Patents by Inventor Robert N. Saje

Robert N. Saje 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: 12168478
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a system of connected unitized body structure components, with at least one of the system of connected unitized body structure components including a hollow portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Edward D. Moss, Warren J. Parsons
  • Patent number: 12043315
    Abstract: A vehicle underbody includes a system of connected unitized underbody components including a front quadrant system having a left front unitized underbody component and a right front unitized underbody component, a center system, and a rear quadrant system having a left rear unitized underbody component and a right rear unitized underbody component. A first rail element is loosely connected to the left front unitized underbody component and the left rear unitized underbody component, and a second rail element is loosely connected to the right front unitized underbody component and the right rear unitized underbody component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Warren J. Parsons, Edward D. Moss, Robert M. Kielbik, Jean-Michel Steinmetz, Katelyn Marie McCracken, Keith J. Saari, John Robert Sulik, II, Daniel K. Davis, Marty F. Hull, Patrick Alfred Walch, Vikas V. Joshi, John Joseph Jackson, Peter M. Parlow, Francis J. Malek
  • Patent number: 11878736
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first component having a first threaded opening therein, and a second component having a second component opening therethrough. A bolt assembly secures the second component relative to the first component. The bolt assembly includes a first bolt having a spacer portion and a first threaded shaft extending from the spacer portion to engage the first threaded opening. The first bolt includes an internal thread extending axially from the spacer portion. The bolt assembly further includes a second bolt having a head and a second threaded shaft extending from the head. The second threaded shaft extends through the second component opening to engage the internal thread of the first bolt to secure the second component relative to the first component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Kurt W. Doll, Robert N. Saje
  • Publication number: 20230339549
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a system of connected unitized body structure components, with at least one of the system of connected unitized body structure components including a hollow portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Edward D. Moss, Warren J. Parsons
  • Publication number: 20230339548
    Abstract: A vehicle underbody includes a system of connected unitized underbody components including a front quadrant system having a left front unitized underbody component and a right front unitized underbody component, a center system, and a rear quadrant system having a left rear unitized underbody component and a right rear unitized underbody component. A first rail element is loosely connected to the left front unitized underbody component and the left rear unitized underbody component, and a second rail element is loosely connected to the right front unitized underbody component and the right rear unitized underbody component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Warren J. Parsons, Edward D. Moss, Robert M. Kielbik, Jean-Michel Steinmetz, Katelyn Marie McCracken, Keith J. Saari, John Robert Sulik, II, Daniel K. Davis, Marty F. Hull, Patrick Alfred Walch, Vikas V. Joshi, John Joseph Jackson, Peter M. Parlow, Francis J. Malek
  • Publication number: 20230174164
    Abstract: An assembly includes a first component having a first threaded opening therein, and a second component having a second component opening therethrough. A bolt assembly secures the second component relative to the first component. The bolt assembly includes a first bolt having a spacer portion and a first threaded shaft extending from the spacer portion to engage the first threaded opening. The first bolt includes an internal thread extending axially from the spacer portion. The bolt assembly further includes a second bolt having a head and a second threaded shaft extending from the head. The second threaded shaft extends through the second component opening to engage the internal thread of the first bolt to secure the second component relative to the first component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Kurt W. Doll, Robert N. Saje
  • Patent number: 11505021
    Abstract: A structural load path assembly includes an upper rail configured to be coupled to a suspension system, a lower rail spaced apart from the upper rail along a vertical direction, a first outer bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, a second outer bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, a first inner bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, wherein the first inner bracket is spaced apart from the first outer bracket along a horizontal direction, and the horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction, a second inner bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower, and a box section sized to receive a shock absorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Laskowski, Matthew B. Rombach, Michael T. Chaney, Robert N. Saje, Warren J. Parsons, Anthony R. Rossello
  • Publication number: 20220242183
    Abstract: A structural load path assembly includes an upper rail configured to be coupled to a suspension system, a lower rail spaced apart from the upper rail along a vertical direction, a first outer bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, a second outer bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, a first inner bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower rail, wherein the first inner bracket is spaced apart from the first outer bracket along a horizontal direction, and the horizontal direction is perpendicular to the vertical direction, a second inner bracket interconnecting the upper rail and the lower, and a box section sized to receive a shock absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Trevor Laskowski, Matthew B. Rombach, Michael T. Chaney, Robert N. Saje, Warren J. Parsons, Anthony R. Rossello
  • Patent number: 11299205
    Abstract: A body structure for an automotive vehicle includes an enclosure for a power source, an upper shear structure assembly and a lower shear structure assembly. The enclosure includes a front cross-member, a rear cross-member, a left rocker and a right rocker. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies are disposed across the top and bottom of the enclosure, respectively, and are fastened to respective top and bottom surfaces of the cross-members and rockers. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies may include respective front and rear generally trapezoidal sections configured for attachment to respective front and rear box structures. Each of the shear structure assemblies is effective to dissipate in-plane a portion of an external load imposed upon the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Brian V. Castillo, Giles D. Bryer, Warren J. Parsons, Michael T. Chaney, Eric A. Mathieson, James A. Rochon
  • Patent number: 11148720
    Abstract: A barrier assembly for an energy storage system includes a panel and an energy storage pack. The panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposing the outer surface. The energy storage pack is spaced from the panel relative to the inner surface of the panel. The barrier assembly further includes an intermediate structure disposed between the inner surface of the panel and the energy storage pack. The intermediate structure is configured to absorb energy when a load is applied to the outer surface of the panel and configured to redistribute the load along a plurality of load paths through the intermediate structure as the load is applied to the panel. A vehicle includes the barrier assembly discussed above. The vehicle includes a support structure and the barrier assembly is coupled to the support structure. The inner surface of the panel faces toward the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Travis W. Walker, Robert N. Saje, Eric A. Mathieson, Michael T. Chaney, Warren J. Parsons
  • Patent number: 11148718
    Abstract: A structural arrangement for a vehicle includes a body structure defining a longitudinal vehicle body axis and a lateral vehicle axis orthogonal to the longitudinal vehicle body axis. The body structure includes a lattice shear structure having a first structural member extending laterally from one side to an opposite side of the vehicle and a second structural member parallel to and longitudinally spaced apart from the first structural member, an upper shear panel extending longitudinally and laterally across the vehicle and joined to the lattice shear structure, and a seat attachment structure having a first end and a second end opposite the second end. The seat attachment structure is oriented longitudinally and is joined to both of the first and second structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Mathieson, Michael T. Chaney, Robert N. Saje, Warren J. Parsons, Travis W. Walker
  • Patent number: 11132986
    Abstract: A panel assembly is formed by a plurality of bonds between two sheet materials in a face to face relationship to form a preform. The plurality of bonds define a closed perimeter region between the two sheet materials and an open perimeter region between the two sheet materials. The preform may be formed into a predefined shape. Pressurized fluid is applied through an inlet into the open perimeter region to expand the preform. The pressurized fluid expands the open perimeter region such that the two sheet materials expand in an opposing direction, thereby defining an expanded open perimeter region. The closed perimeter region between the two sheet materials remains vacant of the pressurized fluid such that the closed perimeter region is not expanded. The expanded open perimeter region is filled with a filler material for improving a performance characteristic of the panel assembly, e.g., strength, sound absorption, or stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anil K. Sachdev, Raja K. Mishra, Jon T. Carter, Tyson W. Brown, Blair E. Carlson, David R. Sigler, Robert N. Saje, Matthew P. Simonin
  • Patent number: 11124240
    Abstract: An extruded rail assembly including a first multi-channel extrusion having at least two tubular channels connected by a center rib, and having a joining end configured for joining at a predetermined angle to a joining end of a second multi-channel extrusion. The second multi-channel extrusion includes at least two tubular channels connected by a center rib, and having a joining end configured for joining at the predetermined angle to the joining end of first multi-channel extrusion. The joining ends of the first and second multi-channel extrusions are configured such that the center ribs complementarily engage as a joining surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert Ristoski, Robert N. Saje, Peter M. Parlow, Gregory McCurry
  • Publication number: 20210245810
    Abstract: A barrier assembly for an energy storage system includes a panel and an energy storage pack. The panel includes an outer surface and an inner surface opposing the outer surface. The energy storage pack is spaced from the panel relative to the inner surface of the panel. The barrier assembly further includes an intermediate structure disposed between the inner surface of the panel and the energy storage pack. The intermediate structure is configured to absorb energy when a load is applied to the outer surface of the panel and configured to redistribute the load along a plurality of load paths through the intermediate structure as the load is applied to the panel. A vehicle includes the barrier assembly discussed above. The vehicle includes a support structure and the barrier assembly is coupled to the support structure. The inner surface of the panel faces toward the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Travis W. Walker, Robert N. Saje, Eric A. Mathieson, Michael T. Chaney, Warren J. Parsons
  • Publication number: 20210245808
    Abstract: A structural arrangement for a vehicle includes a body structure defining a longitudinal vehicle body axis and a lateral vehicle axis orthogonal to the longitudinal vehicle body axis. The body structure includes a lattice shear structure having a first structural member extending laterally from one side to an opposite side of the vehicle and a second structural member parallel to and longitudinally spaced apart from the first structural member, an upper shear panel extending longitudinally and laterally across the vehicle and joined to the lattice shear structure, and a seat attachment structure having a first end and a second end opposite the second end. The seat attachment structure is oriented longitudinally and is joined to both of the first and second structural members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Eric A. Mathieson, Michael T. Chaney, Robert N. Saje, Warren J. Parsons, Travis W. Walker
  • Publication number: 20210245809
    Abstract: A body structure for an automotive vehicle includes an enclosure for a power source, an upper shear structure assembly and a lower shear structure assembly. The enclosure includes a front cross-member, a rear cross-member, a left rocker and a right rocker. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies are disposed across the top and bottom of the enclosure, respectively, and are fastened to respective top and bottom surfaces of the cross-members and rockers. The upper and lower shear structure assemblies may include respective front and rear generally trapezoidal sections configured for attachment to respective front and rear box structures. Each of the shear structure assemblies is effective to dissipate in-plane a portion of an external load imposed upon the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Saje, Brian V. Castillo, Giles D. Bryer, Warren J. Parsons, Michael T. Chaney, Eric A. Mathieson, James A. Rochon
  • Patent number: 11084538
    Abstract: A connection member includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The connection member also includes a third side connecting the first and second sides, the third side including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, a first edge separating the first portion from the second portion and a second edge separating the second portion from the third portion. A first flange extends along the first edge and a second flange extends along the second edge such that the first and second flanges are separated by the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Kielbik, Robert N. Saje, John J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 10919577
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body with a longitudinal axis. The vehicle also includes a rocker inner panel with a first channel having interior and exterior sides. The interior side is secured to the vehicle body. The first channel has a first upper horizontal sidewall, a first lower horizontal sidewall, and a first vertical endwall coupling the first upper and first lower horizontal sidewalls at the interior side. A rocker outer panel is secured to the rocker inner panel. The rocker outer panel includes a second channel, a third channel, and a fourth channel. The second channel is secured to the third channel, and the third channel is secured to the fourth channel. An upper cavity is defined between the second and third channels, an intermediate cavity is defined between the third and fourth channels, and a lower cavity is defined between the second and third channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard W. Douglas, Robert Ristoski, Robert N. Saje, Kevin Stang, Terry A. Swartzell
  • Patent number: 10913417
    Abstract: An energy absorbing structure for a vehicle includes a body having an outer periphery defined by one or more outer walls. An inner periphery of the body is defined by and extends between the one or more outer walls. A first end and a second end of the body are defined by the one or more outer walls. A transverse plate is disposed within and extending at least partially through the inner periphery of the body to provide structural support to the body, wherein the transverse plate cooperates with and extends between the first wall and the opposing second wall. The transverse plate divides the inner periphery into a first compartment defined between the third wall and the transverse plate and a second compartment defined between the fourth wall and the transverse plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bradley A. Newcomb, Robert N. Saje, Xiaosong Huang
  • Publication number: 20200369325
    Abstract: A connection member includes a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The connection member also includes a third side connecting the first and second sides, the third side including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, a first edge separating the first portion from the second portion and a second edge separating the second portion from the third portion. A first flange extends along the first edge and a second flange extends along the second edge such that the first and second flanges are separated by the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Kielbik, Robert N. Saje, John J. Jackson