Patents Assigned to Magna International
  • ACTIVE GRILLE MULTI PART MODULAR FRAME
    Publication number: 20150231962
    Abstract: An active grille shutter arrangement having an assembled modular frame. The assembled modular frame includes an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion each having a first end and a second end. A first end cap is connectable to both the first end of the upper frame portion and the first end of the lower frame portion. The connection between the first end of the upper frame portion and the first end of the lower frame portion includes an upper bar end joint formed on the front end of the upper frame portion and a lower bar end joint formed on the first end of the lower frame portion. The upper bar end joint slides into an upper bar end cap joint formed on the first end cap and the lower bar end joint slides into a lower end cap joint formed on the first end cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Ruppert, Martin R. Matthews
  • Clinching during molding process
    Patent number: 9096001
    Abstract: The integration of two separate manufacturing processes involving joining two pieces of metal using a clinching or Tog-L-Loc™ type of connection, while also injecting a molten material around the two pieces of metal to create the desired part. A process for creating the desired part made of both plastic and metal includes the steps of providing a first metal component, a second metal component, inserting the first metal component into a mold, and inserting the second metal component into the mold. At least one connection point is used for connecting the first metal component to the second metal component while the metal components are located in the mold. Molten material, such as a thermoplastic, is injected into the mold around the first metal component and the second metal component, forming the desired part using the first metal component, the second metal component, and the hardened molten material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Henry J. Wojtaszek, Joel McPhee, Paul Smith
  • HYBRID FASCIA MOUNTED EXHAUST TIP ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20150198078
    Abstract: An exhaust module made of a thermoplastic material which is connected to a fascia or bumper of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the hybrid fascia mounted exhaust tip assembly includes a bracket. The bracket has a bracket inlet which surrounds, but is not in contact with, an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is free to move around as a result of the vehicle traveling over bumps in the road and around turns. The bracket also has a bracket outlet which is connected to the bracket inlet. A ring tip has a portion that slides onto a bezel portion of the bracket outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy F. O'Brien, Lonnie E. Adkins, Dean B. Comeau, Chris Deforest
  • Scalable crush can for vehicle
    Patent number: 9079553
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to a crush can for a vehicle frame including a crush can body having a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional shape that is at least approximately a 10-sided polygon. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a crush can for a vehicle frame including a crush can body having a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional shape that includes a plurality of outwardly pointing apexes and a plurality of inwardly pointing apexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Banasiak, James R. Byrne, II, Alexander Zak, Seetarama S. Kotagiri
  • Crash box for a bumper assembly
    Patent number: 9073502
    Abstract: A crash box includes a body portion extending from a top edge to a bottom edge along a global z-axis (A) and having a pair of side walls disposed in spaced relationship to one another. At least one x-shaped reinforcing web extends between the side walls along a plane (P) disposed transverse to the axis (A). An extension portion is integral with the body portion and extends outwardly from one of the side walls and is disposed along the plane (P). A flange plate is also integral with the body portion and defines at least one flange plate attachment hole for securing the crash box to a frame of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Blümel, Christian Hengst
  • Method for calibrating vehicular vision system
    Patent number: 9077962
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a vehicular vision system includes providing a camera at a vehicle, with the camera having a field of view. Images are captured with the camera and a set of resultant images are acquired for a classification. Information is extracted related to image features in the set of resultant images, and an appropriate subset of coefficients is determined. For each classification, a classification vector of at least one appropriate weight is stored that corresponds to the determined subset of coefficients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Bin Shi, Ghanshyam Rathi, Sharon Zibman, Tom Perovic, Nikhil Gupta, Hilda Faraji, Yong Zhou
  • Hybrid component
    Patent number: 9073403
    Abstract: A hybrid torsion beam axle assembly is provided, which includes a steel torsion beam. An end cap is fastened to an end portion of the steel torsion beam, and a cast trailing arm is cast about the end portion of the steel torsion beam including the end cap. In this way, the cast trailing arm is positively and rigidly secured to the steel torsion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark F. Werner, Timothy W. Skszek, Frank A. Horton, Warren Young, Seetarama S. Kotagiri, Gregory P. Kiselis, DeWayne Dale Egle, Gianfranco Gabbianelli, Jeffrey Jay Mellis, Erryn Leigh Ashmore, Daniel Sulisz, Pascal P. Charest, Eric deNijs, Ying Zhang, Ryan R. Warpup, Dalip K. Matharoo
  • NANOFLUID MOLD COOLING
    Publication number: 20150174794
    Abstract: A nanofluid molding arrangement includes a mold tool (12) having movable pieces (14, 16) that move between an open and closed position. When the moveable pieces (14, 16) are in the closed position, they form a mold cavity (18) that defines a surface for creating a molded part. The nanofluid molding arrangement also includes at least one injection port (22) for injecting molten resin directly into the mold cavity (18) such that when molten resin flows into the cavity and begins to cool, the molded part begins to form. After the molded part begins forming and injection of the molten resin is stopped, a nanofluid having a colloidal suspension of thermally conductive nanoparticles suspended in an aqueous or organic solution is applied to the mold tool (12), through at least one cooling port, to wick away or draw heat out and cool the mold cavity and the formed part within the mold cavity (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. McClintock
  • Apparatus and method for forming shaped articles from plural sheet metal blanks
    Patent number: 9061338
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the simultaneous forming of a plurality of shaped articles from plural sheet metal blanks. First and second sheet metal blanks are arranged between upper and lower forming dies, and a nozzle body having a generally diamond-shaped cross-sectional profile, transverse to an insertion direction, is inserted between the sheet metal blanks. When the forming tool is closed, upper and lower sealing surfaces of the nozzle body press the first and second sheet metal blanks, respectively, against sealing beads that are arranged one each within peripheral areas of the upper and lower forming dies. Opposite side edges of the nozzle body converge one toward the other so as to facilitate forming a seal along each of the side edges of the nozzle body. A pressurized fluid is introduced via the nozzle body for forming the sheet metal blanks within a die cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Boris Shulkin, William A. Kokosza
  • Frame rail for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9045162
    Abstract: A frame rail for a vehicle has a pair of elongated structural members, each one of the pair of elongated structural members having flanges protruding from lateral edges thereof. The flanges of one of the pair of elongated structural members extend in a direction toward the flanges of the other one of the pair of elongated structural members. The frame rail also has first and second metallic web panels interconnecting the pair of elongated structural members. Overall, the frame rail has a box beam structure, wherein at least a major portion of each one of the first and second metallic web panels has a material thickness that is less than a material thickness of at least a major portion of each one of the pair of elongated structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Zachary Marten, Frank N. Casali
  • Insert injection mold D-ring for tie down application
    Patent number: 9045070
    Abstract: A tie down device for tie down application including a D-ring with overmold used for a motor vehicle to secure cargo of various shapes and sizes using removable straps. The tie down device includes a D-ring, an overmold plastic portion, bracket portion, and an interior bracket. The tie down device withstands a minimum load requirement suitable to secure a cargo in place. A round steel bar is shaped into the D-ring feature and inserted into the mold for forming the overmold plastic portion. The plastic forms in an overmold around the metal material into the desired shape. The molding process obtains the features and shape required from at least a visual perspective and the round steel bar, which is partially encapsulated by the overmold plastic portion, provides strength to meet the predetermined load requirements. The interior bracket acts as a spring to control the tension of the bracket portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel John Pauluk, Erik Richard Davis, Brian Blackwood Bradley
  • Load Floor Screw Plate (LFSP) Used to Distribute Hinge and Bracket Loads to the Load Floor Panels
    Publication number: 20150147135
    Abstract: A screw plate panel arrangement for the connection of articles, such as hinges, to a moveable panel. The screw plate is connected to the panel in a single one step molding process that mechanically fastens and imbeds the screw plate into the finished panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Gregory D. Koch, Brian B. Bradley, James L. Chesney
  • Shipping pallet post reinforcement
    Patent number: 9038273
    Abstract: A shipping pallet having a top deck, a bottom skid, and a plurality of posts disposed between and separating the top deck and the bottom skid such that at least one tow fork is able to be positioned between the top deck and the bottom skid. The shipping pallet also includes a plurality of collars formed as part of the top deck, and the posts are integrally formed as part of the bottom skid. Each of the plurality of posts is received into and connected to a respective one of the plurality of collars. There is also a plurality of reinforcements, and each of the reinforcements is disposed within and surrounded by a post. Each post and reinforcement is received into one of the collars, and the post is connected to the collar through a connection point, such as an adhesive joint or thermoplastic weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Grgac, Stephen R. Roddy, Matthew R. Plauman
  • COMPOSITE SOFT TOP ASSEMBLY FOR SUV, BOTH 2 AND 4 DOOR
    Publication number: 20150130213
    Abstract: A composite soft top assembly having a convertible roof portion that provides an open air feel with a soft, flexible outer layer. The composite soft top assembly further includes soft sides with hard glass or hard polymer materials connected to a frame, which is connected to the soft sides of the assembly. Additionally, the rear window has a removable horseshoe frame structure about which the hard rear window is connected with hinges to allow for the rear window to pivot about at least one hinge between an open and closed position. Additionally, the rear window can have a wiper or electronic wire mounts for a center high mount stop lamp. Additionally, the horseshoe frame structure allows for the connection of other electrical components such as a rear defrost system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George Stickles
  • Sheet molding compound with cores
    Patent number: 8992813
    Abstract: A component made of at least one thermoformable material, having a first layer made of a first material, a second layer made of a second material, and a third layer made of the first material. The three layers form a sheet, which is formed to various shapes, depending upon the part that is to be created. The sheet may be formed to produce the bumper of an automobile, a door panel for an automobile, a flotation device, such as a pontoon for a pontoon boat, or the like. The first and third layers are SMC, and the second layer, or “core,” is disposed between the first and third layers, allowing the strength of the first and third layers to be used more efficiently, compared to a sheet having only the first and third layers, and no core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Robbins, Jeremy Alan Panasiewicz, Louis Dodyk
  • Bumper made using a resistive implant welding process
    Patent number: 8985650
    Abstract: A bumper (10) created using a resistive implant welding process. The bumper includes a mounting plate portion (12) and a composite bumper portion (14). The mounting plate portion (12) is connected to the composite bumper portion (14) using a resistive implant welding process. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a bumper for a vehicle having a mounting plate (12) and a bumper portion (14). The bumper portion (14) includes at least one flange (24) formed as part of the bumper portion (14), a first contact area (28) formed as part of the mounting plate (12), and a second contact area (30) formed as part of the flange (24). A connection point is used to bond the first contact area (28) and the second contact area (30) such that the mounting plate (12) is connected to the bumper portion (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark P. Birka
  • Composite soft top assembly for SUV, both 2 and 4 door
    Patent number: 8973970
    Abstract: A composite soft top assembly having a convertible roof portion that provides an open air feel with a soft, flexible outer layer. The composite soft top assembly further includes soft sides with hard glass or hard polymer materials connected to a frame, which is connected to the soft sides of the assembly. Additionally, the rear window has a removable horseshoe frame structure about which the hard rear window is connected with hinges to allow for the rear window to pivot about at least one hinge between an open and closed position. Additionally, the rear window can have a wiper or electronic wire mounts for a center high mount stop lamp. Additionally, the horseshoe frame structure allows for the connection of other electrical components such as a rear defrost system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Haberkamp, George Stickles
  • Windshield wiper module
    Patent number: 8973968
    Abstract: A wiper module assembly (14) for a vehicle liftgate (10) having an inner panel (15) with a spoiler (11) formed as a one-piece part of the inner panel (15). An outer panel (17) of the liftgate (10) is connected to the inner panel (15) to form an exterior surface of the liftgate (10). A cavity (12) is formed in part of the spoiler (11) and receives a carrier (28) forming a removable module connected to the cavity (12) of the vehicle liftgate (10). The carrier (28) includes a wiper (24), motor (18) and drive assembly (20) for operating a wiper (24) for a window (26) on the liftgate (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal William Crane, Brian Christopher Sansoterra, Norman Guschewski
  • PLASTIC OVERMOLDING OF ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS
    Publication number: 20150056428
    Abstract: A plastic overmold aluminum extrusion including at least one plastic overmold and aluminum extrusion. The aluminum extrusion is formed with sufficient cross sectional properties and features such as an internal web to help prevent undesirable collapses under injection or compression molding pressures. This improves part geometry and strength while minimizing weight. A plurality of protrusions and/or local deformations on an outer wall of the extrusion can be used to create strong mechanical interface to the plastic. Localized deformations can result from a combination of the applied plastic pressure under injection or compression molding pressures and the proximity of outer gaps of the internal web structure. A process of making the plastic overmold aluminum extrusion includes inserting at least one aluminum extrusion into a mold without mandrels and delivering plastic forming the plastic overmold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Magna International Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Peter Birka
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DYNAMICALLY CALIBRATING VEHICULAR CAMERAS
    Publication number: 20150049193
    Abstract: A method of dynamically calibrating a given camera relative to a reference camera of a vehicle includes identifying an overlapping region in an image frame provided by the given camera and an image frame provided by the reference camera and selecting at least a portion of an object in the overlapped region of the reference image frame. Expected pixel positions of the selected object portion in the given image frame is determined based on the location of the selected object portion in the reference image frame, and pixel positions of the selected object portion are located as detected in the given image frame. An alignment of the given camera is determined based on a comparison of the pixel positions of the selected object portion in the given image frame to the expected pixel positions of the selected object portion in the given image frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Nikhil Gupta, Hilda Faraji, Daan He, Ghanshyam Rathi