Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm MacMillan, Sobanski & Todd, LLC
  • Patent number: 8240102
    Abstract: A roofing shingle (74) includes an asphalt-coated sheet (18) having a tab portion (78) normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion (76) normally covered-up on a roof. The headlap portion has a lower zone (76A) that extends longitudinally between a first end (74A) and a second end (74B) of the roofing shingle adjacent the tab portion, and an upper zone (76B) adjacent the lower zone. At least a portion of the asphalt-coated sheet has granules adhered thereto. A reinforcement member (19) is adhered to the lower zone of the headlap portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: James S. Belt, Bert W. Elliott
  • Patent number: 8244448
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a method for remote starting an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The method includes detecting a wireless remote start signal; after detecting the wireless remote start signal, communicating with a garage door opener to determine if a garage door is closed; remote starting the engine if no closed garage door indication is received; transmitting a wireless garage door open signal and remote starting the engine if a closed garage door indication is received; monitoring a time since remote starting the engine; monitoring for vehicle operator interaction with the vehicle; and if no vehicle operator interaction with the vehicle is detected before the monitored time reaches a predetermined amount of time and the wireless garage door open signal was transmitted when the engine was remote started, automatically transmitting a wireless garage door close signal and automatically turning off the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin L. Newman
  • Patent number: 8241176
    Abstract: A method for restarting an engine in a hybrid electric powertrain includes using an auxiliary pump while the engine is shutdown to maintain stroke pressure in an oncoming transmission friction control element whose engagement is required to launch the vehicle following the restart, initiating an automatic engine restart, increasing a torque capacity of the control element while the engine is restarting, and using pressure produced by a transmission pump in the transmission to lock the control element after the engine restarts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Ryan A. McGee
  • Patent number: 8236392
    Abstract: An underlayment layer is configured to support an artificial turf assembly. The underlayment layer comprises a core with a top side and a bottom side. The top side has a plurality of spaced apart, upwardly oriented projections that define channels suitable for water flow along the top side of the core when the underlayment layer is positioned beneath an overlying artificial turf assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Brock USA, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Lee Sawyer, Daniel C. Sawyer, Richard R. Runkles
  • Patent number: 8239101
    Abstract: Apparatus for a road vehicle has a plurality of deployable devices, each performing a crash safety function. A device controller controls deployment of a respective deployable device and that provides respective status messages according to a deployment status of the respective deployable device. Respective status messages for each deployable device include a ready message and a deployed message. A crash sensor detects a crash event when the vehicle is involved in an impact, wherein the crash sensor generates a crash event message. A display controller is coupled to the deployable devices to receive the status messages and coupled to the crash sensor to receive the crash event message. A display is coupled to the display controller for displaying status information to a driver of the vehicle. The displayed status information includes pre-crash status of the deployable devices and post-crash status of the deployable devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David J. Tippy
  • Patent number: 8230597
    Abstract: A method for forming a component includes forming a workpiece into a hollow preform cylinder concentric with an axis and including an inner surface that extends along the axis, placing within the preform cylinder a mandrel having an outer surface, flow-forming the inner surface and the outer surface of the preform cylinder such that the inner surface of the cylinder conforms to at least a portion of the outer surface of the mandrel, and cutting the flow formed cylinder transversely with respect to the axis into segments, each segment having an axial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Szuba, Rodney G. Whitbeck, Keith Hughes
  • Patent number: 8231180
    Abstract: A full face fabricated euroflange vehicle wheel comprises a full face wheel disc defining an axis and formed from a suitable material, the wheel disc having an outer end; and a wheel rim formed from a suitable material and having an outer end joined to the outer end of the wheel disc by at least one weld to produce the fabricated euroflange vehicle wheel; wherein the fabricated euroflange vehicle wheel includes only a generally radially outwardly extending outer end formed by a combination of at least a portion of two of the outer end of the wheel disc the outer end of the wheel rim and the at least one weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Coleman, Joseph Wolf, Thomas E. Heck, Todd Duffield, John Holm, Robert J. Wendt, Christopher A. Putz
  • Patent number: 8227373
    Abstract: A catalyst and its use for the abatement of carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons in the exit stream of a combustion device, such as an automobile and spray paint booths are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Abdul-Majeed Azad, Desikan Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 8226068
    Abstract: A plenum assembly for carrying air in a supply system includes a duct including an opening formed with an inner surface through which air can flow; a door supported for movement between multiple positions which distributes air to the desired output path; and a seal secured to the door. In a vehicles HVAC system, numerous doors are utilized to provide comfort to the passengers based upon user input. The potential exists that some positions of the doors my lead to unwanted noise. A modification to the seal of the door with variable gap widths alleviates this issue and improves satisfaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: John Azar, Grant Holaiter, Steve M. Kahrs, James Hurd
  • Patent number: 8224513
    Abstract: In a powertrain for motor vehicle that includes an engine, a first electric machine and a second electric machine, each machine being able to function alternately as a motor and a generator, a transmission having an input driveably connected to the engine and the first electric machine and a transmission output driveably connected to the second electric machine and wheels of the vehicle, a method for controlling the powertrain includes using the engine to produce wheel torque, performing a gear shift using the transmission, if a reduction in powertrain output torque is to occur while modulating torque during the gear shift, operating one of the first electric machine and the second machine as an electric generator to reduce the powertrain output torque, and if an increase in powertrain output torque is to occur while modulating torque during the gear shift, operating one of the first electric machine and the second machine as an electric motor to increase the powertrain output torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Andrew J. Silveri
  • Patent number: 8222223
    Abstract: A method of treating biocells includes the steps of: a. providing biocells; b. applying at least one stressor to the biocells sufficient to cause nonlethal and reparable cell wall damage to the biocells, thereby putting the biocells in a catabolic state during which catabolic metabolic functions predominate over anabolic metabolic functions; and c. obtaining at least one product produced by the biocells during the catabolic state. In another embodiment, the method includes the steps of: a. providing biocells that are mammalian cells; b. applying at least one stressor to the biocells sufficient to cause nonlethal and reparable cell wall damage to the biocells, the reparable cell wall damage comprising openings that allow increased passage of materials through the cells walls; and c. inserting foreign DNA through the openings into the biocells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Satya P. Chauhan, Paul J. Usinowicz
  • Patent number: 8222367
    Abstract: A proton conducting hydrocarbon-based polymer has acid groups on side chains attached to the main chain, where the acid groups are between 7 and 12 atoms away from the main chain. Another polymer includes a semi-fluorinated aromatic hydrocarbon main chain and side chains that include at least one —CF2— group and an acid group. Another polymer includes an aromatic hydrocarbon main chain and side chains that include at least one —CH2-CF2— group and an acid group. Another aromatic polymer includes acid groups attached to both the main chain and the side chains where less than about 65 weight percent of the acid groups are attached to the side chains. Another aromatic polymer includes side chains attached to the main chain that include at least one aryl ring, and acid groups attached to both the main chain and to the aryl groups. Another polymer includes an aliphatic hydrocarbon main chain, side chains that include at least one deactivating aryl ring, and acid groups attached to the deactivating aryl rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ramanathan S. Lalgudi, Bhima R. Vijayendran, Jeffrey Cafmeyer, Jay R. Sayre
  • Patent number: 8215880
    Abstract: An apparatus for extruding helical teeth in a gear blank includes a press including a die plate and a die base, the die plate being movable along an axis relative to the die base, the die base supporting the gear blank. A mandrel, aligned with the axis and moveable with the die plate along the axis, includes a surface that includes helical die teeth. A servo motor drives the mandrel in rotation about the axis to the required helix angle as the mandrel moves axially relative to the gear blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Szuba, Emilo A. Tonello, Michael A. Cook, Rodney G. Whitbeck
  • Patent number: 8215339
    Abstract: A vapor barrier for sealing an interior of a building from an insulation cavity defined by framing members of the building includes a flexible and substantially impermeable sheet having apertures to allow air to exit the insulation cavity during filling of the insulation cavity with loose fill insulation. The vapor barrier also includes one-way valves mounted across the apertures. The valves are configured to allow air flow out of the insulation cavity and into the building interior through the apertures and to prevent air flow and moisture diffusion from the building interior into the insulation cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 8215602
    Abstract: A longitudinal seat adjustment apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a first seat support member that is attachable to a vehicle. A second seat support member that is movable with respect to the first seat support member and configured to support the seat such that the seat is movable with the second seat support member is also provided. A locking member that is movable generally vertically with respect to the first and second seat support members between a locked position and an unlocked position for locking and unlocking the second seat support member with respect to the first seat support member is additionally provided. The locking member is a substantially planar two-part locking member and includes a first part generally horizontally movable with respect to a second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Walter, Joerg Sternberg, Andre Schebaum, Marc Laumeier, Michael Wojatzki, Hans-Peter Mischer
  • Patent number: 8215810
    Abstract: An interior component having an illuminated portion comprises a trim cover positioned over a substrate. At least one light conductive element is in communication with an illumination source. A carrier engages the trim cover. The carrier further secures the light conductive element to the trim cover. The carrier has a plurality of windows formed therethrough such that the light conductive element is visible through the plurality of windows. The illuminated portion may further include an emblem in communication with the light source. The illuminated interior component may be formed by a method that includes the steps of forming a light conductive element that includes extruding an optical guide and a carrier having a mounting tab thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Welch, Sr., Paul S. Severinski, Pusheng Chen, Paula J. Bird, Benedict J. Messina, Bryan L. Orlando
  • Patent number: 8211528
    Abstract: An asphalt-based roofing material includes a coating having a top portion containing a mixture of asphalt and igneous and/or metamorphic rock particles, while the mat portion of the coating contains a mixture of asphalt and a filler which contains less than 10% igneous and/or metamorphic rock particles. In other embodiments, the top portion but not the bottom portion of the coating meets or exceeds a pliability standard, passes a weathering performance test, or has a high solar reflectance. In another embodiment relating to a laminated roofing material, the top portion but not the bottom portion has viscoelastic properties effective to prevent the coating from sticking to an adjacent shingle in a bundle. The invention also relates to a continuous process of applying first and second coatings to a mat for manufacturing a roofing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: David P. Aschenbeck, Carla A. Miller, David B. Ollett
  • Patent number: 8211858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) molecule that displays an increased in vivo half-life of the active form of PAI-1, but is deficient in one or more functional activities as compared to the wild-type PAI-1 protein. The modified PAI-1 molecule that displays an increased half-life further displays at least one of the following functional characteristics: (i) decreased binding activity to at least one of the following molecules: urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and vitronectin (Vn); and (ii) decreased specific activity against at least one of the following molecules: uPA, tPA and Vn. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising modified PAI-1 molecules and methods of using these pharmaceutical compositions for treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Jerzy Jankun, Ewa Skrzypczak-Jankun, Steven H. Selman
  • Patent number: 8209810
    Abstract: Tracheo-oesophageal valve cleaning apparatus comprises a fluid dispenser with a fluid reservoir and an outlet; a cleaning element mounted proximal to the outlet; and a drive mechanism including an element mounted axially within the said fluid dispenser, wherein axial movement of the element of the drive mechanism towards to the outlet causes both rotation of cleaning element and fluid to be dispensed from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: City Hospitals Sunderland NHS Trust
    Inventor: Peter Samuel
  • Patent number: 8210016
    Abstract: A system for extruding teeth in a workpiece includes a first mandrel supported on a first press and including first die teeth that produce partially formed teeth on the workpiece as the first die teeth are extruded into the workpiece by the first press, a second mandrel supported on a second press and including second die teeth that produce fully formed teeth on the workpiece as the second die teeth are extruded into the workpiece by the second die station, and a transfer system for supporting and carrying the workpiece with the lower die assembly from the first press to the second press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Szuba, Rodney G. Whitbeck