Patents by Inventor Martin R. Matthews
Martin R. Matthews 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: 11897547Abstract: An active liftgate spoiler used on a liftgate of a vehicle. The liftgate has an upper surface and is typically a rear liftgate or hatch on the rear side of the vehicle. A housing is connected to the upper surface of the liftgate. There is a moveable panel connected to the housing using a connection. The connection is formed by a four bar linkage that forms a portion of the connection between the moveable panel and the housing. An actuator, which in one embodiment is a single rotary actuator is connected to the four bar linkage and causes the movement of the moveable panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Braendon R. Lindberg, Michael Cowan, Martin R. Matthews, Anthony J. Povinelli, Larry Erickson, Michael McAfee
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Patent number: 11780511Abstract: An active front wheel deflector assembly (10) including a deflector panel (20) moveable between a stowed position and at least one deployed position wherein the deployment of the deflector panel (20) moves the deflector panel (20) into an airflow to direct air and improves aerodynamics. The active front wheel deflector assembly (10) combines linear actuation with rotational motion.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Yao Wang, Jeffrey E. May, Thomas E. Cobb, Martin R. Matthews, Braendon R. Lindberg
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Patent number: 11780512Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined geometry and ratio of links to each other for movement of the active front deflector assembly between at least a deployed position and a retracted position. The deflector panel is positionable at multiple heights. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. A drive shaft transmits the drive from one side to the other side. The deflector is both rigid and semi rigid to absorb impact energy.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: October 10, 2023Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Jeffry J. Zielinski, Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
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Patent number: 11745809Abstract: An active underbody panel system having a frame arrangement mounted under the vehicle and at least one deployable panel moveable between stowed and deployed positions to improve aerodynamics under the vehicle. A deployment/retraction mechanism is provided having a pair of linkage assemblies and driven by an actuator, which allows the deployable panel(s) to be moved automatically downward into the air flow as needed.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2021Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
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Patent number: 11624411Abstract: A non-backdrivable clutched module for a bi-directional actuator such as actuators used for active aerodynamics on vehicles. The module has both a stopper mode and a clutch mode. During the stopper mode a back-driving force gets diverted away from the actuator using a locking bearing member. If the force is too great a clutch mode will disengage the back-driving force completely from the shaft connected to the actuator, thereby preventing damage to the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS, INC.Inventors: Braendon R. Lindberg, Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Yao Wang
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Publication number: 20230101895Abstract: An active liftgate spoiler used on a liftgate of a vehicle. The liftgate has an upper surface and is typically a rear liftgate or hatch on the rear side of the vehicle. A housing is connected to the upper surface of the liftgate. There is a moveable panel connected to the housing using a connection. The connection is formed by a four bar linkage that forms a portion of the connection between the moveable panel and the housing. An actuator, which in one embodiment is a single rotary actuator is connected to the four bar linkage and causes the movement of the moveable panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Braendon R. LINDBERG, Michael COWAN, Martin R. MATTHEWS, Anthony J. POVINELLI, Larry ERICKSON, Michael MCAFEE
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Patent number: 11608125Abstract: An active front deflector assembly for a vehicle capable of moving between an extended position and a retracted position or any position there between. The active front deflector assembly has a cross member for attaching to an underbody of a vehicle. The frame member also includes a plurality of slip joint connections for connecting to the underbody of the vehicle. The cross member is a fixed link of an actuator link assembly that has an actuator, drive link, floating link and a blade.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS, INC.Inventors: Martin R. Matthews, Braendon R. Lindberg, Yao Wang
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Patent number: 11584452Abstract: An active front deflector assembly having a deflector panel, actuator, and linkage assemblies each with a predetermined ratio of the links to each other for motion of the deflector panel. The assembly deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements, and, when deployed, redirects the air flow in the front of the vehicle to improve the vehicle aerodynamics for either fuel economy or performance characteristics. Additionally, it allows for the deflector panel to retract so the vehicle meets ground clearances, etc. The deflector panel is also both rigid and semi-rigid to absorb impact energy. The drive shaft transmits the drive from the actuator coupled to one linkage assembly to the other linkage assembly for moving the deflector panel between the deployed/retracted positions. The actuator is clutched to prevent damage to the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews, Jeffrey B. Manhire
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Patent number: 11554817Abstract: An active liftgate spoiler (10;100;200;300;400) used on a liftgate (8) of a vehicle (6). The liftgate has an upper surface (4) and is typically a rear liftgate or hatch on the rear side of the vehicle. A housing (11;104;202;302;412) is connected to the upper surface of the liftgate. There is a moveable panel (12; 102;204, 208; 306, 308;402,403) connected to the housing using a connection. The connection is formed by a four bar linkage (20,20?; 106, 106?;210,210?; 311,311?;411, 411?) that forms a portion of the connection between the moveable panel and the housing. An actuator (14;110;212;314;414), which in one embodiment is a single rotary actuator is connected to the four bar linkage and causes the movement of the moveable panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS, INC.Inventors: Braendon R. Lindberg, Michael Cowan, Martin R. Matthews, Anthony J. Povinelli, Larry Erickson, Michael Mcafee
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Patent number: 11541950Abstract: An active aerodynamic application torque link system including a four bar linkage having a fixed link, driven link, follower link and coupler. The fixed link has a follower link aperture and a driven link aperture. The follower link has a first end rotatably connected to the follower link aperture of the fixed link and a second end of the follower link is connected to the coupler. The driven link is rotatably connected at a first end to the coupler and coupled at a second end to a torque transfer tube that has a cross sectional shape of a four sided polygon with four radial facets. The four sided torque transfer tube is rotatably connected to the driven link aperture of the fixed link. The four bar linkage is used in a number of different applications by connecting the coupler with different components.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS, INC.Inventors: Braendon R. Lindberg, Ross J. Parpart, Martin R. Matthews, Daniel Vander Sluis
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Publication number: 20220412440Abstract: An injection molded slide actuator assembly which has a frame, a slide carrier and a slide track member. The injection molded slide actuator has an X, Y, and Z axis with the slide track member having at least one track slot extending along they and the Z direction and said slide carrier having at least one cooperating outwardly extending side members for engaging the at least one track slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: December 29, 2022Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Ted E. Peterson, Yao Wang, Martin R. Matthews
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Patent number: 11499595Abstract: A sealed actuator with internal clutching assembly including an output shaft, output detent ring, moving detent ring, and a wave spring, which is fit inside a sealed housing. The moving detent ring is able to move axially to the output shaft and the output detent ring is able to rotate on the output shaft. Intermeshing ramped teeth of these rings are held together by a wave spring and allow the output shaft to rotate and transmit torque of a motor through a main gear operably coupled to an output gear mounted on the output shaft to the outside of the housing. During predetermined high loads, the output and moving detent rings ramped teeth create an axial force that overcomes the load from the wave spring, which allows moving detent ring to disengage and output shaft to rotate freely to help prevent damage to the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2020Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: MAGNA EXTERIORS, INCInventors: Martin R. Matthews, Anthony J. Povinelli
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Publication number: 20220340213Abstract: An active side panel assembly having at least one deployable panel (22) and at least one actuator (30). The deployable panel deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements and provides valueable reduction in vehicle drag, thereby reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. Additionally, it allows for the system to retract so the vehicle can still meet ground clearances, ramp angles, off-road requirements, etc. The active side panel provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator to help prevent damage, and communication with the vehicle to determine proper deployment and function.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2022Publication date: October 27, 2022Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews
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Patent number: 11433955Abstract: An air dam for a vehicle having a front panel with a downward facing surface at a lateral front edge. At least one air curtain such as an air jet forces air downward toward the ground for creating an aerodynamic barrier of air which reduces turbulence caused by the underbody of a vehicle while the vehicle is underway.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Martin R. Matthews, Anthony J. Povinelli, Yao Wang
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Patent number: 11414140Abstract: An active side panel assembly having at least one deployable panel (22) and at least one actuator (30). The deployable panel deploys and retracts based on vehicle requirements and provides valuable reduction in vehicle drag, thereby reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. Additionally, it allows for the system to retract so the vehicle can still meet ground clearances, ramp angles, off-road requirements, etc. The active side panel provides a fully deployable system with object detection, declutching of the actuator to help prevent damage, and communication with the vehicle to determine proper deployment and function.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Martin R. Matthews
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Publication number: 20220242496Abstract: An active aero panel assembly including at least one deployable panel, at least one drive mechanism, and at least one actuator. The active aero panel assembly improves aerodynamics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2022Publication date: August 4, 2022Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Michael McAfee, Martin R. Matthews, Braendon R. Lindberg
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Publication number: 20220136571Abstract: A non-backdrivable clutched module for a bi-directional actuator such as actuators used for active aerodynamics on vehicles. The module has both a stopper mode and a clutch mode. During the stopper mode a back-driving force gets diverted away from the actuator using a locking bearing member. If the force is too great a clutch mode will disengage the back-driving force completely from the shaft connected to the actuator, thereby preventing damage to the actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Applicant: Magna Exteriors inc.Inventors: Braendon R. LINDBERG, Anthony J. POVINELLI, Martin R. MATTHEWS, Yao WANG
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Publication number: 20220105996Abstract: An active underbody panel system having a frame arrangement mounted under the vehicle and at least one deployable panel moveable between stowed and deployed positions to improve aerodynamics under the vehicle. A deployment/retraction mechanism is provided having a pair of linkage assemblies and driven by an actuator, which allows the deployable panel(s) to be moved automatically downward into the air flow as needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
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Patent number: 11286011Abstract: An active aero panel assembly including at least one deployable panel, at least one drive mechanism, and at least one actuator. The active aero panel assembly improves aerodynamics.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Michael McAfee, Martin R. Matthews, Braendon R. Lindberg
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Patent number: 11230332Abstract: An active underbody panel system having a frame arrangement mounted under the vehicle and at least one deployable panel moveable between stowed and deployed positions to improve aerodynamics under the vehicle. A deployment/retraction mechanism is provided having a pair of linkage assemblies and driven by an actuator, which allows the deployable panel(s) to be moved automatically downward into the air flow as needed.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb