Patents by Inventor Alan R. Ham

Alan R. Ham 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).

  • Vehicle seat sensor having self-maintaining air bladder
    Patent number: 6045155
    Abstract: A hydrostatic weight sensor element incorporates a volume restorer for restoring the volume thereof when the applied load is removed therefrom, whereupon a check valve in fluid communication therewith admits sensing fluid thereinto if the pressure of the sensing fluid within the hydrostatic weight sensor element is less than local atmospheric pressure, so as to replenish lost sensing fluid. The volume restorer may comprise either the seat cushion, operatively coupled to the load bearing surfaces of the hydrostatic weight sensor element, or an elastic medium incorporated within the hydrostatic weight sensor element, whereby the volume restorer is adapted so that the restored volume of fluid is less than the volume capacity of the hydrostatic weight sensor element. A pressure relief valve is provided for releasing sensing fluid so as to prevent damage from overload conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard S. Cech, Michael R. Sewell, Alan R. Ham