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).

  • Patent number: 10118486
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
  • Patent number: 9621010
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: EBM-PAPST MULFINGEN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Reinhard Stillger, Christian Pfaff, Jens Krotsch, Martin Baun, Martin Baer, Tobias Ehmann, Mark Heinze, Reinhold Gerner, Christian Hammel
  • Publication number: 20170080800
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
  • Patent number: 9546696
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GKN DRIVELINE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
  • Publication number: 20150316110
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Samuel J. Oram, Richard E. Bastien, Lei Yang, Mark A. Heinze
  • Patent number: 8164903
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: EBM-Papst Mulfingen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Best, Mark Heinze, Erich Fiedler, Thilo Egner
  • Patent number: 7871119
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P Schoemann, John D Youngs, Mark Heinze
  • Publication number: 20100226096
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Dieter Best, Mark Heinze, Erich Fiedler, Thilo Egner
  • Publication number: 20090079228
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Sturt, Mark Heinze
  • Patent number: 7413237
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Heinze, Alan G. Dry, David J. Dooley, Leyang Lu
  • Publication number: 20080073933
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Heinze, Alan G. Dry, David J. Dooley, Leyang Lu
  • Publication number: 20060200960
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Reed, Mark Heinze, John Youngs
  • Patent number: 7086683
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bogdan Radu, James Mestemaker, Mark Heinze
  • Patent number: 7077456
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Charles D. Bailey, Mark Heinze, John Youngs, Tom Kopcha
  • Publication number: 20060117540
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Charles Bailey, Mark Heinze, John Youngs, Tom Kopcha
  • Patent number: 7055888
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Randy S. Reed, Mark Heinze, John D. Youngs
  • Patent number: 7032954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Bogdan Radu, John D. Youngs, Mark Heinze, James Gregory
  • Publication number: 20060068130
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: David Dooley, Michael Schoemann, John Youngs, Mark Heinze, Kenneth Shaner, Matthew Brummer, Raymond Cummins
  • Publication number: 20060012205
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventors: Bogdan Radu, Mark Heinze, Alan Dry, Richard George
  • Publication number: 20060012209
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Inventors: Bogdan Radu, James Mestemaker, Mark Heinze