Patents by Inventor Michael N. Maass

Michael N. Maass 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).

  • User interface for communication system
    Patent number: 7039197
    Abstract: An improved user interface is installed in the cabin of a vehicle incorporating a cabin communication system using acoustic echo cancellation for improving the ease and flexibility of the cabin communication. Separate controls at each seat location enable the person occupying that seat to selectively converse with other occupants in the vehicle, create a recorded message and/or place a telephone call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Saligrama R. Venkatesh, Alan M. Finn, Philip LeMay, Ronald Reich, Mark W. Davis, James J. Dattolo, Michael N. Maass, Stephen J. Learman
  • Single motor module for a vehicle seat
    Patent number: 6626064
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a motor coupled to an output shaft. At least two driven shafts are each operable between three operating modes. The three operating modes are a stationary mode, a first rotational direction, and a second rotational direction. A transmission assembly connects the driven shafts to the output shaft. The transmission assembly is operable to control each of the driven shafts in any one of the three operating modes when the output shaft rotates in the first rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: H. Winston Maue, Eric J. Krupp, Michael N. Maass, John R. Sims, Samir Nayfeh, Justin W. Raade, Amy W. Cai, Jeehan S. Faiz, Mario Montoya, Erick Rios, Pablo Tribin, Ernesto Blanco
  • Vehicle universal docking station and electronic feature modules
    Patent number: 6608399
    Abstract: A smart, universal vehicle docking station is provided for receiving one or more plug-in feature modules. The docking station includes a personality module arranged to receive the feature modules. The feature modules are of uniform dimensions and include a standardized docking station coupler. Some of the feature modules can be operated separately from the docking station, and are completely interchangeable within the docking station. The personality module is removable so that an entire personality module can be removed from a vehicle for security reasons, as well as to transplanted from one vehicle to another to provide immediate vehicle customization. A gateway located in the docking station allows integration and appropriate signal translation of signals between the modules and a vehicle irrespective of make or model of the vehicle. The present invention allows different features to be easily added or upgraded in a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John E. McConnell, Michael N. Maass, William M. Jarocha, Christos T. Kyrtsos, Pawel W. Sleboda
  • Vehicle universal docking station and electronic feature modules
    Publication number: 20020140289
    Abstract: A smart, universal vehicle docking station is provided for receiving one or more plug-in feature modules. The docking station includes a personality module arranged to receive the feature modules. The feature modules are of uniform dimensions and include a standardized docking station coupler. Some of the feature modules can be operated separately from the docking station, and are completely interchangeable within the docking station. The personality module is removable so that an entire personality module can be removed from a vehicle for security reasons, as well as to transplanted from one vehicle to another to provide immediate vehicle customization. A gateway located in the docking station allows integration and appropriate signal translation of signals between the modules and a vehicle irrespective of make or model of the vehicle. The present invention allows different features to be easily added or upgraded in a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John E. McConnell, Michael N. Maass, William M. Jarocha, Christos T. Kyrtsos, Pawel W. Sleboda