Patents by Inventor Mark A. Kramarczyk
Mark A. Kramarczyk 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: 9234509Abstract: A quick-return active material actuator adapted for more rapidly returning a load, so as to reduce the de-actuation time of a system, includes in a first aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to the load, an active material de-actuation element drivenly coupled to the load non-antagonistic to the actuation element, and a reconfigurable mechanism interconnecting the elements and load, wherein the de-actuation element and mechanism are cooperatively configured to return the load while the actuation element is still activated, and, in a second aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to a biased load and operable to autonomously release, so that the load is caused to be returned while the actuation element is still activated, and subsequently re-engage the load.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Richard J. Skurkis, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Paul W. Alexander
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Patent number: 8870144Abstract: In an embodiment, a device comprises an active material. Activation of the active material causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain an object without engaging the object below a surface of the object. In another embodiment, contact with an object causes deformation within the device to conform to and/or retain the object. In yet another embodiment, an object holder can comprise: a recess, a cover disposed over the recess, and a switch configured to cause the active material to retain a deformed shape in the recess. The cover comprises an active material. The active material is configured to deform into the recess when contacted with an object.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Pablo D. Zavattieri, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Alan L. Browne, James Y. Khoury, Nancy L. Johnson, Chandra S. Namuduri, Senthil N. Karuppaswamy, Nilesh D. Mankame, Rainer A. Glaser, Paul W. Alexander
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Patent number: 8714513Abstract: Embodiments of a mold insert assembly and methods of use are disclosed herein. A mold insert assembly includes, but is not limited to a driving member that moves between a retracting position and an extending position, a plurality of first-segment members engaging the driving member and moving between a first retracted position and a first extended position and a plurality of second-segment members proximate the plurality of first-segment members and configured to move between a second retracted position and a second extended position as the driving member moves to the extending position. The plurality of first-segment members and second-segment members cooperate to form a substantially liquid-tight periphery when the driving member is in the extending position. The plurality of first-segment members second-segment members are configured to move towards the first and second retracted positions, respectively when the driving member moves towards the retracting position.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2010Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael J. Walker, Mark A. Kramarczyk
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Patent number: 8616613Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first abutting surface of a first article and a second abutting surface of a second article, the device includes a seam concealment body fixedly attached to a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface, wherein the seam concealment body comprises an active material, wherein the active material is configured to transition between a first stiffness and a second stiffness upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the transition permits movement of a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface such that the seam concealment body deforms with the movement of the surface to maintain concealment of the seam.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Ukpai I. Ukpai, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, John C. Ulicny
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Patent number: 8336912Abstract: A system for and method of facilitating or enabling a lateral maneuver by a vehicle, including and utilizing a plurality of selectively engaged low friction components, such as rollers, bearings, balls, or high durometer high abrasion resistant low loss modulus rubber treads, and an actuator, such as at least one inflatable bladder, pivotal support strut, or active material element, drivenly coupled to the components.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Mark A. Kramarczyk
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Publication number: 20120297763Abstract: A quick-return active material actuator adapted for more rapidly returning a load, so as to reduce the de-actuation time of a system, includes in a first aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to the load, an active material de-actuation element drivenly coupled to the load non-antagonistic to the actuation element, and a reconfigurable mechanism interconnecting the elements and load, wherein the de-actuation element and mechanism are cooperatively configured to return the load while the actuation element is still activated, and, in a second aspect a thermally activated active material actuation element drivenly coupled to a biased load and operable to autonomously release, so that the load is caused to be returned while the actuation element is still activated, and subsequently re-engage the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2011Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, Richard J. Skurkis, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Paul W. Alexander
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Publication number: 20120261943Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first abutting surface of a first article and a second abutting surface of a second article, the device includes a seam concealment body fixedly attached to a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface, wherein the seam concealment body comprises an active material, wherein the active material is configured to transition between a first stiffness and a second stiffness upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the transition permits movement of a selected one or both of the first abutting surface and the second abutting surface such that the seam concealment body deforms with the movement of the surface to maintain concealment of the seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: October 18, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Ukpai I. Ukpai, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, John C. Ulicny
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Patent number: 8282153Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first and second surface includes a seam concealment body having a body surface, the body overlaying and attached to a first surface and a second surface, the body surface being substantially co-planar with a portion of the first and second surfaces, the seam concealment body configured to transition between a first shape and a second shape, wherein the transition permits movement of one or both of the first surface and the second surface such that the seam concealment body forms a hinge. The device also includes an active material in operative communication with the seam concealment body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the seam body from the first shape to the second shape.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Ukpai I. Ukpai, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, John C. Ulicny
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Publication number: 20120086151Abstract: Embodiments of a mold insert assembly and methods of use are disclosed herein. A mold insert assembly includes, but is not limited to a driving member that moves between a retracting position and an extending position, a plurality of first-segment members engaging the driving member and moving between a first retracted position and a first extended position and a plurality of second-segment members proximate the plurality of first-segment members and configured to move between a second retracted position and a second extended position as the driving member moves to the extending position. The plurality of first-segment members and second-segment members cooperate to form a substantially liquid-tight periphery when the driving member is in the extending position. The plurality of first-segment members second-segment members are configured to move towards the first and second retracted positions, respectively when the driving member moves towards the retracting position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: MICHAEL J. WALKER, MARK A. KRAMARCZYK
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Patent number: 8104793Abstract: A vehicle member generally comprises a thermally activated shape memory material in operative communication with a pyrotechnic device. The pyrotechnic device is effective to thermally change a dimension, a shape, an orientation change, an elastic modulus property change or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing properties of the shape memory material, which results in a structural and/or mechanical change to the vehicle member.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Alan L. Browne, Kenneth A. Strom, Nilesh D. Mankame, Mark A. Kramarczyk
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Patent number: 7967339Abstract: A safety belt buckle presenter adapted for use with a translatable buckle includes an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change when exposed to an activation signal, wherein the element is drivenly coupled to the buckle, and configured to cause the buckle to translate between deployed and stowed positions as a result of the change.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Steven G Corrion, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Lawrence C. Maugh, Mark Kramarczyk
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Publication number: 20110121607Abstract: A method of concealing a component is disclosed. The method includes positioning a member in operable communication with the component, wherein the member is configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to conceal the component and the second form is configured to expose the component. The method also includes activating an active material in operative communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in a property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Ukpai I. Ukpai, John C. Ulicny, Gary L. Jones
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Publication number: 20110083921Abstract: A system for and method of facilitating or enabling a lateral maneuver by a vehicle, including and utilizing a plurality of selectively engaged low friction components, such as rollers, bearings, balls, or high durometer high abrasion resistant low loss modulus rubber treads, and an actuator, such as at least one inflatable bladder, pivotal support strut, or active material element, drivenly coupled to the components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2009Publication date: April 14, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Christopher E. Borroni-Bird, Mark A. Kramarczyk
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Patent number: 7905538Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first surface and a second surface includes a moveable body fixedly attached to a selected one of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the moveable body is configured to transition between a first position and a second position to conceal and expose the seam, and an active material in operative communication with the moveable body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the moveable body from the first position to the second position.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Ukpai I. Ukpai, Alan L. Browne, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Nancy L. Johnson, John C. Ulicny, Gary L. Jones
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Patent number: 7900986Abstract: A concealment assembly includes a component, a member configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to conceal the component and the second form is configured to expose the component, thereby making the component accessible for use, appearance, or function, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Ukpai I. Ukpai, John C. Ulicny, Gary L. Jones
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Patent number: 7866696Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a lower seat portion and a seatback portion. The seatback portion is selectively movable to vary the reclination angle of the seatback portion. The seat assembly is configured so that a first part of the lower seat portion rises relative to a second part of the lower seat portion so that the lower seat portion acts as an occupant restraint when a predetermined condition exists. Exemplary predetermined conditions include the reclination angle changing, the reclination angle exceeding a predetermined amount, and conditions indicative of an elevated risk of vehicle impact.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jenne-Tai Wang, Bing Deng, Margaret M. Andreen, Janet S. Goings, Dorel M. Sala, Daniel Shakespear, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Gary L. Jones
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Publication number: 20100176581Abstract: A safety belt buckle presenter adapted for use with a translatable buckle includes an active material element operable to undergo a reversible change when exposed to an activation signal, wherein the element is drivenly coupled to the buckle, and configured to cause the buckle to translate between deployed and stowed positions as a result of the change.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Steven G. Corrion, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Lawrence C. Maugh, Mark Kramarczyk
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Publication number: 20090058130Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first surface and a second surface includes a moveable body fixedly attached to a selected one of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the moveable body is configured to transition between a first position and a second position to conceal and expose the seam, and an active material in operative communication with the moveable body, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the moveable body from the first position to the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ukpai I. Ukpai, Alan L. Browne, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Nancy L. Johnson, John C. Ulicny, Gary L. Jones
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Publication number: 20090058132Abstract: A concealment assembly includes a component, a member configured to have a first form and a second form, wherein the first form is configured to conceal the component and the second form is configured to expose the component, thereby making the component accessible for use, appearance, or function, and an active material in operable communication with the member, wherein the active material is configured to undergo a change in at least one property upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the change in at least one property is effective to transition the member from the first form to the second form.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Adrian B. Chernoff, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Ukpai I. Ukpai, John C. Ulicny, Gary L. Jones
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Publication number: 20090061188Abstract: A device for concealing a seam between a first surface and a second surface, the device includes a seam concealment body fixedly attached to a selected one or both of the first surface and the second surface, wherein the seam concealment body comprises an active material, wherein the active material is configured to transition between a first stiffness and a second stiffness upon receipt of an activation signal, wherein the transition permits movement of a selected one or both of the first surface and the second surface such that the seam concealment body deforms with the movement of the surface to maintain concealment of the seam.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Ukpai I. Ukpai, Mark A. Kramarczyk, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, John C. Ulicny