Patents by Inventor Kevin M Hester

Kevin M Hester 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: 7128451
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for illuminating the interior of an automotive passenger vehicle for ingress and egress. The apparatus comprises a lighting device integrated into the periphery of a sun visor or similar object. The lighting device is typically activated by a remote entry device, a door opening, or by an interior switch. The apparatus is particularly applicable where overhead interior lighting is impractical, such as in convertibles and other types of vehicles with removable tops. The lighting device may be customized for color and intensity, as well as for physical configuration. The apparatus can also be used in lieu of conventional interior roof lighting as a manufacturing cost reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R Kaphengst, Olimpia Maria Hernandez, Kevin M Hester, Bruce R. Koch
  • Patent number: 6497448
    Abstract: There is disclosed a rearward closure assembly for an automotive vehicle. The assembly includes a rear panel and a rearward roof panel that can be moved along track guides that extend from a rear portion of the vehicle to the top of the vehicle. The rear panel can be translated from a first position to a second position such that the rear panel and roof panel are generally opposing and parallel to each other to open a lower portion of a rearward passageway of the vehicle. Thereafter, the rear panel and the roof panel can be translated above a top portion of the vehicle to open an upper portion of the rearward passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Randy C Curtis, Kevin G. Kolpasky, Timothy E Okenka, Chris A Olsen, Timothy C Slanec, Matthew H Szalach, Kevin M Hester