Patents by Inventor Rodney K. Elnick
Rodney K. Elnick 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: 8448617Abstract: An engine assembly may include a camshaft rotationally supported on an engine structure. The camshaft may include a first shaft, a second shaft located in and rotatable relative to the first shaft and a partial cam lobe located on the first shaft. The partial cam lobe may include a peak region and may define a partial bore. A radial distance defined by the partial bore between first and second circumferential ends of the partial bore may be greater than or equal to a radial width of the first shaft. The partial cam lobe may define a recess extending in a radial direction through the partial bore and into the partial cam lobe. The camshaft may include a sleeve located within a radial passage defined by the second shaft and the recess in the partial cam lobe and radially locating the partial cam lobe relative to the second shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Rodney K. Elnick, Ronald Jay Pierik
-
Patent number: 8272359Abstract: A camshaft assembly may include a assembly and a shaft. The cam assembly may include a hollow structure with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A plurality of projections may be located on the exterior surface of the hollow structure. The interior surface of the cam assembly may define a recess axially aligned with at least one of the plurality of projections. At least one of the plurality of projections may define an undercut portion. The cam assembly may be coupled with the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Rodney K. Elnick, Glenn E. Clever, Shekhar G. Wakade
-
Publication number: 20120097120Abstract: An engine assembly may include a camshaft rotationally supported on an engine structure. The camshaft may include a first shaft, a second shaft located in and rotatable relative to the first shaft and a partial cam lobe located on the first shaft. The partial cam lobe may include a peak region and may define a partial bore. A radial distance defined by the partial bore between first and second circumferential ends of the partial bore may be greater than or equal to a radial width of the first shaft. The partial cam lobe may define a recess extending in a radial direction through the partial bore and into the partial cam lobe. The camshaft may include a sleeve located within a radial passage defined by the second shaft and the recess in the partial cam lobe and radially locating the partial cam lobe relative to the second shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: GLENN E. CLEVER, RODNEY K. ELNICK, RONALD JAY PIERIK
-
Patent number: 8091533Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, a cylinder head, a fuel injector, and a fuel rail. The engine block may define a cylinder bore. The cylinder head may be coupled to the engine block and may define an intake port, an exhaust port, and a centrally located fuel injector opening between the intake port and the exhaust port. The fuel injector opening may be in direct communication with the cylinder bore. The fuel injector may be located within the fuel injector opening. The fuel rail may overlay the fuel injector opening and may be in communication with a fuel supply and the fuel injector.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kwok Y. Ng, Joel Cowgill, Rodney K. Elnick
-
Publication number: 20110220044Abstract: A camshaft assembly may include a assembly and a shaft. The cam assembly may include a hollow structure with an interior surface and an exterior surface. A plurality of projections may be located on the exterior surface of the hollow structure. The interior surface of the cam assembly may define a recess axially aligned with at least one of the plurality of projections. At least one of the plurality of projections may define an undercut portion. The cam assembly may be coupled with the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: RODNEY K. ELNICK, GLENN E. CLEVER, SHEKHAR G. WAKADE
-
Patent number: 7980216Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a rocker arm assembly supported by the engine structure, and a camshaft. The rocker arm assembly may include a lever body, a support member coupled to the lever body, and a first roller member supported for rotation on the support member. The first roller member may include an annular body having first and second axial ends and an inner bore. The inner bore may receive the support member and include a groove extending from the first axial end to the second axial end. The groove may include a first portion at the first axial end rotationally offset relative to a second portion at the second axial end of the annular body. The first roller member may be rotated by rotation of the camshaft and the groove may be adapted to pump oil along the bore when the first roller member is rotated.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Rodney K. Elnick, Ronald Jay Pierik
-
Patent number: 7934477Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a rocker arm assembly supported by the engine structure, a camshaft rotatably supported on the engine structure and engaged with the rocker arm assembly, and a valve member engaged with the rocker arm assembly. The rocker arm assembly may include a lever body having a first end engaged with the valve member and a second end defining a pivot point and having an opening therethrough, an arm assembly including a first end rotatably coupled to the first end of the lever body and a second end including a latch, and a locking mechanism located within the opening in the lever body and including a latch pin having a recess therein and a guide holder including a finger extending into the recess preventing rotation of the latch pin relative to the guide holder.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Rodney K. Elnick, Michael Smith
-
Patent number: 7849828Abstract: A rocker arm assembly includes a lever body having a first end defining a pivot point, a second end for engagement with a valve train and a central opening extending therethrough. An eccentric bearing is received in the central opening, the eccentric bearing having an eccentric opening therein. The eccentric opening having at least one thrust absorbing key extending radially inward from a surface of the eccentric opening. An eccentric pivot shaft is supported by the eccentric bearing, the eccentric pivot shaft including at least one radially inwardly extending slot located and sized to receive the at least one thrust absorbing key in an assembled position. A first cam follower is disposed on the eccentric bearing and second and third cam followers are each disposed on opposite ends of the eccentric pivot shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Rodney K. Elnick, Ronald Jay Pierik
-
Patent number: 7849829Abstract: A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Rodney K. Elnick, Roy Glenn Kaywood
-
Publication number: 20100236525Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, a cylinder head, a fuel injector, and a fuel rail. The engine block may define a cylinder bore. The cylinder head may be coupled to the engine block and may define an intake port, an exhaust port, and a centrally located fuel injector opening between the intake port and the exhaust port. The fuel injector opening may be in direct communication with the cylinder bore. The fuel injector may be located within the fuel injector opening. The fuel rail may overlay the fuel injector opening and may be in communication with a fuel supply and the fuel injector.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Kwok Y. Ng, Joel Cowgill, Rodney K. Elnick
-
Patent number: 7673606Abstract: A two step rocker assembly is provided having a lever body, a first roller assembly mounted to the lever body, and a center shaft extending through the first roller assembly. A second shaft extends through the lever body and defines a first pivot point. A coupling lever is pivotally connected to the second shaft and has an opening for receiving the center shaft. The coupling lever is rotatable about the first pivot point. A latch pin is mounted to the lever body. A second roller assembly is mounted on the center shaft. A spring lever is pivotally connected to the second shaft and is connected to the center shaft. The spring lever is rotatable about the first pivot point. A spring member is mounted on the lever body and engages the spring lever to bias the spring lever and the center shaft into the first position.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Kwok Y. Ng, Glenn E. Clever, Rodney K. Elnick
-
Publication number: 20100043737Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a rocker arm assembly supported by the engine structure, a camshaft rotatably supported on the engine structure and engaged with the rocker arm assembly, and a valve member engaged with the rocker arm assembly. The rocker arm assembly may include a lever body having a first end engaged with the valve member and a second end defining a pivot point and having an opening therethrough, an arm assembly including a first end rotatably coupled to the first end of the lever body and a second end including a latch, and a locking mechanism located within the opening in the lever body and including a latch pin having a recess therein and a guide holder including a finger extending into the recess preventing rotation of the latch pin relative to the guide holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2008Publication date: February 25, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Rodney K. Elnick, Michael Smith
-
Publication number: 20090229551Abstract: A camshaft may include a first shaft, a first lobe member fixed to the first shaft, a second lobe member fixed to the first shaft, and a third lobe member. The first lobe member may include a first lobe portion and a first bearing portion extending axially from the first lobe portion. The second lobe member may include a second lobe portion and a second bearing portion extending axially from the second lobe portion toward the first bearing portion. The third lobe member may include a first end that is rotatably supported on the first bearing portion and a second end that is rotatably supported on the second bearing portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Glenn E. Clever, Rodney K. Elnick, Roy Glenn Kaywood
-
Publication number: 20090229554Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a rocker arm assembly supported by the engine structure, and a camshaft. The rocker arm assembly may include a lever body, a support member coupled to the lever body, and a first roller member supported for rotation on the support member. The first roller member may include an annular body having first and second axial ends and an inner bore. The inner bore may receive the support member and include a groove extending from the first axial end to the second axial end. The groove may include a first portion at the first axial end rotationally offset relative to a second portion at the second axial end of the annular body. The first roller member may be rotated by rotation of the camshaft and the groove may be adapted to pump oil along the bore when the first roller member is rotated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2008Publication date: September 17, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Rodney K. Elnick, Ronald Jay Pierik
-
Publication number: 20090223473Abstract: A rocker arm assembly includes a lever body having a first end defining a pivot point, a second end for engagement with a valve train and a central opening extending therethrough. An eccentric bearing is received in the central opening, the eccentric bearing having an eccentric opening therein. The eccentric opening having at least one thrust absorbing key extending radially inward from a surface of the eccentric opening. An eccentric pivot shaft is supported by the eccentric bearing, the eccentric pivot shaft including at least one radially inwardly extending slot located and sized to receive the at least one thrust absorbing key in an assembled position. A first cam follower is disposed on the eccentric bearing and second and third cam followers are each disposed on opposite ends of the eccentric pivot shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Rodney K. Elnick, Ronald Jay Pierik
-
Publication number: 20080314347Abstract: A two step rocker assembly is provided having a lever body, a first roller assembly mounted to the lever body, and a center shaft extending through the first roller assembly. A second shaft extends through the lever body and defines a first pivot point. A coupling lever is pivotally connected to the second shaft and has an opening for receiving the center shaft. The coupling lever is rotatable about the first pivot point. A latch pin is mounted to the lever body. A second roller assembly is mounted on the center shaft. A spring lever is pivotally connected to the second shaft and is connected to the center shaft. The spring lever is rotatable about the first pivot point. A spring member is mounted on the lever body and engages the spring lever to bias the spring lever and the center shaft into the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: KWOK Y. NG, Glenn E. Clever, Rodney K. Elnick
-
Patent number: 6840156Abstract: A cast engine piston has a crown with a combustion surface and an undercrown for exposure to crankcase fluids. A plurality of pins extend from the undercrown to increase the surface area of the undercrown. The pins draw heat from the crown and dissipate the heat to the crankcase fluids. Crankcase oil may be sprayed, splashed, or misted against the pins to further increase heat dissipation.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mark W. Gillman, Rodney K. Elnick, Todd R. Ridley
-
Publication number: 20040261612Abstract: A cast engine piston has a crown with a combustion surface and an undercrown for exposure to crankcase fluids. A plurality of pins extend from the undercrown to increase the surface area of the undercrown. The pins draw heat from the crown and dissipate the heat to the crankcase fluids. Crankcase oil may be sprayed, splashed, or misted against the pins to further increase heat dissipation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Mark W. Gillman, Rodney K. Elnick, Todd R. Ridley
-
Publication number: 20040155125Abstract: A high pressure fluid jet nozzle has a generally cylindrical body with inlet and outlet ends, a through passage with an entry portion extending to at least one laser cut orifice at the outlet end of the body. The body has a smooth outlet end through which the laser is configured entirely by laser cutting. The entry portion of the through passage preferably has a hemispherical end penetrated by the orifice. Manufacturing steps including laser cutting of the orifice or orifices and optional electrical discharge machining of the hemispherical end of the entry portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Inventors: Martin S. Kramer, Tracy L. Kramer, Larry E. Byrnes, Rodney K. Elnick
-
Patent number: 4698885Abstract: A fixture and mechanism for guiding and installing body bound bolts in the bolt openings of engine connecting rods and the like. The device uses an air cylinder to advance an impact hammer driving push rods to engage the bolts. The air cylinder applies only a moderate force sufficient to advance the impact hammer to a position to impact the bolts. The impact force of the pneumatic air hammer is required to advance the bolts into press fitting engagement within the connecting rod openings. The method of using impact forces to drive the bolts into press fitting engagement while advancing the impact hammer with a lower force air cylinder accomplishes installation of the bolts with a relatively small and low cost fixture and equipment as described.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1985Date of Patent: October 13, 1987Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Charles E. Frost, Rodney K. Elnick