Patents by Inventor John K. Hicks

John K. Hicks 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).

  • Reduced powertrain vibration mounting system
    Patent number: 9365100
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cradle having a structure substantially aligned along a horizontal plane, and a tower extending vertically upward from the structure. A powertrain is supported by the cradle, and includes an elastic axis, and a torque axis. An engine mounting system interconnects the powertrain and the cradle. The engine mounting system includes an engine mount that is attached to the tower, and a mounting bracket attached to the powertrain and the engine mount. An elastic center of the tower is laterally offset from the torque axis, and is vertically offset from the torque axis to position the engine mounting system, such that the elastic axis of the powertrain is substantially aligned with the torque axis of the powertrain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Todd H. Smith, John K. Hicks, Michael A. Bride, Kathy L. Amerman
  • REDUCED POWERTRAIN VIBRATION MOUNTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160129775
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cradle having a structure substantially aligned along a horizontal plane, and a tower extending vertically upward from the structure. A powertrain is supported by the cradle, and includes an elastic axis, and a torque axis. An engine mounting system interconnects the powertrain and the cradle. The engine mounting system includes an engine mount that is attached to the tower, and a mounting bracket attached to the powertrain and the engine mount. An elastic center of the tower is laterally offset from the torque axis, and is vertically offset from the torque axis to position the engine mounting system, such that the elastic axis of the powertrain is substantially aligned with the torque axis of the powertrain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Todd H. Smith, John K. Hicks, Michael A. Bride, Kathy L. Amerman