Patents Assigned to Magna International Inc.
  • Ultrasonic edge sealing of sheet molding compound carrier film
    Patent number: 9937659
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a sheet molding compound carrier film including a first layer of material and a second layer of material sealed with each other along an edge. The seal is formed using ultrasound transmitted by a weld horn as both layers of material move along an anvil portion. The seal on the edge is suitably formed to protect the edge and build a weld to ensure moldable sheet molding compound flows to the edges of the carrier sheet, while providing a homogeneous mixture of glass and resin and also allowing air to escape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Terry VanHyfte, Phil Holjak, Roy Potter, Randy Stilwell
  • Accent lighting of automotive roof rails
    Patent number: 9937868
    Abstract: A roof rail assembly (10) including at least one stanchion portion (12) having a cover (14) and at least one lighting device (16). A light permeable film (22) provides a predetermined surface appearance and/or design and is translucent to allow light from the lighting device (16) to pass through under predetermined conditions. When the lighting device (16) is not illuminating, the light permeable film (22) provides a predetermined surface appearance. The film (22) is operatively translucent when the lighting source (16) is illuminated and additionally provides a predetermined design appearance when backlit. The selective lighting on the stanchions of the roof rails (18) provides illumination and a higher location of the indicator of unlock for easier location of a vehicle at greater distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. McClintock, Robert M. Horner, Brian A. Krull, Mark T. Pilette
  • Adjustable twist beam tube forming die
    Patent number: 9884359
    Abstract: A die 20 used to form a metal tube into a tubular twist beam part 22 having a U-shaped torsion section 66 is provided. The die 20 includes a punch 44 and side form blocks 34 which simultaneously engage a metal tube and form the metal tube into the tubular twist beam part 22. The form blocks 34 have a curved profile which depends on the desired profile of the tubular twist beam part 22 to be formed. The die 20 includes horizontal spacer blocks 38 and vertical spacer blocks 32 restricting movement of the punch 44 and form blocks 34. The spacer blocks 32, 38 can have various different dimensions and can be easily removed and replaced to adjust the closing position of the die 20 and thus form multiple tubular twist beam parts 22 each having a different dimension and different roll rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Erik Peters, Scott Robert Mooney
  • Vehicle body component
    Patent number: 9873397
    Abstract: A vehicle body component for a motor vehicle is described, wherein the component is metallurgically connected to at least one other component, wherein the components have a flat contact area with each other, wherein one of the components is constructed as a solder-plated sheet part, and the metallurgical connection is brought about by a furnace soldering procedure. In particular, the vehicle body component is constructed as a bumper consisting of a bumper strut (SFT) extending substantially over the vehicle width and of at least one carrier (T) that carries the bumper strut (SFT) opposite the vehicle body, wherein at least one of the components is a solder-plated sheet part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Garnweidner
  • Hybrid optics LED headlamp
    Patent number: 9869441
    Abstract: This invention provides an optical system that collects 100% of the light emitted from the light source and effectively directs it into the desired beam pattern. This is achieved by a combination of different optical control methods including reflector and lens optics. The cost is controlled by a design that reduces the optical part count to 2 main components, which reduces manufacturing and assembling time and maintains proper alignment to the light source and system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald O. Woodward
  • Co-injection molding of the structural portion of a vehicle liftgate inner panel
    Patent number: 9862125
    Abstract: A thermoplastic liftgate inner panel construction is provided by using a co-injected injection molding process. In a first phase, a class A surface material is injected into the molds and thereafter in a second phase an inner core of material is injected using a gas-infused reinforced polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Mark P. Birka
  • Receptacle for a towing means and method of manufacture
    Patent number: 9855906
    Abstract: An arrangement is proposed of a receptacle consisting of multiple components for a towing means, especially a towing lug, on a support piece (1) attachable to the body of a motor vehicle, wherein the support piece is insertable into a receptacle on a cross member of the vehicle, and the support piece is to be joined with the cross member via friction-stir welds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Garnweidner
  • Hollow vane with structure
    Patent number: 9845003
    Abstract: A hollow vane structure for an active grille system 100 having a first piece 12 of the vane body 10 that includes a front side 14 and a back side 16. The first piece 12 has a concave cross-section extending from the front side 14 toward the back side 16. This concave section creates a hollowed inward section 18 on the back side 16 of the first piece 12. The first piece 12 also includes an edge surface 20 formed on the first piece which defines a perimeter of the hollowed inward section 18. A second piece 22 of the vane body is connected to the back side 16 of the first piece 12 and extends across the hollowed inward section 18 and is connected to the first piece 12 to at least the edge surface 20 on the back side 16 of the first piece 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony John Povinelli
  • PROGRESSIVE PRESS LINE ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20170355008
    Abstract: A system for producing a vehicle body assembly in a manufacturing facility is provided. The system includes a forming station configured to form a vehicle body member from a metal material; and an assembly station configured to assemble the vehicle body member with at least one additional vehicle body member to form the vehicle body assembly. The forming station and the assembly station are disposed, in the manufacturing facility, at a predetermined distance from each other, and wherein the predetermined distance is in the range of 0-50 feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: John R. POTOCKI
  • Vehicle door
    Patent number: 9834070
    Abstract: A door assembly for a vehicle is provided. The door assembly includes an inner panel and an outer panel which are joined together to define a central space therebetween. The central space has a front which faces towards the front of a vehicle and a back which faces towards a back of the vehicle. Both the inner and outer panels are made of aluminum, and at least one reinforcement beam made of steel is disposed in the central space between the aluminum inner and outer panels to provide the door assembly with increased impact resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Venugopal Garimella, Mari Chellman, John Johnson, Alexander Zak
  • Projector utilizing opaque / transparent projection screen
    Patent number: 9823469
    Abstract: A projector assembly having a projecting device and a display screen with a film. The display screen is changeable from between opaque and transparent and the projecting device selectively rear projects an image onto the film such that the image is visible to a user generally from the front side of the screen. When the projector is off or the projection of images is otherwise stopped under predetermined conditions, the screen becomes transparent to provide the user a clear view through the display screen. When the projector is off power is simultaneously applied to the film which becomes transparent. A control device coordinates the application of power with the image projection, such that when the projected image is removed the screen becomes clear to see through the display screen, and when the projected image returns the screen becomes opaque for viewing the image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Anthony J. Povinelli, Thomas Pilette
  • Vehicle light assembly having a colored appearance in an unlit state
    Patent number: 9822944
    Abstract: A vehicle light assembly is provided that exhibits a colored appearance when in an unlit state. The vehicle light assembly comprises: a housing; one or more light sources mounted in the housing; and a light guide configured to receive light from the one or more light sources and project the light outwardly from the light guide. The light guide includes a first segment proximate to the one or more light sources and a second segment distal from the one or more light source, such that the light from the one or more light sources passes through the first segment of the light guide before passing through the second segment of the light guide. Of note, the first segment is comprised of a colorless material; whereas, at least a portion of the second segment is comprised of a colored material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Nadezhda Aleksandrovna Zelikovskaya, David Patrick Hess
  • Method for direct inline molding of pre-impregnated composites
    Patent number: 9821497
    Abstract: A system for fabricating a composite article includes a pre-impregnation station for forming a prepreg comprising a reinforcement impregnated with a resin. The prepreg is provided to a blanking station where a blank is cut from the partially cured prepreg and arranged onto a preforming mold. The blank is then transferred to a forming station, and is formed into the composite article using a compression mold. The pre-impregnation station, the blanking station and the forming station are co-located. During forming of the blank into the composite article using the compression mold, additional prepreg is formed in the pre-impregnation station and passes to the blanking station so as to form a next blank for being formed into a next composite article during a subsequent molding cycle. Optionally, the prepreg is partially cured prior to being cut in the blanking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Maximilian Amtmann, Boris Shulkin, Aldo Van Gelder, Todd Deaville
  • Robotic end effector tool with one piece fixed frame system
    Patent number: 9802325
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to tool arrangement having a one piece frame. The one piece frame that is solid and non-adjustable and includes a back side, front side and one or more extension walls extending away from the front side of the one piece frame. An attachment portion is located on said back side of the one piece frame for connecting the tool arrangement to a robotic arm. The one piece frame has at least three mounting locations formed at predetermine locations on said one piece frame. The at least three mounting locations are predetermined and non-adjustable locations on the one piece frame. The tool arrangement includes a stationary gripper connected to one of the three mounting locations and at least one four point gripper connected to another one of the three mounting locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Tarner A. Houser, Jeffrey S. Thompson, Robert R. Perez, Ryan M. Dwornik
  • Liquid cooled die casting mold with heat sinks
    Patent number: 9782825
    Abstract: A low pressure aluminum casting apparatus includes a pair of steel dies each presenting a molding surface and a heat transfer surface. Copper heat sink blocks are disposed on the heat transfer surfaces to remove heat from the steel dies. Steel contact plates and steel spacer plates can be disposed between the heat sink blocks and the steel dies to optimize cooling. In addition, a portion of each contact plate can be spaced from the steel die to reduce cooling. The steel dies include conventional cooling passages for conveying cooling fluid, and the heat sink blocks, contact plates, and spacer plates also include cooling channels for conveying cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Ray Adams
  • Bi-metallic component and method of making the same
    Patent number: 9782856
    Abstract: A bi-metallic component including a tubular stud member extending from an open first end to an open second end, and a cast member cast around the open second end of the tubular stud member is provided. The cast member is formed from first material, such as an aluminum alloy; and the tubular stud member is formed from a second material, such as steel. The tubular stub member has an interior surface which sealingly receives a removable core member for preventing molten first material from flowing through the stub member between the open ends thereof during casting of the cast member around the second end. The bi-metallic component can be used in a variety of automotive applications, for example in a cradle, frame, twist axle, control arm, door pillar, instrument panel support, or bumper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Pascal P. Charest, Eric deNijs
  • Process for laser-assisted tool build and repair
    Patent number: 9764425
    Abstract: A tool for forming a shaped product has a support body that is fabricated from a first material, such as for instance cast iron. The first material defines a first portion of a forming surface of the tool and has a feature supported thereon. The feature has a layer of a second material that is supported on the first material of the support body, a layer of a third material that is supported on the layer of the second material and a layer of a fourth material that is supported on the layer of the third material. The layer of the fourth material, such as for instance a tool steel alloy, defines a second portion of the forming surface of the tool. During use the first portion of the forming surface and the second portion of the forming surface cooperate to form a desired shape of the shaped product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Maximilian Amtmann, Hongping Gu, Boris Shulkin, Aldo Van Gelder
  • Explosion forming system
    Patent number: 9737922
    Abstract: An explosion forming apparatus (10) that preferably utilizes a shock wave (42) directed along a work piece (12) to progressively conform the work piece to a contour die cavity (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Zak, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Frank A. Horton
  • Laser-based lap welding of sheet metal components using laser induced protuberances to control gap
    Patent number: 9737960
    Abstract: A method for laser welding first and second components is provided including moving a laser beam across a portion of a surface of the first component at a speed sufficient to generate protuberances on the surface of the first component by means of a humping effect, juxtaposing said first and second components such that opposed surfaces of the first and second components are separated by said protuberances on the surface of the first component, and laser welding said first and second components by scanning the laser beam in a region in which said surfaces are separated by said protuberances. The height of the protuberances can be controlled by controlling a scanning speed of the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Hongping Gu, Boris Shulkin
  • Windshield wiper module
    Patent number: 9738262
    Abstract: A wiper module assembly for a vehicle liftgate having an inner panel with a spoiler formed as a one-piece part of the inner panel. An outer panel of the liftgate is connected to the inner panel to form an exterior surface of the liftgate. A cavity is formed in part of the spoiler and receives a carrier forming a removable module connected to the cavity of the vehicle liftgate. The carrier includes a wiper, motor and drive assembly for operating a wiper for a window on the liftgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Michael William Crane, Brian Christopher Sansoterra, Norman Guschewski