Patents Assigned to Dura Global Technologies
  • Patent number: 7837179
    Abstract: A tire carrier assembly is operative to provide a controlled payout of cable in response to an application of a minimum predetermined amount of force upon the tire carrier assembly. The tire carrier assembly includes a housing having a bottom wall and a side wall extending outwardly from the bottom wall defining an interior space. A rotation shaft is coupled to the housing and having a longitudinal axis. A sheave is coupled to the shaft and rotatable about the longitudinal axis. A gear member extends from the sheave and is rotatable therewith about the longitudinal axis. A pin fixedly secured to the housing. A torque plate has a gear portion epicyclically engaged with the gear member of the sheave. The torque plate has an arm portion extending generally radially outwardly with respect to the gear portion. The torque plate has a closed-ended slot formed in the arm portion and receiving the pin therethrough. The arm portion has legs extending along opposite sides of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walter J. Steiner, Jr., Tony Voegeli, Jeffrey M. Stephens, Peter Pelech
  • Patent number: 7832302
    Abstract: A shift-by-wire shifter system includes a spring biased DTP lever engageable with a shifter lever assembly to move the shifter lever assembly to a park position. A DTP lock assembly secures the DTP lever so that the shifter lever assembly is selectively movable along the shift path during normal operation and releases the DTP lever so that the DTP lever moves the shifter lever assembly to the park position upon the loss of system power. A DTP actuator unlocks the shifter lever assembly and the DPT lock assembly upon the loss of system power so that the DTP lever automatically moves the shifter lever assembly to the park position upon the loss of system power. A power storage device is provided to release power to the DPT actuator upon the loss of system power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yong Qiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7832305
    Abstract: A control pedal assembly includes a first axle forming a first pivot axis and a first booster link pivotable about the first pivot axis. A control pedal has a second axle forming a second pivot axis, a pedal arm pivotable about the second pivot axis, and a pedal at a lower end of the pedal arm. A second booster link is pivotably connecting the pedal arm with the first booster link so that pivoting motion of the pedal arm about the second pivot axis pivots the booster link about the first pivot axis. A support member has a first end supporting the second axle on opposite sides of the pedal arm and the support member is pivotable about its second end. A drive assembly is operably connected to the control pedal to move the second axle in a fore-aft direction to adjust the control pedal in a fore-aft direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Akhil Mahendra, Gordon Smith, Srini Sundaresan
  • Patent number: 7802664
    Abstract: A power strut assembly for a vehicle includes a first strut member having joined outer walls that define an interior cavity. The first strut member extends from a first end to a second end. The first end includes a base wall joined to the outer walls. A second strut member also having joined outer walls defining an inner cavity extends from a first end to a second end. The second strut member is telescopically disposed within the interior cavity of the first strut member. A lead screw extends from a first end to a second end and is rotatively retained at the first end of the first strut member. The lead screw extends into the interior cavities of the first and second strut members. A clutch is retained by the second strut member and the lead screw is positioned to interact with the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Hanna, Michael A. Slumba
  • Patent number: 7779720
    Abstract: A core adjuster assembly includes an adjuster body having a pin engagement end and a locking end. The adjuster body has a central longitudinal bore and a lock cavity formed through an outer peripheral surface. A slider body is formed on an end of a rod and is disposed in the central longitudinal bore of the adjuster body. A primary lock member is disposed in the lock cavity and is moveable from a shipping position to a locked position. A secondary lock member is associated with the adjuster body and the primary lock member and is adapted to maintain the primary lock member in the shipping and locked positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory P. Ruhlander, Donald G. Gordy
  • Patent number: 7775555
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first structure, a pedal pivotably connected to the first structure for pivoting between rest and fully-applied positions, a control attachment connecting the pedal to a vehicle system to be controlled, a second structure located rearward of the pedal, and an engagement bracket connected to the pedal to engage the second structure upon rearward movement of the pedal during a vehicle frontal collision. The control attachment is connected to the engagement bracket and disengages from the pedal so that the pedal pivots independent of the control system when the engagement bracket strikes the second structure with a predetermined force. There is a constant distance between the engagement bracket and the second structure as the pedal pivots so that the position of the pedal does not affect the disengagement of the control attachment during the frontal collision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Robert Allen, Brian John Eckerle, Jason Allen Booher
  • Patent number: 7770489
    Abstract: An integrated operator cable-connector and base housing for an automotive shifter mechanism includes a generally cylindrical opening in the base housing, an isolator installed onto one end of a steel sleeve compressed against one or more shoulders in the opening and held therein with a cap snap fitted to a protrusion on the base housing. A swivel tube has a head portion captured between facing partially spherical seats formed on an end of the isolator and an interior portion of the base housing respectively, and a rod laterally supported and slidable therein. The operator cable has its case crimped into a protruding end of the sleeve and its core wire passed through a plastic tubular insert in the sleeve, an opening in the end of the isolator, and the inside of the swivel tube to a rod to which it is attached to the rod slidable in the swivel tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory P. Ruhlander
  • Patent number: 7765738
    Abstract: A sliding window assembly has at least one sliding pane mounted for travel along a travel path between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in an offset second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The window assembly has travel guide apparatus for guiding its movement along the travel path between the open and closed positions. The travel guide apparatus includes a track defining an elongate slot corresponding to the travel path, a fixed guide surface having a fixed position relative to the track, e.g., a pivot pin, and components cooperatively operative as a cam and slide movement for guiding travel of the sliding pane between its open and closed positions. Typically, for generally rectilinear sliding panes, a track, guide surface and cam and slide movement are provided for each corner of the sliding pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William T. Dufour, Kenneth E. Keck
  • Patent number: 7753434
    Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle having a body panel comprises, in combination, a glazing panel having a peripheral edge, a gasket secured to the glazing panel for sealing the peripheral edge to the body panel, at least one clip receiver secured to the glazing panel near the peripheral edge, and at least one fastener clip clamping the clip receiver to the body panel. The fastener clip is preferably U-shaped having a pair of resilient legs receiving the body panel and the clip receiver therebetween. The fastener clip is preferably secured to the clip receiver in a manner in which the fastener clip is movable between a shipping position and a securing position. A detent is preferably formed between the fastener clip and the clip receiver to resist removal of the fastener clip from the clip receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bryan Daniel MacPhail-Fausey
  • Patent number: 7752941
    Abstract: Novel terminal connectors or fittings and terminal connector assemblies using such novel terminal connectors are disclosed. The terminal connector assemblies have uses which include, for example, on load- or motion-transmitting cable assemblies, e.g., for aircraft, automotive, and marine vehicle applications. Certain exemplary embodiments of the terminal connectors and terminal connector assemblies have features that, either alone or in combination, provide desirable characteristics such as, e.g., reduced lash or vibration in such cable assemblies. Such features include, but are not limited to groove(s) disposed in an arm of the fitting, tab member(s) extending from an arm of the terminal connector, projection(s) positioned on an arm of the fitting, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Phillip Ruhlander
  • Publication number: 20100154312
    Abstract: A heated sliding window assembly includes at least one fixed window. A rail is attached to the fixed window. A sliding window is moveable along the rail between open and closed positions. The sliding window includes a heater grid and an electrical contact. A conductive member is attached to the at least one fixed window. The conductive member provides electrical coupling between the conductive member and the electrical contact through the entire movement range of the sliding window between the open and closed positions for providing current to the heater grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronnie G. Gipson, William T. Dufour
  • Publication number: 20100146859
    Abstract: A heated sliding window assembly for a vehicle that includes at least one fixed window. A rail is attached to the at least one fixed window. The fixed window may include an electrical contact. A sliding window is moveable along the rail and is moveable between open and closed positions. The sliding window includes a heater grid and an electrical contact. A drive mechanism is attached to the sliding window for moving the sliding window between the open and closed positions. An electrical circuit is included for carrying current to the heater grid. A switch is disposed within the electrical circuit that cuts off current to the heater grid when the sliding window is moved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronnie G. Gipson, Charles Flynn, Brian D. Howe, Ken Keck
  • Patent number: 7730668
    Abstract: A motor vehicle egress window comprises a circumferential outer frame forming an auxiliary egress opening for a motor vehicle passenger compartment and an inner frame unit. The outer frame has an outer frame member with an inner surface and at least a first striker pin. The inner frame unit is mounted to the outer frame for movement between closed and open positions has a circumferential inner frame, a glazing pane mounted to the inner frame, at least a first egress latch mounted to the inner frame, and a release mechanism. The egress latch is operative to latch to the striker pin to hold the inner frame unit in the closed position. The release mechanism includes a manually operative release handle, preferably mounted at an elevated position on a vertical side portion of the inner frame, and release linkage comprising at least a first link from the release handle to the first latch. In certain embodiments the inner and outer frames overlap radially for improved functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl F. Dankert, Michael D. Kobrehel, Darren M. Grumm
  • Patent number: 7730805
    Abstract: Bevel-cornered cable eyelets suitable to be operatively fitted onto a moveable brake arm of a motor vehicle park brake mechanism have an eyelet portion forming a bevel-cornered opening and a cable connection portion integral with the eyelet portion. In typical motor vehicle park brake applications, good performance can be achieved with the front corners beveled at an angle of 35-55 degrees to the front surface. The opening of the cable eyelet to receive the brake arm has a fore-and-aft inside dimension smaller than the lateral inside dimension of the opening. The bevel surfaces resist turning of the eyelet relative to the brake arm during normal use. A motor vehicle park brake cable comprises an elongate brake cable having a first end suitable to be connected to a park brake actuator and a second end attached to a bevel-cornered cable eyelet. The eyelet is readily disengaged from the brake arm, e.g., for repairs, service, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry Dewayne Nichols
  • Patent number: 7731471
    Abstract: A motor vehicle tire carrier includes a housing having an aperture. A drive shaft is rotatably secured to the housing. A spool is positioned in the housing and is rotatably driven by the drive shaft. A flexible elongate member has a first end secured to the spool, is wound about the spool, and extends through the aperture in the housing. A wheel plate is secured to a second end of the elongate member and is configured to support a motor vehicle tire. A crash plate is secured to the housing and has an aperture through which the elongate member extends, with the housing being secured to the crash plate. A guide member on the crash plate has an arcuate surface about which the elongate member will bend when the tire carrier is subject to a lateral force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Anthony P. Voegeli, Jr., Rosanne Knox, Martin Thompson
  • Patent number: 7703830
    Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes a window opening defined by a margin of material. The window assembly also includes a window having an adhesive member bonded on it prior to an installation operation on a vehicle. The adhesive member is further bonded to the margin of material when the window assembly is attached to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Earl, Shawn L. Walters
  • Patent number: 7699571
    Abstract: A compression limiter includes a tubular-shaped wall having an outer surface and an inner surface forming a central passage. A plurality of perforations extend through the wall from the outer surface to the inner surface. A plastic component can be formed with the compression limiter by over-molding a plastic body over the compression coupler and extending the plastic body into the plurality of perforations. The compression limiter is thereby firmly secured to the plastic body. Different sized fastener openings can be formed within the compression limiter by extending the plastic body into the central passage of the compression limiter and/or substantially preventing the plastic body from extending into the central passage of the compression limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Allen Booher, Marc Marcel Pierre Jasseron
  • Patent number: 7637552
    Abstract: A lift and secure latch assembly for a vehicle tailgate includes a pair of cables capable of applying upward force to the tailgate and a tensioning mechanism positioned within the tailgate and connected to the support members to apply tension thereto. One of the cables extends from a first lateral end of the tailgate and the other of the cables extends from a second lateral end of the tailgate. The tensioning mechanism is operable between a first position wherein the cables are retracted with the tailgate closed and a second position wherein the cables are extended with the tailgate open. The tensioning mechanism includes a spring member biasing the tensioning mechanism toward the first position. A latch selectively engages the tensioning mechanism to releasably secure the tensioning mechanism in the first position with the tailgate closed. Preferably, the latch is centrally positioned between lateral ends of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Dura GloBal Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Phillip Ruhlander, Patrick Eugene Meysenburg, David Thomas Flanagan
  • Patent number: 7621507
    Abstract: A tire carrier assembly for storing a spare tire includes a carrier for supporting the spare tire, a rotatable sheave, and a flexible member operably connecting the carrier to the sheave. The flexible member is wound upon and unwound from the sheave upon rotation of the sheave to raise and lower the carrier between a stowed position and a deployed position. A drive member is operably connected the sheave to selectively rotate the sheave. The connection between the sheave and the drive member is broken upon a predetermined torque indicative of a catastrophic event so that the sheave is freely rotatable to prevent failure of the flexible member. A preferred sheave has first and second portions that break away at the predetermined torque so that the reel is freely rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Reznar
  • Publication number: 20090272217
    Abstract: A shift lock assembly including a shifter base and a shift lever having a pivot member that is associated with the shifter base. A detent member having an upper portion including engaging features is coupled to the pivot member. A lock lever having opposing sides and a first end pivotally attached to the shifter base and a second end adapted to contact the engaging features of the detent member is also included. At least one solenoid is connected to the lock lever for pivotally moving the lock lever relative to the detent member wherein the at least one solenoid moves the lock lever between low, middle and high positions in response to control parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: Dura Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Douglas Howe, Steve Wieczerza