PAUL HOWARD ALEXANDER
Nursing in Ypsilanti, MI
License number
Michigan 4704133133
Issued Date
Sep 10, 1980
Expiration Date
Mar 31, 1983
Category
Nursing
Type
RN
Address
Address
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Professional information
Shape Memory Alloy-Based Device For Controlling Or Monitoring Pressure In A System
US Patent:
2013000, Jan 3, 2013
Filed:
Jun 30, 2011
Appl. No.:
13/173276
Inventors:
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Richard J. Skurkis - Lake Orion MI, US
Scott R. Webb - Macomb Township MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Richard J. Skurkis - Lake Orion MI, US
Scott R. Webb - Macomb Township MI, US
Assignee:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI
International Classification:
B65B 31/00, F16K 31/00, C22C 33/00
US Classification:
141 38, 148402, 251 11
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.
Cable Protection System And Method Of Reducing An Initial Stress On A Cable
US Patent:
2012032, Dec 27, 2012
Filed:
Aug 16, 2012
Appl. No.:
13/587383
Inventors:
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Assignee:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI
International Classification:
D07B 1/00, D07B 5/00
US Classification:
57212, 57310
Abstract:
A method of reducing an initial stress on a cable includes stretching the cable to a first length to thereby define the initial stress. The cable has a central longitudinal axis, and includes a plurality of wires each twisted around the axis and formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable in response to a signal between a first state wherein each of the wires has a first temperature-dependent length, and a second state wherein each of the wires has a second temperature-dependent length that is less than the first. After stretching, the method includes activating the alloy by exposing the alloy to the signal such that the alloy transitions from the first to the second temperature-dependent state. Concurrent to activating, the method includes elongating the cable to a second length that is greater than the first to define a second stress on the cable that is less than the first.
Method Of Starting And Operating A Shape Memory Alloy Heat Engine
US Patent:
2012021, Aug 30, 2012
Filed:
Dec 30, 2011
Appl. No.:
13/340897
Inventors:
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
John Andrew Shaw - Dexter MI, US
Christopher Burton Churchill - Ann Arbor MI, US
Andrew C. Keefe - Encino CA, US
Guillermo A. Herrera - Winnetka CA, US
Jeffrey W. Brown - Los Gatos CA, US
Richard J. Skurkis - Lake Orion MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
John Andrew Shaw - Dexter MI, US
Christopher Burton Churchill - Ann Arbor MI, US
Andrew C. Keefe - Encino CA, US
Guillermo A. Herrera - Winnetka CA, US
Jeffrey W. Brown - Los Gatos CA, US
Richard J. Skurkis - Lake Orion MI, US
International Classification:
F03G 7/06
US Classification:
60528
Abstract:
A shape memory alloy (SMA) heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley, a second rotatable pulley, and an SMA material disposed about the first and second rotatable pulleys and between a hot region and a cold region. A method of starting and operating the SMA heat engine includes detecting a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region using a controller, decoupling an electrical generator from one of the first and second rotatable pulleys, monitoring a speed of the SMA material about the first and second rotatable pulleys, and re-engaging the driven component if the monitored speed of the SMA material exceeds a threshold. The SMA material may selectively change crystallographic phase between martensite and austenite and between the hot region and the cold region to convert the thermal gradient into mechanical energy.
Active Material Enabled Pressure Release Valves And Methods Of Use
US Patent:
2010011, May 6, 2010
Filed:
Nov 3, 2009
Appl. No.:
12/611322
Inventors:
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Mark A. Voss - Richmond MI, US
Derek L. Patterson - Shelby Township MI, US
John N. Owens - Franklin MI, US
James Holbrook Brown - Costa Mesa CA, US
Brian D. Hu - Upland CA, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Mark A. Voss - Richmond MI, US
Derek L. Patterson - Shelby Township MI, US
John N. Owens - Franklin MI, US
James Holbrook Brown - Costa Mesa CA, US
Brian D. Hu - Upland CA, US
Assignee:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. - Detroit MI
DYNALLOY, INC. - Costa Mesa CA
DYNALLOY, INC. - Costa Mesa CA
International Classification:
B60H 1/00
US Classification:
454 70
Abstract:
A pressure relief valve includes a housing and vane that is movable to one of an open position and a closed position. A linear actuator mechanically couples between the movable vane and the housing. The linear actuator is a wire device fabricated from a shape memory alloy. An actuable latching system is configured to retain the movable vane in one of the open position and the closed position for an indeterminate time period.
Active Material Actuation Utilizing Magnetic Overload Protection
US Patent:
2013024, Sep 19, 2013
Filed:
Mar 15, 2012
Appl. No.:
13/421828
Inventors:
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Pablo D. Zavattieri - Ann Arbor MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Pablo D. Zavattieri - Ann Arbor MI, US
Assignee:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI
International Classification:
H01F 7/06
US Classification:
361139
Abstract:
A system for and method of providing overload protection for an active material actuator, includes a magnetically functioning mechanism comprising, for example, one or more permanent or electromagnets, and/or magnetorheological fluid, and configured to produce a holding force less than the capacity of the actuator, and more preferably, a modifiable holding force responsive to load influencing conditions.
Shape Memory Alloy Heat Engines And Energy Harvesting Systems
US Patent:
2012021, Aug 30, 2012
Filed:
Dec 30, 2011
Appl. No.:
13/340964
Inventors:
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
John Andrew Shaw - Dexter MI, US
Chirstopher Burton Churchill - Ann Arbor MI, US
Andrew C. Keffe - Encino CA, US
Geoffrey P. Mc Knight - Los Angeles CA, US
Guillermo A. Herrera - Winnetka CA, US
Jeffrey W. Brown - Los Gatos CA, US
James Ryan Yates - Mission Viejo CA, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
John Andrew Shaw - Dexter MI, US
Chirstopher Burton Churchill - Ann Arbor MI, US
Andrew C. Keffe - Encino CA, US
Geoffrey P. Mc Knight - Los Angeles CA, US
Guillermo A. Herrera - Winnetka CA, US
Jeffrey W. Brown - Los Gatos CA, US
James Ryan Yates - Mission Viejo CA, US
International Classification:
F03G 7/06
US Classification:
60529
Abstract:
A heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley and a second rotatable pulley spaced from the first rotatable pulley. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at an SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element includes a first wire, a second wire, and a matrix joining the first wire and the second wire. The first wire and the second wire are in contact with the pulleys, but the matrix is not in contact with the pulleys. A timing cable is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at a timing pulley ratio, which is different than the SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element converts a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region into mechanical energy.
Active Material Head Restraint Assembly
US Patent:
7883148, Feb 8, 2011
Filed:
Mar 27, 2008
Appl. No.:
12/056664
Inventors:
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
James Y. Khoury - Macomb MI, US
Michael G. Carpenter - Romeo MI, US
Leigh A. Berger - Brighton MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
James Y. Khoury - Macomb MI, US
Michael G. Carpenter - Romeo MI, US
Leigh A. Berger - Brighton MI, US
Assignee:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI
International Classification:
B60N 2/48
US Classification:
29721612
Abstract:
A head restraint assembly includes a support member and a deployable member selectively movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. At least a portion of the deployable member is farther from the support member in the deployed than in the retracted position. A latch system is configured to releasably retain the deployable member in its retracted position. An active material member is actuatable to release the latch system, to release the deployable member.
Manipulable Lumbar Support Utilizing Active Material Actuation
US Patent:
7905547, Mar 15, 2011
Filed:
Mar 9, 2009
Appl. No.:
12/400026
Inventors:
Jennifer P. Lawall - Waterford MI, US
Diane K. McQueen - Leonard MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Gary L. Jones - Farmington Hills MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Diane K. McQueen - Leonard MI, US
Steven E. Morris - Fair Haven MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Gary L. Jones - Farmington Hills MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Assignee:
GM Global Technology Operations, LLC - Detroit MI
International Classification:
A47C 7/46
US Classification:
2972844, 2972841
Abstract:
A manipulable lumbar support adapted for use with a seat upright defining a first surface condition, includes a structure disposed within the upright and presenting a first configuration, and an actuator employing an active material element configured to cause the structure to achieve a second configuration when activated.
Compound Shutter System With Independent And Non-Sequential Operation
US Patent:
8561738, Oct 22, 2013
Filed:
Nov 30, 2010
Appl. No.:
12/956895
Inventors:
Scott P. Charnesky - Birmingham MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Assignee:
GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI
International Classification:
B60K 11/08
US Classification:
180 681, 180 683
Abstract:
A compound shutter system includes a plurality of shutter assemblies. Each of the shutter assemblies has at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the respective shutter assembly. The compound shutter system additionally includes a mechanism operatively connected to each of the plurality of shutter assemblies. The mechanism is also configured to actuate each of the shutter assemblies independently and non-sequentially relative to each other. A vehicle employing the compound shutter system is also disclosed.
Exhaust System
US Patent:
2011012, May 26, 2011
Filed:
Nov 17, 2010
Appl. No.:
12/947927
Inventors:
Paul W. Alexander - Ypsilanti MI, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Patrick B. Usoro - Troy MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Geoffrey P. Mc Knight - Los Angeles CA, US
Marten Wittorf - Ingelheim, DE
John A. Cafeo - Farmington MI, US
Christopher P. Henry - Thousand Oaks CA, US
Alan L. Browne - Grosse Pointe MI, US
Nancy L. Johnson - Northville MI, US
Patrick B. Usoro - Troy MI, US
Nilesh D. Mankame - Ann Arbor MI, US
Xiujie Gao - Troy MI, US
Geoffrey P. Mc Knight - Los Angeles CA, US
Marten Wittorf - Ingelheim, DE
John A. Cafeo - Farmington MI, US
Christopher P. Henry - Thousand Oaks CA, US
Assignee:
GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. - Detroit MI
International Classification:
F03G 7/06
US Classification:
60527
Abstract:
An exhaust system configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a source of thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between an exhaust gas having a first temperature and a heat sink having a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. The exhaust system also includes a conduit configured for conveying the exhaust gas, a heat engine disposed in thermal relationship with the conduit and configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy, and a member disposed in contact with the conduit and configured for conducting thermal energy from the conduit to the heat engine. The heat engine includes a first element formed from a first shape memory alloy having a crystallographic phase changeable between austenite and martensite at a first transformation temperature in response to the temperature difference between the exhaust gas and the heat sink.