Patents by Inventor Charles A. Rafferty

Charles A. Rafferty 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: 20230391330
    Abstract: Mobile devices described herein relate to assisting users. In one embodiment, a mobile device for assisting a user is disclosed. The mobile device includes a motor, one or more sensors, a processor, and a memory communicably coupled to the processor and including instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to determine, using sensor data from the one or more sensors, a signature of the user that is operating the mobile device, the signature indicating at least attributes about movement of the user. The instructions include instructions to responsive to determining that the signature satisfies a trigger, adjust a speed of the mobile device by controlling the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Christopher T. Standley, John Charles Rafferty
  • Patent number: 11772587
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery, one or more programmable connection ports electrically coupled to the battery, and an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the one or more programmable connection ports. The electronic controller receives a user control signal from a user input device communicatively coupled to the electronic controller, wherein the user control signal indicates a threshold of operation, and selectively operates the one or more programmable connection ports in response to the threshold of operation indicated by the user control signal from the user input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton J. Williams, Aaron Weidenaar, John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope
  • Patent number: 11393261
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor for sensing an outdoor environment weather condition of an outdoor environment, a processor, and a memory module communicatively coupled to the processor, the memory module including one or more processor-readable instructions that when executed, cause the processor to determine an expected departure time, determine the outdoor environment weather condition from data received from the sensor, and send a request for user input to a remote device, the request including a user input selector to initiate at least one climate control system based on one or more of the expected departure time and the outdoor environment weather condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20220055638
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a steering wheel, one or more vehicle drive systems, one or more driving mode paddler shifters coupled to the steering wheel, an output device, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is communicatively coupled to the one or more driving mode paddle shifters, the one or more vehicle drive systems, and the output device. The electronic control unit is configured to receive a drive mode shifting signal from the one or more driving mode paddle shifter indicative of a desire to change a driving mode of the vehicle, change one or more parameters of the one or more vehicle drive systems in order to change the driving mode in response to the driving mode shifting signal, and provide a notification related to the change in the driving mode with the output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Patent number: 11214275
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a steering wheel, one or more vehicle drive systems, one or more driving mode paddler shifters coupled to the steering wheel, an output device, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is communicatively coupled to the one or more driving mode paddle shifters, the one or more vehicle drive systems, and the output device. The electronic control unit is configured to receive a drive mode shifting signal from the one or more driving mode paddle shifter indicative of a desire to change a driving mode of the vehicle, change one or more parameters of the one or more vehicle drive systems in order to change the driving mode in response to the driving mode shifting signal, and provide a notification related to the change in the driving mode with the output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Patent number: 11110798
    Abstract: A multi-function input apparatus of a steering wheel that includes a plurality of outer buttons that correspond to a plurality of vehicle systems, such that actuation of at least one of the plurality of outer buttons selects a corresponding vehicle system from the plurality of vehicle systems. The apparatus includes a touch pad having a capacitive touch surface that is positioned adjacent the plurality of outer buttons. In response to actuation of the capacitive surface the touch pad is configured to navigate through and select a setting of a plurality of settings of the selected vehicle system. The apparatus further includes a confirmation button positioned adjacent to the touch pad that corresponds to a confirmation input such that actuation of the confirmation button actuates the selected setting of the selected vehicle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20210253049
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery, one or more programmable connection ports electrically coupled to the battery, and an electronic controller communicatively coupled to the one or more programmable connection ports. The electronic controller receives a user control signal from a user input device communicatively coupled to the electronic controller, wherein the user control signal indicates a threshold of operation, and selectively operates the one or more programmable connection ports in response to the threshold of operation indicated by the user control signal from the user input device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton J. Williams, Aaron Weidenaar, John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope
  • Patent number: 11058826
    Abstract: A replaceable needle assembly is provided for a retractable, prefilled syringe comprising a barrel having a mounting member and a plunger, whereby the retractable needle can be replaced by a user without affecting the retraction mechanism. The replaceable needle assembly comprises a needle fitted to a retractable needle mount and a needle retainer. The needle mount is removably, screw-threadedly mountable to the mounting member of the barrel. The needle retainer comprises a plurality of fingers that releasably engage the retractable needle to thereby prevent inadvertent retraction of the retractable needle before engagement by the plunger. The plunger comprises a plunger seal comprising an outer member and an inner member that engages the needle for spring-driven retraction. At the end of retraction, a lock is formed between the plunger and barrel to prevent re-use of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: UNL Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Craig Stephen Thorley, Joseph Hermes Kaal, Christopher Charles Rafferty, Ian Johnson, Eric Siu, Andrew Reade
  • Patent number: 10991178
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for trailer safety is provided. The method includes: receiving a request to perform a trailer safety check, wherein the request is associated with a vehicle and a trailer; in response to the request, providing a trailer safety checklist, wherein the trailer safety checklist includes a plurality of user-interface elements, and at least one of the user-interface elements corresponds to a light component of the trailer; receiving a first signal indicating that an operator has selected the user-interface element corresponding to the light component of the trailer, wherein the operator is located outside of the vehicle; and in response to the first signal, causing the light component of the trailer corresponding to the selected user-interface element to turn on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek A. Thompson, Darin P. Rosekrans, Jeffrey E. Pierfelice, Frankie B. Reed, Stephen L. Robertson, John Charles Rafferty, Clinton John Williams
  • Publication number: 20200327748
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for trailer safety is provided. The method includes: receiving a request to perform a trailer safety check, wherein the request is associated with a vehicle and a trailer; in response to the request, providing a trailer safety checklist, wherein the trailer safety checklist includes a plurality of user-interface elements, and at least one of the user-interface elements corresponds to a light component of the trailer; receiving a first signal indicating that an operator has selected the user-interface element corresponding to the light component of the trailer, wherein the operator is located outside of the vehicle; and in response to the first signal, causing the light component of the trailer corresponding to the selected user-interface element to turn on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Derek A. Thompson, Darin P. Rosekrans, Jeffrey E. Pierfelice, Frankie B. Reed, Stephen L. Robertson, John Charles Rafferty, Clinton John Williams
  • Patent number: 10759461
    Abstract: A multi-function input apparatus of a steering wheel that includes an outer dial having a planar surface and a center dial having a capacitive surface such that the center dial is responsive to capacitive touch along the capacitive surface. The center dial being disposed within the outer dial and the outer dial is rotatable about a rotation axis independent of the center dial such that the center dial is rotatably fixed when the outer dial rotates. The outer dial including a recessed portion positioned along the planar surface such that the recessed portion is rotatable about the center dial. The recessed portion of the outer dial is translatable along the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20200247427
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a steering wheel, one or more vehicle drive systems, one or more driving mode paddler shifters coupled to the steering wheel, an output device, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is communicatively coupled to the one or more driving mode paddle shifters, the one or more vehicle drive systems, and the output device. The electronic control unit is configured to receive a drive mode shifting signal from the one or more driving mode paddle shifter indicative of a desire to change a driving mode of the vehicle, change one or more parameters of the one or more vehicle drive systems in order to change the driving mode in response to the driving mode shifting signal, and provide a notification related to the change in the driving mode with the output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20200247241
    Abstract: A multi-function input apparatus of a steering wheel that includes a plurality of outer buttons that correspond to a plurality of vehicle systems, such that actuation of at least one of the plurality of outer buttons selects a corresponding vehicle system from the plurality of vehicle systems. The apparatus includes a touch pad having a capacitive touch surface that is positioned adjacent the plurality of outer buttons. In response to actuation of the capacitive surface the touch pad is configured to navigate through and select a setting of a plurality of settings of the selected vehicle system. The apparatus further includes a confirmation button positioned adjacent to the touch pad that corresponds to a confirmation input such that actuation of the confirmation button actuates the selected setting of the selected vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20200247426
    Abstract: A system includes a processor, and a memory module communicatively coupled to the processor, the memory module including one or more processor-readable instructions. When executed, the one or more processor-readable instructions cause the processor to receive a driving mode input signal, the driving mode input signal corresponding to one or more driving conditions, determine a corresponding driving mode based on the driving mode input signal, adjust a first driving mode to the corresponding driving mode, and generate a notification of the adjustment from the first driving mode to the corresponding driving mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20200247456
    Abstract: A multi-function input apparatus of a steering wheel that includes an outer dial having a planar surface and a center dial having a capacitive surface such that the center dial is responsive to capacitive touch along the capacitive surface. The center dial being disposed within the outer dial and the outer dial is rotatable about a rotation axis independent of the center dial such that the center dial is rotatably fixed when the outer dial rotates. The outer dial including a recessed portion positioned along the planar surface such that the recessed portion is rotatable about the center dial. The recessed portion of the outer dial is translatable along the rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20200250898
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor for sensing an outdoor environment weather condition of an outdoor environment, a processor, and a memory module communicatively coupled to the processor, the memory module including one or more processor-readable instructions that when executed, cause the processor to determine an expected departure time, determine the outdoor environment weather condition from data received from the sensor, and send a request for user input to a remote device, the request including a user input selector to initiate at least one climate control system based on one or more of the expected departure time and the outdoor environment weather condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Patent number: 10647344
    Abstract: A multi-function input apparatus of a steering wheel that includes an outer dial having a planar surface, and a center dial having a convex surface such that the center dial extends outwardly from the steering wheel. The center dial being disposed within the outer dial. The outer dial is rotatable about a rotation axis independent of the center dial such that the center dial is rotatably fixed when the outer dial rotates. The center dial is translatable on the steering wheel in a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction such that the outer dial translates simultaneously with the center dial such that the rotation axis is movable relative to the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John Charles Rafferty, Lou M. Pope, Clinton J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20190314582
    Abstract: A replaceable needle assembly is provided for a retractable, prefilled syringe comprising a barrel having a mounting member and a plunger, whereby the retractable needle can be replaced by a user without affecting the retraction mechanism. The replaceable needle assembly comprises a needle fitted to a retractable needle mount and a needle retainer. The needle mount is removably, screw-threadedly mountable to the mounting member of the barrel. The needle retainer comprises a plurality of fingers that releasably engage the retractable needle to thereby prevent inadvertent retraction of the retractable needle before engagement by the plunger. The plunger comprises a plunger seal comprising an outer member and an inner member that engages the needle for spring-driven retraction. At the end of retraction, a lock is formed between the plunger and barrel to prevent re-use of the syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 17, 2019
    Inventors: Craig Stephen Thorley, Joseph Hermes Kaal, Christopher Charles Rafferty, Ian Johnson, Eric Siu, Andrew Reade
  • Patent number: 10213562
    Abstract: A replaceable needle assembly is provided for a retractable, prefilled syringe comprising a barrel having a mounting member and a plunger, whereby the retractable needle can be replaced by a user without affecting the retraction mechanism. The replaceable needle assembly comprises a needle fitted to a retractable needle mount and a needle retainer. The needle mount is removably, screw-threadedly mountable to the mounting member of the barrel. The needle retainer comprises a plurality of fingers that releasably engage the retractable needle to thereby prevent inadvertent retraction of the retractable needle before engagement by the plunger. The plunger comprises a plunger seal comprising an outer member and an inner member that engages the needle for spring-driven retraction. At the end of retraction, a lock is formed between the plunger and barrel to prevent re-use of the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: UNL Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Craig Stephen Thorley, Joseph Hermes Kaal, Christopher Charles Rafferty, Ian Johnson, Eric Siu, Andrew Reade
  • Patent number: 10166336
    Abstract: An actuation mechanism for an automatic injector includes a first actuation spring, a first actuation pill, a second actuation spring, and a second actuation pill. In an initial configuration the first actuation spring resides in a compressed, energized state substantially within an upper portion of first actuation pill and the second actuation spring resides in a compressed, energized state between the first actuation pill and the second actuation pill. An automatic injector includes a housing, an activation mechanism, an actuation mechanism, and a syringe cartridge having a plunger and a needle assembly. A retractable syringe may be utilized as a syringe cartridge, such as a prefilled retractable syringe with integrated safety features which retract the needle after use. The automatic injector may be utilized to inject the needle, deliver a drug treatment, and activate retraction of the needle. Methods of assembly and operation are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: UNL Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Katlin M. Lumme, Philip A. Weaver, Joseph Hermes Kaal, Christopher Charles Rafferty, Craig Stephen Thorley, Joel M. Ondrejicka