Patents by Inventor Kevin M. Luchansky

Kevin M. Luchansky 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: 10145271
    Abstract: A monolithic rocker arm component includes a first lateral wall defining a first aperture and a first mass reducing feature, an opposing second wall defining a second aperture and a second mass reducing feature, a pushrod receiving member that bridges the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall at a first end of the rocker arm, and a tongue element that bridges the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall at a second end of the rocker arm. The pushrod receiving member routes oil from the first towards the second end. The monolithic rocker arm may have one or more internal regions having lattice structures. Methods for additive manufacturing the monolithic rocker component are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Tyson W. Brown, Anil K. Sachdev, Michael B. Fleck, Ronald B. Beals, Kevin M. Luchansky
  • Publication number: 20180216501
    Abstract: A monolithic rocker arm component includes a first lateral wall defining a first aperture and a first mass reducing feature, an opposing second wall defining a second aperture and a second mass reducing feature, a pushrod receiving member that bridges the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall at a first end of the rocker arm, and a tongue element that bridges the first lateral wall and the second lateral wall at a second end of the rocker arm. The pushrod receiving member routes oil from the first towards the second end. The monolithic rocker arm may have one or more internal regions having lattice structures. Methods for additive manufacturing the monolithic rocker component are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Tyson W. Brown, Anil K. Sachdev, Michael B. Fleck, Ronald B. Beals, Kevin M. Luchansky
  • Patent number: 9574522
    Abstract: An assembly includes a cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold that has four exhaust flow passages directing cylinder exhaust from inlets arranged to correspond with exhaust from the four cylinders, respectively, and has only three outlets. The assembly includes a twin scroll turbocharger having a housing with a first scroll passage, a second scroll passage, and only three inlets. Two of the exhaust flow passages join in the cylinder head to direct exhaust flow into only one of the inlets of the housing and through the first scroll passage. Exhaust flow through the other two of the exhaust flow passages flows separately into the other two inlets in the housing and joins in the housing to flow through the second scroll passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Moran, Kevin M. Luchansky, Eric C. Douse
  • Patent number: 9464545
    Abstract: A camshaft assembly includes a base shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The base shaft is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The camshaft assembly further includes a series of lobe packs mounted on the base shaft. The lobe pack includes a first cam lobe, a second cam lobe, and a third cam lobe. The lobe pack further includes a barrel cam defining a control groove. The camshaft assembly further includes an actuator including an actuator body and at least one pin movably coupled to the actuator body. The lobe pack is configured to move axially relative to the base shaft between a first position, a second position, and a third position. These three lobe pack positions are used to define three discrete valve lift profiles for the intake or exhaust valves in the cylinder. The lift profiles can be different for each engine valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Moran, Hans-Guido Kemmer, Kevin M. Luchansky
  • Patent number: 9441556
    Abstract: A method includes: generating an indicator of present operating conditions of an engine; determining a first amount of noise based on vibration measured during a first plurality of combustion events of a cylinder; storing the first amount of noise and a first value of the indicator in a mapping based on a first engine speed and a first engine load; determining the first value of the indicator from the mapping based on a second engine speed and a second engine load; generating a trigger signal when the first value is different than a second value of the indicator; and, when the trigger signal is generated: determining a second amount of noise based on vibration measured during a second plurality of combustion events of the cylinder; and replacing the first amount of noise and the first value in the mapping with the second amount of noise and the second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wajdi B. Hamama, Craig M. Sawdon, Kevin M. Luchansky, James R. Reeder, Jr., Frank Garthoff, Christian Mueller, Jessica A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 9376975
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a timer module, a stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) mitigation module, and a boost control module. The timer module tracks a period of operation of an engine where vacuum within an intake manifold is less than a first predetermined vacuum. The SPI mitigation module generates an SPI signal when the period is greater than a predetermined period and the vacuum is less than a second predetermined vacuum. The second predetermined vacuum is less than the first predetermined vacuum. The boost control module reduces output of a turbocharger in response to the generation of the SPI signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: J. Michael Gwidt, Bjorn E. Soderstrom, Kevin M. Luchansky, Craig M. Sawdon, Wajdi B. Hamama
  • Publication number: 20160061149
    Abstract: An assembly includes a cylinder head with an integrated exhaust manifold that has four exhaust flow passages directing cylinder exhaust from inlets arranged to correspond with exhaust from the four cylinders, respectively, and has only three outlets. The assembly includes a twin scroll turbocharger having a housing with a first scroll passage, a second scroll passage, and only three inlets. Two of the exhaust flow passages join in the cylinder head to direct exhaust flow into only one of the inlets of the housing and through the first scroll passage. Exhaust flow through the other two of the exhaust flow passages flows separately into the other two inlets in the housing and joins in the housing to flow through the second scroll passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Robert J. Moran, Kevin M. Luchansky, Eric C. Douse
  • Patent number: 9217386
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a stochastic pre-ignition module and a fuel control module. The stochastic pre-ignition module determines whether operating conditions of an engine satisfy predetermined criteria associated with stochastic pre-ignition. The fuel control module enriches an air/fuel ratio of the engine when the engine operating conditions satisfy the predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Dean R. Kwapis, Rafat F. Hattar, Kevin M. Luchansky, J. Michael Gwidt
  • Patent number: 8973429
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a vibration intensity module and a stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) detection module. The vibration intensity module determines a vibration intensity of an engine over a first engine cycle and a second engine cycle. The first engine cycle and the second engine cycle each correspond to a predetermined amount of crankshaft rotation. The SPI detection module selectively detects stochastic pre-ignition when the vibration intensity of the first engine cycle is less than a first threshold and the vibration intensity of the second engine cycle is greater than a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: J. Michael Gwidt, Kevin M. Luchansky, Craig M. Sawdon, Wajdi B. Hamama
  • Publication number: 20150047589
    Abstract: A camshaft assembly includes a base shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The base shaft is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The camshaft assembly further includes a series of lobe packs mounted on the base shaft. The lobe pack includes a first cam lobe, a second cam lobe, and a third cam lobe. The lobe pack further includes a barrel cam defining a control groove. The camshaft assembly further includes an actuator including an actuator body and at least one pin movably coupled to the actuator body. The lobe pack is configured to move axially relative to the base shaft between a first position, a second position, and a third position. These three lobe pack positions are used to define three discrete valve lift profiles for the intake or exhaust valves in the cylinder. The lift profiles can be different for each engine valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Robert J. Moran, Hans-Guido Kemmer, Kevin M. Luchansky
  • Patent number: 8863714
    Abstract: A camshaft assembly includes a base shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The base shaft is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The camshaft assembly further includes a series of lobe packs mounted on the base shaft. The lobe pack includes a first cam lobe, a second cam, and a third cam lobe. The lobe pack further includes a barrel cam defining a control groove. The camshaft assembly further includes an actuator including an actuator body and at least one pin movably coupled to the actuator body. The lobe pack is configured to move axially relative to the base shaft between a first position, a second position, and a third position. These three lobe pack positions are used to define three discrete valve lift profiles for the intake or exhaust valves in the cylinder. The lift profiles can be different for each engine valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Moran, Hans-Guido Kemmer, Kevin M. Luchansky
  • Publication number: 20140297164
    Abstract: A system includes a control module and a stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) module. The control module controls at least one performance parameter of an engine of a vehicle. The SPI module detects SPI events, determines a scaling factor based on the detected SPI events, and adjusts a limit associated with the at least one performance parameter based on the scaling factor. The control module controls the at least one performance parameter based on the limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technologies Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig M. Sawdon, Kevin M. Luchansky, Kathryn Wolfe, Frank Garthoff
  • Publication number: 20140278010
    Abstract: A method includes: generating an indicator of present operating conditions of an engine; determining a first amount of noise based on vibration measured during a first plurality of combustion events of a cylinder; storing the first amount of noise and a first value of the indicator in a mapping based on a first engine speed and a first engine load; determining the first value of the indicator from the mapping based on a second engine speed and a second engine load; generating a trigger signal when the first value is different than a second value of the indicator; and, when the trigger signal is generated: determining a second amount of noise based on vibration measured during a second plurality of combustion events of the cylinder; and replacing the first amount of noise and the first value in the mapping with the second amount of noise and the second value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wajdi B. Hamama, Craig M. Sawdon, Kevin M. Luchansky, James R. Reeder, JR., Frank Garthoff, Christian Mueller, Jessica A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 8820277
    Abstract: A cylinder head assembly includes a first member coupled to an engine block and a second member coupled to the first member. The first member defines a first port in communication with a first cylinder and a second port in communication with a second cylinder. The second member defines a longitudinally extending portion located on a first lateral half of the first member. A first control passage and a second control passage are defined between the first member and the longitudinally extending portion of the second member. The second member defines a wall separating the first and second control passages from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J. Moon, Kevin M. Luchansky, Mark Arthur Jarrett, Robert Jack Gallon, William F. Miller, III
  • Publication number: 20140238120
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a vibration intensity module and a stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) detection module. The vibration intensity module determines a vibration intensity of an engine over a first engine cycle and a second engine cycle. The first engine cycle and the second engine cycle each correspond to a predetermined amount of crankshaft rotation. The SPI detection module selectively detects stochastic pre-ignition when the vibration intensity of the first engine cycle is less than a first threshold and the vibration intensity of the second engine cycle is greater than a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: J. Michael Gwidt, Kevin M. Luchansky, Craig M. Sawdon, Wajdi B. Hamama
  • Publication number: 20140222315
    Abstract: A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a stochastic pre-ignition module and a fuel control module. The stochastic pre-ignition module determines whether operating conditions of an engine satisfy predetermined criteria associated with stochastic pre-ignition. The fuel control module enriches an air/fuel ratio of the engine when the engine operating conditions satisfy the predetermined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Dean R. Kwapis, Rafat F. Hattar, Kevin M. Luchansky, J. Michael Gwidt
  • Patent number: 8757111
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes a coolant pump, an engine structure, a radiator supply feed and a radiator bypass feed. The engine structure defines a first set of cylinders, a first coolant return gallery and a first cooling jacket. The first coolant return gallery extends in a longitudinal direction from a first longitudinal end to a second longitudinal end of the engine structure. The first cooling jacket is in communication with the coolant pump and with the first coolant return gallery. The first coolant return gallery forms a radiator bypass passage providing the coolant fluid to the coolant pump and bypassing the radiator during a first operating condition and forms a radiator supply passage providing the coolant fluid to the radiator during a second operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Akram R. Zahdeh, Kevin M. Luchansky, Jan Andrzej Gatowski
  • Publication number: 20140163844
    Abstract: An engine control system for a vehicle includes a timer module, a stochastic pre-ignition (SPI) mitigation module, and a boost control module. The timer module tracks a period of operation of an engine where vacuum within an intake manifold is less than a first predetermined vacuum. The SPI mitigation module generates an SPI signal when the period is greater than a predetermined period and the vacuum is less than a second predetermined vacuum. The second predetermined vacuum is less than the first predetermined vacuum. The boost control module reduces output of a turbocharger in response to the generation of the SPI signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: J. Michael Gwidt, Bjorn E. Soderstrom, Kevin M. Luchansky, Craig M. Sawdon, Wajdi B. Hamama
  • Patent number: 8739768
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a plurality of PCV ports formed internally within the engine block and the cylinder head. The PCV ports directly connect a crankcase chamber with each of a plurality of intake ports defined by the cylinder head. The blow-by gases that accumulate within the crankcase chamber are directly vented through the internal PCV ports into the intake ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Fleck, Thomas A. Spix, Kevin M. Luchansky
  • Publication number: 20130098342
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a plurality of PCV ports formed internally within the engine block and the cylinder head. The PCV ports directly connect a crankcase chamber with each of a plurality of intake ports defined by the cylinder head. The blow-by gases that accumulate within the crankcase chamber are directly vented through the internal PCV ports into the intake ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael B. Fleck, Thomas A. Spix, Kevin M. Luchansky