Patents by Inventor Russell Joseph MIHM

Russell Joseph MIHM 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).

  • Publication number: 20240140349
    Abstract: An assembly includes a dash and a deployable panel supported by the dash. The deployable panel is moveable relative to the dash from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The deployable panel has a proximal end at the dash in the deployed position and a distal end spaced above the dash in the deployed position. An airbag is supported by the dash and is inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag abuts the deployable panel when the deployable panel is in the deployed position and the airbag is in the inflated position. A tether extends from the airbag to the deployable panel in the undeployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Axel Smitterberg, Russell Joseph Mihm, Johnathan Andrew Line, Chuck R. Reese, James Robert Chascsa, II
  • Patent number: 11891007
    Abstract: An assembly includes a dash and a deployable panel. The deployable panel has a proximal end rotatably connected to the dash. The deployable panel is rotatable about the proximal end from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The proximal end is engaged with the dash in the deployed position and the deployable panel has a distal end spaced above the dash in the deployed position. A member is supported by the dash and translatable upwardly from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The deployable panel abuts the member in the deployed position. The member is rigid relative to the panel in the deployed position. An airbag is supported by the dash and is inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag abuts the panel in the inflated position. The deployable panel is between the airbag and the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Axel Smitterberg, Russell Joseph Mihm, Johnathan Andrew Line, Chuck R. Reese, James Robert Chascsa, II
  • Patent number: 11891009
    Abstract: An assembly includes a dash and a deployable panel. The deployable panel has a proximal end rotatably connected to the dash. The deployable panel is rotatable about the proximal end from an undeployed position to a deployed position. The proximal end is engaged with the dash in the deployed position and the deployable panel has a distal end spaced above the dash in the deployed position. An airbag is supported by the dash and is inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag has a back panel abutting the deployable panel in the inflated position and an impact panel opposite the back panel. A tether is connected to the deployable panel and the impact panel. The tether extends through the back panel from the deployable panel to the impact panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Axel Smitterberg, Russell Joseph Mihm, Johnathan Andrew Line, Chuck R. Reese, James Robert Chascsa, II
  • Patent number: 11535188
    Abstract: An airbag assembly for a vehicle is provided that includes a housing coupled to the support structure of a vehicle. An airbag module is coupled to and supported by the housing. The airbag module includes an airbag deployable from an undeployed condition to a deployed condition, and an inflator configured to inflate the airbag from the undeployed condition to the deployed condition. An air duct that is configured to transmit an airflow is at least partially integrally coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stacey H. Raines, Russell Joseph Mihm, Fernando Ovando, Alan Perelli
  • Patent number: 11529922
    Abstract: An assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position. The assembly includes an airbag housing supporting the airbag, the airbag housing having a side wall that is movable outward to a deployed position upon inflation of the airbag. The assembly includes a display screen moveable from an initial position to a stowed position, the display screen operatively coupled to the side wall such that movement of the side wall to the deployed position moves the display screen to the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Joseph Mihm, Michael Steven Medoro, Andres Almeida Senatore, Dylan Mandelbaum, Otis Allen, Siddharthan Selvasekar, Sydney Puckett
  • Publication number: 20220348159
    Abstract: An assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position. The assembly includes an airbag housing supporting the airbag, the airbag housing having a side wall that is movable outward to a deployed position upon inflation of the airbag. The assembly includes a display screen moveable from an initial position to a stowed position, the display screen operatively coupled to the side wall such that movement of the side wall to the deployed position moves the display screen to the stowed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Joseph Mihm, Michael Steven Medoro, Andres Almeida Senatore, Dylan Mandelbaum, Otis Allen, Siddharthan Selvasekar, Sydney Puckett
  • Patent number: 11370381
    Abstract: An assembly includes a housing having a sidewall defining a first slot and a second slot, the sidewall having a press plate between the first slot and the second slot, the press plate movable between an initial position and a deployed position. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the housing and inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position, the press plate being moveable from the initial position to the deployed position by inflation of the airbag from the uninflated position to the inflated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Russell Joseph Mihm
  • Patent number: 11254248
    Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle includes a seat frame. The seat assembly includes an armrest. A hinge pivotally connects the armrest to the seat frame. The armrest includes an upper extension extending upwardly from the hinge and a lower extension extending downwardly from the hinge. The seat assembly includes a deformable member between the seat frame and the lower extension of the armrest. The deformable member is deformable relative to the seat frame and the armrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Russell Joseph Mihm, Chuck R. Reese, Jimmy Moua, Eric Axel Smitterberg, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello, Joseph E. Abramczyk, Sean Bayle West, Zhibing Deng, Deepak Patel
  • Patent number: 10131312
    Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle seat includes an inflatable cushion and an inflator for providing inflation gas. The module is mounted on an inboard side of a second vehicle seat located adjacent to the vehicle seat containing the occupant. The cushion is configured to inflate into a position between the seats and includes a forward inflatable chamber that is a larger volume than a rearward inflatable chamber. The forward chamber extends vertically from the bottom of the vehicle seat to a position suitable to receive impact from the head of the occupant in the event of a far-side crash event. The rearward inflatable chamber is configured to deploy into a position inboard of the vehicle seats. The forward and rearward inflatable chambers are separated by a cleft that opens toward the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Richard Andrew Wiik, Russell Joseph Mihm
  • Patent number: 10000177
    Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The module includes an airbag and an inflator for providing inflation gas for the airbag. A diffuser is positioned in the airbag and configured to direct the flow of inflation gas into the airbag. The diffuser includes a main panel and a deflector panel connected together. The diffuser is configured to provide for first and second flow paths for inflation gas to exit diffuser and flow into the cushion. The main panel is folded along a fold line to create two folded portions and the deflector panel is located within the connected folded portions. The deflector panel is located in the first flow path and extends beyond the folded portions of the main panel. The extending portion of the deflector panel forces the inflation gas to change direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventor: Russell Joseph Mihm
  • Patent number: 9925949
    Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The module includes an airbag formed by connected first and second panels, wherein the airbag includes first and second inflatable chambers. The module also includes an inflator for providing inflation gas for the airbag. The first and second inflatable chambers are fluidly connected by a gas flow passage. The first and second panels are connected together along a volume controlling seam located in the second chamber. The seam is configured to give way during inflation of the airbag to thereby allow the second chamber to completely inflate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Joseph Mihm
  • Publication number: 20170274863
    Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The module includes an airbag and an inflator for providing inflation gas for the airbag. A diffuser is positioned in the airbag and configured to direct the flow of inflation gas into the airbag. The diffuser includes a main panel and a deflector panel connected together. The diffuser is configured to provide for first and second flow paths for inflation gas to exit diffuser and flow into the cushion. The main panel is folded along a fold line to create two folded portions and the deflector panel is located within the connected folded portions. The deflector panel is located in the first flow path and extends beyond the folded portions of the main panel. The extending portion of the deflector panel forces the inflation gas to change direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Joseph MIHM
  • Publication number: 20170274862
    Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The module includes an airbag formed by connected first and second panels, wherein the airbag includes first and second inflatable chambers. The module also includes an inflator for providing inflation gas for the airbag. The first and second inflatable chambers are fluidly connected by a gas flow passage. The first and second panels are connected together along a volume controlling seam located in the second chamber. The seam is configured to give way during inflation of the airbag to thereby allow the second chamber to completely inflate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Joseph MIHM
  • Publication number: 20170232922
    Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle seat includes an inflatable cushion and an inflator for providing inflation gas. The module is mounted on an inboard side of a second vehicle seat located adjacent to the vehicle seat containing the occupant. The cushion is configured to inflate into a position between the seats and includes a forward inflatable chamber that is a larger volume than a rearward inflatable chamber. The forward chamber extends vertically from the bottom of the vehicle seat to a position suitable to receive impact from the head of the occupant in the event of a far-side crash event. The rearward inflatable chamber is configured to deploy into a position inboard of the vehicle seats. The forward and rearward inflatable chambers are separated by a cleft that opens toward the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Applicant: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Andrew WIIK, Russell Joseph MIHM
  • Patent number: 9707918
    Abstract: An airbag assembly including an airbag module mounted to a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is mounted to an outside surface of a side member of a back frame of a vehicle seat frame and partially covers the outside surface of the side member and extending along a length of the side member. The assembly includes a load transfer device mounted to an inside surface of the side member. The load transfer device distributing a load originating at the airbag module from the mounting bracket to the vehicle seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Joseph Mihm, Richard Andrew Wiik
  • Patent number: 9663061
    Abstract: A center side impact airbag module that is mountable to upper and lower locations of a vehicle seat includes an inflatable airbag cushion, a first tether, and a second tether. The first tether has a first end configured to connect to one of the airbag cushion, a mounting member and the vehicle seat at the upper location of the vehicle seat and a second end connected to a forward portion of the airbag cushion. The second tether has a first end configured to connect to one of the airbag cushion, the mounting member and the vehicle seat at the lower location of the vehicle seat and a second end connected to the forward portion of the airbag cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Russell Joseph Mihm
  • Patent number: 9566882
    Abstract: An airbag module mounted to an interior side of a bottom portion of a seat frame. The module includes an inflatable airbag and an inflator. The airbag is configured to deploy to a position directly inboard of an interior side of the seat bottom. A portion of the airbag extends above the seat bottom when the airbag is inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: TK HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Russell Joseph Mihm, Richard Andrew Wiik
  • Publication number: 20160332592
    Abstract: An airbag assembly including an airbag module mounted to a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is mounted to an outside surface of a side member of a back frame of a vehicle seat frame and partially covers the outside surface of the side member and extending along a length of the side member. The assembly includes a load transfer device mounted to an inside surface of the side member. The load transfer device distributing a load originating at the airbag module from the mounting bracket to the vehicle seat frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Applicant: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Joseph MIHM, Richard Andrew WIIK
  • Patent number: 9415739
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting an airbag module to a seat frame having a bottom frame and a back frame mounted to the bottom frame and having at least one side member extending in a substantially vertical direction. The mounting device includes a mounting bracket, mounted to an outside surface of the side member and connected to the airbag module, and at least one load transfer device, mounted to an inside surface of the side member and engaging a front portion or a rear portion of the side member, having a main body shaped to engage the inside surface and an engagement portion extending from the main body and shaped to engage the front portion or the rear portion. The load transfer device distributes a load, originating at the airbag module as a result of deployment or occupant loading of the airbag, from the mounting bracket to the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Joseph Mihm, Richard Andrew Wiik
  • Publication number: 20160144818
    Abstract: An airbag module mounted to an interior side of a bottom portion of a seat frame. The module includes an inflatable airbag and an inflator. The airbag is configured to deploy to a position directly inboard of an interior side of the seat bottom. A portion of the airbag extends above the seat bottom when the airbag is inflated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: TK HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Russell Joseph MIHM, Richard Andrew WIIK