Patents by Inventor Gerald Patrick
Gerald Patrick 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: 20210335117Abstract: Gas monitoring network and deployment systems and methods are described for detecting gas leaks (e.g., natural gas leaks) from gas infrastructures (e.g., buried natural gas) within residential, commercial, rural, and industrial areas. A method of deployment involves placing detector systems indoor and outdoor environments in distinct patterns, providing early warning or long-term monitoring of gas leaks via data communication technologies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Inventors: Gerald Patrick Duggan, Kathleen Maron Smits, Riley DeWitt Ancona, Younki Cho
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Patent number: 11117505Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat frame for a seat back or a seat bottom. At least two side bolster regions are spaced apart laterally on the seat frame. At least two bolster support assemblies are provided, each bolster support assembly comprising an air bladder mounted to the seat frame along each of the side bolster regions. An actuator inflates each air bladder between a deflated position and at least one inflated support position. An accelerometer is mounted to the seat frame. A controller is in electrical communication with the accelerometer and the actuator. The controller is programmed to receive data from the accelerometer indicative of a lateral acceleration. If the lateral acceleration is above a threshold, the controller commands the actuator to inflate one of the air bladders to the inflated support position.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2018Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Dan Golles, Gerald Patrick, Kevin Geisler
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Publication number: 20200198511Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat frame for a seat back or a seat bottom. At least two side bolster regions are spaced apart laterally on the seat frame. At least two bolster support assemblies are provided, each bolster support assembly comprising an air bladder mounted to the seat frame along each of the side bolster regions. An actuator inflates each air bladder between a deflated position and at least one inflated support position. An accelerometer is mounted to the seat frame. A controller is in electrical communication with the accelerometer and the actuator. The controller is programmed to receive data from the accelerometer indicative of a lateral acceleration. If the lateral acceleration is above a threshold, the controller commands the actuator to inflate one of the air bladders to the inflated support position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: DAN GOLLES, GERALD PATRICK, KEVIN GEISLER
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Patent number: 10647235Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion and a seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with an actuator. The controller is programmed to receive a data input indicative of occupant anthropometry data. The data input is compared with predetermined data ranges. A setting of the actuator is adjusted to a predetermined setting based on the predetermined data range. A data input indicative of a selected driving mode is received by the controller. The setting of the actuator is adjusted to another predetermined setting based on the selected driving mode. The actuator includes an inflation device, side bolster air bladders, a seat back recline actuator, a tilt actuator, and a central air bladder. The driving modes include a touring mode, a sport mode and a performance mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Gerald Patrick, Samuel Hanlon, Michelle A. Pereny, Marie-Eve Cote
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Patent number: 10569678Abstract: A seat air bladder assembly is provided with at least one central air bladder region having a support surface. At least one pair of lateral air bladder regions extend from opposed sides of the at least one central bladder region. The at least one pair of lateral air bladder regions are oriented at a non-zero angle to incline laterally and support a thoracic region of a seat occupant. A seat assembly is provided with a seat back with a contact surface with a thoracic region. An air bladder assembly is oriented within the thoracic region of the seat back with a support surface that is reclined relative to the contact surface to provide support, and wedge-shaped so that during inflation the air bladder assembly inflates in an upward and forward direction relative to the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Winsen C. Zouzal, Gerald Patrick, Ashford Allen Galbreath, Michelle A. Pereny
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Publication number: 20190337412Abstract: A method to adjust a seat assembly transmits input indicative of a seating position of an occupant to a health care provider. Input indicative of a prescribed seating position is received from the health care provider. The seat assembly is adjusted to the prescribed seating position. Makes, models and seat assemblies are stored for various vehicles. Ranges of adjustments permitted for the seat assemblies are stored. A selection of a vehicle seat assembly is received. The ranges of adjustments for the selected vehicle seat assembly are outputted. The occupant is evaluated by a medical professional. A prescribed seating position for the occupant is determined. The prescribed seating position is transmitted to a seat assembly controller to adjust the seat assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2018Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: Winsen C. ZOUZAL, Giuseppe GHISONI, Gerald PATRICK
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Patent number: 10328823Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a translatable seat cushion, a pivotal seat back, and a head restraint adapted to be mounted for translation adjacent the seat back. An actuator is operably connected to at least one of the seat cushion and the seat back for adjustment of a plurality of settings of the seat assembly. A controller is in electrical communication with the actuator and is configured to receive input indicative of occupant anthropometry data, current physical condition and/or activity level, compare the input with predetermined data ranges, and adjust at least one of the plurality of settings of the actuator to a predetermined setting based on the predetermined range. A computer-program product is programmed for automatically adjusting a seat assembly. A method for adjusting a seat assembly receives anthropometry data for an occupant.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Terry O'Bannon, Michelle A. Pereny, Samuel R. Hanlon, Ashford Allen Galbreath, Gerald Patrick, Karl Henn
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Patent number: 10213147Abstract: A method for a vehicle includes using sensors in a vehicle seat to detect biometrics of a person sitting in the seat and a vehicle controller determining from the biometrics of the person whether the person requires medical attention. In response to the person requiring medical attention, a request for assistance for the person is broadcasted via a V2X transceiver of the vehicle to medical practitioners of a medical practitioner network who are near a location of vehicle during the broadcasting. The medical practitioner network includes the person as a subscriber and medical practitioners as providers. Alternately, in response to the person requiring medical attention, the vehicle controller uses an autonomous vehicle control system of the vehicle to drive the vehicle to a medical facility.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2018Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: David Gallagher, Francesco Migneco, Arjun Yetukuri, Karl Henn, Gerald Patrick
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Publication number: 20180345823Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom and a seat back. A first actuator is oriented in a lower lumbar region. A second actuator is oriented in an upper lumbar region. A controller is programmed to operate the first actuator to adjust the lower lumbar region, and operate the second actuator to subsequently adjust the upper lumbar region to provide a seat assembly motion pattern. A third actuator is oriented in a thoracic region or a seat bottom region. The controller operates the third actuator to adjust the thoracic region or the seat bottom region after adjusting the lumbar regions to provide a seat assembly motion pattern. A plurality of sensors is provided on the seat back and the seat bottom to initiate the pattern in response to a lack of detected occupant motion to induce muscle activation upon an occupant.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2018Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Winsen C. ZOUZAL, Gerald PATRICK, Samuel HANLON, Michelle A. PERENY, Marie-Eve COTE
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Publication number: 20180333093Abstract: A method for a vehicle includes using sensors in a vehicle seat to detect biometrics of a person sitting in the seat and a vehicle controller determining from the biometrics of the person whether the person requires medical attention. In response to the person requiring medical attention, a request for assistance for the person is broadcasted via a V2X transceiver of the vehicle to medical practitioners of a medical practitioner network who are near a location of vehicle during the broadcasting. The medical practitioner network includes the person as a subscriber and medical practitioners as providers. Alternately, in response to the person requiring medical attention, the vehicle controller uses an autonomous vehicle control system of the vehicle to drive the vehicle to a medical facility.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Applicant: Lear CorporationInventors: David Gallagher, Francesco Migneco, Arjun Yetukuri, Karl Henn, Gerald Patrick
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Publication number: 20180326881Abstract: An air bladder assembly for a seat is provided. The air bladder assembly includes a thoracic bladder assembly has an increasing width in the longitudinal direction. A pair of scapular bladders are each positioned on a lateral side of the thoracic bladder assembly and has a tapered width decreasing in the longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2017Publication date: November 15, 2018Applicant: Lear CorporationInventors: Gerald PATRICK, Winsen C ZOUZAL
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Patent number: 10112513Abstract: A vehicle seat with an inflatable bladder having a rear surface and a support surface opposite the rear surface is provided. The subassembly includes a seat climate control system having an air duct. An air duct tunnel is formed in the inflatable bladder and extends from the rear surface to the support surface. The air duct tunnel cooperates with the air duct to supply climate control air to a seating surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Gerald Patrick, Michael R. Powell
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Patent number: 10085565Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat bottom and a seat back mounted adjacent the bottom. The seat back and seat bottom are provided with an occupant seating surface. At least one air bladder is oriented in a sacral region the seat bottom or the seat back. The air bladder has a support surface defined by a enlarged width portion and extends to an elongated tapered portion. When the air bladder is inflated, the support surface is inclined from the taper portion to the enlarged width portion relative to the seating surface.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: LEAR CORPORATIONInventors: Winsen C. Zouzal, Gerald Patrick, Walter T. Cichocki, Ted Smith, Michelle A. Pereny
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Publication number: 20180264981Abstract: A seat air bladder assembly is provided with at least one central air bladder region having a support surface. At least one pair of lateral air bladder regions extend from opposed sides of the at least one central bladder region. The at least one pair of lateral air bladder regions are oriented at a non-zero angle to incline laterally and support a thoracic region of a seat occupant. A seat assembly is provided with a seat back with a contact surface with a thoracic region. An air bladder assembly is oriented within the thoracic region of the seat back with a support surface that is reclined relative to the contact surface to provide support, and wedge-shaped so that during inflation the air bladder assembly inflates in an upward and forward direction relative to the seat back.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2018Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Winsen C. ZOUZAL, Gerald PATRICK, Ashford Allen GALBREATH, Michelle A. PERENY
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Patent number: 10034631Abstract: A vehicle seating system includes a vehicle seat, piezoelectric sensors individually positioned at respective locations within the seat corresponding to anatomical locations of a person sitting in the seat, and a controller. The sensors to generate electrical signals in response to mechanical stress applied on the sensors from biologically motivated force inputs of the person. The controller to detect from the electrical signals generated by the sensors biometric information of the person corresponding to the biologically motivated force inputs of the person.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: David Gallagher, Francesco Migneco, Arjun Yetukuri, Karl Henn, Gerald Patrick
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Publication number: 20180170222Abstract: A vehicle seat with an inflatable bladder having a rear surface and a support surface opposite the rear surface is provided. The subassembly includes a seat climate control system having an air duct. An air duct tunnel is formed in the inflatable bladder and extends from the rear surface to the support surface. The air duct tunnel cooperates with the air duct to supply climate control air to a seating surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Applicant: Lear CorporationInventors: Gerald PATRICK, Michael R. POWELL
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Patent number: 9987961Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat cushion and a pivotal seat back. Sensors are connected to the seat cushion and/or the seat back to detect a seating position. An actuator is connected to the seat cushion and/or the seat back for adjustment. A controller is configured to receive data from the plurality sensors, compare the data to determine if the occupant is seated evenly, and adjust the actuator to balance the occupant posture seating position. The controller is in electrical communication with an inflation device to inflate a first air bladder assembly in a thoracic region of the seat back. A second air bladder assembly oriented in a lumbar region, a sacrum region, and/or a scapular region of the seat back is inflated after initiating inflation of the first air bladder assembly for sequential posture alignment.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Winsen C. Zouzal, Ashford Allen Galbreath, Gerald Patrick, Karl Henn, Kim Krulek, Michelle A. Pereny, Samuel Hanlon
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Patent number: 9981577Abstract: A seat air bladder assembly is provided with at least one central air bladder region having a support surface. At least one pair of lateral air bladder regions extend from opposed sides of the at least one central bladder region. The at least one pair of lateral air bladder regions are oriented at a non-zero angle to incline laterally and support a thoracic region of a seat occupant. A seat assembly is provided with a seat back with a contact surface with a thoracic region. An air bladder assembly is oriented within the thoracic region of the seat back with a support surface that is reclined relative to the contact surface to provide support, and wedge-shaped so that during inflation the air bladder assembly inflates in an upward and forward direction relative to the seat back.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2015Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Winsen C. Zouzal, Gerald Patrick, Ashford Allen Galbreath, Michelle A. Pereny
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Publication number: 20180118060Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat back, and with an actuator that is oriented in a region of the seat back to adjust a seating surface of the seat back. A controller is in electrical communication with the actuator. The controller is programmed to operate the actuator to partially adjust the seating surface toward a target position. Subsequently, the controller operates the actuator to further actuate the actuator after a predetermined delay to further adjust the seating surface toward the target position. The controller is programmed to receive input indicative of a selection of a mode of seat adjustment. The actuator is operated to gradually adjust the seating surface to a target position after a quantity of events associated with the selected mode of seat adjustment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2016Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Winsen C. ZOUZAL, Gerald PATRICK
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Patent number: 9949568Abstract: An air bladder assembly for a seat comprising is provided. A central sacral bladder has a support surface defined by an enlarged width portion connected to an elongated tapered portion, wherein the tapered portion is defined by elongated lateral sides. A pair of side iliac bladders is provided so that one of the side bladders is positioned adjacent each of the elongated sides of the central bladder. A support surface of the central air bladder is not parallel to a support surface of the side air bladders when the air bladder assembly is inflated.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Winsen C. Zouzal, Gerald Patrick, Walter T. Cichocki, Ted Smith, Michelle A. Pereny