Patents by Inventor Michael W. Crane

Michael W. Crane 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: 11046172
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier for an automobile with integrated active ducting. The carrier includes at least one aperture, and at least one louver rotatably mounted in the aperture. Also attached to the carrier is an actuator, and the actuator is connected to the louver. The actuator is operable for moving the louver between an open position and a closed position such that when the louver is in the open position, air flow passes through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas Pilette, Norman Guschewski
  • Patent number: 9823469
    Abstract: A projector assembly having a projecting device and a display screen with a film. The display screen is changeable from between opaque and transparent and the projecting device selectively rear projects an image onto the film such that the image is visible to a user generally from the front side of the screen. When the projector is off or the projection of images is otherwise stopped under predetermined conditions, the screen becomes transparent to provide the user a clear view through the display screen. When the projector is off power is simultaneously applied to the film which becomes transparent. A control device coordinates the application of power with the image projection, such that when the projected image is removed the screen becomes clear to see through the display screen, and when the projected image returns the screen becomes opaque for viewing the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Anthony J. Povinelli, Thomas Pilette
  • Publication number: 20170129326
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier for an automobile with integrated active ducting. The carrier includes at least one aperture, and at least one louver rotatably mounted in the aperture. Also attached to the carrier is an actuator, and the actuator is connected to the louver. The actuator is operable for moving the louver between an open position and a closed position such that when the louver is in the open position, air flow passes through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas Pilette, Norman Guschewski
  • Patent number: 9586625
    Abstract: A carrier for an automobile with integrated active ducting, and a method of making a louver therefor. The carrier includes at least one aperture, and at least one louver rotatably mounted in the aperture. Also attached to the carrier is an actuator, and the actuator is connected to the louver. The actuator is operable for moving the louver between an open position and a closed position such that when the louver is in the open position, air flow passes through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas Pilette, Norman Guschewski
  • Publication number: 20160288775
    Abstract: A wiper module assembly for a vehicle lift gate having an inner panel with a spoiler formed as a one-piece part of an outer panel. The outer panel of the lift gate is connected to the inner panel to form an exterior surface of the lift gate. A cavity is formed in part of the spoiler and receives a carrier forming a removable module connected to the cavity of the vehicle lift gate. The carrier includes a wiper, motor and drive assembly for operating a wiper for a window on the lift gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Brian Christopher Sansoterra, Norman Guschewski
  • Publication number: 20160048016
    Abstract: A projector assembly having a projecting device and a display screen with a film. The display screen is changeable from between opaque and transparent and the projecting device selectively rear projects an image onto the film such that the image is visible to a user generally from the front side of the screen. When the projector is off or the projection of images is otherwise stopped under predetermined conditions, the screen becomes transparent to provide the user a clear view through the display screen. When the projector is off power is simultaneously applied to the film which becomes transparent. A control device coordinates the application of power with the image projection, such that when the projected image is removed the screen becomes clear to see through the display screen, and when the projected image returns the screen becomes opaque for viewing the image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Anthony J. Povinelli, Thomas Pilette
  • Patent number: 9163852
    Abstract: A modular a bracket which forms a cavity such that the bracket surrounds and supports an actuator. In one embodiment, the bracket is made of multiple pieces and also connects together without the use of fasteners. The pieces are connected together through the use of several attachment features, with a portion of each of the attachment features integrally formed as part of each half. The bracket also includes a plurality of alignment features integrally formed as part of the bracket. The alignment features support and properly position the actuator within the cavity. The design of the bracket reduces and simplifies design and tooling, and also has minimal components and fasteners, which also simplifies and reduces labor time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas E Cobb, Anthony J. Povinelli, James J. Kowalski, Stephen R. Roddy
  • Publication number: 20140342656
    Abstract: A modular a bracket which forms a cavity such that the bracket surrounds and supports an actuator. In one embodiment, the bracket is made of multiple pieces and also connects together without the use of fasteners. The pieces are connected together through the use of several attachment features, with a portion of each of the attachment features integrally formed as part of each half. The bracket also includes a plurality of alignment features integrally formed as part of the bracket. The alignment features support and properly position the actuator within the cavity. The design of the bracket reduces and simplifies design and tooling, and also has minimal components and fasteners, which also simplifies and reduces labor time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas E. Cobb, Anthony J. Povinelli, James J. Kowalski, Stephen R. Roddy
  • Patent number: 8827233
    Abstract: A modular a bracket which forms a cavity such that the bracket surrounds and supports an actuator. In one embodiment, the bracket is made of multiple pieces and also connects together without the use of fasteners. The pieces are connected together through the use of several attachment features, with a portion of each of the attachment features integrally formed as part of each half. The bracket also includes a plurality of alignment features integrally formed as part of the bracket. The alignment features support and properly position the actuator within the cavity. The design of the bracket reduces and simplifies design and tooling, and also has minimal components and fasteners, which also simplifies and reduces labor time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas Edwin Cobb, Anthony J. Povinelli, James J. Kowalski, Steven R. Roddy
  • Patent number: 8672383
    Abstract: The present invention is a moveable connector for connecting two components on a vehicle. The connector has a body portion, and a first end formed as part of the body portion. The connector is movable about at least one axis located at the first end of the body portion. The connector is also connected to a first vehicle component, such as a carrier, using the first end of the body portion. There is also a second end formed as part of the body portion. The second end is operable for being connected to a second vehicle component, such as a fender. During assembly, the first vehicle component is positioned relative to the second vehicle component, and the connector is pivoted about the axis to allow the second end of the body portion to be connected to the second vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Martin R. Matthews, Gari Schalte
  • Patent number: 8646829
    Abstract: A lift gate having a deformable section which allows the lift gate to deform rather than break during a low speed impact event. The lift gate has a deformable section located between an inner panel and an outer panel. The deformable section is able to deform during a low speed impact event against the outer panel, thereby preventing the inner panel from receiving any of the impact. This allows the inner panel to be significantly more rigid than the outer panel and the deformable section, and, therefore, provides the necessary structural support for the lift gate while withstanding collisions on the Impact Zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Gari M. Schalte, Thomas E. Cobb, Norman E. Guschewski
  • Publication number: 20120153670
    Abstract: A lift gate having a deformable section which allows the lift gate to deform rather than break during a low speed impact event. The lift gate has a deformable section located between an inner panel and an outer panel. The deformable section is able to deform during a low speed impact event against the outer panel, thereby preventing the inner panel from receiving any of the impact. This allows the inner panel to be significantly more rigid than the outer panel and the deformable section, and, therefore, provides the necessary structural support for the lift gate while withstanding collisions on the Impact Zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Gari M. Schalte, Thomas Edwin Cobb, Norman E. Guschewski
  • Publication number: 20120119059
    Abstract: A modular a bracket which forms a cavity such that the bracket surrounds and supports an actuator. In one embodiment, the bracket is made of multiple pieces and also connects together without the use of fasteners. The pieces are connected together through the use of several attachment features, with a portion of each of the attachment features integrally formed as part of each half. The bracket also includes a plurality of alignment features integrally formed as part of the bracket. The alignment features support and properly position the actuator within the cavity. The design of the bracket reduces and simplifies design and tooling, and also has minimal components and fasteners, which also simplifies and reduces labor time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas Cobb, Anthony J. Povinelli, James J. Kowalski, Steven R. Roddy
  • Publication number: 20120110909
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carrier for an automobile with integrated active ducting. The carrier includes at least one aperture, and at least one louver rotatably mounted in the aperture. Also attached to the carrier is an actuator, and the actuator is connected to the louver. The actuator is operable for moving the louver between an open position and a closed position such that when the louver is in the open position, air flow passes through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas Pilette, Norman Guschewski
  • Publication number: 20110298239
    Abstract: The present invention is a moveable connector for connecting two components on a vehicle. The connector has a body portion, and a first end formed as part of the body portion. The connector is movable about at least one axis located at the first end of the body portion. The connector is also connected to a first vehicle component, such as a carrier, using the first end of the body portion. There is also a second end formed as part of the body portion. The second end is operable for being connected to a second vehicle component, such as a fender. During assembly, the first vehicle component is positioned relative to the second vehicle component, and the connector is pivoted about the axis to allow the second end of the body portion to be connected to the second vehicle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Martin R. Matthews, Gari M. Schalte
  • Patent number: 7571957
    Abstract: A carrier for improving the strength of the front end of a vehicle, the carrier having an upper cross member which incorporates a closed box section, a composite integration panel connected to the upper cross member, and a lower cross member which also has a closed box section and is also connected to the composite integration panel. The closed box section of the upper cross member, and the closed box section of the lower cross member allow the component integration panel to be attached to the front end of a motor vehicle for supporting various vehicle components. The carrier improves strength and rigidity, as well as provides support for any particular vehicle component which needs to be attached to the front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Gari M. Schalte, Michael W. Crane
  • Publication number: 20080185872
    Abstract: A carrier for improving the strength of the front end of a vehicle, the carrier having an upper cross member which incorporates a closed box section, a composite integration panel connected to the upper cross member, and a lower cross member which also has a closed box section and is also connected to the composite integration panel. The closed box section of the upper cross member, and the closed box section of the lower cross member allow the component integration panel to be attached to the front end of a motor vehicle for supporting various vehicle components. The carrier improves strength and rigidity, as well as provides support for any particular vehicle component which needs to be attached to the front end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Gari M. Schalte, Michael W. Crane