Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Wirkner

Kenneth J. Wirkner 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).

  • Apparatus and method for forced response acoustic isolation enclosure in cast aluminum oil pan
    Patent number: 7367304
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved oil pan that acts as a radiated noise reduction product. More specifically, the invention addresses the case of a broad frequency forced response sound radiation for structurally rigid cast aluminum engine oil pans. The improved oil pan comprises a foam rubber isolating layer coupled to the oil pan and a urethane outer barrier layer coupled to the foam rubber isolating layer. The oil pan has side walls comprised of a plurality of differently-sized flat panels. The vibration isolation takes place locally on the oil pan surfaces, not at the attachments that connect the oil pan to the engine. The net result is a significant reduction in the oil pan radiation efficiency within the desired frequency range of 2 kHz and above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Hanner, Clyde A. Bulloch, Kenneth J. Wirkner, Gary L. Horvat