Patents by Inventor Ruth M. Gusko

Ruth M. Gusko 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).

  • Volume-filling mechanical assemblies and methods of operating the same
    Patent number: 7922236
    Abstract: A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Ching-Shan Cheng, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, Scott R. Webb, Francis D. Wood, Ruth M. Gusko, Chin-Hsu Lin
  • VOLUME-FILLING MECHANICAL ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20080200570
    Abstract: A method of operating a volume-filling structure, comprising sensing an impact event and expanding the volume-filling structure from a non-expanded state to an expanded state upon the sensed impact event. The volume-filling structure comprises an open celled material, a first end cap connected to one end of the open celled material and a second end cap connected to a second end of the open celled material. The volume-filling structure further includes an activation mechanism regulating expansion of the open celled material from the non-expanded state to expanded state in response to an activation signal, and the activation mechanism includes an actuator interfaced with the end caps. Embodiments may include triggering a pneumatic device to force the second end cap from the first end cap. Additionally, embodiments may include triggering a mechanical event to force the second end cap from the first end cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Ching-Shan Cheng, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, Scott R. Webb, Francis D. Wood, Ruth M. Gusko, Chin-Hsu Lin
  • Volume-filling mechanical assemblies and methods of operating the same
    Patent number: 7401846
    Abstract: A volume-filling mechanical structure for modifying a crash or impact comprising a honeycomb celled material expandable from a compact state to a expanded state and methods for operating the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Ching-Shan Cheng, Nancy L. Johnson, Gary L. Jones, Scott R. Webb, Francis D. Wood, Ruth M. Gusko, Chin-Hsu Lin