The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 12, 2011
Filed:
May. 01, 2008
Alan L. Browne, Grosse Pointe, MI (US);
Ching-shan Cheng, Canton, MI (US);
Nancy L. Johnson, Northville, MI (US);
Gary L. Jones, Farmington Hills, MI (US);
Scott R. Webb, Macomb Township, MI (US);
Francis D. Wood, Detroit, MI (US);
Ruth M. Gusko, Caro, MI (US);
Chin-hsu Lin, Troy, MI (US);
Alan L. Browne, Grosse Pointe, MI (US);
Ching-Shan Cheng, Canton, MI (US);
Nancy L. Johnson, Northville, MI (US);
Gary L. Jones, Farmington Hills, MI (US);
Scott R. Webb, Macomb Township, MI (US);
Francis D. Wood, Detroit, MI (US);
Ruth M. Gusko, Caro, MI (US);
Chin-Hsu Lin, Troy, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
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.