Scott T Webb

US Patent:

6641166, Nov 4, 2003

Filed:

May 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/864353

Inventors:

Alan Lampe Browne - Grosse Pointe MI
Gary Lee Jones - Farmington Hills MI
Joseph D. McCleary - Clinton Township MI
William E. Thomas - West Bloomfield MI
Scott R. Webb - Macomb Township MI
Francis D. Wood - Detroit MI
Chandra Sekhar Namuduri - Troy MI

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 21045

US Classification:

280752, 280753

Abstract:

A knee bolster system is capable of automatic extension and retraction during specified scenarios that are determined based on sensor input. A microprocessor electrically controls an actuator capable of extending at least one telescoping mechanism which is rigidly engaged to a knee bolster pad located in the lower portion of an instrument panel at knee height to an occupant. Each telescoping mechanism houses a plowing mechanism. This plowing mechanism generates reaction forces during actuation.

US Patent:

7922236, Apr 12, 2011

Filed:

May 1, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/113364

Inventors:

Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Ching-Shan Cheng - Canton MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Gary L. Jones - Farmington Hills MI, US
Scott R. Webb - Macomb Township MI, US
Francis D. Wood - Detroit MI, US
Ruth M. Gusko - Caro MI, US
Chin-Hsu Lin - Troy MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60R 21/013

US Classification:

29618702, 29618703, 29618709, 29618711

Abstract:

A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.

US Patent:

20050234139, Oct 20, 2005

Filed:

Mar 29, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/093271

Inventors:

Alan Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Ching-Shan Cheng - Canton MI, US
Nancy Johnson - Northville MI, US
Gary Jones - Farmington Hills MI, US
Scott Webb - Macomb Township MI, US
Francis Wood - Detroit MI, US
Ruth Gusko - Sterling Heights MI, US
Chin-Hsu Lin - Troy MI, US

International Classification:

C08J009/00

US Classification:

521050000

Abstract:

A volume-filling mechanical structure for modifying a crash or impact comprising a honeycomb celled material expandable from a compact state to a expanded state and methods for operating the same.

US Patent:

20120324671, Dec 27, 2012

Filed:

Jun 23, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/167070

Inventors:

Scott R. Webb - Macomb Township MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Wendell G. Summerville - Birmingham MI, US
John A. Cafeo - Farmington MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60S 1/40
B60S 1/38

US Classification:

1525032, 1525048

Abstract:

A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length, and an active material disposed along the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite, and is elastically deformable and operatively applies a spring force against a portion of the wiper blade when the crystallographic phase is martensite.

US Patent:

20120324672, Dec 27, 2012

Filed:

Jun 23, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/167085

Inventors:

Scott R. Webb - Macomb Township MI, US
Paul W. Alexandrer - Ypsilanti MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Ponte MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Wendell G. Summerville - Birmingham MI, US
John A. Cafeo - Farmington MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60S 1/38

US Classification:

1525048

Abstract:

A wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length and an active material actuator provided along a portion of the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material actuator is configured to impart a degree of motion to a portion of the wiper blade in response to an electrical actuation signal.

US Patent:

20130000776, Jan 3, 2013

Filed:

Jun 30, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/173276

Inventors:

Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Richard J. Skurkis - Lake Orion MI, US
Scott R. Webb - Macomb Township MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B65B 31/00
F16K 31/00
C22C 33/00

US Classification:

141 38, 148402, 251 11

Abstract:

A device is provided that may be adapted to control or monitor the pressure level of a fluid system. The device includes a member composed of a shape memory alloy in a superelastic state. The member is configured to undergo a phase change from a high modulus Austenitic phase to a low modulus Martensitic phase and stretch in response to an activation stress. In one embodiment, the member defines two ends such that one end of the member is operatively connected to a fixed point. Another end of the member is operatively connected to a movable element. As the member stretches in response to the activation stress, the movable element is translated relative to the fixed point. In another embodiment, the member includes two plates with respective holes that are selectively aligned when the first and second plates stretch or deform in response to the activation stress.

US Patent:

20130042426, Feb 21, 2013

Filed:

Aug 17, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/211364

Inventors:

SCOTT R. WEBB - MACOMB TOWNSHIP MI, US
PAUL W. ALEXANDER - YPSILANTI MI, US
XIUJIE GAO - TROY MI, US
WENDELL G. SUMMERVILLE - BIRMINGHAM MI, US
SCOTT P. CHARNESKY - BIRMINGHAM MI, US
THOMAS W. COX - LAPEER MI, US
KHRISTOPHER S. LEE - OAKLAND TOWNSHIP MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - DETROIT MI

International Classification:

B60S 1/08

US Classification:

1525017

Abstract:

A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade configured to wipe a surface, an armature, and an actuator. The armature has a first end spaced from a second end, and is coupled with the wiper blade at the first end, and coupled to a pivot mechanism at the second end. The pivot mechanism is configured to allow the wiper blade to articulate about the second end in a direction substantially away from the surface and between a wiping position and a parked position. The actuator is provided in mechanical communication with the armature and is configured to receive an electrical actuation signal to transition the wiper blade between a wiping position and the parked position, where the wiper blade is in contact with the surface while in the wiping position, and is separated from the surface while in the parked position.

US Patent:

20130069387, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Sep 21, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/238021

Inventors:

Scott R. Webb - Macomb Township MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Wendell G. Summerville - Birmingham MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60J 1/00
B60S 1/58
B60S 1/04

US Classification:

296 9617, 1525023

Abstract:

A protective device for a vehicle wiper assembly is provided. The protective device is configured to selectively at least partially cover the wiper assembly and prevent the wiper assembly from being pulled away from the vehicle. For example, the protective device may prevent entanglement of the wiper assembly with external elements such as those found in automatic car wash facilities. The device may include a member movable between first and second positions such that the member in the second position is configured to at least partially cover or encapsulate the wiper assembly. An active material actuator may be used to move the member between the first and second positions. In another embodiment, the device includes a member operatively connected to and configured to stiffen a pivot point of the wiper assembly.