Patents by Inventor Michael W. Cass
Michael W. Cass 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: 8267428Abstract: An energy absorber for a vehicle includes an elongate member having lateral and longitudinal axes. The elongate member may include one or more channels which are oriented to have walls which extend in the general direction of the lateral axis. An upper surface of at least one of the channels may have an engagement feature that may be configured to engage a stationary member of a vehicle when an impact force brings the engagement feature into contact with the stationary member. The channels may be configured to deform and collapse to absorb at least some of the impact force.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, IncInventors: Todd DePue, Arun Chickmenahalli, Michael W. Cass, Robert Adams
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Patent number: 8083979Abstract: A method of manufacturing decorative plastic composites having a decorative layer, a backing layer and a clear outer layer which provides exceptional “depth of image” is disclosed. Decorative or protective appliqués' having a wide range of decorative patterns may be formed by injection molding a backing layer behind and a clear outer layer on the top surface of a decorative layer, the decorative layer comprising a relatively thin metal foil, film, fabric, veneer or sheet of paper having a digital image from an inkjet printer deposited on a front surface thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the appearance of a wood veneer may be modified by digitally printing a burl pattern over the wood grain surface of the veneer prior to injection molding.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Marc A. Hayes, Mark K. Neitzke, Michael W. Cass
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Publication number: 20110272851Abstract: A method of manufacturing decorative plastic composites having a decorative layer, a backing layer and a clear outer layer which provides exceptional “depth of image” is disclosed. Decorative or protective appliqués' having a wide range of decorative patterns may be formed by injection molding a backing layer behind and a clear outer layer on the top surface of a thin foil, film, fabric or veneer. A method is also disclosed for coating the exposed surface of the decorative layer between injection of the backing and outer layers to impart a desired visual effect or repair the surface. Use of multiple layers of decorative film, clear plastic and colored/opaque plastic is also disclosed to provide distinguishing visual effects.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2011Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Marc A. HAYES, Mark K. NEITZKE, Michael W. CASS
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Patent number: 7981342Abstract: A method of manufacturing decorative plastic composites having a decorative layer, a backing layer and a clear outer layer which provides exceptional “depth of image” is disclosed. Decorative or protective appliqués' having a wide range of decorative patterns may be formed by injection molding a backing layer behind and a clear outer layer on the top surface of a thin foil, film, fabric or veneer. A method is also disclosed for coating the exposed surface of the decorative layer between injection of the backing and outer layers to impart a desired visual effect or repair the surface. Use of multiple layers of decorative film, clear plastic and colored/opaque plastic is also disclosed to provide distinguishing visual effects.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Marc A. Hayes, Mark K. Neitzke, Michael W. Cass
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Publication number: 20110148086Abstract: An energy absorber for a vehicle includes an elongate member having lateral and longitudinal axes. The elongate member may include one or more channels which are oriented to have walls which extend in the general direction of the lateral axis. An upper surface of at least one of the channels may have an engagement feature that may be configured to engage a stationary member of a vehicle when an impact force brings the engagement feature into contact with the stationary member. The channels may be configured to deform and collapse to absorb at least some of the impact force.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Todd DePue, Arun Chickmenahalli, Michael W. Cass, Robert Adams
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Publication number: 20100296304Abstract: A combination for a vehicle is set forth herein. The combination includes a compartment positioned in the vehicle. The compartment is defined by a plurality of surfaces generally facing one another to define an interior volume. The compartment is thereby operable to hold a stowable item. A first surface of the plurality of surfaces is substantially fixed relative to the vehicle and a second surface of the plurality of surfaces is movable relative to the first surface. The combination also includes at least one self-contained light mounted on the second surface. The at least one self-contained light includes at least one light emitting structure and at least one battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2009Publication date: November 25, 2010Inventors: MARC HAYES, JAMES J. HOBSON, MICHAEL W. CASS
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Patent number: 7806430Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates an airbag assembly comprising a panel having a tear seam forming at least one airbag door, and a door chute assembly comprising a laterally extending flange connected to the panel proximate the airbag door. The door chute assembly includes a chute depending from the flange away from the panel and the chute has at least one opening. The airbag assembly further comprises a door panel assembly including at least one door panel disposed within the chute and connected to the airbag door. The door panel has a downwardly depending flange having at least one projection extending laterally through the at least one opening of the chute. The airbag assembly further comprises an inflatable airbag mounted on the door chute.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Todd L. DePue, Robert J. Adams, Michael W. Cass, Paul W. Nagy, Sarkis B. Mikhjian
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Publication number: 20100124876Abstract: An air duct outlet is disclosed herein. The air duct outlet includes a housing comprising a first wall being substantially planar and a second wall being at least partially convex to the first wall. The first wall and the second wall are disposed in adjacent, spaced-apart relation and defining at least two sides of an air passageway. The air passageway extends along a flow path between an inlet and a flared outlet. The air duct outlet also includes a vane pivotally disposed within the air passageway along the flow path. The vane is movable between a first position wherein the vane substantially blocks the air passageway and a range of other positions that are increasingly substantially parallel to the first wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventors: Edilbert Yu, Felix Chang, Thomas Gehring, Michael W. Cass
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Publication number: 20100080970Abstract: A method of manufacturing decorative plastic composites having a decorative layer, a backing layer and a clear outer layer which provides exceptional “depth of image” is disclosed. Decorative or protective appliqués' having a wide range of decorative patterns may be formed by injection molding a backing layer behind and a clear outer layer on the top surface of a decorative layer, the decorative layer comprising a relatively thin metal foil, film, fabric, veneer or sheet of paper having a digital image from an inkjet printer deposited on a front surface thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the appearance of a wood veneer may be modified by digitally printing a burl pattern over the wood grain surface of the veneer prior to injection molding.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Marc A. HAYES, Mark K. NEITZKE, Michael W. CASS
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Publication number: 20090174121Abstract: A method of manufacturing decorative plastic composites having a decorative layer, a backing layer and a clear outer layer which provides exceptional “depth of image” is disclosed. Decorative or protective appliqués' having a wide range of decorative patterns may be formed by injection molding a backing layer behind and a clear outer layer on the top surface of a thin foil, film, fabric or veneer. A method is also disclosed for coating the exposed surface of the decorative layer between injection of the backing and outer layers to impart a desired visual effect or repair the surface. Use of multiple layers of decorative film, clear plastic and colored/opaque plastic is also disclosed to provide distinguishing visual effects.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2009Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Marc A. HAYES, Mark K. NEITZKE, Michael W. CASS
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Patent number: 7422232Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates an airbag assembly for use with a trim panel having a tear seam forming at least one airbag door, and a door chute assembly comprising a laterally extending flange connected to the panel proximate the airbag door. The door chute assembly includes a chute depending from the flange away from the panel and the chute has at least one opening. The airbag assembly further comprises a door panel assembly including at least one door panel disposed within the chute and connected to the airbag door. The door panel has a downwardly depending flange having at least one projection extending laterally through the at least one opening of the chute.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Todd L. DePue, Michael W. Cass, Robert J. Adams
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Patent number: 7401835Abstract: A center stack for an instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The center stack includes a front plate having an exposed surface with a first surface finish and a back plate having a visible portion uncovered by the front plate. The front plate has at least one opening extending through the exposed surface for accessing at least one operational feature of the motor vehicle. The visible portion of the back plate has a second surface finish that differs from the first surface finish of the front plate. The back plate may include a flex joint that permits the visible portion of the back plate to move relative to an adjacent non-visible portion covered by the front plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2007Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Gresham, Michael W. Cass, Gail C. Miciuda
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Publication number: 20080073885Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates an airbag assembly for use with a trim panel having a tear seam forming at least one airbag door, and a door chute assembly comprising a laterally extending flange connected to the panel proximate the airbag door. The door chute assembly includes a chute depending from the flange away from the panel and the chute has at least one opening. The airbag assembly further comprises a door panel assembly including at least one door panel disposed within the chute and connected to the airbag door. The door panel has a downwardly depending flange having at least one projection extending laterally through the at least one opening of the chute.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Todd L. DePue, Michael W. Cass, Robert J. Adams
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Publication number: 20080012273Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates an airbag assembly comprising a panel having a tear seam forming at least one airbag door, and a door chute assembly comprising a laterally extending flange connected to the panel proximate the airbag door. The door chute assembly includes a chute depending from the flange away from the panel and the chute has at least one opening. The airbag assembly further comprises a door panel assembly including at least one door panel disposed within the chute and connected to the airbag door. The door panel has a downwardly depending flange having at least one projection extending laterally through the at least one opening of the chute. The airbag assembly further comprises an inflatable airbag mounted on the door chute.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2006Publication date: January 17, 2008Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuk, Todd L. DePue, Robert J. Adams, Michael W. Cass, Paul W. Nagy, Sarkis B. Mikhjian
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Publication number: 20070278773Abstract: An airbag assembly is provided including an instrument panel substrate with an outer display surface and a panel opening formed therein. A door panel is positioned over the panel opening. A chute element is positioned behind and mounted to the instrument panel substrate. It includes an upper chute mating surface mounted to the instrument panel substrate, a chute chamber orientated coincident with the panel opening, and a plurality of chute sidewalls. A living hinge assembly includes a hinge sidewall portion slidably engaged to one of the chute sidewalls, a hinge door portion attached to the hinge sidewall portion by a living hinge portion allowing them to relatively rotate. The hinge door portion is mounted to the door panel. An airbag module is mounted to the chute element and deploys upward through the chute chamber. The living hinge assembly slides upward during deployment to clear the outer display surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2006Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Glenn A. Cowelchuck, Todd L. DePue, Robert J. Adams, Michael W. Cass
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Patent number: 7264294Abstract: A center stack for an instrument panel of a motor vehicle. The center stack includes a front plate having an exposed surface with a first surface finish and a back plate having a visible portion uncovered by the front plate. The front plate has at least one opening extending through the exposed surface for accessing at least one operational feature of the motor vehicle. The visible portion of the back plate has a second surface finish that differs from the first surface finish of the front plate. The back plate may include a flex joint that permits the visible portion of the back plate to move relative to an adjacent non-visible portion covered by the front plate.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Gresham, Michael W Cass, Gail C Miciuda
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Patent number: 7240941Abstract: A vehicle storage assembly includes a storage compartment having an opening to permit access to the compartment. A door adjacent the opening is moveable between a closed position that covers the opening and an open position that permits access to the compartment through the opening. The storage assembly further includes a controllable damper coupled to the door and actuable between high and low damping states, such that the door is maintained in one of the closed position, the open position, or any position therebetween when the controllable damper is in the high damping state. To move the door to a new position, the controllable damper is actuated from the high damping state to the low damping state whereby the door can then be freely moved to the desired position. The controllable damper may then be actuated from the low damping state to the high damping state to retain the door in the selected position.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Robert J Adams, Michael W Cass, Todd L DePue, Kenneth William Paul Shaner
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Patent number: 7221359Abstract: A touch sensitive electroluminiescent (EL) switch is provided in a vehicle for actuating a vehicle accessory. A dielectric layer is adjacent to a rear electrode layer. A phosphor layer is adjacent to the dielectric layer. A transparent electrode layer includes a pad adjacent to the phosphor layer, and a substantially concentric conductive trace is adjacent to the phosphor layer and is spaced from the pad in the transparent electrode layer. The phosphor layer is disposed between the rear electrode layer and the pad and defines an illuminated region when energized by a first voltage. The substantially conductive trace and the pad cooperate to define a detection region substantially coinciding with the illuminated region when energized by a second voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: David A. Hein, Todd L. DePue, Michael W. Cass
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Patent number: 7198315Abstract: A connector for securing an interior trim assembly to a support of an automobile. The connector includes a connector body having a head portion formed at a proximal end of the connector body and a shank portion extending from the head portion toward a distal end of the connector body. A sealing gasket is integrally molded onto the connector body distally of the head portion. A two-shot molding process may be used to form the connector with the connector body being formed in the first shot of the molding process and the sealing gasket being formed onto the connector body in the second shot of the molding process.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Michael W Cass, John D Youngs
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Patent number: 7163248Abstract: A center console for an automobile includes an armrest that is selectively adjustable by vehicle occupants to and between a first position wherein the armrest is in a substantially horizontal orientation, and a second position wherein the armrest extends angularly away from the console. The console further includes a controllable damper coupled to the armrest and actuable between high and low damping states. In the low damping state, the armrest may be selectively placed at any position desired by the vehicle occupants. When the damper is actuated to the high damping state, the damper maintains the selected position of the armrest.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Robert J Adams, Michael W Cass, Todd L DePue, Kenneth William Paul Shaner