Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Childs

Christopher J. Childs 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: 20240093845
    Abstract: A system may have a support structure that separates an exterior region from an interior region. The system may include a lighting system with interior and/or exterior lights with adjustable diffusers. An interior light may be used as a task light, a cabin light, a sensor indicator light, or a trim light. Adjustments to the adjustable diffusers can be used to adjust the angular spread of emitted light for operation in different lighting modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Clarisse Mazuir, Paul J Costa, Stephen B Lynch, Kurt R Stiehl, Christopher P Child, Xiaofeng Tang, Christopher L Porritt, Michael C Wharton, Peter F Masschelein, Mark A Zurcher, Xin Li, Ryan J Garrone
  • Patent number: 5624271
    Abstract: An interlock plate is received on an electrical connector which includes a latch to be received in a channel on a mating electrical connector. The plate is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions, and prevents movement of the latch outwardly of the channel when in the locked position. The electrical connection is made by connecting the two electrical connectors, with the latch moving into the channel. During this initial connection, the plate is received on the electrical connector in the unlocked position. The plate is then moved to the locked position, where it remains while the electrical connection is maintained. At that position, abutments on the plate and the connector prevent movement of the latch outwardly of the channel. Should it be desired to disconnect the electrical connection, the plate is initially moved back to its unlocked position, and the connectors may then be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Childs, Brian M. Hood