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).

  • Patent number: 9373044
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Wallat, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Brian Bennie, Timothy Prodin, Brian Wolski
  • Patent number: 9371050
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Yellin Schondorf
  • Patent number: 9340228
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Li Xu, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Davor David Hrovat, John P. Joyce
  • Publication number: 20160129830
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef GHANNAM, Steven Yellin SCHONDORF
  • Publication number: 20160101810
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Li Xu, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Davor David Hrovat, John P. Joyce
  • Patent number: 9278659
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Abraham G. Philip, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Markus Hagen, Thomas Arndt
  • Publication number: 20160039341
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Maher Ghneim
  • Patent number: 9251694
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Thomas Lee Miller, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Karl Douglas Vandivier, Paul Aldighieri
  • Patent number: 9221414
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Tim Scott
  • Patent number: 9205710
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dilip B. Patel, Steven Yellin Schondorf, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Brian Bennie, Gregory Swadling
  • Patent number: 9174595
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Abraham G. Philip, David James Tippy
  • Publication number: 20150298635
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Abraham G. Philip, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Markus Hagen, Thomas Arndt
  • Publication number: 20150274118
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Yellin Schondorf, Tim Scott
  • Publication number: 20150274119
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Yellin Schondorf
  • Publication number: 20150266438
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Abraham G. Philip, David James Tippy
  • Patent number: 9139148
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Erich Kemnitz
  • Patent number: 9114769
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erich Kemnitz, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Jayagopal Appukutty
  • Publication number: 20150217710
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erich KEMNITZ, Steven Yellin SCHONDORF, Jayagopal APPUKUTTY
  • Patent number: 9067553
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Yeruva Satya Reddy, Abraham G. Philip, Steven Yellin Schondorf
  • Publication number: 20150097385
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventors: Jayagopal Appukutty, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Erich Kemnitz