Patents by Inventor Ed Dornan

Ed Dornan 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).

  • Patent number: 6631951
    Abstract: A powered lumbar support device includes a panel having a first end and a second end. The panel is biased in a forward direction for providing an arch in a seat back. A lumbar frame extends downwardly from a support element for slideably supoprting the panel. A first cable is affixed to one of the ends of the panel and to an arching rack of a first gear box. Linear movement of the arching rack transfers motion to one of the ends to change the distance between the ends by moving the first cable. The powered lumbar support device includes a second gear box having a moving rack and a moving pinion for vertically shifting the lumbar support device. The second gear box may also be used to actuate additional support features, such as a bolster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Schukra of North America
    Inventors: Horia Blendea, Jintao Liu, Yang Cao, Ed Dornan, Joseph Benson
  • Patent number: 6616227
    Abstract: A powered lumbar support device includes a resilient panel having a first flange and a second flange. The panel is biased in a forward direction for providing an arch in a seat back. A lumbar frame extends downwardly from a support element for slideably supporting the resilient panel. An extending member is affixed to the first flange and projects upwardly from the control module, which is retained in position by a compliant spring. The control module includes a drive mechanism for changing the arch in the basket by changing the distance between the first flange and the second flange by extending and retracting the extending member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Schukra North America
    Inventors: Horia Blendea, Jintao Liu, Yang Cao, Ed Dornan, Joseph Benson
  • Publication number: 20020113471
    Abstract: A powered lumbar support device includes a resilient panel having a first flange and a second flange. The panel is biased in a forward direction for providing an arch in a seat back. A lumbar frame extends downwardly from a support element for slideably supporting the resilient panel. An extending member is affixed to the first flange and projects upwardly from the control module, which is retained in position by a compliant spring. The control module includes a drive mechanism for changing the arch in the basket by changing the distance between the first flange and the second flange by extending and retracting the extending member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Horia Blendea, Jintao Liu, Yang Cao, Ed Dornan, Joseph Benson
  • Publication number: 20020113472
    Abstract: A powered lumbar support device includes a panel having a first end and a second end. The panel is biased in a forward direction for providing an arch in a seat back. A lumbar frame extends downwardly from a support element for slideably supoprting the panel. A first cable is affixed to one of the ends of the panel and to an arching rack of a first gear box. Linear movement of the arching rack transfers motion to one of the ends to change the distance between the ends by moving the first cable. The powered lumbar support device includes a second gear box having a moving rack and a moving pinion for vertically shifting the lumbar support device. The second gear box may also be used to actuate additional support features, such as a bolster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Horia Blendea, Jintao Liu, Yang Cao, Ed Dornan, Joseph Benson
  • Patent number: 5431199
    Abstract: A vaportight seal door assembly mounted in the upper end of a vehicle fuel system filler pipe. The seal door is normally biased to a closed position to create a vaportight seal between the fuel tank and the filler pipe inlet, normally closed by a cap. The seal door yields upon insertion of a dispenser nozzle to permit refueling. The seal door is provided with pressure relief structure to vent fuel vapor from the fuel tank to the upper end of the filler pipe at a predetermined pressure differential when the seal door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1995
    Inventors: Robert P. Benjay, Ed Dornan, Jay E. Hartford