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).
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Patent number: 8776741Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy L. Neal, Ronald Jay Pierik, Hong Wai Nguyen, Adrian E. Towns
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Patent number: 8667940Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jason C. Melecosky, Timothy L. Neal
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Publication number: 20130042826Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: JASON C. MELECOSKY, TIMOTHY L. NEAL
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Patent number: 8371257Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 10, 2010Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Inventors: Joseph J. Moon, Timothy L. Neal
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Publication number: 20120222637Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: TIMOTHY L. NEAL, RONALD JAY PIERIK, HONG WAI NGUYEN, ADRIAN E. TOWNS
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Patent number: 8151756Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Timothy L. Neal
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Patent number: 8127597Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventors: David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Timothy L. Neal, Mike M. McDonald
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Patent number: 8074614Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Jeff L. Swain, Miguel A. Raimao
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Publication number: 20110220047Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: JOSEPH J. MOON, TIMOTHY L. NEAL
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Patent number: 7891329Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Timothy L. Neal, Vimesh M. Patel, Craig D. Marriott
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Publication number: 20100147248Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Timothy L. Neal
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Publication number: 20100064990Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Jeff L. Swain
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Patent number: 7677211Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Vimesh M. Patel, Timothy L. Neal
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Patent number: 7631631Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 1, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L Neal, Joseph J Moon
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Publication number: 20090188755Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: David R. Staley, Bryan K. Pryor, William C. Albertson, Timothy L. Neal, Mike M. Mc Donald
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Patent number: 7513226Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 1, 2007Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Jeff L. Swain, Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Joseph J. Moon
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Publication number: 20090031982Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Timothy L. Neal, Joseph J. Moon
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Publication number: 20090007873Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Timothy L. Neal, Vimesh M. Patel, Craig D. Marriott
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Patent number: 7464677Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Timothy L. Neal, Vimesh M. Patel, Craig D. Marriott
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Publication number: 20080295787Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Jeff L. Swain, Craig D. Marriott, Timothy L. Neal, Joseph J. Moon