Patents by Inventor Bernie Rice

Bernie Rice 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).

  • Patent number: 9765845
    Abstract: An example mount assembly includes an upper mount and a lower mount. The assembly also includes an inertia track having a central opening defining an axis. The inertia track defines a passage in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. The inertia track is moveable along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: COOPER-STANDARD AUTOMOTIVE INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery Michael Bradshaw, Chris Dowson, Raj Valliappan, Bernie Rice
  • Publication number: 20160003322
    Abstract: An example mount assembly includes an upper mount and a lower mount. The assembly also includes an inertia track having a central opening defining an axis. The inertia track defines a passage in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. The inertia track is moveable along the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffery Michael Bradshaw, Chris Dowson, Raj Valliappan, Bernie Rice
  • Patent number: 7204479
    Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alters the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. According to a preferred method of altering stress characteristics of a vibration isolator assembly, the method includes the steps of forming a cavity in the shaft and varying a dimension of the shaft to alter the spring rate characteristics. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a split, first component and a second component is inserted between the split portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Power, Bernie Rice, Robert Paladichuk
  • Patent number: 7063310
    Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alter the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a first component comprising first and second portions, a thin layer of elastomer interposed between the first and second components and a second component which is inserted between the portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator. The thin layer of elastomer permits the first components to be made more economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Power, Bernie Rice
  • Publication number: 20060108489
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a damper assembly for use in a vehicle structure that includes a spare tire mounted thereto is provided. The damper assembly includes a support member extending from the structure and a damper secured to the support member. The damper is operatively interposed between and interconnects the structure and the spare tire for modulating relative motion of the spare tire with respect to the structure for damping vibrations of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Hartgers, Kevin Nicholls, Bernie Rice, Douglas Power, Chris Dowson, Don Hewitt, Jeff Bradshaw, Mark McKeller
  • Publication number: 20040251585
    Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alters the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. According to a preferred method of altering stress characteristics of a vibration isolator assembly, the method includes the steps of forming a cavity in the shaft and varying a dimension of the shaft to alter the spring rate characteristics. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a split, first component and a second component is inserted between the split portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Cooper Technology Services, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Power, Bernie Rice, Robert Paladichuk
  • Publication number: 20040251586
    Abstract: A vibration isolator assembly, such as an isolator bushing or cradle mount, includes a housing and an isolator connected to the housing. A shaft assembly includes first and second mating components, the first component being connected to the elastomer and having a cavity of a first dimension for receiving the second component having a different, second dimension therein. The differing dimensions alter the stress characteristics of the vibration isolator assembly. In the preferred arrangement, the shaft assembly includes a first component comprising first and second portions, a thin layer of elastomer interposed between the first and second components and a second component which is inserted between the portions to relieve tensile stress in the isolator and, if desired, to impart a compressive stress in the isolator. The thin layer of elastomer permits the first components to be made more economically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Cooper Technology Services, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Power, Bernie Rice