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Fox, MI
Andrew G. Fox, Farmiington Hills, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090202292 | Multiple Position Ball Stud for Closure Strut - A multiple position ball stud assembly for a closure strut supporting a closure pivotally attached adjacent to an opening, and a method of operation, is disclosed. The ball stud assembly may comprise a ball stud and a ball stud actuator. The ball stud may have a socket portion mounted on a closure lift assist strut and a guide pin extending from the socket portion. The ball stud actuator assembly may include a housing, a guide for receiving the guide pin, and an actuator for moving the guide pin along the guide to thereby cause the ball stud to move relative to the housing. The multiple position ball stud assembly may also include a control assembly that engages the actuator for selectively causing the actuator to move the guide pin along the guide. | 08-13-2009 |
Andrew G. Fox, Farmington Hills, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110127781 | LOCKABLE VEHICLE CLOSURE BUMPERS - A closure assembly and method of operation for a vehicle closure includes a latch for selectively securing the closure to the vehicle, and a lockable bumper assembly that includes an electronic locking mechanism that can selectively secure the bumper in a pocket of the base to add an additional mechanism for securing the closure to the vehicle. The locking mechanism may be controlled to secure the bumper to the base after a controller detects that the latch is latched and the bumper is seated in the pocket of the base. | 06-02-2011 |
Bart W. Fox, Zeeland, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090127738 | Vehicle component and method for making a vehicle component - A molded article with multi-material or color and soft portions and a method of making the same is disclosed. The molded article comprises a multi injection substrate, and a coverstock or skin. The article is formed by a process wherein the coverstock or skin is secured within the mold, a first material is injected into a first cavity, a retractor member is moved to define a second cavity, and a second material is injected into the second cavity. The first and second materials may be different types of plastic, different colors, or combinations thereof. The first cavity is defined by two mold sections (e.g., a cavity and a core) and the retractor member. The second cavity is also defined by the two mold sections, the retractor member, and the (at least partially) hardened first material. The first material may be configured to couple to the second material by a locking interface provided by recesses and/or projections on the mold sections. A method of forming the flexible skin may include coupling a compressible material to the skin; positioning the skin and compressible material in a mold; and forming a rigid substrate around the skin and compressible material providing a first soft region wherein the compressible material is disposed between the skin and the substrate so that a first soft region is defined by the compressible material. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090295011 | Vehicle component and method for making a vehicle component - The invention is also directed to a method for forming a component for a vehicle. The method comprises forming a substrate in a mold by injecting a first resin into a first cavity, reconfiguring a portion of the mold to form a second cavity, and injecting a second resin into a second cavity; providing a flexible member adjacent at least a portion of the substrate to form a cavity between the substrate and the flexible member; coupling at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate; and introducing a material into the cavity after securing at least a portion of the flexible member to the substrate. The flexible member and the material introduced into the cavity form a cushioned region for the vehicle component | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100171333 | LOCALIZED DEEP SOFT AREA OF A TRIM PANEL - A trim panel and method of forming a trim panel for a vehicle. The trim panel can include a localized cushioned portion of softness ( | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100279051 | TRIM PANEL - An apparatus and method for making a trim panel. The method includes providing a preform laminate including a compressible material sandwiched between a flexible skin and a back skin. Positioning the preform laminate in the mold. Placing an insert with the preform laminate in the mold to created a step to establish a seam location and define a secondary area on the preform laminate. Compressing the compressible material by introducing a molten polymeric material to the mold forming a substrate and bonding the substrate to the preform laminate forming the trim component. The preform laminate folds onto itself and creates a crease along the step to simulate the seam and provide a contour change with the appearance of cushioning in the secondary area, and removing the trim panel component from the mold. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20110139338 | VEHICLE COMPONENT AND METHOD FOR MAKING A VEHICLE COMPONENT - A process for providing a cushioned region ( | 06-16-2011 |
Dale Fox, Lincoln Park, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090284054 | CONNECTIONS FOR ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLE SEATS - A vehicle seat with an active head restraint system is provided with a seatback frame having a pair of side members. An armature extends transversely between the side members with a pair of lateral ends each pivotally connected to one of the side members. A head restraint rod extends from the armature for supporting a head restraint. An actuator is mounted to the seatback frame for actuating the armature. A bushing is mounted to the frame, the armature or the actuator. A rivet is mounted to the bushing and another of the frame, armature and actuator. The rivet preloads the bushing to minimize inadvertent movement at the connection. A method for assembling a vehicle seat is provided wherein the bushing is preassembled to the rivet. Another method for assembling a vehicle seat is provided wherein the rivet preloads the bushing to minimize inadvertent movement at the connection. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20100156154 | CONNECTIONS FOR ACTIVE HEAD RESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLE SEATS - A vehicle seat with an active head restraint system is provided with a seatback frame having a pair of side members. An armature extends transversely between the side members with a pair of lateral ends each pivotally connected to one of the side members. A head restraint rod extends from the armature for supporting a head restraint. An actuator is mounted to the seatback frame for actuating the armature. A bushing is mounted to the frame, the armature or the actuator. A rivet is mounted to the bushing and another of the frame, armature and actuator. The rivet preloads the bushing to minimize inadvertent movement at the connection. A method for assembling a vehicle seat is provided wherein the bushing is preassembled to the rivet. Another method for assembling a vehicle seat is provided wherein the rivet preloads the bushing to minimize inadvertent movement at the connection. | 06-24-2010 |
George E. Fox, Maybee, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20120329297 | TERMINAL AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - A connector assembly is provided with a body that extends along a lateral length with a longitudinal height defined by a first body surface and an opposing second body surface. A locking terminal extends through the body and includes an elongate blade having a distal end for electrically connecting to a mating connector and a proximal end adapted to electrically connect to an electronic component with an aperture. At least one tab extends lengthwise from an intermediate portion of the blade and extends through the electronic component aperture. A projection extends outward from the tab such that the projection interferes with the aperture during insertion of the tab therethrough for deforming the tab. After insertion, the tab returns from the deformation and engages the projection to the electronic component for retaining the tab within the aperture. | 12-27-2012 |
John Fox, Fraser, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090260765 | Method and Apparatus for Retaining a Wheel - A device for retaining a wheel having an inner diameter during an assembly operation of a tire-wheel assembly at a single-cell workstation includes a claw portion that releasably-attaches to the inner diameter of the wheel, including a fixed portion and a rotatable portion, wherein the rotatable portion is rotatably-disposed upon the fixed portion; wheel-engaging portions slidably-disposed upon the rotatable portion; sliding portions that are slidably-disposed within the fixed portion, wherein each sliding portion is coupled with one of each wheel-engaging portion, and an actuator portion coupled to the rotatable portion. A method is also disclosed. | 10-22-2009 |
Ken Fox, Monroe, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20120260476 | ECOLOGICALLY FRIENDLY, FURNITURE QUALITY CASKET - A casket is provided that is made entirely from naturally occurring materials. The casket includes a box having a bottom and a plurality of side walls. A hinge assembly is provided including a first member that is secured to a side wall of the box and a second member that is pivotally supported on the first member by a dowel pin. A lid is secured to the second member of the hinge assembly for pivotal movement between a closed position and an opened position. | 10-18-2012 |
Kenneth Fox, Monroe, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20120174356 | ECOLOGICALLY FRIENDLY, FURNITURE QUALITY CASKET - A casket is provided that is made entirely from ecologically friendly materials, yet still provides a furniture quality appearance. The casket includes a box having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of end walls. A lid is pivotally supported relative to the box by a hinge assembly for movement between a closed position and an opened position. The casket also includes a locking mechanism that is operable to secure the lid in the closed position. The box, the lid, the hinge assembly, and the locking mechanism are made entirely from naturally occurring materials. | 07-12-2012 |
Mathias R. Fox, Zeeland, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100071396 | COOLING MEMBER - A cooling member for a variable speed drive is disclosed. The cooling member includes including at least two channels, each channel including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, a first passageway configured to provide fluid to the at least two channels through the at least one inlet of each channel, a second passageway configured to receive fluid from the at least one outlet of each channel the at least two channels, and a connector to connect the cooling member to a second cooling member. | 03-25-2010 |
Matthew G. Fox, Ceresco, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20110190088 | SELF-CONTAINED HYDRAULIC TORQUE MODULATING DEVICE - A torque modulating coupling device for operatively linking two shafts has a clutch and a piston disposed in a case. The piston selectively applies force to the clutch in response to hydraulic pressure, and a keyed feature adapted to couple with a corresponding keyed feature associated with at least one of the shafts. The coupling device can be formed with two cases that form an enclosure for the clutch and the piston, trapping the piston forces between the cases. This embodiment allows the device to also act as an axle housing cover. In another embodiment, the case is designed to bolt directly to an axle housing cover, trapping piston forces between the case and the cover. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20120180596 | ELECTRONICALLY TRIGGERED LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL - An electronically triggered locking differential includes a differential case, at least one pinion gear and a pair of side gears. A clutch pack is disposed between one of the side gears and the differential case and retards relative rotation between the differential case and the side gear. A cam member is disposed adjacent the clutch pack so that the clutch pack engages when the cam member ramps up. An engagement shaft has one end engaged with the cam member and an opposite end extending through the differential case and engaged with a sprocket. A magnetic coil and flux conductor magnetically couple the sprocket to the differential case when the coil is energized. This coupling retards rotation of the engagement shaft and the cam member relative to the gear case, initiating engagement of the clutch pack to lock the differential. | 07-19-2012 |
Matthew George Fox, Ceresco, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100251706 | HYDRAULIC COUPLING HAVING SELF-ADJUSTING ANTI-ROTATION HYDRAULIC FLUID PATH - A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle drive train having a fluid path which extends between the housing of the hydraulic coupling and a coupling mechanism. The fluid path includes a first aperture formed in the housing with a first diameter and a longitudinal axis, as well as a second aperture formed in the coupling mechanism. A rigid conduit extends between the first and second apertures with a first portion having a diameter that is less than the first diameter of the first aperture so as to define an adjustment gap that allows the rigid conduit to move out of alignment with the longitudinal axis in response to misalignment between the first and second apertures. In addition, the rigid conduit provides resistance to torque imposed upon the coupling mechanism. | 10-07-2010 |
| 20110092329 | FREE FLOATING HYDRAULIC BULKHEAD WITH IMPROVED SEALING AND ANTI-ROTATION - A hydraulic bulkhead configured for use with a limited slip differential includes a plenum comprising a passageway for hydraulic fluid and a boss. A first seal is located on an outer surface of the boss. The outer surface of the boss is a low pressure area relative to the inner surface of the boss. The plenum is stationary relative to the limited slip differential. A differential assembly including the inventive hydraulic bulkhead is also disclosed. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110226578 | HYDRAULIC COUPLING HAVING IMPROVED HYDRAULIC PORTING PATH DESIGN - A hydraulic coupling for use in a vehicle drivetrain to couple a pair of rotary members and includes a coupling mechanism supported in a casing and that is operable to couple the pair of rotary members together. A piston is responsive to pressurized fluid generated by a pump to move between first and second positions, thereby engaging the coupling mechanism. The pump has an outlet located in a direction away from the piston. An internal passage provides fluid communication between the outlet of the pump and an expandable chamber formed adjacent the piston. A control valve controls the flow of pressurized fluid from the pump between the sump and the expandable chamber. | 09-22-2011 |
Michael A. Fox, Harrison Township, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090308139 | HANDHELD VACUUM TEST FIXTURE AND METHOD OF MONITORING VACUUM CUP DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE - An apparatus for checking or monitoring a vacuum drawn by a suction cup used in connection with a material handling system. The apparatus including a faceplate and a handle connected to the faceplate. The handle including a vacuum gauge wherein a passageway extends from the vacuum gauge to the faceplate. | 12-17-2009 |
Randy Fox, Rochester, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20120192469 | THREE-SIDED CHANNEL SIGN COUPLER - A three-sided channel coupler for connecting the upper and lower portions of a U-shaped sign post, the coupler comprising two U-shaped elements, an outer three-sided, U-shaped element and an inner, three-sided U-shaped element, the three sides of each element comprising a transverse face and two lateral legs, the inner element being smaller than the outer element, a plurality of cross-braces attached to the two lateral legs of each element to hold the two elements together and a plurality of vertical ribs on the inner surface of the outer element and on the outer surface of the inner element. | 08-02-2012 |
Richard T. Fox, Midland, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20090075046 | AQUEOUS BASED COATING WITH ATTRACTIVE BARRIER AND OPTICAL CHARACTERISTICS - An improved coating composition including a polymeric component and synthetic clay. The coating composition is particularly useful for coating a polymeric substrate, such as a styrenic polymeric substrate. One particular preferred application involves coating a closed cell foam extruded styrenic polymeric insulation panel with the coating composition, thereby realizing attractive barrier properties and optical characteristics from the coating. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090202829 | Long Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Concentrate and Method for Its Preparation - Disclosed is a process to make a long fiber-reinforced thermoplastic concentrate wherein a continuous fiber strand is coated with an aqueous melt-kneaded thermoplastic dispersion, dried, and chopped. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20100087555 | QUALITY POLYMER FOAM FROM FLUORINATED ALKENE BLOWING AGENTS - Alkenyl aromatic polymer foam comprising a polymer matrix containing one or more polymer and defining a plurality of cells having an average cell size wherein: (a) the alkenyl aromatic polymer foam has: —(i) an average cell size that is in a range of 0.02 and 5 millimeters; —(ii) a density of 64 kilograms per cubic meter or less; —(iii) an open cell content less than 30 percent; and—(iv) a cell size variation of 30% or less; and wherein the foam further comprises one or more fluorinated alkene blowing agent at a concentration of 0.03 moles or more and 0.3 moles or less per 100 grams of polymer foam. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100099783 | ALKENYL AROMATIC FOAM WITH LOW SOLUBILITY HYDROFLUOROCARBON - Prepare a closed-cell alkenyl aromatic polymer foam by an extrusion process using a blowing agent composition that contains at least 30 weight-percent of the chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent such that the foam has a density of 48 kilograms per cubic meter or less, contains more than 50 weight-percent styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer based on total polymer weight and at least eight weight-percent of a chlorine-free hydrofluorocarbon blowing agent that has a lower solubility in polystyrene than 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134). | 04-22-2010 |
| 20110039064 | FLEXIBLE CONDUCTIVE POLYMERIC SHEET - An electrically conductive article including a substrate and at least one electrically conductive layer disposed on the substrate. The conductive layer may include a thermoplastic resin and from about 1 to 30 weight percent of at least one conductive additive based on a total weight of the thermoplastic resin and the at least one conductive additive. The conductive article may have a surface resistance between 0.001 to 20Ω at a test distance of 2.54 cm (1 inch). | 02-17-2011 |
William John Fox, Sterling Heights, MI US
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|---|---|
| 20100083745 | Method of Dynamically Measuring Stiffness of a Wheel and Tire Assembly - A test machine and method for dynamically testing a tire/wheel assembly. A first laser measurement gage is directed to an inboard rim flange of the wheel to measure radial deflection of the tire/wheel assembly. A second laser measurement gage is directed to the inboard rim flange to measure axial deflection of the tire/wheel assembly. Displacement data and loading data are correlated to provide values for lateral stiffness, radial stiffness and ride stiffness. | 04-08-2010 |