Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Price Heneveld Cooper DeWitt and Litton
  • Optical user interface system for automotive modules
    Patent number: 7817020
    Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle including a mounting structure for mounting to a vehicle, a rearward viewing device, and housing with a position sensor, is provided. The position sensor includes first and second radiation emitters, a radiation reception element, and sensor processing circuitry coupled to one of the position sensors and the radiation reception element. The position sensor determines the position of an object in the vicinity of the rearward viewing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Gentex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert R. Turnbull, David A. Blaker, Michael A. Bryson, David L. Plangger, G. Bruce Poe, Alan R. Watson
  • Methods for the preparation and use of ferric pyrophosphate citrate chelate compositions
    Patent number: 7816404
    Abstract: A highly water soluble ferric pyrophosphate citrate chelate useful for treating iron deficiency contains 2% or less phosphate by weight. These chelate compositions are easily milled and/or processed into dosage forms using conventional techniques, and are expected to exhibit advantageous biocompatibility as compared to conventional soluble ferric pyrophosphates, ferric salts, ferric polysaccharide complexes and ferrous salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Rockwell Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: William S. McCall, Jr.
  • Light module
    Patent number: 7815339
    Abstract: A light module includes one or more LEDs that are encapsulated in a thermoplastic polymer material. Metal conductors and electrical components providing a power supply circuit for the LED are also encapsulated in the thermoplastic polymer material. The conductive material may include a pair of relatively rigid portions that project outwardly from the thermoplastic polymer material to provide for electrical connection of the light module. The body may include connecting surface portions that permit the light module to be connected to a conventional electrical receptacle or the like, such that the light module can be mechanically and electrically connected to a socket or other connector previously utilized for incandescent bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Innotec Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Veenstra, David L. Hiemstra, Scott C. Heupel
  • Motor vehicle having a stowable roof
    Patent number: 7815240
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having front and rear roof panels and which can be moved from in use to stowed positions to change the style of the motor vehicle from a two box style to a convertible or pick-up style. A stowage mechanism for the rear roof panel having two interlinked four bar linkages is disclosed which allows a small linear actuator to produce the range of displacement required to stow the rear roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Richard Condon, Torsten Gerhardt, John K. Harding
  • Shifter with actuator incorporating shape memory alloy
    Patent number: 7814810
    Abstract: A shifter includes an actuator incorporating a shape memory alloy wire to control movement of lever-position-controlling components of a vehicle transmission shift lever. In one arrangement, the actuator controls movement of a cam to prevent moving a pawl out of park position until predetermined vehicle conditions are met. Alternatively, the actuator can be directly attached to the pawl itself for controlling movement of the pawl, or connected to a toggle linkage arrangement for controlling movement of the pawl. In still another arrangement, a magnet arrangement is used to motivate a pawl-blocking member. When necessary, a mechanical fuse is operably connected to the system to prevent damage to the shape memory alloy wire where there is risk of the pawl being frictionally stopped from movement despite the contraction of the shape memory alloy wire actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products, a division of JSJ Corporation
    Inventor: David M. Mitteer
  • Anti-rotation clip for moon roof drain tube
    Patent number: 7815252
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a vehicle frame having a moon roof channel, a structural panel and a pillar. The vehicle also includes a side curtain air bag canister holding a side curtain air bag, a bracket engaged with the canister and connecting the side curtain air bag canister to the vehicle frame, a drain tube being connected to the moon roof channel, with the drain tube being configured to route drain fluid from the moon roof channel down the pillar, and a clip for connecting the drain tube to the side curtain air bag canister. The clip has a first section for engaging the canister and a second section for engaging the drain tube, with the clip having a wing abutting the bracket for preventing the clip from rotating on the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Huelke
  • Method for winding brushless DC motors
    Patent number: 7810225
    Abstract: A method of making a wound field for a brushless direct current motor, direct current generator, alternating current motor or alternating current generator, includes steps of providing a base mold and a press mold. Another step comprises determining a number of phases. At least one strand of conductive material per phase is formed between the base mold and press mold into a conductive coil that has a shape that indicates the number of poles required. Each conductive coil is inserted into the stator core, and the stator core is installed into one of a brushless direct current motor, direct current generator, alternating current motor or alternating current generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Yeadon Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William H. Yeadon
  • Apparatus and method for separating and aerating a stack of sheet material
    Patent number: 7810801
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating and aerating sheets of material arranged in a stack include a stack support member on which the stack is retained in a generally flat condition, and a clamping member which clamps onto an edge portion of the stack. Upper and lower rollers are positioned above and below the stack of sheet material, and an adjustment member converges and diverges the same into and out of engagement with the stack. A conveyor member shifts the stack of sheet material between the upper and lower rollers. The upper roller and lower roller are arranged in a staggered relationship, such that an imaginary plane extending between the two rollers is disposed at an angle with respect to both the horizontal and the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Stemmer
  • Variable energy management system for pedestrian, occupant, vehicle
    Patent number: 7810602
    Abstract: An energy-absorbing system includes two formed and sealed components bonded together to form crush boxes that entrap air for controlled distribution during an impact, and an activator system adapted to extend the crush boxes in the event of a vehicle crash. Channels interconnect the crush boxes for optimal control of lateral flow of air for lateral energy distribution. The components can be thermoformed, injection molded, or otherwise formed. By this arrangement, the crush boxes provide a first level of static energy absorption when impacted in an undeployed state such that energy is absorbed at a first rate and stroke. Also, the crush boxes can be extended to provide a second level of static energy absorption when impacted in a vehicle crash (i.e., the activator system is energized and the crush boxes extended or “deployed”) such that energy is absorbed at a one or more different rates and strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: NetShape Energy Management, LLC
    Inventor: Darin Evans
  • Seating unit with adjustable components
    Patent number: 7806481
    Abstract: An armrest structure includes a tubular support, and an armrest having a tubular end telescopingly engaging the tubular support. A support plate engages bottom walls of the tubular support and the tubular end in a laminar arrangement. A clamping bolt slides through a top hole and into aligned holes in the laminar arrangement, with its head abutting the aligned holes. A clamping handle on a bottom of the bolt is rotatable between a clamping position tensioning the bolt to secure the arrangement, and a release position de-tensioning the bolt. By this arrangement, remaining walls of the tubular support and the tubular end are not deformed even when the clamp is clampingly pressing the adjacent sidewall sections together. An adjustable back with actuator handles at a lower edge of the back, and a seat assembly with fingers that retain an upholstery cover tight against concave areas are also shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Eberlein
  • Lift with low profile rotatable coupling
    Patent number: 7806384
    Abstract: A lift includes a housing for rotatably receiving a hydraulic cylinder with a piston rod coupled to a generally cylindrical support tube. A low profile connecting head for supplying hydraulic fluid to the cylinder is rotatably mounted to the housing but captively held to the housing in the axial (longitudinal) direction. This allows the connecting head to be rotated during installation of the lift to a table leg for easy coupling to the pressurized source of hydraulic fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Suspa Incorporated
    Inventor: James E. Doyle
  • Bicycle torque measuring system
    Patent number: 7806006
    Abstract: Strain gauges are mounted on each crank arm of the bicycle and provide a measure of the torque applied to each crank arm. In a preferred embodiment, strain gauges are mounted on opposite edges of each crank arm, which includes a self-contained power, electrical circuitry, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting the strain measurement information to a main controller. The main controller includes a wireless transceiver for transmitting and receiving data from both the left and right crank arms and external devices. Memory is also included for storing such data for subsequent analysis to determine the individual leg performance of a cyclist during a race or training session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Grand Valley State University
    Inventors: Robert Ryan Phillips, Coty W. Lindell, Adam L. Miller
  • Watermelon juice products and food products produced with the juice products
    Patent number: 7807209
    Abstract: A composition comprising a watermelon juice includes the following colorimeter values, an L value of about 19 or greater, an A value of about 32 or greater, a B value of about 24 or greater. Watermelon juice extract is typically free of any added, artificial colorants or sweeteners. The present invention also generally includes a food composition that utilizes a clarified watermelon juice or a cloudy watermelon juice, where the cloudy watermelon juice has the following colorimeter values, an L value of about 19 or greater, an A value of about 32 or greater, a B value of about 24 or greater, and the clarified watermelon juice is derived from the cloudy watermelon juice. The food compositions incorporating the watermelon juice are usually a beverage, a sorbet, a yogurt, a sauce, a salad dressing, a fruit salad, a dessert, a bakery filling, a candy, or a bar mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Milne Fruit Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. DeJong, Eric A. Johnson, David L. Luther, Gordon R. Taylor
  • Functionalized particles for composite sensors
    Patent number: 7799276
    Abstract: A chemical sensor having a transducer element and a layer of composite material including a polymer matrix and a solid particulate filler disposed in the polymer matrix provides chemical sensors exhibiting improved properties. In particular, the device allows polymer matrix materials to be selected based primarily on diffusion properties, strength, stability and other physical characteristics substantially independent of limitations and compromises that arise when attempting to synthesize polymers having specific types of sensory groups chemically bound to the polymer. The invention also allows greater ability to modify sensor response characteristics by appropriate modification of the particulate filler, whereby a diverse sensor array may be fabricated more easily and at a lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Michigan Molecular Institute
    Inventor: Claire Hartmann-Thompson
  • Vehicle unguided four-bar rear door articulating and sliding mechanism
    Patent number: 7798557
    Abstract: A vehicle rear door articulating and sliding mechanism including an articulating hinge assembly having a hinge arm pivotally mounted to a vehicle C-pillar at one end thereof, and a vehicle rear door pivotally and slidably mounted to the hinge arm at an opposite end of the hinge arm. A guide track may be mounted to the rear door, and a slide block may be pivotally mounted to the hinge arm and slidably attached to the guide track. The hinge arm may be disposed at first and second angular positions relative to the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in closed and opened positions, and the slide block may be disposed at first and second positions along a length of the guide track when the rear door is respectively disposed in the closed and opened positions, to thus provide articulating and sliding movement of the rear door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adrian N. A. Elliott, Justin T. Johnson, Jason Falenski, Henry Hausler, Dave M. Lechkun
  • Demountable wall system and method
    Patent number: 7797901
    Abstract: A demountable wall system includes similarly configured channel segments having a hat-shaped center, a pair of center flanges, and L-shaped outer ends with fastener portions formed therein. A rigid stud having an I-shaped plan configuration is formed from a pair of the channel segments interconnected in a back-to-back relationship, wherein adjacent end flanges form outer stud faces against which wall panels are supported, and adjacent fastener portions form connector channels in which the wall panels are detachably retained. A header/footer track is formed from a channel segment connected with a flat base strip, and is attached to the opposite ends of the stud by stud extenders to define a frame on which the wall panels are supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignees: Quality Edge, Inc., Wellness Inc.
    Inventor: Shannon D. Near
  • Nano-structured blood substitutes
    Patent number: 7794699
    Abstract: An improved synthetic blood substitute which exhibits excellent long-term storage stability at both high and low temperatures is suitable for use in various biomedical and biotechnical applications, including resuscitation of trauma victims that have suffered massive hemorrhaging, and transfusions for human and veterinary surgical procedures. The artificial blood solution comprises an aqueous carrier, and a dendritic polymer that is capable of carrying oxygen dissolved in the aqueous carrier. The dendritic polymer comprises fluorocarbon moieties and hydrophilic moieties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Michigan Molecular Institute
    Inventors: Steven N. Kaganove, Paul Satoh, Petar R. Dvornic
  • Pedal with hysteresis mechanism
    Patent number: 7793566
    Abstract: A pedal system includes a housing, a pedal lever pivoted to the housing for rotation, and a hysteresis mechanism located above the pivot axis when mounted in a vehicle so that it is positioned in a protected position from environmental dirt and debris, and further is positioned in a more open region less subject to conflicting special requirements within the vehicle. The housing defines a closed end and an open end. The pedal lever is adapted to fit into the housing with the hysteresis mechanism already mounted on a free end of the pedal lever. A pivot pin extends through side walls of the housing and also through the pedal lever to retain the pedal lever in the housing, and is accessible for attachment of an electrical sensor for sensing angular position of the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Grand Haven Stamped Products Company, division of JSJ Corporation
    Inventor: Kirk A. Ypma
  • Video game controller
    Patent number: D623649
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: S.A.C. Consultancy
    Inventor: Seth A. Claussen
  • Bench
    Patent number: D624328
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Jay A. Grandin, Hyun Yoo, Mauricio Escobar, James N. Ludwig, Bruce M. Smith, Brett R. Kincaid