Patents by Inventor Chris Kirn

Chris Kirn 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).

  • Integrated message display system for a vehicle
    Patent number: 6289332
    Abstract: An integrated message system for a vehicle provides an extendable, prioritized message scheme. Using this scheme, the message system acts as a centralized message provider for variety of alerts and operating data originating throughout the vehicle. The message system defines a hierarchy of message levels, each having a unique output protocol. The protocol defines attributes associated with messages at a particular level such as textual or graphical message, an auditory alert, as well as the scheme for playing these messages and alerts. The system integrates a variety of subsystems that conventionally have separate driver interfaces such as a collision warning system and an adaptive cruise control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Freightliner Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Menig, Richard A. Bishel, Goetz Renner, Nicolae Ghitea, Jr., Chris Kirn, Jared A. Powell, Peter Charles Brandt
  • INTEGRATED MESSAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20010012976
    Abstract: An integrated message system for a vehicle provides an extendable, prioritized message scheme. Using this scheme, the message system acts as a centralized message provider for variety of alerts and operating data originating throughout the vehicle. The message system defines a hierarchy of message levels, each having a unique output protocol. The protocol defines attributes associated with messages at a particular level such as textual or graphical message, an auditory alert, as well as the scheme for playing these messages and alerts. The system integrates a variety of subsystems that conventionally have separate driver interfaces such as a collision warning system and an adaptive cruise control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Publication date: August 9, 2001
    Inventors: PAUL M. MENIG, RICHARD A. BISHEL, DR. GOETZ RENNER, NICOLAE GHITEA, CHRIS KIRN, JARED A. POWELL, PETER CHARLES BRANDT