Thomas B Gibson

US Patent:

8612075, Dec 17, 2013

Filed:

Jun 4, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/793752

Inventors:

Venkata Prasad Atluri - Ann Arbor MI, US
Thomas L. Gibson - Washington Township MI, US
Nelson A. Kelly - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

G06F 19/00

US Classification:

701 22, 180 65265

Abstract:

An electric or hybrid-electric vehicle is provided with vehicle-mounted solar cells capable of generating electrical power. The power from the array is directed to vehicle systems according to a pre-determined algorithm intended to most effectively extend the vehicle range when operated under electric power. Power from the solar cells is directed by a controller, and may be applied to directly charge the batteries or to power electric power receiving devices, for example, to control cabin temperatures, depending on factors including the state of charge of the batteries, whether or not, the vehicle is parked and the current cabin temperature. The controller is also capable of controlling and managing the operating voltage of the solar cells to ensure optimal power extraction from the cells.

US Patent:

51019175, Apr 7, 1992

Filed:

Jun 25, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/542615

Inventors:

Abdul S. Abdul - Troy MI
Thomas L. Gibson - Utica MI
Alva E. Fincham - Farmington Hills MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

E21B 4902

US Classification:

175253

Abstract:

An in-place soil sampler assembly includes an outer barrel or tube coupled to a corer point at one end thereof. An inner samping tube is contained within the outer tube. A soil sample retainer has a support ring connected to one end of the inner sampling tube. The support ring carries a plurality of flexible arcuate leaves each having a base portion secured to the ring and each having an apex moveable with respect to the support ring between opened and closed position. A collar is mounted at the end of the outer tube to form a cavity for receiving the soil sample retainer when the leaves are opened for passage of a soil sample from the corer point into the inner sampling tube; the leaves are closed when the support ring is removed from the cavity so as to form a convex soil sample support surface facing in the direction of the inner sampling tube for holding a soil sample therein. The inner sampling tube and soil sampler retainer are removable from the outer tube as a unit while the outer tube remains in place to avoid disturbing soil samples taken from succeeding core sections.

US Patent:

56901739, Nov 25, 1997

Filed:

Feb 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/805481

Inventors:

Abdul Shaheed Abdul - Troy MI
Thomas Loughborough Gibson - Utica MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

E21B 4301
B09B 300

US Classification:

166268

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for achieving in situ bioremediation of dissolved or dispersed organic contaminants in the groundwater phase at a contaminated site. The apparatus of this invention is configured to be used within an injection well of the type employed with known remediation techniques and enhances the biological treatment of soil contaminants in situ with microbes through achieving optimal levels of oxidizing agents within the soil. As such, the present invention is adapted to be employed in conjunction with conventional remediation systems to treat water-borne contaminants more efficiently. Importantly, the apparatus is also capable of delivering oxidizing agents in a manner that prevents or at least reduces the occurrence of biofouling of the injection and recovery wells.

US Patent:

55775586, Nov 26, 1996

Filed:

Oct 16, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/543582

Inventors:

Abdul S. Abdul - Troy MI
Thomas L. Gibson - Utica MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B09C 110
E21B 4312

US Classification:

166246

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for achieving in situ bioremediation of volatile contaminants in the vapor phase and dissolved or dispersed contaminants in the groundwater phase at a contaminated site. The apparatus of this invention is configured to be used within a remediation well of the type employed with vapor extraction and dewatering techniques, and serves to biologically treat soil contaminants in situ with microbes and any suitable microbial nutrients. As such, the present invention is adapted to be employed in conjunction with vapor extraction and dewatering remediation techniques to treat vapor and water-borne contaminants more effectively. The apparatus securely retains the microbes in a manner that serves to prevent leaching into the surrounding soil while simultaneously protecting the microbial population from predatory, competitive and inhibitory microorganisms.

US Patent:

53418778, Aug 30, 1994

Filed:

Sep 4, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/941291

Inventors:

Abdul S. Abdul - Troy MI
Thomas L. Gibson - Utica MI
William A. Glasson - Warren MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

E21B 4318
E21B 4314
E21B 4324

US Classification:

166272

Abstract:

In a preferred method, a spilled fluid, lighter than and immiscible with water, is removed from the subsurface by first penetrating through the fluid zone and at least partially through the groundwater zone to provide a bore in communication therewith. Then, at suitable intervals, an amount of fluid is extracted from the fluid zone through the bore at a selected rate. In addition, at suitable intervals, an amount of water from the groundwater zone is extracted through the bore at a selected rate. Meanwhile, a vacuum is applied to one or more selected portions of the subsurface to draw air therethrough, to volatilize volatilizable components of the fluid, and to induce movement of the volatile (vapor) and liquid and heavy components of the fluid into the bore for extraction. A recovery well has a perforated first tube in the bore and a second tube which moves axially within the first tube to expose a varying portion of the perforated axial extent of the second tube to the vacuum, whereby the vacuum is applied to a selected portion of the subsurface directing movement of air therethrough to volatilize light components and to induce movement of the vapor and liquid components to and through the tubes and to the top surface.