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).

  • Publication number: 20130225616
    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: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: VERONA PHARMA PLC
    Inventors: Michael J.A. Walker, Bertrand M.C. Plouvier, Julian S. Northen, Philippe Fernandes
  • Patent number: 8511367
    Abstract: A method for forming a rotor for an induction motor includes providing a rotor core including a plurality of conductor bar grooves having first and second ends corresponding to first and second ends of the rotor core wherein the conductor bar grooves are progressively larger closer to the ends of the conductor bar grooves. The rotor core is placed into a casting mold, and molten metal is introduced into a first end of the casting mold. The molten metal flows from the first end of the casting mold through the plurality of conductor bar grooves to a second end of the casting mold. The molten metal solidifies to form conductor bars in the plurality of conductor bar grooves and to form shorting rings across exterior portions of the end elements within the first and second ends of the casting mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Michael J. Walker, Qigui Wang
  • Publication number: 20130159131
    Abstract: An interactive request for proposal and response analysis system and method whereby a user may use a user workstation to access a list of subjective characteristics for buildings and enter user specific preferences for at least some of the subjective characteristics. An agent may use an agent workstation to select buildings for receiving requests for proposals, where the requests for proposals each includes the list of subjective characteristics, and send the requests for proposals to landlords for the buildings. The landlords may use at least one landlord workstation to receive and access the requests tor proposals and each landlord may enter a response for each subjective characteristic, where the entered responses for the subjective characteristics. The entered user specific preferences are compared with the entered landlord responses for the subjective characteristics for each of the plurality of buildings and a score is calculated for each building based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: MICHAEL J. WALKER
  • Publication number: 20130101780
    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: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. Hanna, Bob R. Powell, JR., Michael J. Walker
  • Patent number: 8347485
    Abstract: A procedure for centrifugally casting a shorted structure around induction motor rotors is described. The method is commonly applied to a plurality of rotors disposed and arranged for rotational balance and supported on a suitable support, or optionally, on a plurality of supports arranged in layered fashion about a common rotational axis. The method comprises forming a wax representation of the shorted structure around a lamination stack; mounting a plurality of such lamination stacks in a mounting fixture and-attaching a suitable gating and runner system; forming an investment by coating the structure with refractory followed by melting out the wax; casting molten metal into the investment while it is rotating and aligning the mold to allow the centrifugal force generated to promote mold filling; and, continuing to rotate the investment until solidification is substantially complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott W. Biederman, Mark A. Osborne, Michael J. Walker, Thomas A. Perry
  • Patent number: 8327910
    Abstract: A method of supporting a metal tube during an overcasting process includes radially supporting the metal tube from within an interior opening of the metal tube with a compressed granular material. The compressed granular material is held in place by a first stop and a second stop positioned at opposite axial ends of the metal tube. A tensile connector, such as a rod or a cable, interconnects and attaches the first stop and the second stop. Compressive radial forces exerted onto the metal tube during the overcasting process are transferred through the granular material and resisted by a tensile force in the tensile connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Joshua D. Lasceski
  • Publication number: 20120301669
    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: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Bob R. Powell, JR., Aihua A. Luo
  • Publication number: 20120301734
    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: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Anil K. Sachdev, Bob R. Powell, JR., Aihua A. Luo
  • Publication number: 20120301743
    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: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Bob R. Powell, JR.
  • Patent number: 8312914
    Abstract: A mold for forming a plurality of rotors includes a plurality of lamination stacks, wherein each lamination stack defines at least one void therethrough; a tube having a central longitudinal axis, wherein each lamination stack is concentrically spaced apart from the tube to define a channel therebetween; a plurality of washers each having a shape defined by a first diameter and a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter, wherein each washer is configured to concentrically abut the tube and define a feed conduit interconnecting with the channel; and a shell disposed in contact with each lamination stack and concentrically spaced apart from each washer to define a plurality of ducts, wherein each duct is interconnected with the at least one void of at least one lamination stack. A mold system and a method of forming a plurality of rotors are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Anil K. Sachdev, Thomas A. Perry, Mark A. Osborne, Paul Boone
  • Publication number: 20120227699
    Abstract: A linerless engine includes a casting defining a bore having an inner surface and a central longitudinal axis. The casting is formed from a castable aluminum-silicon alloy including silicon particles present a range of from about 11 to about 12.5 parts by weight. The inner surface has a surface variation defined by at least some of the silicon particles protruding toward the axis for from about 0.6 to about 1.5 microns. The linerless engine includes a piston slideably disposed within the bore and configured for translating along the axis, wherein the piston is formed from an aluminum alloy and includes a body having a skirt portion coated with a first coating, and at least one ring encircling and in contact with the body. The ring is coated with a diamond-like coating that is free from degradation when in contact with the at least some of the silicon particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Perry, Michael J. Walker, Bob R. Powell, JR., Anil K. Sachdev, Herbert W. Doty, Michael J. Lukitsch
  • Publication number: 20120152481
    Abstract: A method of supporting a metal tube during an overcasting process includes radially supporting the metal tube from within an interior opening of the metal tube with a compressed granular material. The compressed granular material is held in place by a first stop and a second stop positioned at opposite axial ends of the metal tube. A tensile connector, such as a rod or a cable, interconnects and attaches the first stop and the second stop. Compressive radial forces exerted onto the metal tube during the overcasting process are transferred through the granular material and resisted by a tensile force in the tensile connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Joshua D. Lasceski
  • Publication number: 20120153766
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Michael J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20120086151
    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: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: MICHAEL J. WALKER, MARK A. KRAMARCZYK
  • Publication number: 20120015134
    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 form at least a portion of a frictional damping means, the body including lines of weakness constructed and arranged to segment the body into separate sections upon exposure to a molten material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Michael D. Hanna, James G. Schroth
  • Patent number: 8091608
    Abstract: A method of forming a hollow sand core involves placing a preform into a cavity defined in a mold, where the preform has a predetermined configuration. A granular material is then introduced into the mold cavity and around the preform. The introduced granular material is established around the preform to form the hollow sand core. The preform is deformed in a manner sufficient to enable removal of the preform from inside the hollow sand core, and then is removed from the sand core. The removal of the preform exposes a hollow portion of the sand core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Thomas C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 8079401
    Abstract: A casting chamber configured to form a casting from molten material includes an outer mold, a plurality of inner core elements, and a surface portion of a thermal chill device. The thermal chill device includes first and second interchangeable elements with the surface portion of the thermal chill device including one of a first surface portion of the first interchangeable element and a second surface portion of the second interchangeable element. The first surface portion of the first interchangeable element includes an insulating material and the second surface portion of the second interchangeable element comprising a metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Suresh Sundarraj, Anil K. Sachdev, Michael J. Walker
  • Publication number: 20110293682
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a biocide-containing and/or fungicide-containing microcapsule wherein the microcapsule may be capable of degradation due to the presence of byproducts that are released by a fungi or biological organism. Upon release, the biocide and/or fungicide may then be utilized to eliminate the fungi or biological organism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Walker, Charles H. Olk
  • Publication number: 20110291517
    Abstract: A method for forming a rotor for an induction motor includes providing a rotor core including a plurality of conductor bar grooves having first and second ends corresponding to first and second ends of the rotor core wherein the conductor bar grooves are progressively larger closer to the ends of the conductor bar grooves. The rotor core is placed into a casting mold, and molten metal is introduced into a first end of the casting mold. The molten metal flows from the first end of the casting mold through the plurality of conductor bar grooves to a second end of the casting mold. The molten metal solidifies to form conductor bars in the plurality of conductor bar grooves and to form shorting rings across exterior portions of the end elements within the first and second ends of the casting mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Michael J. Walker, Qigui Wang
  • Publication number: 20110291521
    Abstract: A substantially hollow cylindrical stator core having a longitudinal axis includes a plurality of winding slots longitudinally parallel with the longitudinal axis each having first and second ends wherein the slots taper progressively larger closer to the ends of the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard M. Kleber, Michael J. Walker, Thomas A. Perry