Ducts Or Conduits Patents (Class 296/208)
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Patent number: 8210604Abstract: A vehicle door structure includes a door body, a window panel, and a washer hose. The door body is attached to a door opening of a vehicle such that the door body can be opened and closed. The window panel is attached to an outer surface of the door body such that a window opening of the door body is covered. The window panel includes an opaque portion that does not allow viewing therethrough at a peripheral region of the window panel. Through the washer hose, washer fluid is supplied. The washer hose is disposed between the outer surface of the door body and the opaque portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Motoki Minami
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Publication number: 20120153681Abstract: An air introduction structure has a lower cover that covers a front portion of a vehicle body from below. The lower cover includes a venturi wall, and a duct portion that diverts air from an inlet opening to a cooling unit that is disposed in the rear of a power unit. The venturi wall is inclined so that a portion thereof near the inlet opening is closer to the road surface than a front end portion of the venturi wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Satoshi Ajisaka
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Patent number: 8172314Abstract: A motor vehicle has a wing (3) with a cutout (16) and a covering part for covering the cutout (16). The covering part is formed by a panel (10) that is visible from outside and by a closing part (11) that holds the panel (10) from the inside against the cutout (16). To further increase the functionality of the covering part a connection in terms of flow extends between the closing part (11) and/or the panel (10) and headlight unit/lamp unit (2).Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Grammer, Holger Sander
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Patent number: 8152227Abstract: A structure of mounting a cowl top cover which has a back end portion mounted to a lower end portion of a front windshield panel. The structure includes: a surface portion disposed at the back end portion of cowl top cover, the surface portion covering a surface of lower end portion of front windshield panel and extending in a vehicular widthwise direction; a plurality of clip portions disposed at back end portion of cowl top cover, the lower end portion of front windshield panel being clamped between the clip portions and the surface portion in a plurality of places along the direction in which the surface portion extends; and a thin plate portion disposed at back end portion of cowl top cover, wherein the thin plate portion connecting plurality of clip portions with each other is thinner than surface portion and is spaced apart from front windshield panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Nihon Plast Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takenori Kurata, Hirofumi Harada, Fumihiko Kimura, Toshiyuki Terada, Takahiro Murata, Manabu Fujisawa, Naoki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 8146706Abstract: An air duct for vehicle air conditioning, includes a duct body defining a passage, and a passage dividing wall for dividing an interior of the duct body into a first passage and a second passage. In the air duct, the width of the duct body in an arrangement direction of the first and second passages in a bending section is larger than the width of the duct body in upstream-side and downstream side straight sections adjacent to the bending section, so as to increase a passage length difference (L1?L2) between the first passage and the second passage. Accordingly, the air duct has a structure capable of reducing the duct width while obtaining a desired passage length difference between the first passage and the second passage.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Naoki Katoh, Minoru Hashimoto, Masashi Watanabe, Tatsuya Toyama, Shigeyoshi Nagaya
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Patent number: 8128161Abstract: An interior body trim arrangement is basically provided with an interior body trim panel and a back closure member. The interior body trim panel has an interior facing surface and an outboard facing surface opposite the interior facing surface. The back closure member is fixed to the outboard facing surface of the interior body trim panel. The inboard facing surface of the back closure member and the outboard facing surface of the interior body trim panel define an integrated HVAC duct having a first opening end and a second open end.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Yang, Tomohito Hashikawa
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Patent number: 8128156Abstract: A motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a bulkhead for separating a vehicle interior space from an engine bay. The entire bulkhead in its upper area at a first bending point bends toward the front side of the vehicle (=forward), to then extend upwardly from there in a forward-arched area, where it forms a window support for a windshield. The bulkhead has an air inlet opening in a forwardly arched area that is connected with the vehicle interior space to supply air to the latter.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Christoph Daab, Karl-Heinz Arndt, Norbert Ranker
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Publication number: 20120049583Abstract: A wire harness guide for accurate placement of a wire harness onto a component and protection of the wire harness from rubbing against a surface in near proximity thereof is provided. The wire harness guide can include an elongated bracket having a channel portion extending along a length of the bracket, the channel portion located between an upper flange and a lower flange. The upper flange can extend along at least a portion of the elongated bracket, as can the lower flange. A side wall can extend between the upper flange and the lower flange and a bend extending transversely across the elongated bracket can be present.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Marta Ann Fabiilli
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Patent number: 8123285Abstract: An upper pillar structure of a vehicle may include a pad assembly for sealing an air intake portion formed between a side inner panel and a side outer panel, the pas assembly including a fixing member disposed at lower side of the air intake portion, and a rotating member, a portion of which is rotatably coupled to the fixing member and moves to top portion of the air intake portion by actuation of the side outer panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Byung Ok Lee, Dong Oh Lee
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Patent number: 8118354Abstract: A collapsible exhaust air duct for an automotive vehicle having a reconfigurable seat and an electric compartment rearward of the seat that contains heat-producing electric components. The collapsible exhaust duct is in fluid communication with the electric compartment to carry exhaust air therefrom. The duct extends forwardly beneath the seat, maintains an expanded condition when the seat is in a seating position, and is converted to a collapsed condition by movement of the seat to a stowed position. The disclosed apparatus provides a duct that maximizes usable space and flexibility in a vehicle having reconfigurable seating.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Marc Jonathon Lucas
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Patent number: 8113569Abstract: An energy-saving vehicle, has a housing including an outer portion, an inner portion, an air-flow channel, at least a first air inlet, and at least an air outlet, a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, and a steering wheel. The air-flow channel is disposed between the outer portion and the inner portion of the housing. The first air inlet is disposed in the front of the vehicle The air outlet is disposed at the back of the vehicle, The first air inlet and the air outlet are connected to the air-flow channel. The front wheels and the rear wheels are driven by a power unit. The length of the air-flow channel is no less than that of the upper portion of the housing. As the vehicle travels at a high velocity, air is led in from the air inlet and sprayed from the back of the vehicle, instantly filling a low pressure region at the back of the vehicle and turning the back of the vehicle into a high pressure region, which saves energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Inventor: Xiaoyi Zhu
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Patent number: 8104715Abstract: A window arrangement is provided for enlarging a window area in an aircraft. The window arrangement includes, but is not limited to at least one first installation element. The at least one first installation element is designed to convey fluids, and furthermore includes, but is not limited to a transparent region which covers a first window region such that light waves in the visible spectrum can be let through.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbHInventors: Nicholas Brownjohn, Georg Mühlthaler, Rainer Müller
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Patent number: 8070205Abstract: A harness assembly for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a body and a dual-mode tailgate connected to the body via a dual-action hinge The harness assembly includes a protector connected to a frame of the tailgate. The protector has a body shaped to conform to a first portion of the tailgate frame having a first contour and a second portion of the tailgate frame having a second differing contour. A portion of the protector body is configured to route a section of a tailgate harness adjacent an outboard lateral edge of the tailgate frame and past the section of the tailgate harness under a dual-action hinge.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: John M. Schermerhorn, Hung V. Phan
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Patent number: 8070212Abstract: An arranging structure spans a wire harness for a motor vehicle between a vehicle body and a slide member. The structure includes a corrugated tube for sheathing the wire harness; a protector made of a resin material, the protector holding opposite ends of the corrugated tube in a longitudinal direction and threading the wire harness; and a rotary member integrated with the protector or coupled to the protector as a different element from the protector, the rotary member being rotatably supported on supporting members provided on the vehicle body and the slide member.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuya Shima, Yoshinao Kobayashi, Shigeki Murayama
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Publication number: 20110285177Abstract: (57) Main claim: A molded component (10) to connect a motor vehicle window (40) to a water box (50). comprising a first segment (20) affixable to said window and a second segment (30) having or forming a detent cavity (60) to allow detachable affixation of said water box (50), said water box being fitted with a rib (51) which is affixable frictionally and/or in geometrically interlocking manner in said detent cavity (60), the first segment (20) partly enclosing at its edge the motor vehicle window (40), characterized in that said molded component comprises at least one detent element (70) designed to ease inserting the rib (51) of the water box (50) into the detent cavity (60) in a first direction (R1, whereas making it comparatively more difficult to extract the rib (51) from the detent cavity (60) in the opposite direction (R2).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2009Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: ELKAMET KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK GMBHInventors: Eberhard Flammer, Wolfgang Platt
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Patent number: 8056966Abstract: A gutter system for a vehicle storage compartment includes a bed floor for supporting cargo in a vehicle and a storage compartment having an opening defined in the bed floor. A gutter at least partially surrounds the opening. The gutter includes a main gutter channel disposed adjacent and along an inward side of the opening and lateral gutter channels disposed adjacent and along lateral sides of the opening. At least one discharge channel fluidly connects to the main gutter channel and extends laterally outwardly therefrom to facilitate drainage from the main gutter channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: David M. Edwards, Matthew R. Lux
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Patent number: 8056963Abstract: A vehicle roof assembly is coupled to a windshield. The roof assembly includes an outer roof member and an inner roof member which form a duct for conducting conditioned air therethrough. A body panel includes a front panel and a bottom panel which are integrally joined together at a corner. The corner has a plurality of apertures formed therein. An adhesive strip attaches an upper edge of the windshield to the front panel. The apertures receive conditioned air from the duct and form an airflow boundary layer which flows over an inner surface of the windshield. This assembly forms a windshield defogging system.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Paul Thomas Bruss, Randy Charles Rush
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Patent number: 8047598Abstract: The present invention relates to an automotive interior member placed on a part that receives sunlight (R) entering through a window (2) of an automobile (1). A corrugated sunlight-receiving surface (6) receives the sunlight (R). The corrugated sunlight-receiving surface (6) comprises a first slope (8), which receives the sunlight (R) entering through the window (2), and a second slope (9), which is disposed on a part where the sunlight (R) is blocked by the first slope (8), i.e., which faces the inside of an automotive compartment (1a). A cooling air passage (10) that extends along the underside of the sunlight-receiving surface (6) is provided in the interior member, and a blowing means (13) is provided in an air duct (12) that communicates with the cooling air passage (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Inventor: Mitsumasa Takeda
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Patent number: 8011720Abstract: An apparatus and method for aiding in the assembly of a substrate to a vehicle body structure wherein the substrate includes a cable configured to attach to an electrical component mounted onto the vehicle body structure. The substrate includes a retaining device selectively disposed on the substrate and configured to releasably retain the cable. The retaining device is disposed on the substrate so as to position the cable along the substrate in such a manner that the cable will not interfere with the attachment of the substrate to the vehicle body structure. Accordingly upon attachment of the substrate to the vehicle body structure, the cable is manually removed from the retaining device and attached to the electrical component thereby preventing the cable from being trapped between the substrate and the vehicle body structure during the assembly process.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Erik A. Wippler
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Patent number: 8007037Abstract: A motor vehicle, preferably a two door sports car, is provided with a side wall section, in particular comprising a fender, which forms at least partially the outer wall of a wheel housing. A sill panel which covers a lateral sill of the motor vehicle in the connected state to the side wall section forms an outer wall of an air guiding channel.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AGInventor: Werner Wolkersdorfer
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Patent number: 8002335Abstract: A vehicle cowl structure is provided. A cowl part is disposed between a lower end of a front glass of a vehicle and a rear end of a front hood. The cowl part has a two-layer structure which has a metallic cowl panel having a design surface and a resinous cowl cover disposed below the metallic cowl panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Suzuki Motor CorporationInventor: Yoshitaka Usuda
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Publication number: 20110187157Abstract: A vehicular air-conditioning duct structure including: a first duct, provided behind an instrument panel, that communicates a first blowout port formed in the instrument panel with a delivery port of an air conditioner; a second duct downstream portion formed separately from a second duct main body portion provided behind the instrumental panel and connected to a downstream side of the second duct main body portion to thereby constitute a second duct that communicates a second blowout port formed in the instrument panel with the delivery port; a mounting portion that fixes the second duct downstream portion to a downstream side of the first duct; and a bridge portion that couples a portion of the first duct upstream of the mounting portion to the second duct main body portion and that is joined to a back face of the instrument panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2011Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasunobu Yamazaki, Toru Kondo
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AUTOMOBILE BODY INCLUDING A BEARING FOR A BUMPER-FORMING MEMBER AND AN AIR INTAKE DUCT TO THE ENGINE
Publication number: 20110148153Abstract: An automobile body for receiving a bumper-forming member and including: a front crossbar; a pair of bearings for the bumper-forming member; and an air intake duct into the engine, the duct including an open end through which the outside air enters the duct. One of the bearings includes a protection portion of the open end, wherein the protection portion is provided in close proximity to the open end, covers the open end, and extends along a portion of the duct, while a gap is provided between the protection portion and the duct so that the air can flow into the duct through the open end.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.Inventors: Juliette Massoulie, Christophe Audoux, Philippe Bogaert -
Patent number: 7959220Abstract: A people carrier with an air-conditioning duct which is guided in a long stretched-out intermediate space delimited by walls is disclosed, and with at least one barrier between the air-conditioning duct and the walls, the barrier running essentially perpendicularly to the air-conditioning duct, wherein the at least one barrier is produced from a textile fireproofing material.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Werner Höfler
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Publication number: 20110127803Abstract: An air duct system which mates an air duct attached to the roof of an automotive vehicle and an air duct attached to a nonexposed surface of a headliner is provided. The air duct system is attached to an air supply which delivers directed air and is disposed between an inner surface of the roof and the nonexposed surface of the headliner. The headliner includes an opening into the passenger compartment of the automotive vehicle. The air duct system includes a first air duct and a second air duct. The first air duct is attached to the inner surface of the roof, and the second air duct is attached to the nonexposed surface of the headliner. Upon installation of the headliner to the roof a portal on the first air duct registers with a portal on the second air duct so as to provide an air flow passage between said first air duct and said second air duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2009Publication date: June 2, 2011Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Johnson Controls, Inc.Inventors: Adam Michael Ludwig, Jeff Charles Hills, Donald Federico
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Publication number: 20110115261Abstract: A contoured structure (10) to connect a vehicle pane (40) to a water draining chamber (50) comprises a first segment (20) affixable to the vehicle pane and a second segment (30) fitted with or subtending a snap-in recess (60) serving to detachably install the water draining chamber (50). Said water draining chamber comprises a rib (51) which is frictionally and/or geometrically interlocking into said recess, furthermore at least one seal (90) that, in the installed position of said water draining chamber, subtends a substantially flat and flush transition between the surfaces of the vehicle pane (40) and of the water draining chamber (50).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: ELKAMET KUNSTSTOFFTECHNIK GMBHInventors: Wolfgang Platt, Michael Ortmüller, Daniel Weller
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Publication number: 20110074184Abstract: An interior body trim arrangement is basically provided with an interior body trim panel and a back closure member. The interior body trim panel has an interior facing surface and an outboard facing surface opposite the interior facing surface. The back closure member is fixed to the outboard facing surface of the interior body trim panel. The inboard facing surface of the back closure member and the outbound side surface of the interior body trim panel define an integrated HVAC duct having a first opening end and a second open end.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2009Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Tomohito HASHIKAWA, Thomas YANG
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Patent number: 7900998Abstract: Vehicle body floor structure includes a floor frame of an upwardly-opening U sectional shape extending in a length direction of a vehicle centrally on a floor panel provided in a floor section of a vehicle compartment, and a collective piping bracket provided under the floor panel between a flange of the floor frame and an outer surface of the floor panel. The collective piping bracket is fixedly joined to the flange of the floor frame in spaced-apart relation to the floor panel.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasunobu Onoda, Yoshiyuki Toba
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Patent number: 7891409Abstract: Noise occurring in an upright air-conditioning unit is greatly reduced. An upright air-conditioning unit 1 is disposed under a steering member support part 23, a vent opening 15 and a vent outlet port 20 are made to communicate with each other via a vent duct 25, a defrost opening 16 and a defrost outlet port 21 are made to communicate with each other via a defrost duct 26. The vent opening 15 assumes a position further frontward than the steering member support part 23 along the frontward/rearward direction relative to the vehicle body whereas the defrost opening 16 assumes a position further rearward than the steering member support part 23 along the frontward/rearward direction relative to the vehicle body.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Valeo Thermal Systems Japan CorporationInventors: Daisuke Araki, Hiroshi Tsuzuki, Yoshihiro Sekiya, Keisuke Hara
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Patent number: 7883139Abstract: A drainage arrangement for a tailgate of a motor vehicle body has water outflow spouts in the inner panel of the tailgate. The water outflow spouts are arranged correspondingly to water outflow openings in a rear part or a rear-end trim panel of the body behind a vehicle license plate as viewed in relation to the direction of travel.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Grammer, Markus Schmid, Bela Molnar
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Patent number: 7866739Abstract: A sunroof system for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The sunroof system includes a draintube for expelling fluid that enters the sunroof system from an exterior of the motor vehicle. A section of the draintube may have a one-piece configuration that includes a first portion and a second portion with different cross-sectional shapes. In some configurations, the second portion may have a lesser thickness than the first portion, and the second portion may be located within a pillar of the motor vehicle. In further configurations, the second portion may be located within a pillar of the motor vehicle and adjacent to an airbag component of the motor vehicle. In manufacturing the draintube, a portion of the tube may be heated and compressed to convert a circular cross-section to a non-circular cross-section.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Steven R. Thiele
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Publication number: 20100301638Abstract: An engine air intake system is provided which is formed by an engine compartment. A fan and a grille screen are used to remove a portion of debris from air external to the vehicle. After the air is partially cleaned via the grille screen, it moves toward a heat exchanger carrying a portion of the remaining debris with it. A portion of the debris may fall out of the air via gravitational effects. A portion of the air then moves up and into an entrance passage for an air intake duct that is integrated with the hood of the engine enclosure, this portion having been further cleaned via debris passage to and through the heat exchanger as well as gravitational effects. The air then travels through the air intake duct and passes through an air filter where a portion of the remaining debris is removed prior to the air being supplied to the engine intake.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Inventors: Eric J. Hinshaw, Kevin G. Braun
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Patent number: 7810873Abstract: A dashboard support extending between the A-pillars of a motor vehicle includes a passenger-side beam member constructed to suit a load exposure on a passenger side, a driver-side beam member which is constructed to suit a load exposure on a driver side and connected to the passenger-side beam member; and an air guiding channel which is made of plastic and arranged in the driver-side beam member. The air guiding channel is supported on the inside by the driver-side beam member so as to be aligned in its three rotary degrees of freedom and its translational degrees of freedom in travel direction and vertical direction. The air guiding channel has a sidewall which is formed, for securement in a direction transversely to the travel direction, with an outwardly directed protuberance for engagement in a receiving member in the driver-side beam member when the air guiding channel is displaced transversely to the travel direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbHInventors: Andreas Hitz, Benjamin Viallard
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Publication number: 20100237660Abstract: A motor vehicle has a wing (3) with a cutout (16) and a covering part for covering the cutout (16). The covering part is formed by a panel (10) that is visible from outside and by a closing part (11) that holds the panel (10) from the inside against the cutout (16). To further increase the functionality of the covering part a connection in terms of flow extends between the closing part (11) and/or the panel (10) and headlight unit/lamp unit (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Martin Grammer, Holger Sander
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Publication number: 20100201157Abstract: A motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a bulkhead for separating a vehicle interior space from an engine bay. The entire bulkhead in its upper area at a first bending point bends toward the front side of the vehicle (=forward), to then extend upwardly from there in a forward-arched area, where it forms a window support for a windshield. The bulkhead has an air inlet opening in a forwardly arched area that is connected with the vehicle interior space to supply air to the latter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Christoph Daab, Karl-Heinz Arndt, Norbert Ranker
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Publication number: 20100194152Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided having an A column, which forks in its lower area into an A1 column and an A2 column, in order to accommodate a triangular window therein, having a panel enveloping the A2 column, the spatial area between A2 column and panel being implemented as a flow channel, which is connected to a fresh air supply, the panel having a first air outlet opening facing toward the triangular window and/or a second air outlet opening facing toward a side window.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Peter Arndt, Olaf Kaden
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Publication number: 20100181128Abstract: A material handling vehicle includes a cyclonic motor cooling system for a motor compartment that accommodates an ergonomically designed operator compartment. Together, the motor compartment and cyclonic motor cooling system include a generally cylindrical housing with a tangentially arranged cooling air injection port at a lower end and exhaust port at a radially and axially opposite end. An air blower directs cooling air into the compartment where a cyclonic cooling air flow and a vortex cooling flow is produced. The cyclonic air flow cools more effectively than conventional linear air flow while also reducing dust contamination and buildup of the motors in the motor compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2009Publication date: July 22, 2010Inventor: Michael George Field
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Publication number: 20100127535Abstract: An external grid device for an automotive vehicle, including a flexible plastic sieve, and a meshing that is thinner than that of the grid, provided along an internal face of the grid.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.Inventors: Franck Barcelo, Guy Bettray
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Patent number: 7695041Abstract: A grommet is inserted into a notch in a channel and partially supports a seal strip attached to the channel. The grommet includes a main segment and first and second end segments. The main segment extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and has a first side surface and a second side surface. The first end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the first end of the main segment. The second end segment is attached to the main segment adjacent to the second end of the main segment. The main segment, the first end segment, and the second end segment together define a passageway extending through the grommet parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cable harness including a grommet and a vehicle including a grommet are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.Inventors: Camas Reed, Darin King, Mark Hegemann
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Patent number: 7686388Abstract: The present invention provides a wire/pipe support device of a motorcycle that can possess a sufficient space for accommodating a wire/pipe without increasing the degree of forming of a vehicle body frame. A wire/pipe support device includes a groove-shaped engaging portion that is engaged with a main frame that constitutes a vehicle body frame of a motorcycle and has a lower surface thereof opened. A groove-shaped accommodating portion receives the wire/pipe thereon and has an upper surface thereof opened. The engaging portion is mounted on the vehicle body frame by engaging the engaging portion with the vehicle body frame from above. The wire/pipe is placed on the accommodating portion. The wire/pipe support device is pushed from above by a fuel tank directly or by way of a cushion member thus preventing the floating of the wire/pipe support device from the vehicle body frame and the rotation of the wire/pipe support device about the vehicle body frame.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yosuke Hasegawa, Jun Nakajima, Kenta Nakamura
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Publication number: 20100066129Abstract: A gutter system for a vehicle storage compartment includes a bed floor for supporting cargo in a vehicle and a storage compartment having an opening defined in the bed floor. A gutter at least partially surrounds the opening. The gutter includes a main gutter channel disposed adjacent and along an inward side of the opening and lateral gutter channels disposed adjacent and along lateral sides of the opening. At least one discharge channel fluidly connects to the main gutter channel and extends laterally outwardly therefrom to facilitate drainage from the main gutter channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2008Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: David Edwards, Matthew R. Lux
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Publication number: 20100001554Abstract: A vehicle body pass-through structure is basically provided with a seal member, a rigid mounting member and a grommet. The seal member includes a first side, a second side and an access opening extending through the seal member between the first side and the second side. The rigid mounting member overlies the second side of the seal member so that the access opening of the seal member aligns with an attachment aperture of the mounting member. The grommet includes a first open end portion, a second open end portion, and a passageway extending between the first open end portion and the second open end portion. The first open end portion is disposed in the attachment aperture of the mounting member.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Vedat Haydin, Rick Miller, Jim Beach
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Patent number: 7641266Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided having a vehicle body with a passenger compartment between a vehicle floor, a vehicle roof and side pillars. A pair of passenger seats are oriented within the passenger compartment with a center console mounted therebetween. A central structural pillar extends from the center console to the vehicle roof for supporting a central region of the vehicle roof. A ducting assembly is provided with a central duct extending upward from the center console adjacent to the pair of passenger seats and in fluid communication with a heating and cooling system. An outlet port is provided on the central duct for directing the air to the seating row.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gordon Platto, Rafael Rego, Joann Jung
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Patent number: 7641271Abstract: A vehicle body pass-through structure is basically provided with a seal member, a rigid mounting member and a grommet. The seal member includes a first side, a second side and an access opening extending through the seal member between the first side and the second side. The rigid mounting member overlies the second side of the seal member so that the access opening of the seal member aligns with an attachment aperture of the mounting member. The grommet includes a first open end portion, a second open end portion, and a passageway extending between the first open end portion and the second open end portion. The first open end portion is disposed in the attachment aperture of the mounting member.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.Inventors: Vedat Haydin, Rick Miller, Jim Beach
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Publication number: 20090295197Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing undesirable air flow in a passenger compartment of a forward moving vehicle taps into an external air stream source to provide a counteractive air flow supply. The counteractive air flow supply is used to introduce at least one generally forward to rearward directed counteractive flow of air into the passenger compartment at a generally laterally central portion of the vehicle in an amount and at a velocity sufficient to counteract at least a portion of a rearward to forward flow of air in the passenger compartment to provide a forward to rearward directed flow of air through a generally laterally central portion of the passenger compartment at a head level of at least one front seat passenger.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Jeff Zabel, Florian Drasch, Sven Klussmann, Michael Charwat, Thomas Meiwald, Daniel Paulus, Atsushi Suzuki, Benno Wurm, Joshua Arvizu, Mark Bianco, Brian Biggott, Martin Bodi
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Patent number: 7625039Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle seat assembly supportable on a floor of a vehicle having a battery pack disposed behind the vehicle seat, operable to help cool the battery pack, a vehicle battery pack cooling system, and a method of cooling a vehicle battery pack. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly comprises a seat bottom comprising a structural support portion made of a first material and a foam seat cushion supported on the structural support portion, with the first material being more resilient than the foam. The structural support portion is supportable on the vehicle floor and, when supported on the floor, communicates with the vehicle floor to form an air flow passage extending under the seat bottom to provide air flow to the battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2008Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Brent R. Mangiapane, Kurt Dettloff
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Patent number: 7625038Abstract: A side door grommet is formed in an L-shaped configuration to be seated in a side door between the primary and secondary door seals to release air pressure experienced when the side door is closed against the body shell. The grommet includes an L-shaped tube that allows air to pass into the interior of the side door and bends downwardly to prevent the passage of water from the interior of the side door through the grommet tube into the sealed area of the side door. A grill is mounted in the grommet to prevent the passage of small fingers and/or toys through the grommet into the interior of the side door. The release of the air bind between the primary and secondary seals allows the side door to be closed with a minimum of effort.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Craig Moccio, Paul Repp, Thomas Leung
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Publication number: 20090291626Abstract: A motor vehicle has lower and upper air duct sections (4, 8) arranged within the motor vehicle in series in a throughflow direction, with a vent for conveying and discharging air for air conditioning the vehicle interior space. The lower air duct section (4) is arranged in the region of an inner floor of the vehicle and is fixed to the bodyshell. The upper air duct section (8) is part of a lining (9) for the B pillar (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Gerhard Reder
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Patent number: 7621373Abstract: A baffle assembly for a hollow cavity is disclosed. The baffle assembly includes a labyrinth that defines a tortuous drain passageway. The baffle assembly includes a vertical portion that abuts an expandable material to reduce the transmission of noise and other vibrations.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Sika Technology AGInventor: Raymond D. Helferty
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Patent number: 7597387Abstract: Vehicles, such as all terrain vehicles, can be provided with a frame and a fender assembly. The fender assembly can have layered fender panels attached together with a bolt and T-nut. A channel can be formed between the fender panels to facilitate passage of fluid along a predetermined pathway. A seat includes a compression surface for sandwiching the fender assembly with respect to the frame. Front and rear fender assemblies can be attached to the frame by a midpoint fastener passing through respective apertures in each of the front and rear fender assemblies, through a grommet, and into the frame. A stay assembly attaches a mudguard to the fender assembly, and can involve a swivel clip. Methods are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2007Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.Inventors: Stephen Hlopick, Darin D. King, Matthew Alexander, Yoshihito Tokuda, Scott Blanford, Shinichi Karube, Mitsuya Kawamura, Anthony M. Schroeder, Asao Itaya, Hiroyuki Miyazaki, Nicholas Renner, Jessica Vera, Hideaki Yamazumi, Michael V. Peterson