Carl D Robinson

US Patent:

7484298, Feb 3, 2009

Filed:

Feb 21, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/358666

Inventors:

Spyros P. Mellas - Waterford MI, US
Paul A. Benton - Clinton Township MI, US
Charles J. Bruggemann - Rochester Hills MI, US
Mark Goebel - St. Clair Shores MI, US
Tuan A. Ngo - Farmington Hills MI, US
Peter M. Parlow - Columbus MI, US
Carl W. Robinson - Almont MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B21D 53/88
B21D 26/02
B23P 17/00

US Classification:

298972, 294211, 2952514, 72 54, 72368, 7237022

Abstract:

A method is provided for forming a complexly-shaped tubular structure such as a tapered pillar or other structure for a vehicle body. A sheet metal blank having a longitudinal axis is rolled about the longitudinal axis to form a tubular shape and the side edges of the blank are then welded together to form a tube. The tube is then enclosed in a hydroforming die and pressurized to conform the tube to the shape of the die and thereby form the desired complex shape. The sheet metal blank may be formed by the end-to-end welding together of a plurality of separate sheet metal blanks that differ from one another in characteristic including material thickness, material alloy composition, and/or coating. One or more of the blanks can have side edges that are non-parallel so that the tube will taper in diameter along its length.

US Patent:

42022070, May 13, 1980

Filed:

Jan 24, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/005952

Inventors:

Gary W. Johnson - Bloomfield Hills MI
Carl J. Robinson - Pontiac MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

G01M 1500

US Classification:

73119A

Abstract:

A timing gage for the unit injector of a diesel engine includes a timing gage sleeve adapted to encircle the extended plunger follower of an injector so as to permit its abutment against a fixed element thereof or of the engine next adjacent to the injector. The contact pin carrys with it a portion of an electrical circuit arrangement, including a timing light that is adapted for movement relative to a contact gage base, secured to the timing gage sleeve, between a closed electrical circuit connection therewith and an open electrical circuit therewith. The contact pin upon engagement with the plunger follower when at a predetermined height is then operative to effect energization of the timing light whereby to indicate proper setting of injector timing for that injector.