Patents by Inventor Steven Yellin Schondorf
Steven Yellin Schondorf 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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Patent number: 9373044Abstract: A lane departure warning system has a trailer detector for detecting that a trailer is attached to a vehicle, a lane boundary detector for detecting a position of a lane boundary on a roadway over which the vehicle is travelling, and an information processor including a calibrator for generating calibration parameters used in determining an unintended lane departure event with respect to the lane boundary. The information processor initiates a process for allowing an operator to provide trailer width information when the trailer detector indicates that the vehicle is towing a trailer. The lane departure warning system also includes a sensor for detecting a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A controller determines a lateral offset of the trailer relative to the vehicle based on the hitch angle and a length of the trailer for generating a warning signal when the lateral offset crosses the lane boundary.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Wallat, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Brian Bennie, Timothy Prodin, Brian Wolski
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Patent number: 9371050Abstract: A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment, the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Steven Yellin Schondorf
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Patent number: 9340228Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a sensor module adapted to attach to the trailer and generate a trailer yaw rate or a trailer speed. The trailer backup assist system also includes a vehicle sensor system that generates a vehicle yaw rate and a vehicle speed. Further, the trailer backup assist system includes a controller that estimates a hitch angle based on the trailer yaw rate or the trailer speed and the vehicle yaw rate and the vehicle speed in view of a kinematic relationship between the trailer and the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Li Xu, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Davor David Hrovat, John P. Joyce
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Publication number: 20160129830Abstract: A restraint system for a vehicle includes a seat assembly and a seat belt assembly. The seat assembly includes a buckle having a buckle sensor operatively connected to a buckle light source. The seat belt assembly is associated with the seat assembly and includes a retractor, a webbing, and a tongue having a tongue light source. The buckle sensor is configured such that illumination of the tongue light source activates the buckle sensor and illuminates the buckle light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2014Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef GHANNAM, Steven Yellin SCHONDORF
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Publication number: 20160101810Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a sensor module adapted to attach to the trailer and generate a trailer yaw rate or a trailer speed. The trailer backup assist system also includes a vehicle sensor system that generates a vehicle yaw rate and a vehicle speed. Further, the trailer backup assist system includes a controller that estimates a hitch angle based on the trailer yaw rate or the trailer speed and the vehicle yaw rate and the vehicle speed in view of a kinematic relationship between the trailer and the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Li Xu, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Davor David Hrovat, John P. Joyce
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Patent number: 9278659Abstract: Exemplary methods of making a bumper component are disclosed, along with exemplary bumper assemblies and vehicles. An exemplary method may include providing a first mold portion defining at least in part a front surface, and positioning at least one sensor in the first mold portion. Exemplary methods may further include enclosing the at least one sensor within the first mold portion with a second mold portion. The second mold portion may define at least in part a rear surface. The method may further include forming a body within the first and second mold portions, thereby embedding the at least one sensor between the front and rear surfaces, the body extending between the front and rear surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Abraham G. Philip, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Markus Hagen, Thomas Arndt
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Publication number: 20160039341Abstract: A vehicle display displays a camera video having an indicator. The indicator is static on the display while the camera video is frozen on the display thereby notifying a viewer that the camera video is frozen and the indicator is dynamic on the display while the camera video is live on the display.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Maher Ghneim
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Patent number: 9251694Abstract: A method of vehicle monitoring includes monitoring one or more vehicle safety systems while a vehicle is in operation to detect an unsafe condition. The method also includes sending an alert to a handheld device if an unsafe condition is detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2013Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Thomas Lee Miller, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Karl Douglas Vandivier, Paul Aldighieri
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Patent number: 9221414Abstract: A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment, the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Tim Scott
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Patent number: 9205710Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods and systems for determining a tire pressure status. The system may include at least one computer. An input defining an inflation status of one or more vehicle tires, as well as tire inflation data of the one or more tires, may be received. A specific value associated with an inflation event of the one or more vehicle tires may be calculated based on the inflation data. Further, one or more messages for outputting the specific value from one or more vehicle components may be generated and transmitted to the one or more vehicle components. The specific value may be output as one or more messages from the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dilip B. Patel, Steven Yellin Schondorf, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Brian Bennie, Gregory Swadling
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Patent number: 9174595Abstract: An apparatus includes an enclosed body defining a chamber therein. The body includes a rearward portion, a forward portion opposite the rearward portion and a first portion extending between the rearward and forward portions. The first portion has a stiffness less than at least one remaining portion of the body. The apparatus further includes at least one pressure sensor coupled to the body and the chamber to detect deformation of the first portion of the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Abraham G. Philip, David James Tippy
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Publication number: 20150298635Abstract: Exemplary methods of making a bumper component are disclosed, along with exemplary bumper assemblies and vehicles. An exemplary method may include providing a first mold portion defining at least in part a front surface, and positioning at least one sensor in the first mold portion. Exemplary methods may further include enclosing the at least one sensor within the first mold portion with a second mold portion. The second mold portion may define at least in part a rear surface. The method may further include forming a body within the first and second mold portions, thereby embedding the at least one sensor between the front and rear surfaces, the body extending between the front and rear surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2014Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Abraham G. Philip, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Markus Hagen, Thomas Arndt
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Publication number: 20150274118Abstract: A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Tim Scott
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Publication number: 20150274119Abstract: A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Steven Yellin Schondorf
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Publication number: 20150266438Abstract: An apparatus includes an enclosed body defining a chamber therein. The body includes a rearward portion, a forward portion opposite the rearward portion and a first portion extending between the rearward and forward portions. The first portion has a stiffness less than at least one remaining portion of the body. The apparatus further includes at least one pressure sensor coupled to the body and the chamber to detect deformation of the first portion of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Abraham G. Philip, David James Tippy
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Patent number: 9139148Abstract: A fascia assembly including a bumper beam, a bumper cover, and a sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly may include a bracket and a sensor. The sensor assembly is disposed between the beam and cover. The bracket may define a base bonded to a surface of the cover and a key hole. The sensor may include a connector, clip, and key for the hole. The sensor may be configured to rotate between first and second positions such that the clip prevents connector access in the first but not the second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2014Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Erich Kemnitz
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Patent number: 9114769Abstract: A fascia assembly may include a fascia having an inner surface, a sensor assembly including a housing integrated with the inner surface, a sensor having a connector, and a lever rotatably attached to the sensor. The lever may be configured to selectively rotate between first and second positions when inserted into the housing, and may include a tab to prevent mating access to the connector when the lever is in the first position but not in the second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2014Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Erich Kemnitz, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Jayagopal Appukutty
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Publication number: 20150217710Abstract: A fascia assembly may include a fascia having an inner surface, a sensor assembly including a housing integrated with the inner surface, a sensor having a connector, and a lever rotatably attached to the sensor. The lever may be configured to selectively rotate between first and second positions when inserted into the housing, and may include a tab to prevent mating access to the connector when the lever is in the first position but not in the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2014Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Erich KEMNITZ, Steven Yellin SCHONDORF, Jayagopal APPUKUTTY
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Patent number: 9067553Abstract: A vehicle includes a fascia, a bumper beam, and a sensor including a pressure chamber disposed between and along the fascia and bumper beam. The vehicle further includes a plurality of pusher blocks disposed between and along the fascia and bumper beam. The pusher blocks impinge upon the pressure chamber during fascia impact. Contact areas defined by the pusher blocks decrease toward a center of the pressure chamber and increase toward ends of the pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2014Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Yeruva Satya Reddy, Abraham G. Philip, Steven Yellin Schondorf
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Publication number: 20150097385Abstract: A fascia assembly including a bumper beam, a bumper cover, and a sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly may include a bracket and a sensor. The sensor assembly is disposed between the beam and cover. The bracket may define a base bonded to a surface of the cover and a key hole. The sensor may include a connector, clip, and key for the hole. The sensor may be configured to rotate between first and second positions such that the clip prevents connector access in the first but not the second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Erich Kemnitz