Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Cobb

Thomas E. Cobb 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: 11780511
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Yao Wang, Jeffrey E. May, Thomas E. Cobb, Martin R. Matthews, Braendon R. Lindberg
  • Patent number: 11745809
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20220105996
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 11230332
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20210253182
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Yao Wang, Jeffrey E. May, Thomas E. Cobb, Martin R. Matthews, Braendon R. Lindberg
  • Publication number: 20200406992
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 10814922
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20190202504
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: July 4, 2019
    Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
  • Publication number: 20160068059
    Abstract: An active grille system which is mounted to a fascia, grille, or carrier, or is part of the carrier of an automobile. Two sets of louvers are rotatably mounted to a frame, and a camming mechanism provides selective actuation of both sets of louvers, and an actuator controls the camming mechanism such that the actuator moves the camming mechanism between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the camming mechanism is in the first position, both the first set and second set of louvers are in a closed position, when the camming mechanism is in the second position, the first set of louvers are in an open position and the second set of louvers are in a closed position, and when the camming mechanism is in the third position both the first set and second set of louvers are in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Thomas E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 9272614
    Abstract: An active grille system which is mounted to a fascia, grille, or carrier, or is part of the carrier of an automobile. Two sets of louvers are rotatably mounted to a frame, and a camming mechanism provides selective actuation of both sets of louvers, and an actuator controls the camming mechanism such that the actuator moves the camming mechanism between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the camming mechanism is in the first position, both the first set and second set of louvers are in a closed position, when the camming mechanism is in the second position, the first set of louvers are in an open position and the second set of louvers are in a closed position, and when the camming mechanism is in the third position both the first set and second set of louvers are in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Thomas E. Cobb
  • Patent number: 9163852
    Abstract: A modular a bracket which forms a cavity such that the bracket surrounds and supports an actuator. In one embodiment, the bracket is made of multiple pieces and also connects together without the use of fasteners. The pieces are connected together through the use of several attachment features, with a portion of each of the attachment features integrally formed as part of each half. The bracket also includes a plurality of alignment features integrally formed as part of the bracket. The alignment features support and properly position the actuator within the cavity. The design of the bracket reduces and simplifies design and tooling, and also has minimal components and fasteners, which also simplifies and reduces labor time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas E Cobb, Anthony J. Povinelli, James J. Kowalski, Stephen R. Roddy
  • Publication number: 20140342656
    Abstract: A modular a bracket which forms a cavity such that the bracket surrounds and supports an actuator. In one embodiment, the bracket is made of multiple pieces and also connects together without the use of fasteners. The pieces are connected together through the use of several attachment features, with a portion of each of the attachment features integrally formed as part of each half. The bracket also includes a plurality of alignment features integrally formed as part of the bracket. The alignment features support and properly position the actuator within the cavity. The design of the bracket reduces and simplifies design and tooling, and also has minimal components and fasteners, which also simplifies and reduces labor time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas E. Cobb, Anthony J. Povinelli, James J. Kowalski, Stephen R. Roddy
  • Patent number: 8646829
    Abstract: A lift gate having a deformable section which allows the lift gate to deform rather than break during a low speed impact event. The lift gate has a deformable section located between an inner panel and an outer panel. The deformable section is able to deform during a low speed impact event against the outer panel, thereby preventing the inner panel from receiving any of the impact. This allows the inner panel to be significantly more rigid than the outer panel and the deformable section, and, therefore, provides the necessary structural support for the lift gate while withstanding collisions on the Impact Zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Gari M. Schalte, Thomas E. Cobb, Norman E. Guschewski