Gerald A Heath

US Patent:

6378894, Apr 30, 2002

Filed:

Jul 9, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/346151

Inventors:

Lisandro Trevino - Ann Arbor MI
Ashir Prafull Thakore - Novi MI
Gerald Arthur Heath - Canton MI
Robert Floyd Kukla - Dearborn Hgts. MI
Shishir K. Agrawal - Belleville MI
Valerie DiCarlo - Ypsilanti MI

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60R 2120

US Classification:

2807283, 280732

Abstract:

A seamless passenger side inflatable restraint system for a motor vehicle includes an instrument panel having a deployment opening and a deployment door integral with the instrument panel and closing the deployment opening. The seamless passenger side inflatable restraint system also includes a side inflatable restraint module disposed within the instrument panel and aligned with the deployment opening. The seamless passenger side inflatable restraint system further includes a door reinforcement connected to the deployment door and operatively connected to the instrument panel to rotate the deployment door and retain the deployment door to the instrument panel after inflation of an air bag of the side inflatable restraint module.

US Patent:

60037164, Dec 21, 1999

Filed:

Sep 4, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/148229

Inventors:

Johnny Hugh Allison - Plymouth Township MI
Gerald Arthur Heath - Canton MI
Richard Morabito - Grosse Isle MI
Jeff Hayes - Dearborn MI
David Norman Denomme - Dearborn Heights MI
Walter Andrew Hartley - Redford MI
Harry Craig Kuptz - Livenia MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

A47B 8800
B65D 4318

US Classification:

220326

Abstract:

A dual open console for use with a vehicle. The console includes a lock assembly that allows opening of only one side of the console at a time. The lock assembly includes a pivot bar engaging locks on both sides of the lid of the console. The pivot bar operates to ensure that the lock on one side of the lid remains engaged when the lock on the other side is released.

US Patent:

61802123, Jan 30, 2001

Filed:

Jun 28, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/340823

Inventors:

Arthur Single - Plymouth MI
Beth M. Wichterman - Ann Arbor MI
Daniel Ryan Malwitz - Carleton MI
Gerald Arthur Heath - Canton MI

Assignee:

Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B32B 328
A47B 9502
B29B 700

US Classification:

428192

Abstract:

Method of making an automotive latch handle intended for operation by manually pulling fingertips across a margin of the handle; it includes the steps of: a) molding a latch handle of a first essentially rigid plastic defining an area support for the margin, which plastic when fully solidified and cured has a stiffness of 0. 8-5. 8 GPa and a durometer ratio of 710,000 shore A; and b) overmolding the support area of the first plastic with a second plastic to define the margin, which margin when fully solidified and cured defines a finger gripping pad that has a stiffness of

US Patent:

53121333, May 17, 1994

Filed:

Dec 17, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/992361

Inventors:

Thomas W. Pietila - Brighton MI
Gerald A. Heath - Canton MI
James H. Zimmerman - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60R 21045

US Classification:

280752

Abstract:

A vehicular assembly incorporating knee bolsters. The assembly is fabricated largely from integrally injection molded plastic that is capable of reinforcing the knee bolsters, supporting the instrument panel and forming the ducts of an air distribution system. In the event of a collision, the knee bolster plates are stabilized so that they can cushion and limit the movement of the knees of a driver or passenger.

US Patent:

6116674, Sep 12, 2000

Filed:

Sep 4, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/148261

Inventors:

Johnny Hugh Allison - Plymouth Township MI
David Norman Denomme - Dearborn Heights MI
Gerald Arthur Heath - Canton MI
Richard Morabito - Grosse Isle MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60N 312

US Classification:

296 378

Abstract:

A console is provided for use with an automotive vehicle. The console can be removed from or repositioned within a vehicle interior using an existing seating arrangement or seat fastening system. The console includes a variety of features, including use as a cooler or a seat separate from the vehicle. The console can be used in several positions within the vehicle.

US Patent:

52079570, May 4, 1993

Filed:

Aug 8, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/742113

Inventors:

Gerald A. Heath - Canton MI
Richard L. Hamilton - Novi MI
Steven D. McCarthy - Farmington Hills MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B29C 4514
B29C 6722

US Classification:

264 405

Abstract:

A method of manufacturing an article having a substructure with a wall having first and second wall surfaces and a molded layer along the first wall surface. The substructure is supported in a tool having first and second die surfaces on either side of the wall. The first die surface is spaced apart from the first wall surface and the second die surface is spaced apart from the second wall surface. A moldable material is injected between the first die surface and the first wall surface under conditions causing said material to exert a force on the wall. The second wall surface is contacted with a fluid under sufficient pressure to create a force on the wall that offsets the force exerted by the material whereby the wall is supported against deformation.

US Patent:

60506288, Apr 18, 2000

Filed:

Jun 25, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/882481

Inventors:

Johnny Hugh Allison - Plymouth MI
Gerald Arthur Heath - Canton MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60N 300

US Classification:

296 3712

Abstract:

A glove box assembly (10) for a vehicle includes left and right side braces (50, 52) each having multiple sections (54, 64, 78). The first section (54) is fastened to the vehicle frame (24) and the second section (64) is connected to the first section and slidably movable relative to the first section between a retracted position at which the second section nests in the first section an extended position at which the second section extends from the first section. The third section (78) is connected to the second section (64) and slidably movable relative to the second section between a retracted position at which the third section nests in the second section an extended position at which the third section extends from the second section. A bin (28) is removably mounted between the left and right side braces (50, 52). The second and third sections (64, 78) of the braces (64, 78) are extended and retracted to controllably extend and retract the bin (28).

US Patent:

57496293, May 12, 1998

Filed:

Jan 16, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/784699

Inventors:

Gerald Arthur Heath - Canton MI
Kelly Michael Obriot - Dearborn MI
Ionel Eugene Simplicean - Dearborn Hgts. MI
Sorin Stancu - Detroit MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

A47C 754

US Classification:

29741136

Abstract:

A console assembly in an automotive vehicle has a center console positioned between a pair of seats and a storage compartment with a lid having an armrest on an outer surface, the storage compartment being diagonally adjustable with respect to the console to provide an adjustable armrest for an occupant. The console has a mounting well and an auxiliary storage compartment therein. A telescoping member is angularly mounted with respect to a vertical axis for simultaneously adjusting the storage compartment both in a vertical direction and in a fore-aft direction with respect to the console, the telescoping member mounted to a storage compartment bottom of the second storage compartment on a first end and mounted within the mounting well on a second end. A stabilizing rod is mounted substantially parallel to the at least one telescoping member for preventing rotation of the second storage compartment about the telescoping member. The storage compartment has a slide bracket attached to the storage compartment bottom for horizontally adjusting the storage compartment relative to the console to provide additional adjustment.