Patents by Inventor Scott R. Webb
Scott R. Webb 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).
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Patent number: 10670162Abstract: A fluid bypass valve includes a valve member disposed within a valve chamber of a housing. A temperature based actuating mechanism moves the valve member between a first position and a second position in response to a temperature change. A temporary flow control device undergoes a one-time only shape change between a first shape and a second shape. The temporary flow control device enables fluid communication between a first port and a second port when exhibiting the first shape, and does not enable fluid communication between the first port and the second port when exhibiting the second shape. The temporary flow control device exhibits the first shape when having an initial temperature less than or equal to a second pre-defined temperature, and exhibits the second shape in response to a first heating of the temporary flow control device to a temperature that is greater than the second pre-defined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Xiujie Gao, Nicholas W. Pinto, Scott R. Webb, Nilesh D. Mankame, Richard J. Skurkis
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Publication number: 20180299023Abstract: A fluid bypass valve includes a valve member disposed within a valve chamber of a housing. A temperature based actuating mechanism moves the valve member between a first position and a second position in response to a temperature change. A temporary flow control device undergoes a one-time only shape change between a first shape and a second shape. The temporary flow control device enables fluid communication between a first port and a second port when exhibiting the first shape, and does not enable fluid communication between the first port and the second port when exhibiting the second shape. The temporary flow control device exhibits the first shape when having an initial temperature less than or equal to a second pre-defined temperature, and exhibits the second shape in response to a first heating of the temporary flow control device to a temperature that is greater than the second pre-defined temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Xiujie Gao, Nicholas W. Pinto, Scott R. Webb, Nilesh D. Mankame, Richard J. Skurkis
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Patent number: 9623811Abstract: A deployable camera system for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera including a housing having an exterior surface. The camera is reversibly transitionable between a stowed position in which the camera is recessed into the cavity and the exterior surface is substantially flush with the body, and a deployed position wherein the camera protrudes from the cavity and the exterior surface is not substantially flush with the body. The deployable camera system includes a first shape memory alloy element transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a first thermal activation signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2014Date of Patent: April 18, 2017Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, DYNALLOY, INC.Inventors: Paul W. Alexander, Debbie E Nachtegall, Nancy L. Johnson, Scott R. Webb, James Ryan Yates, James Holbrook Brown, Aragorn Zolno
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Patent number: 9539986Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length, and an active material disposed along the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite, and is elastically deformable and operatively applies a spring force against a portion of the wiper blade when the crystallographic phase is martensite.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2016Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Wendell G. Summerville, John A. Cafeo
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Publication number: 20160244027Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length, and an active material disposed along the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite, and is elastically deformable and operatively applies a spring force against a portion of the wiper blade when the crystallographic phase is martensite.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Wendell G. Summerville, John A. Cafeo
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Publication number: 20160208955Abstract: A valve assembly includes a shuttle reversibly translatable with respect to an axis. The shuttle defines an at least first outlet port, an at least second outlet port spaced apart from the at least first outlet port, and an inlet port. The valve assembly includes an actuator configured for translating the shuttle with respect to the axis between a first position in which the at least first outlet port and the inlet port are disposed in fluid communication, and a second position in which the at least second outlet port and the inlet port are disposed in fluid communication. The actuator is formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a thermal activation signal. A washer system, a device, and a method of alternately washing one of a first component and a second component of the device are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2016Publication date: July 21, 2016Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Paul W. Alexander, Scott R. Webb, Nancy L. Johnson, Richard J. Skurkis
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Patent number: 9358956Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length, and an active material disposed along the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite, and is elastically deformable and operatively applies a spring force against a portion of the wiper blade when the crystallographic phase is martensite.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Wendell G. Summerville, John A. Cafeo
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Patent number: 9038983Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Shawn G. Quinn, Milind S. Gandhi, Scott R. Webb
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Publication number: 20140211010Abstract: A deployable camera system for a vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therein, and a camera including a housing having an exterior surface. The camera is reversibly transitionable between a stowed position in which the camera is recessed into the cavity and the exterior surface is substantially flush with the body, and a deployed position wherein the camera protrudes from the cavity and the exterior surface is not substantially flush with the body. The deployable camera system includes a first shape memory alloy element transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a first thermal activation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicants: DYNALLOY, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Paul W. Alexander, Debbie E. Nachtegall, Nancy L. Johnson, Scott R. Webb, James Ryan Yates, James Holbrook Brown, Aragorn Zolno
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Patent number: 8776515Abstract: A pumping assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first movable element selectively movable within a first pump housing and an actuator including an active material. The active material is configured to undergo a change in attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material is operatively connected to the first movable element such that the change in attribute causes the first movable element to move within the first pump housing. In one example, the active material is a shape memory alloy material having a crystallographic phase that is changeable between Austenite and Martensite in response to the activation signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Paul W. Alexander, Thomas W. Cox, Xiujie Gao
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Patent number: 8764092Abstract: A protective device for a vehicle wiper assembly is provided. The protective device is configured to selectively at least partially cover the wiper assembly and prevent the wiper assembly from being pulled away from the vehicle. For example, the protective device may prevent entanglement of the wiper assembly with external elements such as those found in automatic car wash facilities. The device may include a member movable between first and second positions such that the member in the second position is configured to at least partially cover or encapsulate the wiper assembly. An active material actuator may be used to move the member between the first and second positions. In another embodiment, the device includes a member operatively connected to and configured to stiffen a pivot point of the wiper assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott R. Webb, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Paul W. Alexander, Wendell G. Summerville
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Patent number: 8689771Abstract: A device is provided that may be adapted to control or monitor the pressure level of a fluid system. The device includes a member composed of a shape memory alloy in a superelastic state. The member is configured to undergo a phase change from a high modulus Austenitic phase to a low modulus Martensitic phase and stretch in response to an activation stress. In one embodiment, the member defines two ends such that one end of the member is operatively connected to a fixed point. Another end of the member is operatively connected to a movable element. As the member stretches in response to the activation stress, the movable element is translated relative to the fixed point. In another embodiment, the member includes two plates with respective holes that are selectively aligned when the first and second plates stretch or deform in response to the activation stress.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Xiujie Gao, Paul W. Alexander, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Richard J. Skurkis, Scott R. Webb
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Patent number: 8677550Abstract: A wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length and an active material actuator provided along a portion of the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material actuator is configured to impart a degree of motion to a portion of the wiper blade in response to an electrical actuation signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Wendell G. Summerville, John A. Cafeo
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Publication number: 20130098029Abstract: A pumping assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first movable element selectively movable within a first pump housing and an actuator including an active material. The active material is configured to undergo a change in attribute in response to an activation signal. The active material is operatively connected to the first movable element such that the change in attribute causes the first movable element to move within the first pump housing. In one example, the active material is a shape memory alloy material having a crystallographic phase that is changeable between Austenite and Martensite in response to the activation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Paul W. Alexander, Thomas W. Cox, Xiujie Gao
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Publication number: 20130069387Abstract: A protective device for a vehicle wiper assembly is provided. The protective device is configured to selectively at least partially cover the wiper assembly and prevent the wiper assembly from being pulled away from the vehicle. For example, the protective device may prevent entanglement of the wiper assembly with external elements such as those found in automatic car wash facilities. The device may include a member movable between first and second positions such that the member in the second position is configured to at least partially cover or encapsulate the wiper assembly. An active material actuator may be used to move the member between the first and second positions. In another embodiment, the device includes a member operatively connected to and configured to stiffen a pivot point of the wiper assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Scott R. Webb, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Paul W. Alexander, Wendell G. Summerville
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Publication number: 20130042426Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade configured to wipe a surface, an armature, and an actuator. The armature has a first end spaced from a second end, and is coupled with the wiper blade at the first end, and coupled to a pivot mechanism at the second end. The pivot mechanism is configured to allow the wiper blade to articulate about the second end in a direction substantially away from the surface and between a wiping position and a parked position. The actuator is provided in mechanical communication with the armature and is configured to receive an electrical actuation signal to transition the wiper blade between a wiping position and the parked position, where the wiper blade is in contact with the surface while in the wiping position, and is separated from the surface while in the parked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: SCOTT R. WEBB, NICHOLAS W. PINTO, IV, PAUL W. ALEXANDER, XIUJIE GAO, WENDELL G. SUMMERVILLE, SCOTT P. CHARNESKY, THOMAS W. COX, KHRISTOPHER S. LEE
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Publication number: 20130000776Abstract: A device is provided that may be adapted to control or monitor the pressure level of a fluid system. The device includes a member composed of a shape memory alloy in a superelastic state. The member is configured to undergo a phase change from a high modulus Austenitic phase to a low modulus Martensitic phase and stretch in response to an activation stress. In one embodiment, the member defines two ends such that one end of the member is operatively connected to a fixed point. Another end of the member is operatively connected to a movable element. As the member stretches in response to the activation stress, the movable element is translated relative to the fixed point. In another embodiment, the member includes two plates with respective holes that are selectively aligned when the first and second plates stretch or deform in response to the activation stress.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Xiujie Gao, Paul W. Alexander, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Richard J. Skurkis, Scott R. Webb
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Publication number: 20120324672Abstract: A wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length and an active material actuator provided along a portion of the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material actuator is configured to impart a degree of motion to a portion of the wiper blade in response to an electrical actuation signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Paul W. Alexandrer, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Wendell G. Summerville, John A. Cafeo
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Publication number: 20120324671Abstract: A vehicle wiper assembly includes a wiper blade having a length, and an active material disposed along the length of the wiper blade and coupled thereto. The active material includes a shape memory alloy material with a crystallographic phase that is changeable between austenite and martensite, and is elastically deformable and operatively applies a spring force against a portion of the wiper blade when the crystallographic phase is martensite.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Wendell G. Summerville, John A. Cafeo
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Publication number: 20120104292Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Shawn G. Quinn, Milind S. Gandhi, Scott R. Webb