Patents by Inventor Michael Mixon
Michael Mixon 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: 11813928Abstract: A weather seal system is provided for sealing a perimeter of a vehicle sunroof. The system includes a mounting base having an outboard first channel, and an inboard second channel spaced apart from, and extending generally parallel to, the outboard first channel. At least two connecting portions are positioned between and connecting the first and second channels. A spine is supported by the at least two connecting portions so as to reside above the first and second channels when the mounting base is mounted on a vehicle. The spine extends generally parallel to the outboard first channel. At least a first and a second opposed weather strip retention projections extend from respective opposite first and second sides of the spine. A weather strip is structured to engage the opposed first and second weather strip retention projections so as to secure the weather strip to the spine.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: AISIN Technical Center of America, Inc.Inventors: Joel Thomas Runyan, Michael Mixon, Jacob Grimaldo, Tatsuya Matsui
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Publication number: 20230347724Abstract: A weather seal system is provided for sealing a perimeter of a vehicle sunroof. The system includes a mounting base having an outboard first channel, and an inboard second channel spaced apart from, and extending generally parallel to, the outboard first channel. At least two connecting portions are positioned between and connecting the first and second channels. A spine is supported by the at least two connecting portions so as to reside above the first and second channels when the mounting base is mounted on a vehicle. The spine extends generally parallel to the outboard first channel. At least a first and a second opposed weather strip retention projections extend from respective opposite first and second sides of the spine. A weather strip is structured to engage the opposed first and second weather strip retention projections so as to secure the weather strip to the spine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2022Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Joel Thomas Runyan, Michael Mixon, Jacob Grimaldo, Tatsuya Matsui
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Patent number: 11777361Abstract: A motor assembly for a sunroof system is provided with a motor cover to prevent water intrusion. The motor assembly includes a motor including a motor yoke, a connector electrically connected to the motor, a central portion including a pinion gear rotated by the motor, and a motor cover. The motor cover includes a motor yoke cover that covers the motor yoke, a central cover that covers the central portion, and a connector cover that covers the connector, the motor cover configured to prevent water in the central portion from entering the motor yoke and the connector.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Michael Mixon, Jacob Grimaldo, Joel Runyan
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Patent number: 11697330Abstract: A perimeter frame for a sunshade module includes a sunshade opening, a guiderail, and a housing. The guiderail includes an end face, and a guideway, a mounting flange, and an attachment channel extending therefrom. The guideway opens inwardly to the sunshade opening, the mounting flange projects outwardly away from the sunshade opening, and the attachment channel opens downwardly from therebetween. The housing includes a guiderail adaptor. The guiderail adaptor is inserted into the attachment channel, secured to the attachment channel using a fastener installed from above the attachment channel, and engages the attachment channel from below.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Aisin Technical Center of America, Inc.Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Micah Wedekind, Michael Mixon
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Publication number: 20230170757Abstract: A motor assembly for a sunroof system is provided with a motor cover to prevent water intrusion. The motor assembly includes a motor including a motor yoke, a connector electrically connected to the motor, a central portion including a pinion gear rotated by the motor, and a motor cover. The motor cover includes a motor yoke cover that covers the motor yoke, a central cover that covers the central portion, and a connector cover that covers the connector, the motor cover configured to prevent water in the central portion from entering the motor yoke and the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2021Publication date: June 1, 2023Applicant: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Michael MIXON, Jacob GRIMALDO, Joel RUNYAN
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Publication number: 20230158869Abstract: A perimeter frame for a sunshade module includes a sunshade opening, a guiderail, and a housing. The guiderail includes an end face, and a guideway, a mounting flange, and an attachment channel extending therefrom. The guideway opens inwardly to the sunshade opening, the mounting flange projects outwardly away from the sunshade opening, and the attachment channel opens downwardly from therebetween. The housing includes a guiderail adaptor. The guiderail adaptor is inserted into the attachment channel, secured to the attachment channel using a fastener installed from above the attachment channel, and engages the attachment channel from below.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2021Publication date: May 25, 2023Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Micah Wedekind, Michael Mixon
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Publication number: 20220258579Abstract: Sunroof drive apparatus and related sunroof assemblies for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed assembly includes a sunroof panel, a rail, a guide block attached to part of the rail, a bracket beneath the sunroof panel, a link in the rail removably connected to the guide block, and a drive shoe in the rail slidably coupled to the link. The drive shoe includes first and second slots to receive respective first and second pins of the link. The link can rotate about a rotation axis from a first orientation in which the link is inseparable from the guide block to a target orientation in which the link is separable from the guide block. When the first pin enters a locking area at an end of the first slot, the drive shoe imparts one or more loads on the first pin that urge the link into the target orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Micah Wedekind, Michael Mixon, Tatsuya Matsui
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Patent number: 11318825Abstract: Sunroof drive apparatus and related sunroof assemblies for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed assembly includes a sunroof panel, a rail, a guide block attached to part of the rail, a bracket beneath the sunroof panel, a link in the rail removably connected to the guide block, and a drive shoe in the rail slidably coupled to the link. The drive shoe includes first and second slots to receive respective first and second pins of the link. The link can rotate about a rotation axis from a first orientation in which the link is inseparable from the guide block to a target orientation in which the link is separable from the guide block. When the first pin enters a locking area at an end of the first slot, the drive shoe imparts one or more loads on the first pin that urge the link into the target orientation.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Micah Wedekind, Michael Mixon, Tatsuya Matsui
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Publication number: 20220118835Abstract: Sunroof drive apparatus and related sunroof assemblies for use with vehicles are disclosed. A disclosed assembly includes a sunroof panel, a rail, a guide block attached to part of the rail, a bracket beneath the sunroof panel, a link in the rail removably connected to the guide block, and a drive shoe in the rail slidably coupled to the link. The drive shoe includes first and second slots to receive respective first and second pins of the link. The link can rotate about a rotation axis from a first orientation in which the link is inseparable from the guide block to a target orientation in which the link is separable from the guide block. When the first pin enters a locking area at an end of the first slot, the drive shoe imparts one or more loads on the first pin that urge the link into the target orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2020Publication date: April 21, 2022Applicant: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jacob GRIMALDO, Micah WEDEKIND, Michael MIXON, Tatsuya MATSUI
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Patent number: 11279215Abstract: An assembly for a sunroof can include a rail extending in a length direction of a vehicle, a bracket beneath a sunroof panel, an adapter coupled to the bracket, and a drive mechanism connected to a part of the bracket. Movement of the drive mechanism along the rail moves the bracket between a first position in which the sunroof is closed and a second position in which the sunroof is open. A catch device can slide along the rail relative to the adapter and includes a channel extending through a structure of the catch device to receive the adapter when the bracket is in the first position. When the adapter is in the channel, the structure is configured to engage the adapter to maintain the bracket in the first position and resist deflection of the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Micah Wedekind, Michael Mixon
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Publication number: 20220063385Abstract: An assembly for a sunroof can include a rail extending in a length direction of a vehicle, a bracket beneath a sunroof panel, an adapter coupled to the bracket, and a drive mechanism connected to a part of the bracket. Movement of the drive mechanism along the rail moves the bracket between a first position in which the sunroof is closed and a second position in which the sunroof is open. A catch device can slide along the rail relative to the adapter and includes a channel extending through a structure of the catch device to receive the adapter when the bracket is in the first position. When the adapter is in the channel, the structure is configured to engage the adapter to maintain the bracket in the first position and resist deflection of the bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jacob GRIMALDO, Micah WEDEKIND, Michael MIXON
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Patent number: 10946731Abstract: A sunroof apparatus for an automotive vehicle includes: a fixed glass panel having a first outer rim, and a movable glass panel having a second outer rim. A portion of the first outer rim of the fixed glass panel in the forward direction of the vehicle is adjacent to the movable panel and includes a water channel. A majority of the water channel is formed underneath of the movable glass panel such that the movable glass panel covers a majority of an upper open portion of the water channel when the movable glass panel is in a closed position.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Micah Wedekind, Michael Mixon
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Patent number: 10843539Abstract: Tensioner apparatus for use with vehicle sunroofs are disclosed. A disclosed assembly for a vehicle sunroof includes a sunshade tensioner defining a body that is configured to engage a sunshade of the vehicle sunroof to prevent the sunshade from wrinkling. The assembly also includes a first tab supported by a first component of the vehicle sunroof. The first tab is configured to extend through a first aperture positioned on the body to removably couple a first end of the body to the first support component.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Chanli Ke, Jacob Grimaldo, Michael Mixon
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Patent number: 10792985Abstract: Drain apparatus for use with vehicle sunroofs are disclosed. A disclosed assembly for a vehicle sunroof includes a sunshade axle configured to receive a sunshade. The assembly also includes a sunroof drain supported by a component of the vehicle sunroof and configured to convey a fluid away from the vehicle sunroof. The sunroof drain includes a body that defines a fluid cavity and a bracket coupled to the body. The bracket is configured to hold the sunshade axle.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Joel Runyan, Michael Mixon
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Publication number: 20200298682Abstract: Tensioner apparatus for use with vehicle sunroofs are disclosed. A disclosed assembly for a vehicle sunroof includes a sunshade tensioner defining a body that is configured to engage a sunshade of the vehicle sunroof to prevent the sunshade from wrinkling. The assembly also includes a first tab supported by a first component of the vehicle sunroof. The first tab is configured to extend through a first aperture positioned on the body to removably couple a first end of the body to the first support component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2019Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Chanli KE, Jacob Grimaldo, Michael Mixon
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Publication number: 20200298681Abstract: Drain apparatus for use with vehicle sunroofs are disclosed. A disclosed assembly for a vehicle sunroof includes a sunshade axle configured to receive a sunshade. The assembly also includes a sunroof drain supported by a component of the vehicle sunroof and configured to convey a fluid away from the vehicle sunroof. The sunroof drain includes a body that defines a fluid cavity and a bracket coupled to the body. The bracket is configured to hold the sunshade axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2019Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INCInventors: Jacob GRIMALDO, Joel RUNYAN, Michael MIXON
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Patent number: 10647185Abstract: Drive link apparatus for use with vehicle sunroofs are disclosed herein. An example assembly for a vehicle sunroof includes a drive shoe. The drive shoe is movable along a rail and includes a ramp portion positioned thereon. The assembly also includes a drive link that is rotatably coupled to the drive shoe and supports a panel. The drive link includes a guide portion that is positioned thereon and configured to slidably engage the ramp portion to prevent the drive link from rotating during a sunroof operation. The guide portion includes an extension that is positioned thereon and interposed between the drive shoe and a guide block. The extension is configured to slidably engage the drive shoe, the ramp portion, or the guide block to prevent the drive link from twisting during the sunroof operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2019Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jacob Grimaldo, Shintaro Katsura, Michael Mixon
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Publication number: 20200114741Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sunroof apparatus of an automotive vehicle. Specifically, the present disclosure describes a constraining portion of a guiding drive shoe and a constrained portion of a drive link to maintain a drive link angle during high-speed operation of the sunroof apparatus. Moreover, the present disclosure describes a guiding portion of a rear drive shoe and a guided portion of a bracket to guide a glass panel of the sunroof apparatus into a fully-closed position during high-speed operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2018Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Shintaro KATSURA, Michael MIXON
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Publication number: 20200114743Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sunroof apparatus of an automotive vehicle. Specifically, the present disclosure describes a constraining portion of a guiding drive shoe and a constrained portion of a drive link configured to maintain a drive link angle during high-speed operation of the sunroof apparatus. Moreover, the present disclosure describes a guiding portion of a rear drive shoe and a guided portion of a functional bracket configured to guide a glass panel of the sunroof apparatus into a fully-closed position during high-speed operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2018Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Shintaro KATSURA, Michael MIXON
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Publication number: 20200114742Abstract: Drive link apparatus for use with vehicle sunroofs are disclosed herein. An example assembly for a vehicle sunroof includes a drive shoe. The drive shoe is movable along a rail and includes a ramp portion positioned thereon. The assembly also includes a drive link that is rotatably coupled to the drive shoe and supports a panel. The drive link includes a guide portion that is positioned thereon and configured to slidably engage the ramp portion to prevent the drive link from rotating during a sunroof operation. The guide portion includes an extension that is positioned thereon and interposed between the drive shoe and a guide block. The extension is configured to slidably engage the drive shoe, the ramp, portion, or the guide block to prevent the drive link from twisting during the sunroof operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: AISIN TECHNICAL CENTER OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Jacob GRIMALDO, Shintaro KATSURA, Michael MIXON