Patents by Inventor Michael J. Lukitsch
Michael J. Lukitsch 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).
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Patent number: 10247157Abstract: A vehicle part or component includes a surface that is configured to contact a fuel containing ethanol. The surface has a layer of non-hydrogenated diamond like carbon (NH-DLC) material disposed on the surface. The layer of NH-DLC has a thickness of from greater than or equal to about 100 nm to less than or equal to about 100 ?m. The NH-DLC material has a carbon content of greater than or equal to about 90 atomic % (at. %), a carbon-carbon sp3 hybrid bond content of from greater than or equal to about 60% to less than or equal to about 100%, and a carbon-carbon sp2 hybrid bond content of from greater than or equal to about 0 to less than or equal to about 40%. The NH-DLC material is substantially free of hydrogen atoms. Methods for manufacturing the vehicle part or component are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Michael J. Lukitsch, Zhongyi Liu
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Publication number: 20180216593Abstract: A vehicle part or component includes a surface that is configured to contact a fuel containing ethanol. The surface has a layer of non-hydrogenated diamond like carbon (NH-DLC) material disposed on the surface. The layer of NH-DLC has a thickness of from greater than or equal to about 100 nm to less than or equal to about 100 ?m. The NH-DLC material has a carbon content of greater than or equal to about 90 atomic % (at. %), a carbon-carbon sp3 hybrid bond content of from greater than or equal to about 60% to less than or equal to about 100%, and a carbon-carbon sp2 hybrid bond content of from greater than or equal to about 0 to less than or equal to about 40%. The NH-DLC material is substantially free of hydrogen atoms. Methods for manufacturing the vehicle part or component are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael J. Lukitsch, Zhongyi Liu
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Patent number: 9520600Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The carbon layer is overcoated with a titanium oxide layer to form a titanium oxide/carbon bilayer. The titanium oxide/carbon bilayer may be activated to increase hydrophilicity. The flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Patent number: 9371576Abstract: An example of the coated tool disclosed herein includes a substrate, a metal layer established on the substrate, a continuous metal carbide layer established on the metal layer, and a smooth, continuous, terminated diamond like carbon (DLC) layer established on the metal carbide layer. The DLC layer is to prevent metal, from a workpiece upon which the tool is to act, from adhering to the tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Michael J. Lukitsch
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Patent number: 9079260Abstract: A cutting tool for machining metal workpieces using polycrystalline diamond cutting surfaces with interspersed guide surfaces and chip evacuation surfaces. When machining holes in cast aluminum alloy workpieces it is found that aluminum machining chips adhere to guide surfaces and chip evacuation surfaces and mar the machined surface. It is found that when the guide and chip evacuation surfaces are coated with a diamond-like carbon material, aluminum chips do not mar the machined surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xingcheng Xiao, Michael J. Lukitsch, Anil K. Sachdev, Leonid C. Lev
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Patent number: 9011667Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an assembly of metal oxide comprising valve metal oxide nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Curtis A. Wong, Youssef M. Mikhail, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Publication number: 20150017468Abstract: An example of the coated tool disclosed herein includes a substrate, a metal layer established on the substrate, a continuous metal carbide layer established on the metal layer, and a smooth, continuous, terminated diamond like carbon (DLC) layer established on the metal carbide layer. The DLC layer is to prevent metal, from a workpiece upon which the tool is to act, from adhering to the tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventor: Michael J. Lukitsch
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Patent number: 8685593Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The carbon layer is overcoated with a silicon oxide layer to form a silicon oxide/carbon bilayer. The silicon oxide/carbon bilayer may be activated to increase hydrophilicity. The flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Patent number: 8383200Abstract: A method of creating adherent surface coatings on carbide cutting tools or other workpiece substrates through the development of polycrystalline diamond coatings or composite coatings comprising a refractory metal carbide and polycrystalline diamond is described. The coating is deposited through a sequenced chemical vapor deposition process, first using a specified gas mixture of hydrogen and a refractory metal halide to deposit a base layer of a refractory metal carbide. This step is followed by a second step in which polycrystalline diamond is deposited from a gas mixture comprising a hydrocarbon and hydrogen. Co-deposition of refractory metal carbide and diamond in the second step to create a toughened diamond coating is also contemplated.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xingcheng Xiao, Leonid C. Lev, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Publication number: 20120227699Abstract: A linerless engine includes a casting defining a bore having an inner surface and a central longitudinal axis. The casting is formed from a castable aluminum-silicon alloy including silicon particles present a range of from about 11 to about 12.5 parts by weight. The inner surface has a surface variation defined by at least some of the silicon particles protruding toward the axis for from about 0.6 to about 1.5 microns. The linerless engine includes a piston slideably disposed within the bore and configured for translating along the axis, wherein the piston is formed from an aluminum alloy and includes a body having a skirt portion coated with a first coating, and at least one ring encircling and in contact with the body. The ring is coated with a diamond-like coating that is free from degradation when in contact with the at least some of the silicon particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas A. Perry, Michael J. Walker, Bob R. Powell, JR., Anil K. Sachdev, Herbert W. Doty, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Patent number: 8251373Abstract: The performance and durability of static and dynamic seals for hydrogen storage and supply systems has been improved by utilizing a spring-energized and plastic coated radial seal in combination with at least a mating surface that has been treated by one of a variety of procedures. These procedures include applying to the mating surface a low-friction, hard, and hydrogen impervious coating, chemically polishing the mating surface, and electrochemically polishing the mating surface. Each of these procedures significantly reduces, on a microscopic scale, the surface roughness of the mating surface. The seal can thus form a tighter and more gas-tight seal with the smoother mating surface so as to decrease the loss of hydrogen gas across the seal. The smoother mating surface can also improve seal life by reducing seal surface wear.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Leonid C. Lev, Dimitri A. Podorashi, Michael J. Lukitsch, Thorsten Michler, Xingcheng Xiao
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Patent number: 8092922Abstract: A layered coating is disclosed herein. The layered coating includes a chromium layer, an intermediate layer of chromium and nitrogen established on the chromium layer, and an outer layer of chromium and nitrogen established on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a gradually changing composition, wherein the chromium concentration decreases from an area of the intermediate layer adjacent the chromium layer towards a surface of the layered coating.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Leonid C. Lev, Michael J. Lukitsch, Yang T. Cheng, Anita M. Weiner, Robert F. Paluch, Neil E. Anderson
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Patent number: 7972744Abstract: A composite electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell is disclosed. The membrane is formed of a polymer having layers of a clay-based cation exchange material. The substrate comprises an electrode formed from a solution that has an exfoliated, inorganic, sodium-based cation exchange material, an ionically conductive polymer-based material, and a solvent-dispersant.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yang T. Cheng, Michael J. Lukitsch, William R. Rodgers, Paula D. Fasulo
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Publication number: 20110070529Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The carbon layer is overcoated with a titanium oxide layer to form a titanium oxide/carbon bilayer. The titanium oxide/carbon bilayer may be activated to increase hydrophilicity. The flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Publication number: 20110070528Abstract: A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The carbon layer is overcoated with a silicon oxide layer to form a silicon oxide/carbon bilayer. The silicon oxide/carbon bilayer may be activated to increase hydrophilicity. The flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Publication number: 20110012313Abstract: The performance and durability of static and dynamic seals for hydrogen storage and supply systems has been improved by utilizing a spring-energized and plastic coated radial seal in combination with at least a mating surface that has been treated by one of a variety of procedures. These procedures include applying to the mating surface a low-friction, hard, and hydrogen impervious coating, chemically polishing the mating surface, and electrochemically polishing the mating surface. Each of these procedures significantly reduces, on a microscopic scale, the surface roughness of the mating surface. The seal can thus form a tighter and more gas-tight seal with the smoother mating surface so as to decrease the loss of hydrogen gas across the seal. The smoother mating surface can also improve seal life by reducing seal surface wear.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Leonid C. Lev, Dimitri A. Podorashi, Michael J. Lukitsch, Thorsten Michler, Xingcheng Xiao
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Publication number: 20100303565Abstract: A method of creating adherent surface coatings on carbide cutting tools or other workpiece substrates through the development of polycrystalline diamond coatings or composite coatings comprising a refractory metal carbide and polycrystalline diamond is described. The coating is deposited through a sequenced chemical vapor deposition process, first using a specified gas mixture of hydrogen and a refractory metal halide to deposit a base layer of a refractory metal carbide. This step is followed by a second step in which polycrystalline diamond is deposited from a gas mixture comprising a hydrocarbon and hydrogen. Co-deposition of refractory metal carbide and diamond in the second step to create a toughened diamond coating is also contemplated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2009Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Xingcheng Xiao, Leonid C. Lev, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Publication number: 20100276047Abstract: One exemplary embodiment of a wheel rim comprises magnesium. The wheel rim has one or more flange(s) that are constructed and arranged to seat a bead portion of a tire. One exemplary embodiment of a wear resistant coating is located over the flange on at least a part of a section of the flange(s) that opposes the bead portion of the tire.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Ravi Verma, Michael J. Lukitsch
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Publication number: 20090324937Abstract: A layered coating is disclosed herein. The layered coating includes a chromium layer, an intermediate layer of chromium and nitrogen established on the chromium layer, and an outer layer of chromium and nitrogen established on the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer has a gradually changing composition, wherein the chromium concentration decreases from an area of the intermediate layer adjacent the chromium layer towards a surface of the layered coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Leonid C. Lev, Michael J. Lukitsch, Yang T. Cheng, Anita M. Weiner, Robert F. Paluch, Neil E. Anderson
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Publication number: 20090242043Abstract: Hydrogen gas flow from high pressure storage to a lower pressure hydrogen-using device is managed using one or more axial flow pressure regulators comprising a cup-shaped housing with an inlet for high pressure hydrogen gas at one end of the flow axis and a closure with a low pressure hydrogen outlet at the other end of the flow axis. A piston head with a piston stem are aligned on the flow axis and a hydrogen flow passage is formed up the stem and through the piston head to the hydrogen flow outlet. One or more combinations of a corrugated tubular bellows (or like expansive sealing vessel) with static seals attaching one bellows end to the piston stem or head and the other bellows end to the housing or closure are used to accommodate axial movement of the piston while isolating and containing hydrogen gas flow from a high pressure chamber at a flow entrance to the piston stem to a low hydrogen pressure chamber at the piston head and closure outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Leonid C. Lev, Dimitri A. Podorashi, Michael J. Lukitsch, Rainer Pechtold, Hans Weidner