Patents by Inventor Thomas E. Houck
Thomas E. Houck 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: 11938670Abstract: A method of forming a thermoplastic plastic component includes applying an amount of pigmented powder to a sheet of thermoplastic, heating the sheet of thermoplastic to a selected temperature, melting the amount of pigmented powder on the sheet of thermoplastic to form a coating, re-heating the sheet of thermoplastic to another selected temperature, positioning the sheet of thermoplastic over a pattern, and vacuum forming the sheet of thermoplastic to form the sheet of thermoplastic into the pattern.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2021Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas E. Houck, Martin Aaron Butkovich
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Publication number: 20240052677Abstract: A door check system of a vehicle includes a door check assembly having a check body securable to a door of the vehicle, a check link extending through a check body opening of the check body and an adjustment mechanism positioned at a body of the vehicle. The adjustment mechanism includes a housing defining a housing opening, and an adjustment slide positioned in the housing opening and slidable moveable therein. The adjustment slide is secured to the check link. An adjustment feature is secured to the adjustment slide and extends through an adjustment slot in the housing. Moving the adjustment feature along the adjustment slot moves the adjustment slide in the housing opening to change an effective length of the check link.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2022Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventor: Thomas E. Houck
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Patent number: 11745786Abstract: A steering control system includes a hub connectable to a steering shaft defining a steering axis. An airbag receiving zone is formed in the hub. A steering wheel is connected to the hub, the steering wheel includes a central hub member, a plurality of spokes each having a first end extending from the central hub member and a second end, and a steering wheel rim connected to the second end of each of the plurality of spokes. The central hub member being slidably mounted to the hub along the steering axis.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Thomas E. Houck
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Publication number: 20230069556Abstract: A method of forming a thermoplastic plastic component includes applying an amount of pigmented powder to a sheet of thermoplastic, heating the sheet of thermoplastic to a selected temperature, melting the amount of pigmented powder on the sheet of thermoplastic to form a coating, re-heating the sheet of thermoplastic to another selected temperature, positioning the sheet of thermoplastic over a pattern, and vacuum forming the sheet of thermoplastic to form the sheet of thermoplastic into the pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2021Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Thomas E. Houck, Martin Aaron Butkovich
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Patent number: 10967838Abstract: A variable curvature wiper comprises a wiper arm with a first and second distal ends. The first distal end is pivotally supported on a pivot post. A flexible wiper blade has a first end, a second end and a mounting hub. The mounting hub is pivotally attached to the second distal end of the wiper arm. A first push rod includes a first end attached to the first end of the wiper blade and a second end attached to a push rod pivot point. The push rod pivot point is spaced from the pivot post axis. Pivotal motion of the wiper arm about the pivot post axis in a first direction causes the first push rod to push against the first end and flex the wiper blade. Pivotal motion of the wiper arm about the pivot post axis in a second direction causes the first push rod to pull the first end of the wiper blade back toward a flat position.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Thomas E. Houck, James G. Gobart
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Publication number: 20200290571Abstract: A variable curvature wiper comprises a wiper arm with a first and second distal ends. The first distal end is pivotally supported on a pivot post. A flexible wiper blade has a first end, a second end and a mounting hub. The mounting hub is pivotally attached to the second distal end of the wiper arm. A first push rod includes a first end attached to the first end of the wiper blade and a second end attached to a push rod pivot point. The push rod pivot point is spaced from the pivot post axis. Pivotal motion of the wiper arm about the pivot post axis in a first direction causes the first push rod to push against the first end and flex the wiper blade. Pivotal motion of the wiper arm about the pivot post axis in a second direction causes the first push rod to pull the first end of the wiper blade back toward a flat position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Thomas E. Houck, James G. Gobart
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Patent number: 10189605Abstract: A detachable attachment assembly has a receptacle unit and a carrier unit. The receptacle unit includes a housing defining a receptacle slot and a piston having a profile substantially matching the receptacle slot. The piston is movable between an engaged position, proximal the receptacle slot, and a retracted position, distal to the receptacle slot. A biasing member biases the piston toward the engaged position. A flange of the carrier unit has a width greater than the length of the receptacle slot. A lock tab is offset from the flange and is configured to pass through the receptacle slot. A first angle of the carrier unit lets the lock tab move the piston from the engaged position to the retracted position. A second angle prevents passage of the lock tab through the receptacle slot. An accessory is attached to the carrier unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Inventor: Thomas E. Houck
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Publication number: 20180319073Abstract: A method of vacuum forming an object includes heating a plastic sheet. After heating the plastic sheet, a vacuum is applied to pull the sheet against an outer surface of a flexible mold so that the plastic sheet has a formed shape that conforms to a contoured shape of the outer surface of the flexible mold. A rigid core is withdrawn from a cavity in the flexible mold. The flexible mold is then withdrawn from the plastic sheet by applying force to the flexible mold in a single direction, thereby causing flexing of the flexible mold past the undercut. An apparatus for vacuum forming a plastic sheet includes the flexible mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2018Publication date: November 8, 2018Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Thomas E. Houck
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Patent number: 10059050Abstract: A method of vacuum forming an object includes heating a plastic sheet. After heating the plastic sheet, a vacuum is applied to pull the sheet against an outer surface of a flexible mold so that the plastic sheet has a formed shape that conforms to a contoured shape of the outer surface of the flexible mold. A rigid core is withdrawn from a cavity in the flexible mold. The flexible mold is then withdrawn from the plastic sheet by applying force to the flexible mold in a single direction, thereby causing flexing of the flexible mold past the undercut. An apparatus for vacuum forming a plastic sheet includes the flexible mold.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2014Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Thomas E. Houck
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Publication number: 20170297771Abstract: A detachable attachment assembly has a receptacle unit and a carrier unit. The receptacle unit includes a housing defining a receptacle slot and a piston having a profile substantially matching the receptacle slot. The piston is movable between an engaged position, proximal the receptacle slot, and a retracted position, distal to the receptacle slot. A biasing member biases the piston toward the engaged position. A flange of the carrier unit has a width greater than the length of the receptacle slot. A lock tab is offset from the flange and is configured to pass through the receptacle slot. A first angle of the carrier unit lets the lock tab move the piston from the engaged position to the retracted position. A second angle prevents passage of the lock tab through the receptacle slot. An accessory is attached to the carrier unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2016Publication date: October 19, 2017Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Thomas E. Houck
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Publication number: 20160151958Abstract: A method of vacuum forming an object includes heating a plastic sheet. After heating the plastic sheet, a vacuum is applied to pull the sheet against an outer surface of a flexible mold so that the plastic sheet has a formed shape that conforms to a contoured shape of the outer surface of the flexible mold. A rigid core is withdrawn from a cavity in the flexible mold. The flexible mold is then withdrawn from the plastic sheet by applying force to the flexible mold in a single direction, thereby causing flexing of the flexible mold past the undercut. An apparatus for vacuum forming a plastic sheet includes the flexible mold.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2014Publication date: June 2, 2016Inventor: Thomas E. Houck
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Patent number: 9283876Abstract: A seat assembly having a seatback and a head restraint is provided. The seat assembly includes a support member extending between the head restraint and the seatback. The support member is configured to attach the head restraint to the seatback, and may extend downward into the seatback. The support member separates the head restraint into a forward portion and a rearward portion. A receptacle cavity is defined within the rearward portion of the head restraint. The receptacle cavity is configured to receive one or more articles.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kevin D. Dinger, James G. Gobart, Thomas E. Houck
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Patent number: 8857889Abstract: A door check system includes a rod interconnecting a door assembly and a body of a vehicle. The door check system secures the position of the door assembly at any location along a swing path of the door assembly, between a fully open position and a fully closed position. A coil spring is disposed about the rod, with the rod extending through a central aperture thereof. An actuator is coupled to the coil spring and configured for tightening and loosening the coil spring about the rod. When the actuator tightens the spring about the rod, the spring grasps the rod and secures the position of the door assembly relative to the body. When the actuator loosens the spring from about the rod, the door assembly is free to move along the swing path.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Carl W. Wellborn, Timothy Saunders, Erik Rasmussen, Mary Ellen DeCaluwe, Thomas E. Houck
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Patent number: 8757695Abstract: A cargo management system includes a base panel and a cover panel operatively attached to the base panel. The cover panel is pivotally movable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the cover panel is substantially parallel to the base panel, while the second position of the cover panel is substantially non-parallel to the base panel. A stowage area is defined between the base panel and the cover panel in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kevin D. Dinger, Thomas E. Houck
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Publication number: 20130320694Abstract: A vehicle includes a body defining an interior space, and a plurality of trim panels coupled to the body within the interior space of the body and cooperating to define a cargo area therebetween. A collapsible container system is integrated into the plurality of trim panels within the cargo area. The collapsible container system is collapsible into a stowed position disposed between a first one of the plurality of trim panels and the body to conceal the collapsible storage system when not required for storing objects, and is expandable into a storage position extending at least partially across the cargo area to present at least one storage vessel for receiving and storing an object therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicants: ABC GROUP, INC., GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Kevin D. Dinger, Kevin C. Barrett, Thomas E. Houck, David R. Fischer, John Deak, Antoine Desjardins, Nick Donatelli, Vladimir Korobchevsky, Vladimir Nikolic, Kulbir Singh Dhillon
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Publication number: 20130249232Abstract: A cargo management system includes a base panel and a cover panel operatively attached to the base panel. The cover panel is pivotally movable between a first position and a second position. The first position of the cover panel is substantially parallel to the base panel, while the second position of the cover panel is substantially non-parallel to the base panel. A stowage area is defined between the base panel and the cover panel in the first position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Kevin D. Dinger, Thomas E. Houck
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Publication number: 20130229035Abstract: A seat assembly having a seatback and a head restraint is provided. The seat assembly includes a support member extending between the head restraint and the seatback. The support member is configured to attach the head restraint to the seatback, and may extend downward into the seatback. The support member separates the head restraint into a forward portion and a rearward portion. A receptacle cavity is defined within the rearward portion of the head restraint. The receptacle cavity is configured to receive one or more articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: September 5, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Kevin D. Dinger, James G. Gobart, Thomas E. Houck
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Patent number: 8414062Abstract: A check link mechanism for a closure pivotally connected to a vehicle. The check link mechanism includes a check link rotatable about a central axis, and is operably connected to the vehicle. The check link has a cam surface and a free surface, which is rotated about the central axis relative to the cam surface. A detent assembly is configured to apply a substantially-constant detent force to the check link. An actuator is configured to selectively rotate the check link between at least a holding position and a free position. The holding position aligns the cam surface to be substantially perpendicular to the substantially-constant detent force, and the free position aligns the free surface to be substantially perpendicular to the substantially-constant detent force.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: James G. Gobart, Thomas E. Houck
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Publication number: 20130074412Abstract: A door check system includes a rod interconnecting a door assembly and a body of a vehicle. The door check system secures the position of the door at any location along a swing path of the door, between a fully open position and a fully closed position. The door check system includes a rod interconnecting the door assembly and the body. A coil spring is disposed about the rod, with the rod extending through a central aperture thereof. An actuator is coupled to the coil spring and configured for tightening and loosening the coil spring about the rod. When the actuator tightens the spring about the rod, the spring grasps the rod and secures the position of the door assembly relative to the body. When the actuator loosens the spring from about the rod, the door assembly is free to move along the swing path.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Carl W. Wellborn, Timothy Saunders, Erik Rasmussen, Mary Ellen DeCaluwe, Thomas E. Houck
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Publication number: 20130031747Abstract: A check link mechanism for a closure pivotally connected to a vehicle. The check link mechanism includes a check link rotatable about a central axis, and is operably connected to the vehicle. The check link has a cam surface and a free surface, which is rotated about the central axis relative to the cam surface. A detent assembly is configured to apply a substantially-constant detent force to the check link. An actuator is configured to selectively rotate the check link between at least a holding position and a free position. The holding position aligns the cam surface to be substantially perpendicular to the substantially-constant detent force, and the free position aligns the free surface to be substantially perpendicular to the substantially-constant detent force.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: James G. Gobart, Thomas E. Houck