Patents by Inventor Frank O'Brien

Frank O'Brien 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).

  • Patent number: 11936060
    Abstract: A power supplying device that can be used during emergencies is disclosed. The device comprises multiple adjustable battery compartments that can be connected, via switches, to deliver power to an external device connected to at least one power delivery port of the power supplying device. Each adjustable battery compartment includes a fixed lead and a sliding lead so that the multiple different battery sizes can be inserted into the compartment and connected to the device. An external battery connection device or harness can also be used with the power supplying device. The external battery connection device can be used to connect various different kinds of batteries with the power supplying device, such as cordless power tool batteries, cordless appliance batteries, and batteries for radio controlled (RC) devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)
    Inventors: Eric David Schroeder, Donnette L. Moncrief Brown, Snehal Desai, Manfred Amann, Timothy Frank Davison, Rachel Michelle Ballew, Kelsey Anne O'Brien, Sayeef Rahim
  • Patent number: 10427604
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a driver-side exterior mirror assembly, a passenger-side mirror assembly and an interior mirror assembly. The fields of view of the mirror reflective elements of the exterior mirror assemblies are adjustable by the driver via a respective actuator. The exterior mirror assemblies include respective cameras that each have a respective rearward field of view that supplements the field of view of the mirror reflective element when viewed by the driver of the vehicle. A video display is disposed behind the mirror reflector of an interior mirror reflective element such that displayed video images are viewable through the mirror reflector of the interior mirror reflective element. The video display includes a driver-side display portion and a passenger-side display portion that each display images derived from image data captured by the respective camera while not displaying images derived from image data captured by the other camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20190009721
    Abstract: A vehicular vision system includes a driver-side exterior mirror assembly, a passenger-side mirror assembly and an interior mirror assembly. The fields of view of the mirror reflective elements of the exterior mirror assemblies are adjustable by the driver via a respective actuator. The exterior mirror assemblies include respective cameras that each have a respective rearward field of view that supplements the field of view of the mirror reflective element when viewed by the driver of the vehicle. A video display is disposed behind the mirror reflector of an interior mirror reflective element such that displayed video images are viewable through the mirror reflector of the interior mirror reflective element. The video display includes a driver-side display portion and a passenger-side display portion that each display images derived from image data captured by the respective camera while not displaying images derived from image data captured by the other camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 10059265
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a driver-side exterior mirror assembly having a driver-side camera for capturing driver-side image data and a passenger-side exterior mirror assembly having a passenger-side camera for capturing passenger-side image data. A video display disposed at the vehicle displays video images derived from image data captured by the driver-side and passenger-side cameras. The video display includes a driver-side display portion and a passenger-side display portion. The driver-side display portion of the video display displays video images derived from driver-side image data captured by the driver-side camera and does not display video images derived from any passenger-side image data captured by the passenger-side camera. The passenger-side display portion of the video display displays video images derived from passenger-side image data captured by the passenger-side camera and does not display video images derived from any driver-side image data captured by the driver-side camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20180109764
    Abstract: A vision system for a vehicle includes a driver-side exterior mirror assembly having a driver-side camera for capturing driver-side image data and a passenger-side exterior mirror assembly having a passenger-side camera for capturing passenger-side image data. A video display disposed at the vehicle displays video images derived from image data captured by the driver-side and passenger-side cameras. The video display includes a driver-side display portion and a passenger-side display portion. The driver-side display portion of the video display displays video images derived from driver-side image data captured by the driver-side camera and does not display video images derived from any passenger-side image data captured by the passenger-side camera. The passenger-side display portion of the video display displays video images derived from passenger-side image data captured by the passenger-side camera and does not display video images derived from any driver-side image data captured by the driver-side camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9843777
    Abstract: A cabin monitoring system for a vehicle includes a video display screen disposed in a cabin of the vehicle so as to be viewable by a driver of the vehicle. A camera assembly is disposed at a ceiling of the cabin of the vehicle and includes a camera having an imager and a lens, with the camera having a field of view that encompasses a rear seat area of the vehicle. An illumination device is operable to illuminate the rear seat area encompassed by the field of view of the camera. The illumination device, when operated, illuminates the rear seat area and the camera captures image data representative of the illuminated rear seat area. The image data captured by the camera is provided to the video display screen for displaying video images for viewing by the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20170237946
    Abstract: A cabin monitoring system for a vehicle includes a video display screen disposed in a cabin of the vehicle so as to be viewable by a driver of the vehicle. A camera assembly is disposed at a ceiling of the cabin of the vehicle and includes a camera having an imager and a lens, with the camera having a field of view that encompasses a rear seat area of the vehicle. An illumination device is operable to illuminate the rear seat area encompassed by the field of view of the camera. The illumination device, when operated, illuminates the rear seat area and the camera captures image data representative of the illuminated rear seat area. The image data captured by the camera is provided to the video display screen for displaying video images for viewing by the driver of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9637053
    Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes an attachment element bonded to an in-cabin windshield surface at a first windshield location and an attachment member attached at the in-cabin windshield surface at a second windshield location. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror support that has a mirror mount configured to mount the mirror assembly to the attachment element. A module is configured to be received by and be supported by the attachment member attached at the windshield. With the module received by and supported by the attachment member at the windshield, a camera of the module views through the windshield and is part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle. With the module received by and supported by the attachment member at the windshield, the mirror mount can be mounted to and demounted from the attachment element without demounting the module from the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9434873
    Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 55 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 38 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.61 to about 2.65, and a bulk density of about 1.45 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Shamrock Group
    Inventors: Frank O'Brien, Chris Heller
  • Publication number: 20160100084
    Abstract: An accessory system for a vehicle includes an attachment element bonded to an in-cabin windshield surface at a first windshield location and an attachment member attached at the in-cabin windshield surface at a second windshield location. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror support that has a mirror mount configured to mount the mirror assembly to the attachment element. A module is configured to be received by and be supported by the attachment member attached at the windshield. With the module received by and supported by the attachment member at the windshield, a camera of the module views through the windshield and is part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle. With the module received by and supported by the attachment member at the windshield, the mirror mount can be mounted to and demounted from the attachment element without demounting the module from the attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 9233645
    Abstract: An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button attached at an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and a mounting element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield separate from the mounting button. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, which includes a mirror mount configured to mount the mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. A module is configured to be received at and supported by the mounting element attached at the windshield. The module accommodates a forward facing camera that views through the windshield. The forward facing camera may be part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle. With the module received by and supported by the mounting element, the mirror mount can be mounted to the mirror mounting button and can be demounted from the mirror mounting button without demounting the module from the mounting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: MAGNA ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20150068745
    Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 55 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 38 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.61 to about 2.65, and a bulk density of about 1.45 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Frank O'Brien, Chris Heller
  • Patent number: 8722590
    Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 58 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 39 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.63 to about 2.67, and a bulk density of about 1.48 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Shamrock Group
    Inventors: Frank O'Brien, Chris Haller
  • Publication number: 20130255945
    Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 58 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 39 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.63 to about 2.67, and a bulk density of about 1.48 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Frank O'Brien, Chris Haller
  • Publication number: 20130229522
    Abstract: An accessory mounting system for a vehicle includes a mirror mounting button attached at an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and a mounting element attached at the in-cabin surface of the windshield separate from the mounting button. An interior rearview mirror assembly has a mirror head and a mirror support, which includes a mirror mount configured to mount the mirror assembly to the mirror mounting button. A module is configured to be received at and supported by the mounting element attached at the windshield. The module accommodates a forward facing camera that views through the windshield. The forward facing camera may be part of a driver assistance system of the vehicle. With the module received by and supported by the mounting element, the mirror mount can be mounted to the mirror mounting button and can be demounted from the mirror mounting button without demounting the module from the mounting element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8427288
    Abstract: A rear vision system includes a video camera for capturing video images and a video display disposed in the cabin of the vehicle for displaying the video images captured by the camera. The video camera has a field of view that at least encompasses a vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. The display displays the video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle and/or connecting the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle to a tow hitch connector of a trailer. A graphic overlay may be superimposed on the displayed video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to guide or assist the driver when executing a reversing maneuver and/or when connecting a tow hitch connector of a trailer to the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Publication number: 20120264535
    Abstract: A golf training aid is provided that includes a shoulder strap located at a forward shoulder of a golfer when addressing a golf ball. A stirrup is located at a forward foot of the golfer when addressing the golf ball. A tension strap is located between the shoulder strap and the stirrup and is extended during a backswing of the golfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Frank O'brien
  • Publication number: 20120143536
    Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing energy usage of a structure include reading data associated with the structure, determining the energy usage of the structure, conducting a thermal analysis of the structure, and generating/displaying the results of the energy analysis. The data associated with the structure includes basic information regarding features and aspects of the structure, devices associated with energy usage, and utility bills. Energy usage from occupant activity can be isolated from energy used for heating and cooling of the structure. Other embodiments include real-time monitoring and calculating of energy usage, energy efficiency, and savings from energy-based improvements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: OWENS CORNING INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL LLC
    Inventors: Gerald George Greaves, Frank O'Brien-Bernini
  • Publication number: 20120062744
    Abstract: A rear vision system includes a video camera for capturing video images and a video display disposed in the cabin of the vehicle for displaying the video images captured by the camera. The video camera has a field of view that at least encompasses a vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. The display displays the video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in reversing the vehicle and/or connecting the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle to a tow hitch connector of a trailer. A graphic overlay may be superimposed on the displayed video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to guide or assist the driver when executing a reversing maneuver and/or when connecting a tow hitch connector of a trailer to the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
  • Patent number: 8044776
    Abstract: A rear vision system includes a video camera for capturing video images and a video display disposed in the cabin of the vehicle for displaying the video images captured by the camera. The camera has a field of view that at least encompasses a vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle. The display displays the video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in connecting the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle to a tow hitch connector of a trailer. The camera may have an adjustable zoom, an adjustable iris and/or an adjustable field of view. A graphic overlay may be superimposed on the displayed video images for viewing by a driver of the vehicle to guide the driver during a reversing maneuver and/or to assist the driver in connecting a tow hitch connector of a trailer to the vehicle hitch connector of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Donnelly Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam