Patents Assigned to BFS Diversified Products, LLC
  • Patent number: 8061691
    Abstract: A piston adapted for use in offset mounting conditions includes a piston body having a longitudinally-extending axis. First and second securement features are located at radially outer positions relative to the axis. The first and second securement features are also located on one diametrical side of a midplane of the piston body. A plurality of support walls extends from the diametrically opposite side of the piston body toward the securement features. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel I Levy, Jonathan Hall
  • Patent number: 7959138
    Abstract: A connector fitting and air spring assembly includes a connector fitting supported on an end member of an air spring. The connector fitting is secured on the air spring by a retaining member engaging the end member of the air spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7959136
    Abstract: A sensing and communication system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave, a transponder supported on an associated structural member at a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave, and a sensor adjacent the transponder and in communication therewith. The sensor being operable to sense an input acting on the associated structural member and communicate a signal corresponding to the input to the transponder. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to at least one of the sensor signal and the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Patent number: 7959137
    Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave and a transponder spaced a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Patent number: 7927451
    Abstract: A method of forming a building material with a pre-applied adhesive may include providing a first and second membrane positioned in the same planar orientation and having a gap between them. The first membrane may include an adjacent edge, and the second membrane may include an adjacent edge. The adjacent edges may face each other. A first adhesive tape may be applied to a top planar surface of the first membrane and a second adhesive tape may be applied to the top planar surface of the second membrane. The first and second adhesive tapes extend into the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph J. Kalwara
  • Patent number: 7766591
    Abstract: A method of transporting insulation panels to a location, the method comprising providing a plurality of insulation panels; placing a predetermined number of said insulation panels into stacks, said stacks including a top surface, lateral sides and a bottom surface; covering said stack with a heat shrinkable material, wherein said heat shrinkable material covers said top surface and said lateral sides, at least a portion of said material extending below the intersection between said bottom surface and said lateral sides; heating said heat shrinkable material, thereby shrinking said heat shrinkable material substantially flush against said lateral sides; loading a plurality of stacks on a vehicle; and moving said vehicle with said plurality of stocks to the location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce F. Douglas
  • Patent number: 7733239
    Abstract: A distance determining system includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver spaced a distance from the first transceiver and inductively coupled thereto. The first transceiver outputs a first electromagnetic wave. The second transceiver receives the first electromagnetic wave and outputs a second electromagnetic wave, which is received by the first transceiver. One of the first and second transceivers determines a distance therebetween based at least in part upon the elapsed time of travel of the first and second electromagnetic waves. An air spring assembly can include such a distance indicating system. A method of determining a distance is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Publication number: 20100000402
    Abstract: A piston for use in forming a gas spring assembly includes a longitudinally extending axis, a first end wall extending approximately transverse to the axis, and an outer side wall extending longitudinally from adjacent the first end wall. The outer side wall includes a first side wall portion that forms a fully circumferential outer surface and a second side wall portion that forms a partially circumferential outer surface that extends longitudinally beyond the fully circumferential outer surface. A gas spring assembly including such a piston is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: STEPHEN R. EGOLF
  • Publication number: 20090302514
    Abstract: A cooperative mounting arrangement for an end member or spacer of a gas spring assembly includes a recess formed into one of the end member and the spacer. A projection is provided on or along an associated structural component. The recess receives the projection such that lateral forces acting on the end member of the gas spring assembly can be transferred to the associated structural component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Grabarz, Stephen C. Street, Pradipta N. Moulik
  • Publication number: 20090216403
    Abstract: A method and system for adjusting a relative leveled height of a sprung mass of a vehicle to an unsprung mass of the vehicle. The method also includes receiving an input from an operator for incrementally/decrementally changing the height of the sprung mass. A system for performing the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory A. Holbrook
  • Patent number: 7543804
    Abstract: A fluid suspension member having a flexible wall at least partially defining a fluid chamber and having a passage formed therethrough. A connector fitting is received within the passage, and a groove extends into the flexible wall adjacent the passage. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7530554
    Abstract: A fluid spring assembly includes a first end member and a second end member spaced from the first end member. A spring sleeve extends between the first and second end members. A third end member is disposed along the second end member and is axially displaceably secured thereto. The third end member engages the spring sleeve and is displaceable between a fully-assembled use condition and a fully-assembled adjustment condition in which the third end member and spring sleeve are disassociated with the second end member permitting approximately free rotation thereof. A method includes adjusting the rotational alignment of the fluid spring assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel I. Levy
  • Patent number: 7532110
    Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transmitting portion, a transceiver spaced a distance from the transmitting portion, and a receiving portion supported in spaced relation to the transceiver. The transmitting portion broadcasting a first electromagnetic wave. The transceiver receiving the first electromagnetic wave and transmitting a second electromagnetic wave to the receiving portion. The transceiver is operative to modulate the second electromagnetic wave in relation to an input to communicate a signal, data or information, such as the distance between the transmitting portion and the transceiver, an acceleration input, a pressure level or a temperature reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Patent number: 7510752
    Abstract: A rolled membrane includes a core member and a membrane having a width defined by a first edge and a second edge. The membrane can be rolled around the core member such that the first edge and the second edge are exposed. A pre-applied seam tape having a substantially uniform thickness is affixed along the first edge. A first and second compression spacer may be located substantially adjacent to the seam tape and the second edge, respectively. The compression spacers have a thickness at least 0.005 inches greater than the thickness of the seam tape. The compression spacers are configured to allow the seam tape to remain in a substantially uncompressed state when the membrane is rolled and, therefore, avoid damage. The compression spacers allow the membrane to be rolled uniformly on the core member without telescoping and with a uniform cross-sectional diameter along the width of the rolled membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Hartford Robertson
  • Patent number: 7506881
    Abstract: A protective curtain assembly for an associated fluid suspension system of an associated vehicle includes a section of curtain material and a first securement device securing the second of material along at least a portion of the associated suspension system. A suspension system including a protective curtain is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products LLC
    Inventor: Joshua R. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7500659
    Abstract: A piston assembly for an air spring includes an outer shell and a structural insert. The outer shell includes a side wall and an end wall at least partially defining a shell cavity having an open end. The structural insert is received in the shell cavity and includes a central portion and a plurality of support walls extending outwardly from the central portion toward the side wall of the outer shell. The central portion includes first and second opposing ends with the first end disposed toward the end wall of the outer shell and the second end disposed toward the open end of the outer shell. An air spring assembly includes such a piston assembly. A method of manufacturing an air spring assembly is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel I. Levy
  • Publication number: 20090057967
    Abstract: A flexible wall and end structure assembly includes a flexible wall and an end structure. The flexible wall is formed from an elastomeric material and a filament structure. A bead wire is formed into an open end of the flexible wall. The end structure is received along the open end of the flexible wall and forms a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith. A portion of the filament structure is compressed between the bead wire and the end structure and extends therefrom in radially-outwardly spaced relation to said end structure. A gas spring assembly including such a flexible wall and end structure assembly is included. A method of manufacture is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: BFS DIVERSIFIED PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Paul P. Koeske, Jason B. Smith, Keith A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7497423
    Abstract: A piston assembly used in forming a gas spring assembly includes a first piston member and a second piston member telescopically engaging one another and capable of axial displacement relative to one another between collapsed and extended conditions. The first piston member includes a mounting end and the second piston member includes a flexible wall-engaging end. The first and second piston members arranged such that in the collapsed condition the mounting and flexible wall-engaging ends are disposed a first distance from one another and in the extended condition the mounting and flexible wall-engaging ends are disposed at a second distance from one another with the second distance being greater than the first distance. A gas spring assembly and suspension system utilizing such a piston assembly as well as a method are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: James Richard Myers
  • Patent number: 7497422
    Abstract: An air spring assembly including a first end member having a peripheral edge, a second end member in spaced relation to the first end member, and a flexible sleeve secured between the first and second end members at least partially defining a spring chamber. A label is formed from sheet material and includes a first portion coated with adhesive and a second portion spaced from the first portion that includes a plurality of indicia. The label is disposed along the first end member with the first adhesive portion secured thereto and the second portion extending outwardly beyond the peripheral edge. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen R. Egolf, James A. Johnson, Brian E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7490817
    Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transceiver broadcasting an electromagnetic wave and a transponder spaced a distance from the transceiver that receives the electromagnetic wave. The transponder is adapted to induce a modulation of the electromagnetic wave in relation to the distance between the transceiver and the transponder. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer