Patents Assigned to Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
  • System for adjusting the pedals of a vehicle
    Patent number: 7681474
    Abstract: A system for adjustably positioning foot pedals with respect to a vehicle chassis, such as to improve ergonomics or to appropriately space a vehicle occupant with respect to a vehicle safety system. The system includes first and second electromagnetic actuators, first and second controllers, and a device, which may be a switch disposed on the vehicle chassis, provides a signal to change spacing between the vehicle chassis and the plurality of pedals. The first electromagnetic actuator displaces a first pedal with respect to the vehicle chassis, and the second electromagnetic actuator displaces a second pedal with respect to the vehicle chassis. The first controller operates the first electromagnetic actuator in response to the configuration of the device, and the second controller operates the second electromagnetic actuator in response to the first controller operating the first electromagnetic actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Andrew Weldon, Frank Wiemer, Edward Kunath, Jacob Ritchie
  • Method to reduce module inductance
    Patent number: 7676911
    Abstract: A DC bus for use in a power module has a positive DC conductor bus plate parallel with a negative DC conductor bus plate. One or more positive leads are connected to the positive bus and are connectable to a positive terminal of a power source. One or more negative leads are connected to the negative bus and are connectable to a negative terminal of a power source. The DC bus has one or more positive connections fastenable from the positive bus to the high side of a power module. The DC bus also has one or more negative connections fastenable from the negative bus to the low side of the power module. The positive bus and negative bus permit counter-flow of currents, thereby canceling magnetic fields and their associated inductances, and the positive and negative bus are connectable to the center portion of a power module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred Flett
  • Vehicle start/stop button status feedback and lighting
    Patent number: 7679491
    Abstract: A keyless ignition system for a vehicle includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates through a wireless link with a start/stop button. The start/stop button includes a plurality of lighting sources to selectively illuminate the start/stop button for communicating current state of a vehicle operating parameter. The lighting sources are powered by a wireless power generating device within the start/stop button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Costello, James P. Brecht, Tejas B. Desai
  • Method for initializing increment position sensor
    Patent number: 7679360
    Abstract: An increment sensor assembly inquires an microcontroller as to the last known increment when a vehicle is started. The last known increment data is used to rotate the sensor backward to reach a lower mechanical stop position or forward to reach an upper mechanical stop position. A timer tracks the sensor to ensure that one of the known stop positions is reached within a predetermined time period or performs a system check to determine what error has occurred. Once the sensor reaches one of the known stop positions an increment counter is reset and the sensor assembly begins normal operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Schmidt, Mark Cronmiller
  • Inductive heated injector using additional coil
    Patent number: 7677468
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly includes a first coil that induces a time varying magnetic field into a second coil that is utilized to heat fuel flowing through the fuel injector. The second coil generates a second magnetic field generated by a current induced by the first coil into the second coil. The induced current is generated by an alternating current signal that is interposed onto a direct current signal sent to the first coil. The second coil also is electrically connected to pass current induced from the first coil into a component in thermal contact with the flowing fuel. The current from the secondary coil resistibly heats the component to provide an alternate mode of heating fuel flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Hornby, John F. Nally, Jr., Hamid Sayar, Perry Robert Czimmek
  • Ring pointer illumination
    Patent number: 7677744
    Abstract: An illuminated pointer assembly for a gauge scale having an outer periphery includes a pointer that moves about a periphery of the gauge scale and is illuminated by a light guide. The light guide is disposed on a plane below the pointer and the gauge scale. The light guide includes at least two LEDs that are disposed adjacent first and second ends of the light guide. The light guide also includes a plurality of reflective elements. The plurality of reflective elements is disposed in sets that are orientated with regard to each of the LEDs. The reflective elements provide for the transmission and direction of light within the light guide into the guide body portion of the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav Birman, Werner Eckardt, Richard Sanders, Ronald Struck
  • Thin instrument cluster with anti-reflective coating
    Patent number: 7671859
    Abstract: An instrument display includes a light source that selectively emits light and a light guide that receives the light. One or more optical coating layers are disposed on the light guide. The light guide has a first index of refraction, and the optical coating layer or layers have a second index of refraction that is greater than the first index of refraction of the light guide. The optical coating layer or layers reduce glare from ambient light and increase the light transmitting performance of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav B. Birman, Werner Eckardt
  • Interface O-ring seal for low permeation flange of a fuel supply unit
    Patent number: 7669900
    Abstract: A flange structure (10?) for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle includes at least one electrically conductive fuel port (16?) having first and second ends (22, 24) and features (25, 26) defining a channel (28) about a periphery thereof. An elastomer seal (30) is disposed in the channel. A plastic flange (20?) is overmolded on at least a portion of the fuel port between the first and second ends and on at least a portion of the elastomer seal, with the elastomer seal defining a barrier preventing fuel or fuel vapor from passing between the periphery of the fuel port and the overmolded flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Parag Athalye
  • Signal recognition for combined receiver for remote keyless entry and tire pressure monitoring systems
    Patent number: 7668259
    Abstract: A receiver is utilized to receive signals from various systems within a vehicle such as tire pressure monitoring system (TPM) and a remote keyless entry system (RKE). During the on time, the receiver sequentially is open to receive a first signal with a first baud rate. If the signal of the first baud rate is not received, the receiver receives a second signal at a second baud rate. Upon receipt of a transmission, the receiver operates according to a mode that corresponds to the transmission indicated by the specific baud rate. The operation of the receiver can include specialized filtering, or other known signal processing that is tailored to the specific transmission data communication requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: David Reimus, Tejas Desai
  • Method of reducing noise for a modular fuel injector with a harmonic annular damper member
    Patent number: 7665198
    Abstract: A fuel injector with various embodiments of a annular damper member that reduces noise generated between a valve group subassembly and a power group subassembly during operation of the fuel injector. A mass annular damper member is also shown and described. A method of reducing sound in the valve group subassembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong D. Cho, Massimlliano Cipriani
  • Illuminated hub pointer
    Patent number: 7665413
    Abstract: A pointer assembly includes the pointer and hub that are both illuminatable. The hub includes a main portion with a concave surface. A reflector is partially received within a slot through the concave surface and is supported on top of the hub. The reflector includes a reflective surface that directs light onto the concave surface. Light from a light source is directed by separate reflective surfaces on the pointer and the reflector to illuminate both the hub and the pointer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav B. Birman, Christian Tanguy
  • Plastic positioning pin for overmolded product
    Patent number: 7655319
    Abstract: An overmolded electronic device includes a pre-mold assembly having a positioning pin that extends upward through a mold material into contact with an inner cavity of a mold. The positioning pin is disposed within a containment area that is defined by sets of ribs configured in and conformed on the pre-mold assembly. The positioning pin thereby is sealed within the containment area that is in turn sealed from the remainder of the electronic device that prevents the intrusion of moisture or other contaminants into undesirable locations of the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian G. Babin
  • System and method for a power system micro grid
    Patent number: 7656059
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring power from power sources to an AC power system are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment electrically couples an external AC power source to a first input power control (IPC) module that is rated at a first AC input power capacity and that is rated at a first direct current (DC) input power capacity, operates the first IPC module up to the first AC input power capacity in response to receiving AC power from an external AC power source, electrically couples an external DC power source to a second IPC module that is rated at a second AC input power capacity and that is rated at a second DC input power capacity, and operates the second IPC module up to the second DC input power capacity in response to receiving DC power from an external DC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Kon-King M. Wang, Kent M. Harmon
  • Gain controlled external low noise amplifier
    Patent number: 7650127
    Abstract: A receiver for receiving radio frequency signals from a remote keyless entry system and another system includes a low noise amplifier for amplifying and increasing the range and sensitivity of the receiver, such that the receiver may receive signals at increased distances. A gain of the low noise amplifier is selectively controlled to cycle from a first gain level that provides for increased sensitivity and a second gain level that provides a lower sensitivity and a greater dynamic range or larger signal capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Nahel Eshaq, Brian Marlett
  • Demagnetization-field enhancing magnetometer
    Patent number: 7640814
    Abstract: A magnetometer for a force sensor assembly includes first inner and outer coils that are spaced axially apart from second inner and outer coils. Between the inner and outer coils is a plurality of magnetic strips. These magnetic strips are disposed at axially distinct portions within the inner and outer coils to detect magnetic field asymmetry. A drive circuit is connected to the inner coils and the outer coils generate an alternating magnetic field. The magnetometer of this invention creates an artificially enhanced demagnetization field reducing hysteresis within the sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Cripe
  • Clipped sensor data estimator
    Patent number: 7643921
    Abstract: A method of estimating values beyond sensor limits accurately and simply includes the initial step of determining an actual slope utilizing measured data. An estimated slope is then determined as a percentage of the actual slope to provide an estimation of data values outside of the sensor limits until measured values return to within sensor limits. The estimation method according to this invention increases sensor range without sacrificing resolution with a desired accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Andres, Douglas A. McConnell
  • Plated antenna from stamped metal coil
    Patent number: 7637000
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an antenna includes the step of stamping an initial set of openings within a metal strip and then plating that metal strip on all exterior surfaces. Initial openings define portions of features of the completed antenna that require plating on all surfaces. Once the metal coil has been plated the metal strips are fed through a final stamping process that makes final cuts that correspond with the initially made openings. The final cuts are on surfaces that do not require plating on all of the exterior surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Clark
  • Fuel flange with molded-in wire harness and diode structure
    Patent number: 7637788
    Abstract: A wire harness assembly and flange combination of a mechanical returnless fuel system includes a wire harness assembly (10) having at least two terminals (14?). Each terminal is joined with at least one wire (12?) via an electrical connection (15?). Diode structure (16) is electrically connected between the at least two terminals. A body (18) of plastic material encapsulates at least the electrical connection. A flange (20) is molded from plastic material and defines an inside region (26) and an outside region (22). The terminals are accessible from the outside region of the flange, with ends of the wires being accessible from the inside region of the flange. The plastic material of the flange encapsulates at least a portion of body, the diode structure, and at least a portion of the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Brusoe, Matthias Nederegger
  • Flood lit cluster
    Patent number: 7637623
    Abstract: An example light guide assembly for illuminating a display of an instrument cluster includes a light receiving portion, a light propagating portion and a reflective surface between the light receiving portion and the light propagating portion. The light receiving portion extends along a first axis, and the light propagating portion extends along a second axis which is transverse to the first axis. The reflective surface includes a stepped surface transverse to the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Taochuan Bruce Wang, Vyacheslav B. Birman, Werner Eckardt
  • ONE LED ILLUMINATED CLUSTER
    Publication number: 20090316382
    Abstract: An illuminated instrument cluster utilizes a single light emitting diode to backlight the entire dial surface. The LED is aligned with a light guide then directs light into a cavity of a light housing. The cavity includes a surface that reflects light upwardly onto a back surface of the dial face to provide the desired illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS US, INC.
    Inventors: Vyacheslav B. Birman, Christian Tanguy