Patents by Inventor Irene A. CIFRA

Irene A. CIFRA 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: 11135903
    Abstract: A method of assembling at least two types of vehicles with different powertrain requirements on the same assembly line is provided. The method includes assembling a first structural body component for a first vehicle type including a first powertrain requirement. The first structural body component comprises a first structural core surrounded by a first fiber reinforced material having a first thickness. The first structural body component has a first external geometry. The method includes assembling a second structural body component for a second vehicle type that has a second powertrain requirement different from the first powertrain requirement. The second structural body component comprises a second structural core surrounded by a second fiber reinforced material having a second thickness different from the first thickness. The second structural body component has a second external geometry that is the same in shape and dimension as the first external geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eric J. Boettcher, Irene A. Cifra
  • Publication number: 20210114443
    Abstract: A method of assembling at least two types of vehicles with different powertrain requirements on the same assembly line is provided. The method includes assembling a first structural body component for a first vehicle type including a first powertrain requirement. The first structural body component comprises a first structural core surrounded by a first fiber reinforced material having a first thickness. The first structural body component has a first external geometry. The method includes assembling a second structural body component for a second vehicle type that has a second powertrain requirement different from the first powertrain requirement. The second structural body component comprises a second structural core surrounded by a second fiber reinforced material having a second thickness different from the first thickness. The second structural body component has a second external geometry that is the same in shape and dimension as the first external geometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Eric J. Boettcher, Irene A. Cifra
  • Patent number: 10723286
    Abstract: A separator for sealing a cavity in a motor vehicle includes a first separator part for sealing a portion of the cavity that includes a first expandable layer located around an outer edge and a second separator part for sealing a second portion of the cavity that includes a second expandable layer. The first separator part abuts the second separator part when installed in the cavity of the motor vehicle. The first expandable layer and second expandable layer expand to provide a seal around the first separator part and second separator part when heated. The separator further includes a third separator part for sealing a third portion of the cavity that includes an expandable tape that adheres to a surface of the third portion of the cavity. The expandable tape expands to seal the third portion of the cavity when heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Irene A. Cifra, Nick A. Massaro, Aron K. Madsen
  • Publication number: 20180141503
    Abstract: A separator for sealing a cavity in a motor vehicle includes a first separator part for sealing a portion of the cavity that includes a first expandable layer located around an outer edge and a second separator part for sealing a second portion of the cavity that includes a second expandable layer. The first separator part abuts the second separator part when installed in the cavity of the motor vehicle. The first expandable layer and second expandable layer expand to provide a seal around the first separator part and second separator part when heated. The separator further includes a third separator part for sealing a third portion of the cavity that includes an expandable tape that adheres to a surface of the third portion of the cavity. The expandable tape expands to seal the third portion of the cavity when heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Irene A. CIFRA, Nick A. MASSARO, Aron K. MADSEN