Richard L Freeman

US Patent:

20030184075, Oct 2, 2003

Filed:

Mar 27, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/107225

Inventors:

Richard Freeman - Oxford MI, US
Donald Allen - Rochester Hills MI, US

International Classification:

B62D021/00

US Classification:

280/797000

Abstract:

A vehicle structural frame having a plurality of tubular elements is formed from first and second generally C-shaped elongated members. Each member has a first flange and a second flange separated by a web. The flanges of the first and second members overlap each other to form two pairs of overlapped flanges. Each pair of overlapped flanges of both the first and second pair of overlapped flanges are joined by at least two longitudinal welds. The longitudinal welds join each pair of flanges to form each element of the plurality of tubular elements of a vehicle structural frame. Lengthening the flange overlap and providing two or more longitudinal welds increases frame bending stiffness allowing reduced member thickness and weight.

US Patent:

56604270, Aug 26, 1997

Filed:

Mar 3, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/397974

Inventors:

Richard B. Freeman - Oxford MI
Jack J. Ritchie - Washington MI

Assignee:

The Budd Company - Troy MI

International Classification:

B62D 3300

US Classification:

296190

Abstract:

A hybrid vehicle assembly, and more particularly, a hybrid truck assembly including a hybrid passenger cab shell and a hybrid truck box are disclosed. The hybrid passenger cab shell includes a first plurality panels which are assembled together to form an inner cab shell and a second plurality of panels which are assembled together to form an outer cab shell. Generally, at least one of the first or second pluralities of panels are formed from a plastic material such as a sheet molded compound (SMC). Similarly, the truck box portion of the vehicle is formed from a plurality of inner panels which are formed from a plastic material such as SMC and are assembled together along overlapping edge portions. Thereafter, a plurality of outer panels are attached to the respective inner panels.

US Patent:

58142568, Sep 29, 1998

Filed:

Mar 20, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/822079

Inventors:

Bruce Norman Greve - Clarkston MI
Richard Freeman - Oxford MI

Assignee:

The Budd Company - Troy MI

International Classification:

D21J 700

US Classification:

264 86

Abstract:

A method and apparatus of producing and using composite fibers in a liquid molding process. The composite fibers are formed from a base material and filler particles which are lighter or less expensive than the base material. A preform screen is placed at the bottom of a tank. The tank is filled with liquid, the composite fibers and a mass of reinforcing fibers creating a slurry above the screen. The screen is raised up through the slurry causing the composite fibers and the reinforcing fibers to be deposited on the screen creating a fiber preform. The preform is then removed from the screen and is placed in a mold for use in a liquid molding process.

US Patent:

50009907, Mar 19, 1991

Filed:

Oct 14, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/257996

Inventors:

Richard B. Freeman - Oxford MI

Assignee:

The Budd Company - Troy MI

International Classification:

B29C 4514
B29C 5100
B29D 2200
B32B 108

US Classification:

428 361

Abstract:

A hollow fiber reinforced part, especially body closures for vehicles, is made by applying preforms to a hollow, thin-walled support which has been preshaped to the general configuration of the body closure. The support is then depressurized and the support/preform subassembly placed into a mold. The mold is closed and the support again pressurized. Then, resin is injected into the mold to impregnate the fibrous pieces of the preforms. Once the resin cures, the mold is opened and the part removed.

US Patent:

57531641, May 19, 1998

Filed:

Aug 30, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/521607

Inventors:

Jack J. Ritchie - Washington MI
Richard Benjamin Freeman - Oxford MI
Terry L. Ingham - Oxford MI
John J. Morse - Leonard MI
Joseph A. Bodary - Utica MI

Assignee:

The Budd Company - Troy MI

International Classification:

B29C 4334

US Classification:

264102

Abstract:

An automated transfer/injection process is defined that includes a charge forming unit, a shuttle unit, and a molding unit. The charge is formed from one or more slabs of reinforcing fibers and a resinous material. Once formed, the charge is preheated in the charge shuttle unit and is delivered to the molding unit, whereupon the preheated charges are forced by the pressure of a movable platform under vacuum into a mold cavity for polymerization. The fibers within the slabs are randomly oriented in parallel horizontal planes such that they are always parallel to the direction of initial flow into the cavity.

US Patent:

53440382, Sep 6, 1994

Filed:

Nov 1, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/145795

Inventors:

Richard B. Freeman - Oxford MI
Bruce N. Greve - Davisburg MI

Assignee:

The Budd Company - Troy MI

International Classification:

B65D 140

US Classification:

220453

Abstract:

A fiber reinforced plastic fuel tank includes a multipurpose inner liner that serves as an aid during molding as well as a corrosion resistant protector and/or secondary fuel container for the tank when in use.

US Patent:

53256328, Jul 5, 1994

Filed:

Oct 21, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/964376

Inventors:

David Djavairian - Rochester Hills MI
Richard B. Freeman - Oxford MI
Earl E. Kansier - Lake Orion MI
Jack J. Ritchie - Washington MI

Assignee:

The Budd Company - Troy MI

International Classification:

B60J 504

US Classification:

49502

Abstract:

A vehicle door assembly including a tailored steel inner panel and an panel spaced apart by a belt-line reinforcement member. The tailored steel inner panel includes an intrusion beam which bridges first end and second ends of the inner panel.

US Patent:

48491470, Jul 18, 1989

Filed:

May 4, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/190055

Inventors:

Richard B. Freeman - Oxford MI

Assignee:

The Budd Company - Troy MI

International Classification:

B29C 4514
B32B 3104

US Classification:

264138

Abstract:

A method of making a hollow fiber reinforced plastic structure with integrally molded fastening devices for attaching external components. The fastening device is attached to a piece of fibrous material into which resin is injected. The finger holds the fastening device in place during the resin injection step. The resin is cured to form a molded structure with the fastening device lying on an outer surface thereof. After removal from the mold, the fastening device can be used to attach external components to the part.