Patents Represented by Attorney MacMillan, Sobanski & Todd

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  • Voltage control of a locking differential
    Patent number: 8156843
    Abstract: A method for controlling a locking differential includes determining a temperature-dependent reference voltage at which a coil locks the differentia, determining an electric potential of a battery, using the battery to energize the coil and lock the differential, if the electric potential is equal to or greater than the reference voltage for a current temperature, and maintaining the differential unlocked, if the electric potential is less than the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob M. Povirk, Joseph J. Torres, Brian J. Andonian, Jihong Guo, Patrick Meloche, Kenneth G. Walega
  • Microvalve device
    Patent number: 8156962
    Abstract: A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow includes a body defining a chamber having first and second ends. The first end is in communication with a source of command pressure. The second end in communication with a source of load pressure. A micromachined spool valve is disposed in the chamber between the first and second ends for sliding movement by differential pressure across the spool between a first position in which allows fluid flow between the source of load pressure and a source of supply pressure and a second position which allows fluid flow between the source of load pressure and a pressure vent. The spool valve has a closed position intermediate the first position and the second position which restricts fluid flow between the source of load pressure and both the source of supply pressure and the pressure vent. The spool valve is moveably connected to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dunan Microstaq, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark S. Luckevich
  • Reducing humping of stacked roofing shingles
    Patent number: 8156704
    Abstract: A bundle of laminated shingles is provided. The bundle includes a plurality of shingles having an overlay laminated with an underlay. The overlay has a tab portion with cutouts normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion. The headlap portion has a lower zone adjacent the tab portion and an upper zone adjacent said lower zone. The lower zone has substantially no granules adhered thereto. The bundle defines a central area that substantially encompasses the lower zones of the stacked shingles. The shingles are stacked such that every other of the shingles is inverted and turned 180 degrees relative to an adjacent shingle. The shingles are double-layered, wherein the lack of granules in the lower zones of the stacked shingles results in the central area of the bundle having a height substantially identical to a height of a remainder of the bundle outside of the central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James S. Belt, Bert W. Elliott
  • Vehicle system having regenerative brake control
    Patent number: 8152245
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the braking of a vehicle that has a first set of friction brakes for applying a first apply brake force to a first set of wheels and a second set of friction brakes for applying a second brake apply force to a second set of wheels. A powertrain assembly is coupled to the second set of wheels. The powertrain assembly includes a regenerative braking unit capable of recapturing kinetic energy from the second set of wheels. The vehicle is braked in a first phase of control using regenerative braking to brake the second set of wheels to achieve up to a first value of braking. The vehicle is braked in a second phase of control using the regenerative braking to maintain braking of the second set of wheels at the first value of braking force while selectively applying the first friction brakes to the first set of wheels up to a second value of braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Mark D. Lubbers
  • Method for manufacturing a bearing shell assembly, and bearing shell assembly for a ball joint
    Patent number: 8151464
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint includes the following steps: a) a bearing shell having a plastic extension is produced; b) a spring element is arranged in a region of the plastic extension; and c) the spring element is fastened to the bearing shell by deformation of the plastic extension. The invention further relates to a bearing shell assembly for a ball joint, including a bearing shell and a spring element, the spring element being non-detachably connected with the bearing shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: TRW Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Sven-Helgi Orend
  • Production of magnesium metal
    Patent number: 8152895
    Abstract: A process of producing magnesium metal includes providing magnesium carbonate, and reacting the magnesium carbonate to produce a magnesium-containing compound and carbon dioxide. The magnesium-containing compound is reacted to produce magnesium metal. The carbon dioxide is used as a reactant in a second process. In another embodiment of the process, a magnesium silicate is reacted with a caustic material to produce magnesium hydroxide. The magnesium hydroxide is reacted with a source of carbon dioxide to produce magnesium carbonate. The magnesium carbonate is reacted to produce a magnesium-containing compound and carbon dioxide. The magnesium-containing compound is reacted to produce magnesium metal. The invention also relates to the magnesium metal produced by the processes described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignees: UT-Battelle, LLC, University of Tennessee Research Foundation, Virginia Museum of Natural History Foundation
    Inventors: James G. Blencoe, Lawrence M. Anovitz, Donald A. Palmer, James S. Beard
  • Method and device for checking the plausibility of measured values in a motor vehicle environment
    Patent number: 8155909
    Abstract: A method, a device and a computer program product, by means of which sensor values of redundant sensors in vehicles can be compared with each other to carry out a plausibility check, the measured values of said sensors not being synchronized with each other, are described. On the basis of a first measured value in time, and using the physical properties of the vehicle, a plausibility window, in which a second, subsequent measured value of a different sensor must be to count as plausible, is formed. The determined plausibility of the measured values is indicated by means of a plausibility signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Schmitt
  • Coupling
    Patent number: 8147162
    Abstract: A coupling for joining together furniture members that has a center portion including a center portion geometric configuration, a first portion including a first portion geometric configuration, a second portion including a second portion geometric configuration, a first end and a second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sauder Woodworking Co.
    Inventors: Marvin K. Burnett, Terry W. Armey, Brian D. Fritch
  • Control of a dry, dual-clutch transmission during an engine restart of a hybrid electric vehicle
    Patent number: 8147373
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine restart in a hybrid electric powertrain, including the steps of stopping the engine, using an electric power source and an electro-mechanical actuator connected to the source to engage a gear and stroke to zero torque capacity a dry clutch of a dual-clutch transmission, initiating an automatic engine restart, and increasing the torque capacity of the clutch to a desired torque capacity during the engine restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Ryan A. McGee
  • MicroRNA-based methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of solid cancers
    Patent number: 8148069
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of solid cancers. The invention also provide methods of identifying inhibitors of tumorigenesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Carlo M. Croce, George A. Calin, Stefano Volinia
  • Controlling torque in a flywheel powertrain
    Patent number: 8142329
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain for an automotive vehicle includes determining a desired flywheel torque, determining, with reference to the desired flywheel torque, a desired torque capacity torque of a clutch through which torque is transmitted between the flywheel and wheels of the vehicle, operating the clutch to produce the desired clutch torque capacity, determining a slip error across the clutch, and changing a gear ratio of a continuously variable transmission located in a drive path between the clutch and said wheels to a gear ratio that reduces the slip error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Walter J. Ortmann
  • Expandable platform
    Patent number: 8141683
    Abstract: An expandable platform for use within an elevator hoistway is provided. The expandable platform includes a plurality of corner members slidably connected to a plurality of side members. The corner members and the side members form an adjustable frame assembly. A plurality of extension members is connected to opposing side members. The extension members are configured to support a plurality of support surfaces. A depth and a width of the adjustable frame assembly can be adjusted to fit elevator hoistways having various depths and widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Wurtec Elevator Products & Services
    Inventors: Steven P. Wurth, Terry Rodebaugh, Jeffrey A. Wagenhauser
  • Interlocking roofing panel system
    Patent number: 8141313
    Abstract: A roofing system includes a plurality of roofing panel assemblies. Each roofing panel assembly includes a base having a substantially planar surface, a plurality of I-joists having an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein the base is attached to the lower flanges of the plurality of I-joists, and a cap having a substantially planar surface, wherein the cap is attached to the upper flanges of the plurality of I-joists. The plurality of I-joists includes a first edge most I-joist and a second edge most I-joist. A first edge of the cap is attached to the upper flange of the first edge most I-joist such that a portion of the upper flange of the first edge most I-joist is not covered by the cap. A second edge of the cap extends beyond an edge of the second edge most I-joist for a distance less than a width of the upper flange of the second edge most I-joist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventors: Habib J. Dagher, William G. Davids
  • System for detecting nanoparticles using modulated surface plasmon resonance
    Patent number: 8143072
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting magnetic nanoparticles include measuring a magneto-optical enhancement of the plasmon absorption in the optical response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: The University of Toledo
    Inventors: Rosa A. Lukaszew, Xuefei Huang
  • Fastener for securing first and second components together and method of using same
    Patent number: 8137042
    Abstract: First and second components are connected together by a fastener that includes a head and a shank having a bolt portion and a drill portion. The fastener is initially rotated relative to the first and second components such that the drill portion drills a hole through the first and second components. Then, the drive portion of the fastener is removed from the bolt portion of the shank of the fastener, such as by using a removal tool. Lastly, a nut is installed on the bolt portion of the shank of the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Altenloh, Brinck & Co. US, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Severns
  • Ouput torque modulation control of a transmission in a hybrid electric vehicle
    Patent number: 8137236
    Abstract: In a powertrain for motor vehicle that includes an engine, an electric machine, a transmission having an input driveably connected to the engine and a transmission output driveably connected to the electric machine, and a powertrain output driveably connected to the electric machine and wheels of the vehicle, a method for controlling torque during a shift includes transmitting engine torque through the transmission to the powertrain output; during a shift, operating the electric machine to modify the torque transmitted to the powertrain output; and storing energy generated by the electric machine during the shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab S. Soliman, Andrew J. Silveri
  • Hydraulic valve actuated by piezoelectric effect
    Patent number: 8132594
    Abstract: A valve-actuator includes a chamber, a spool that opens and closes connections between ports in the chamber, an actuator including a housing containing a piezoelectric stack having a bore, and a spring contacting the spool through the bore and forcing the stack toward the chamber, the stack expanding and contracting in response to a voltage, the spool moving in the chamber in response to said expansion and contraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert O. Burkhart, Gregory M. Pietron, Yuji Fujii
  • Multiple speed transmission producing a low-range
    Patent number: RE43259
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission for an automotive vehicle includes an input and an output, a planetary gear system comprising first, second and third planetary gear units, each gear unit including a sun gear, a ring gear, planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting the planet pinions. A forward clutch releasably connects the carrier of the second gear unit and the carrier of the third gear unit. A second clutch releasably connects the carrier of the first gear unit to the ring gear of the second gear unit. A third clutch releasably connects the ring gear of the third gear unit to the carrier of the second gear unit. First brake releasably holds the carrier of the third gear unit against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Janson, Reid A. Baldwin
  • Knife storage block
    Patent number: D657634
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Welch Designs Ltd.
    Inventor: Iain Paul de Bretton Gordon
  • Knife storage block
    Patent number: D657635
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Welch Designs Ltd
    Inventor: Iain Paul de Bretton Gordon