Patents by Inventor Thomas F. Kracht

Thomas F. Kracht 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: 5374105
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly having a front panel that is deployable to a forwardly extending position to support a vehicle occupant who has moved forward off the seat cushion during a frontal impact collision. Improvements to the panel deployment mechanism are shown including an electronically activated latch release to deploy the panel upon a predetermined deceleration measured by an accelerometer mounted to the seat assembly or elsewhere on a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kracht, Daniel N. Higgins
  • Patent number: 5099611
    Abstract: A window regulator mechanism for motor vehicle door assembly is disclosed having a kick-out feature for moving of the lower edge of the glass outward as the glass is moved upward into the upper position such that the lower edge of the glass can be positioned flush with the exterior surface of the vehicle. Three separate embodiments are disclosed for providing the kick-out feature in the window regulator mechanism. The window regulator combines both the window drive and guidance systems into one mechanism, reducing the number of components in the door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Excel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Kracht, Jeffrey S. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 4920697
    Abstract: A dual drive window regulator mechanism is disclosed for use in an automobile door assembly for raising and lowering the window glass. The system provides two attachment points to the glass for raising and lowering the glass. This can be accomplished by using various lift mechanisms including a translating rack or a dual cable and drum mechanism. By driving the window at two points as opposed to one point in typical regulator mechanisms, more accurate control of the movement and location of the window glass in the door assembly is achievable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Hoover Universal Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis F. Vail, Robert H. Dietze, Thomas F. Kracht, Joanne H. Cole, Marc D. Hewko