Patents by Inventor Andrew R. Daniels
Andrew R. Daniels has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7526936Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a handle body that is attached to the vehicle door. A key cylinder is mounted to the handle body and is operable to manually lock and unlock the vehicle door. A cover is provided that is movable between a covered position that hides the key cylinder from view and an open position that exposes the key cylinder. The cover can slide or pivot between the open and closed positions. The cover protects the key cylinder from the elements and improves the overall appearance of the vehicle door.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.Inventors: Jason David Niskanen, Krzysztof Groszkowski, Andrew R. Daniels, Dragan Mrkovic
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Patent number: 7364211Abstract: A contractible shape memory alloy (SMA) wire is used to throw a lever in a latch. The SMA actuator provides weight and space savings. In one embodiment, the SMA actuator is incorporated in the handle of the latch in order to provide a child lock or double lock function. The handle has a lever which includes a relatively short slot leg and a relatively long slot leg. A toggle sits in the slot. At least one SMA wire is connected to the toggle to move it between the relatively short slot leg, wherein the lever is prevented from pivoting, and the relatively long slot leg, where the lever is enabled to pivot. In another embodiment, the SMA actuator is embedded in the latch itself, and used to throw a lever that controls the child lock function.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.Inventors: Jason David Niskanen, Andrew R. Daniels, Dragan Mrkovic
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Publication number: 20070193320Abstract: A handle assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a handle body that is attached to the vehicle door. A key cylinder is mounted to the handle body and is operable to manually lock and unlock the vehicle door. A cover is provided that is movable between a covered position that hides the key cylinder from view and an open position that exposes the key cylinder. The cover can slide or pivot between the open and closed positions. The cover protects the key cylinder from the elements and improves the overall appearance of the vehicle door.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Inventors: Jason David Niskanen, Krzysztof Groszkowski, Andrew R. Daniels, Dragan Mrkovic
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Patent number: 7243996Abstract: A power folding seat for installation within a vehicle includes a seat cushion mountable to the vehicle, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion, and a power actuator disposed within the seat back for automatically rotating the seat back between an upright position and a folded position. The power actuator includes a power seat recliner, a latch assembly, a power head restraint adjuster, and a control system coupled to the power seat recliner, the latch assembly, and the power head restraint adjuster. The control system includes a signal receiver which is configured to receive commands from a remote transmitter, and a data processor coupled to the signal receiver. The data processor controls the power seat recliner, the power latch actuator and the power head restraint adjuster, and is configured to move the seat back between the upright position and the folded position in accordance with the received remote commands.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc.Inventor: Andrew R. Daniels
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Patent number: 7118178Abstract: A power folding seat for installation within a vehicle includes a seat cushion mountable to the vehicle, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion, and a power actuator disposed within the seat back for automatically rotating the seat back between an upright position and a folded position. The power actuator includes a power seat recliner, a latch assembly, a power head restraint adjuster, and a control system coupled to the power seat recliner, the latch assembly, and the power head restraint adjuster. The control system includes a signal receiver which is configured to receive commands from a remote transmitter, and a data processor coupled to the signal receiver. The data processor controls the power seat recliner, the power latch actuator and the power head restraint adjuster, and is configured to move the seat back between the upright position and the folded position in accordance with the received remote commands.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Intier Automotive Inc,Inventor: Andrew R. Daniels
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Patent number: 7038414Abstract: An anti-pitch assembly is used in combination with a closure device of a motor vehicle. The closure device includes a closure panel, i.e., a windowpane or door, and a motor for moving the closure panel between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the closure panel covers an aperture, i.e., a window or door opening, of the motor vehicle. The anti-pinch assembly includes a position sensor that is disposed adjacent the motor or the closure device. The position sensor generates a position signal indicative of the position of the closure panel. A capacitive sensor measures the capacitance of a field extending through the aperture. The capacitive sensor generates a signal therefrom. A controller is electrically connected to the position and capacitive sensors.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Atoma International Corp.Inventors: Andrew R. Daniels, Thomas P. Frommer, Mirko Pribisic
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Patent number: 7021003Abstract: A power liftgate drive assembly moves a liftgate of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The power liftgate assembly is aligned along the side of the motor vehicle. A liftgate rod extends in a generally vertical orientation between the power liftgate drive assembly and the liftgate. The assembly includes a base that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle near a load floor. A guide extends upwardly from the base. The guide extends along the side of the motor vehicle and is disposed adjacent the liftgate when the liftgate is in the closed position. A liftgate carriage is connected to the guide. The liftgate carriage slides along the guide. The liftgate rod is pivotally connected between the liftgate carriage and the liftgate.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Atoma International Corp.Inventors: Andrew R. Daniels, Miroslav Janda, Alexander Kaczmarczyk, Kathryn Petroff
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Patent number: 6962023Abstract: A power drive mechanism (10) for a motor vehicle liftgate includes a linking arm (18) pivotally connected with the liftgate, a crank arm (12) drivable for pivotal movement and connected with the linking arm (18), and a gear train (20) operatively engaging the crank arm (12). A drive motor (34) is operatively connected with the crank arm (12) through the gear train (20) to provide power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate. The gear train (20) is disengagable from the drive motor (34) to permit manual opening and closing of the liftgate without backdriving the drive motor (34). An actuator (74) is operatively connected with the gear train (20) to move the gear train into and out of engagement with the drive motor. A holding linkage (60, 62) is operatively associated with the gear train (20) to maintain the gear train (20) in engagement during power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Atoma International Corp.Inventors: Andrew R. Daniels, Peter Lance Oxley, Andre Olivier, Victor Gusev, Thomas P. Frommer, Wieslaw Nowicki, Grzegorz Baniak, Robert B. Mooney, Frederick C. Butler
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Publication number: 20040195892Abstract: A power folding seat for installation within a vehicle includes a seat cushion mountable to the vehicle, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion, and a power actuator disposed within the seat back for automatically rotating the seat back between an upright position and a folded position. The power actuator includes a power seat recliner, a latch assembly, a power head restraint adjuster, and a control system coupled to the power seat recliner, the latch assembly, and the power head restraint adjuster. The control system includes a signal receiver which is configured to receive commands from a remote transmitter, and a data processor coupled to the signal receiver. The data processor controls the power seat recliner, the power latch actuator and the power head restraint adjuster, and is configured to move the scat back between the upright position and the folded position in accordance with the received remote commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventor: Andrew R. Daniels
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Publication number: 20040177559Abstract: A power drive mechanism (10) for a motor vehicle liftgate includes a linking arm (18) pivotally connected with the liftgate, a crank arm (12) drivable for pivotal movement and connected with the linking arm (18), and a gear train (20) operatively engaging the crank arm (12). A drive motor (34) is operatively connected with the crank arm (12) through the gear train (20) to provide power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate. The gear train (20) is disengagable from the drive motor (34) to permit manual opening and closing of the liftgate without backdriving the drive motor (34). An actuator (74) is operatively connected with the gear train (20) to move the gear train into and out of engagement with the drive motor. A holding linkage (60, 62) is operatively associated with the gear train (20) to maintain the gear train (20) in engagement during power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Andrew R. Daniels, Peter Lance Oxley, Andre Olivier, Victor Gusev, Thomas P. Frommer, Wieslaw Nowicki, Grzegorz Baniak, Robert B. Mooney, Frederick C. Butler
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Patent number: 6711855Abstract: A power drive mechanism (10) for a motor vehicle liftgate includes a linking arm (18) pivotally connected with the liftgate, a crank arm (12) drivable for pivotal movement and connected with the linking arm (18), and a gear train (20) operatively engaging the crank arm (12). A drive motor (34) is operatively connected with the crank arm (12) through the gear train (20) to provide power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate. The gear train (20) is disengageable from the drive motor (34) to permit manual opening and closing of the liftgate without backdriving the drive motor (34). An actuator (74) is operatively connected with the gear train (20) to move the gear train into and out of engagement with the drive motor. A holding linkage (60, 62) is operatively associated with the gear train (20) to maintain the gear train (20) in engagement during power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Atoma International CorporationInventors: Andrew R. Daniels, Peter Lance Oxley, Andre Olivier, Victor Gusev, Thomas P. Frommer, Wieslaw Nowicki, Grzegorz Baniak, Robert B. Mooney, Frederick C. Butler
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Patent number: 6676190Abstract: A power liftgate drive assembly automatically moves the liftgate of a vehicle between its open and closed positions. The drive assembly is secured to the vehicle at a position near the top of the liftgate. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives a sector gear between two positions. A guide rod is secured to the sector gear to translate the rotational movement of the sector gear into the pivotal movement of the liftgate. A slot extends through the sector gear that allows the liftgate to be moved manually. A latch locks the guide rod in position with respect to the sector gear for automated movement whereas the latch releases the guide rod to move in the slot for manual operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Atoma International Corp.Inventors: Andrew R. Daniels, Aleksander Kaczmarczyk, Miroslav Janda, Kris Tomaszewski, Thomas P. Frommer, Kathryn Petroff, Juliusz E. Kirejczyk
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Publication number: 20030151382Abstract: An anti-pitch assembly is used in combination with a closure device of a motor vehicle. The closure device includes a closure panel, i.e., a windowpane or door, and a motor for moving the closure panel between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the closure panel covers an aperture, i.e., a window or door opening, of the motor vehicle. The anti-pinch assembly includes a position sensor that is disposed adjacent the motor or the closure device. The position sensor generates a position signal indicative of the position of the closure panel. A capacitive sensor measures the capacitance of a field extending through the aperture. The capacitive sensor generates a signal therefrom. A controller is electrically connected to the position and capacitive sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: August 14, 2003Inventors: Andrew R Daniels, Thomas P Frommer, Mirko Pribisic
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Publication number: 20030136054Abstract: A power liftgate drive assembly moves a liftgate of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The power liftgate assembly is aligned along the side of the motor vehicle. A liftgate rod extends in a generally vertical orientation between the power liftgate drive assembly and the liftgate. The assembly includes a base that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle near a load floor. A guide extends upwardly from the base. The guide extends along the side of the motor vehicle and is disposed adjacent the liftgate when the liftgate is in the closed position. A liftgate carriage is connected to the guide. The liftgate carriage slides along the guide. The liftgate rod is pivotally connected between the liftgate carriage and the liftgate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Andrew R Daniels, Miroslav Janda, Aleksander Kaczmarczyk, Kathryn Petroff
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Publication number: 20030137397Abstract: A theft deterrent system for an automobile includes a power actuator and a control system coupled to the power actuator. The power actuator is configured to move an automobile seat between a first seat position in which the automobile seat restricts access to at least one of the automobile's control, and a second seat position in which the automobile seat allows access to the automobile controls. The control system includes a command input for receiving commands thereon, and is configured to dispose the automobile seat into the first and second seat positions in accordance with the received commands. The control system is configured with a release code, and is also configured to lock the automobile seat in the first position upon receipt of a lock command and to release the automobile seat from the first position upon receipt of a release command corresponding to the release code.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventor: Andrew R. Daniels
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Publication number: 20030089041Abstract: A power liftgate drive assembly automatically moves the liftgate of a vehicle between its open and closed positions. The drive assembly is secured to the vehicle at a position near the top of the liftgate. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives a sector gear between two positions. A guide rod is secured to the sector gear to translate the rotational movement of the sector gear into the pivotal movement of the ligtgate. A slot extends through the sector gear that allows the liftgate to be moved manually. A latch locks the guide rod in position with respect to the sector gear for automated movement whereas the latch releases the guide rod to move in the slot for manual operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Inventors: Andrew R Daniels, Aleksander Kaczmarcyzk, Miroslav Janda, Kris Tomaszewski, Kathryn Petroff, Juliusz E Kirejcyzk
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Patent number: 6341448Abstract: A power sliding door for a motor vehicle comprises a door structure, a power drive assembly, a latch assembly, and a single motor for operating both the latch assembly and the power drive assembly. The door structure is mounted on a track associated with the motor vehicle, the door structure being movable along the track between opened and closed positions. The power drive assembly is connected with the door and capable of being driven to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions. The latch assembly is mounted on the door and movable between latched and unlatched positions. The single motor is mounted on the door structure operatively connected with both the power drive assembly and the latch assembly. The motor drives the power drive assembly and thus enables the power drive assembly to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Atoma International Corp.Inventors: Shawn Murray, Thomas P. Frommer, Andrew R. Daniels
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Patent number: 6125583Abstract: A power sliding door for a motor vehicle comprises a door structure, a power drive assembly, a latch assembly, and a single motor for operating both the latch assembly and the power drive assembly. The door structure is mounted on a track associated with the motor vehicle, the door structure being movable along the track between opened and closed positions. The power drive assembly is connected with the door and capable of being driven to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions. The latch assembly is mounted on the door and movable between latched and unlatched positions. The single motor is mounted on the door structure operatively connected with both the power drive assembly and the latch assembly. The motor drives the power drive assembly and thus enables the power drive assembly to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Atoma International Inc.Inventors: Shawn Murray, Thomas P. Frommer, Andrew R. Daniels