Patents by Inventor Jeffrey M. Cullens

Jeffrey M. Cullens has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Alignment feature for an elastic averaging alignment system
    Patent number: 11739777
    Abstract: A method of assembly includes forming a first member to include a plurality of elastically deformable locating protrusions extending outward from an exterior surface of the first member. A locating protrusion is an elongate member having an arcuate portion, a first linear leg portion extending from a first arc end, and a second leg portion extending from a second arc end. The method additionally includes forming a second member to include a plurality of elastically deformable compression features. The locating protrusions are inserted in press fit engagement with the plurality of compression features such that the first member and the second member are secured relative to each other and the average of the elastic deformation between all of the plurality of locating protrusions and all of the plurality of compression features precisely aligns the first member relative to the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alejandro Perez Ruiz, Jeffrey M. Cullens
  • ALIGNMENT FEATURE FOR AN ELASTIC AVERAGING ALIGNMENT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20210180629
    Abstract: A method of assembly includes forming a first member to include a plurality of elastically deformable locating protrusions extending outward from an exterior surface of the first member. A locating protrusion is an elongate member having an arcuate portion, a first linear leg portion extending from a first arc end, and a second leg portion extending from a second arc end. The method additionally includes forming a second member to include a plurality of elastically deformable compression features. The locating protrusions are inserted in press fit engagement with the plurality of compression features such that the first member and the second member are secured relative to each other and the average of the elastic deformation between all of the plurality of locating protrusions and all of the plurality of compression features precisely aligns the first member relative to the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Alejandro Perez Ruiz, Jeffrey M. Cullens