Patents Assigned to Lokar, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11906038
    Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter mechanism that is selectable between an automatic transmission mode and a manual shifting mode, including a shifter assembly, a pin attached to the shifter assembly, a first slotted plate to selectively receive a first portion of the shifter assembly, and a detent plate configured to receive the pin at different gear positions, wherein selected shifter assembly positions in the automatic transmission mode are maintained by the pin being located within a corresponding detent of the detent plate, and wherein movement of the first portion of the shifter assembly into the first slotted plate causes the pin to move out of range of detents in the detent plate such that an operator can shift between drive gears in the manual shifting mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: LOKAR, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Ford, Scott Thiel, Eric R. Burgan
  • Patent number: 11181189
    Abstract: A vehicle shifter mechanism comprises a shift control member configured with an outer threaded portion proximate an upper end, and an inwardly tapered bore proximate the upper end. A shift lever is configured with an outwardly extending annular shoulder proximate a lower end. The annular shoulder has a tapered lower portion configured to register with the tapered bore of the shift control member. A locking nut is configured to fit over the shift lever and to mate with the threaded portion of the shift control member to compress the tapered lower portion of the annular shoulder to the tapered bore to fix the shift control member to the shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: Lokar, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin S. Ford, Van Walls
  • Patent number: 10871220
    Abstract: An automatic transmission shifter mechanism that is selectable between an automatic transmission mode and a manual shifting mode, including a shifter assembly configured to move in a first range of movement to be positioned in the automatic transmission mode, and to move in a second range of movement to selectively shift gears up and down in the manual shifting mode, a first sensor configured to sense that the shifter assembly is in the automatic transmission mode in response to the shifter assembly being in the first range of movement, and at least a second sensor configured to sense gear changes in the manual shifting mode, wherein the shifter assembly is configured to be selectively moved laterally from the first range of movement to the second range of movement when in a drive mode in the first range of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Lokar, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Ford, Scott Thiel
  • Patent number: 9274541
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle control pedal comprises a first arm having a first end rotatable along a plane between first and second positions. The first end defines a first through opening extending nonparallel to the plane. A second arm has a first end defining a second through opening extending nonparallel to a long dimension of the second arm. The second arm is repositionable in relation to the first arm among a plurality of positions in which the first and second through openings are in substantially coaxial adjacent registration with one another. An insert is receivable through the first and second through openings in each of the plurality of positions to lock the second arm against rotation in relation to the first arm along the plane. A position sensor is responsive to movement of the first arm between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Lokar, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Ford, Scott Thiel
  • Patent number: 7779555
    Abstract: A flexible locking dipstick module useful with a motor vehicle including an oil reservoir. A dipstick is disposed within a housing which has one end thereof affixed to the oil reservoir and extends therefrom to a location within the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. The end of the module disposed within the engine compartment includes a quick disconnect locking coupling providing for ready installation and removal of the dipstick. The coupling further provides protection against blow out of the dipstick in the event of inordinate build up of pressure within the oil reservoir. Further, one portion of the outboard coupling may be employed as a liquid-tight closure for a dipstick entry opening in the oil reservoir during removal and/or storage of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Lokar, Inc.
    Inventor: John Impellizeri
  • Patent number: 7546693
    Abstract: A flexible locking dipstick module useful with a motor vehicle transmission including a transmission case. A transmission dipstick is disposed within a housing which has one end thereof affixed to the transmission case and extends therefrom to a location within the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. Each end of the module includes a quick disconnect locking coupling providing for ready installation of the dipstick housing and its associated dipstick. Each coupling further provides protection against blow out of the dipstick in the event of inordinate build up of pressure within the transmission. Further, one portion of the outboard coupling may be employed as a liquid-tight closure for a dipstick entry opening in the transmission case during removal and/or storage of the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Lokar, Inc.
    Inventor: John Impellizeri
  • Patent number: D751002
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Lokar, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Ford, Scott Thiel