Patents Issued in July 3, 2007
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Patent number: 7237797Abstract: A modular airbag door assembly includes an airbag chute having a front side and a rear side and defines an opening extending therethrough. A door panel is pivotally mounted to the front side of the airbag chute and covers the opening therein. The airbag door assembly further includes a plurality of weld studs extending from the rear side of the airbag chute. The weld studs are adapted to allow the airbag door assembly to be mounted to a substrate of an instrument panel with the rear side of the airbag chute being positioned against a front side of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Phillip Dailey, Matthew Thomas Kemp
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Patent number: 7237798Abstract: An airbag for rear-end collision of a vehicle is accommodated in the interior of the vehicle while being folded in a state extending along a lateral direction of the vehicle. When supplied with gas, the airbag is inflated and deployed in a part of the passenger compartment rearward of the rearmost seat. The airbag has a supply port and a distribute section. The supply port permits gas to be supplied to the interior of the airbag. The distribution section is connected to the supply port. The distribution section distributes gas that has passed through the supply port end sections of the airbag in the lateral direction of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Mori, Hiroyuki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 7237799Abstract: A seat belt system for motor vehicle applications incorporating a dual retractor restraint system with a portion of the seat belt webbing having a locally thick segment such as an inflatable seat belt portion. The dual retractors include electrically controlled actuating clutching mechanisms which operate to maintain the inflatable belt portion in a desired position relative to the upper torso of the seat occupant without requiring the inflatable belt portion to pass through the system D-ring or latch tongue or a high mounted retractor. When the occupant is donning the belt, the shoulder retractor is locked and the webbing is extracted from the lap retractor. Once the tongue is latched into the latch plate, the lap retractor is locked and movement of the occupant is permitted by allowing extraction of webbing from the shoulder retractor.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Autoliv ASP, IncInventor: Gunter K. Clute
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Patent number: 7237800Abstract: A seatbelt webbing includes a shoulder part and a lap part. The shoulder part is a standard belt and at least part of the lap belt is an airbelt. In a front collision, a pretensioner of the shoulder part is activated, thereby retracting a specified length of the seatbelt webbing and tightening the shoulder part. As a result, part of the lap part slides through a hole of a seatbelt tongue toward the shoulder part, thereby correspondingly tightening the lap part. After a lapse of a predetermined period of time, an ignition control unit activates an inflator for the airbelt. Thus, the lap part is pulled and tightened by the inflation of the airbelt. Further, the inflation of the airbelt pulls part of the shoulder part through the hole of the tongue toward the lap part, thereby further tightening the shoulder part.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Yasuo Itoga
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Patent number: 7237801Abstract: A gas generating system (10) includes a tubular outer housing (12) having a longitudinal axis (L) and one or more apertures (12d) formed therealong to enable fluid communication between an interior of the outer housing and an exterior of the outer housing. A tubular inner housing (70) is positioned within the interior of the outer housing (12). The inner housing (70) includes one or more apertures (70d) formed therealong to enable fluid communication between an interior of the inner housing and an exterior of the inner housing. A first tubular baffle (80) is provided for cooling and regulating a flow of gas produced by the gas generating system (10). The first baffle (80) has a plurality of corrugations (80c) formed therealong and is positioned between the inner housing (70) and the outer housing (12) to define a gas flow channel (82) extending between the first baffle (80) and the inner housing (70).Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.Inventors: Eduardo L. Quioc, David S. Whang, Paresh S. Khandhadia
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Patent number: 7237802Abstract: An airbag cushion venting system is disclosed. The system comprises an airbag cushion body having a cushion vent formed therein. A vent cover is attached to the body such that the vent cover at least partially covers the cushion vent in its unconstrained state. A tieback structure holds the vent cover either away from the cushion vent opening or in a position such that a smaller portion of the cushion vent is covered than is covered in the cushion vent's unconstrained state and is adapted to release the vent cover once the body has expanded a sufficient amount to enable the vent cover to at least partially cover the cushion vent.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Larry D. Rose, Marc P. Russell
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Patent number: 7237803Abstract: A drag wheel and mount attachable to the angular skid bracket engaged on the rear of a motor vehicle such as a trailer or motorhome without removing or otherwise altering the angular skid bracket. The device features a roller rotationally engaged on the distal end of a mount. The mount is adapted to attach to the angular skid bracket in a compressible engagement without altering or drilling the skid bracket or detaching it from the vehicle. The roller projects past the lower surface of the angular skid bracket on two sidewalls and contacts the road surface in the event the vehicle tilts sufficiently to cause the skid bracket to strike the road.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Tony Van Nguyen
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Patent number: 7237804Abstract: A tilt adjustable type steering apparatus for a vehicle according to the present invention has a failsafe mechanism that makes the vehicle unable to travel by locking, e.g., a speed-change shift at a parking range (P) when a steering wheel is tilted up through a large angle, and prevents the steering wheel from being tilted up when other than parking of the vehicle, e.g., during the traveling. The present tilt adjustable type steering apparatus for the vehicle is provided with a large angle tilt-up sensor 24 for detecting that a front side end support seat portion (a tilt-up stopper) 21 of a rear column member 5 abuts on a rear side end support seat portion (a tilt-up stopper) 21 of a front column member 4. When detecting a vehicle travelable state such as a release from a parking brake, a shift-down or shift-up of the change gear, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Kenji Sato, Yasuhiro Shibuya
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Patent number: 7237805Abstract: A report cover, which can secure papers therein and may itself be secured into a ring binder. The interior portion of the spine, which lies between the front and back pages of the cover, includes a securing device for loose papers. The securing device can be cooperating pronged fasteners and apertures, clamps or clasps. The exterior portion of the spine includes a plurality of apertures, which are spaced apart from each other. The distance between the apertures is adapted to be complementary to the spacing between the prongs of a ring binder, more specifically prongs of a three-ring binder. The apertures in the spine may be formed within the exterior portion of the spine or may be offset therefrom, by spring clips, which are movably attached to the exterior portion of the spine. The apertures in the exterior portion of the spine receive the prongs of the ring binder.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventors: James A. Fasan, Robert G. Dickie
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Patent number: 7237806Abstract: A hot gas seal for a conduit penetrating the wall(s) of a vessel such as a heat recovery steam generator unit. The seal includes three serially-arranged, independent insulation segments or pillows. The pillow adjacent the vessel casing and the center pillow employ metal sheets to sandwich insulation therebetween. The center pillow travels laterally with the conduit. The third or outer pillow terminates in a split seal ring having a containment structure attached thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventors: Robert J. Krowech, Darryl M. Nagel, Douglass R. Yaeger
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Patent number: 7237807Abstract: A pipe connecting structure for a heat exchanger includes a header tank having a connect opening; a connector block having a passage configured to connect a pipe thereto; an adapter configured to connect the header tank and connector block to each other, the adapter having a first cylindrical part to be connected to the connect opening of the header tank, a second cylindrical part to be connected to the passage of the connector block, and a flange radially extending between the first and second cylindrical parts and being interposed between joint areas of the header tank and connector block; and a brazing material applied to a joint area of the flange to be joined to the header tank and a joint area of the flange to be joined to the connector block, so as to join the header tank and connector block together by brazing.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Calsonic Kansei CorporationInventors: Jinichi Hiyama, Osamu Murata, Masayoshi Shinhama
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Patent number: 7237808Abstract: Connector that includes a first element having a threaded portion and a rounded end, a second element having an end structured to slidably contact the rounded second end of the first element, and a third element having a conical bore. The second element extends through the conical bore for movement within the conical bore, and a threaded end structured and arranged to mate with the threaded portion of the first element. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Tru-Fit Alignment Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Arthur Porter
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Patent number: 7237809Abstract: A tubing connector comprising a rigid member having a first end and a second end; a crimping groove disposed about the rigid member; and a sleeve fixably attached to the rigid member and covering the crimping groove. A method for connecting a tubing section to a rigid member, the method comprising fixably attaching a sleeve over one end of the rigid member to cover a crimping groove disposed on the rigid member, disposing the tubing section over the sleeve, and plastically deforming the tubing section and sleeve to form a plurality of dimples that project into the crimping groove of the rigid member.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventor: Michael L. Connell
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Patent number: 7237810Abstract: A method of joining two pipe ends, by forming male threads on an end of a first pipe with a steep taper angle, forming matching female threads on an end of a second pipe, and applying adhesive material to the threads before twisting the pipes to fully engage the male and female threads, thereby spreading the adhesive material across adjacent load-bearing surfaces of the threads. The threads have multiple start locations for thread engagement so that the pipe ends may be twisted to achieve full engagement in less than one full relative rotation. The male and female threads are formed with a squeeze angle between matching surfaces of the threads between 0.5 and 5.0 degrees. The finished joint provides immediate leak-tightness, and immediate tensile, compressive and torsional strength and does not protrude outside of the pipe profile.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventors: Elmont E. Hollingsworth, Joe T. Minarovic
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Patent number: 7237811Abstract: A rack and pinion are mounted on a casement window frame to operate a vertically disposed polymeric latch keeper. The moveable rack includes a plurality of teeth which are engageable with latch keepers spaced therealong. The pivotable window section includes latches which are rigidly affixed thereto. Thus when the window is closed a pinion can be rotated and thus drive the rack to engage the latch keepers into mating engagement with the latches for security and wind load resistance. The method of installation utilizes frangible spacers affixed to the latches for quick and easy alignment with the latch keepers.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Barry G. Lawrence
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Patent number: 7237812Abstract: A paddle handle latch release device of a spring latch system includes a paddle handle member pivotally mounted in a pan housing, the paddle handle member including an actuating lever which extends below a floor of the pan housing; a spider member rotatably mounted to the underside of the floor, the spider member including latch arms extending from a hub and an operating arm in contact with the actuating lever; and a torsion spring which biases the operating arm against the actuating lever; the spider being rotated from an inactive positioning by the actuating lever when the paddle handle member is manually rotated from a lowered positioning to a lifted positioning, and the torsion spring returning the spider member to an inactive positioning and the paddle handle member back to a lowered positioning when the paddle handle member is released.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Fastec Industrial Corp.Inventor: Timothy Tweedy
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Patent number: 7237813Abstract: A pair of devices for lifting boxes is disclosed. Each device comprises a handle, lifting surface, lifting plate and a plurality of lifting members in the form of angled teeth. During use, the teeth of each device are inserted into opposite sides of a corrugated box. A user is then able to lift the box using the temporary handles. The teeth are sized to avoid damage to the contents of the box. The teeth may be punched into a removable metallic lifting plate. The design of the teeth provides a sufficient amount of surface area for maintaining the box. During non-use the lifting plate may be removed and re-attached in an opposite orientation to prevent injuries which may be caused by the teeth.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Dennis DuBois
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Patent number: 7237814Abstract: A convertible snow shoveling device includes first and second shovels, each having a substantially planar blade, an elongated handle and a hand grip. At least one male connection part extends from an edge portion of the first shovel blade and at least one female connection part is disposed along an edge portion of the second shovel blade. The at least one female connection part of the second shovel blade is sized and shaped to receive the at least one male connection part of the first shovel blade to releasably couple the first and second shovel blades together and form the convertible shoveling device. A handlebar is provided for releasably coupling the hand grips on the first and second shovels together. The male and female connections together with the handlebar permit the pair of individual snow shovels to be easily converted from a pair of individual snow shovels into a wide blade double handle snow shoveling device.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Walter A. Handzlik
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Patent number: 7237815Abstract: An apparatus for lifting articles. The lifting apparatus may lack mechanization, may be used in conjunction with hoist means, and may operate on, among other things, the principles of leverage, gravity, and friction. The apparatus may include a frame disposable on an article to be lifted and at least two fulcrums distributed generally symmetrically about the frame. At least two lifting arms may be pivotally mounted to a corresponding fulcrum. A central exertion member includes a top surface having one sloped portion for each lifting arm. Upon application of upward force to the exertion member, the exertion member applies force to the upper ends of the lifting arms. The lifting arms then rotate around the corresponding fulcrum to contact the article for lifting.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Nucor CorporationInventor: Rusty Stewart Ashby, Sr.
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Patent number: 7237816Abstract: A center console for an automotive vehicle encloses an internal storage area accessible through an opening covered by a pivoted lid serving as an armrest. The vertical front face of the console immediately forwardly of the armrest is open to create an access opening that is greater than the opening covered merely by the pivoted lid. A removable storage tray seated in the upper portion of the storage area covers the open vertical front face of the console. The opening of the pivoted lid and the removal of the storage tray creates an access opening into the storage area that will accommodate the insertion of a laptop computer or a purse for hidden storage within the internal storage area of the center console. The latch mechanism is operable in conjunction with the removable storage tray to permit closure of the when the storage tray is removed from the console.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Visteon CorporationInventors: Kaushlendra Singh, Kenneth A. Stoner, Mike J. Whitens, Peter Bejin
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Patent number: 7237817Abstract: A roll-out cargo bed comprises a frame structure configured to connect to a cargo bed of a vehicle, a plurality of bearings mounted to the frame structure, a deck connected to the frame structure, and a cable tension release mechanism disposed within the frame structure. The cable tension release mechanism may comprise a plurality of pulleys strategically spaced to facilitate extending the roll-out cargo bed. The roll-out cargo bed may further comprise a damper mechanism to reduce vibrations during transportation.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventors: Tony Kobylski, Terry A. Kobylski
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Patent number: 7237818Abstract: A recreational vehicle comprising a vehicle frame having a plurality of wheels and a coach having a slide-out mounted on the vehicle frame is disclosed herein. In particular, the recreational vehicle comprises an improved slide-out mechanism for deploying and retracting slide-out structures from the coach of the recreational vehicle. In one aspect, the recreational vehicle may comprise an armature having a fixed member with a roller and a guiding channel mounted to the vehicle frame and a rail member slidably positioned within the fixed member so as to contact the roller, wherein the rail member is adapted to telescopically extend from the fixed member through the guiding channel so as to deploy and retract the slide-out.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Alfa Leisure, Inc.Inventors: Johnnie R. Crean, Ron Brown
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Patent number: 7237819Abstract: A windshield assembly for a motorcycle. The windshield assembly includes a flyscreen having one of a grommet and a coupling member and a windscreen having the other of a grommet and a coupling member. The coupling member defines a projection that engages the grommet to couple the windscreen to the flyscreen.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Buell Motorcycle CompanyInventors: John W. Fox, Anthony D. Stefanelli, Michael R. Johnson
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Patent number: 7237820Abstract: A module for equipping a motor vehicle rear opening panel includes a support plate on which are directly mounted accessories, in particular, a drive motor for a wiper device. The support plate forms a plate for closing the drive motor of the wiper device.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'EssuyageInventors: Franck Cathala, Jean-Pierre Eustache, Laurent Simon, Marcel Trebouet
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Patent number: 7237821Abstract: A stroller includes a playing tool main body coupled on a guard bar, a playing tool coupled on a plurality of rotational shaft installed in the main body, a cover formed to be transparent and protecting the playing tool, a driving motor installed in the main body and driven by power from a solar cell, and a transmission unit for transmitting driving force generated from the driving motor to the rotational shafts.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Korea Earphonetech Co., Ltd.Inventor: Moon Choi
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Patent number: 7237822Abstract: Each of the sets of pivots (5) comprise a base (9) fixed to the bodyshell (10) of the vehicle, a body (11) linked to the hood (4) of the rear boot by a hinge (12) and means for locking the body (11) in relation to the base. For a lock in the closed position of the hood, a hook (16) of the front and rear sets of pivots (5 and 7) engages, in a co-ordinated manner, the first and second stubs (17 and 21), whereas, for an opening of the hood swiveled towards the rear, during unfolding or folding away of the roof into the boot, the hooks (16) of the front and rear sets of pivots operates so as to respectively and solely engage the second stubs (17) of the rear set of pivots (7) and release, in a co-ordinated manner, the second and third stubs of the front set of pivots (5), and inversely for an opening swiveled towards the front of the hood, to access a luggage loading zone in the boot.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Societe Europeenne des Brevets AutomobilesInventors: Gerard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Jean-Marc Guillez
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Patent number: 7237823Abstract: An adjustable cover element in a vehicle is mounted to a vehicle component via a multiple linkage kinematic system comprising two guide rods. Each guide rod on one end is coupled in an articulated manner to the vehicle component and on the other end is coupled in an articulated manner to the cover element. One guide rod for the multiple linkage kinematic system has a two-part design and comprises two guide rod sections connected by an articulated joint. A stop is provided which during a relative motion between the cover element and the stop acts on a guide rod section in such a way that the angular position between the two guide rod sections changes.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbHInventors: Gernot Bruder, Jan Hesse
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Patent number: 7237824Abstract: A retractable roof for a vehicle comprises two telescopic tube arrangements disposed on opposite sides respectively of the roof which comprises first and second panels (1) and (2). Each arrangement comprises three tubes (7, 8 and 9) dimentioned mentioned to be telescopically received one within the other, of hollow elliptical cross-section and made of carbon fiber. Expandable bags are disposed inside tubes (7) and (8). Each bag is disposed within a braided sock made of a low friction material to control movement and diameter of the bag within the corresponding tube, and facilitate its expansion and contraction. By supplying and withdrawing pressure fluid to and from the bags, the roof may be moved between extended and contracted positions. Expandable seals are disposed between adjacent roof panels and between those panels and the front and rear screens of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Bentley Motors LimitedInventor: Antony Dodworth
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Patent number: 7237825Abstract: An automotive interior trim panel includes a contoured panel having an interior surface forming a portion of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and an exterior surface cooperating with an exterior body panel to define a first volume. A speaker port is formed in the contoured panel for locating a speaker within the first volume. A shell including an integral acoustic volume and a pelvic bolster circumscribes a portion of the exterior surface of the contoured panel, including a speaker port. The shell is mounted to the exterior surface of the contoured panel so as to define both an acoustic chamber and a pelvic bolster supported by the contoured panel and extending within the first volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Tilli, Benjamin Coon, Michael Whitens, Zhibing Deng, Chunhui Li, Se Kyoon Shin
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Patent number: 7237826Abstract: A cargo system includes a plurality of rigidly connected compartments adapted to mount on the roof of a vehicle. The plurality of compartments includes a first compartment suitable for mounting a retractable awning and a second compartment suitable for storing cargo. The first and second compartments each include a flooring and a sidewall wherein the first compartment is rigidly connected to the second compartment by at least one of the flooring and the sidewall. One of the plurality of compartments includes a liquid container, at least a portion of the container being suspended in the compartment. The liquid container includes a tube suitable for passing liquid that emerges from the cargo system. In addition, a light assembly is operatively associated with the cargo system. The light assembly includes an electrical conductor suitable for providing power to the light assembly, the conductor emerging from the cargo system.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Pik 4 Trip Ltd.Inventors: Yaron Sagi, Israel Bloch
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Patent number: 7237827Abstract: Systems, methods and media for reducing the aerodynamic drag of vehicles are disclosed. More particularly, a control system for a pressure drag reduction system for a vehicle is disclosed. Embodiments may include a machine-accessible medium containing instructions to receive input relating to a vehicle and to determine an improved pressure drag reduction system configuration based on the received input. Received input may include pressures, vehicle speed, user inputs, or other information. Embodiments may also include instructions to change the configuration of the pressure drag reduction system based on the determined improved configuration. In some embodiments, the operation of fans or ducts of the pressure drag reduction system may be controlled.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Inventor: Khosrow Shahbazi
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Patent number: 7237828Abstract: An underbody crash device for a vehicle. The underbody crash device comprises a pillar member attached to the vehicle. The vehicle has a primary load path for absorbing crash energy in a collision. The pillar member is movable to a deployed position for supporting the vehicle directly on the ground and positioning the primary load path to increase crash energy absorbed therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Frederick, Phillip Przybylo, Xiaowei Li, Saeed Barbat, Hikmat Mahmood
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Patent number: 7237829Abstract: A unitized vehicle rear body structure is disclosed that includes a vehicle floor and a structural support member. The structural support member is fixed to the vehicle floor and extends longitudinally within the vehicle rear body structure. The structural support member includes a generally U-shaped support element and an upper brace. The generally U-shaped support element has a lower wall portion and a pair of generally vertical side wall portions with laterally spaced apart upper edges and lower edges coupled to lateral sides of the lower wall portion. The upper brace is fixedly attached between the side wall portions. Further, the upper brace is spaced apart upwardly from the lower wall portion and spaced below the upper edges.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: John Latimer, III, Robert Blanchard
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Patent number: 7237830Abstract: A truck cab is supported from the vehicle chassis at six points, two points being at the front corners of the cab, two points (mid-mount) being midway between the front and the back of the cab along the exterior sides and two points being along the rear sill of the cab. The front support points are fitted with conventional rubber mounts supported from chassis frame rails. Left side and right side single leaf springs are attached between one each of the mid-mount support points and the rear sill support points. A single shock absorber may be fitted centered along the longitudinal center line of the vehicle under the rear sill, bracketed by the rear support points.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Joseph M. Smith
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Patent number: 7237831Abstract: A mounting structure for mounting a cockpit module onto a vehicle body on a side facing a vehicle compartment is provided with a mount member mounting a cockpit module onto a vehicle body, a resilient member disposed between the vehicle body and the cockpit module, and a guide mechanism guiding the cockpit module along a given transfer path when the cockpit module is transferred to a mount position of the vehicle body. The guide mechanism guides the cockpit module in a way to allow the cockpit module to move downward of the vehicle body in an oblique direction through at least a partial segment of the given transfer path such that an own weight of the cockpit module is allowed to apply on the resilient member to press the resilient member between the vehicle body and the cockpit module.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuya Yamamoto, Asako Yoshinami
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Patent number: 7237832Abstract: A vehicle body structure having a pillar member maintains the shape of a pillar member in a substantially linear state when the pillar member deforms inward toward the passenger compartment during a side collision. The pillar member has a collision force converting structure that is constituted by the curved shape of the pillar member. When a side collision force is imparted to the pillar member, the collision force converting structure converts it into and maintains it as a force acting on the pillar member in the lengthwise direction of the pillar member. Thus, the collision force is absorbed as a lengthwise compressive load in the pillar member. A shape maintaining structure restricts the inward deformation of the pillar member 3 toward the passenger compartment and holds the pillar member in a substantially linear shape to increase the efficiency with which the collision load is transferred to the side roof rail and side sill.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hidetsugu Saeki
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Patent number: 7237833Abstract: A gusset includes a floor attachment end, a side wall attachment end and an intermediate section. The floor attachment end is fixed to a reinforced floor portion of a vehicle. The side wall attachment end is fixed to a vehicle side wall structure at a point spaced apart from a side wall structure of the vehicle. The intermediate section has a generally U-shaped transverse cross section formed from generally upwardly oriented first and second gusset portions interconnected at upper ends by a top gusset portion. The reinforcement member is disposed within the gusset at a location between the floor and side wall attachment ends of the gusset. The reinforcement member interconnects the first and second gusset portions.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Moll
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Patent number: 7237834Abstract: A panel system for use within an interior of a vehicle includes a panel member configured for placement along the overhead portion of the interior of the vehicle. A support member substantially surrounds the panel member and is configured for attachment to the vehicle. The support member includes frame segments interconnected by connectors. At least one fastener is provided for securing the panel member to the support member. An accessory mounted is to a receiving structure on a frame segment and is configured for use by an occupant of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls GmbHInventors: Alexander Czinki, Jürgen Kretschmer, Torsten Leenaerts, Wolfgang Mueller
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Patent number: 7237835Abstract: A roof module (10) of a motor vehicle roof (2), especially of a passenger car (1), which is mounted on a fixed body structure and which forms the top of the motor vehicle roof (2), to increase utility, the roof module is provided with guide rails (18) for movable attachment of at least one roof module component (17, 23, 26).Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Alain Leroy, Arnold Schroetter, Rainier Wisuschil, Thomas Rudolph, Christian Steininger
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Patent number: 7237836Abstract: A motor vehicle roof with a roof plate which has a transparent plastic area to which a peripheral plastic edge is molded which is used especially as a cover visor and which extends downward.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Webasto AGInventors: Miriam Schoenauer, Joachim Birkner, Michael Koelbl, Alexander Lang, Rudi Muttenhammer, Martin Pollak, Ralf Schwaighofer, Friedhelm Wulf, Jean-Guy Cocaign
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Patent number: 7237837Abstract: A convertible car seat that can take on a variety of configurations. These include seat, shelf, document case and flat configurations. The convertible seat is made up of two surfaces, one of a seat and one of a backrest. These are supported by two frames which are symmetrical with respect to a horizontal frame. The frames are made of rigid elements. The elements are connected by joints at each end to create a unit of four axles which permit folding the rigid elements to various configurations.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: HeuliezInventors: Gérard Queveau, Paul Queveau, Frédéric Leclerre
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Patent number: 7237838Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest arrangement for a backrest section (10) of a motor vehicle seat with a headrest, which receives the headrest bars and is supported in the guides on the side of the backrest, wherein the guides in the backrest can be moved within limits from a normal operating position (68) to a crash-active operating position (70).Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Hoffmeister, Bernd Busse
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Patent number: 7237839Abstract: The automobile vehicle seat features a seat back hinged on the seat pan and device for blocking the seat back with respect to the seat pan in the event of forward impact. The automobile vehicle seat features a height adjustment mechanism. The device for blocking the seat back includes a cam pivot-mounted on the shaft, and a weight joined to the cam, with the cam arranged so upon impact the cam, pivots by the inertia of the weight and the cam engages with a lower edge of the seat back frame, such that pivoting of the seat back is prevented by bracing of the cam against the lower edge and such that this produces a high radial force on the height adjustment shaft, thereby limiting the possibilities of rotation of the height adjustment shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Faurecia Sieges d'AutomobileInventors: Christophe Aufrere, Fabrice Charras, Slawomir Klukowski, Gérald Thevenot
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Patent number: 7237840Abstract: In a child seat comprising a base unit fixed onto a seat of a vehicle by using a seat belt of the vehicle and a seat unit provided with a seat cushion portion and a seat back portion and fixable onto the base unit in a forward attitude with respect to the seat, a waist belt portion of the seat belt can be inserted between the base unit and the seat cushion portion in a lateral direction of the seat, and further, a waist belt guide for inhibiting the movement of the base unit forward of the seat by hooking the waist belt portion is provided in the base unit so as to hold the waist belt portion at a position nearer a fore end of the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Combi CorporationInventor: Takeshi Furui
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Patent number: 7237841Abstract: A back construction includes a back shell mounted on a back frame at top and bottom connections, and a flexible lumbar section biased forwardly by a biasing device. The bottom connection is located rearward of the back shell to allow unencumbered sliding entry into the seating unit from a lateral side position, but the bottom connection defines a virtual pivot forward of its physical location to provide the desired path of flexure when the lumbar section is flexed. In one form, the bottom connection is a pair of non-parallel links of dissimilar length. In another form, the bottom connection is a follower with two bearings following a guide slot. In some variations, the force of the biasing device is variable. Seating units incorporating the back construction include a vehicle seat, a foldable portable stadium seat, and a wheelchair seat.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Norman, Kurt R. Heidmann
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Patent number: 7237842Abstract: The invention relates to a headrest (10), particularly for a motor vehicle seat. At least on element is provided that can be displaced relative to a retaining device (12) of the headrest (10). The at least one element can be displaced, in part and/or in total, about at least one horizontal rotation axis and/or at least one vertical rotation axis and can be locked in selectable displaced positions.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Volkswagen AktiengesellschaftInventors: Peter Schmuda von Trzebiatowski, Ronald List, Marian Skiora
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Patent number: 7237843Abstract: A head restraint assembly adapted for inwardly rotating between a substantially upright use position and a relatively retracted storage position is disclosed. According to one exemplary embodiment, the head restraint assembly is configured for use with a vehicle seat having a collapsible seat back for providing improved clearance as the seat back moves between a use position and a storage position. The head restraint assembly generally includes a support member having a first portion adapted for pivotally coupling to the seat back and a second portion that outwardly extends through an aperture defined by a top surface of the seat back for supporting a head supporting cushion. The first portion of the support member has a substantially curvilinear profile for allowing the required size of the aperture in the top surface of the seat back to be minimized in a longitudinal direction relative to the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Jeffrey L. Clark, Juan Guerra, Anibal P. Margina, Scott R. Meachum
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Patent number: 7237844Abstract: A light-weight portable vertebrae decompression support device comprising a pair of arm rests with selectively adjustable members connecting the arm rests and a base member. The base member is adapted to rest on a seat. The selective adjustment raises and lowers the height of the arm rests with respect to the base. The support device provides arm support sufficient to decompress the vertebrae and aids persons recovering from back surgery or those with chronic back problems. The support device can be made adjustable to fit different girth persons.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: The Idea People LLCInventors: Kenneth G Stewart, III, Thomas Sweeney
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Patent number: 7237845Abstract: An article of furniture has a sitting portion inner core assembly. The inner core assembly has a frame for providing structural support. Vertical bars connect lower and upper portions of the frame. Horizontal bars connect opposite sides of an upper portion of the frame. Alternative, the upper support structure of the frame uses box springs, free-floating horizontal bars with springs, or a mesh pattern for the structural support of the top portion of the inner core assembly. A cloth or foam pad covering is disposed along a side portion and top portion of the inner core assembly. A fabric material is disposed over at least the side and top coverings and inner core assembly. A back support inner core assembly with back support bars connect to the sitting portion inner core assembly and provide structure support of the back support portion of the furniture.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Dodaz, Inc.Inventor: Theresa A. Mulmed
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Patent number: 7237846Abstract: A resin side cover for covering a side frame member of seat cushion frame of automotive seat, which includes outer and inner cover elements. First and second female engagement elements are respectively provided to forward and backward regions of the outer cover element, whereas first and second male engagement elements of resin material are respectively provided to a forward region of the side frame member and the inner cover element. The first female engagement element has an engagement portion defined therein at a predetermined position. The first male engagement element has a latch element defined therein at a point corresponding to such predetermined position, thus allowing the latch portion to be latchingly engageable with the engagement portion of the first female engagement element, while allowing the latch portion to be disengageable from that engagement portion by displacing the first female engagement element from the foregoing predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Tachi-S Co. Ltd.Inventor: Hiroshi Arima