Patents by Inventor Sean M. McGowan

Sean M. McGowan 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: 9175585
    Abstract: A fluid level detection device for a chamber containing a fluid includes a sensor configured to indicate one of at least two states; a first state when a present fluid level in the chamber is above a threshold level with respect to a chamber floor, and a second state when the present fluid level in the chamber is below the threshold level. A stabilizer is configured to at least partially surround the sensor. The stabilizer includes a base portion and a plurality of sidewalls defining a storage well configured to store a portion of the fluid around the sensor. The stabilizer is configured to prevent the sensor from indicating the second state when a present fluid volume in the chamber is above a predetermined minimum amount. The stabilizer is configured to prevent the sensor from indicating a false “low fluid” state during a non-stable event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Sean M McGowan
  • Patent number: 9115835
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a fitting having an inner surface defining a passageway, an outer surface, and at least one aperture extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. A plug extends into the passageway and has a plug surface defining at least one hole. A retaining member extends through the aperture and into the hole to retain the plug with respect to the fitting. A locking member is operatively connected to the fitting and the plug, and is positioned such that the locking member restricts movement of the retaining member out of said at least one hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Sean M. McGowan
  • Publication number: 20140345977
    Abstract: A fluid level detection device for a chamber containing a fluid includes a sensor configured to indicate one of at least two states; a first state when a present fluid level in the chamber is above a threshold level with respect to a chamber floor, and a second state when the present fluid level in the chamber is below the threshold level. A stabilizer is configured to at least partially surround the sensor. The stabilizer includes a base portion and a plurality of sidewalls defining a storage well configured to store a portion of the fluid around the sensor. The stabilizer is configured to prevent the sensor from indicating the second state when a present fluid volume in the chamber is above a predetermined minimum amount. The stabilizer is configured to prevent the sensor from indicating a false “low fluid” state during a non-stable event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Sean M McGowan
  • Publication number: 20130180610
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a fitting having an inner surface defining a passageway, an outer surface, and at least one aperture extending from the outer surface to the inner surface. A plug extends into the passageway and has a plug surface defining at least one hole. A retaining member extends through the aperture and into the hole to retain the plug with respect to the fitting. A locking member is operatively connected to the fitting and the plug, and is positioned such that the locking member restricts movement of the retaining member out of said at least one hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Sean M. McGowan
  • Patent number: 8474415
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid system is provided. The valve assembly includes a damping component to reduce undesired pressure fluctuations within the system. The valve assembly includes a valve guide member and a valve member at least partially situated around the valve guide member. The valve member may be slidable relative to the valve guide member. The valve member is configured to move between a first valve member position that substantially permits fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly, and a second valve member position that substantially prevents fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly. A metering hole is formed on the valve member and adapted to dampen the motion of the valve member from the first valve member position to the second valve member position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J. Noonchester, Sean M. McGowan, Karl R. Gilgenbach
  • Publication number: 20120204985
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a fluid system is provided. The valve assembly includes a damping component to reduce undesired pressure fluctuations within the system. The valve assembly includes a valve guide member and a valve member at least partially situated around the valve guide member. The valve member may be slidable relative to the valve guide member. The valve member is configured to move between a first valve member position that substantially permits fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly, and a second valve member position that substantially prevents fluid flow from the fluid system through the valve assembly. A metering hole is formed on the valve member and adapted to dampen the motion of the valve member from the first valve member position to the second valve member position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joseph J. Noonchester, Sean M. McGowan, Karl R. Gilgenbach