Patents by Inventor Philip Rittmueller

Philip Rittmueller 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).

  • Wet seat protection for air bag control occupant detection
    Publication number: 20040111201
    Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Elesys North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Philip Rittmueller
  • Wet seat protection for air bag control occupant detection
    Patent number: 6696948
    Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Elesys North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Philip Rittmueller
  • Wet seat protection for air bag control occupant detection
    Publication number: 20030090376
    Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventors: Gregory T. Thompson, Shiuh-An Shieh, Philip Rittmueller