Daniel B O'Connell

US Patent:

48481890, Jul 18, 1989

Filed:

Jul 25, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/223354

Inventors:

Robert C. Simon - Novi MI
Daniel B. O'Connell - Rochester NY
David C. Poirier - Troy MI
John A. Calkins - Ann Arbor MI
Richard A. Marsh - Birmingham MI
Peter M. Medich - Birmingham MI
Richard C. Mamolen - Brighton MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60K 4108

US Classification:

74872

Abstract:

A throttle follower controller for establishing a release throttle position upon the release of the throttle by the vehicle operator which is maintained at a specified value for a predetermined time if the vehicle transmission is experiencing an upshift or if an upshift will occur upon the release of the throttle to provide for a smooth upshift. Upon completion of the upshift or if no upshift will occur upon release of the throttle, a controlled transition of the throttle angle to a predetermined lower coastdown value is established to prevent drive-on while preventing a sudden harsh drive line jerk upon release of the vehicle throttle.

US Patent:

62309498, May 15, 2001

Filed:

Nov 2, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/431324

Inventors:

Daniel M O'Connell - Linden MI
Harold B Thibodeau - Madison Heights MI
Chris E Ralko - White Lake MI

Assignee:

DaimlerChrysler Corporation - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

B60R 1106

US Classification:

224557

Abstract:

A vehicle jack and tool assembly is provided. The assembly includes a body member having a handle and means to connect a vehicle jack, lug nut wrench, and a plurality of jack handles thereto. The body member also includes an attachment mechanism for selectively engaging said assembly to a vehicle.

US Patent:

61959995, Mar 6, 2001

Filed:

Jan 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/478672

Inventors:

Gerd Arnold - Nauheim, DE
Jonas Bereisa - Bloomfield Hills MI
Michael A. Stratton - Rochester NY
James V. McManis - Batavia NY
William S. Wheat - Rochester NY
Lee Curtis Whitehead - Middleport NY
Daniel B. O'Connell - Rochester NY
Steve McIlwaine - Penfield NY

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F01K 2506

US Classification:

60649

Abstract:

An electrochemical engine for a vehicle comprises a storage tank containing hydrogen-retention material which reversibly takes-up and stores hydrogen at a hydrogen-storage temperature and releases it upon heating to a release temperature. A fuel cell stack using the released hydrogen produces electricity and heat by-product. A primary coolant flow circuit extends from a radiator, through the fuel cell stack and the storage tank, and back to the radiator, and has a coolant-distribution valve intermediate the fuel cell stack and the storage tank. A bypass coolant flow line extends from the coolant-distribution valve to the radiator. During operation, the heat by-product of the fuel cell stack is transferred via the primary coolant flow circuit to the storage tank for heating the hydrogen-retention material to release hydrogen for fueling the fuel cell stack. The electrochemical engine further comprises a heat generator within a superheater coolant flow loop having a bypass valve intermediate the storage tank and the radiator operable to keep coolant within the superheater coolant flow loop and a secondary pump to circulate the coolant. Coolant in the superheater coolant flow loop is heated by the heat generator and circulated through the storage tank to further release hydrogen gas from the hydrogen-retention material.