James E Webster

US Patent:

7651105, Jan 26, 2010

Filed:

May 30, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/755175

Inventors:

James A. Webster - Washington Township MI, US
Tomasz Warzecha - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B62D 7/18

US Classification:

280 93512, 280124125, 280124126

Abstract:

A hydroformed steering knuckle assembly for a vehicle and method of making same includes a hydroformed main body. The hydroformed steering knuckle assembly also includes at least one component secured to the hydroformed main body. The hydroformed main body is a hydroformed monolithic structure being integral, unitary, and one-piece.

US Patent:

7677369, Mar 16, 2010

Filed:

Nov 30, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/290673

Inventors:

James A. Webster - Washington Township MI, US
Cheryl A. Garrison - Shelby Township MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations, Inc. - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16D 69/00

US Classification:

188250D, 188250 A, 188250 H

Abstract:

A hydroformed drum brake shoe assembly for a vehicle and method of making same includes a hydroformed drum brake shoe. The hydroformed drum brake shoe assembly also includes a friction lining secured to the hydroformed drum brake shoe. The hydroformed drum brake shoe is a monolithic structure being integral, unitary, and one-piece.

US Patent:

8297632, Oct 30, 2012

Filed:

Aug 31, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/871990

Inventors:

James A. Webster - Washington Township MI, US
Tomasz Warzecha - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B62D 7/18

US Classification:

280 93512

Abstract:

A steering knuckle for a vehicle includes a metal body having a first portion defining a bore therethrough and a second portion extending longitudinally from said first portion. The steering knuckle also includes a ceramic insert disposed with the first portion and the second portion and surrounding the bore. A method of forming the steering knuckle includes disposing the ceramic insert within a cavity of a mold, sufficiently filling the cavity with a molten metal to contact and envelop the ceramic insert with the molten metal, and solidifying the molten metal so as to surround the ceramic insert with the metal body to thereby form the steering knuckle.

US Patent:

8590657, Nov 26, 2013

Filed:

Dec 9, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/315999

Inventors:

James A. Webster - Shelby Township MI, US
Tomasz Warzecha - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

B60K 17/30

US Classification:

180253, 280 93512, 384538, 384584, 384585, 384589

Abstract:

In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a wheel assembly is provided for a vehicle. The wheel assembly includes a knuckle having a tapered inner surface to interface with an outer flange of a bearing. A threaded fastener retains the bearing within the knuckle. A wheel hub couples to an inner flange of the bearing permitting rotation of the wheel hub relative to the knuckle.

US Patent:

20110297495, Dec 8, 2011

Filed:

Jun 3, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/793525

Inventors:

Michael D. Hanna - West Bloomfield MI, US
Michael L. Holly - St. Clair Shores MI, US
Ronnie T. Brown - Bloomfield Hills MI, US
James A. Webster - Washington Township MI, US
Lisa G. Devoe - Ortonville MI, US
Donna Y. Sekulovski - Novi MI, US
Kee Hyuk Im - Rochester Hills MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC. - DETROIT MI

International Classification:

F16D 65/12
B24C 1/00
F16D 65/10

US Classification:

188218 R, 451 38

Abstract:

A ferritically nitrocarburized rotational member of a vehicle brake is disclosed, including a rotational member having a friction surface configured for braking engagement with a corresponding friction material. A compound zone is disposed at the friction surface. An exposed surface of the compound zone is exposed to an atmosphere. The area of the exposed surface includes from about 0 percent to about 14 percent graphite.

US Patent:

20120186919, Jul 26, 2012

Filed:

Jan 26, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/014200

Inventors:

Michael D. Hanna - West Bloomfield MI, US
James A. Webster - Washington Township MI, US
Richard M. Kleber - Clarkston MI, US

Assignee:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16D 65/12
B22D 19/00

US Classification:

188218XL, 164 98

Abstract:

A porous structure used to form a casted component. The casted component may include a visible design feature formed in part by the casted component and in part by a body material also forming other parts of the component. The casted component may be a brake rotor having a mixed-material composite formed in part by the casted component and in part by a body material also forming other parts of the rotor. The porous structure can include a ceramic foam or a metal mesh.

US Patent:

20130081776, Apr 4, 2013

Filed:

Nov 30, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/689840

Inventors:

GM Global Technology Operations LLC - Detroit MI, US
James A. Webster - Shelby Township MI, US
Richard M. Kleber - Clarkston MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16D 65/12
B22D 25/02

US Classification:

164112

Abstract:

A method for forming a casted component using a porous structure. The casted component may include a visible design feature formed in part by the casted component and in part by a body material also forming other parts of the component. The casted component may be a brake rotor having a mixed-material composite formed in part by the casted component and in part by a body material also forming other parts of the rotor. The porous structure can include a ceramic foam or a metal mesh.

US Patent:

20130133995, May 30, 2013

Filed:

Nov 28, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/304896

Inventors:

Michael D. Hanna - West Bloomfield MI, US
James A. Webster - Shelby Township MI, US

Assignee:

GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC - Detroit MI

International Classification:

F16D 65/12
C23C 8/04
C23C 8/00

US Classification:

188218XL, 148212, 148280

Abstract:

A method is disclosed for forming a brake rotor including a desired custom marking having a predetermined size and shape. The method includes applying a chemical treatment to a marking portion of a surface of the rotor. The marking portion has a size and shape corresponding to the predetermined size and shape of the desired custom marking. The chemical treatment is configured to affect, in a predetermined manner, an ability of a stimulus, to which the rotor is to be exposed, to alter properties of the rotor. The method also includes exposing the rotor, having the chemical treatment applied thereto, to the stimulus. The stimulus alters properties of the rotor at the marking portion differently than the stimulus alters properties of the rotor at other portions of the rotor adjacent the marking portion, thereby forming physical differences in the rotor, which, being visually perceptible, form the custom marking.