Patents by Inventor Dragan Mrkovic
Dragan Mrkovic 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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Publication number: 20140026764Abstract: The grills of the present disclosure provide several devices and methods for ensuring that cooking platens are level and provide the correct amount of pressure when cooking a food product. In contrast to currently available cooking devices, those of the present disclosure can be automatically leveled on set up, and adjust during or after operation, thus being able to withstand unpredicted events or normal use that may knock the grills out of level.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: GARLAND COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIES LLC.Inventors: Michael SYKES, Dragan MRKOVIC, Paulo J. ROSA, Douglas S. JONES, Jan S. CLAESSON
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Patent number: 8157300Abstract: The invention is a decklid latch with a SMA actuator. The actuator includes a latch plate with a ratchet rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a released position and an engaged position operable to retain a striker. A pawl is rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a an engaged position operable to retain the ratchet, and a release position operable to allow the ratchet to pivot. An selectively-contractible wire is connected to the pawl by a lost motion connection and is operable to move the pawl to the release position when contracted to actuate the latch. Portions of the selectively contractible wire have been annealed to reduce brittleness. Multiple material crimps are used to further reduce strain on the selectively contractible wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.Inventors: Jason David Niskanen, Dragan Mrkovic, Andrew R. Daniels
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Patent number: 8096592Abstract: An actuator is provided that uses two lengths of shape memory alloy (SMA) wire to kinematically couple a first and second lever together. The two SMA wires are routed in generally V-shaped paths around a link pin that is coaxial with the first and second levers. By selectively contracting one of the wires, the link pin slides between a locked and an unlocked position. A locking pin extending from the link pin couples the first and second levers together while the link pin is in the unlocked position.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.Inventors: Dragan Mrkovic, Jason David Niskanen, Andrew R. Daniels
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Patent number: 7938473Abstract: An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal lift gate between an open position and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a housing connected to one of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. An extensible shaft is slidably mounted to the housing. The extensible shaft is connected to the other of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. A drive mechanism includes a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism converts rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of the extensible shaft to move the extensible shaft between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position of the lift gate and an extended position corresponding to the open position of the lift gate. A power spring includes one end connected to the extensible shaft and another end connected to the housing for providing a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the lift gate.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.Inventors: Gordon Andrew Paton, Stephen A. G. Mitchell, Dragan Mrkovic, Krzysztof Groszkowski, Borys M. Shchokin, Victor Gusev
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Patent number: 7866729Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20100077666Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Alex PORAT, Salvatore Vitale, Stephen A. G. Mitchell, Eduard Vasilescu, Peter Lance Oxley, Gordon Andrew Paton, Jason David Niskanen, Andrew R. Daniels, Dragan Mrkovic
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Patent number: 7648189Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20090250952Abstract: The invention is a decklid latch with a SMA actuator. The actuator includes a latch plate with a ratchet rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a released position and an engaged position operable to retain a striker. A pawl is rotatably mounted to the latch plate and is pivotal between a an engaged position operable to retain the ratchet, and a release position operable to allow the ratchet to pivot. An selectively-contractible wire is connected to the pawl by a lost motion connection and is operable to move the pawl to the release position when contracted to actuate the latch. Portions of the selectively contractible wire have been annealed to reduce brittleness. Multiple material crimps are used to further reduce strain on the selectively contractible wire.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2007Publication date: October 8, 2009Inventors: Jason David Niskanen, Dragan Mrkovic, Andrew R. Daniels
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Publication number: 20090217717Abstract: An actuator is provided that uses two lengths of shape memory alloy (SMA)wire to kinematically couple a first and second lever together. The two SMA wires are routed in generally V-shaped paths around a link pin that is coaxial with the first and second levers. By selectively contracting one of the wires, the link pin slides between a locked and an unlocked position. A locking pin extending from the link pin couples the first and second levers together while the link pin is in the unlocked position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2006Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventors: Dragan Mrkovic, Jason David Niskanen, Andrew R. Daniels
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Publication number: 20090200830Abstract: An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal lift gate between an open position and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a housing connected to one of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. An extensible shaft is slidably mounted to the housing. The extensible shaft is connected to the other of the lift gate and the motor vehicle body. A drive mechanism includes a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism converts rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of the extensible shaft to move the extensible shaft between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position of the lift gate and an extended position corresponding to the open position of the lift gate. A power spring includes one end connected to the extensible shaft and another end connected to the housing for providing a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the lift gate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Inventors: Gordon Andrew PATON, Stephen A.G. Mitchell, Dragan Mrkovic, Krzysztof Groszkowski, Borys M. Shchokin, Victor Gusev
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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: 20070261310Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventors: Alex Porat, Salvatore Vitale, Stephen Mitchell, Eduard Vasilescu, Peter Oxley, Gordon Paton, Jason Niskanen, Andrew 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: 7178853Abstract: A vehicle door for fitting to a vehicle body includes a vehicle door frame, and a pivot arm coupled to the door frame. The door frame includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a pair of opposite sides extending between the upper and lower portions. The pivot arm is coupled to the door frame adjacent one of the opposite sides, and includes a pair of opposite ends. One of the ends of the pivot arm includes a first hinge for pivotally coupling the pivot arm to the vehicle body about a first pivot axis. The other end includes a second hinge pivotally coupling the door frame to the pivot arm about a second pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.Inventors: Peter Lance Oxley, Peter Adam Lejbjuk, Dragan Mrkovic
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Patent number: 7175228Abstract: A power drive assembly (110) for controlling movement of a closure panel (102, 105) of a vehicle includes a closure panel (102, 105) that moves relative to the vehicle between open and closed positions, and a latch (108, 115) for cinching the closure panel (102, 105) to the vehicle. The drive assembly (110) includes an actuator (134), a first torque output (136) coupled to effect movement of the closure panel (102, 105), a second torque output (138) coupled to the latch (115), and a clutch assembly (114, 150) coupled between the actuator (134) and the torque outputs (136, 138) for selectively transferring torque between the actuator (134) and the torque outputs (136, 138).Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.Inventors: Dragan Mrkovic, Peter Lance Oxley, Peter Lejbjuk, Jason David Niskanen
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Publication number: 20060220416Abstract: A power drive assembly (110) for controlling movement of a closure panel (102, 105) of a vehicle includes a closure panel (102, 105) that moves relative to the vehicle between open and closed positions, and a latch (108, 115) for cinching the closure panel (102, 105) to the vehicle. The drive assembly (110) includes an actuator (134), a first torque output (136) coupled to effect movement of the closure panel (102, 105), a second torque output (138) coupled to the latch (115), and a clutch assembly (114, 150) coupled between the actuator (134) and the torque outputs (136, 138) for selectively transferring torque between the actuator (134) and the torque outputs (136, 138).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2006Publication date: October 5, 2006Inventors: Dragan Mrkovic, Peter Oxley, Peter Lejbjuk, Jason Niskanen
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Patent number: 7093887Abstract: A power drive assembly (110) for controlling movement of a closure panel (102, 105) of a vehicle includes a closure panel (102, 105) that moves relative to the vehicle between open and closed positions, and a latch (108, 115) for cinching the closure panel (102, 105) to the vehicle. The drive assembly (110) includes an actuator (134), a first torque output (136) coupled to effect movement of the closure panel (102, 105), a second torque output (138) coupled to the latch (115), and a clutch assembly (144, 150) coupled between the actuator (134) and the torque outputs (136, 138) for selectively transferring torque between the actuator (134) and the torque outputs (136, 138).Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2002Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Intier Automotive Closures Inc.Inventors: Dragan Mrkovic, Peter Lance Oxley, Peter Lejbjuk, Jason David Niskanen
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Patent number: 7032349Abstract: An automation assembly is adapted to be connected to a door system of a motor vehicle. The automation assembly is modular and includes a frame that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A motor is fixedly secured to the frame and adapted to receive power. The motor converts the power into a rotational output force. The motor includes a non-ferrous core. A set of pulleys and rollers are fixedly secured to the frame at predetermined positions to direct the path of a continuous belt. The continuous belt is fixedly secured to the door system such that the motor moves the continuous belt and the door system bidirectionally between an open position and a closed position. Sensors are used to determine the position of the door, the speed thereof and whether the door is being moved manually.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Atoma International Corp.Inventors: G. Clark Oberheide, Peter Lance Oxley, Mirko Pribisic, Dragan Mrkovic
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Publication number: 20060061135Abstract: A vehicle door for fitting to a vehicle body includes a vehicle door frame, and a pivot arm coupled to the door frame. The door frame includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a pair of opposite sides extending between the upper and lower portions. The pivot arm is coupled to the door frame adjacent one of the opposite sides, and includes a pair of opposite ends. One of the ends of the pivot arm includes a first hinge for pivotally coupling the pivot arm to the vehicle body about a first pivot axis. The other end includes a second hinge pivotally coupling the door frame to the pivot arm about a second pivot axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2003Publication date: March 23, 2006Inventors: Peter Oxley, Peter Lejbjuk, Dragan Mrkovic