Thomas C Downs

US Patent:

41332873, Jan 9, 1979

Filed:

Feb 13, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/877017

Inventors:

Thomas C. Downs - Tipp City OH

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

G01D 1126
G01F 2302

US Classification:

116227

Abstract:

A master cylinder reservoir molded of glass fiber filled nylon. An integrally molded window in a side wall is thinner than the reservoir walls and has a lower concentration of fibers so that it is sufficiently translucent to permit visual determination of the level of hydraulic brake fluid in the reservoir by observation through the window. The method of making the reservoir by molding, in which the flow of fibers into the window section is restricted to reduce the fiber concentration in the window and make it more translucent, is also disclosed.

US Patent:

51471183, Sep 15, 1992

Filed:

Jul 29, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/736302

Inventors:

David F. Reuter - Beavercreek OH
Thomas C. Downs - Tipp City OH
Alisa A. Greywitt - Centerville OH

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60T 842

US Classification:

303115EC

Abstract:

A pressure actuator for a fluid activated braking system which can be utilized in anti-lock (ABS) or traction control (TC) systems is provided. In a preferred embodiment the pressure actuator has a piston threadably associated with the drive screw which has a flange. Encircling the drive screw and setting on a support are bevel washers. Upon downward movement of a piston, a nut associated with the piston is first cushioned by compressing the bevel washers wherein at a later point the bevel washers make contact with the flange of the drive screw and by providing frictional engagement therewith provide torsional restraint of the drive screw which also adds to the dampening of the downward movement of the nut and the associated piston. Therefore, the total amount of bevel washers needed for cushioning the downward movement of the nut is minimized and the overall length of the pressure actuator can be held at a minimum dimension.

US Patent:

39854779, Oct 12, 1976

Filed:

May 30, 1975

Appl. No.:

5/582232

Inventors:

Warren W. Antrim - Dayton OH
Gene P. Baynes - Kettering OH
Thomas C. Downs - Tipp City OH
James E. Enghauser - Kettering OH

Assignee:

General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F01C 1904
F01C 2100
F04C 2700

US Classification:

418122

Abstract:

In a preferred embodiment an apex seal for a rotary combustion engine is disclosed having a hollow, thin wall, tubular, metal core member embedded in an extruded composite metal-carbon matrix. The seal is adapted to slidably engage the slot of the rotor in which it rides, and to sealingly engage the rotor housing against which it is spring and gas pressure biased. The incorporation of the hollow tubular core in the extruded seal permits a reduction in weight with no significant loss in flexural strength or wear resistance. It also provides gas pressure balance, end to end.