Patents Examined by Patricia L. Engle
  • Patent number: 7673419
    Abstract: The present specification provides a rear window assembly for a vehicle having a window frame, at least one fixed window panel whose perimeter edge defines a portion of an opening, a movable window panel capable of opening or closing the opening and that is allowed to slidably move past the surface of the fixed window panel, a seal member present on the perimeter surface of at least one of the window panels, and a closure track integrally formed in at least one edge of the window frame. The closure track may force the movable window panel and the fixed window panel closer together, thereby, placing the seal member under compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hi-Lex Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Shigeki Arimoto
  • Patent number: 7670090
    Abstract: A system for transporting an airfoil having a root end, a tip end, and a midsection over a railroad, utilizing a first railcar coupled to a second rail car. The system includes a bracket fixed to the root end of the airfoil and also connected to the first railcar, where the bracket is oriented to align the tip end of the airfoil toward the second rail car. A sling stand is connected to the second railcar, and a sling is hung from the sling stand and aligned to engage and support the midsection of the airfoil, and thereby accommodates misalignment during transport over the railroad. A pair of rollers are disposed on either side of the airfoil to limit lateral movement thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Transportation Technology Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Landrum, T. Christopher King
  • Patent number: 7669912
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle is provided with at least two roof elements that are separated from each other at a joint when the roof is in the closed position and arranged one after the other relative to the direction of travel, and in order to open the roof a rear roof element can move at least essentially rearward and downward, and a front roof element can swivel toward the rear roof element. When the roof is open, the C pillars can be swiveled inward in relation to a center section comprising to mediate the swiveling, at least one shaft, which when the roof is closed has at least one component in the direction of travel and one upwardly directed component, and whose rotary movement in the region of the joint between the roof elements can be translated into a swivel movement between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Franz-Ulrich Brockhoff
  • Patent number: 7665794
    Abstract: Drive arrangement for motorized actuation of a functional element in a motor vehicle, having at least one drive, the drive having a drive motor and a spindle-spindle nut gear connected downstream of the drive motor for producing linear drive movements, the spindle-spindle nut gear having a spindle with an outside thread and a spindle nut with an inside thread, the linear drive movements being a motion of the spindle nut parallel to a spindle axis. the spindle-spindle nut gear has at least one telescoping sleeve with an inside thread and an outside thread. The at least one telescoping sleeve, spindle and spindle nut are arranged in a telescoping manner being screwed into one another with each outside thread forming a thread pairing with an respective inside thread. An alternative spindle-spindle nut gear has the outside thread and form a ball groove thread pairing with a variable thread pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Brose Schliesssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Checrallah Kachouh
  • Patent number: 7654606
    Abstract: A convertible vehicle comprising a moving roof that includes a main pillar which projects upwardly from a window breast line and is movable rearwardly and downwardly around a bearing on the opening of the roof is configured such that the bearing is transposed upwardly with respect to the closed position at least during a part of the roof opening movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventors: Sven Hollenbeck, Joachim Maaβ
  • Patent number: 7654610
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for an article astride fixed and movable body components in bridging relation to the cut-line therebetween. The article is automatically pivoted with respect to the fixed body component in concert with movement of the movable body component, whereby the pivoting of the article ensures that the movement of the movable body component with respect to the fixed body component avoids contact and interference with the article. For example, an article astride a fender and a door of a motor vehicle, the article transversely pivots out of the way of the door whenever the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob Thomas, Jack E. Brown, Robin Krieg
  • Patent number: 7654604
    Abstract: A control system controls the movement of a convertible top, decklid, and tonneau cover to minimize the overall cycle time of the system. The top is pivotally coupled to a vehicle body for movement between an extended position covering a passenger compartment and a retracted position disposed in a storage space. The decklid is pivotally coupled to the body for movement between a closed position covering the storage space and an open position to accommodate movement of the top into the storage space. The tonneau cover moves between a use position extending outwardly from an end of the decklid to conceal the convertible top in the retracted position and a stowed position disposed beneath the decklid. The control system is preprogrammed to begin movement of the tonneau cover to the use position when the decklid reaches a predetermined angle as the decklid moves between the closed and open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Eichhorst
  • Patent number: 7651144
    Abstract: A seal between a base structure and a slide out structure of a recreational vehicle includes a panel section mounted to the base structure, the panel section including a front edge, a rear edge, a first side and a second side. A sealing element extends from the panel section, between the front edge and the rear edge, in a direction from the first side toward the second side of the panel section, the sealing element extending to contact the slide out structure and wipe moisture therefrom upon relative movement of the slide out structure and base structure. A catch flange extends upwardly from the rear edge of the panel section. A first side basin detail extends from the first side of the panel section, and a second side basin detail extends from the second side of the panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Clark Rubber & Plastic Company
    Inventors: Gregory M. Clark, James T. Clark, II, Jeff A. Lippus
  • Patent number: 7651148
    Abstract: A passenger vehicle trunk structure is provided with a trunk lid, a vehicle body, a hinge arrangement and a tool free hinge release mechanism. The vehicle body defines an interior cargo area with an exterior trunk access opening. The hinge arrangement is pivotally coupling the trunk lid to the vehicle body with the trunk lid being movable between a closed position that covers the exterior trunk access opening and an open position that exposes the exterior trunk access opening to provide access to the interior cargo area through the exterior trunk access opening. The tool free hinge release mechanism is operatively coupled to the hinge arrangement to release the trunk lid from the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan Hustyi, Andy Christensen, Heather S. Konet
  • Patent number: 7648189
    Abstract: An actuating device is provided for moving a closure panel between an open position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof. The actuating device includes a telescopic arm having a first member coupled to one of the closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the other of the closure panel and the vehicle body. The first and second members are slidable relative to one another to move the actuating device between a retracted position corresponding with the closed position and an extended position corresponding with the open position. A screw is rotatable relative to the first member. The screw includes a cavity formed therewithin. A nut is secured to the second member and threadingly engages the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the second member towards and away from the first member to move the actuating device between the respective retracted and extended positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Porat, Salvatore Vitale, Stephen A. G. Mitchell, Eduard Vasilescu, Peter Lance Oxley, Gordon Andrew Paton, Jason David Niskanen, Andrew R. Daniels, Dragan Mrkovic
  • Patent number: 7648187
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle has an interior occupant compartment, commonly called a cab when the vehicle is a truck, that has a floor (60) covered by respective floor coverings (12, 14) that have top surfaces opposite the floor. The coverings connect to each other along a joint (16) cooperatively defined by respective over- and under-lapping margins (42, 44) of the respective coverings. One of the margins (44) has two open receptacles (50, 52), and the other (42) has formations (46, 48) each fitted respectively in a respective open receptacle so as to locate the respective top surfaces of the coverings substantially flush with each other and in substantial mutual abutment along the joint. An expanse 42A, 44A that forms at least a portion of the respective top surface is disposed beyond and integrally formed with the respective margin. A foam pad (62, 64) underlies each expanse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew A. Hoffman, Robert C. Kittelson, Robert L. Hug
  • Patent number: 7644976
    Abstract: A door opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a first hinge base adapted to be mounted to a vehicle body, a second hinge base adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door, a four-link hinge including a first hinge arm and a second hinge arm for connecting the first hinge base with the second hinge base, the four-link hinge supporting the vehicle door between a fully open position and a fully closed position, a fully open position locking mechanism adapted to be mounted on the vehicle door for locking the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body at the fully open position, and an unlocking mechanism adapted to be mounted on the fully open position locking mechanism for releasing a locked condition of the vehicle door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeyuki Suzuki, Yukio Isomura
  • Patent number: 7641271
    Abstract: A vehicle body pass-through structure is basically provided with a seal member, a rigid mounting member and a grommet. The seal member includes a first side, a second side and an access opening extending through the seal member between the first side and the second side. The rigid mounting member overlies the second side of the seal member so that the access opening of the seal member aligns with an attachment aperture of the mounting member. The grommet includes a first open end portion, a second open end portion, and a passageway extending between the first open end portion and the second open end portion. The first open end portion is disposed in the attachment aperture of the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Vedat Haydin, Rick Miller, Jim Beach
  • Patent number: 7641249
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a roof rack including a roof garnish and a bracket for mounting a roof rack, in which the roof garnish and the roof rack mounting apparatus can be separately mounted on a vehicle panel. Due to a simple construction, the roof rack mounting apparatus can be conveniently operated and the mounting costs and time thereof can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Tae Soo Jung
  • Patent number: 7642663
    Abstract: A mobile high horsepower rating natural gas compression package is provided. The apparatus includes a trailer having a flexible pre-cambered frame configured to absorb shock during transport and dissipate vibration during operation, and an inflexible sub-skid attached to the flexible frame. A high horsepower rating engine driven compressor is attached to the sub-skid while ancillary compression package components are attached to the flexible frame. An arrangement of break flanges is employed to permit relative motion between the compressor and the ancillary compression package components during transport and operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignees: Bidell Equipment Limited Partnership, Total Energy Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Kelly Paul Francis Mantei, Long Han Ta, Chaince Melvin Pedersen, Barry Patrick McGrath
  • Patent number: 7641251
    Abstract: A collapsible truck rack that can be assembled and disassembled easily without the use of tools. The rack can be stored in the interior periphery of the truck bed so as not to appreciable diminish the capacity of the truck bed for the placement therein of items to be transported. The rack does not increase the profile of the vehicle when in the collapsed position and therefore reduces drag during transport. An X-load is added to reduce shift of the load during turns. An optional brace can be bolted to the top surface of the periphery of the truck bad. An optional canvas cover can be used to cover the collapsed rack to secure and protect the rack when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Goorgen Stepanians
  • Patent number: 7641275
    Abstract: A wind deflector noise reduction system is provided. The wind deflector noise reduction system particularly reduces or eliminates wind throb in a moving vehicle having a rear side window in an open position. The system includes a panel attached to the B-pillar of a motor vehicle and operable to move between a closed position and an open position. When the panel is in the open position, wind is deflected from entering the moving vehicle. An actuator associated with the panel and operable to move the panel between the closed and the open position can be energized by a controller. The controller can be activated by the user of the motor vehicle and/or by a sensor that detects the position of the rear side window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett A. Campbell, Scott B. Smith, Todd M. Remtema
  • Patent number: 7637704
    Abstract: In a container lock for insertion into a locking aperture, a post is provided insertable into and extractable from the locking aperture. At least one latch arm is provided within the post and which projects laterally from a side of the post. The latch arm is pivotable about a first pivot axis during insertion and about a second pivot axis spaced from the first pivot axis during at least a beginning of extraction. A compression spring is positioned to bias the at least one latch arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Portec Rail Products Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Morin
  • Patent number: 7631925
    Abstract: A vehicular door includes an inner door panel provided on an inner surface-side of an outer panel; a side impact beam provided between the outer panel and the inner panel; and a support member which is provided between the inner panel and the side impact beam, and which is connected to at least one of the inner panel and the side impact beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tanaka, Takayuki Tsuruta, Naoya Kosaka
  • Patent number: 7631917
    Abstract: A vehicle includes console/shifter arrangement includes a vehicle floor, a shifter base member and a console. A shifter base member has oversized fastening apertures arranged to align with threaded apertures in the vehicle floor. Fasteners extending through the oversized fastening apertures engage the threaded apertures and are moveable between an adjusting orientation and a securing orientation. The oversized fastening apertures have a prescribed dimension with respect to the fasteners such that the shifter base member is movable in alignment directions relative to the vehicle floor with the fasteners in the adjusting orientation. The console and the shifter base member are configured to move together as a single unit in the alignment directions while the fasteners are in the adjusting orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Kwolek