Other

International Business Machines Corporation

John C Cheng

Calvin Shiening Wang

Zhenqiu Huang

James S Wong

Zhen Qiu Huang

Scott Arthur MacDonald

William D Hinsberg, Iii

Timothy Martin Reith

Sam Fu

Lester A Pederson

Robert T Lynch, Jr

Zhen Quin Huang

Collapsible vehicle step bar

A vehicle-to-trailer light-connection verification tester () designed to be located within a towing vehicle (), a towed trailer () or within a cable adapter () that is connected between the vehicle () and the trailer (). The tester () features an electronics circuit () that includes a plug (P), a receptacle (J), a three-position mode switch (S), a plurality of isolation diodes (D-D), and a loudspeaker (LS). The mode switch (S) has a vehicle test position V, a trailer test position T, and a normal lighting position N. When the switch (S) is in the vehicle test position the rear vehicle lights are tested and when the switch (S) is in the trailer test position (T) the rear trailer lights are tested. If each light in either the vehicle () or the trailer () is operational the loudspeaker (LS) produces an audible sound. Conversely, if a particular light is not functioning no sound is heard. Thus, if there is a lighting problem a determination can be easily made if the problem is in the vehicle or in the trailer.

Vehicle-to-trailer light connection verification tester

Segmented tailgate LED strip

A self-powered, heat-activated LED exhaust tip assembly () that is comprised of three major elements: a cylindrical enclosure (), a heat conducting sub-assembly () and an electronics circuit (). The sub-assembly () consists of an external heat conducting plate (), and an enclosure-internal heat conductive horizontal structure () that is attached to the plate () through a heat conductive vertical rod (). When heated vehicle exhaust gases pass through the enclosure (), the gases heat the structure () and the heat is then transferred to the plate () via the rod (). The heat from the plate () is transferred to a peltier device () that interfaces with the plate (). The heated peltier device () produces a first d-c voltage () that is applied to a DC to DC converter (), where a second d-c voltage () is produced. The output of the converter () is applied to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) () that produces a set of LED control signals that illuminate a set of LEDs.

Self-powered, heat-activated LED vehicle exhaust tip assembly

A trailer hitch () for attachment onto a motor vehicle for pulling a trailer. The hitch () consists of a pair of forward and aft mounting brackets (and) that are connected into existing holes in the vehicle's frame. Each mounting bracket has flanges (' and&#x2032;) with the aft brackets () having thru-holes () arranged in a bolt circle array. The pair of forward mounting brackets () are connected to the aft mounting brackets () for length adjustment of the trailer hitch relative to the hitch position on the motor vehicle. The height of the trailer hitch () is regulated by the right side up or upside down position of the aft mounting brackets () properly orienting the thru-holes. A box hitch () is adjustably attached for width regulation onto the thru-holes of the aft mounting brackets () by inserting arms () into a tubular sleeve () of the box hitch at an appropriate distance. A receiver box () is connected on the bottom of the tubular sleeve for receiving a hitch ball mounted on a trailer ball mount.

Universal motor vehicle trailer hitch

An adjustable receiver hitch () for receiving a hitch ball mounted, trailer ball mount that is attached onto the frame of a motor vehicle for pulling a trailer. A pair of frame mounting brackets () are configured for attachment onto the frame of the motor vehicle, with each mounting bracket further having flanges (), lightening holes (), and a plurality of bracket thru-holes (). A pair of hitch mounting arms () are connected to the frame mounting brackets and interface with a selected set of the holes () for height adjustment of the receiver hitch relative to the motor vehicle frame. A box hitch () is adjustably attached onto each mounting arm by inserting the arms into a tubular sleeve () or () which is a connecting element of the box hitch. A receiver box () is connected on the lower surface of the tubular sleeve for receiving the hitch ball mounted on the trailer ball mount.

Adjustable receiver hitch

Six-shooter vehicle gear-shift knob

A wheel cover ( ) that simulates a high profile automotive wheel and tire. The wheel cover ( ) includes a base mounting plate ( ) that is removably attached to a wheel ( ) using conventional methods. A face plate ( ), which is configured to partially cover the tire sidewall as well as a central portion of a wheel, is positioned on top of the base mounting plate ( ). The mounting plate ( ) is attached to the face plate ( ) in a spring-loaded manner, which continually urges the face plate ( ) to be in contact with the side wall of the tire ( ). The spring-loading arrangement permits the face plate ( ) to yield when the tire bulges due to weight induced distortion or road hazard impact. The face plate ( ) gives way at the tire bulge and yet retains contiguous engagement with the tire. When attached, the face plate ( ) extends outward from the wheel's outer perimeter and over a portion of the tire's sidewall, thus producing the appearance of a high profile wheel and tire.

Wheel cover simulating a high profile automotive wheel and tire

A bolt-on, adjustable vehicle side step for a sports utility vehicle, pick-up truck or four wheel drive vehicle utilizing a pair of rocker panel attaching brackets ( ) with an outward-extending integral male cog gear ( ) that fastens onto a vehicle rocker panel. A pair of arms ( ) having a female cog gear bore ( ) and a step receiving hole ( ) are juxtaposed on the bracket, with each male cog gear penetrating a bracket bore at an angle accommodating the configuration of a given vehicle and a desired step location. A pair of length adjustable legs ( ) are nested together and attached to the brackets. Each pair of legs adjustably expand between the vehicle's frame and the brackets, thus forming an unyielding, compressible rigid structure. A step platform ( ) is disposed within each connecting arm step receiving hole on each end such that the platform spaces the arms apart and provides a convenient footstep to assist a person who is entering or exiting the vehicle.

Vehicle bolt-on adjustable side step

A vehicle antenna light assembly ( ) that is adapted to be removably attached to a vehicle antenna tip ( ) as located on a vehicle antenna ( ). The assembly ( ) is comprised of an electronic light enclosure ( ) that encloses a battery powered electronic light circuit ( ) that sequentially activates a set of LED'S when the external environment is dark and the vehicle is moving. The enclosure ( ) is attached to the antenna tip ( ) by utilizing an enclosure attachment cup ( ), a central attachment structure ( ), and a compression washer ( ). The attachment is accomplished by attaching the structure ( ) to a lower section ( ) of the enclosure ( ). The cup ( ) followed by the compression washer ( ) is then inserted over the antenna ( ) and the cup ( ) is attached to a cup attachment cavity ( ) located on the structure ( ). When the attachment sequence is complete, the washer ( ) bias the antenna tip ( ) against the base ( ) of the structure ( ) to maintain a rigid attachment.

Vehicle antenna light

A flip-down ball-mount cover assembly ( ) which functions in combination with a ball-mount ( ) as is typically attached to a trailer and is inserted into a ball-mount receiver ( ) that is attached to and extends from the rear of a vehicle. The assembly ( ) consists of a detent hinge ( ) having one end that is fastened to an assembly attachment collar ( ) that attaches to the ball-mount receiver ( ) and a second end that is attached to a receiver cover ( ). When the vehicle is not towing a trailer the receiver cover ( ) is hingedly pressed against the opening of the ball-mount receiver ( ). When a ball-mount ( ) is to be used, the receiver cover ( ) is rotated downward from its closed position into an open position which remains open due to the detent action of the hinge ( ). To enhance the utility and the aesthetics of the assembly ( ) an indicia plate ( ) can be fastened to the receiver cover ( ) which allows the indicia to be viewed when the cover ( ) is in the closed position.

Flip-down ball mount cover assembly

A receiver lock for a trailer box hitch designed to secure a ball mount in place and protect it from unauthorized removal. The receiver lock consists of a solid metallic cylindrical pin ( ) with a head ( ) on one end and round end ( ) on the other end. The pin includes a body ( ) with a notched recess ( ) essentially adjacent to the head with a bore ( ) running through the head and body communicating with the recess. A cam lobe ( ) is located within the recess and has a shape that conforms to the body when in an unlocked position, and extends above the body when locked. A circular keyway lock ( ) is placed in the bore in the head and held captive with a set screw ( ). A hexagonal lock connecting rod ( ) joins the cam lobe to the lock through the bore. The invention functions by using the principle that when the lock is in the unlocked position the cam lobe is flush with the outside surface of the pin and insertable in the existing holes through both the box hitch and ball mount, and when in a locked position the cam is extended above the pin interfacing with the inside wall of the ball mount, thereby denying removal of the receiver lock and correspondingly the ball mount from the hitch.

Box hitch receiver lock

A truck bed tie down anchor cleat for pickup utility vehicles which includes a clamp bracket (26) in U-shape having a pair of outwardly extending arms (32) to which a pivotal latch plate (52) is securely positioned inbetween. A wedge member (60) is located between the bracket and the truck bed side rail (30) and a rod shaped nut (70) is superimposed on top of the angular shaped wedge member. A bolt (74) is inserted through the bracket and wedge member and tightened into the nut applying a continuous compressive force wedging the cleat between a fulcrum flange (44) integral with the bracket and the side rails holding the invention securely in place with no modification to the truck bed. A second embodiment omits the latch plate and utilizes only one arm (32') in a horizontal position. A third embodiment substitutes a bicycle axle adapter (82) for the latch plate. A fourth embodiment uses a two piece clamp bracket with studs (84) on the bracket face and a detachable clamp bracket (86) held together with hex nuts (90).

Truck bed tie down anchor cleat

A two-position collapsible canopy assembly (10) is designed to be attached to the side rails (15) of a pickup truck (11). The assembly basically consists of a fore hard shell (12) that attaches to the rear of the truck cab, an aft hard shell (14), and a flexible canopy (16) therebetween that is supported by a plurality of ribs (22). The aft hard shell (14) and the ribs (22) are slidably disposed upon a pair of tracks (64) that are supported on the truck's side rails (15). The assembly (10) may be placed in a fully extended position or in a retracted position. When in the retracted position a security mid-gate (70) and mid-gate liner (72) may be attached below the aft hard shell (14) that provides a secure enclosed area into which items may be stowed. The mid-gate liner (72) affixed to the top of the corrugated truck bed deck (21) within the enclosed area allows the stowed items to remain dry in the event of inclement weather.

Two-position collapsible canopy assembly that attaches to a pickup truck

A method of manufacturing a photomask for the production of dual depth features on substrates, and the photomask so manufactured, wherein the method of manufacturing the photomask is comprised of the steps of: (1) coating a substrate which transmits at least two selected wavelengths with: a) an optical filter material which prevents the transmission of at least one of the wavelengths, b) an opaque masking material, and c) a dual tone photoresist; (2) using a single mastering tool to selectively expose areas of the coated substrate to one of the wavelengths; (3) developing the photoresist; (4) etching the exposed masking material and optical filter material; (5) exposing the remaining coated substrate; (6) developing the remaining photoresist; (7) etching the exposed surface; and (8) stripping away the remaining photoresist.

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City of Industry, CA, United States of America

John C Cheng