Patents Issued in November 9, 2004
  • Patent number: 6814352
    Abstract: An installation for processing piece goods including a processing station and a supply unit and/or removal unit. Supply and removal units are displaceable relative to the processing device. Supply and removal units include a closed-in-itself rail track and a plurality of grippers independently traveling along the rail. Supply and removal units further include a take-over drive and a delivery drive, the drives being independent of one another. The delivery drive of the supply unit and the take-over drive of the removal unit include a feature (e.g. a toothed belt) for coupling the drive to the periphery of the processing device. The installation is applicable e.g. for producing products from a plurality of sub-products in a drum-shaped processing device. The installation is very flexible and easy with regard to conversions, adjustments, trouble-shooting and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Marcel Ramseier
  • Patent number: 6814353
    Abstract: An automatic document feeder comprising a reversing device and a discharge device is disclosed. The reversing device and the discharge device are disposed such that the distance in the horizontal direction from an original document reading position in the automatic document feeder to the discharge device is longer than the distance in the horizontal direction from the original document reading position to the reversing device. This configuration allows the use of original documents whose length in the transport direction is short, and also shortens the transport path in the automatic document feeder as well as the amount of time needed to read an original document. Furthermore, this configuration increases the visibility of original documents discharged to the discharge tray by the discharge device because the discharge device is disposed relatively far away from the original document reading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Kakuta, Hiroyuki Harada, Takuya Eto
  • Patent number: 6814354
    Abstract: This invention is a maze game, comprising a shell, an operating apparatus, several indicating apparatuses that comprise indicating panel, shadeguide, turning guide, swing turnable cover and pendulum rod; at the top of the rack is the central hole on which indicating panel is placed and the bottom of the rack is external cylinder through which swing turnable cover passes; operating apparatuses comprise movable block and fluted disc. It is possible to observe the color or pattern change of the indicating apparatus directly and to directly operate the color or pattern of the indicating panel to the set status by just using the operating apparatus to facilitate the player's observation and visual operation, to ensure a compact structure and to strengthen the interest of competition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Chunjie Li
  • Patent number: 6814355
    Abstract: A split seal component includes two seal face segments in two holder halves and a method of assembly and installation. Each seal face segment has a primary sealing surface and a section extending axially from each primary sealing surface The holder halves are adapted to be joined together to rigidly hold the circular seal face. The holder being constructed and arranged to mount to a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Northeast Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl C. Bjornson
  • Patent number: 6814356
    Abstract: A mount construction for a bearing seal is capable of easily and surely installing the bearing seal in a bearing and, after installation, developing a stable seal performance by suppressing an extracting force. The bearing seal, formed by disposing an elastic member having a lip part on one side face of a reinforcement ring, is press-fitted into a ring body or radially reduced ring body in a state where the lip part is bent in a direction away from the outer peripheral edge of the reinforcement ring on the elastic member side of the bearing seal. While maintaining this state, the bearing seal is extruded from the inside of the ring body or the radially reduce ring into the bearing with care so that the lip part is not caught between the reinforcement ring and the bearing is installed on the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Uchiyama Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Koji Esumi
  • Patent number: 6814357
    Abstract: Cylinder head gasket with a gasket plate having at least one combustion chamber opening and comprising at least two sheet metal layers, a first one of which is provided with at least one bead which is elastically deformable in its height and encloses the combustion chamber opening, and a second one of which is provided with at least one deformation delimiting device delimiting deformation of the bead and surrounding the combustion chamber opening; in order to achieve as rigid a delimitation of the deformation as possible, the original second sheet metal layer is formed by a steel sheet which is plastically deformable by cold flow pressing, and in a plan view of the second sheet metal layer the deformation delimiting device forms a two-dimensional pattern of discrete, cup-like depressions, with the total volume of the depressions stamped by flow pressing being approximately equal to the total volume of the elevations formed by the material of the second sheet metal layer that is displaced during the stamping o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: ElringKlinger AG
    Inventors: Armin Diez, Tobias Gruhler, Wolfgang Fritz, Karl Schmauder
  • Patent number: 6814358
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement (14) has a housing gap, to be sealed, between two components (15, 16) and a seal (1) which consists of two interconnected sealing components (2, 3), a first extrusion-resistant, deformable sealing component (2) and a second more deformable sealing component (3). The first sealing component (2) has an abutment surface (6) facing the sealing surface (17) of the component (15), and a contact surface (9) for abutment on the other component (16). The second sealing component (3) abuts the first sealing component (2) and has an edge (4) projecting past the abutment surface (6). The first sealing component (2) can be pressed onto the sealing surfaces (17; 18) of the components (15, 16; 30, 31) to close the housing gap in response to system pressure. The second sealing component (3) can be sealingly pressed onto the sealing surfaces (17, 18). The sealing arrangement (14) is of simple construction and can produce an effective high pressure seal in Common Rail injectors or similar systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Busak + Shamban Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Keck
  • Patent number: 6814359
    Abstract: A film-integrated gasket comprising a resin film and an adhesive rubber layer directly molded on the resin film, where the adhesive rubber layer is molded in an inverted T-type stepped wall cross-section from addition reaction type silicone rubber, can satisfy required reduction in thickness, prevention of positional alignment failure, etc. for a thin seal and thus can be suitably used in a fuel cell, a secondary battery, a condenser, etc. without contamination of electrolytic solution, catalyst, etc. used in the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Senda, Osamu Ando
  • Patent number: 6814360
    Abstract: A snowshoe binding has a body member which is molded from an elastomeric synthetic material which easily conforms to the contour of a wide range of boot configurations and incorporates a pair of ladder cinch buckles mounted on synthetic straps positioned over the instep of the boot, the buckles not being anchored to any supporting component on the body member and operating in opposite directions, the straps being permanently installed in the buckles, and secured against removal from the buckles by the placement of snap hardware on the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: K2 Snowshoes, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Kiniry, Francis E. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 6814361
    Abstract: A golf bag includes a body, a seat, a glide device and a brake-device. The body is affixed to the seat and the seat includes a slot, a plate-channel and a cavity. There is a plurality of ditches on two sides of the seat. Nearby the ditches, there is a shaft-channel extending to the cavity; and the glide device is on the ditches of the seat so that a shaft can be passed through the wheels and the shaft-channel of the seat. The brake-device has a jammed-plate, a back-plate and a start-plate for controlling the seat when being towed or stored. The jammed-plate has a jammed-notch and an arm is attached to the slot. There is a first elasticity-component positioned between the jammed-plate and the slot. The back-plate is placed on the plate-channel to connect the jammed-plate on the seat. The starting-plate has a joint-plate and a pull-plate, wherein the joint-plate linking the wheels into action is connected to the seat and a second elasticity-component within the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Hersun Plastic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsueh-Yi Tsu
  • Patent number: 6814362
    Abstract: A wheeled agricultural cart for transporting plant materials having at least one removable shelf. The shelf includes a planar shelf element for supporting the plant materials attached to a shelf frame by an adhesive material having a resiliently deformable thickness. The material maintains a vertically spaced part relationship between the shelf element and the frame, preventing them from rattling against one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Wellmaster Pipe and Supply, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery G. Hanson, Anthony M. Platteeuw, Ernest L. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6814363
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system wherein the main attachment to the chassis of the steering and suspension components is by the king pin mounting. The suspension system includes a first member attached directly to a shaft rotating with the chassis attachment; a second member attached to the first member by a swivel joint or a bush, allowing vertical movement of a stub axle attached solidly to the second member; and a third member attached to the first member which acts as the steering arm connection and load transference support for the forth member, a telescopic shock absorber and spring unit. The stub axle being at right angles to the king pin. Use of the suspension system allows a lessening or elimination of the toeing in or out of the wheels which commonly occurs with the vertical movement of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: T.M.E. Limited
    Inventor: Ian James Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 6814364
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle having left and right wheels is disclosed and claimed. The system includes first and second suspension struts and first and second hydraulic cavities to supply first and second suspending spring force for the left and right wheels, respectively. The system also includes a volume modulator to selectively push fluid into and vent fluid from the first and second hydraulic cavities, thereby actively modulating the first and second suspending spring forces. The volume modulator includes first and second modulator pistons and first and second cavity-side valves. In a preferred embodiment, the modulator pistons are cycled and the cavity-side valves are opened and closed to counteract roll of the vehicle. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the first modulator piston and the second modulator piston are located approximately 180° apart relative to an eccentric to minimize power consumption of the volume modulator during roll of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Coombs, Maged Radamis
  • Patent number: 6814365
    Abstract: Fitting type chainless transmission and speed adjustment mechanism of bicycle which can be directly installed on an existent chain transmission bicycle to change the chain transmission bicycle into a chainless transmission bicycle without changing the bicycle frame. The front gear set is disposed at the pedals of the bicycle, including a driving gear and a driven gear engaged therewith. The axes of the driving and driven gears are positioned on different planes. The driven gear of the rear gear set is drivingly engaged with a transmission gear. The axes of the driven gear and transmission gear are positioned on different planes. The transmission gear is drivingly connected with output end of the speed adjustment mechanism. The input end of the speed adjustment mechanism is drivingly connected with the output end of the driven gear of the front gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Jen-Chih Liu
  • Patent number: 6814366
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a frame member and hitch receiver box, a pair of mounting brackets and a pair of accessory ports carried on the frame member inboard of the mounting brackets. The accessory ports each project rearwardly from the frame member a distance D and include a circular opening for receiving a recreational and/or utilitarian accessory. The receiver box has a first longitudinal axis extending in a first plane A. The accessory ports are parallel and have a second longitudinal axis extending in a second plane B where the planes A and B define an included angle of approximately 10-30°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Cequent Towing Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard W. McCoy, Thomas W. Lindenman
  • Patent number: 6814367
    Abstract: Interface plate (1) intended to be secured to the upper face of a ski and capable of accommodating the toe piece and the heel piece of a safety binding, characterized in that it has a longitudinal recess forming a slideway capable of holding projecting parts situated under the toe piece and under the heel piece, while allowing the toe piece and the heel piece to slide inside the slideway with a view to adjusting the binding to the length of the boot, and in which the profiles (10, 11; 12, 13) of the zones of the slideway respectively holding the toe piece and the heel piece are geometrically identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Mercier, Jean-Marc Hillairet, Frédéric Chonier
  • Patent number: 6814368
    Abstract: A foldable stroller has a handle and a primary frame consisting of both a front and a rear member. The handle can be folded to reduce the width of the stroller for storage purposes. When the handle is folded, lateral tubes of the handle are unlocked so that the handle can be moved close to the frame and thereby reduce the height of the stroller. The members of the frame are pivoted on each other so as to reduce the length of the stroller when the stroller is folded. A force exerted on the handle and on the members of the frame can be imparted to each other via an operating rod combination pivoted to the frame so that the pivotally connected parts can be moved close to each other with increased smoothness of the folding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Pao-Hsien Cheng
  • Patent number: 6814369
    Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module comprising a gas generator that is mounted in the airbag module by means of at least one elastic element. The elastic element is a hollow profile closed as seen in cross-section and has a circumferential wall a radial outer side of which lies against the gas generator on the one hand, and against a holding part on a module side on the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: TRW Automotive Safety Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Heindl
  • Patent number: 6814370
    Abstract: A detection apparatus according to the present invention is arranged to input to a displacement detector by force transmission thread and detects the displacement of a power point caused through contact with a person or object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuaki Yasui
  • Patent number: 6814371
    Abstract: A cold gas generator for an airbag system has a storage device having an interior filled with a gas under pressure. The interior is divided into at least two partial chambers. Gas outlet openings closed in a rest state of the cold gas generator are provided, wherein one of the gas outlet openings is correlated with one of the at least two partial chambers, respectively. An opening mechanism is provided for actuating, when needed, all of the gas outlet openings together and for filling several airbags with the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Welz Industrieprodukte GmbH
    Inventor: Siegfried Welz
  • Patent number: 6814372
    Abstract: An apparatus 10 for venting an inflatable restraint assembly 12. The apparatus 10 includes a conventional pyrotechnic cylinder 30 which is communicatively coupled to a controller 28, a selectively pivotable door 32 which selectively seals and/or covers an opening 33 within assembly 12, and a latch mechanism 34 which is coupled to the cylinder 30 and which selectively engages and disengages door 32. Controller 28 is communicatively coupled to a seat position sensor 36, seat belt sensor 38 and crash severity sensor(s) 40. Controller 28 determines when a crash situation has occurred or will imminently occur and selectively activates assembly 12 if such a determination is made, thereby protecting the vehicle occupant 18 from harm and/or injury. Controller 28 further determines whether and/or when to vent air bag module 12 based upon the data received from sensors 36-40 and selectively activates cylinder 30 in response to such a determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Hongbin Kang, Jeffrey Steven Vinton, Michelle L. Tsai
  • Patent number: 6814373
    Abstract: A steering column mounting system that includes a mounting bracket fixedly attached to a steering column and at least one pull strap made of a resiliently bendable material, the pull strap having a first leg with a slot through which extends a fastener fixedly attached to a motor vehicle structure and having a free second leg substantially parallel to the first leg. The pull strap has at least two portions having different widths. The widths of the portions of the pull strap may be selected so as to provide a predetermined amount of resiliency to the unwinding of the pull straps. The widths of the portions of the pull strap may also be selected so as to provide differing amounts of resiliency at different stages of the unwinding of the pull straps. A support frame is attached to the mounting bracket and maintains the first leg and the second leg of the pull strap substantially parallel relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Munro, Glenn F Syrowik, Gregory A Wasek, Jeffrey D Ottenhoff
  • Patent number: 6814374
    Abstract: A composite steering column jacket including a pair of composite sections joined along a flange area. The composite sections include outer and inner walls spaced coaxially from each other, that mate at first and second flanges. A cavity is defined by the space between the inner and outer walls and is filled with a foam material that is disposed within. The composite steering column jacket has an increased stiffness and reduced weight when compared to conventional metal steering column jackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard K. Riefe
  • Patent number: 6814375
    Abstract: A carrier sheet with an integrated card and preferably, but not exclusively, a magnetic strip card is described. The sheet contains printed information which is in part card information printed at a predetermined location on a front face of a carrier sheet in a card region thereof and oriented to be disposed on an outer surface of the front and a rear card panel of the card to be formed. The siliconized liner patch, containing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, is laminated on the back surface of the carrier sheet and disposed to extend over the card region. A face patch of clear poly material containing a magnetic strip is immovably secured over the card region on the front face of the paper carrier sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Relizon Canada
    Inventors: Christopher Robert Cox, Thomas MacDonald, Thomas Carrigan, William Dale Ritchie
  • Patent number: 6814376
    Abstract: A short pulse generation system and method of generating a short pulse signal are provided. The system includes a fiber chain having an input for receiving an optical signal having a plurality of optical pulses. The fiber chain is nonlinear with respect to the optical signal and includes a first normal fiber segment having a relatively small chromatic parameter, a first abnormal fiber segment having a relatively large chromatic parameter coupled to an output of the first normal fiber segment, and a second abnormal fiber segment having a relatively small chromatic parameter coupled to an out of the first abnormal fiber segment. The system includes a filter stage coupled to an output of the fiber chain and that has a transparent wavelength selected to regenerate the signal. A short pulse signal is produced when the optical signal is coupled to the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Triquint Technology Holding Co.
    Inventors: Jianjun Yu, Keisuke Kojima
  • Patent number: 6814377
    Abstract: Computer quick release latch. The quick release latch operates to quickly attach and release a portable device from a secure attachment. The latch comprises a spring-loaded attachment mechanism that can be detachably attached to a bottom surface of the portable device. The latch also comprises a release handle that is captured by the attachment mechanism. The release handle has profiled edges and movement of the release handle in any direction within a release plane causes the profiled edges to release the attachment mechanism from the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Ira Silverman, Vadim Pichahchi, Stanislav Moiseyenko
  • Patent number: 6814378
    Abstract: A bumper assembly securable beneath an extended rear support bed of a vehicle wherein the bed can tilt from a horizontal orientation to a downwardly inclined position and wherein the retractable safety bumper will become retracted when the bed is in the inclined position and will be deployed for safety protection when the bed is in the horizontal position. Movement of the bumper is powered solely by a biasing device such as a spring used in combination with gravitational forces exerted upon the bumper assembly for properly coordinating movement thereof between the deployed and the retracted position with movement of the bed between the horizontal and the inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Automated Waste Equipment Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Lazar Marmur
  • Patent number: 6814379
    Abstract: A bumper system comprises a tubular roll-formed reinforcement beam. A hitch-supporting bracket has an inverted section shaped to fit downwardly onto the beam, and further has a laterally-extending second section. A hitch support tube is secured to the laterally-extending second section and has a hole for receiving a ball hitch for hauling a trailer. An energy absorber is attached to the beam, and includes a rear recess receiving the beam, a center section providing access to the hitch, and end sections that form steps on corners of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Shape Corporation
    Inventor: Darin Evans
  • Patent number: 6814380
    Abstract: A bumper reinforcement comprises an outer reinforcement and an inner reinforcement wherein the outer reinforcement of an open section is formed by a front face, an upper face, and a lower face; and the inner reinforcement housed in the outer reinforcement is formed symmetrically from the center in vertical direction by a intermediate portion formed by edge portions of inner skirt plate portions confronting each other, the inner skirt plate portion, a top portion, an outer skirt plate portion, and an outer contact face portion. The outer reinforcement comprises a concave groove portion in the front face, and a pair of ribs in the upper/lower face. Accordingly, the bumper reinforcement of the invention has achieved high rigidity against the impact applied and easy manufacturing with high cost performance and capability of various designing of the vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Asteer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Koji Shimotsu
  • Patent number: 6814381
    Abstract: In a vehicle with bumper which is attached to the vehicle transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle via a deformation element (10) the deformation element (10) exhibits two first side walls (28, 30) that are spaced apart, and are joined to second side walls (40,42) that are spaced apart. The first and second side walls (28, 30, 40, 42) feature first and second grooves (48a,b, 50a,b; 50a,b, 54a,b) that run transverse to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and are arranged in pairs opposite each other, each in a common plane. The first grooves (48a,b, 58a,b) extend over the whole breadth of the first side walls (28, 30) and the second grooves (52a,b, 54a,b) extend over only a middle part of the second side walls (40,42), leaving a region free at both edges. The first grooves (48a,b, 58a,b) are arranged in pairs in first planes and the second grooves (52a,b, 54a,b) are arranged in pairs in second planes situated between two subsequent first planes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Alcan Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventor: Simon Frank
  • Patent number: 6814382
    Abstract: A car door structure comprises a door inner panel 11, an interior door trim 12 and a noise insulation sheet 20. The interior door trim 12 is installed in the interior side of the door inner panel 11. The noise insulation sheet 20 is provided between the door inner panel 11 and the door trim 12, where it is hung down from the upper side to the lower side of the door inner panel like a curtain. The noise insulation sheet 20 is fixed to either the door inner panel 11 or the door trim 12. The noise insulation sheet 20 is provided at about an upper half or a lower half of the door inner panel 11, or it is provided at a central part of the door inner panel 11 while dividing approximately into three sections in a vertical direction or a horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Nishikawa Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kohara, Mitsuaki Arata, Masami Isobe, Eiichi Baba, Tatsuo Kobayashi, Kouji Nawate, Hiroaki Miyahara, Shinichiro Emori
  • Patent number: 6814383
    Abstract: A vehicular tailgating system typically for mounting in or to a rear hatchback portion of a passenger-type vehicle is selectively interconnectable to a power source. In one aspect, the system described herein has a housing defining several temperature-specific chambers therein which are adapted to receive one of several interchangeable modules to provide a wide range of functionality to the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Silas Reed, III, Donald Keith Prevost, Jerry E. Redmond
  • Patent number: 6814384
    Abstract: A sliding tray trunk for a vehicle having a lower storage box, an upper storage box slidably attached on top of the storage box, a locking cover that secures the upper storage box over the lower storage box, and one or more stops to limit sliding of the upper storage box on the lower storage box to a predetermined distance is provided. The lower storage box has a substantially rectangular shape. The lower storage box has two rails on which the upper storage box can slide. A plurality of wheels are rotatably attached on each of the rails, and the upper storage box slides by rotation of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert D. Grafton
  • Patent number: 6814385
    Abstract: Molded articles (10, 10′) are designed to be received within a space (S) between a window frame (2) of a vehicle body panel (1) and a window panel (7) attached thereto. The molded articles may include a molding body (11) arranged and constructed to partially contact the window panel when the molded article is received within the space. The molded article further may include an elastic lip (30) continuously extending from the molding body and arranged and constructed to partially elastically contact the window frame and to elastically deform when the molded article is received within the space. Moreover, a connecting strip (31) may continuously extend between the elastic lip and the molding body. The connecting strip is preferably arranged and constructed to apply a force to a portion of the molding body when the elastic lip is elastically deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Tokai Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6814386
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a truck having a material carrying container wherein the cover assembly includes a retractable cover having a first end attached to a roller assembly and a second end attached to a cover support element. The cover support element has two ends, each of which is joined at the upper end of a pair of variable length pivot arms which are pivotable about a lower end thereof at a point intermediate two ends of the container and adjacent the bottom of the container, between a first position in which the cover support element is adjacent a first end of the container and a second position in which the cover support element is adjacent a second end of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Arthur Wood
  • Patent number: 6814387
    Abstract: An attaching system for a lift-roof cover pivoting substantially about a fixed forward wall upper edge via application of rear hatch technology of the prior art for conventional cab high covers together with attachment means in the form of linkages. The attaching system for mounting to a load bed supports multiple functions providing convenience in distribution and installation processes; in particular facilitating unmodified use of processes employed for conventional caps with respect to shipping and storage. The system includes unique draw latches incorporating alternate methods for adding reliable function supporting levels of operating convenience demanded for lift-roof applications. Simplified manufacturing adaptation of a conventional cap is supported by pre-assembly of key subassemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Trail-R-Van Inc.
    Inventor: William Henry Russell Lake
  • Patent number: 6814388
    Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6814389
    Abstract: A tonneau system for a cargo box of a vehicle including a support frame, a cover spanning the support frame; and a clamp. The support frame includes side rails having an inboard section and an outboard section, such that the outboard section is positioned adjacent to the top surface of the sidewall of the cargo box to aid in the supporting and positioning of the support frame. The clamp is capable of hanging from the support frame during installation to improve the ease thereof. The clamp also includes a pair of members being positionable in any one of a plurality of discrete positions for improved installation. A front rail adjustment mechanism permits the selective tensioning of the cover to maintain a predetermined load therein. While a front rail retaining mechanism is slidably coupled to the front rail member to prevent the front rail member from being inadvertently disengaged from the side rail members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Donald G. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6814390
    Abstract: Convertible vehicles (1) include passage apertures (7) defined in longitudinally-extending side walls (6) of a vehicle body (1a). A guiding element (9) is disposed in or below each passage aperture. Foldable, longitudinally-extending components (21) are disposed along side edges of a foldable frame (20), which components pass through the passage aperture (7) during foldable top opening and closing operations. A storage compartment lid (2) is movably coupled to the vehicle body for covering the folding top. A cover plate (8) is movably coupled to the lid and moves towards the passage aperture during the folding top opening operation. A safety catch (10) may be coupled to the cover plate so as to engage the guiding element during the folding top opening operation. The safety catch and guiding element serve to accurately guide and position the cover plate during the folding top opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Wilhelm Karmann GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Habacker
  • Patent number: 6814391
    Abstract: A convertible motor vehicle roof with a roof part (12), with a rear part (14) which adjoins the roof part, and with side roof members (10) which are pivotally coupled on both sides to the roof part (12). To open the motor vehicle roof, the rear part (14) together with the roof part (12) and the side roof members (10) can be lowered into a stowage space (22) located in the rear and the side roof members (10) can be swung to the outside before or during lowering into the storage space (22), the swivel bearing means (28) which supports the respective side roof member (10) on the roof part (12) having at least two connecting rods or a connecting rod and a crank guide and being formed especially as a planar four-joint linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Webasto Vehicle Systems International GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Biecker, Marco Lauterbach, Gerhard Schwarz, Fritz Wegener, Burkhard Reinsch
  • Patent number: 6814392
    Abstract: A power drive assembly moves a liftgate (12) of a motor vehicle (10) between its open and closed positions. The motor vehicle (10) defines an opening and the liftgate (12) closes the opening when the liftgate (12) is in its closed position. The power drive assembly (22) includes a base (24) that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle (10) at a position in spaced relation to the opening. A drive mechanism (38) is fixedly secured to the guide. The drive mechanism (38) converts electrical energy into a linear force. The power drive assembly (22) includes a translation linkage (58) connected to the drive mechanism (38) for receiving the linear force and translating it into a nonlinear force to move the liftgate (12) between the open position and the closed position. A nut (52), secured to the translation linkage (58), moves the translation linkage (58) as it travels along a lead screw (50) that is rotated by a motor (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Atoma International Corp.
    Inventor: Kris Tomaszewski
  • Patent number: 6814393
    Abstract: The sealing strip of the present invention includes a retention section having an upper hub, a first retention leg, a second retention leg rearward of the first retention leg, an upper recess rearward of the upper hub, and first and second lower recesses. The first lower recess is positioned between the first and second retention legs and the second lower recess is positioned rearward of the second retention leg. The sealing strip also includes a sealing section formed with the retention section. The invention is also related to a vehicle panel assembly including a first panel having a channel, a second panel, and a sealing strip coupled to the first panel. The sealing strip includes a retention section having an upper hub, a first retention leg, a second retention leg, an upper recess, and first and second lower recesses. The sealing strip again includes a sealing section which is integrally formed with the retention section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Nagata
  • Patent number: 6814394
    Abstract: A door is moved in an opening direction at a first speed until the door reaches a decelerating area. A moving speed of the door in the opening direction is decelerated from the first speed to a second speed being lower than the first speed while the door has been moved in the decelerating area. The movement of the door is stopped when the door is moved beyond the decelerating area, the door comes in contact with an obstacle, and the moving speed of the door becomes lower than a predetermined speed corresponding to an open position of the door by a predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yogo, Hideharu Kato, Eiji Itami, Tomoaki Imaizumi, Tomonori Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6814395
    Abstract: An electronic spoiler having adjustable heights includes an electronic elevator mechanism and a spoiler. The electronic spoiler having adjustable heights is disposed in a rear trunk of an automobile, and utilizes the electronic elevator mechanism for adjusting heights of the spoiler. The structure is characterized that, the electronic elevator mechanism is consisted of a stand assembly, a trunk upper seat, spoiler positioning seats and a transmission system; and is disposed at an appropriate location in the rear trunk. The trunk upper seat is disposed at the trunk by penetrating guide tubes through the stand assembly. Above the guide tubes are the spoiler positioning seats fastened by screwing means to further join to the spoiler. An upper-and-lower limit switch disposed at the fixed stand define a maximum range of the elevator mechanism, and is capable of adjusting heights of the spoiler in a non-segmented manner for elevating stability during high-speed traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Yung-Fa Lin
  • Patent number: 6814396
    Abstract: The novel dump body enables a dump truck to carry large, packaged loads and large, loose loads. The dump body includes a containment base having a bottom and a plurality of sides. The dump body further includes a dumping mechanism formed in one of the plurality of sides for releasing loose materials when the containment base is tipped. Finally, the dump body includes at least one side door pivotably attached to the containment base and covering a first opening formed in at least a portion of one of the plurality of sides. The side door permits packaged loads to be loaded onto the dump truck, wherein the sides on the dump truck normally prohibit the carrying of this type of load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Greer, Philip Chadwick
  • Patent number: 6814397
    Abstract: A bed assembly for a motor vehicle includes a floor pan that defines a bed surface extending between longitudinal sides. Each of the longitudinal sides includes a side support surface spaced from and parallel to the bed surface. The bed assembly also includes a sidewall panel having a lower end defining a base surface disposed adjacent to and supported by the side support surface. In addition, the bed assembly includes a retention member extending along a portion of one of the longitudinal sides to secure the base surface to the side support surface. The retention member maintains the sidewall panel in abutting relation to the floor pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Jack V. Henderson, Keijo J. Huotari, Greg Brower, Stephen R. Roddy, Bradford Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6814398
    Abstract: A partition structure for a vehicle is disclosed. The partition structure is mainly composed of a partition panel provided between a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment, hinge mechanisms provided for connecting lower corners of the partition panel with a floor of the passenger and cargo compartments, a lock mechanism for supporting the partition panel in a closed state. The partition panel has a low rigidity energy absorption part provided at a lower center part. By this configuration, the partition panel is prevented from deforming even by the application of load thereto without increasing weight or manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 6814399
    Abstract: An apparatus for aligning and supporting a rotatable shaft through a plastic molded support member includes an integral boss formed in the plastic molded support allowing insertion of the rotatable shaft to be supported therethrough. At least one bearing is associated with the boss for establishing proper orientation of a rotational axis of the rotatable shaft to be mounted through the boss. At least one bearing is press fit into the boss. In the preferred configuration, a pair of hat-shaped cylindrical bearings are press fit in opposite ends of the boss to define the rotational axis of the shaft to be mounted through the boss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Valeo Electrical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lyn Johnson, Boon-Sam Tan
  • Patent number: 6814400
    Abstract: A front end assembly for a motor vehicle having spaced apart upper and lower side rails includes an elongated upper cross member adapted to be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart upper side rails. The upper cross member has a mounting surface extending the length thereof. The front end assembly also includes an elongated lower cross member adapted be fixedly secured to and extend between the spaced apart lower side rails. The lower cross member has a mounting surface extending along the length thereof. In addition, the front end assembly includes a component integration panel having upper and lower mounting portions for complementary mating engagement with the mounting surfaces of the respective upper and lower cross members to position the component integration panel between the upper and lower side rails and provide support to the component integration panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Decoma International Inc.
    Inventors: Jack V. Henderson, John Patrick Schultz, Keijo Huotari
  • Patent number: 6814401
    Abstract: A mounting structure for a retainer for mounting a vehicle door lock striker is provided. A panel constituting part of a vehicle body is formed on its first side with a retainer receiving recess for receiving a fitting protrusion of a first end portion of the retainer. The first end portion of the retainer is immovably supported by the receiving recess. A second end portion of the retainer is fixed to a fixing area of the panel by spot welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahide Takada