Patents by Inventor Martin L. Hall

Martin L. Hall 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: 8136347
    Abstract: A control module and method for an exhaust system of an engine can include a secondary air intake (SAI) pressure module that monitors SAI pressure. An accumulation module can accumulate an SAI string length based on the monitored SAI pressure. A calculation module can determine an average SAI string length based on the accumulated SAI string length. A determination module can determine an operating characteristic of the vehicle exhaust based on the average SAI string length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventors: Ian J. Mac Ewen, Martin L. Hall, Lawrence O Murray, Julia C. Grow, Richard A. Van Camp, David Edward Prout, Igor Anilovich
  • Publication number: 20090198457
    Abstract: A control module and method for an exhaust system of an engine can include a secondary air intake (SAI) pressure module that monitors SAI pressure. An accumulation module can accumulate an SAI string length based on the monitored SAI pressure. A calculation module can determine an average SAI string length based on the accumulated SAI string length. A determination module can determine an operating characteristic of the vehicle exhaust based on the average SAI string length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ian J. Mac Ewen, Martin L. Hall, Lawrence O. Murray, Julia C. Grow, Richard A. Van Camp, David Edward Prout, Igor Anilovich
  • Patent number: 7028463
    Abstract: A valve assembly defines a chamber and three ports. A first valve selectively obstructs a first port to prevent fluid communication between a secondary air injection pump and the chamber. A second valve selectively obstructs a second port to prevent fluid communication between an air intake manifold and the chamber. A third port provides fluid communication between the chamber and an exhaust manifold. The chamber thus serves as a common passageway for secondary air flowing from the pump to the exhaust manifold and for exhaust gas flowing from the exhaust manifold to the air intake manifold. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second valves are rigidly interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Bryant G. Hammond, David A. Frank, Martin L. Hall
  • Patent number: 6983590
    Abstract: A diagnostic system according to the present invention diagnoses system failure of a secondary air injection system. The secondary air injection system includes a pump that provides air to an exhaust system via a conduit and a valve that controls the flow of air through the conduit. A pressure sensor measures pressure in the conduit. A controller predicts pressure in the conduit during first, second and third operational phases of the secondary air injection system. The controller compares the measured pressure to the predicted pressure to evaluate operation of the secondary air injection system. During the first phase, the secondary air injection system is used to reduce vehicle emissions. During the second phase, the valve is shut while the pump is on. During the third phase, the pump is turned off while the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Roelle, Martin L. Hall, Daniel H. Hooker, Gary E. Johnston, Kevin E. Person, Jeffrey M. Polidan
  • Publication number: 20040074453
    Abstract: A diagnostic system according to the present invention diagnoses system failure of a secondary air injection system. The secondary air injection system includes a pump that provides air to an exhaust system via a conduit and a valve that controls the flow of air through the conduit. A pressure sensor measures pressure in the conduit. A controller predicts pressure in the conduit during first, second and third operational phases of the secondary air injection system. The controller compares the measured pressure to the predicted pressure to evaluate operation of the secondary air injection system. During the first phase, the secondary air injection system is used to reduce vehicle emissions. During the second phase, the valve is shut while the pump is on. During the third phase, the pump is turned off while the valve is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Matthew J. Roelle, Martin L. Hall, Daniel H. Hooker, Gary E. Johnston, Kevin E. Person, Jeffrey M. Polidan