Patents Represented by Attorney Warn, Hoffmann, Miller & LaLone
  • Patent number: 7556303
    Abstract: A latch transfer mechanism is provided, including a tailgate having a first handle and a second handle, a lifter connected to a housing, a striker for selectively receiving a cable transfer pin, with the cable transfer pin operably associated with the lifter, and a connector connected to the cable transfer pin, which is also connected to the tailgate. The present invention also includes an actuating rod for actuating the lifter such that when the first handle is actuated, the housing, lifter, and actuating rod, will separate from the striker, and the cable transfer pin will remain received by the striker, allowing the connector to support the tailgate. When the second handle is actuated, the actuating rod will cause the lifter to pivot in relation to the housing, lifting the cable transfer pin out of the striker, allowing the lifter, actuating rod, and cable transfer pin to separate from the striker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Miguel Waldner, Christopher T. Archutowski, Brad Stewart, Herbert Gruber
  • Patent number: 7219860
    Abstract: A spacecraft including control vanes for controlling the pointing direction of the spacecraft by providing a variable absorptive, reflective, emissive and/or transmissive properties. The control vanes provide a torque on the spacecraft to maintain the spacecraft pointing towards the sun. The control vanes can include at least one xb-axis control vane and at least one yb-axis control vane where the xb axis control vane provides xb-axis control torque on the spacecraft rotated about the xb-axis, and the yb-axis control vane provides yb-axis control torque on the spacecraft when rotated about the yb-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: James W. Wehner, Christian M. Harris, Michael K. O'Rell
  • Patent number: 7214336
    Abstract: A flexible foam wedge, designed with a finger pocket and application tip with that allows for direct support of the applicator from a finger digit particularly useful for the application of cosmetics. The foam applicator comprises a base block defining the finger opening. The application tip, having any of a plurality of configurations extends from the base block. The applicator can be an integral unit, or can comprise separate components connected together. Further, various methods of manufacturing and using the applicator are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Lendell Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Phil Sheridan, John I Nanos, Lendell J Williams
  • Patent number: 7191630
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE) of flat billets to control material structure and properties. The improvements of the method include the special systems of billet orientations, billet lubrication, billet ejection from dies, and a press/die control system those eliminate surface cracks, flashes and billet reshaping or deburring between passes. Therefore, multi-pass ECAE becomes a cost-effective industrial operation and may be applied to large billets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Engineered Performance Materials Co., LLC
    Inventor: Vladimir M Segal
  • Patent number: 7187134
    Abstract: A system and method for illuminating a light source, particularly a vehicle light source. The light source receives a voltage signal causing the light source to be illuminated. A triggering circuit detects the voltage signal. If the voltage signal is at or below a predetermined value, then the triggering circuit maintains a switch closed so that the light source continuously receives the voltage signal. If the voltage signal goes above the predetermined value, the triggering circuit opens and closes the switch in a pulsed manner where the voltage signal applied to the light source is on during the pulses and off between the pulses so that the brightness of the light source remains substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Zipf
  • Patent number: 7182063
    Abstract: An electronic throttle control system is described. The system includes a non-contacting sensor stator integrated into an electronic throttle body and is aligned to the sensor rotor attached to the shaft to properly set sensor air gap by assembly aids or by close fit to the throttle body. A motor and vehicle connector is electrically connected to the sensor stator but is allowed to be positioned separately from the sensor stator by means of a flexible interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Keefover, Michael J. Halsig, Hal E. Pringle
  • Patent number: 7178306
    Abstract: A single ply flexible membrane roofing system secured to a roof deck has a first membrane secured to the roof deck by fasteners. The membrane system includes a second membrane with an edge portion overlapping the first membrane edge which can be “factory” weld-bonded to the first membrane along the edge of the second membrane to provide waterproofing such that the first membrane edge projects forwardly from the bond to define a fastening projection extending forwardly from the weld bond for the laterally spaced fasteners. An adhesive coating over the fastening projection and fasteners extends essentially from the weld bond forwardly to provide a continuous adhesive coating over the first membrane projection and the fasteners to provide a substantially monolithic water-sealed seaming bond of enhanced strength with enhanced resistance to uplift forces. The invention is concerned also with the labor reduced method of constructing the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Duro-Last, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd D. Fritz
  • Patent number: 7181168
    Abstract: A loop-back self-test circuit (10) that has particular application for a cellular telephone base station, where the components of the self-test circuit (10) are integrated on a common integrated circuit chip (20). The transmit signal and an LO signal are applied to a mixer (28) to convert the frequency of the transmit signal to the frequency of a receive signal. A VCO (56) generates the LO signal and a PLL (26) synchronizes the phase of the VCO signal to the phase of a reference signal. A divided reference signal and a divided VCO signal are applied to a phase comparator (52) that generates an error signal indicative of the phase difference between the reference signal and the VCO signal. The error signal is applied to a charge pump (60) that generates a current signal to tune a tank circuit (66). A voltage signal from a loop filter (62) is applied to the VCO (56) to tune it to the LO frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Grant, Peter F. Chu, William R. Goyette, Willie O. Simmons, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7174998
    Abstract: An electric fluid pump for a transmission, transfer case or an oil reservoir. The pump is contained within the transmission, transfer case or engine oil reservoir and has an open housing which allows fluid into the motor for cooling and lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Hal Pringle, Robert D. Keefover, Michael J. Halsig
  • Patent number: 7175292
    Abstract: An external mirror assembly for a motor vehicle with a base (16) and an adjustable mirror head (12) and a pivot and vibration absorption mechanism (14) on the base (16) allowing manual adjustment of the mirror head (12) with respect to the base (16). The pivot and vibration absorption mechanism (14) has a ball joint (22, 26) to enable pivoting and frictionally engaging faces (36, 38, 42) spaced apart from the ball joint (22, 26) on the base (16) and the mirror head (12) to provide vibration absorption. The respective faces (36, 38, 42) are part spherical surfaces resiliently urged together by resilient means (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Darryl Flynn
  • Patent number: 7172298
    Abstract: A power-folding vehicle mirror assembly is described, including: a base; a mirror head assembly mounted to the base for movement from a drive position to a front position and for movement from the drive position to a park position; a first clutch body mounted to the base; a second clutch body mounted to the head, and biased towards engagement with the first clutch body; a sun gear mounted to the base for rotation about a first axis; a planetary gear mounted to the mirror head assembly for rotation about a second axis; a motor operably connected to the planetary gear; at least one drive train detent recess and projection pair forming a drive train detent system; and a head assembly to base detent system operably interposed between the head assembly and the base, wherein the mirror head is moveable between a drive position and a park position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Mark Olijnyk, Daniel J. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7172528
    Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle that includes a planetary gear assembly, a clutch pack assembly, and a band and drum assembly that provide an overdrive or underdrive and direct drive in combination with a vehicle transmission. In one embodiment, an input shaft drives an outer ring gear of the planetary gear assembly and is coupled to one set of discs of the clutch assembly. A carrier of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to a rear output shaft, where the carrier supports a plurality of pinion gears. A sun gear of the planetary gear assembly is coupled to another set of discs of the clutch assembly that are coupled to the drum. When the clutch assembly is engaged, the ring gear is coupled to the sun gear for direct drive and when the band is engaged, the pinion gears and the ring gear provide underdrive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Andy Yu, Fredric H. Tubbs, Thomas J. Foster
  • Patent number: 7165853
    Abstract: The present application includes a vehicle mirror which includes an approach light in the attachment assembly. The approach light is a single light source positionable in relation to predetermined inputs for directing light to various areas, depending on the inputs. Additionally, an intercom system is provided for communication between the interior of the vehicle and exterior of the vehicle, by way of the vehicle mirror. Also, a remote sensor is utilized to set predetermined memory positions of interior vehicle components such as seats, steering columns and brake pedals. This allows customization of the interior components upon an individual's approach to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Robert W. Gilbert, Kash A. Munir, Mark Olijnyk, Patrick McCaffrey, Paul M. Schwarz, Alex Gersch, Paul van de Loo, Maarten J. Schuurmans, Andrew D. Herps, Adam S. Peacock, Richard G. Teal, Chris Moase
  • Patent number: 7163300
    Abstract: An exterior rear vision mirror assembly (10) for a motor vehicle, the assembly (10) having a base (14) to be attached to the vehicle, at least one arm (15, 16) extending from the base (14) and a mirror head (11) mounted to the at least one arm (15, 16) and having a mirror (13), the mirror head (11) and arm (15, 16) is adapted to be rotated about an axis in the base (14), a power fold system having a motor assembly (24) in the at least one arm or each arm (15, 16) to drive the mirror (13) from a driving position to a foldaway position and from the foldaway position to the driving position and an override system including a clutch (64) is provided so that the mirror (13) can be manually moved to the foldaway position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Olijnyk, Daniel Joseph Flynn
  • Patent number: 7163737
    Abstract: A new product is described characterized by its qualities to absorb undesirable scents present in the air, while serving at the same time as a carrier for aromas, fragrances, flavorings, repellents, attractants and other active ingredients. The active ingredients are gradually released by the carrier, which is compatible with the environment and current tendencies towards the use of organic and biodegradable products. The composition comprises a carrier and an active ingredient. The carrier is characterized as being particles obtained from the milling, separation, air wash and classification of the different fractions obtained from corncobs. An article of manufacture and a method of making the article containing the absorbent composition of matter is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Jose Represas De Almeida, Genaro Casas Jassan
  • Patent number: 7157143
    Abstract: Two-component epoxy adhesive compositions, and methods of using the same, are described. The compositions include an epoxy resin component, including at least one epoxy resin and at least one flexibilizer present in the range of about 12 to about 16 weight percent, based on the total weight of the epoxy resin component, and an epoxy curative component, including at least one curing agent and at least one flexibilizer present in the range of about 55 to about 65 weight percent, based on the total weight of the epoxy curative component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jihong Kye
  • Patent number: 7152986
    Abstract: A pivot assembly (10) adapted to connect a mirror head (11) and a mirror mounting bracket (12) of a rear vision mirror assembly. The pivot assembly (10) has a spigot extending from a spigot plate (40), a plate (35) journalled to the spigot and a detent arrangement between the plate (35) and spigot. An attachment arrangement on both the spigot plate (40) and plate (35) allows the spigot plate (40) to be secured to either one of the mirror head (11) or the mirror mounting bracket (12). The attachment arrangement also allows the plate (35) to be secured to the other of the mirror head (11) or the mirror mounting bracket (12). A stop means associated with the spigot and adapted to engage with a stop arrangement on either the mirror head (11) or the mirror mounting bracket (12) limits rotation of the mirror head (11) with respect to the mirror mounting bracket (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Maarten J. Schuurmans
  • Patent number: 7152133
    Abstract: The invention is an improved protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks for diagnostics, analysis and monitoring. The invention has a pass through feature (voltage translator)/smart mode that allows the protocol adapter to emulate older boxes. Visual indicators (LEDs) indicate the pass through feature is in operation. LEDs also indicate activity on the on the RS232 bus between the adapter and a PC. Single color and multiple color emitting LEDs indicate a program is being executed and identify the program that is being executed. The protocol adapter supports RP1202 and RP1210, J1708 and J1939 and J1939 Transport Layer. The improved protocol adapter has a Real Time Clock, Standard COMM port connection, 7–32 Volt Supply and is CE compliant. The adapter can be used wirelessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Dearborn Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert McClure, David Such
  • Patent number: 7151929
    Abstract: A satellite communication system (10) includes a satellite (20) which receives first and second data from sources. Each satellite receives control data from a satellite control center (100). An earth processing center (PC) is arranged to process the data received from the satellites, and a wide band network (30) is arranged to transmit the data to the processing center. A receptor terminal (A) is arranged to receive the first data and to place the first data on the network (30) for transmission to the processing center (PC). A second receptor terminal (B) is arranged to receive the second data and to place the second data on the network (30) for transmission to the processing center (PC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Keith R. Jenkin, Roy K. Tsugawa
  • Patent number: 7140756
    Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly is disclosed which incorporates a bezel formed generally beneath the mirror housing. The bezel accommodates a rearward facing light source assembly to provide a rearward facing signal. The bezel may be integrally formed with the rear view mirror assembly or may be a separate component attached to the rear view mirror assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems USA Inc.
    Inventors: Graham B. McCloy, Ronald R. Raymo, Jr.