Patents by Inventor Aaron Bradley Johnson
Aaron Bradley Johnson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Publication number: 20240157871Abstract: A vehicle lighting system is disclosed. The vehicle lighting system may include a display unit configured to operate in a plurality of display modes. The display unit may be mounted on a vehicle rear top portion. The vehicle lighting system may further include a processor that may be configured to obtain trigger event information associated with the display unit. Based on the trigger event information, the processor may select a display mode from the plurality of display modes, and may activate the display unit responsive to the selection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2022Publication date: May 16, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Keith Weston, Brendan Diamond, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Bradley Johnson
-
Patent number: 11745646Abstract: An assembly includes a roof of a vehicle, and a light assembly that emits light outward from a passenger side, a driver side, and a forward side of the vehicle. The light assembly is vertically beneath the roof. A method includes providing a light assembly that extends along a passenger side, along a driver side, and along a forward side of a vehicle. The light assembly is between a roof of the vehicle and side doors of the vehicle. The method further includes selectively activating the light assembly to emit light outward from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2022Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, Michael L. Merritt, Joshua D. Schwab
-
Patent number: 11698180Abstract: Vehicle exterior lighting systems may be equipped with fascia mounted lamp assemblies. The proposed systems are capable of controlling a fascia lamp assembly to reveal the lamp assembly within the vehicle fascia and then produce various lighting effects based on sensed vehicle conditions. Exemplary fascia lamp assemblies may include a conductive lens that can be charged in order to reveal the lamp assembly within the vehicle fascia.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Scott Aaron Ford, Aaron Bradley Johnson, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman
-
Publication number: 20230211641Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture for trailers with adjustable batteries are disclosed herein. An example trailer disclosed herein includes a platform, a battery disposed at a first location relative to the platform, a drive to move the battery relative to the platform, and a controller to determine a first load distribution on the platform and in response to determining the first load distribution on the platform does not satisfy a first threshold, adjust a position of the battery, via the drive, to a second location relative to the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2022Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Lorne Forsythe, Hussein Berry, Andrew Niedert, Darrel Alan Recker, Aaron Bradley Johnson
-
Patent number: 11603037Abstract: A vehicle applique lighting system includes an applique cover of a vehicle; a light source aft the applique cover; and a reflector having a portion that is outside a perimeter of the applique cover. The reflector is configured to reflect light from the light source on the first side to an opposite, second side of the applique cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2022Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, Michael L. Merritt, Dean Carbis, Joshua D. Schwab
-
Publication number: 20230055549Abstract: Vehicle exterior lighting systems may be equipped with fascia mounted lamp assemblies. The proposed systems are capable of controlling a fascia lamp assembly to reveal the lamp assembly within the vehicle fascia and then produce various lighting effects based on sensed vehicle conditions. Exemplary fascia lamp assemblies may include a conductive lens that can be charged in order to reveal the lamp assembly within the vehicle fascia.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2021Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: Scott Aaron FORD, Aaron Bradley JOHNSON, Paul Kenneth DELLOCK, Stuart C. SALTER, David Brian GLICKMAN
-
Patent number: 11485276Abstract: An emblem for a vehicle comprises: (a) a light source configured to emit visible light; (b) a cover assembly disposed over the light source, the cover assembly having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a transparent portion that is transparent to the visible light, the visible light being incident to the inner surface, and the visible light that the light source emits transmitting through the transparent portion out of the outer surface to an external environment beyond the emblem; and (c) one or more surface relief patterns disposed on the cover assembly, the one or more surface relief patterns configured to manipulate (i) the visible light that the light source emits, (ii) visible light from the external environment, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, David Brian Glickman, Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock
-
Publication number: 20220289103Abstract: A liftgate lighting system for a vehicle includes a liftgate assembly having a first liftgate panel and a second liftgate panel. Each of the first liftgate panel and the second liftgate panel is operable between an opened position and a closed position. The second liftgate panel has a proximal end and a distal end. A sensor proximate to the proximal end of the second liftgate panel. The sensor defines a sensor field. A lamp assembly is coupled to the second liftgate panel. A controller is communicatively coupled to the lamp assembly. The controller activates the lamp assembly and the lamp assembly directs light to a ground area proximate to the second liftgate panel when the lower liftgate panel is in the opened position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2021Publication date: September 15, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Peter Phung, Clayton Benjamin Ford, David M. Diamond, Aaron Bradley Johnson
-
Patent number: 11441754Abstract: A light guide system for a vehicle includes, among other things, a housing that includes a first section and a second section that are secured together to provide a chamber A light emitter is disposed within the chamber. A light source is disposed outside the chamber A reflector system directs light emitted from the light source to the light emitter within the chamber. A vehicle lighting method includes, among other things, securing a first and second section of a housing assembly together to provide a chamber, and operatively coupling a reflector system within the chamber and a light source outside the chamber such that the reflector system can redirect light from the light source to a light emitter held within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman
-
Patent number: 11440462Abstract: A liftgate lighting system for a vehicle includes a liftgate assembly having a first liftgate panel and a second liftgate panel. Each of the first liftgate panel and the second liftgate panel is operable between an opened position and a closed position. The second liftgate panel has a proximal end and a distal end. A sensor proximate to the proximal end of the second liftgate panel. The sensor defines a sensor field. A lamp assembly is coupled to the second liftgate panel. A controller is communicatively coupled to the lamp assembly. The controller activates the lamp assembly and the lamp assembly directs light to a ground area proximate to the second liftgate panel when the lower liftgate panel is in the opened position.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: September 13, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Peter Phung, Clayton Benjamin Ford, David M. Diamond, Aaron Bradley Johnson
-
Publication number: 20220089082Abstract: An emblem for a vehicle comprises: (a) a light source configured to emit visible light; (b) a cover assembly disposed over the light source, the cover assembly having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a transparent portion that is transparent to the visible light, the visible light being incident to the inner surface, and the visible light that the light source emits transmitting through the transparent portion out of the outer surface to an external environment beyond the emblem; and (c) one or more surface relief patterns disposed on the cover assembly, the one or more surface relief patterns configured to manipulate (i) the visible light that the light source emits, (ii) visible light from the external environment, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, David Brian Glickman, Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock
-
Patent number: 11203281Abstract: An emblem for a vehicle comprises: (a) a light source configured to emit visible light; (b) a cover assembly disposed over the light source, the cover assembly having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a transparent portion that is transparent to the visible light, the visible light being incident to the inner surface, and the visible light that the light source emits transmitting through the transparent portion out of the outer surface to an external environment beyond the emblem; and (c) one or more surface relief patterns disposed on the cover assembly, the one or more surface relief patterns configured to manipulate (i) the visible light that the light source emits, (ii) visible light from the external environment, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, David Brian Glickman, Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock
-
Patent number: 11187396Abstract: This disclosure relates to an exterior light assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of using the same. An example light assembly includes a light source and a lens arrangement including a near field lens, a reflective plate, and an outer lens. The light assembly further includes a reflector including a first surface configured to reflect light exiting the near field lens toward the reflective plate and further includes a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface is configured as a decorative surface and is visible from an exterior of the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2021Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Paul Kenneth Dellock
-
Patent number: 11092306Abstract: A vehicular lighting assembly (and methods of making the same) that includes a parabolic reflector; a translucent lens element; and a light source configured to emanate light that strikes an interior surface of the reflector and exits the assembly through the element. Further, an interior surface of the lens element comprises one or more fluted regions that are substantially invisible and configured to refract light from the source away from oncoming vehicles. In addition, the fluted region can be within, on, or integral with, the interior and/or exterior surfaces of the lens element in certain configurations.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Bradley Johnson, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stephen Kenneth Helwig
-
Patent number: 11083051Abstract: An exemplary running board assembly includes a running board with a deck having a plurality of spaced-apart raised sections. The raised sections are made of a thermally conductive polymer and include an electrically conductive element configured to allow electric current to flow through the raised sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2018Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Aaron Bradley Johnson, Stuart C. Salter, Stephen Kenneth Helwig, Jeffrey Alan Mesko
-
Patent number: 11047541Abstract: A vehicular lighting assembly (and methods of making the same) that includes a parabolic reflector; a translucent lens element; and a light source configured to emanate light that strikes an interior surface of the reflector and exits the assembly through the element. Further, an interior surface of the lens element comprises one or more fluted regions that are substantially invisible and configured to refract light from the source away from oncoming vehicles. In addition, the fluted region can be within, on, or integral with, the interior and/or exterior surfaces of the lens element in certain configurations.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Bradley Johnson, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stephen Kenneth Helwig
-
Patent number: 11002422Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly includes, a lamp housing defining an interior cavity and an exterior surface, a circuit board disposed within the interior cavity, the circuit board including a memory device, microprocessor and a connector for establishing a communication link with the memory device and the microprocessor. A vent opening within the lamp housing aligned with the connector on the circuit board and a permeable membrane is attached over the vent opening. Alignment of the vent opening with the connector provides access for reflashing upon removal of the permeable membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2020Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron Bradley Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, Melvin Kyler, Stuart C. Salter
-
Patent number: 10946815Abstract: A vehicle badge system includes a housing that defines an opening and an aperture proximate the opening. The housing defines a light-transmissive feature on a side thereof. A lens is coupled to the housing proximate the opening. The lens defines at least one grating. An image-based assembly defines a sensor field to obtain data. The image-based assembly defines a projector field to display a projected image. A first light source is configured to direct light through the light-transmissive feature. A second light source is configured to direct light through the lens. The at least one grating is configured to diffract the light emitted from the second light source.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2020Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Bradley Johnson, Luciano Lukacs, Paul Kenneth Dellock, David Brian Glickman
-
Publication number: 20200328365Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and a lamp assembly coupled to the body. The lamp assembly includes a housing and a first metal conductor coupled to the housing. A semiconductor layer is coupled to the first metal conductor, wherein the semiconductor layer includes a plurality of perovskites configured to emit light. A second conductor is coupled to the semiconductor layer and a lens is coupled to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2019Publication date: October 15, 2020Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Harry Lobo, Stuart C. Salter, David Brian Glickman, Aaron Bradley Johnson
-
Patent number: 10794107Abstract: A door entry system for a vehicle is provided. The door entry system for a vehicle includes a door, an actuator, a puddle lamp generating light beam, a light sensor configured to sense reflected light from the light beam, and a controller processing a light signal generated by the light sensor and controlling activation of the actuator to open the door in response to sensing a user entering the beam of light.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Aaron Bradley Johnson, James Kostrzewa