Patents by Inventor Timothy L. Neal

Timothy L. Neal 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: 8776741
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine structure, a camshaft supported on the engine structure, a first cam phaser coupled to a first axial end of the camshaft, and a locating pin. The camshaft includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first cam lobe and a second cam lobe. The first shaft defines a first opening. The second shaft is supported within the first shaft and defines a second opening. The first cam lobe is located on and fixed for rotation with the first shaft. The second cam lobe may be located on the first shaft and fixed for rotation with the second shaft. During assembly, the first cam phaser is located on the camshaft and the locating pin may be inserted through the first and second openings to rotationally fix the first and second shafts. The first cam phaser is then secured to the camshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy L. Neal, Ronald Jay Pierik, Hong Wai Nguyen, Adrian E. Towns
  • Patent number: 8667940
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block, a cylinder head coupled to the engine block and first and second lubrication systems. The first lubrication system includes a first pump in communication with the engine block and providing a first fluid to the engine block. The second lubrication system is isolated from the first lubrication system and includes a second pump in communication with the cylinder head and providing a second fluid to the cylinder head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Jason C. Melecosky, Timothy L. Neal
  • Publication number: 20130042826
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine block, a cylinder head coupled to the engine block and first and second lubrication systems. The first lubrication system includes a first pump in communication with the engine block and providing a first fluid to the engine block. The second lubrication system is isolated from the first lubrication system and includes a second pump in communication with the cylinder head and providing a second fluid to the cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: JASON C. MELECOSKY, TIMOTHY L. NEAL
  • Patent number: 8371257
    Abstract: A cam phaser assembly may include a first stator, a first rotor, a second stator and a second rotor. The first stator may be driven by an engine crankshaft. The first rotor may be coupled to a first end of a concentric camshaft and located within the first stator. The first rotor and the first stator may cooperate to define a first set of fluid chambers. The second stator may be fixed for rotation with the first rotor and the first shaft. The second rotor may be coupled to the first end of the concentric camshaft and fixed for rotation with the second shaft and located within the second stator. The second rotor and the second stator may cooperate to define a second set of fluid chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Joseph J. Moon, Timothy L. Neal
  • Publication number: 20120222637
    Abstract: An engine assembly includes an engine structure, a camshaft supported on the engine structure, a first cam phaser coupled to a first axial end of the camshaft, and a locating pin. The camshaft includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a first cam lobe and a second cam lobe. The first shaft defines a first opening. The second shaft is supported within the first shaft and defines a second opening. The first cam lobe is located on and fixed for rotation with the first shaft. The second cam lobe may be located on the first shaft and fixed for rotation with the second shaft. During assembly, the first cam phaser is located on the camshaft and the locating pin may be inserted through the first and second openings to rotationally fix the first and second shafts. The first cam phaser is then secured to the camshaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: TIMOTHY L. NEAL, RONALD JAY PIERIK, HONG WAI NGUYEN, ADRIAN E. TOWNS
  • Patent number: 8151756
    Abstract: A balance shaft housing is provided that includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, with the first housing and the second housing configured to cooperatively define first and second balance shaft chambers. A cover member is secured to the second housing portion and cooperates with the first and second housing portions to define an air flow path outside of the chambers for circulating air to the balance shaft chambers. A method of assembling a balance shaft housing is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Timothy L. Neal
  • Patent number: 8127597
    Abstract: An engine oil system comprises an oil condition sensing device and a control module. The oil condition sensing device includes an electrically actuated member and is in fluid communication with an engine oil reservoir. The control module selectively causes current to be supplied to the oil condition sensing device to actuate the member, measures the current, determines a parameter of the current, and selectively identifies at least two of an oil level, an oil change event, and an oil viscosity level based on the parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Timothy L. Neal, Mike M. McDonald
  • Patent number: 8074614
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include a cylinder head defining an engine coolant reservoir, a pressurized fluid supply, a valve actuation assembly, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir. The valve actuation assembly may be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply and may include a valve member displaceable by a force applied by the pressurized fluid supply. The hydraulic fluid reservoir may be in fluid communication with the valve actuation assembly and in a heat exchange relation to the engine coolant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Jeff L. Swain, Miguel A. Raimao
  • Publication number: 20110220047
    Abstract: A cam phaser assembly may include a first stator, a first rotor, a second stator and a second rotor. The first stator may be driven by an engine crankshaft. The first rotor may be coupled to a first end of a concentric camshaft and located within the first stator. The first rotor and the first stator may cooperate to define a first set of fluid chambers. The second stator may be fixed for rotation with the first rotor and the first shaft. The second rotor may be coupled to the first end of the concentric camshaft and fixed for rotation with the second shaft and located within the second stator. The second rotor and the second stator may cooperate to define a second set of fluid chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: JOSEPH J. MOON, TIMOTHY L. NEAL
  • Patent number: 7891329
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a lash adjuster feed channel for an engine assembly. The engine assembly includes first and second sets of hydraulic lash adjusters responsive to a variation in hydraulic fluid pressure to cause a variation in lift of first and second sets of engine valves respectively operatively connected thereto. The cylinder head defines a first feed passage in fluid communication with the first set of hydraulic lash adjusters, and a second feed passage in fluid communication with the second set of hydraulic lash adjusters. The valve lift of the first set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the first feed passage, and the valve lift of the second set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the second feed passage. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy L. Neal, Vimesh M. Patel, Craig D. Marriott
  • Publication number: 20100147248
    Abstract: A balance shaft housing is provided that includes a first housing portion, a second housing portion operatively connected to the first housing portion, with the first housing and the second housing configured to cooperatively define first and second balance shaft chambers. A cover member is secured to the second housing portion and cooperates with the first and second housing portions to define an air flow path outside of the chambers for circulating air to the balance shaft chambers. A method of assembling a balance shaft housing is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Neal
  • Publication number: 20100064990
    Abstract: An engine assembly may include a cylinder head defining an engine coolant reservoir, a pressurized fluid supply, a valve actuation assembly, and a hydraulic fluid reservoir. The valve actuation assembly may be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid supply and may include a valve member displaceable by a force applied by the pressurized fluid supply. The hydraulic fluid reservoir may be in fluid communication with the valve actuation assembly and in a heat exchange relation to the engine coolant reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Jeff L. Swain
  • Patent number: 7677211
    Abstract: A single hydraulic circuit module is provided for controlling valve lift at multiple cylinders in an engine. The single module includes a housing that at least partially forms a supply passage and a control passage. The supply passage is in fluid communication with the fluid supply and the control passage is in fluid communication with the feed passage. At least one solenoid valve is provided and supported by the housing positioned between the supply passage and the control passage. The solenoid valve is controllable to vary fluid flow from the supply passage to the control passage to permit adjustment of hydraulic lift assemblies to vary lift of engine valves in response to control of the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Vimesh M. Patel, Timothy L. Neal
  • Patent number: 7631631
    Abstract: A cylinder head assembly for an internal combustion engine is provided having a cylinder head adapted to contain at least one switchable valvetrain element operable to selectively deactivate at least one intake valve and at least one other switchable valvetrain element operable to selectively deactivate at least one exhaust valve. The cylinder head defines at least one feed passage operable to selectively communicate fluid pressure to the at least one switchable valvetrain element to selectively deactivate the at least one intake valve. The cylinder head defines at least one other feed passage operable to selectively communicate fluid pressure to the at least one other switchable valvetrain element to selectively deactivate the at least one exhaust valve. An oil communication manifold is mounted to the head and defines at least one communication passage operable to enable communication of fluid pressure between the at least one feed passage and the at least one other feed passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L Neal, Joseph J Moon
  • Publication number: 20090188755
    Abstract: An engine oil system comprises an oil condition sensing device and a control module. The oil condition sensing device includes an electrically actuated member and is in fluid communication with an engine oil reservoir. The control module selectively causes current to be supplied to the oil condition sensing device to actuate the member, measures the current, determines a parameter of the current, and selectively identifies at least two of an oil level, an oil change event, and an oil viscosity level based on the parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Timothy L. Neal, Mike M. Mc Donald
  • Patent number: 7513226
    Abstract: An engine is provided having an engine block, a cylinder head mounted to the engine block, a valve train mounted to the cylinder head, and a cam cover extending over the valve train and mounted to the cylinder head. A hydraulic system for providing a hydraulic fluid to the valve train is included. The hydraulic system has a first passage extending from the engine block through the cylinder head to the cam cover and connected to a second passage. The second passage extends along a length of the cam cover and is connected to an oil control valve. At least one control passage extends from the oil control valve through the cam cover to the valve train. The oil control valve is mounted to a port in the cam cover and extends into the cam cover in a direction along a width of the cam cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff L. Swain, Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Joseph J. Moon
  • Publication number: 20090031982
    Abstract: A cylinder head assembly for an internal combustion engine is provided having a cylinder head adapted to contain at least one switchable valvetrain element operable to selectively deactivate at least one intake valve and at least one other switchable valvetrain element operable to selectively deactivate at least one exhaust valve. The cylinder head defines at least one feed passage operable to selectively communicate fluid pressure to the at least one switchable valvetrain element to selectively deactivate the at least one intake valve. The cylinder head defines at least one other feed passage operable to selectively communicate fluid pressure to the at least one other switchable valvetrain element to selectively deactivate the at least one exhaust valve. An oil communication manifold is mounted to the head and defines at least one communication passage operable to enable communication of fluid pressure between the at least one feed passage and the at least one other feed passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Neal, Joseph J. Moon
  • Publication number: 20090007873
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a lash adjuster feed channel for an engine assembly. The engine assembly includes first and second sets of hydraulic lash adjusters responsive to a variation in hydraulic fluid pressure to cause a variation in lift of first and second sets of engine valves respectively operatively connected thereto. The cylinder head defines a first feed passage in fluid communication with the first set of hydraulic lash adjusters, and a second feed passage in fluid communication with the second set of hydraulic lash adjusters. The valve lift of the first set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the first feed passage, and the valve lift of the second set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the second feed passage. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Neal, Vimesh M. Patel, Craig D. Marriott
  • Patent number: 7464677
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a lash adjuster feed channel for an engine assembly. The engine assembly includes first and second sets of hydraulic lash adjusters responsive to a variation in hydraulic fluid pressure to cause a variation in lift of first and second sets of engine valves respectively operatively connected thereto. The cylinder head defines a first feed passage in fluid communication with the first set of hydraulic lash adjusters, and a second feed passage in fluid communication with the second set of hydraulic lash adjusters. The valve lift of the first set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the first feed passage, and the valve lift of the second set of engine valves is independently variable by controlling the transfer of hydraulic pressure in the second feed passage. A corresponding method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy L. Neal, Vimesh M. Patel, Craig D. Marriott
  • Publication number: 20080295787
    Abstract: An engine is provided having an engine block, a cylinder head mounted to the engine block, a valve train mounted to the cylinder head, and a cam cover extending over the valve train and mounted to the cylinder head. A hydraulic system for providing a hydraulic fluid to the valve train is included. The hydraulic system has a first passage extending from the engine block through the cylinder head to the cam cover and connected to a second passage. The second passage extends along a length of the cam cover and is connected to an oil control valve. At least one control passage extends from the oil control valve through the cam cover to the valve train. The oil control valve is mounted to a port in the cam cover and extends into the cam cover in a direction along a width of the cam cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Jeff L. Swain, Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Joseph J. Moon