Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Peter D. McDermott
  • Patent number: 6829861
    Abstract: An awning-type insulated glazing assembly includes an insulated glazing having a first glazing pane and a second glazing pane mounted parallel to and spaced from the first glazing pane. The first glazing pane has a marginal portion extending beyond the second glazing pane in at least a first direction in a plane of the first glazing pane. A mounting hinge defines a hinge axis and is secured to the insulated glazing for hingedly mounting the insulated glazing for awning-type movement about the hinge axis. A window regulator is secured to the insulated glazing for controlling the awning-type movement of the insulated glazing about the hinge axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Atwood Mobile Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Kobrehel, Todd E. Cripe, Darren M. Grumm, Natvar H. Soni, Daryl F. Dankert, LeRoy C. Schmuck
  • Patent number: 6791758
    Abstract: An improved etalon has a bulk optic defining the optic cavity between selectively transparent thin film mirror coatings. The bulk optic comprises an optically transparent body, such as a portion of a substrate wafer, along with a wedge correcting coating on at least one of the two surfaces of the optically transparent body and/or a thickness-adjustment layer on one or both surfaces. The wedge coating establishes high precision parallelism of the selectively transparent surfaces of the etalon. The bulk optic is a solid, self-supporting body, optically transparent (at the wavelength or wavelengths of interest), whose thickness, i.e., the dimension between the selectively transparent surfaces, defines the cavity spacing of the etalon. Optical elements and optical communication systems incorporating the novel etalons are disclosed, as well as methods of producing the etalons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Cierra Photonics Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Scobey
  • Patent number: 6732847
    Abstract: A shift-by-wire shifter assembly is provided. The shift-by-wire shifter assembly includes a shift lever, a sensor, a cable bracket, and a lever lock. The shift lever is movable between shift position locations. The sensor is operative to detect the shift position of the shift lever and generate an electrical signal corresponding to the shift position location of the shift lever. The cable bracket has a transmission shift cable mount. The lever lock is operative in a first condition to releasably interlock the shift lever to the cable bracket for movement of the cable bracket with the shift lever between shift position locations, and has a second condition in which the shift lever is movable between shift position locations independently of the cable bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Yong Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 6722635
    Abstract: A jack includes a motor, a gear assembly operably connected to the motor, a ram, and a plurality of screws driven by the gear assembly to move the ram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Atwood Mobile Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Scott Erickson
  • Patent number: 6619439
    Abstract: A mechanical release for an electric parking brake has a first cable engaging a housing. A second cable is connected to a lever that is pivotally supported on the housing by a pivot pin. A locking member engages the lever and prevents rotation of the lever when tension is applied to the cables. When the locking member is released, the lever is free to rotate, reducing tension in the cables and freeing the parking brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Glenn Gibson
  • Patent number: 6223470
    Abstract: A dropglass window module having a sliding pane between a first fixed pane and a second fixed pane, and a skeletal framework comprising left and right division bars, a header and a beltline support where the header and beltline support are each connected to the division bars. The skeletal framework and the fixed panes are bonded together by a plastic encapsulation frame which is preferably injection molded. The fixed panes are positioned entirely within the circumference of the frame. The division bars cooperate with top and bottom segments of the frame to define a central opening, and the sliding pane is movable by a motor between a full open position and a closed position where the sliding pane closes the central opening. In at least some preferred embodiments the beltline support is entirely encapsulated by the plastic frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Millard, William T. DuFour, Ricky J. Mason, William D. Ray, II, Travis H. Briggs, James J. Denison
  • Patent number: 6190776
    Abstract: A heat-treatable coated glass article comprises a substantially transparent substrate with a substantially transparent dual-function coating on a surface of the substrate. The coating provides low emissivity and high anti-solar performance properties. It comprises a first anti-reflection layer of dielectric material, preferably tungsten oxide. An infra-red reflective layer of silver metal and/or copper metal overlies the anti-reflection dielectric layer. A buffer layer, such as a chromium buffer layer, is positioned between the anti-reflection layer and the infra-red reflective layer. Also, optionally, a color control layer may be used, preferably being positioned between the anti-reflection layer and the substrate. A second buffer layer directly overlies the infra-red reflective layer. A second anti-reflection layer overlies the second buffer layer. In accordance with a method of manufacturing the coated article, each of the layers of the coating is deposited in turn by D.C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Turkiye Sise Cam
    Inventor: Hülya Demiryont
  • Patent number: 5173571
    Abstract: A telescoped ammunition round comprises: a propellant charge having an axial cavity for supplying firing power for the ammunition round; a projectile housed within the axial cavity for being fired from a forward end of the ammunition round; a control tube means housed within the axial cavity for selectively covering an aft surface portion of the propellant charge axial cavity, the control tube means having a generally cylindrical axial bore substantially coaxial with the axial cavity, the projectile extending forward of the control tube means; coupling means for releasably securing the projectile to the control tube means; a control tube pistion having a generally cylindrical outer shape forming a sliding fit within the axial bore, positioned aft of the projectile; a booster charge within the axial bore, the control tube piston being forwardly movable in response to the firing of the booster charge and the projectile, in turn, being forwardly movable by forward movement of the control tube piston; a primer me
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Donald N. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 5016809
    Abstract: Aluminum-based sheets or parts, such as formed aluminum assemblies contaminated with forming die lubricants, are cleaned by a solventless, thermal degreasing process at controlled temperature (about 300.degree.-400.degree. F.), and in specified atmospheres (reactive gas which is at least at atmospheric pressure) prior to brazing. The organic contaminates on the aluminum-based sheet or part are reacted with the reactive gas (air or oxygen) and removed from the surface of the sheet or part without disruption of the underlying protective oxide layer. Subsequent brazing is thereby facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Walter L. Winterbottom, J. Scott Badgley, Linda J. Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 4994947
    Abstract: A reflector for a lighting unit and a lighting unit comprising the same is disclosed. The reflector has a generally concave surrface, at least a portion of which concave surface is a series of facets. Each facet has a reflective surface area which is convex. Overlap of the light reflected from the reflective surface areas of adjacent facets provides substantially even illumination of a lens or other object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Donald G. Fesko
  • Patent number: 4988137
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper assembly comprises a channel-section outer shell (12) of injection moulded plastics material extending transversely across the front or rear (20) of a motor vehicle and having spaced apart brackets (32) for mounting the bumper on the motor vehicle. The outer shell (12) is substantially filled with an energy absorbing foam (24) adhered to the inside of the outer shell (12) and the mounting brackets (32) have arm portions (36) moulded in the foam filling (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1991
    Inventor: Stephen D. Fleming
  • Patent number: 4976490
    Abstract: A reinforced structure is disclosed to comprise a plastic body, at least one elongate member within the plastic body, and a layer of resilient material mediate the plastic body and the elongate member. A method aspect of the invention comprises the steps of (A) putting a layer of resilient material on the exterior surface of an elongate member; (B) introducing first the elongate member and then plastic in a moldable condition into the cavity of a molding tool; (C) molding the plastic to at least partially envelop the elongate member; thereby sandwiching the resilient material between the plastic and the elongate member, and (D) removing the reinforced plastic structure from the molding tool cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Derek F. Gentle
  • Patent number: 4961554
    Abstract: A fastener for bundling together a group of tubes has a first member having a cylindrical periphery and a plurality of tube-receiving recesses to hold the tubes in their correct relative positions. A second member extends circumferentially around the first member and provides a radially inward opening recess to rotatably receive the cylindrical periphery of the first member. The second member also provides means for mounting the fastener on a structure. The second member has a limited amount of axial freedom relative to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Mark Smowton
  • Patent number: 4950522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic construction member, in particular an impact-absorbing external body panel, such as an engine hood or mudguard for a motor vehicle. The body panel is formed of a sandwich construction having inner and outer skins bonded to a soft core of, for example, hard foam, a honeycomb structure or paper webs. The connection between the surface of the skins and that of the core is selectively interrupted. In this way, crumple zones are formed in selected regions of the body panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Hans Vogt, Oskar Hurten, Erwin Spiegel
  • Patent number: 4895415
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel cover assembly is provided comprising a vehicle wheel mounted on a plurality of circumferentially spaced lug studs with lug stud nuts. A wheel cover overlaying the vehicle wheel is formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings through each of which spaced openings extends the end of a corresponding lug studs. Wheel cover retainer nuts engage the lug studs to secure the wheel cover to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Randall W. Stay, Gerald F. Herbert
  • Patent number: 4895268
    Abstract: A blow molding process is disclosed for making the products having at least one substantially solid attachment projection unitary with and projecting outwardly from an exterior wall. The process comprises the steps of:(A) forming a molten plastic parison;(B) enclosing the parison within a cavity formed by cooperating blow molding die parts, a void in fluid communication with such cavity and having a configuration corresponding to that desired for the attachment projection being provided at a parting line between one and another of the die parts;(C) introducing fluid pressure into the parison to expand it outwardly within the cavity and to flow molten plastic into the void; and(D) opening the blow mold and removing the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1990
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: James P. Hyde
  • Patent number: 4877147
    Abstract: A molded plastic tank is disclosed to comprise a plastic tank wall and an externally flanged, closed-section conduit at least partially embedded in the wall. A method aspect of the invention for making certain embodiments of such molded plastic tank comprises the steps of:(A) forming a molten plastic parison;(B) locating an externally flanged conduit between the parison and a molding cavity surface;(C) closing the mold around the parison;(D) introducing fluid pressure into the parison to expand it outwardly against the cavity surface and at least partially envelop the flanges of the conduit; and(E) removing the finished plastic tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: James P. Hyde
  • Patent number: 4877001
    Abstract: A fuel vapor recovery canister in a motor vehicle fuel system comprising: adsorption means for releasably absorbing fuel vapor; an open-ended housing for the adsorption means, the housing comprising end closure means forming a fluid tight seal with an open end of the housing and having a first fluid flow port therethrough for communicating a flow of fluid into and out of the housing, and a second fluid flow port remote from the first and open to the atmosphere, wherein the first and second fluid flow ports are in communication with each other within the housing through the adsorption means; a first barrier means within the housing for separating the adsorption means from the first fluid flow port; second barrier means within the housing for separating the adsorption means from the second fluid flow port, the housing, first and second barrier means cooperating to contain the adsorption means; and biasing means, such as a coil spring, positioned intermediate the end closure means and the first barrier means for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Dean R. Kenealy, Robert W. Aittama
  • Patent number: 4866010
    Abstract: A blue glass composition is disclosed. This blue glass composition is based on a standard formulation for soda/lime silica glass, except that neither the basic glass composition nor the coloring components therefor contains nickel. The blue glass color is developed by using coloring components consisting essentially of 0.3-0.6% Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0.004-0.008% Co.sub.3 O.sub.4, and 0.0001-001% Se. The particular blue color of the glass is a neutral blue having a dominant wavelength of 482 nm.+-.1 nm, color purity of 13%.+-.1% and transmission (T) equal to at least 54%.+-.1% using Illuminant C (corrected to 0.25 inch glass thickness).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Edward N. Boulos, Patricia B. Reid, Robert F. Tweadey
  • Patent number: 4857096
    Abstract: This specification is directed to a UV-base ceramic paint composition and a method of forming a glass sheet with a UV-base ceramic paint thereon. The method has the following steps. A UV-base ceramic paint is applied to the glass sheet. The UV-base ceramic paint includes selected ceramic paint components along with, as a new component thereof, finely divided zinc metal powder. The glass sheet is subjected to UV radiation and then heated to a temperature which softens the glass sheet sufficiently so that the glass sheet can be formed. The glass sheet and the ceramic paint thereon are engaged with a fiberglass covered forming die to form the heated glass sheet to a desired shape. The forming die is removed from engagement with the glass sheet. The finely divided zinc metal powder addition to the ceramic paint is credited with being effective to prevent sticking of any of the ceramic paint to the forming die. The glass sheet is cooled to obtain a formed glass sheet with a ceramic paint thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Premakaran T. Boaz