Patents by Inventor Michael S. FERRAND

Michael S. FERRAND 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: 9676027
    Abstract: Method and system for producing a part using die casting or injection molding with a top die and undercut dies that are independently moveable from the top die. In one particular form, the method and system can include a top die and one or more undercut dies that can have a protrusion. The undercut dies can be lowered into a base of the system and moved away from each other, and the top die can be lowered into a receiving portion between the undercut dies. A molten liquid can be introduced into a space between the undercut dies and additional aspects of the system, and after cooling to form a part, the top die can be moved vertically to allow space for the undercut dies to be moved toward each other. The undercut dies can be moved vertically and the part can be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Michael S. Ferrand, Joel H. Pike, Dominick M. Ciani
  • Publication number: 20160151835
    Abstract: Method and system for producing a part using die casting or injection molding with a top die and undercut dies that are independently moveable from the top die. In one particular form, the method and system can include a top die and one or more undercut dies that can have a protrusion. The undercut dies can be lowered into a base of the system and moved away from each other, and the top die can be lowered into a receiving portion between the undercut dies. A molten liquid can be introduced into a space between the undercut dies and additional aspects of the system, and after cooling to form a part, the top die can be moved vertically to allow space for the undercut dies to be moved toward each other. The undercut dies can be moved vertically and the part can be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Inventors: Michael S. Ferrand, Joel H. Pike, Dominick M. Ciani
  • Patent number: 9303538
    Abstract: A universal oil pan die tooling is provided for forming alternative oil pans for alternative internal combustion engines with and without an oil cooler circuit. The die tooling includes a first die member defining a cavity and a second die member having a protruding portion designed to be inserted in the cavity of the first die member to define a mold cavity therebetween that defines a shape of the oil pan. A first die insert is used along with the first die member and the second die member to form oil pans for use with an engine having an oil cooler. An alternative second die insert is used in place of the first die insert along with the first die member and the second die member to form oil pans for use with an engine without an oil cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven G. Bryde, Kevin Herrala, Michael B. Fleck, Michael S. Ferrand
  • Publication number: 20150096841
    Abstract: A universal oil pan die tooling is provided for forming alternative oil pans for alternative internal combustion engines with and without an oil cooler circuit. The die tooling includes a first die member defining a cavity and a second die member having a protruding portion designed to be inserted in the cavity of the first die member to define a mold cavity therebetween that defines a shape of the oil pan. A first die insert is used along with the first die member and the second die member to form oil pans for use with an engine having an oil cooler. An alternative second die insert is used in place of the first die insert along with the first die member and the second die member to form oil pans for use with an engine without an oil cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Steven G. BRYDE, Kevin HERRALA, Michael B. FLECK, Michael S. FERRAND