Patents by Inventor John C. Ulicny
John C. Ulicny 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).
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Patent number: 7354528Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid composition comprising a low aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising a unimodal particle distribution and an aspect ratio less than 1.5, a high aspect ratio magnetizable particle comprising an aspect ratio greater than 1.5, and a carrier fluid.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Yang-Tse Cheng, John C. Ulicny, Thomas A. Perry, Mark A. Golden
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Patent number: 7334670Abstract: A magnetorheological (MR) fluid coupling for vectoring torque with respect to a shaft capable of rotary motion is disclosed. The coupling includes a stator, a rotor having a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the stator and configured for physical communication with the shaft, and a magnetic field generator. The stator and rotor define an annular space therebetween and are coupled via a MR fluid disposed within the annular space. The magnetic field generator is in field communication with the MR fluid and is disposed to produce a substantially radially directed magnetic field across the annular space. The rotor is rotationally responsive to the application of a magnetic field at the MR fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Chandra S. Namuduri, Balarama V. Murty, Anthony L. Smith, Jie Tong, Mark A. Golden, John C. Ulicny
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Patent number: 7306083Abstract: A device employing a magneto rheological (MR) fluid in combination with a stator and a rotor is disclosed, where the stator includes a magnetic field generator. The rotor has a rotational axis and a rotational degree of freedom with respect to the stator. The stator and rotor define an annular space therebetween and are coupled via the MR fluid disposed within the annular space, and the magnetic field generator is in field communication with the MR fluid at the annular space. The device includes a means for promoting the formation of stationary stripes of MR fluid within the annular space in response to rotation of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc., Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: John C. Ulicny, Daniel J. Klingenberg, Anthony L. Smith, Mark A. Golden
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Patent number: 7303679Abstract: A method of recovering spilled hydrocarbon fluids from a body of water utilizing the increased oleophilic properties of reacted iron particles suspended in a magnetorheological (MR) fluid. The iron particles normally used to create MR fluids, are reacted with an organic compound containing an oleophilic chain end which attaches to the surface of the iron, prior to suspension in a liquid vehicle such as an organic oil. The reacted iron particles in the MR fluid are then applied to and mixed with a hydrocarbon spill on a body of water such as an oil spill, whereby subsequent exposure to a significant magnetic field provides for subsequent recovery of both the reacted magnetic particles and the hydrocarbon spill.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John C Ulicny, Mark A Golden
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Patent number: 7293836Abstract: A seat assembly including a seat stroking device for a vehicle and methods of use include a seat adjustment mechanism comprising a stationary rail fixedly attached to a vehicle floor and a movable rail slidably engaged with the stationary rail, wherein the seat adjustment mechanism is adapted to position a seat; an active material based stroking device having one end fixedly attached to a non-movable portion and an other end in operative communication with the movable rail; and a controller in operative communication with the active material, wherein the controller is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a change in an attribute of the active material, wherein the change in the attribute results in force and acceleration adjusting energy absorption.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Chandra S. Namuduri, John C. Ulicny, Nancy L. Johnson
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Patent number: 7147271Abstract: An airflow control device comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as a shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow to better suit changes in driving conditions such as the need for increased airflow through the radiator due to increases in engine coolant temperature. As such, the device improves vehicle fuel economy while maintaining proper engine cooling. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness of the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Jan H. Aase, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, John C. Ulicny
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Patent number: 7147269Abstract: An airflow control device comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as a shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow to better suit changes in driving conditions such as the need for increased airflow through the radiator due to increases in engine coolant temperature. As such, the device improves vehicle fuel economy while maintaining proper engine cooling. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness of the device.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Jan H. Aase, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, John C. Ulicny
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Patent number: 7059664Abstract: An airflow control device comprises a body and an active material in operative communication with the body. The active material, such as a shape memory material, is operative to change at least one attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material can change its shape, dimensions and/or stiffness producing a change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness to control vehicle airflow to better suit changes in driving conditions such as the need for increased airflow through the radiator due to increases in engine coolant temperature. As such, the device improves vehicle fuel economy while maintaining proper engine cooling. An activation device, controller and sensors may be employed to further control the change in at least one feature of the airflow control device such as shape, dimension, location, orientation, and/or stiffness of the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Jan H. Aase, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, John C. Ulicny
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Patent number: 7020938Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Robert A. Ottaviani, John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
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Patent number: 7013536Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof. The hook portion generally includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. A selected one of the hook elements or the loop material is formed from a thermally and/or electrically conductive material. The other one is formed of a material adapted to melt, flow or volatize at a defined temperature. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. Introducing an activation signal to the thermally and/or electrically conductive hook elements or loop material, causes the opposing material to melt, flow, soften, or volatize upon contact therewith.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2003Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mark A. Golden, John C. Ulicny, Alan Lampe Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, William Barvosa-Carter, Thomas B. Stanford, Leslie A. Momoda
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Patent number: 6983517Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises two hook portions. The hook portions each include a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the two hook portions are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The head elements of the hook elements are formed of a material that provides a change in directional orientation of the head elements. In this manner, the directional orientation of the head elements of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mark A. Golden, John C. Ulicny
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Patent number: 6983832Abstract: A tunable and reusable impact energy absorbing system and process includes a control structure comprising a sleeve having an outer surface fixedly attached to a chassis, a seal at each end of the sleeve, a magnetorheological fluid disposed between the seals, and a coil in proximity to the magnetorheological fluid, wherein the seal and the magnetorheological fluid are in sliding engagement with a support member, wherein the impact surface is fixedly attached to a support member. Varying the current to the coil alters the magnetic field upon the magnetorheological fluid, which can be used to tune the yield stress of the sliding engagement.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Chandra Sekhar Namuduri, Alan Lampe Browne, John C. Ulicny
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Patent number: 6932917Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an MR fluid of improved durability. The MR fluid is particularly useful in devices that subject the fluid to substantial centrifugal forces, such as large fan clutches. A particular embodiment includes a magnetorheological fluid including 10 to 14 wt % of a hydrocarbon-based liquid, 86 to 90 wt % of bimodal magnetizable particles, and 0.05 to 0.5 wt % fumed silica.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mark A. Golden, John C. Ulicny, Keith S. Snavely, Anthony L. Smith
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Patent number: 6929756Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an MR fluid of improved durability. The MR fluid is particularly useful in devices that subject the fluid to substantial centrifugal forces, such as large fan clutches. A particular embodiment includes a magnetorheological fluid including a liquid, magnetizable particles, and a molybdenum-amine complex.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
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Patent number: 6929757Abstract: A magnetorheological fluid containing magnetorheological particles which are resistant to oxidation having regions rich in diffused nitrogen located therein and a method for producing such magnetorheological fluid.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John C. Ulicny, Yang T. Cheng
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Patent number: 6881353Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an MR fluid of improved durability. The MR fluid is particularly useful in devices that subject the fluid to substantial centrifugal forces, such as large fan clutches. A particular embodiment includes a magnetorheological fluid including a liquid, magnetizable particles, a stearate and a thiophosphate.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John C. Ulicny, Anthony L. Smith, Mark A. Golden, Charlene A. Hayden
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Patent number: 6877193Abstract: A releasable fastener system comprises a loop portion and a hook portion. The loop portion includes a support and a loop material disposed on one side thereof whereas the hook portion includes a support and a plurality of closely spaced upstanding hook elements extending from one side thereof. When the hook portion and loop portion are pressed together they interlock to form a releasable engagement. The resulting joint created by the engagement is relatively resistant to shear and pull forces and weak in peel strength forces. The hook elements are formed of a magnetorheological elastomer that provides a change in shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements. In this manner, the shape orientation and/or flexural modulus of the hook elements can be remotely changed to provide a reduction or magnification in the shear and/or pull-off forces in addition to providing variable damping capabilities to the fastener system.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Robert A. Ottaviani, John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
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Patent number: 6824701Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an MR fluid of improved durability. The MR fluid is particularly useful in devices that subject the fluid to substantial centrifugal forces, such as large fan clutches. A particular embodiment includes a magnetorheological fluid including 10 to 14 wt % of a hydrocarbon-based liquid, 86 to 90 wt % of bimodal magnetizable particles, 0.05 to 0.5 wt % fumed silica, and an additive package including a paraffin oil, a phenol and a sulfide.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: John C. Ulicny, Anthony L. Smith, Mark A. Golden, Brian L. McDermott, Thomas J. Chapaton
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Publication number: 20040206929Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an MR fluid of improved durability. The MR fluid is particularly useful in devices that subject the fluid to substantial centrifugal forces, such as large fan clutches. A particular embodiment includes a magnetorheological fluid including a liquid, magnetizable particles, and a molybdenum-amine complex.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: General Motors CorporationInventors: John C. Ulicny, Mark A. Golden
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Publication number: 20040206928Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes an MR fluid of improved durability. The MR fluid is particularly useful in devices that subject the fluid to substantial centrifugal forces, such as large fan clutches. A particular embodiment includes a magnetorheological fluid including 10 to 14 wt % of a hydrocarbon-based liquid, 86 to 90 wt % of bimodal magnetizable particles, and 0.05 to 0.5 wt % fumed silica.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: General Motors CorporationInventors: Mark A. Golden, John C. Ulicny, Keith S. Snavely, Anthony L. Smith