Patents by Inventor Francis Charlet
Francis Charlet 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).
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Publication number: 20240163542Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a camera assembly arrangement for a vehicle rear view cover. In an embodiment, the rear view cover comprises a plurality of alignment elements and at least one attachment element, and a camera cradle of the camera assembly comprises at least one attachment arm that secures the camera assembly to the at least one attachment element of the rear view cover. The camera cradle further comprises a plurality of spring elements configured to press a camera module against the plurality of alignment elements of the rear view cover to align the at least one attachment arm of the camera cradle with the at least one attachment element of the rear view cover and to restrict movement of the camera assembly when secured to the rear view cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2024Publication date: May 16, 2024Inventors: Levente Acs, Thomas Baggi, Francis Charlet, Steve Horne, Mikhail Kudryavtsev, Tobias Schwenger, Thorsten Staiger, Steve Rawding, Wilfried Bonny
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Publication number: 20240092263Abstract: A housing for a rear view element of a rear view device for a vehicle includes a scalp portion comprising a first circumferential edge being c-shaped extending at least partially around an opening of the scalp portion, and a bezel comprising a second circumferential edge having a lip portion extending at least partially around the bezel. The c-shaped first circumferential edge of the scalp portion is configured to at least partly overlap the lip portion to obtain a flush surface at a separation edge which is located at least partly at an inside panel of the bezel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Thomas Baggi, Francis Charlet, David Gaskin, Andrew Lettis, Benjamin Bruhin, Wilfried Bonny
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Patent number: 11890989Abstract: An assembly set for assembling an external rearview system for a motor vehicle is provided. The external rearview system when assembled may include a base assembly provided for arrangement on the motor vehicle, and a head assembly attached to the base assembly. The assembly set may include (i) a first head assembly comprising a first rearview device comprising at least one reflective element in form of a mirror glass, and (ii) a second head assembly with at least one component of a camera monitor system. The head assembly may be configured to be detachable and is selected to be the first or second head assembly, with the first and second head assembly being exchangeable with each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.Inventors: Andrew Lettis, Graham Rehill, Callum Scott-Collins, Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, Simon David Field, Jakub Spychala, Kane Connor, Francis Charlet, Steve Horne
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Patent number: 11865973Abstract: A housing for a rear view element of a rear view device for a vehicle includes a scalp portion including a first circumferential edge being c-shaped extending at least partially around an opening of the scalp portion, a lower casing portion including a second circumferential edge being c-shaped extending at least partially around an opening of the lower casing portion, and a bezel including a third circumferential edge having a lip portion extending at least partially around the bezel section.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.Inventors: Thomas Baggi, Francis Charlet, David Gaskin, Andrew Lettis, Benjamin Bruhin, Wilfried Bonny
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Patent number: 11821592Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a light module, comprising a lens unit, which is formed with a bottom, a lid and one or more side walls between the bottom and the lid, wherein the one or more side walls provide one or more insertion openings; a printed circuit board unit, which carries one or more light sources and is inserted into the lens unit through a first insertion opening of the one or more insertion openings such that light emitted by the one or more light sources exits the light module through the bottom and/or the lid of the lens unit; and a housing unit, which is provided with a bottom opening, a lid opening and one or more side walls between the bottom opening and the lid opening, wherein the lens unit is arranged within the housing unit such that the bottom opening of the housing unit is closed by the bottom of the lens unit, the lid opening of the housing unit is closed by the lid of the lens unit, and the one or more insertion openings of the lens unit is closed by the one or more side walls oType: GrantFiled: February 7, 2023Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company LimitedInventors: Thomas Baggi, Wilfried Bonny, Francis Charlet
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Publication number: 20230184395Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a light module, comprising a lens unit, which is formed with a bottom, a lid and one or more side walls between the bottom and the lid, wherein the one or more side walls provide one or more insertion openings; a printed circuit board unit, which carries one or more light sources and is inserted into the lens unit through a first insertion opening of the one or more insertion openings such that light emitted by the one or more light sources exits the light module through the bottom and/or the lid of the lens unit; and a housing unit, which is provided with a bottom opening, a lid opening and one or more side walls between the bottom opening and the lid opening, wherein the lens unit is arranged within the housing unit such that the bottom opening of the housing unit is closed by the bottom of the lens unit, the lid opening of the housing unit is closed by the lid of the lens unit, and the one or more insertion openings of the lens unit is closed by the one or more side walls oType: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2023Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Thomas Baggi, Wilfried Bonny, Francis Charlet
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Patent number: 11598493Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a light module, comprising a lens unit, which is formed with a bottom, a lid and one or more side walls between the bottom and the lid, wherein the one or more side walls provide one or more insertion openings; a printed circuit board unit, which carries one or more light sources and is inserted into the lens unit through a first insertion opening of the one or more insertion openings such that light emitted by the one or more light sources exits the light module through the bottom and/or the lid of the lens unit; and a housing unit, which is provided with a bottom opening, a lid opening and one or more side walls between the bottom opening and the lid opening, wherein the lens unit is arranged within the housing unit such that the bottom opening of the housing unit is closed by the bottom of the lens unit, the lid opening of the housing unit is closed by the lid of the lens unit, and the one or more insertion openings of the lens unit is closed by the one or more side walls oType: GrantFiled: March 15, 2022Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Motherson Innovations Company LimitedInventors: Thomas Baggi, Wilfried Bonny, Francis Charlet
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Publication number: 20230052738Abstract: An assembly set for assembling an external rearview system for a motor vehicle is provided. The external rearview system when assembled may include a base assembly provided for arrangement on the motor vehicle, and a head assembly attached to the base assembly. The assembly set may include (i) a first head assembly comprising a first rearview device comprising at least one reflective element in form of a mirror glass, and (ii) a second head assembly with at least one component of a camera monitor system. The head assembly may be configured to be detachable and is selected to be the first or second head assembly, with the first and second head assembly being exchangeable with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Andrew Lettis, Graham Rehill, Callum Scott-Collins, Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, Simon David Field, Jakub Spychala, Kane Connor, Francis Charlet, Steve Horne
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Publication number: 20230017426Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a base assembly of an exterior rear view device. The base assembly is configured to be mounted to a vehicle in a way that moveably supports a head assembly of the exterior rearview device. The base assembly comprises: a camera with a lens, a cleaning system with a nozzle for dispensing cleaning fluid onto the lens, a base frame, a base cover that comprises a plurality of cover pieces, and a camera cradle. The cover pieces provide a first opening for the lens and a second opening for the nozzle. The camera cradle is mounted to the base frame for holding both the camera and the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2022Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Callum Scott-Collins, Jakub Spychala, Kane Connor, Graham Rehill, Andrew Lettis, Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, Simon David Field, Francis Charlet, Steve Horne
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Publication number: 20220402443Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a camera assembly arrangement for a vehicle rear view cover. The camera assembly arrangement may include a rear view cover, wherein the rear view cover comprises at least one alignment element, and a camera assembly, wherein the camera assembly comprises a camera module with a lens and at least one of a cover and a camera cradle for mounting the camera module. The camera assembly may include at least four alignment elements to align the camera assembly to the rear view cover, with the alignment elements comprising at least two stiff ribs and at least two spring elements such that the camera assembly is pressed by the spring elements against the stiff ribs and onto the rear view cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Thomas Baggi, Wilfried Bonny, Francis Charlet, Steve Horn, Stephen Rawding
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Publication number: 20220305982Abstract: The present disclosure refers to a light module, comprising a lens unit, which is formed with a bottom, a lid and one or more side walls between the bottom and the lid, wherein the one or more side walls provide one or more insertion openings; a printed circuit board unit, which carries one or more light sources and is inserted into the lens unit through a first insertion opening of the one or more insertion openings such that light emitted by the one or more light sources exits the light module through the bottom and/or the lid of the lens unit; and a housing unit, which is provided with a bottom opening, a lid opening and one or more side walls between the bottom opening and the lid opening, wherein the lens unit is arranged within the housing unit such that the bottom opening of the housing unit is closed by the bottom of the lens unit, the lid opening of the housing unit is closed by the lid of the lens unit, and the one or more insertion openings of the lens unit is closed by the one or more side walls oType: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: Thomas Baggi, Wilfried Bonny, Francis Charlet
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Publication number: 20220176878Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rear view device for a vehicle with one or more gaskets preventing water or other contaminants from entering the device between components, while allowing the components to move in relation to one another. In embodiments, the rear view device comprises a base adapted to be mounted to a side of the vehicle, a head for supporting at least one means for providing a rearward field of view disposed at a second attachment end of the base, an actuator connected to the second end of the base, and a shroud attached to the actuator, wherein the actuator may rotate the head in relation to the base. In embodiment, a foot gasket is attached to a foot of the base and includes a first lip portion that extends towards the shroud in a vertical direction, and a second soft lip portion that contacts the shroud in a horizontal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2022Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Tom Harris, Stephen Beecher, Davis Kershaw, Gareth Aspden, Levente Kurti, Warwick Jones, Dong Myeong Park, Levente Acs, Thorsten Staiger, Zoltàn Huszar, Andrew Lettis, Callum Scott-Collins, Graham Rehill, Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, Simon David Field, Francis Charlet
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Publication number: 20220176880Abstract: An assembly set for assembling an external rearview system for a motor vehicle is provided. The external rearview system when assembled may include a base assembly provided for arrangement on the motor vehicle, and a head assembly attached to the base assembly. The assembly set may include (i) a first head assembly comprising, a first rearview device comprising at least one reflective element in form of a mirror glass, (ii) a second head assembly comprising, a second rearview device comprising at least one reflective element in form of an at least partly translucent mirror glass, and at least one first camera unit being configured to obtain a rearview image through the reflective element, and (iii) a third head assembly with at least one component of a camera monitor system. The head assembly may be configured to be detachable and is selected to be the first, second or third head assembly, with the first, second and third head assembly being exchangeable with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2022Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: Andrew Lettis, Graham Rehill, Callum Scott-Collins, Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, Simon David Field, Francis Charlet, Jakub Spychala, Kane Connor
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Patent number: 11273764Abstract: An external rearview device for a motor vehicle includes a base assembly provided for arrangement on the motor vehicle; a head assembly configured to be attached to the base assembly; rearview means including at least one of a camera unit and a reflective element secured within the head assembly, the head assembly configured to be detachable and selected from a set comprising a first head assembly with a first rearview means including at least one reflective element and a second head assembly with a second rearview means including at least one reflective element, and a camera unit configured to obtain a rearview image through the reflective element, and a third head assembly with a third rearview means including the camera unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2018Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: SMR Patents S.à.r.l.Inventors: Andrew Lettis, Graham Rehill, Callum Scott-Collins, Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, David Simon Field, Francis Charlet
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Publication number: 20210370835Abstract: A rear view device for a motor vehicle includes a base assembly for arrangement on the motor vehicle, a moveable head assembly attached to the base assembly, and an actuation mechanism, the actuation mechanism including a fixed part attached to the base assembly and a moveable part attached to the head assembly, where the actuation mechanism allows movement of the moveable part with respect to the fixed part in one or more axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, Simon Field, Andrew Lettis, Graham Rehill, Callum Scott-Collins, Francis Charlet
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Publication number: 20210237647Abstract: A housing for a rear view element of a rear view device for a vehicle includes a scalp portion including a first circumferential edge being c-shaped extending at least partially around an opening of the scalp portion, a lower casing portion including a second circumferential edge being c-shaped extending at least partially around an opening of the lower casing portion, and a bezel including a third circumferential edge having a lip portion extending at least partially around the bezel section.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Thomas Baggi, Francis Charlet, David Gaskin, Andrew Lettis, Benjamin Bruhin, Wilfried Bonny
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Publication number: 20200398755Abstract: An external rearview device for a motor vehicle includes a base assembly provided for arrangement on the motor vehicle; a head assembly configured to be attached to the base assembly; rearview means including at least one of a camera unit and a reflective element secured within the head assembly, the head assembly configured to be detachable and selected from a set comprising a first head assembly with a first rearview means including at least one reflective element and a second head assembly with a second rearview means including at least one reflective element, and a camera unit configured to obtain a rearview image through the reflective element, and a third head assembly with a third rearview means including the camera unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2018Publication date: December 24, 2020Inventors: Andrew Lettis, Graham Rehill, Callum Scott-Collins, Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, David Simon Field, Francis Charlet
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Publication number: 20180126910Abstract: A rear view device for a motor vehicle includes a base assembly for arrangement on the motor vehicle, a moveable head assembly attached to the base assembly, and an actuation mechanism, the actuation mechanism including a fixed part attached to the base assembly and a moveable part attached to the head assembly, where the actuation mechanism allows movement of the moveable part with respect to the fixed part in one or more axes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: May 10, 2018Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Arne Schmierer, Simon Field, Andrew Lettis, Graham Rehill, Callum Scott-Collins, Francis Charlet