a first surface and a second surface, and an electrically conducting layer formed on the first surface of the thermally insulating layer. The thermally insulating layer may include a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, and the electrically conducting layer may be formed on a second surface of the thermally insulating layer and on the walls of the thermally insulating layer forming the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Eric J. Connor, Gerald W. Fly
  • Publication number: 20120055127
    Abstract: A pleated filter media comprises a plurality of pleats comprised of pleat segments extending in an axial direction between first and second axial ends and extending in a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction between first and second sets of pleat tips at least partially defined by first and second sets of bend lines. Axial flow channels are defined between the pleat segments in the lateral direction and the plurality of pleats has a width in the transverse direction that varies along the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Cummins Filtration IP Inc.
    Inventors: Mark V. Holzmann, Arun Janakiraman, Orvin D. Kendall, Scott W. Schwartz, Eric A. Janikowski, Michael J. Connor