Patents by Inventor Thomas Richard Durkin
Thomas Richard Durkin 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: 8781647Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a communication module and a vehicle stop module. The communication module receives a command from a vehicle services provider (VSP) to decrease a speed of the vehicle to a desired speed, wherein the VSP is located remotely with respect to the vehicle. In response to the received command, the vehicle stop module decreases the speed of the vehicle to the desired speed by controlling at least one of a transmission, an electronic parking brake, and electronically assisted brakes.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: Thomas Richard Durkin, Richard B. Jess, John Douglas Tursell
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Patent number: 8577578Abstract: A method of controlling torque on a vehicle wheel axle includes comparing a torque intervention request to a predetermined minimum axle torque for a current vehicle speed and a current direction of motion of the vehicle. The predetermined minimum axle torque decreases as vehicle speed in an operator-selected direction of motion increases. An arbitrated axle torque is calculated based on an operator-requested torque, the current vehicle speed, the current direction of motion, and the greater of the torque intervention request and the predetermined minimum torque. Axle torque is applied to the vehicle's wheel axle based at least partially on the arbitrated axle torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Richard B. Jess, Danny Abdow, Thomas Richard Durkin
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Patent number: 8464698Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, a first cylinder head, and an air intake assembly. The engine block may include a first bank defining a first set of cylinders. The first cylinder head may be fixed to the first bank and may include a first set of intake ports. The air intake assembly may include an intake air tube, a crankcase ventilation housing integrally formed with the intake air tube, and an oil separation assembly located within the crankcase ventilation housing. The intake air tube may be in communication with the first set of intake ports and an air source. The crankcase ventilation housing may have a wall at least partially defined by the intake air tube.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventors: Thomas Richard Durkin, Alan E. Rice
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Publication number: 20130096797Abstract: A method of controlling torque on a vehicle wheel axle includes comparing a torque intervention request to a predetermined minimum axle torque for a current vehicle speed and a current direction of motion of the vehicle. The predetermined minimum axle torque decreases as vehicle speed in an operator-selected direction of motion increases. An arbitrated axle torque is calculated based on an operator-requested torque, the current vehicle speed, the current direction of motion, and the greater of the torque intervention request and the predetermined minimum torque. Axle torque is applied to the vehicle's wheel axle based at least partially on the arbitrated axle torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Christopher E. Whitney, Richard B. Jess, Danny Abdow, Thomas Richard Durkin
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Patent number: 8364372Abstract: A hybrid powertrain and a method of controlling a throttle in an engine of the hybrid powertrain are provided. A throttle system has a throttle at an optimal position for the engine to power a first motor/generator when an electric throttle motor is de-energized to minimize current consumption by the throttle motor. The electric throttle motor is energizable to adjust the position of the throttle. A biasing member biases the throttle to a default position when the electric throttle motor is not energized. The hybrid powertrain has a first motor/generator operatively connected to the engine, and a second motor/generator operatively connected to the generator and operable for providing output power. The engine is operable in a predetermined optimal state to provide power to the generator for powering the first motor/generator. The throttle is at a predetermined position when the engine is in the predetermined optimal state.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James L. Worthing, John N. Stockbridge, Thomas Richard Durkin, Joseph E. Ploucha, Richard B. Jess, Brian D. Essenmacher
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Publication number: 20120173046Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a communication module and a vehicle stop module. The communication module receives a command from a vehicle services provider (VSP) to decrease a speed of the vehicle to a desired speed, wherein the VSP is located remotely with respect to the vehicle. In response to the received command, the vehicle stop module decreases the speed of the vehicle to the desired speed by controlling at least one of a transmission, an electronic parking brake, and electronically assisted brakes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2011Publication date: July 5, 2012Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Thomas Richard Durkin, Richard B. Jess, John Douglas Tursell
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Publication number: 20120029742Abstract: A hybrid powertrain and a method of controlling a throttle in an engine of the hybrid powertrain are provided. A throttle system has a throttle at an optimal position for the engine to power a first motor/generator when an electric throttle motor is de-energized to minimize current consumption by the throttle motor. The electric throttle motor is energizable to adjust the position of the throttle. A biasing member biases the throttle to a default position when the electric throttle motor is not energized. The hybrid powertrain has a first motor/generator operatively connected to the engine, and a second motor/generator operatively connected to the generator and operable for providing output power. The engine is operable in a predetermined optimal state to provide power to the generator for powering the first motor/generator. The throttle is at a predetermined position when the engine is in the predetermined optimal state.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: James L. Worthing, John N. Stockbridge, Thomas Richard Durkin, Joseph E. Ploucha, Richard B. Jess, Brian D. Essenmacher
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Patent number: 7946781Abstract: An assembly for connecting a component having a base to a surface includes a fastener and a retainer having a clamp portion for capturing a shank of the fastener, and for aligning the fastener and an optional gasket with the base. The retainer automatically separates from the fastener when the fastener is tightened, and may include a recovery feature to allow recovery of the retainer after separation. A method for facilitating connection of a component and gasket to a surface includes inserting a threaded fastener into a base of the component, capturing the fastener within a clamp portion of a retainer, and positioning a surface of the retainer adjacent to the base. A tab portion of a gasket or the base can be inserted into a slot in the retainer to thereby secure the retainer to the base prior to connecting the component to the surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Roman Mudel, Robert J. Moran, Thomas Richard Durkin, Iain J. Read
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Patent number: 7770692Abstract: An example embodiment of an acoustic treatment for an engine having at least one engine component extending substantially therefrom includes a base layer having a first base surface and an opposing second base surface. The first base surface is configured to mate with an exterior surface of the engine. The example embodiment also includes a secondary layer having a secondary layer mating surface and an opposing secondary layer outer surface. The secondary layer mating surface is configured to mate with the second base surface at a mating interface. The interface provides a pass-through location for the at least one engine component.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gary J. Hazelton, Thomas Richard Durkin
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Publication number: 20090266326Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, a first cylinder head, and an air intake assembly. The engine block may include a first bank defining a first set of cylinders. The first cylinder head may be fixed to the first bank and may include a first set of intake ports. The air intake assembly may include an intake air tube, a crankcase ventilation housing integrally formed with the intake air tube, and an oil separation assembly located within the crankcase ventilation housing. The intake air tube may be in communication with the first set of intake ports and an air source. The crankcase ventilation housing may have a wall at least partially defined by the intake air tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Thomas Richard Durkin, Alan E. Rice
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Publication number: 20090257822Abstract: An assembly for connecting a component having a base to a surface includes a fastener and a retainer having a clamp portion for capturing a shank of the fastener, and for aligning the fastener and an optional gasket with the base. The retainer automatically separates from the fastener when the fastener is tightened, and may include a recovery feature to allow recovery of the retainer after separation. A method for facilitating connection of a component and gasket to a surface includes inserting a threaded fastener into a base of the component, capturing the fastener within a clamp portion of a retainer, and positioning a surface of the retainer adjacent to the base. A tab portion of a gasket or the base can be inserted into a slot in the retainer to thereby secure the retainer to the base prior to connecting the component to the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Roman Mudel, Robert J. Moran, Thomas Richard Durkin, Iain J. Read
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Patent number: 7571701Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, first and second cylinder heads, and first and second valvetrain covers fixed to the first and second cylinder heads. The engine block may include first and second cylinder banks disposed at an angle relative to one another to form a V-configuration. The first cylinder head may be fixed to the first bank and may include a first set of intake and exhaust ports. The second cylinder head may be fixed to the second bank and may include a second set of intake and exhaust ports. The first and second sets of exhaust ports may be located proximate a center of the V-configuration. The first valvetrain cover may include a first air inlet in communication with the first set of intake ports. The second valvetrain cover may include a second air inlet in communication with the second set of intake ports.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Alan E. Rice, Thomas Richard Durkin, Robert J. Moran
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Publication number: 20090194063Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine block, first and second cylinder heads, and first and second valvetrain covers fixed to the first and second cylinder heads. The engine block may include first and second cylinder banks disposed at an angle relative to one another to form a V-configuration. The first cylinder head may be fixed to the first bank and may include a first set of intake and exhaust ports. The second cylinder head may be fixed to the second bank and may include a second set of intake and exhaust ports. The first and second sets of exhaust ports may be located proximate a center of the V-configuration. The first valvetrain cover may include a first air inlet in communication with the first set of intake ports. The second valvetrain cover may include a second air inlet in communication with the second set of intake ports.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Alan E. Rice, Thomas Richard Durkin, Robert J. Moran
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Publication number: 20090071747Abstract: An example embodiment of an acoustic treatment for an engine having at least one engine component extending substantially therefrom includes a base layer having a first base surface and an opposing second base surface. The first base surface is configured to mate with an exterior surface of the engine. The example embodiment also includes a secondary layer having a secondary layer mating surface and an opposing secondary layer outer surface. The secondary layer mating surface is configured to mate with the second base surface at a mating interface. The interface provides a pass-through location for the at least one engine component.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Gary J. Hazelton, Thomas Richard Durkin