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).
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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: 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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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: 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
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Publication number: 20210253182Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2019Publication date: August 19, 2021Inventors: Yao Wang, Jeffrey E. May, Thomas E. Cobb, Martin R. Matthews, Braendon R. Lindberg
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Publication number: 20200406992Abstract: 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: September 16, 2020Publication date: December 31, 2020Applicant: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
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Patent number: 10814922Abstract: 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: May 22, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Magna Exteriors Inc.Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
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Publication number: 20190202504Abstract: 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: May 22, 2017Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Michael Mandl, Martin R. Matthews, Thomas E. Cobb
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Publication number: 20160068059Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2015Publication date: March 10, 2016Applicant: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Thomas E. Cobb
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Patent number: 9272614Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Anthony J. Povinelli, Thomas E. Cobb
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Patent number: 9163852Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 4, 2014Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas E Cobb, Anthony J. Povinelli, James J. Kowalski, Stephen R. Roddy
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Publication number: 20140342656Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Thomas E. Cobb, Anthony J. Povinelli, James J. Kowalski, Stephen R. Roddy
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Patent number: 8646829Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Magna International Inc.Inventors: Michael W. Crane, Gari M. Schalte, Thomas E. Cobb, Norman E. Guschewski