Patents by Inventor Xiujie Gao

Xiujie Gao 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: 20130011806
    Abstract: A device and method for controlling a phase transformation temperature of a shape memory alloy is provided. The device includes a primary wire composed of the shape memory alloy. The primary wire defines first and second ends, the first end being attached to a fixed structure and the second end being able to displace. An activation source is thermally coupled to the wire and is operable to selectively cause the primary wire to reversibly transform from a Martensitic phase to an Austenitic phase during a cycle. A loading element is operatively connected to the primary wire and configured to selectively increase a tensile load on the primary wire when an ambient temperature is at or above a threshold temperature, thereby increasing the phase transformation temperature of the primary wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicants: DYNALLOY, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Wayne Brown
  • Publication number: 20130000776
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne, Xiujie Gao, Paul W. Alexander, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Richard J. Skurkis, Scott R. Webb
  • Publication number: 20120324671
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Scott R. Webb, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Wendell G. Summerville, John A. Cafeo
  • Patent number: 8281585
    Abstract: An actuator includes a thermally activated active material member, and an external element configured to selectively engage the member and presenting a predetermined rate of thermal conductivity configured to transfer heat energy to and/or from the member, so as to reduce the actuation period or rate of cooling after actuation, when engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Patrick B. Usoro, Nicholas William Pinto, Richard J. Skurkis, Paul W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8272214
    Abstract: A cable adapted for use as an actuator, adaptive structural member, or damper, includes a plurality of longitudinally inter-engaged and cooperatively functioning shape memory alloy wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Nilesh D. Mankame, John Andrew Shaw, Benjamin Reedlunn, Alan L. Browne, Xiujie Gao, Paul W. Alexander, Jan H. Aase, Nancy L. Johnson, Kenneth A. Strom, Sanjeev M. Naik, Chandra S. Namuduri, Robin Stevenson, William R. Rodgers, John C. Ulicny, Christopher P. Henry, Paul E. Krajewski, Ravindra Brammajyosula
  • Publication number: 20120234000
    Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes an SMA element and a flexible outer coating or layer. The element is respectively activated by a heating source. The layer surrounds the element, and enhances the heat transfer characteristics of the element to increase the speed of the actuation cycle. The nominal geometry and/or thermal conductivity may be altered during an activation phase, and may include discrete elements oriented with respect to the element, and partially embedded in the layer. An end gripper assembly may be used to cause the layer to move in concert with the element during a phase transformation. An electro-mechanical system includes the cooling source and the actuator. A method includes connecting the actuator to a load, activating the element using the heating source, and deactivating the element using a cooling source or free/ambient air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Xiujie Gao, James Holbrook Brown, Nilesh D. Mankame, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV
  • Patent number: 8262133
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor utilizing active material actuation for selectively modifying the tension in a seat belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Alan L. Browne, Steven G. Corrion, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Lawrence C. Maugh, William B. Carter, Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. McKnight
  • Publication number: 20120223727
    Abstract: A method of controlling and/or predicting the remaining useful life of an active material actuator, such as a shape memory alloy wire, includes obtaining historical actuation data of an inherent system variable, such as electrical resistance, over a secondary variable, such as time, determining a normal operating envelope having upper and lower bounds based on the data, determining a current profile for a given actuation cycle, and comparing the shape of the current profile to the envelope to determine an out-of-bounds event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Guillermo A. Herrera, Christopher P. Henry, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Lei Hao, Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne
  • Publication number: 20120198835
    Abstract: An assembly for and method of reinforcing interconnection between an active material wire actuator, such as a shape memory alloy wire, and structure, includes the generation and engagement of an enlarged formation affixed to or integrally formed with the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Skurkis, Paul W. Alexander, Nicholas W. Pinto, IV, Xiujie Gao, Nilesh D. Mankame, Peter Maxwell Sarosi, Robin Stevenson, Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne
  • Publication number: 20120184195
    Abstract: A baffle controller for moving a baffle disposed within an HVAC outlet housing between an open position and a closed position to control airflow through an HVAC outlet in a vehicle includes a Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuator that is controlled and actuated by an electrical signal. The SMA actuator rotates a main lever that rotates a valve plate. The valve plate is attached to the baffle such that the baffle rotates with the valve plate. The baffle controller may include a position biasing device that increases a position holding ability of the baffle controller, and a cut-off switch that interrupts the electrical signal to the SMA actuator to prevent over-rotating the baffle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicants: DYNALLOY, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Michael E. Nishek, James Holbrook Brown, Xiujie Gao
  • Publication number: 20120174573
    Abstract: A multi-segmented active material actuator producing a variable, tailored, or staged/staggered stroke in response to an activation signal, including a plurality of segments joined in series, having differing constituencies and geometric configurations, and presenting differing activation thresholds, activation periods/rates, and/or strokes as a result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Skurkis, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Xiujie Gao, Peter Maxwell Sarosi
  • Patent number: 8188757
    Abstract: A method of controlling a shape memory alloy actuator utilizing the change in resistance exhibited by the actuator over an actuation cycle, or a derivative thereof, to identify at least one event, such as, for example, a peak, valley, change in slope without reaching a valley, or a jump in resistance within the signal plot that corresponds to the start of actuation, end of actuation, an overload case, and the introduction of a resistive element respectively, and generating a response based upon the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Alan L. Browne, Nicholas William Pinto
  • Patent number: 8179018
    Abstract: An active material actuator adapted for use in a circuit includes an active material member, and a piezoelectric or piezoresistive element or otherwise force sensing device, wherein the element or device is communicatively coupled to the member and operable to vary the current within the circuit when the member is caused to achieve a predetermined stress, such that, in one aspect, the element presents an overload protection mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Paul W. Alexander, Lei Hao, Ke Dong
  • Publication number: 20120109573
    Abstract: A method of sensing an ambient heat transfer condition surrounding a shape memory alloy element includes heating the shape memory alloy element, sensing the resistance of the shape memory alloy element, and measuring the period of time taken to heat the shape memory alloy element to a pre-determined level of a resistance characteristic. The ambient heat transfer condition surrounding the shape memory alloy element is calculated by referencing a relationship between the period of time taken to heat the shape memory alloy to the pre-determined level of the resistance characteristic and the ambient heat transfer condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Lei Hao, Andrew C. Keefe, Christopher P. Henry
  • Publication number: 20120104292
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20120046791
    Abstract: A method of improving the speed and consistency of response of a shape memory alloy actuator under varying ambient and operating conditions. The method includes probing the shape memory alloy by periodically determining an electric signal strength at which it will undergo forward or reverse phase transformation, while avoiding actual phase transformation; priming the shape memory alloy by bringing it close to phase transformation; initiating phase transformation; and maintaining the shape memory alloy in the phase transformed state. The electric signal strength at which the shape memory alloy will undergo phase transformation is determined by identifying a cusp feature in the electric resistance of the shape memory alloy which closely precedes phase transformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. Mc Knight, Robert B. Gorbet, Hien K. Goi, Eric Gregory Kubica, Mohamed El Dib, Vidyashankar R. Buravalla, Ashish Khandelwal
  • Patent number: 8109087
    Abstract: An overheating protection system adapted for use with a shape memory alloy actuator element, includes at least one switching shape memory alloy element presenting a slower activation period than that of the actuator element, and configured to selectively prevent activation of the actuator element, when the actuator element is actually or predicted to be experiencing overheating; and a circuit comprising the system, wherein the switching element and/or a circuit implement functions to modify activation of the actuator element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Xiujie Gao, Richard J. Skurkis, Paul W. Alexander, Alan L. Browne, Guillermo A. Herrera, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Nancy L. Johnson, Nicholas William Pinto, Kenneth A. Strom
  • Patent number: 8091280
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided having a sensor for detecting a vehicle occupant's presence, and another sensor for detecting an owner's response with respect to automatically opening a vehicle closure panel. An actuator opens the closure panel when the occupant's presence and response are detected. A signal from an emitter outside the vehicle signals occupant presence. A photoelectric and/or optical device, audio receiver, and/or touch-sensitive sensor detects the response. The optical device projects a light beam, and breaking the beam with a gesture signals the response. An automatic closure panel opening apparatus has an RF receiver adapted to receive an RF signal to detect occupant presence, a sensor for detecting the occupant response, and an actuator for opening the closure panel when both the presence and occupant response are detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Hanzel, Louise E. Stauffer, Maurice J. Gisler, Xiujie Gao, Craig A. Kollar, Jack L. Bailey, Gregory Lynn Dantzler, Michael Reber White
  • Patent number: 8025339
    Abstract: A safety belt webbing presenter including an active material actuator configured to selectively cause a webbing engaging mechanism to translate between deployed and stowed conditions, wherein the deployed condition, the mechanism engages a safety belt webbing causing it to translate to a more readily fastened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick B. Usoro, Alan L. Browne, Steven G. Corrion, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Nilesh D. Mankame, Lawrence C. Maugh
  • Patent number: 8011559
    Abstract: A method for controlling welding forces of a weld tip to a work piece during a vibration-welding process includes positioning an Active Material (AM) element adjacently to a welding interface, and varying a property of the AM element to regulate the welding force. The AM element may be disposed between the weld tip and a weld face thereof, or between the work piece and an anvil. The property may be varied as a function of heat generated by the welding process. A property of each of a plurality of AM elements may be independently and selectively varied via an energy source, or passively. A vibration welding system includes a weld tip and an AM element connected adjacently to a welding interface. The system regulates a welding force applied by the weld tip to a work piece during the welding process by varying a property of the AM element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wayne W. Cai, Xiujie Gao, Nancy L. Johnson, Alan L. Browne