Patents by Inventor Michael J. A. Walker

Michael J. A. Walker 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).

  • Patent number: 9568062
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a frictional damping insert including a body constructed and arranged to be incorporated into a product and to provide frictional damping of the product, the body including lines of weakness constructed and arranged to segment the body into separate sections upon exposure to a molten material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Michael D. Hanna, James G. Schroth
  • Publication number: 20160279700
    Abstract: A device and method for transferring filtered molten metal to a die casting mold. The device and method include a casting filtration system that includes a funnel and a continuously replaceable filter placed fluidly between a molten metal source and a casting mold. Both the funnel and filter are automatically moved into cooperation with a molten metal receptacle such as a shot sleeve prior to each casting operation, and then automatically moved out of the way so that pressurization of the filtered molten metal may take place in the receptacle. In addition, the filter may be formed on a continuous strand such that indexed movement of the strand will advance the used portion of the filter out of the way to make room for a new unused filter portion that will be ready for a subsequent repeated casting operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Inventors: David D. Goettsch, Jason R. Traub, Michael J. Walker, Brad A. Ohlrich
  • Publication number: 20160250683
    Abstract: An aluminum alloy that can be cast into structural components wherein at least some of the raw materials used to produce the alloy are sourced from secondary production sources. In addition to aluminum as the primary constituent, such an alloy includes 5 to 14% silicon, 0 to 1.5% copper, 0.2 to 0.55% magnesium, 0.2 to 1.2% iron, 0.1 to 0.6% manganese, 0 to 0.5% nickel, 0 to 0.8% zinc, 0 to 0.2% of other trace elements selected from the group consisting essentially of titanium, zirconium, vanadium, molybdenum and cobalt. In a preferred form, most of the aluminum is from a secondary production source. Methods of analyzing a secondary production aluminum alloy to determine its constituent makeup is also disclosed, as is a method of adjusting the constituent makeup of such an alloy in situations where the alloy is out of tolerance when measured against its primary source counterpart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Qigui Wang, Jason R. Traub, Michael J. Walker, Anil K. Sachdev
  • Publication number: 20160221079
    Abstract: A method of transferring molten metal to a die casting mold is disclosed. The method includes providing a ladle with a dip well and a dispensing nozzle having a fluid metal filter formed therein as well as providing a receptacle fluidly between the ladle and the mold. Further the method includes delivering the molten metal from the ladle to the receptacle by positioning an exit face of the dispensing nozzle over the receptacle and rotating the ladle such that the exit face of the dispensing nozzle is repositioned proximal the bottom of the receptacle and conveying the molten metal that has been delivered to the receptacle into a mold cavity that is placed in fluid communication therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2015
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: David D. Goettsch, Brad A. Ohlrich, Jason R. Traub, Michael J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20160008363
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition which comprises (a) a PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor which is 9,10-Dimethoxy-2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylimino)-3-(N-carbamoyl-2-aminoethyl)-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof and (b) a ?2-adrenergic receptor agonist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: VERONA PHARMA PLC
    Inventors: Michael J.A. Walker, Mario Cazzola, Luigino Calzetta
  • Publication number: 20160008322
    Abstract: Ion channel modulating compounds are disclosed. The compounds of the present invention may be incorporated in compositions and kits. The present invention also discloses a variety of in vitro and in vivo uses for the compounds and compositions, including the treatment of arrhythmia and the production of analgesia and local anesthesia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory N. Beatch, Bertrand M.C. Plouvier, Tao Sheng, Michael J.A. Walker, Richard A. Wall, Sandro L. Yong, Jeff Jiqun Zhu, Alexander B. Zoloty
  • Publication number: 20160000790
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition which comprises (a) a PDE3/PDE4 inhibitor which is 9,10-Dimethoxy-2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenylimino)-3-(N-carbamoyl-2-aminoethyl)-3,4,6,7-tetrahydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]isoquinolin-4-one or a pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt thereof and (b) a muscarinic receptor antagonist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Applicant: VERONA PHARMA PLC
    Inventors: Michael J.A. Walker, Mario Cazzola, Luigino Calzetta
  • Publication number: 20150213164
    Abstract: A method of computationally determining material property changes for a cast aluminum alloy component. Accuracy of the determination is achieved by taking into consideration material property changes over the projected service life of the component. In one form, the method includes accepting time-dependent temperature data and using that data in conjunction with one or more constitutive relationships to quantify the impact of various temperature regimes or conditions on the properties of heat-treatable components and alloys. Finite element nodal analyses may be used as part of the method to map the calculated material properties on a nodal basis, while a viscoplastic model may be used to determine precipitation hardening and softening effects as a way to simulate the time and temperature dependencies of the material. The combined approach may be used to determine the material properties over the expected service life of a cast component made from such material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Qigui Wang, Devin R. Hess, Michael J. Walker, Herbert W. Doty, Bowang Xiao
  • Patent number: 9062047
    Abstract: The current invention is directed towards a polymorph of N-{2-[(2E)-2-(mesitylimino)-9,10-dimethoxy-4-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]-isoquinolin-3(4H)-yl]ethyl}urea, in the form of a crystalline solid consisting of greater than 99% by weight of N-{2-[(2E)-2-(mesitylimino)-9,10-dimethoxy-4-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]-isoquinolin-3(4H)-yl]ethyl}urea, at least 95% in the polymorphic form of a thermodynamically stable polymorph (I) of N-{2-[(2E)-2-(mesitylimino)-9,10-dimethoxy-4-oxo-6,7-dihydro-2H-pyrimido[6,1-a]-isoquinolin-3(4H)-yl]ethyl}urea, wherein said polymorph is determined by single crystal X-ray structural analysis and X-ray powder diffraction pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Verona Pharma plc
    Inventors: Michael J. A. Walker, Bertrand M. C. Plouvier, Julian S. Northen, Philippe Fernandes
  • Patent number: 8992696
    Abstract: A method of bonding a metal to a substrate involves forming a plurality of nano-features in a surface of the substrate, where each nano-feature is chosen from a nano-pore and/or a nano-crevice. In a molten state, the metal is over-cast onto the substrate surface, and penetrates the nano-features. Upon cooling, the metal is solidified inside the nano-features, where the solidification of the metal forms a mechanical interlock between the over-cast metal and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Bob R. Powell, Jr., Aihua A. Luo
  • Patent number: 8968855
    Abstract: A component includes a cast portion and an insert. The cast portion includes a sacrificial suspension device. The insert is configured to provide damping to the component. The sacrificial suspension device is dissolved during a casting process, into a molten material, forming the cast portion such that the insert is fully encapsulated by the cast portion, including the dissolved suspension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Hanna, Bob R. Powell, Jr., Michael J. Walker
  • Patent number: 8889226
    Abstract: A method of bonding a metal to a substrate is disclosed herein. The method involves forming a nano-brush on a surface of the substrate, where the nano-brush includes a plurality of nano-wires extending above the substrate surface. In a molten state, the metal is introduced onto the substrate surface, and the metal surrounds the nano-wires. Upon cooling, the metal surrounding the nano-wires solidifies, and during the solidifying, at least a mechanical interlock is formed between the metal and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Bob R. Powell, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140314685
    Abstract: Ion channel modulating compounds are disclosed. The compounds of the present invention may be incorporated in compositions and kits. The present invention also discloses a variety of in vitro and in vivo uses for the compounds and compositions, including the treatment of arrhythmia and the production of analgesia and local anesthesia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Cardiome Pharma Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory N. Beatch, Bertrand M.C. Plouvier, Tao Sheng, Michael J.A. Walker, Richard A. Wall, Sandro L. Yong, Jeff Jiqun Zhu, Alexander B. Zolotoy
  • Patent number: 8852359
    Abstract: A method of bonding a metal to a substrate involves forming an oxide layer on a surface of the substrate, and in a molten state, over-casting the metal on the substrate surface. The over-casting drives a reaction at an interface between the over-cast metal and the oxide layer to form another oxide. The other oxide binds the metal to the substrate surface upon solidification of the over-cast metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Anil K. Sachdev, Bob R. Powell, Jr., Aihua A. Luo
  • Publication number: 20140242174
    Abstract: The invention is directed towards carcainium in the form of a salt having an anion An?, wherein An? is an anion of pharmaceutically acceptable acid for use in the treatment and/or suppression of cough, tussive attacks or tussive episodes in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: VERONA PHARMA PLC
    Inventor: Michael J.A. Walker
  • Patent number: 8799176
    Abstract: A system and method for calculating the amount of space that a user will be required to lease in various office buildings and providing a comparison so that the user can make educated decisions and pre-qualifications as to whether the building will be a viable leasing option for the user. In so doing, the system and method provide the user with relative values and target rental rates of the office buildings by considering the buildings' efficiency and corresponding amount of space the tenant will be required to lease. The calculated relative values and target rental rates may be used by tenants to evaluate building choices for leasing. The system may be configured on a network computer system or a standalone computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: SpaceLogik, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Walker
  • Patent number: 8714513
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Mark A. Kramarczyk
  • Patent number: 8719175
    Abstract: A system and method for calculating a space required for a tenant in a building includes determining the areas of rooms required by the tenant. A circulation factor for each of the rooms based on the area of each room is calculated. The total of the room areas and the circulation factors are added to determine a pure space required by the tenant. The losses in actual usable space are determined for a building and an inefficiency factor is calculated based on these losses. The pure space is multiplied by the inefficiency factor to obtain a building efficiency loss. The building efficiency loss is added to the pure space to obtain the space required for the tenant in the building. The system may be configured on a network computer system or a standalone computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Spacelogik, LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Walker
  • Patent number: 8575813
    Abstract: A rotor core for an induction motor. The rotor core includes a body that at least (i) extends axially from an outer surface of the body inward toward a central axis, (ii) extends from a first axial end to a second axial end, and (iii) defines a plurality of internal grooves. Further, each groove at least (iv) includes an opening at the outer surface of the body, (v) is defined by two opposing walls, (vi) extends from the first axial end to the second axial end, (vii) extends axially between the opening at the exterior surface and an inward end, and (viii) includes a body section. And wherein (ix) at least one wall of the opposing walls of the groove includes, in the body section of the groove, an extended segment forming a portion of increased breadth for the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Michael J. Walker
  • Patent number: 8540009
    Abstract: An exemplary method for forming a sand core includes forming a core insert; forming a sand core precursor around the core insert; and creating at least one passage within the sand core precursor by removing or otherwise transforming a portion of the core insert, wherein the at least one passage includes at least one exit point. The sand core may then be utilized in a casting mold assembly to form a cast part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Thomas C. Pederson, Jason R. Traub, Anil K. Sachdev