Patents Represented by Law Firm Reising, Ethington, Barnard & Perry
  • Air bag cover with seamless interface tear seam and method and apparatus for producing same
    Patent number: 5580083
    Abstract: A cover for an air bag unit is disclosed having a patterned tear seam therein defined by a partially bonded material same as the cover material. Apparatus for forming the cover includes a thin shell mold having an inner surface that is heated to melt thermoplastic material cast thereon. A powder box adapted to contain thermoplastic material therein for distribution onto the thin shell mold carries a gasket having a shape corresponding to the tear seam shape. The powder box and gasket are adapted to be connected to the thin shell mold for forming a sealed footprint on the inner surface during distribution of the cast material against heated surface portions of the thin shell mold to form a thermoplastic cover with a narrow gap therein conforming to the desired tear seam pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Parker
  • Vaporization and sequencing of nucleic acids
    Patent number: 5580733
    Abstract: Method for analyzing a nucleic acid molecule, without fragmenting the molecule, by vaporizing a mixture of the molecule and a matrix by illuminating the mixture with visible laser light absorbed by the matrix and not by the nucleic acid molecule. The method is useful for determining the nucleotide sequence of a polynucleotide by using mass spectrometry to determine the molecular weights of individual single-stranded nucleic acid molecules in a population including a plurality of single-stranded nucleic acid molecules generated from the polynucleotide, each molecule having a different molecular weight, and one defined terminus and one variable terminus which terminates at a specific nucleotide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventors: Robert J. Levis, Louis J. Romano
  • Vehicle bumper
    Patent number: 5577784
    Abstract: A vehicle bumper system includes a structural reaction injected molded (SRIM) bumper beam that has a hollow body of generally C-shaped cross section and a SRIM reinforcement leaf that is attached to the front wall of the hollow body to increase the damage free impact resistance of the SRIM bumper beam. The reinforcement leaf can be separately molded and bonded to a front wall of the hollow body by a resilient adhesive or molded as an integral part of the hollow body. In the latter case, the integral reinforcement leaf can be solidly attached or it can be attached at the perimeter with its center separated from the front wall of the hollow body by an intervening layer of resilient material. An energy absorber pad of resilient foam material may be attached to a face of the front wall of the hollow body for increasing damage free impact resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Gullmar V. Nelson
  • Electrical snap-action switch
    Patent number: 5577604
    Abstract: To create a snap-action switch (1) that provides separate solutions for the mechanical function of "switching" and the electrical function of "contact bridging", the snap-action element (4) is designed as one piece made of round wire and a contact element (5) is held within the snap-action element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Delphi Automotive Systems Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Hans P. Dahmen, Ewald Stanitzok
  • Deep rolling split-pin fillets of crankshafts
    Patent number: 5575167
    Abstract: Machine and method for deep rolling fillets of split-pins of engine crankshafts. Each split-pin comprises neighboring and arcuately offset crank pins connected between counter weights and has a centralized splitter fence which receives side loads from the connecting rods. Annular fillets are formed between the pins and opposite sides of the splitter fence as well as between the fillets and their associated counter weights. Limbs of the fillets at the splitter fence that describe the overlap of the split-pins are deep rolled with a high load for improving yield strength while the remaining arcuate portions of the fillets are rolled at lower loads to improve strength without undue distortion of the fence. The overlap of pin to main journals can also be rolled with increased load for increased yield strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Hegenscheidt Corporation
    Inventors: William P. Gottschalk, Hans T. Lauten
  • Cargo area lighting system for trucks
    Patent number: 5573327
    Abstract: A lighting system using piped light is provided for the cargo space of a truck. A light source mounted on the truck body is energized by the truck electrical system through a switch in the cab. Plural lighting fixtures are mounted to the roof of the truck body for illuminating the cargo space. Each lighting fixture receives light which is piped through a separate light guide from the source to the fixture. There are two sets of lighting fixtures each of which is disposed in a linear array extending along a line from the front to the rear of the truck body. The light guides for one set of lighting fixtures are all disposed in a first enclosure and the light guides for the other set of lighting fixtures are all disposed within a second enclosure. Certain sections of the enclosures are provided with a transparent lens and certain light guides within the enclosures emit side light through the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventors: O. K. Dealey, Jr., John L. Stratford, John A. Robbins
  • Fiber reinforced abrasive mold and die finishing tools
    Patent number: 5573453
    Abstract: Described is a fiber reinforced abrasive polishing and finishing tool comprising:a multi layer laminate comprised of a first abrasive layer and a second abrasive layer, anda layer of B-staged adhesive resin matrix containing fiber reinforcing material, e.g. graphite between the abrasive layers wherein all of the layers are secured together at least in part by the adhesive resin.Also described is a method of manufacturing the tool by applying heat and pressure to a laminate of the adhesive and abrasive layers with the adhesive layer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: B.O.T.S.G., Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence W. Tiefenbach, Jr.
  • Portable liquid tank with manhole cover, liquid mixer and universal pressure relief bung
    Patent number: 5573135
    Abstract: A large portable liquid mixing tank has a top wall with a large access opening that is sealingly closed with a manhole cover and also when the manhole cover is removed and a liquid mixer is installed. In either case, the pressure of any air trapped in the tank increases with rising ambient temperature and can be of a magnitude that blows off the manhole cover or mixer when released from the tank. A universal pressure relief bung is adapted to be threaded in a bung flange in the manhole cover, mixer and the tank top wall and is operable with a strategic vent hole arrangement to completely relieve any air pressure in the tank on only one turn of the bung within the shortest of the minimum times required to remove the liquid mixer, the manhole cover and the bung itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: George P. Stolzenfeld
  • Weatherproof seal for wire entrance
    Patent number: 5571994
    Abstract: A weatherproof seal for wire entrance into an enclosure for an electrical device in an automobile. The seal including a tubular element adapted for the passage of the wires entering the enclosure and a wrapper wrapped about the tubular element and also wrapped about a length of the wires outside of the tubular element and adjacent to one end of the tubular element. The wrapper including heat shrinkable tubing having a lining of meltable material that has been placed around the tubular element and the length of the wires and heated sufficiently to melt the meltable material and cause the heat shrinkable tubing to shrink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Peter Norton
  • Molded trim panel with integrally formed simulated leather appliques and a method for molding same
    Patent number: 5571597
    Abstract: An instrument trim panel (12) includes a shell (14) made from a flexible plastic material. A textured section (18) is circumscribed by a simulated seam (20). A closed cell plastic block (28) is press fitted behind the textured section. An air pocket (26) is interposed between the block and textured section. A rigid substrate (22) is molded and cured behind the shell (14) and block (28). The air pocket allows the textured section to be deformed to simulate the appearance and feel of a leather applique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gallagher, Lawrence R. Nichols
  • Picture frame stand clip
    Patent number: 5570526
    Abstract: A clip (12) for a picture frame assembly (10) includes a first and second leg (20,22) made from a spring steel. One leg has a Velcro fastener (26,30) for connection with a rear of the frame section and the other leg (22) has a catch (35) that laterally engages an edge (36) of a supportive tongue (18) to secure the tongue (18) at a desired angle with respect to the frame section (16) of the picture frame assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Edward J. Wallon
  • Anionic stabilized enzyme based clean-in-place system
    Patent number: 5571446
    Abstract: A two-part enzyme-based cleaning system useful in clean-in-place operations to remove proteinaceous soils from dairy equipment is described. The system comprises two liquid concentrates stored in separate containers, the concentrates being diluted and mixed for use.A. The first concentrate consists of:i) 2.5 to 7.5 percent by weight of a source of alkalinity selected from the sources of hydroxide based alkaline composition;ii) 1 to 16 percent by weight of a water conditioner selected from the group consisting of polyacrylic acids and polyphosphates; andiii) balance water.B. The second concentrate consists of:i) 35 to 45 percent by weight of a blend of an alkali salt of a (C.sub.6 to C.sub.12) fatty acid and a linear (C.sub.8 -C.sub.18) polyoxyalkylene;ii) 0.2 to 1.6 percent of a proteolytic enzyme; andiii) balance water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Diversey Corporation
    Inventor: Carol A. Rouillard
  • Closure for an air bag assembly
    Patent number: 5569959
    Abstract: A closure for an air bag assembly includes a flexible outer skin and a layer of foam material covering a retainer member that has an air bag deployment opening that is closed by a moveable door. The door overlaps portions of the retainer member to support the door against movement inwardly of the retainer member and allow free hinging movement outwardly of the retainer member for stressing and separating the layer of foam and the outer skin to form a deployment path for the air bag. The moveable door may be retained in the closed position by frangible portions of the retainer member to facilitate manufacture of the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: David Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Cooper, Peter Ianazzi, Lawrence R. Nichols, Thomas Parker
  • Method for casting a thermoplastic automotive air bag cover skin with a lesser strength thermoplastic tear seam strip insert
    Patent number: 5567375
    Abstract: Method and apparatus including a powder box and heatable shell tool are disclosed for forming a thermoplastic automotive air bag cover skin with a lesser strength thermoplastic tear seam strip insert wherein the latter is initially formed with a protruding rib on one side and a pointed ridge on an opposite side. A heat resistant elastomeric transfer socket attached to the powder box interior receives and holds the insert rib and thereby the insert in a prescribed tear seam configuration and then positions the tear seam strip insert against a heated skin defining mold surface on the shell tool when the powder box is joined with the latter. The skin is formed by casting thermoplastic powder from the powder box against the heated mold surface and about the tear seam insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Scott M. Filion, John D. Gray, William M. Humphrey
  • Continuous slip hydrokinetic torque converter clutch interface with curcuitous groove for cooling and wetting clutch interface zone
    Patent number: 5566802
    Abstract: A continuous slip bypass friction clutch for a hydrokinetic torque converter has annular interfaces that are adapted to engage and transmit torque while rotating in one direction and continuously slipping. One of the interfaces is provided with circuitous grooves that traverse back and forth across essentially the entire width of this interface to channel hydraulic fluid in the torque converter from a high pressure cavity at an outer diameter of the interfaces past the engaged clutch interfaces through flow paths defined thereby to a low pressure cavity at an inner diameter of the interfaces to thereby wet essentially the entire interface area of the clutch and to cool the clutch with a viscous pumping action that augments cooling differential pressure hydraulic fluid flow induced through the flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcolm E. Kirkwood
  • Motor vehicle instrument panel with flexible tethering hinged air bag deployment door
    Patent number: 5564731
    Abstract: A molded motor vehicle instrument panel made of a thermoplastic material has an integral air bag deployment door for a passenger side air bag that is defined by a tear seam and is normally retained by an integral flexible mounting/hinge flange to a part of the vehicle structure when the seam is torn by the inflating air bag and wherein this flange then bends to allow the door to swing open to allow deployment of the air bag through an opening in the instrument panel while retaining same to the vehicle structure as the door is then free of the instrument panel. At very low temperatures, a portion of the air bag door can break away from the mounting/hinge flange because of plastic embrittlement at these low temperatures and the high bending stresses encountered at this juncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gallagher, Peter J. Iannazzi
  • Energy absorbent interior trim for vehicle
    Patent number: 5564744
    Abstract: A trim assembly for a vehicle providing energy absorption between a structural member and a trim cover has a curved cover including a curved inner surface supporting an energy absorbing tube having a first side portion thereon that has an undeformed position and a deformed position that is permanently plasticly deformed upon the cover initially being impacted and the energy absorbing tube has a first segment thereon with an undeformed curvature substantially fully engaged with the curved inner surface of the cover and further having a second side portion overlying the curved segment to form a leaf spring action therebetween that will absorb energy by elastic deformation upon plastic deformation of the first side portion as the cover is impacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Colin Frost
  • Solvent flush reaction injection molding mixhead
    Patent number: 5562883
    Abstract: A solvent flush reaction injection molding mixhead has a mixing chamber with a solvent inlet port in one end and a chemical outlet port in an opposite end. A pair of hydraulically operated chemical injectors are connected to the mixing chamber between the solvent inlet port and chemical outlet port to inject liquid reaction molding chemicals at high pressure through injector ports into the mixing chamber. The mixed chemicals are delivered through the chemical outlet port to a spray wand on the mixhead for application to a mold surface or an object requiring a foam coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne C. Salisbury, James R. Pritchard, William M. Humphrey, Michael J. Provencher
  • Pulse dampener and fuel pump having same
    Patent number: 5562429
    Abstract: A pulse dampener for fuel systems having a rotary fuel pump and a fuel flow passage. The pulse dampener includes a hollow torus-shaped body with a fluid disposed within the body and the hollow body defining two flat surfaces disposed in spaced parallel relation with respect to one another and perpendicular to the flow of fuel through the fuel system. The pulse dampener further includes a pair of sides disposed perpendicular to and interconnecting the spaced flat surfaces to define the torus shaped pulse dampener to dampen pressure pulses within the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Caro Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce A. Romstad, Frederick J. Whitcroft
  • Tin coating composition and method
    Patent number: 5562950
    Abstract: Described is an aqueous electroless alkaline pH tin coating composition comprised of a source of tin ions and an effective amount of a sludge control agent that is an organic chelating composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Assignee: Novamax Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Dailey, John R. Morgan, Karim I. Saad