Patents by Inventor Marian E. Clark

Marian E. Clark 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).

  • Method for controlling a power sliding van door
    Patent number: 6904717
    Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marian E. Clark, Harry Charles Buchanan, Jr., James A. Jackson, Jr.
  • Electronic control and method for power sliding van door with rear-center-mounted drive
    Patent number: 6430875
    Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marian E. Clark, Harry Charles Buchanan, Jr., James A. Jackson, Jr.
  • Electronic control and method for power sliding van door with rear-center-mounted drive
    Publication number: 20010022049
    Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: Marian E. Clark, Harry Charles Buchanan, James A. Jackson
  • Electronic control and method for power sliding van door with rear-center-mounted drive
    Patent number: 5979114
    Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Marian E. Clark, Harry C. Buchanan, Jr., James A. Jackson, Jr.