Patents by Inventor James Donald Smith

James Donald Smith 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: 8631782
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a piston reciprocable within a cylinder, a phase controllable valvetrain configured to alter the effective compression ratio of the engine, and a knock sensor. A method for controlling the engine includes controlling the valvetrain to a first effective compression ratio whereat knock is detectable by the knock sensor and thereafter controlling the valvetrain to reduce the effective compression ratio to a point whereat knock is no longer detectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James Donald Smith, Paul M. Najt
  • Patent number: 8448423
    Abstract: Operation of a spark ignition, direct injection engine having an aftertreatment system including an oxidation catalyst and a selective catalyst reduction device is described. The method includes controlling to a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio and retarding spark ignition timing. Engine fueling is then controlled to a lean air/fuel ratio and spark is retarded. The engine is then operated to generate ammonia reductant. Engine operation then comprises operating at a preferred air/fuel ratio and controlling spark ignition timing to a preferred timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Paul M. Najt, Kushal Narayanaswamy, Kevin L. Perry, Wei Li, David J. Cleary, James Donald Smith
  • Patent number: 8091342
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes selectively initiating an ammonia generation cycle, including injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an engine before a primary combustion event to a calibrated air fuel ratio in a range lean of stoichiometry based upon generation of NOx within the combustion chamber, injecting fuel into the combustion chamber after the primary combustion event based upon an overall air fuel ratio in a range rich of stoichiometry and resulting generation of molecular hydrogen, and utilizing a catalyst device between the engine and a selective catalytic reduction device to produce ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Kevin L. Perry, David J. Cleary, Kushal Narayanaswamy, Paul M. Najt, Wei Li, James Donald Smith, Chang H Kim, Thompson M. Sloane
  • Publication number: 20100186391
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes selectively initiating an ammonia generation cycle including injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an engine before a primary combustion event to a calibrated air fuel ratio in a range lean of stoichiometry based upon generation of NOx within the combustion chamber, injecting fuel into the powertrain after the primary combustion event based upon an overall air fuel ratio in a range rich of stoichiometry and resulting generation of molecular hydrogen, utilizing a hydrogen forming catalyst to reform the injected fuel, and utilizing a catalyst device between the engine and the selective catalytic reduction device to produce ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Najt, Kushal Narayanaswamy, Kevin L. Perry, David J. Cleary, James Donald Smith, Wei Li, Chang H. Kim
  • Publication number: 20100186390
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain includes selectively initiating an ammonia generation cycle, including injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an engine before a primary combustion event to a calibrated air fuel ratio in a range lean of stoichiometry based upon generation of NOx within the combustion chamber, injecting fuel into the combustion chamber after the primary combustion event based upon an overall air fuel ratio in a range rich of stoichiometry and resulting generation of molecular hydrogen, and utilizing a catalyst device between the engine and a selective catalytic reduction device to produce ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Perry, David J. Cleary, Kushal Narayanaswamy, Paul M. Najt, Wei Li, James Donald Smith, Chang H. Kim, Thompson M. Sloane
  • Publication number: 20100139248
    Abstract: Operation of a spark ignition, direct injection engine having an aftertreatment system including an oxidation catalyst and a selective catalyst reduction device is described. The method includes controlling to a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio and retarding spark ignition timing. Engine fueling is then controlled to a lean air/fuel ratio and spark is retarded. The engine is then operated to generate ammonia reductant. Engine operation then comprises operating at a preferred air/fuel ratio and controlling spark ignition timing to a preferred timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul M. Najt, Kushal Narayanaswamy, Kevin L. Perry, Wei Li, David J. Cleary, James Donald Smith
  • Publication number: 20100049420
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a piston reciprocable within a cylinder, a phase controllable valvetrain configured to alter the effective compression ratio of the engine, and a knock sensor. A method for controlling the engine includes controlling the valvetrain to a first effective compression ratio whereat knock is detectable by the knock sensor and thereafter controlling the valvetrain to reduce the effective compression ratio to a point whereat knock is no longer detectable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: James Donald Smith, Paul M. Najt