Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Dean B. Watson
  • Patent number: 8096605
    Abstract: A sliding door for a vehicle such as a motor vehicle, on its inside has a guide rail which is mounted longitudinally displaceable in a slide. A hinge shackle is swivel mounted between the door and the vehicle. A state quantity of the vehicle is provided and the travel of the sliding door is established based on the state quantity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dura Automotive Body & Glass Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Heuel, Reiner Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7552884
    Abstract: A machine for reducing material that includes a rotatable cutting drum. In a preferred embodiment there is disclosed a machine for reducing material which includes a rotatable, tapered cutting drum and a flywheel. In another preferred embodiment, there is disclosed a machine for reducing material which includes a rotatable, tapered cutting drum and a discharge assembly. In still another preferred embodiment there is disclosed a machine for reducing material which includes a rotatable, tapered cutting drum, a flywheel and a discharge assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gross, Earl R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7513449
    Abstract: A shredder for reducing material which includes a conical cutting drum rotatably positioned within a housing and having an imperforate outer surface so as to carry shredded material radially with and externally of the drum; at least one cutting implement disposed about the outer surface of the cutting drum; an anvil disposed adjacent to the cutting drum; a bellyband wrapping around and conforming to the drum; and a transition interconnecting the bellyband with a discharge port and having a cross sectional configuration that inversely mirrors the cross sectional configuration of the bellyband.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gross, Earl R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7469450
    Abstract: An articulating window assembly is adapted for use with a support structure. The assembly includes a windowpane with an inner surface. A hinge is adjacent to the inner surface. The hinge includes a cylindrical member having a pivot axis and a stud member attached to the cylindrical member. A polymeric member surrounding at least a portion of the hinge member so as to permit, the hinge member to articulate about the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronnie G. Gipson
  • Patent number: 7252278
    Abstract: A vehicle seat linkage assembly includes a rod. The linkage has a first link with an aperture and a second link adjacent but spaced from the first link and having a slot. Additionally, a drive nut is adjacent the rod. The drive nut has a body portion, one end, another end and an aperture engaging the rod. The one end is inserted into the slot and the another end is inserted into the aperture. When the nut is disposed into the slot and aperture, the nut is rotated to engage the slot and the aperture so that the nut cannot be disengaged from the first link and the second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Pascal E. Garrido
  • Patent number: 7111524
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal includes a first member with a slot and a second member movable along the slot relative to the first member. A pin is disposed in the slot. A biasing member urges the second member toward the one end. A tension control member is connected to the pin to selectively adjust the second member. The tension control member has a secondary lock member. To prevent movement of the second member relative to the first member in one condition and permit movement of the second member relative to the first member in another condition. An actuation system employing a cable is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Casimir R. Kiczek, David A. Elgart, Dean Reynolds, Charles L. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7017701
    Abstract: An inclination-measuring apparatus for use with a motor vehicle includes a rotary sensor connected to the motor vehicle, the rotary sensor selected from one of a rotary position sensor and a rotary angle sensor, a pendulum and a controller. The pendulum has a pendulous mass being oriented to hang substantially aligned with the earth's gravitational forces. The movement of the pendulum providing an input to the rotary sensor to generate a signal to ascertain the inclination of the vehicle relative to the earth's gravitational forces. The signal is processed by the controller that is operatively connected to control one of an electric park brake, a chassis leveling device while parked, a lateral inclination device while the vehicle is operational and a longitudinal inclination device while the vehicle is operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Flynn, Casimir R. Kiczek
  • 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: 6824089
    Abstract: A machine for collecting and reducing wood including a prime carrier; a debris collector operatively attached to the prime carrier; a shredder assembly attached to the prime carrier, the shredder assembly having an input and an output; a storage bin for holding reduced wood, the storage bin attached to the prime carrier; and a conveyor adapted to move reduced wood from the output of the shredder assembly to the storage bin. The prime carrier may also have a universal adapter of substituting attachments. A variable torque, drum shredder for reducing wood. The drum shredder includes a housing; a tapered cutting drum rotatably mounted within the housing; an anvil; at least one cutting blade disposed about an outer surface of the cutting drum to provide a compound cutting angle; and a drive connected to the cutting drum. A shredder having a discharge assembly adapted for accommodating discharged material with at least two major discharge streams with at least two major discharge directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas R. Gross, Earl R. Smith
  • Patent number: 6789757
    Abstract: An apparatus for making hydrogen storage powder by hydride comminution which includes a hydride reactor with at least one chamber for tumbling powder. An apparatus for making hydrogen storage powder by hydride comminution which includes a hydride reactor having multiple chambers linked to one another, wherein at least one chamber is for heating and at least one chamber is for cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Michael A. Fetcenko, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 6740448
    Abstract: A modified Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy which has at least one of the following characteristics: 1) an increased charge/discharge rate capability over that the base Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy; 2) a formation cycling requirement which is reduced to one tenth that of the base Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy; or 3) an oxide surface layer having a higher electrochemical hydrogen storage catalytic activity than the base Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy. The electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy includes an oxide surface having metallic particles dispersed therein, wherein the particles are from 10-40 Angstroms in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Fetcenko, Kwo Young, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Benjamin Reichman, John Koch, William Mays
  • Patent number: 6593024
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage battery with improved cycle life and a method for making the same. The battery has a negative electrode with an electrochemically active negative material and a negative electrode capacity and a positive electrode electrochemically coupled with the negative electrode, the positive electrode having a positive electrode capacity and an electrochemically active positive material with a precharge. Also described herein is a positive electrode material for a hydrogen storage battery and a method for making the same. The positive electrode material includes a preoxidized positive active material which is partially non-oxidized. The preoxidized material may be used to provide a precharge to the positive electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Fetcenko, Kwo Young, Cristian Fierro
  • Patent number: 6463874
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the vacuum deposition of at least two different layers of thin film material onto a substrate by two different vacuum deposition processes. Also disclosed is a novel linear applicator for using microwave enhanced CVD to uniformly deposit a thin film of material over an elongated substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Buddie R. Dotter, II, Joachim Doehler, Timothy Ellison, Masatsugo Izu, Herbert C. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 6461766
    Abstract: An anti-pyrophoric hydrogen storage material having an engineered surface oxide to enhance initial activation and a method for making the same. The method for making. the hydrogen storage material includes the steps of providing a hydrogen storage powder and oxidizing the powder with a controlled oxidation reaction. In a preferred aspect hereof, the method includes providing a bulk hydrogen storage alloy; hydriding the alloy to form a comminuted material; and oxidizing the surface of the comminuted material with a controlled oxidation reaction. In another preferred aspect hereof, a passivating material is added to the comminuted material prior to the step for oxidizing to enhance initial activation. In still another preferred aspect hereof, at least one sacrificial modifier is provided in the particalized material to enhance initial activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Michael A. Fetcenko, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 6452891
    Abstract: A method for initializing a phase change information storage device. The method includes the steps of: providing a data storage device having a phase change data storage medium, and exposing the phase change data storage medium with a first, energy exposure for about 1 &mgr;sec or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Hennessey
  • Patent number: 6447953
    Abstract: High capacity, long cycle life positive electrode modified nickel hydroxide material for use in an alkaline rechargeable electrochemical cell at least one modifier and has modified activation energy, chemical potential and electrical conductivity. Particle size, particle size distribution, electrical conductivity have been controlled by introducing modifier elements throughout the bulk of the active material and by controlling process parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Cristian Fierro, Michael A. Fetcenko, Kwo Young, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Beth Sommers, Craig Harrison
  • Patent number: 6444363
    Abstract: A process for making a positive battery electrode material using a secondary metal. The secondary metal is preferably treated using an non-electrolytic process and formed into an active, positive battery electrode material by a precipitation reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel E. Benet, Charles T. Walker, Cristian Fierro, Michael A. Fetcenko, Beth Sommers, Avram Zallen
  • Patent number: 6432580
    Abstract: A process for making a nickel hydroxide material without the necessity of a preamine reactor. The process includes the steps of providing a metal and forming the metal into an active positive electrode material. The process for making a nickel hydroxide material may also include one or more blending steps. The step for forming may include concurrently combining the metal with ammonium ions and hydroxide ions. The step for forming may also include a continuously stirred precipitation reaction of metal ions. In a preferred aspect of the process hereof, the metal may be a secondary nickel source, such as a spent or virgin electrolyte solution from a nickel electrorefining process, nickel electroless plating process or nickel electroplating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Cristian Fierro, Michael A. Fetcenko, Beth Sommers, Avram Zallen
  • Patent number: 6416903
    Abstract: A nickel hydroxide particle having a first active nickel hydroxide material and a second active nickel hydroxide material disposed about the first material, wherein the second active nickel hydroxide material has a mass at least 10% of the total particle mass. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the first active material and the second active material have a compositional difference of 1 to 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Cristian Fierro, Michael A. Fetcenko, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Dennis A. Corrigan, Beth Sommers, Avram Zallen
  • Patent number: 6270719
    Abstract: A modified Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy which has at least one of the following characteristics: 1) an increased charge/discharge rate capability over that the base Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy; 2) a formation cycling requirement which is reduced to one tenth that of the base Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy; or 3) an oxide surface layer having a higher electrochemical hydrogen storage catalytic activity than the base Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Fetcenko, Kwo Young, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Benjamin Reichman, John Koch, William Mays