Patents by Inventor Brian J. Pinkelman

Brian J. Pinkelman 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: 12270386
    Abstract: An actuator can include one or more shape memory material members. When an activation input is provided to the one or more shape memory material members, the one or more shape memory material members contract, which causes the actuator to morph into an activated configuration. A height of the actuator increases in the activated configuration. The actuator can include a first outer body member and a second outer body member. The first outer body member can include a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to each other. One or more processors can be operatively connected to selectively activate the one or more shape memory material members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Brian J. Pinkelman, Yufei Zhu
  • Publication number: 20250092862
    Abstract: A system described herein relates to a shape memory material (SMM) wire anchor device. The system includes an eyelet including a surface and defining an aperture, a housing, and a shape memory material (SMM) member. An end portion of the SMM member extends through the housing, on the surface of the eyelet in a loop about the aperture, and back through the housing. The housing is deformed around the SMM member extending through the housing. The system also includes a fastener received in the aperture such that a portion of the SMM member is secured between the surface of the eyelet and the fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2023
    Publication date: March 20, 2025
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Brian J. Pinkelman, Yufei Zhu
  • Patent number: 12241458
    Abstract: An actuator can include an outer body. At least a portion of the outer body can be configured to pivot. The actuator can include a contracting member, such as a shape memory material member. When an activation input is provided to the contracting member, the contracting member can contract. As a result, the actuator can be caused to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension, such as the height, of the actuator increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Brian J. Pinkelman, Yufei Zhu, Frederick William Mau, II
  • Publication number: 20250065787
    Abstract: One or more actuators can be used to provide a substantially continuous level of lumbar support to a seat occupant. An actuator can be operatively positioned relative to a lumbar region of a seat. The actuator can be caused to morph into an activated configuration to support a lumbar region of a seat occupant. The activated configuration of the actuator can be maintained to provide a substantially continuous level of lumbar support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Brian J. Pinkelman, Yufei Zhu, Xintong Deng
  • Publication number: 20250065777
    Abstract: The actuation of a seat actuator can be customized to provide an enhanced user experience. In one respect, a seat actuation profile can be modified or a new seat actuation profile can be created based on user data, vehicle data, and/or environmental data. The modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile to be implemented. As a result, one or more actuators operatively connected to a seat can selectively activated or deactivated in accordance with the modified seat actuation profile or the new seat actuation profile. In another respect, an aspects can be identified from a one or more seat actuation profiles and/or one or more seat actuation preferences. A seat actuation profile can be caused to be presented to a user based on the identified aspect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2023
    Publication date: February 27, 2025
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Brian J. Pinkelman, Yufei Zhu, Frederick William Mau, II, Todd Blickenstaff
  • Patent number: 12234811
    Abstract: A state of a shape memory material member in an actuator can be monitored and controlled to protect the shape memory material member. When activated, the actuator can be configured to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension (e.g., the height) of the actuator increases. A sensor configured to acquire sensor data. A portion of the shape memory material member can operatively engaging the sensor. One or more processors can be operatively connected to monitor a state of the shape memory material member based on the sensor data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Brian J. Pinkelman, Yufei Zhu
  • Publication number: 20250058688
    Abstract: An actuator is configured to provide an enhanced haptic or massaging sensation to a user. The actuator can include an outer body member. The actuator can include a push structure operatively connected to the outer body member. The actuator can include a massaging element movably connected to the push structure. When activated, the actuator can be configured to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension of the actuator increases and such that a position of the push structure changes. When the massaging element can be brought into operative contact with an object so as to cause a movement of the massaging element. As a result, the massaging element can move from a neutral position to a moved position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Brian J. Pinkelman, Michael Paul Rowe
  • Publication number: 20250058679
    Abstract: An actuator is configured to provide an enhanced haptic or massaging sensation to a user. The actuator can include an outer body member. The actuator can include a push structure operatively connected to the outer body member. The push structure can be configured to rotate. When activated, the actuator can be configured to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension of the actuator increases and such that a position of the push structure changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2023
    Publication date: February 20, 2025
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Brian J. Pinkelman, Frederick William Mau, II, Michael Paul Rowe
  • Patent number: 12129902
    Abstract: An apparatus includes at least two disk spring washers, at least one ring-shaped outer spacer coupled to the outer edges of one or two of the disk spring washers, and at least one ring-shaped inner spacer coupled to the inner edges of one or two of the disk spring washers. The apparatus also includes a central shaft concentric with the disk spring washers, the outer spacers, and the inner spacers. The apparatus also includes a bottom attachment portion coupled to the bottom of the central shaft to support the at least two disk spring washers, and a top attachment portion configured to slide vertically along the central shaft. The top attachment portion is configured to, with an application of a downward force, compress the at least two disk spring washers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Paul A Gilmore, Umesh Gandhi, Ryohei Tsuruta, Brian J Pinkelman
  • Patent number: 12119149
    Abstract: A fluid transport system that includes a magnetic shape memory pipe having an input end opposite an output end and an outer surface opposite an inner surface. The inner surface defines an inner diameter of the magnetic shape memory pipe and the magnetic shape memory pipe includes a magnetic shape memory alloy. The fluid transport system further includes one or more magnetic field generating devices surrounding the outer surface of the magnetic shape memory pipe and configured to generate a control magnetic field that, when applied to a region of the magnetic shape memory pipe, alters the inner diameter of the region of the magnetic shape memory pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Pinkelman, Michael P. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20240280089
    Abstract: An actuator can include one or more shape memory material members. When an activation input is provided to the one or more shape memory material members, the one or more shape memory material members contract, which causes the actuator to morph into an activated configuration. A height of the actuator increases in the activated configuration. The actuator can include a first outer body member and a second outer body member. The first outer body member can include a first portion and a second portion pivotably connected to each other. One or more processors can be operatively connected to selectively activate the one or more shape memory material members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2023
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Brian J. Pinkelman, Yufei Zhu
  • Publication number: 20240280090
    Abstract: An actuator can include an outer body. At least a portion of the outer body can be configured to pivot. The actuator can include a contracting member, such as a shape memory material member. When an activation input is provided to the contracting member, the contracting member can contract. As a result, the actuator can be caused to morph into an activated configuration in which a dimension, such as the height, of the actuator increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Michael Paul Rowe, Brian J. Pinkelman, Yufei Zhu, Frederick William Mau, II
  • Patent number: 11927236
    Abstract: A rotating machine system include a rotating machine. The rotating machine system can include a housing. The housing can include an inner surface. The housing can surround at least a portion of the rotating machine. The inner surface of the housing can be spaced from the rotating machine such that a space is defined therebetween. The rotating machine system can include a plurality of vibration isolators. The vibration isolators can be positioned in the space and can be operatively connected to the rotating machine and to the inner surface of the housing. The vibration isolators can be compression-type vibration isolators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Umesh N. Gandhi, Paul A. Gilmore, Ryohei Tsuruta, Brian J. Pinkelman
  • Patent number: 11897379
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. Shape memory material members can be operatively positioned with respect to a seat portion of the vehicle seat. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated by an activation input. When activated, the shape memory material members can engage a seat pan so as to cause the seat pan to tilt in a respective lateral direction. As a result, a seat cushion supported by the seat pan can also tilt in the respective lateral direction. The seat cushion can be tilted in a lateral direction that is opposite to the direction of the lateral acceleration. Thus, the effects of lateral acceleration felt by a seat occupant can be reduced. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryohei Tsuruta, Brian J. Pinkelman, Umesh N. Gandhi, Paul A. Gilmore
  • Publication number: 20240043080
    Abstract: A bicycle saddle system can include a saddle body. The system can include a vibration isolator including a stack of a plurality of conical springs. An intermediate structure can be operatively positioned between the saddle body and the vibration isolator. In some instances, the vibration isolator can be located within a portion of the bicycle frame. In some instances, the vibration isolator can be configured to exhibit a non-linear stiffness profile including a region of quasi-zero stiffness. The system can be used to provide improved vibration isolation performance when using a bicycle saddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Paul A. Gilmore, Umesh N. Gandhi, Ryohei Tsuruta, Michael Paul Rowe, Christian Arthur Trager, Brian J. Pinkelman
  • Patent number: 11850980
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat frame, a seat pan, and a plurality of vibration isolators interposed between the seat frame and the seat pan for limiting transmission of vibrations from the seat frame to the seat pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A Gilmore, Umesh N. Gandhi, Ryohei Tsuruta, Brian J. Pinkelman
  • Publication number: 20230337827
    Abstract: A chair can be configured for synchronized movement with visual content, such as a video game or movie, presented on a display. The chair can include a seat portion. A plurality of actuators can be operatively positioned to cause a movement of the seat portion. The actuators can include one or more shape memory material members. Each of the actuators being configured such that, when an activation input is provided to the one or more shape memory material members, the one or more shape memory material members change from a first configuration to a second configuration and cause the actuator to morph into an activated configuration. One or more processors operatively connected to selectively activate one or more of the actuators by causing the activation input to be provided to the one or more shape memory material members of at least one of the actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicants: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Brian J. Pinkelman, Michael Paul Rowe, Ryohei Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 11752901
    Abstract: A vehicle seat can be configured to provide support to a vehicle occupant in conditions when lateral acceleration is experienced. Shape memory material members can be operatively positioned with respect to a seat portion of the vehicle seat. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated by an activation input. When activated, the shape memory material members can engage a seat pan so as to cause the seat pan to tilt in a respective lateral direction. As a result, a seat cushion supported by the seat pan can also tilt in the respective lateral direction. The seat cushion can be tilted in a lateral direction that is opposite to the direction of the lateral acceleration. Thus, the effects of lateral acceleration felt by a seat occupant can be reduced. The shape memory material members can be selectively activated based on vehicle speed, steering angle, and/or lateral acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Miga Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Umesh N. Gandhi, Brian J. Pinkelman, Ryohei Tsuruta, Mark A. Gummin
  • Patent number: 11731721
    Abstract: A saddle for a bicycle can be configured to provide improved vibration isolation performance. The saddle can include a saddle body. The saddle can include a plurality of isolators. The plurality of isolators can be operatively connected to the saddle body. Each of the plurality of isolators can include a stack of a plurality of conical springs. The stack of the plurality of conical springs does not include a central shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Gilmore, Umesh N. Gandhi, Ryohei Tsuruta, Brian J. Pinkelman
  • Patent number: 11702015
    Abstract: A cargo organizer is constructed from one or more bi-stable strips with at least one shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator per bi-stable strip. The cargo organizer can reside in the bi-stable strips elongated (flat) stable state and require little or no volume of the cargo compartment that it resides. Upon actuating a SMA actuator, the rapid conversion to the curved stable state can occur with the formation of a barrier to partition the cargo compartment into at least to portions. The transformation into the flat stable state removes the partition where the transformation can be via a second SMA actuator or manually. The cargo organizer can be incorporated into the cargo compartment in a manner that it translates from one site and orientation to one or more other sites or orientations by activation an actuator that can be an additional SMA actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Pinkelman, Umesh N. Gandhi, Ryohei Tsuruta, Paul A. Gilmore