Patents by Inventor Mark A. Heinze
Mark A. Heinze 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: 10118486Abstract: In at least some implementations, a disconnect assembly for a driveline component, such as a power transfer unit, may include an input shaft, a disconnect shaft selectively rotated by the input shaft and an output shaft coupled to the disconnect shaft. A first gear is coupled to the disconnect shaft and a second gear is coupled to the output shaft and to the first gear so that the output shaft rotates when the disconnect shaft rotates. A connection feature is movable between an engaged position in which the input shaft and disconnect shaft are coupled and a disengaged position in which the input shaft rotates relative to the disconnect shaft. The connection feature includes a first part carried by the gear for rotation therewith and a second part movable relative to the first part and carried by the input shaft for rotation with the input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
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Patent number: 9621010Abstract: A rotating electric machine (1) having a stator (4) in a housing (2) and a rotor (10) supported by a shaft (6). The housing (2) circumferential wall (12) and first and second axially opposing end walls (14, 16) support bearing flanges with bearings (18) for the shaft (6). Two cooling fan impellers (20, 22) are connected to the shaft (6). An inner cooling fan impeller (20) positioned inside the housing (2) generates an inner cooling air circuit (A) inside the housing (2). An outer cooling fan impeller (22) provided outside the housing (2), generates an outer cooling air flow (B). The first end wall (14) is formed with a thermal conductivity of at least a specified value and has an outer cooling rib geometry (28) on its outer side facing the outer cooling fan impeller (22), and an inner cooling rib geometry (30) on its opposing inner side.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: EBM-PAPST MULFINGEN GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Reinhard Stillger, Christian Pfaff, Jens Krotsch, Martin Baun, Martin Baer, Tobias Ehmann, Mark Heinze, Reinhold Gerner, Christian Hammel
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Publication number: 20170080800Abstract: In at least some implementations, a disconnect assembly for a driveline component, such as a power transfer unit, may include an input shaft, a disconnect shaft selectively rotated by the input shaft and an output shaft coupled to the disconnect shaft. A first gear is coupled to the disconnect shaft and a second gear is coupled to the output shaft and to the first gear so that the output shaft rotates when the disconnect shaft rotates. A connection feature is movable between an engaged position in which the input shaft and disconnect shaft are coupled and a disengaged position in which the input shaft rotates relative to the disconnect shaft. The connection feature includes a first part carried by the gear for rotation therewith and a second part movable relative to the first part and carried by the input shaft for rotation with the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2016Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
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Patent number: 9546696Abstract: In at least some implementations, a disconnect assembly for a driveline component, such as a power transfer unit, may include an input shaft, a disconnect shaft selectively rotated by the input shaft and an output shaft coupled to the disconnect shaft. A first gear is coupled to the disconnect shaft and a second gear is coupled to the output shaft and to the first gear so that the output shaft rotates when the disconnect shaft rotates. A connection feature is movable between an engaged position in which the input shaft and disconnect shaft are coupled and a disengaged position in which the input shaft rotates relative to the disconnect shaft. The connection feature includes a first part carried by the gear for rotation therewith and a second part movable relative to the first part and carried by the input shaft for rotation with the input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: GKN DRIVELINE NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
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Publication number: 20150316110Abstract: In at least some implementations, a disconnect assembly for a driveline component, such as a power transfer unit, may include an input shaft, a disconnect shaft selectively rotated by the input shaft and an output shaft coupled to the disconnect shaft. A first gear is coupled to the disconnect shaft and a second gear is coupled to the output shaft and to the first gear so that the output shaft rotates when the disconnect shaft rotates. A connection feature is movable between an engaged position in which the input shaft and disconnect shaft are coupled and a disengaged position in which the input shaft rotates relative to the disconnect shaft. The connection feature includes a first part carried by the gear for rotation therewith and a second part movable relative to the first part and carried by the input shaft for rotation with the input shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
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Patent number: 8164903Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping member for pressing power components (9) against cooling surfaces of the cooling flanges (7) of a housing, particularly for receiving an electronic circuit. The clamping member comprises a housing frame (13) having at least one receiving chamber for the cooling flange (7) and the power semiconductor (9) to be contacted with the cooling flange (7), the receiving chamber being surrounded by the frame walls (14a, 14b, 15) of the housing frame. A pressure element (17) is disposed between a frame wall (14a, 14b) and the power component (9) disposed opposite thereof, or the cooling flange (7) disposed opposite thereof. A separating gap, into which an expanding element (18) can be introduced on one side non-positively and/or positively such that the power component (9) is pressed against the cooling flange (7), is provided between the pressure element (17) and the frame wall (14a, 14b).Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: EBM-Papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Dieter Best, Mark Heinze, Erich Fiedler, Thilo Egner
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Patent number: 7871119Abstract: A door trim panel including a cover stock, an armrest coupled to the cover stock and having a first density, an upper energy absorber disposed above the armrest and having a second density higher than the first density, and a lower energy absorber disposed below the armrest and having a third density higher than the first density.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Michael P Schoemann, John D Youngs, Mark Heinze
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Publication number: 20100226096Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping member for pressing power components (9) against cooling surfaces of the cooling flanges (7) of a housing, particularly for receiving an electronic circuit. The clamping member comprises a housing frame (13) having at least one receiving chamber for the cooling flange (7) and the power semiconductor (9) to be contacted with the cooling flange (7), the receiving chamber being surrounded by the frame walls (14a, 14b, 15) of the housing frame. A pressure element (17) is disposed between a frame wall (14a, 14b) and the power component (9) disposed opposite thereof, or the cooling flange (7) disposed opposite thereof. A separating gap, into which an expanding element (18) can be introduced on one side non-positively and/or positively such that the power component (9) is pressed against the cooling flange (7), is provided between the pressure element (17) and the frame wall (14a, 14b).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Dieter Best, Mark Heinze, Erich Fiedler, Thilo Egner
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Publication number: 20090079228Abstract: A height adjustable armrest assembly for use with a vehicle may include a support member adapted for connection to a vehicle body. A linkage may be supported by the support member and an armrest member may be supported by the linkage. The linkage may be configured to move the armrest member between a lowered position and a raised position such that the angular orientation between the support member and the armrest member when the armrest member is in the raised position is substantially the same as when the armrest member is in the lowered position.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Alan Sturt, Mark Heinze
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Patent number: 7413237Abstract: A trim system configured to be received by a vehicle door substrate is provided. Some embodiments of the trim system include a locator and a feature. The feature is moveable relative to the locator after the locator is assembled with the substrate. Some embodiments of the trim system include a first and second feature. The second feature is moveable relative to the first feature after the first feature is assembled with the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Mark Heinze, Alan G. Dry, David J. Dooley, Leyang Lu
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Publication number: 20080073933Abstract: A trim system configured to be received by a vehicle door substrate is provided. Some embodiments of the trim system include a locator and a feature. The feature is moveable relative to the locator after the locator is assembled with the substrate. Some embodiments of the trim system include a first and second feature. The second feature is moveable relative to the first feature after the first feature is assembled with the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Mark Heinze, Alan G. Dry, David J. Dooley, Leyang Lu
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Publication number: 20060200960Abstract: An armrest bun. The armrest bun inserts within an armrest to provide cushioning. The armrest bun includes a support substrate and a poured foam layer. The bun inserting within a cavity of the armrest. The foam layer shaped to match the armrest cavity to limit dead-spots. The bun can be manufactured by position a support substrate in a pouring tool. Foam is poured into a cavity of the pouring tool. The poured foam solidifies to bond to the support substrate. The bun can then be inserted into the armrest.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2006Publication date: September 14, 2006Applicant: Lear CorporationInventors: Randy Reed, Mark Heinze, John Youngs
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Patent number: 7086683Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved sunvisor attachment, and to a two shot molding method for making the same, having a reduced number of parts and that is adapted to be coupled to a sunvisor for use as a sunvisor assembly in a vehicle. To this end, the sunvisor attachment includes a body and a cover with each including at least one integrally formed connecting member being pivotally coupled together so that the cover may be opened and closed to uncover and cover a mirror and/or light.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Bogdan Radu, James Mestemaker, Mark Heinze
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Patent number: 7077456Abstract: A trim assembly comprises a substrate member including a moveable panel integrally formed in the substrate and moveable between an open and closed position. A flexible skin overlies at least a portion of the substrate member and is integrally coupled to the substrate. The substrate and flexible skin are configured to define a cavity having an opening. The cavity opening is accessible when the moveable panel is in the open position. A resilient foam pad is positioned within the cavity to provide a soft feel to the trim assembly. The foam pad is inserted into the cavity using a tool that pulls a vacuum and compresses the foam pad. The foam pad is inserted into the cavity and the vacuum is released thereby expanding the foam pad to fill the cavity. The tool is removed and the moveable panel is moved to and secured in the closed position.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Charles D. Bailey, Mark Heinze, John Youngs, Tom Kopcha
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Publication number: 20060117540Abstract: A trim assembly comprises a substrate member including a moveable panel integrally formed in the substrate and moveable between an open and closed position. A flexible skin overlies at least a portion of the substrate member and is integrally coupled to the substrate. The substrate and flexible skin are configured to define a cavity having an opening. The cavity opening is accessible when the moveable panel is in the open position. A resilient foam pad is positioned within the cavity to provide a soft feel to the trim assembly. The foam pad is inserted into the cavity using a tool that pulls a vacuum and compresses the foam pad. The foam pad is inserted into the cavity and the vacuum is released thereby expanding the foam pad to fill the cavity. The tool is removed and the moveable panel is moved to and secured in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2006Publication date: June 8, 2006Inventors: Charles Bailey, Mark Heinze, John Youngs, Tom Kopcha
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Patent number: 7055888Abstract: An armrest bun. The armrest bun inserts within an armrest to provide cushioning. The armrest bun includes a support substrate and a poured foam layer. The bun inserting within a cavity of the armrest. The foam layer shaped to match the armrest cavity to limit dead-spots. The bun can be manufactured by position a support substrate in a pouring tool. Foam is poured into a cavity of the pouring tool. The poured foam solidifies to bond to the support substrate. The bun can then be inserted into the armrest.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Randy S. Reed, Mark Heinze, John D. Youngs
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Patent number: 7032954Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved automotive ashtray, and to a two shot molding method for making the same, having a reduced number of parts and that is adapted to be coupled to a substrate of an interior trim assembly, e.g. a door panel, in a vehicle. To this end, the ashtray includes a compartment body and a cover with each including at least one integrally formed connecting member being pivotally coupled together so that the cover may be moved between an open and a closed position for accessing a cavity within the body.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Bogdan Radu, John D. Youngs, Mark Heinze, James Gregory
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Publication number: 20060068130Abstract: In at least certain embodiments, the present invention relates to a trim panel and an apparatus and method of making the same. In at least one embodiment, the trim panel comprises a first portion and a second portion with a transition portion extending therebetween with the first portion and the second portion having curved portions having radii of less than 5 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2004Publication date: March 30, 2006Applicant: Lear CorporationInventors: David Dooley, Michael Schoemann, John Youngs, Mark Heinze, Kenneth Shaner, Matthew Brummer, Raymond Cummins
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Publication number: 20060012205Abstract: An automotive storage compartment comprises a compartment body defining a cavity and having an opening for accessing the cavity. The compartment body includes at least one connecting member integrally formed therein. The storage compartment further includes a cover having at least one connecting member integrally formed therein, the cover connecting member cooperating with the compartment body connecting member to moveably couple the cover to the compartment body. A two-shot molding process may be used to form the storage compartment, with the compartment body and body connecting member being formed in the first shot and the cover and cover connecting member being formed in the second shot so that the cover is pivotally coupled to the compartment body.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2004Publication date: January 19, 2006Inventors: Bogdan Radu, Mark Heinze, Alan Dry, Richard George
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Publication number: 20060012209Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved sunvisor attachment, and to a two shot molding method for making the same, having a reduced number of parts and that is adapted to be coupled to a sunvisor for use as a sunvisor assembly in a vehicle. To this end, the sunvisor attachment includes a body and a cover with each including at least one integrally formed connecting member being pivotally coupled together so that the cover may be opened and closed to uncover and cover a mirror and/or light.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2004Publication date: January 19, 2006Inventors: Bogdan Radu, James Mestemaker, Mark Heinze