Patents by Inventor John M. Heiberger

John M. Heiberger 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).

  • Publication number: 20230049706
    Abstract: A power actuator is configured for a hinged vehicle door with a generally vertical hinge axis. The power actuator includes a motor-gearbox assembly, a slip clutch, a friction brake, a threaded spindle with a motor-side bearing, and a spindle nut affixed to a spindle tube, configured to travel along the threaded spindle during a rotation of the spindle. The slip clutch and the friction brake are operatively positioned between the motor-gearbox assembly and the motor-side bearing. The power actuator does not need to include a biasing element acting on the spindle nut toward an extended position because such a biasing element is unnecessary where the hinge axis is generally parallel to the direction of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: John M. Heiberger, Favad Shah, Steve Brinck
  • Patent number: 9822574
    Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a hinged device is provided. In particular, the actuator is a power tailgate actuator. The actuator comprises a motor with a rotor, and an output shaft that rotates on an axis which is substantially parallel to the axis on which lies the rotor of the motor. The actuator has a rotary position sensor such as a rotary potentiometer which positively identifies the position of the tailgate. The tailgate also comprises a clutch which can engage and disengage depending on the mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: HI-LEX CONTROLS INC.
    Inventors: John M. Heiberger, Kevin Koneval, Fred Eberle, Eric Thomas, Stephen J. Brinck
  • Publication number: 20170089116
    Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a hinged device is provided. In particular, the actuator is a power tailgate actuator. The actuator comprises a motor with a rotor, and an output shaft that rotates on an axis which is substantially parallel to the axis on which lies the rotor of the motor. The actuator has a rotary position sensor such as a rotary potentiometer which positively identifies the position of the tailgate. The tailgate also comprises a clutch which can engage and disengage depending on the mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: John M. Heiberger, Kevin Koneval, Fred Eberle, Eric Thomas, Stephen J. Brinck
  • Publication number: 20160036287
    Abstract: A drive unit for a window regulator assembly incorporating improved component assembly features. The drive unit motor assembly is provided with motor locating features, and a housing is provided with attachment features. The motor locating an attachment features have snap-fit attachment. The assembly provides an assembly process in which a splined stub shaft of the motor assembly may be aligned with an internal splined bore of a drum gear as the motor assembly and housing are fastened together. The motor locating feature snap fits with the attachment features in a final assembled condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Charles L. Hazel, John M. Heiberger