Modular Patents (Class 296/193.04)
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Publication number: 20120274090Abstract: An automotive vehicle including a passenger compartment and an instrument panel is provided. The instrument panel includes a beam disposed at a forward end of the compartment and extending across the width of the compartment. A driver's side instrument panel module is secured to the beam. A passenger's side instrument panel module is also secured to the beam. A defrost module is located adjacent at least one of the driver's side module and said passenger side module and positioned to provide forced air flow over the windshield of the vehicle. A driver's side vent module is disposed between the driver's side module and the sidewall of the compartment. In addition, a passenger side vent module is disposed between the passenger side module and the opposed compartment sidewall.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: David W. Carter
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Patent number: 8276982Abstract: Described herein is a frame for a motor vehicle having a first body and a second body, which are rigidly connected to one another in such a way that they can be taken apart; the first body has a first connection bar set in a transverse direction, and the second body has a second connection bar set in a transverse direction, which is set parallel to, faces, and is in direct contact with the first connection bar and is bolted to the first connection bar itself by means of a number of bolts arranged vertically.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.Inventor: Fabrizio Favaretto
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Publication number: 20120235445Abstract: A floor module for a motor vehicle having a floor trough, which has, in the area of at least two side edges, at least one contact surface in each case for supporting the floor trough on a support structure component of a motor vehicle body and at least one formfitting device shaped onto the floor trough, by which the floor trough is at least temporarily fastenable on the support structure component.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Fabian DE LUCA
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Patent number: 8246109Abstract: A vehicle roof module includes a front extruded cross member, a first pair of nodes each received in an end region of the front cross member, a first and a second extruded side rail with each end region receiving one of the first pair of nodes, a second pair of nodes each received in another end region of the first and second rails, a rear extruded cross member with each end region receiving one of the second pair of nodes, and a panel mounted to the front cross member, rear cross member, and first and second side rail. Each end region of each side rail defines an interior hollow portion and has at least one nodule extending from the side rail into the hollow portion to maintain a bond gap between the side rail and the node received into the side rail end region for receiving adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2010Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Richard H. Wykoff, Matthew John Zaluzec, Joy Hines Forsmark, Jacob Wesley Zindel, Brian J. Schneider
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Patent number: 8240748Abstract: A modular vehicle includes a base body having a frame, driver compartment, chassis, motor and wheels, a removable modular component adapted to be locked and unlocked therefrom, and locks that fasten the removable modular component within the base body. The removable modular component provides added structural rigidity to the frame when installed, and can comprise at least 20 percent of the overall volume and at least 20 percent of the overall weight of the entire vehicle. Locks permit the modular component to be removed and replaced with another removable modular component when said locks are unlocked. Various modular components can be directed toward medical, weapons, fire equipment, rescue equipment, hunting supplies, reconnaissance, command center, outback vehicle, or a survival camper. A triangular truss support system provides increased support and protection for the underside of the vehicle, such as for when the vehicle runs over an IED or other destructive device.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: Draco TrustInventor: Nicholas J. Chapman
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Publication number: 20120175914Abstract: A rear floor module of a motor vehicle is provided that is arranged between two rear longitudinal beams of the vehicle body that essentially extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The floor module features a floor pan that essentially extends in a planar fashion between the longitudinal beams and at least one integrated cross member for separate connection to the longitudinal beams with its end sections that lie in the lateral direction of the vehicle in order to transmit mechanical forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Fabian DE LUCA, Juergen HULBERT, Bjoern BURGARD, Kamil JERDONEK
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Patent number: 8215689Abstract: A modular system is provided for producing motor vehicles having at least first and second vehicle variants that differ from one another by having different space requirements in an accessories compartment that is separated from a luggage compartment by a partition wall. The system has a first partition wall that is secured to a side of an upper crossmember facing the accessories compartment to produce a small accessories compartment on the first vehicle variant. The system also has a second partition wall that is secured to a side of the upper crossmember facing the luggage compartment to produce a large accessories compartment on the second vehicle variant.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.f. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Tim Schmidt
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Patent number: 8210300Abstract: A Front End Module (FEM) assembly and associated assembly method with a rail system to enable efficient assembly, tighter clearances between the front end module assembly and the vehicle, and time and cost savings. The present disclosure provides a FEM assembly including grilles and headlamps and a rail system enabling the FEM to be assembled on a vehicle. Advantageously, the present disclosure allows the FEM to pass between fenders on the vehicle with a very tight clearance condition. The rail system included in the present disclosure allows the FEM to be assembled efficiently while protecting grilles and headlamps from being damaged by fenders and protecting the fenders from damage from the FEM.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventor: Bernardo Gonzalez-Salvador
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Patent number: 8205703Abstract: A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Hal-Tech LimitedInventor: Donald R. Halliday
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Publication number: 20120153673Abstract: A rear floor module is arranged between two rear frame rails of a vehicle body running essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The floor module includes, but is not limited to a floor tray essentially extending flatly between the frame rails and at least one integrated cross member, which is configured for separately connection with the frame rails for transmitting mechanical forces, and which is provided with a connecting structure to which at least one component of a vehicle chassis can be secured.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Fabian DE LUCA
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Publication number: 20120153674Abstract: A rear floor module arranged between two rear frame rails of a vehicle body running essentially in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The floor module includes, but is not limited to a floor tray essentially extending flatly between the frame rails and at least one integrated cross member, whose end sections arranged underneath the frame rails can be separately connected with the frame rails for transmitting mechanical forces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: Fabian DE LUCA
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Publication number: 20120119543Abstract: A structure for a vehicle may include first and second spaced-apart members, first and second internally-threaded members, a module, first and second connecting members, and first and second fasteners. The first and second internally-threaded members may be connected to the first and second members, respectively. The module is positioned between the first and second members for a predetermined alignment relative thereto. The first and second connecting members include an outer surface having external threads and an inner surface having internal threads. The outer surface may engage a corresponding one of the internally-threaded members. The external and internal threads have opposite thread-handedness. The first and second fasteners engage the internal threads of the first and second connecting members, respectively. The first and second fasteners may move the first and second connecting members toward the module to clamp the module relative to the first and second members and maintain alignment therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Dennis F. Stedman, William R. Schmidt, Douglas P. Smith
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Patent number: 8177277Abstract: A vehicle having a vehicle body component and a body panel. The vehicle body component has a body mating feature. The body panel has a body panel mating feature that engages the body mating feature to secure the body panel to the vehicle body component.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
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Patent number: 8157317Abstract: A cab body structure includes a cab front panel 10a, a cab rear panel, a pair of cab side panels 20, and a front window 50a. The pair of cab side panels 20 is arranged almost parallel to each other when width of the cab front panel 10a in the vehicle width direction and width of the cab rear panel in the vehicle width direction are set approximately equal, and arranged slanting on the outer side towards the rear along the vehicle width when width of the cab rear panel in the vehicle width direction is set greater than width of the cab front panel in the vehicle width direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Isuzu Motors LimitedInventor: Taku Orii
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Publication number: 20110291444Abstract: A vehicle having a driver control region, such as a drive cab, and a specialized frame extending rearward from the driver control region and having a rear module body which can be easily exchanged on the specialized frame. The specialized frame has two rails, each with an incline or slope segment, and the rear module body has two open bottom frame channels, which conform to the rails and the inclines or slope segments thereof. When lowered onto the specialized frame, interaction between the specialized frame and frame channels creates a forward push resulting in a desired position of the rear module body rearward of driver control region. Optionally, the specialized frame may be provided by adaptors attached to a regular vehicle frame to provide a slope segment or incline. The vehicle may be based on a truck, such as a chassis-cab or upon an all-terrain-vehicle (ATV). A plurality of specialized rear module bodies may include box, closed container, or passenger oriented configurations.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventor: Timothy B. Ische
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Publication number: 20110266835Abstract: A system for storing cargo or other items within a vehicle enclosure having a plurality of walls is disclosed. In one aspect, the system for storing cargo comprises a plurality of support posts. In an additional aspect, each support post defines a plurality of U-shaped receiving channels. In a further aspect, the support posts can be selectively secured within the vehicle enclosure. In one aspect, the system comprises means for retaining the cargo within the vehicle enclosure. In an additional aspect, the means for retaining the cargo within the enclosure can be attached to the receiving channels of the support posts.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Robert E. Burnham, Frank A. Fabiano, Phillip M. Ownbey
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Publication number: 20110241382Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Front End Module (FEM) assembly and associated assembly method with a rail system to enable efficient assembly, tighter clearances between the front end module assembly and the vehicle, and time and cost savings. The present disclosure provides a FEM assembly including grilles and headlamps and a rail system enabling the FEM to be assembled on a vehicle. Advantageously, the present disclosure allows the FEM to pass between fenders on the vehicle with a very tight clearance condition. The rail system included in the present disclosure allows the FEM to be assembled efficiently while protecting grilles and headlamps from being damaged by fenders and protecting the fenders from damage from the FEM.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventor: Bernardo Gonzalez-Salvador
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Patent number: 7987937Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Front End Module (FEM) assembly and associated assembly method with a rail system to enable efficient assembly, tighter clearances between the front end module assembly and the vehicle, and time and cost savings. The present disclosure provides a FEM assembly including grilles and headlamps and a rail system enabling the FEM to be assembled on a vehicle. Advantageously, the present disclosure allows the FEM to pass between fenders on the vehicle with a very tight clearance condition. The rail system included in the present disclosure allows the FEM to be assembled efficiently while protecting grilles and headlamps from being damaged by fenders and protecting the fenders from damage from the FEM.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventor: Bernardo Gonzalez-Salvador
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Publication number: 20110175398Abstract: A combat tactical modular vehicle structure including a center frame module comprising a front bulkhead a cab portion and a rear bulkhead where the center frame module includes an integrated armor so that the integrated armor is a part of center frame module or the center frame module has at least one piece of armor attached to the center frame module, a front frame module comprising an engine subframe where the front frame module is connected to the front bulkhead by a plurality of mechanical coupling devices, and a rear frame module comprising a gearbox subframe where the rear frame module is connected to the rear bulkhead by the plurality of mechanical coupling devices for selectively connecting and disconnecting the front frame module to the front bulkhead without substantially affecting the connection and the rear frame module to the rear bulkhead without substantially affecting the connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: ALCOA INC.Inventors: Matthew P. Kiley, Miloslav Novak, Gregory L. Peer, Edward A. Timko, Daniel Bergstrom, Jeffrey M. Shoup, Deryck H. Serrano
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Patent number: 7954888Abstract: A body structure of a rear part of a motor vehicle contains at least two side walls, each having a side wall element, and a bulkhead with a cross member on the ground side. The cross member is provided with rearwardly open mounts into which a front end region of the respective side wall element is pushed and is welded and/or riveted to the cross member.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AGInventors: Wolfgang Neumann, Holger Hahlweg
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Patent number: 7922238Abstract: A vehicle having a driving cab and specialized frame extending rearward from the driving cab and a rear module body which can be easily exchanged on the specialized frame. The specialized frame has two rails, each with an incline, and the rear module body has two open bottom frame channels, which conform to the rails and the inclines. When lowered onto the specialized frame, interaction between the specialized frame and frame channels creates a forward push resulting in a tight fit of the rear module body to the rear of the driving cab. Sliding lock jack assemblies fasten the rear module body to the specialized frame and deploy to unfasten and then lift the rear module body free of the specialized frame. The slide lock jack assemblies conceal in compartments while fastening and rotate 90 degrees to lift.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Inventor: Timothy Burtel Ische
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Publication number: 20110079942Abstract: A vibration isolation scheme includes an interior sled mounted to a vehicle body by one or more sled isolators having damping properties. The sled floats with respect to the vehicle body to isolate vehicle occupants from vibrations otherwise transmitted from the vehicle body. The sled isolators can be located at specific vibrational nodes to target a particular frequency or a range of frequencies. The damping properties of the sled isolators can attenuate vibrations in ranges outside the target frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2009Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventor: James W. Post, II
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Publication number: 20110074177Abstract: To provide a seat cowl structure of a saddle-riding type vehicle that can reduce weight of a seat cowl support structure, while achieving stiffness to support an occupant load. The seat cowl structure includes a pair of left and right seat rails and a stiffness portion. The pair of left and right seat rails extends rearwardly from a vehicle body frame and is disposed inside a seat cowl. The stiffness portion connects between seat cowl fastening portions of the left and right seat rails in a vehicle width direction and is disposed inside an upper surface portion and side surface portions of the seat cowl.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Takeo YOKOYAMA, Yoshiyuki KURAYOSHI, Masashi HAGIMOTO, Sumio SUZAKI
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Patent number: 7905540Abstract: A combat tactical modular vehicle structure including a center frame module comprising a front bulkhead a cab portion and a rear bulkhead where the center frame module includes an integrated armor so that the integrated armor is a part of center frame module or the center frame module has at least one piece of armor attached to the center frame module, a front frame module comprising an engine subframe where the front frame module is connected to the front bulkhead by a plurality of mechanical coupling devices, and a rear frame module comprising a gearbox subframe where the rear frame module is connected to the rear bulkhead by the plurality of mechanical coupling devices for selectively connecting and disconnecting the front frame module to the front bulkhead without substantially affecting the connection and the rear frame module to the rear bulkhead without substantially affecting the connection.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Matthew P. Kiley, Miloslav Novak, Gregory L. Peer, Edward A. Timko, Daniel Bergstrom, Jeffrey M Shoup, Deryck H. Serrano
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Publication number: 20110049934Abstract: In a fender panel fixing structure of a passenger vehicle according to the present invention, a notch portion of a fender panel is provided with a first flat plate-shaped projection strip that is capable of being inserted into a space between an upper end periphery of a fixed window and a side body and has an engagement portion, and a second flat plate-shaped projection strip that is capable of being inserted into a space between a lower end periphery of the fixed window and the side body and has an engagement portion. The side body has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that are disposed in portions covered by the upper end periphery and the lower end periphery of the fixed window. The first and second engaging portions are respectively capable of engaging the first flat plate-shaped projection strip and the second flat plate-shaped projection strip.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenichi Kanada, Ryoichi Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20110006562Abstract: A modular floor system comprising at least one floor panel for use in a vehicle. The floor panel is comprised of a top surface material and an interlocking subfloor having one or more interlocking pieces. The top surface material and the interlocking subfloor are affixed to one another. Another aspect of the invention is a method of making a modular floor panel. The method comprises obtaining a top surface material, obtaining an interlocking subfloor having one or more interlocking pieces, and affixing the top surface material and the interlocking subfloor to one another. The top surface material and the interlocking subfloor are preferably affixed to one another by bonding.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: Specialty Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Carl Campbell, David George Mann
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Publication number: 20100276970Abstract: A Rapid Deployment Modular Carrier (RDMC) that incorporates a unique locking system and auxiliary control systems for the loading, transportation, and unloading of Rapid Deployment Modules (RDM's). The locking system has a hinging powered arm, linear driven pin, and rotating locking clip. The auxiliary systems has an electronic control panel that manages the engagement and disengagement of the locking system. The control panel also manages the suspension components of the RDMC, adjusting ride height and handling characteristics as needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Montana Trey Lorenzo, Henry Tyrell Lorezno
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Patent number: 7810876Abstract: A vehicle having a rear end body structure that includes first and second rear side castings. The first and second rear side castings interlock with at least one structure that at least partially defines a passenger compartment of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
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Patent number: 7806463Abstract: A travel trailer having exterior unitary lower and upper shells, an interior lower shell defining a pre-molded floor and side walls with a seating area, a cabinet for refrigerator and stove top, an opposing bench, a bathroom sink, and defining an aisle centrally therebetween; a shower pan attached to a side wall; an interior upper shell defining a pre-molded ceiling, side walls, and storage areas; a wall defining a door to a bathroom portion; and a wheeled chassis connected to the exterior lower shell with an extending tongue for attaching to a trailer hitch of a motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Precision Polymers, LLCInventors: James Oliver, Daniel Oliver, Scott Oliver
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Publication number: 20100213740Abstract: The present invention discloses a container body structure and a vehicle having the same, the container body structure comprising: a front wall, a rear wall, a left side panel, a right side panel, a roof sheet and a floor, each of them being a separate individual part; and connectors being provided at peripheries of the front wall, the rear wall, the left side panel, the right side panel, the roof sheet and the floor respectively, for cooperating with each other during assembling, in which assembly and disassembly of the container body structure can be realized through assembly and disassembly of the connectors for the front wall, the rear wall, the left side panel, the right side panel, the roof sheet and the floor. Owing to the characteristics of the container body structure of the present invention, the production, transportation and subsequent maintenance of the container body may be simplified, and thus production efficiency may be improved and maintenance cost may be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2010Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicants: China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd., Qingdao CIMC Reefer Trailer Co., Ltd, Qingdao CIMC Reefer Container Manufacture Co., Ltd, Qingdao CIMC Special Reefer Co., Ltd.Inventors: T.H. Huang, Robert Wang, Ryan Xu, Eric Shan, Jack Zhang, Steven Zhang
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Patent number: 7775586Abstract: A roof structure for a motor vehicle, which has a roof-supporting roof frame, which is suitable to receive different roof modules, such as panoramic roofs, sliding roofs etc. The roof frame of the roof structure according to the invention has a surrounding flange directed towards the roof centre. The flange is additionally formed on the side of the vehicle such that it has a longitudinal supporting section, which extends parallel to the roof frame over the length of the roof frame from the free end of the flange in the direction of the center of the vehicle roof. The flange and the supporting section are formed in one piece according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Matthias Hallik
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Publication number: 20100201160Abstract: A mount is provided for fastening a motor vehicle module on a motor vehicle, having a fastening section, using which the module is fastenable on the motor vehicle, and having a support section angled therefrom, in order to place the module thereon. The support section has a receptacle, into which a pin of the module is insertable in the vertical direction (z), the pin being longitudinally displaceable in the receptacle in a predetermined direction (x) in the inserted state, the fastening section having a receptacle, into which a tab of the module can be introduced upon a movement in the cited direction (x), and having a cantilever, which is implemented to produce a positive connection with a safeguard block associated with the module.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2008Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Thilo-Stefan Greb
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Publication number: 20100156145Abstract: A modular system is provided for producing motor vehicles having at least first and second vehicle variants that differ from one another by having different space requirements in an accessories compartment that is separated from a luggage compartment by a partition wall. The system has a first partition wall that is secured to a side of an upper crossmember facing the accessories compartment to produce a small accessories compartment on the first vehicle variant.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Tim Schmidt
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Publication number: 20100123334Abstract: Interchangeable Rear Modular Body Vehicle. This invention would have a driving cab containing everything needed to drive a vehicle, an engine, at least four wheels and a gas tank. The rear of the driving cab behind the driver and passenger doors would be open to the back allowing many different rear body configurations to be attached to the driving cab. This invention with the frame and rear body designs would allow for fast and easy attachment and removal of rear modular bodies. This includes four sliding lock jacks which will be attached to the Rear Module Bodies that will allow these bodies to be removed and or attached to the frame. Jacks will manually deploy from compartments in the rear module bodies by pulling out and disconnecting the rear module body from frame then rotating 90 degrees allowing jacks to lift body off of frame. Jacks will be electrically powered with a control switch located in one of the compartments.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2008Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: Timothy Burtlet IscheInventor: Timothy B. Ische
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Publication number: 20100109382Abstract: Lightweight components of hybrid design, also termed hybrid component or hollow-chamber lightweight component, formed of a shell-type parent body which is reinforced by thermoplastics and is suitable for the transmission of high mechanical loads, where the thermoplastic is linear, semicrystalline polyamide, in combination with at least one filler and with at least one elastomeric modifier.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: LANXESS DEUTSCHLAND GMBHInventors: Ulrich Dajek, Alexander Radeck
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Patent number: 7703841Abstract: A vehicle body assembly having a set of castings. Each member of the set of castings interlocks with another member of the set of castings to create a vehicle body structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
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Publication number: 20100090490Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle console system having a plurality of interchangeable side panels of different lengths. The system also includes a plurality of interchangeable blank and equipment mounting face plates and quick disconnect clamps associated with each panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Jeffrey D. Carnevali
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Publication number: 20100078965Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a utility body, a chamber formed in the utility body, a framework movable into and out of the chamber, and at least one utility device located on the framework.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Leonard H. Hancock, SR., Leonard Hancock, JR.
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Patent number: 7677649Abstract: A vehicle having an interlocking floor assembly including a first floor structure having a first set of mating features and a second floor structure having a second set of mating features. The first and second sets of mating features interlock to couple the first and second floor structures together.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Gregory Thomas Hedderly
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Publication number: 20100026054Abstract: A moon roof frame module is sized to span between the laterally spaced roof side rails of an automotive roof frame structure and is welded to the opposing roof side rails to be integrated into the roof frame structure. As a result, the moon roof assembly serves as a load path member to reinforce the automotive roof structure. The integrated moon roof frame module will receive roll over forces and increase the strength of the roof structure of an automotive vehicle. The moon roof frame module includes a U-shaped roof panel that is welded to the opposing roof side rails and provides a reinforcing cross member located forwardly of the moon roof opening. A second cross member positioned rearwardly of the moon roof opening increases rigidity of the reinforcing moon roof frame module.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Lawrence A. Queener, Hikmat F. Mahmood, Ramakrishna P. Koganti, Jason S. Balzer, James W. Lowe
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Patent number: 7635156Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle body and a module. The vehicle body has a front end and a rear end with an opening formed through the rear end. The module is sized to be received within the rear end opening. The module has at least a portion of a vehicle interior mounted therein. The module is adapted to be inserted into the opening of the rear end to cooperate with the vehicle body to form the at least a portion of the vehicle interior. A modular vehicle interior system is disclosed with a module which is sized to be received within a rear end opening of a vehicle body. A method for assembling a vehicle interior is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Freeman Thomas, Kris Tomasson, David Woodhouse, Jordan Bennett, Matthew Edwards
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Publication number: 20090302643Abstract: A method for mounting, on a motor vehicle, underbody elements and a technical front surface designed to be mounted at one end of a front structural element of the vehicle including side-members. The technical front surface is positioned on one of the underbody elements; the technical front surface is pivoted about a transverse axis from a position wherein it extends substantially transversely to a position wherein it is titled forward; the underbody elements and the tilted technical front surface are moved vertically downwards up to the vehicle; and the technical front surface is folded down from its tilted position to its normal position wherein it is opposite the structural element of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.Inventors: Philippe Bogaert, Michael Flandin
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Patent number: 7543883Abstract: A support rail for a vehicle has an A-pillar portion and a roof rail portion. The roof rail and A-pillar are formed with a tubular body portion and longitudinally extending support flanges. The support flanges are formed by pinching the blank during the hydroforming process to provide a double thickness flange. A windshield support flange, roof support flange and door opening flange are formed to extend outwardly from the tubular body portion. Front and rear tube connectors include blind openings or notches to facilitate welding.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Vari-Form, Inc.Inventors: Xiaoming Chen, Omar Faruque, Thierry Guimberteau, Louis Ratsos, Dean Gericke, Daniel Szalay
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Publication number: 20090140550Abstract: A method for making machines includes selecting one of a plurality of types of suspension elements for coupling between a body component and a frame component of a machine. If the suspension elements are of a first type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the body component having a configuration corresponding therewith. If the suspension elements are of a second type, they are coupled with mounting elements on the frame component which have a configuration corresponding therewith. Adapter mechanisms having a first connecting interface corresponding to mounting elements on one of the body component and frame component, and a second connecting interface corresponding with the selected suspension elements, are used to couple the body component with the frame component.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2007Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventor: Clifton Gerke
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Patent number: 7540546Abstract: A mobile emergency hospital comprises a first wheeled trailer and a second wheeled trailer parked alongside the first trailer such that adjacent side walls of the first and second trailers are arranged to confront each other. The first and second trailers have patient care equipment associated with first and second portions of the emergency hospital, respectively. The adjacent side walls of the two trailers have openings which are generally aligned with each other to form one or more passageways through which caregivers pass between the two trailers. The first trailer may include a plurality of wall units arranged along a non-adjacent side wall of the first trailer. Each such wall unit may include a plurality of service connectors and a foldout bed. The trailers may include expandable sections to provide additional floor space.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.Inventors: Julie A. Kern, Kenneth L. Kramer, Richard W. Chance, Nathan I. Carver, Frederic Le Roy, Dennis Paul LaLoge
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Patent number: 7520562Abstract: In the case of vehicle variants of one “vehicle family”, different fenders and different front opening hoods adjoining the fenders are attached to forward vehicle structures by means of identical supporting members. For this purpose, the supporting members have connection planes for the upper end sections of the fenders, which are situated horizontally above one another. Thus, a different course of the joints, such as between a fender and an opening hood, and differently shaped body panels can be achieved in the case of vehicle variants at comparatively low cost by use of this common supporting member.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Cristian Dragoi
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Patent number: 7481476Abstract: As an alternative to a known partition between a passenger compartment and a luggage compartment of a passenger vehicle that is open at the top, a preassembly unit including a transverse member extending over the width of the vehicle and insertable into side receptacles fixedly mounted on the body is proposed. The transverse member is additionally supported via struts on the automotive body. The struts run obliquely downward and outward at an angle of approximately 45° to the transverse member, resulting in a large clearance below the transverse member that can be utilized for loading between the passenger compartment and the luggage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Harald Heiss, Gerhard Neis
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Publication number: 20090008964Abstract: A modular truck body. The modular truck body includes a floor assembly, a first storage assembly removably connected to the floor assembly, a second storage assembly removably connected to the floor assembly, and a bulkhead removably connected to the first and second storage assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: READING TRUCK BODY, INC.Inventor: Bruce Skipper
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Publication number: 20080308332Abstract: The present disclosure provides a Front End Module (FEM) assembly and associated assembly method with a rail system to enable efficient assembly, tighter clearances between the front end module assembly and the vehicle, and time and cost savings. The present disclosure provides a FEM assembly including grilles and headlamps and a rail system enabling the FEM to be assembled on a vehicle. Advantageously, the present disclosure allows the FEM to pass between fenders on the vehicle with a very tight clearance condition. The rail system included in the present disclosure allows the FEM to be assembled efficiently while protecting grilles and headlamps from being damaged by fenders and protecting the fenders from damage from the FEM.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventor: Bernardo Gonzalez-Salvador
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Publication number: 20080284209Abstract: An H-bridge drive circuit for reducing switching noises while preventing shoot-through current from flowing in the H-bridge circuit. The H-bridge drive circuit includes an H-bridge circuit for driving a load with a first power supply and a lower voltage second power supply. The H-bridge circuit includes first to fourth transistors. The first and third transistors are connected to the first power supply. The second transistor is connected between the first transistor and the second power supply, and the fourth transistor is connected between the third transistor and the second power supply. The load is connected to a node between the first and the second transistors and a node between the third and the fourth transistors. A control circuit switches the activation and inactivation of the first to fourth transistors so as to maintain at least either one of the second and fourth transistor in an activated state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2007Publication date: November 20, 2008Inventor: Hidetaka FUKAZAWA