Patents by Inventor Michael R. Catlin

Michael R. Catlin 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).

  • Publication number: 20160075290
    Abstract: A vehicle trim component is prepared by a process that includes providing a cover on a plate, providing a first material layer on the cover, and providing a second material layer on the first material layer to form the vehicle trim component. The first material layer bonds to the cover as it solidifies. The second material layer bonds to the first material layer as it solidifies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems I LLC
    Inventor: Michael R. CATLIN
  • Patent number: 8376435
    Abstract: A seating and console system for use in a seating row and configurable between a seating configuration and a console configuration. The system comprises a seat including a seat base and a seat back, and a console mounted to an opposite side of the seat back. The seat back rotates between a first position to provide the seating configuration and a second position to provide the console configuration that divides the seating row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Brian R. Dexter, Jeffrey T. Stout, Gregory N. Brncick, Alan G. Greene, Steven D. Lepley, Joseph M. Thompson, Robert C. Fitzpatrick, Michael J. Burns, David J. Spykerman, Michael R. Catlin
  • Publication number: 20110147051
    Abstract: This invention is related to process for the production of a interior trim piece, comprising the steps of: —providing a film layer—applying conductive ink/paint to the back surface of the film layer to provide a circuit path and—attaching a substrate on the back surface of the film layer. This invention further relates to a interior trim piece comprising a film layer with a circuit path on its back surface, whereas the circuit path is made from conductive ink/paint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael J. Sims, Michael R. Catlin
  • Publication number: 20110147181
    Abstract: The invention provides a button for an interior of a vehicle, a method of using a graphic on a button to indicate the current status or configuration of the button and/or a device the button controls, and a method of making a button with changing appearances, the button comprising a non-mechanical switch and the button comprising means for backlighting of at least two different colors, the button further comprising at least two band-pass filters (232, 234), the band-pass filters being configured to block one of the two different colors, while allowing the other to pass through, wherein a three dimensional appearance of the button is changed depending on which color is activated to provide backlighting to the button, wherein during a first status or configuration state of the button, one of the colors is activated to provide backlighting to a first portion (212) of the button and wherein during a second status or configuration state of the button, the other color is activated to provide backlighting to a secon
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: Michael R. Catlin
  • Publication number: 20100156128
    Abstract: A seating and console system for use in a seating row and configurable between a seating configuration and a console configuration is disclosed. The system comprises a seat including a seat base and a seat back; and a console mounted to an opposite side of the seat back. The seat back rotates between a first position to provide the seating configuration and a second position to provide the console configuration that divides the seating row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Brian R. Dexter, Jeffrey T. Stout, Gregory N. Brncick, Alan G. Greene, Steven D. Lepley, Joseph M. Thompson, Robert C. Fitzpatrick, Michael J. Burns, David J. Spykerman, Michael R. Catlin
  • Patent number: 7533918
    Abstract: This disclosed console is for mounting within a vehicle. The console includes a base configured to be coupled to the vehicle and a storage enclosure coupled to the base. The storage enclosure is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the base such that a first occupant is provided access to the storage enclosure. The storage enclosure is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployed position is configured to provide access to a second occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: David J. Spykerman, Jeffrey L. Barber, Michael R. Catlin, Gregory N. Brncick, Kevin W. J. Kim
  • Publication number: 20070257520
    Abstract: A vehicle trim panel for use in a vehicle having an interior portion includes a first substrate panel. A first cover is coupled to the first substrate panel. A second substrate panel is coupled to the first substrate panel. A second cover is coupled to the second substrate panel, wherein the first and second substrate panels are aligned in the vehicle with the first and second covers exposed to the interior portion of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Michael R. Catlin, Scott A. Hansen, Ronald A. Bozio, Nels R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5721646
    Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for vehicles such as trucks, vans and recreation vehicles provides reduced weight and vibration and improved stability. The assembly includes a mirror mount securing a reflective mirror element to an elongated support bracket, and a mirror housing secured to the support bracket and shielding the mirror element, mount and support bracket. The support bracket spans the interior of the housing from adjacent one end of the housing to adjacent the other end, is spaced from the side and rear walls of the housing, and has spaced, elongated support members and at least one brace member extending between the support members. Preferably, the brace members are arranged in an X-pattern along the bracket length, while the mirror mount is an electric actuator providing remote adjustment of the mirror element about multiple axes. In one form, the bracket may include a covering wall over the brace members and support members to increase rigidity and reduce vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: KAM Truck Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Catlin, Edward A. Gahan