Patents Examined by George D Spisich
  • Link for a vehicle wheel suspension system with a predetermined breaking point
    Patent number: 7571917
    Abstract: A suspension arm for a vehicle wheel suspension having an intended breakpoint is described. The suspension arm is provided on a first end with a stub axle for receiving a vehicle wheel, and on at least one second end with the hole for receiving a fastener for fastening a bearing to connect the suspension arm to a subframe of a vehicle body. The suspension arm has an intended breakpoint designed to fail because of strain overload due to deformation during an accident, and the intended breakpoint is designed in such a way that the fastener breaks out of the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ulrich Ruehe, Stefan Reich
  • Self steering caster suspension system for a transport vehicle
    Patent number: 7562887
    Abstract: A caster suspension system for a multi-axle transport vehicle for moving heavy loads includes two fluid activated cylinders and two spaced apart arms for each wheel and axle set which allow the transport vehicle to be raised and lowered with respect to the roadway. The suspension system mechanically stabilizes the axles with respect to the transport vehicle thereby reducing axle yaw and allowing higher transport speeds. As the transport vehicle moves, the suspension system casters into alignment with the direction of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: American Heavy Moving and Rigging, Inc.
    Inventors: Earl Sutton, James R. McGhie
  • Cooling structure for a continuous variation transmission system of an all-terrain vehicle
    Patent number: 7562739
    Abstract: A cooling structure for a continuous variation transmission system of an all-terrain vehicle which includes a radiator mounted at a front end of the vehicle and under a front body cover, a hood enclosing the radiator, a gearbox having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being connected with an inlet conduit for drawing outside cool air into the gearbox, the outlet being connected with an exhaust conduit for discharging hot air from the gearbox, wherein the inlet conduit has an inlet end mounted between the hood and the front body cover and shielded by the hood and the front body cover, whereby the cooling structure can effectively prevent water, dirt and dust from entering the gearbox and are simple in construction and easy to assemble and maintain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Kwang Yang Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jzu-Jung Lan, Chao-Chang Ho, Wen-Min Su
  • Gas generator for air bag
    Patent number: 7556289
    Abstract: A gas generator for an air bag includes; a housing having a gas discharge port, a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber, provided inside the housing and charged with a gas generating agent, a first ignition device and a second ignition device provided in the two combustion chambers, respectively, the second ignition device provided with an electric igniter, a piston, an enhancer agent, a detonator provided in the enhancer agent, opposite to the distal end of the piston, and a tether connected to the rear end portion of the piston, the tether being tied around an air bag when accommodated into an air bag module, the tether controlling an inflation direction of the air bag by fastening the inflating air bag when the first ignition device is activated, the tether being configured to be released from the piston when the second ignition device is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Katsuda, Mikio Yabuta
  • Steering wheel
    Patent number: 7547042
    Abstract: A steering wheel is disclosed, the steering wheel comprising a frame as radially outwardly-extending spokes (3,4) and a rim (5). The frame defines a recess to receive an air-bag unit 9. The steering wheel is provided with a number of mounting elements (26) associated with a respective spoke (3,4). Each mounting element (26) is connected to the steering wheel and has a portion (27) overlying part of the steering wheel. The air-bag unit (9) is connected to each mounting element (26) by means of a resiliently-biased connection to permit relative movement of the air-bag unit (9) with respect to the steering wheel, such that the peripheral part of the air-bag unit (9) defines a pre-determined gap between itself and the overlying portion (27) of the mounting element (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Etienne Chapelain, Thierry Matrat, Holger Drees, Robert Pillgruber, Americo Maia, Laurent Hellot, Satoshi Yagami, Keiichiro Fu-Jita, Koichi Minagawa
  • Wheel carrier unit comprising an integrated brake application unit
    Patent number: 7540512
    Abstract: In a wheel carrier unit comprising a basic wheel carrier member, a support member connecting the basic wheel carrier member to a vehicle body by way of axle links, and a brake cylinder arranged thereon, the brake cylinder is disposed on the side of the wheel carrier unit remote from the wheel location and a housing for a brake application unit serving as mechanical force transmission unit is formed on the opposite side of the wheel carrier unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Martin Lesch, Uwe Mauz, Christian Quinger
  • Apparatus for triggering restraint means
    Patent number: 7540532
    Abstract: An apparatus for triggering a restraint apparatus, arrangement(s) or structure(s) in which, with a precrash sensor system, the apparatus generates a signal as a function of which the restraint apparatus, arrangement(s) or structure(s) is/are triggered. The precrash sensor system includes a combination of an ultrasound sensor system and a microwave sensor system. The ultrasound sensor system serves to detect objects at a speed of up to 40 km/h, while the microwave sensor system is used to detect objects up to a relative speed of 200 km/h.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Kuttenberger, Marc Theisen, Michael Bunse
  • Seat belt device
    Patent number: 7537242
    Abstract: A seat belt device allowing easy connection of a lap anchor fixed to one end of a seat belt relative to a vehicle body or the like even when a seat weight sensor is installed below a vehicle seat. The seat weight sensor and the vehicle seat are fixed to a vehicle body floor. A hitch member is attached to the seat weight sensor via a mounting bracket by a bolt. A lap anchor is fixed to one end of a seat belt. By locking the lap anchor to the hitch member, the seat belt is connected to the seat weight sensor. In this manner, the seat belt can be easily connected to the vehicle body just by locking the lap anchor to the hitch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroaki Fujii, Shigeru Kohama
  • Trailer wheel system
    Patent number: 7537219
    Abstract: An improved trailer wheel system including a trailer mounting support, a fender mounting support, a main suspension support arm and an air bag. The trailer mounting support is mounted to a trailer platform. The fender mounting support is attached to the trailer mounting support. One end of the main suspension support arm is mounted to one end of the trailer mounting support. The air bag is attached to the other end of the main suspension support arm and the fender mounting support. A wheel axle is mounted to the main suspension support arm and a wheel is mounted to the wheel axle. The air bag is used to raise or lower the trailer for more efficient loading and unloading, as well as acting as an anti-theft device, and providing a smoother ride for the equipment being transported and the towing vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventor: Dennis Sherwood
  • Adjustable boss for steering knuckle and method of installing same
    Patent number: 7530583
    Abstract: A multi-piece steering knuckle having at least one boss which is adjustable in position along an axis of a king pin. More particularly, a steering knuckle including at least one boss which can be assembled, employing unique methodology, to minimize space tolerances between the steering knuckle boss and an axle. In preferred embodiments, a steering knuckle boss which can be installed by press-fit methods to be selectively positioned in a desired position along an axis of a king pin in a non-finite number of incremental positions. In another embodiment, a steering knuckle boss having, optionally, an inner wall composed of, at least in part, a nickel-aluminum bronze alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Hendrickson USA, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Gottschalk
  • Rear suspension structure for large vehicles
    Patent number: 7530585
    Abstract: A rear suspension structure for large vehicles increases durability of a bump stopper and an air spring, thus markedly enhancing the riding comfort and handling ability of a vehicle. Furthermore, the amount of air to be drawn into and discharged from the air spring is increased, so that stable handling ability of the vehicle is ensured, thus markedly enhancing traveling stability of the vehicle. As well, the present invention ensures the lateral rigidity of a rear axle and prevents deflection of the vehicle when traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kyong-Sup Lee
  • Rear seat side airbag device
    Patent number: 7530595
    Abstract: A rear seat side airbag device includes a cover, a case that is attached to a back side of the cover and a comb teeth-like holding member and is formed by assembling these constituent components together. A breakable portion is formed at a position on the cover which corresponds to the case. In this breakable portion, a first thin portion, which constitutes a breakage initiating position, is formed so as to extend in a vertical direction along a corner portion on a side of the cover which faces a rear seat. In addition, to correspond to the position of the first thin portion, the case is provided such that a first side wall on which a plurality of fragile portions are formed is positioned on a side thereof which faces the rear seat and a second side wall on which a rigid portion is provided is positioned on a side thereof which faces a door trim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoaki Naruse, Satoshi Mabuchi
  • Side curtain air-bag
    Patent number: 7527287
    Abstract: An air-bag in the form of an inflatable curtain (1) rolled to form a roll (7). Part (5) of the inflatable curtain that is to form the uppermost edge (2) of the inflatable curtain when inflated initially extends downwardly from the roll to lie adjacent a side part on motor vehicle on which the inflatable curtain is to be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Fredrik Kjell, Mats Berntsson, Per Hellberg, Marcus Lövqvist
  • Wheel alignment and vehicle height adjusting apparatus
    Patent number: 7527275
    Abstract: At least three length varying means, mounted between an upper end of a strut and a vehicle body, change the position of the strut in relation to the vehicle body, thereby enabling active adjustment of the camber, caster, and vehicle height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Sang-Jun Choi
  • Pressurized gas release mechanism
    Patent number: 7527290
    Abstract: A mechanism (10) for releasably confining pressurized fluid in a container (18). The mechanism includes a rupturable membrane (22) configured to obstruct flow of the pressurized fluid from the container when externally supported against pressure exerted by the fluid. The membrane (22) is rupturable by pressure exerted by the fluid when not externally supported against the pressure exerted by the fluid. A support member (28) supports the membrane (22) against fluid pressure. The support member (28) fracturable upon exposure to combustion products formed by activation of a gas generator (66). Upon activation of the gas generator (66), the combustion products contact the support member (28) to decompose and/or fracture the support member (28), thereby removing support for the membrane (22) and enabling rupture of the membrane (22) by the pressurized fluid, releasing the pressurized fluid from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffery S. Blackburn
  • Gas bag module
    Patent number: 7516982
    Abstract: A gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint device comprises a gas bag and a discharge arrangement in fluid connection with said gas bag. The discharge arrangement has a discharge opening, through which gas can escape from the gas bag, and at least one element made of an electrically activatable polymer actuator to expose and/or alter the discharge opening upon activation of said polymer actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Britz
  • Bushing support ring for stabilizer bar
    Patent number: 7500685
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a stabilizer bar, a bushing mounted to the stabilizer bar, and a support ring mounted onto the stabilizer bar adjacent the bushing to provide a stop to prevent the bushing from moving axially along the stabilizer bar. The support ring has a plurality of inwardly extending projections. Each of the inwardly extending projections has a distal end in contact with an outer surface of the stabilizer bar. The distal ends of the inwardly extending projections are welded to the outer surface of the stabilizer bar to secure the support ring onto the stabilizer bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holding, LLC
    Inventors: Haimian Cai, Xinjian Fan, Mikhal El Arculli
  • Head hauler
    Patent number: 7490856
    Abstract: A head hauler has a movable longitudinal rail that is movable without tools in vertical elevation and transverse horizontal position. The movable longitudinal rail is supported by two support assemblies, each of which contains a bracket having an upper sloped surface, a screw, a coupling attached to the bracket, a threaded coupling through which the screw passes, an underlying plate that is attached to the threaded coupling, and a means for attaching the plate to the movable longitudinal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: Abe B. Kuhns
  • Vehicle roof-lining comprising integrated lateral airbag modules for the head
    Patent number: 7481448
    Abstract: The vehicle headliner has integrated head-side airbag modules. Each module has an elongated accommodation housing (12) for a folded airbag (14). The accommodation housings (12) are arranged along the side edges of the headliner (10). At the side of the headliner (10), the accommodation housing (12) is connected to a support structure (18) that has support ribs and that is joined to the headliner by means of gluing. On the opposite side, facing the vehicle body, the accommodation housing (12) is covered by a further support structure (20) having numerous support ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignees: TRW Occupant Restraint Systems GmbH & Co. KG, Johnson Controls GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Heigl, Wolfgang Müller, Ralf Gerecke, Heinz Eyrainer, Rainer Heyer
  • Seat belt of vehicle with air belt
    Patent number: 7481451
    Abstract: A seat belt of a vehicle including an air belt to stably and reliably protect an occupant during a vehicle crash. The seat belt includes a cover made of a fabric material, upper and lower webbings respectively fixed to opposite ends of the cover, a D-ring fixed to the upper webbing and arranged within an occupant compartment of the vehicle, a retractor fixed to the lower webbing to wind and unwind the lower webbing; and an air belt to rapidly supply a high-pressure gas into a bag held in the cover during a vehicle crash, and thus, to inflate the bag. Since the bag is covered by the fabric cover, an improvement in wearing comfort is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Deug Won Park