Patents by Inventor Larry Dupuis
Larry Dupuis 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: 7654607Abstract: An automotive body structure includes a tubular load bearing structure and a hardware mount having a base plate with an annular axially extending spin welding initiator. The hardware mount is spin welded to the load bearing structure to provide a reinforced location for the mounting of automotive hardware, such as door hinges, with threaded fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dragan Stojkovic, Larry Dupuis, James Lowe
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Patent number: 7574801Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing an assembly comprising at least two components. Assembly components are attached together to form a combined assembly. The combined assembly is engaged by a single framing fixture that establishes the spatial relationships between each of the assembly components. After the spatial relationships are final, the assembly is fixed having securing points that are accessible when engaged by the single framing fixture. The method significantly reduces the load-weld-load sequences used in conventional body-in-white framing processes for motor vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: James Lowe, Dragan Stojkovic, Larry Dupuis
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Patent number: 7469763Abstract: An integral assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a battery tray, a coolant reservoir and a vacuum reservoir. The battery tray and portions of the coolant reservoir and vacuum reservoir are formed as a single molded part having shared partition walls, so as to provide superior strength, economy, and packaging efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Larry Dupuis, Paul Lee Luskin, Michael John Lang
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Publication number: 20080164717Abstract: An automotive body structure includes a tubular load bearing structure and a hardware mount having a base plate with an annular axially extending spin welding initiator. The hardware mount is spin welded to the load bearing structure to provide a reinforced location for the mounting of automotive hardware, such as door hinges, with threaded fasteners.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dragan Stojkovic, Larry Dupuis, James Lowe
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Patent number: 7281757Abstract: A process for spot-welding hydroformed members allows at least one hydroformed member to be positioned with an end butted against a lateral side of the second hydroformed member. A structural shell member sandwiches the joint around the two hydroformed members to provide a surface to which each of the hydroformed members can be spot-welded. The U-shaped structural support receives the lateral side of one hydroformed member in the bight portion thereof and has arms that are positioned against the perpendicularly positioned second hydroformed member. Each of the hydroformed members are formed with access openings therein to allow spot-welding electrodes to be positioned against an appropriate wall of the hydroformed member and the adjacent portion of the U-shaped structural shell member. The joint is rigidly formed by spot-welding each of the hydroformed members to the structural support. The process is particularly adapted for utilization in the manufacture of automotive frames.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Larry Dupuis, Dragan Stojkovic
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Publication number: 20070169974Abstract: An integral assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a battery tray, a coolant reservoir and a vacuum reservoir. The battery tray and portions of the coolant reservoir and vacuum reservoir are formed as a single molded part having shared partition walls, so as to provide superior strength, economy, and packaging efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Larry Dupuis, Paul Luskin, Michael Lang
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Patent number: 7243986Abstract: A process for spot-welding hydroformed members allows at least one hydroformed member to be positioned with an end butted against a lateral side of the second hydroformed member. A structural shell member sandwiches the joint around the two hydroformed members to provide a surface to which each of the hydroformed members can be spot-welded. The U-shaped structural support receives the lateral side of one hydroformed member in the bight portion thereof and has arms that are positioned against the perpendicularly positioned second hydroformed member. Each of the hydroformed members are formed with access openings therein to allow spot-welding electrodes to be positioned against an appropriate wall of the hydroformed member and the adjacent portion of the U-shaped structural shell member. The joint is rigidly formed by spot-welding each of the hydroformed members to the structural support. The process is particularly adapted for utilization in the manufacture of automotive frames.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2004Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Larry Dupuis, Dragan Stojkovic
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Patent number: 7191739Abstract: In integral utility assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a coolant reservoir and an air cleaner. A mounting bracket for attaching the assembly to an engine compartment structure is co-molded with an air cleaner base and a lower portion of a coolant reservoir, so as to form an assembly having strength required for mounting with a single mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Peter Klop, Larry Dupuis
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Patent number: 7185724Abstract: A vehicle support structure for supporting engine compartment accessories such as a battery. The support structure includes a first tubular frame member having a transversely extending portion and a longitudinally extending portion that partially encompass an accessory tray. A second tubular frame member disposed at least in part adjacent to the first tubular frame member and having a transversely extending base support portion that extends below the accessory tray. The accessory tray is secured to the first tubular frame member and overlies the base support portion of the second tubular frame member. The structure reduces the weight and number of parts required to support accessories.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Larry Dupuis, Dragan Stojkovic, Matt Happy
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Publication number: 20060283015Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing an assembly comprising at least two components. Assembly components are attached together to form a combined assembly. The combined assembly is engaged by a single framing fixture that establishes the spatial relationships between each of the assembly components. After the spatial relationships are final, the assembly is fixed having securing points that are accessible when engaged by the single framing fixture. The method significantly reduces the load-weld-load sequences used in conventional body-in-white framing processes for motor vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2005Publication date: December 21, 2006Inventors: James Lowe, Dragan Stojkovic, Larry Dupuis
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Patent number: 7066533Abstract: A front end assembly for a vehicle includes a U-shaped tubular structure, a body portion having a pair of laterally-spaced, longitudinally extending cowl sides, and, a pair of laterally-spaced A-pillar structures. The U-shaped tubular structure is secured to each A-pillar and each cowl side at longitudinally-spaced apart locations. The laterally-spaced connection points provide improved rigidity and reduce distortion.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Larry Dupuis, James Lowe, Musa Azzouz, Michael Azzouz, Dragan Stojkovic, Madhu Deme
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Publication number: 20060091664Abstract: A process for spot-welding hydroformed members allows at least one hydroformed member to be positioned with an end butted against a lateral side of the second hydroformed member. A structural shell member sandwiches the joint around the two hydroformed members to provide a surface to which each of the hydroformed members can be spot-welded. The U-shaped structural support receives the lateral side of one hydroformed member in the bight portion thereof and has arms that are positioned against the perpendicularly positioned second hydroformed member. Each of the hydroformed members are formed with access openings therein to allow spot-welding electrodes to be positioned against an appropriate wall of the hydroformed member and the adjacent portion of the U-shaped structural shell member. The joint is rigidly formed by spot-welding each of the hydroformed members to the structural support. The process is particularly adapted for utilization in the manufacture of automotive frames.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2004Publication date: May 4, 2006Inventors: Larry Dupuis, Dragan Stojkovic
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Patent number: 7036874Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an improved front-end to body-side joint (10) for an automotive vehicle. This joint (10) includes an integral front end structure (12) having a fender attachment portion (16) and one or more hinge-reinforcement portions (14). The fender attachment portion (16) is coupled to a fender (24). Moreover, the hinge-reinforcement portions (14) are attached to a pillar member (28) of a vehicle body (46) for supporting a door (20). The integral front end structure (12) is a master-locating component for positioning the fender (24) and the door (20) in a predetermined configuration within the joint (10).Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2004Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dragan Stojkovic, Larry Dupuis, James Lowe, Stephen Bruford
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Publication number: 20060082123Abstract: A process for spot-welding hydroformed members allows at least one hydroformed member to be positioned with an end butted against a lateral side of the second hydroformed member. A structural shell member sandwiches the joint around the two hydroformed members to provide a surface to which each of the hydroformed members can be spot-welded. The U-shaped structural support receives the lateral side of one hydroformed member in the bight portion thereof and has arms that are positioned against the perpendicularly positioned second hydroformed member. Each of the hydroformed members are formed with access openings therein to allow spot-welding electrodes to be positioned against an appropriate wall of the hydroformed member and the adjacent portion of the U-shaped structural shell member. The joint is rigidly formed by spot-welding each of the hydroformed members to the structural support. The process is particularly adapted for utilization in the manufacture of automotive frames.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2004Publication date: April 20, 2006Inventors: Larry Dupuis, Dragan Stojkovic
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Publication number: 20060061137Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an improved front-end to body-side joint (10) for an automotive vehicle. This joint (10) includes an integral front end structure (12) having a fender attachment portion (16) and one or more hinge-reinforcement portions (14). The fender attachment portion (16) is coupled to a fender (24). Moreover, the hinge-reinforcement portions (14) are attached to a pillar member (28) of a vehicle body (46) for supporting a door (20). The integral front end structure (12) is a master-locating component for positioning the fender (24) and the door (20) in a predetermined configuration within the joint (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2004Publication date: March 23, 2006Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANYInventors: Dragan Stojkovic, Larry Dupuis, James Lowe, Stephen Bruford
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Publication number: 20050269838Abstract: A front end assembly for a vehicle includes a U-shaped tubular structure, a body portion having a pair of laterally-spaced, longitudinally extending cowl sides, and, a pair of laterally-spaced A-pillar structures. The U-shaped tubular structure is secured to each A-pillar and each cowl side at longitudinally-spaced apart locations. The laterally-spaced connection points provide improved rigidity and reduce distortion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2004Publication date: December 8, 2005Inventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Larry Dupuis, James Lowe, Musa Azzouz, Michael Azzouz, Dragan Stojkovic, Madhu Deme
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Publication number: 20050224268Abstract: A vehicle support structure for supporting engine compartment accessories such as a battery. The support structure includes a first tubular frame member having a transversely extending portion and a longitudinally extending portion that partially encompass an accessory tray. A second tubular frame member disposed at least in part adjacent to the first tubular frame member and having a transversely extending base support portion that extends below the accessory tray. The accessory tray is secured to the first tubular frame member and overlies the base support portion of the second tubular frame member. The structure reduces the weight and number of parts required to support accessories.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2004Publication date: October 13, 2005Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Larry Dupuis, Dragan Stojkovic, Matt Happy