Mark Andrew Hopper

US Patent:

6361287, Mar 26, 2002

Filed:

Sep 25, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/668985

Inventors:

Mark L. Hopper - Ypsilanti MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F04B 4900

US Classification:

417286

Abstract:

A fluid pumping system for an automatic transmission includes a primary pump operable to draw fluid from a sump to a main delivery line to a main hydraulic circuit of the transmission. A main circuit pressure regulator regulates pressure to the main circuit and exhausts excess fluid to a secondary delivery line to a secondary hydraulic circuit of the transmission. A secondary pump operates to draw fluid from the suction line to a discharge line. A check ball valve operates to permit one way flow from the discharge line to the secondary delivery line. A secondary circuit pressure regulator regulates pressure to the secondary circuit and operates to exhaust flow from the discharge line to a return line or from the discharge line and the secondary delivery line wherein the return line is in continuous fluid communication with the suction line to reduce hydraulic horsepower expended by the secondary pump.

US Patent:

6926639, Aug 9, 2005

Filed:

Aug 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/635304

Inventors:

Mark L. Hopper - Ypsilanti MI, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Van Buren Township MI

International Classification:

B60K041/04

US Classification:

477110, 477111

Abstract:

A method of controlling an engine and an automatic transmission of a vehicle to reduce noise, vibration and harshness issues during shutting off a vehicle engine to improve fuel economy. The method combines vehicle engine start/stop control with neutral idle control in the transmission.

US Patent:

7089894, Aug 15, 2006

Filed:

Oct 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/963892

Inventors:

Mark L. Hopper - Ypsilanti MI, US
John D. Norton - Ann Arbor MI, US
Shawn H. Swales - Canton MI, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Van Buren Township MI

International Classification:

F01L 9/04

US Classification:

123 9011, 123 9015, 123 9024, 1231933, 25112907, 25112909, 25112915, 2511292, 335235, 335276

Abstract:

A lever electromechanical valve actuator assembly and arrangement of electromechanical valve actuators that creates a compact actuator assembly to increase ease of serviceability, provide space for engine components and eliminate interference between the actuators and components in the vehicle engine compartment.

US Patent:

7255073, Aug 14, 2007

Filed:

Aug 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/929969

Inventors:

Mark L. Hopper - Ypsilanti MI, US
Shawn H. Swales - Canton MI, US

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Van Buren Township MI

International Classification:

F01L 9/02

US Classification:

123 9011, 123 9012, 25112915

Abstract:

An electromechanical valve actuator having a beginning of stroke damper to damp the impact between the armature stem and the valve stem as the valve is opened. The beginning of stroke damper includes an armature stem defining a stem passage and a valve stem including a lash compensator defining a cavity communicating with the stem passage. An oil pocket may be provided within the cavity to absorb the impact of the armature stem before the armature stem contacts the valve stem as the valve is opened. The lash compensator is configured so that the cavity has a discharge rate sufficient to ensure that the cavity completely drains at approximately the time the engine valve reaches the full open position.

US Patent:

20040149944, Aug 5, 2004

Filed:

Jan 20, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/760742

Inventors:

Mark Hopper - Ypsilanti MI, US
John Norton - Ann Arbor MI, US
Shawn Swales - Canton MI, US
Vladimir Kokotovic - Bloomfield Hills MI, US

International Classification:

F16K031/02

US Classification:

251/054000, 251/129160, 251/129100

Abstract:

An electromechanical valve including an energy absorption system to reduce or eliminate the force with which the armature contacts an electromagnet pole face. The energy absorption system absorbs kinetic energy from the armature assembly prior to the armature plate contacting the electromagnetic pole face to reduce the velocity or impact force of the armature plate against the electromagnet, thereby reducing noise, vibration, and harshness concerns associated with many electromechanical valve actuators. The cooperative nature of the energy absorption system allows damping even during short cycle times by the armature assembly.

US Patent:

20040179962, Sep 16, 2004

Filed:

Mar 12, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/386629

Inventors:

Mark Hopper - Ypsilanti MI, US

International Classification:

F04B041/06

US Classification:

417/426000

Abstract:

An apparatus and a method for controlling the pressure in an automatic transmission with an electric pump. The electric pump supplies and removes hydraulic fluid from the automatic transmission in response to various conditions. The addition of an electric pump to control pressure within the transmission allows the mechanical pump driven by the engine to be reduced in size and improve fuel economy.

US Patent:

20050001702, Jan 6, 2005

Filed:

Jun 14, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/866967

Inventors:

John Norton - Ann Arbor MI, US
Mark Hopper - Ypsilanti MI, US
Stephen Newton - Ann Arbor MI, US
Greg Smith - Canton MI, US
Shawn Swales - Canton MI, US

International Classification:

H01F007/08

US Classification:

335220000

Abstract:

An electromechanical valve actuator for use with an internal combustion engine. The electromechanical valve is formed by molding electromagnets in electromagnet receivers for easy formation and assembly of the electromechanical valve actuator. The molding material may include lubrication passages and cooling passages to improve the durability of the electromechanical valve actuator. A connector may also be integrally molded out of the molding material.

US Patent:

20050076866, Apr 14, 2005

Filed:

Sep 22, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/947632

Inventors:

Mark Hopper - Ypsilanti MI, US
John Norton - Ann Arbor MI, US
Shawn Swales - Canton MI, US

International Classification:

F01L009/04

US Classification:

123090110

Abstract:

A compact electromechanical valve actuator that allows the electromechanical valves to generally be situated in closer proximity to each other, thereby reducing overall packaging space requirements. The electromechanical valve actuator includes a connecting rod that is at least partially within the envelope of the electromagnets and armature plate. The armature plate also defines an armature envelope and the connecting rod is pivotably coupled to the armature plate with a pivot axis within the armature envelope.