Patents by Inventor Michael Benjamin Levin

Michael Benjamin Levin 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: 6655484
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (12) having a crankshaft (20) is coupled to a transmission (14) through an assembly (10) comprising a rotary electric machine (16) and an engine disconnect clutch (17). The stator (38) and rotor (40) of the machine are separated by a radial air gap (42), and the machine is selectively operable as an electric motor to source torque to the powertrain and as an electric generator, or alternator, to sink torque from the powertrain. The organization and arrangement provides a powertrain and method of making a powertrain for establishing and maintaining precision in the radial air gap to secure optimal efficiency of machine operation on a production basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Michael Benjamin Levin
  • Patent number: 6484389
    Abstract: An installation and support apparatus or assembly 18 is provided for use in combination with an electric machine 10, such as a starter-alternator, which is adapted to be operatively installed between the engine block 12 and the transmission assembly 16 of a vehicle. The apparatus 18 includes a stationary support member or member 20, an inner or crankshaft engaging bearing 22, and an outer or rotor engaging bearing 24. Member 20 cooperates with bearings 22 and 24 to automatically create or form a relatively precise and uniform gap 54 between the stator assembly 26 and the rotor assembly 30 of electric machine 10, and further provides independent and additional support to the electric machine 10 and the vehicle's crankshaft 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Benjamin Levin, Ross Maxwell Stuntz
  • Publication number: 20020066607
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (12) having a crankshaft (20) is coupled to a transmission (14) through an assembly (10) comprising a rotary electric machine (16) and an engine disconnect clutch (17). The stator (38) and rotor (40) of the machine are separated by a radial air gap (42), and the machine is selectively operable as an electric motor to source torque to the powertrain and as an electric generator, or alternator, to sink torque from the powertrain. The organization and arrangement provides a powertrain and method of making a powertrain for establishing and maintaining precision in the radial air gap to secure optimal efficiency of machine operation on a production basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Benjamin Levin
  • Patent number: 6253437
    Abstract: A rotor of an electric motor for a motor vehicle is aligned to an axis of rotation for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. A locator is provided on the crankshaft, a piloting tool is located radially by the first locator to the crankshaft. A stator of the electric motor is aligned to a second locator provided on the piloting tool. The stator is secured to the engine block. The rotor is aligned to the crankshaft and secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Benjamin Levin
  • Patent number: 5772180
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated valve for an automotive vehicle includes a pole assembly having a coil situated therein and a combination valve element and armature, including a tubular axially moveable valve spool for controlling the flow through at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port. A magnetic head having a first end attached to an end of the valve spool and a second end nested within a relieved area provided in the pole assembly functions to move the tubular valve spool in response to magnetic flux induced by the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Palma, Michael Benjamin Levin