Patents by Inventor Thomas Kracker

Thomas Kracker 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: 20140192548
    Abstract: A reflector configured to receive and reflect illumination from an illumination device across a projector lens of a vehicle headlight assembly. The reflector includes a reflection surface, a curved edge adjacent to the reflection surface and defining a lower illumination aperture, and a wall member extending across the lower illumination aperture to define a gap portion between the wall member and the curved edge. The wall member is configured to reduce illumination reflected from the reflection surface by blocking an amount of illumination passing through the lower illumination aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas Kracker, Tony Wang, Frank Ramos, Darrin Roberts, Shinichi Todaka, Dean Bowles, Ippei Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8100571
    Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a reflective structure, a mounting structure, and a collar. The reflective structure at least partially surrounds and reflects light from a light source. The mounting structure is formed as a unitary structure with the reflective structure. The mounting structure is elongated and extends longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end is adjacent to the reflective structure. The distal end is spaced from the reflective structure. The collar is engaged with the mounting structure such that an interface surface of the collar contacts an interface surface of the mounting structure. A fastener engagement portion of the collar is configured to selectively engage a fastener to facilitate mounting of the lamp assembly. The reflective structure and the mounting structure are both formed from a metal material, and the collar is formed from a different material. Vehicles are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Kracker, Steven Kovach, Brent Andrees
  • Publication number: 20110038170
    Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a reflective structure, a mounting structure, and a collar. The reflective structure at least partially surrounds and reflects light from a light source. The mounting structure is formed as a unitary structure with the reflective structure. The mounting structure is elongated and extends longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end. The proximal end is adjacent to the reflective structure. The distal end is spaced from the reflective structure. The collar is engaged with the mounting structure such that an interface surface of the collar contacts an interface surface of the mounting structure. A fastener engagement portion of the collar is configured to selectively engage a fastener to facilitate mounting of the lamp assembly. The reflective structure and the mounting structure are both formed from a metal material, and the collar is formed from a different material. Vehicles are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Kracker, Steven Kovach, Brent Andrees
  • Patent number: 7876209
    Abstract: An audio visual turn/hazard signaling system in a vehicle can include an electronic user-selectable sound file, a control circuitry containing a solid state relay, a sensor, and an amplifier. The signal system of the invention provides a customizable signal system including a sound file where the operator can choose the volume and frequency to play when turn signal is activated. The signal system of the invention also provides an automatic volume adjuster wherein the safety of the operator while operating a vehicle is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Kracker, Tony Wang, William Tobin, Derek Adelman
  • Patent number: 7599136
    Abstract: A lens is provided for use in a vehicle interior ambient light device. The lens provides a beam of light that is narrower and is directed to a desirable position on different vehicle models and versions of those models. The lens includes an upper section having a shape that is a section of a frustum of a cone. The lens also includes a lower section having a shape of a frustum of an oblique cone with an oval base. Textured surfaces of the sides of the frustum of the lower section prevent the emission of stray light beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Thomas Kracker, Tony Wang
  • Publication number: 20090167519
    Abstract: An audio visual turn/hazard signaling system in a vehicle can include an electronic user-selectable sound file, a control circuitry containing a solid state relay, a sensor, and an amplifier. The signal system of the invention provides a customizable signal system including a sound file where the operator can choose the volume and frequency to play when turn signal is activated. The signal system of the invention also provides an automatic volume adjuster wherein the safety of the operator while operating a vehicle is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Kracker, Tony Wang, William Tobin, Derek Adelman
  • Publication number: 20070024993
    Abstract: A lens is provided for use in a vehicle interior ambient light device. The lens provides a beam of light that is narrower and is directed to a desirable position on different vehicle models and versions of those models. The lens includes an upper section having a shape that is a section of a frustum of a cone. The lens also includes a lower section having a shape of a frustum of an oblique cone with an oval base. Textured surfaces of the sides of the frustum of the lower section prevent the emission of stray light beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Publication date: February 1, 2007
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Thomas Kracker, Tony Wang