Patents Represented by Attorney O'Brien Jones, PLLC
  • Patent number: 7488256
    Abstract: A universal joint comprises first and second joint yokes having bearing bores at axially opposite yoke arms, and first and second pin bearers, respectively, being connected to the first and second joint yokes via pins inserted into the bearing bores of the first and second joint yokes. The first and second joint yokes are arranged radially at an angle of 90° in relation to each other to form an internal space. The first and second pin bearers are identical and are arranged radially at an angle of 90° in relation to each other, forming a cross member configured to fit within the internal space formed by the first and second joint yokes. An elastic coupling element connects the first and second pin bearers and is configured to fit within the internal space formed by the first and second joint yokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Norbert Gross
  • Patent number: 7488017
    Abstract: There is provided a vehicular impact energy absorption block arrangement adapted to provide impact energy absorption at a region substantially between a first strengthening member and a second strengthening member of a road vehicle. The energy absorption block arrangement comprises one or more energy absorber blocks operable to suffer deformation, for example substantially non-elastic deformation, when subject to forces arising from an impact or crash of the vehicle, thereby at least partially absorbing the impact energy. The one or more energy absorber blocks are fabricated from expanded plastics material foam, for example expanded polypropylene plastics material foam including pores therein. The pores may be substantially opened or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gunnar Lassl, Maurizio Roccato, Paolo Canato
  • Patent number: 7477975
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for setting an occupant classification system threshold for a vehicle occupant detection system, the method comprising collecting occupant classification system data for a seat, the data being indicative of occupant weight, analyzing the data to determine where a separation exists between an occupant for which a restraint should be suppressed and an occupant for which the restraint should be deployed, and analyzing the data to determine a worst case child suppression weight and shape, which is based at least on where the separation exists. The worst case child suppression weight and shape define the occupant classification system threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher Griffin
  • Patent number: 7453166
    Abstract: A system for generating electricity from fluid currents having one or more trolleys that move along a closed-loop track as a result of the interaction of fluid currents on one or more blades attached to each trolley. Electrical energy may be generated by the movement of the one or more trolleys along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Oceana Energy Company
    Inventors: Daniel E. Power, III, Ned R. Hansen, Dody Bachtar, Alan Schilke
  • Patent number: 7445554
    Abstract: A universal joint comprises first and second joint yokes having axially opposite yoke arms with bearing bores configured to receive bearings having pin bores, a cross member comprising orthogonally-arranged pin bearers having pins configured to be inserted into the pin bores, and at least one insulation element configured to be inserted between the pins and respective pin bores or the bearings and respective bearing bores, the at least one insulation element having an elliptical cross section that forms crescent-shaped recesses between its inner wall and the pin or bearing that resides therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Norbert Gross, Thomas Schmitz Dr
  • Patent number: 7445555
    Abstract: A universal joint couples a drive shaft and a driven shaft and comprises two joint yokes, each joint yoke having bearing elements at axially opposite yoke arms. The two joint yokes are arranged radially at an angle of 90° in relation to each other to form an internal space. The universal joint also comprises fastening elements having an L-shaped cross section and pivotable in the axially opposite yoke arms of one of the joint yokes, a pin bearer pivotable in the other joint yoke, and an elastic coupling element connecting the fastening elements and the pin bearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Norbert Gross
  • Patent number: 7445219
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel suspension system for a motor vehicle, having a lower link for the fastening of a wheel which is coupled to a chassis underframe and is supported on the body via a spring. The chassis underframe is mounted on the body via elastic bearings and has an annular mounting on which the spring plate of the spring is supported before the wheel suspension system is installed. In the fitted state, the spring plate is pressed out of the mounting by the body and is therefore decoupled from the chassis underframe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joerg Weshendorff
  • Patent number: 7323705
    Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus and method for measuring liquid levels in small-volume wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Applera Corporation
    Inventors: Douwe D. Haga, Michael R. Flatbush, Michael Mosseau, Tony S. Yan, Willy Wiyatno, Mark T. Reed