Patents by Inventor Cornel Lewis Gardner
Cornel Lewis Gardner 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).
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Publication number: 20150085519Abstract: A light guide system includes a light pipe and a carrier member. An outwardly extending attachment flange is disposed on an outer surface of the carrier member. In assembly, the outwardly extending attachment flange is adapted to provide an attachment feature for securing the light guide system to surrounding commodities. The outwardly extending attachment flange is disposed along a length of the carrier member to ensure uniform access to the outwardly extending attachment flange and uniform securement of the light guide system to a material substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ali Ammar, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Khaled Omar, Ben Sohizad, Stuart C. Salter, Scott H. Dunham
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Publication number: 20150077227Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Yun Shin Lee, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 8981602Abstract: A proximity switch assembly includes first and second proximity switches comprising first and second proximity sensors and a tactile feature disposed between the first and second proximity switches. The assembly also includes controlling circuitry detecting an object on the tactile feature based on sensed signals from the first and second proximity sensors and preventing activation of the first and second switches when an object is detected on the tactile feature. The assembly further includes a resting pad having a third sensor, wherein the control circuitry detects an object with the first sensor and an object on the resting pad and determines activation of the first and second proximity switches based on the detected objects.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 8975903Abstract: A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having learned sensitivity control. The switch includes a proximity sensor, such as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. Also included is sense control circuitry processing the activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the activation field to a threshold. The switch further includes sensitivity control circuitry learning a user sensitivity based on user activation of a sensor and controlling the sensitivity of one or more proximity switches.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Thomas Lee Goodson
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Publication number: 20150035308Abstract: A storage assembly for positioning between vehicle seats, includes an enclosable compartment that has opposing longitudinal sidewalls and opposing lateral sidewalls that are connected to the opposing longitudinal sidewalls to define an interior volume. A plurality of retention features are spaced along an upper edge of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing lateral sidewalls. A hanging storage module has a rigid panel suspended in the interior volume and a pair of support elements protrudes horizontally from opposing ends of the rigid panel to removably engage a corresponding pair of the plurality of retention features on a select one of the opposing longitudinal sidewalls and the opposing longitudinal sidewalls. The rigid panel has a side portion configured to vertically hold at least one object.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Sakarian, Ryan Welch, Scott H. Dunham, Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 8933708Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry monitors the signal responsive to the activation field and determines a differential change in generated signal, and further generates an activation output when the differential signal exceeds a threshold. The control circuitry further distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches and may determine activation upon detection of a stable signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, James Stewart Rankin, Matthew Majkowski
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Patent number: 8928336Abstract: A vehicle proximity switch and method are provided having sensitivity control based on a user selected sensitivity input. The switch includes a proximity sensor such, as a capacitive sensor, installed in a vehicle and providing a sense activation field. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry for processing the sense activation field to sense user activation of the switch by comparing the sense activation field to a threshold. The proximity switch further includes a user sensitivity input for receiving a user selected sensitivity input. The control circuitry controls sensitivity of the comparison based on the user selected sensitivity input.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Jeffrey Singer, Michael James Whitens
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Patent number: 8922340Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Yun Shin Lee, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 8878438Abstract: A lamp and proximity assembly is provided that includes a lens having a transparent window and a light source disposed to illuminate light through the transparent window of the lens. The lamp and proximity assembly further includes a proximity switch having one or more proximity sensors disposed near a perimeter of the transparent window of the lens and generating an activation field proximate to the transparent field of the lens to sense activation of the proximity switch to control activation of the light source.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Jeffrey Singer, Pietro Buttolo
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Publication number: 20140320823Abstract: A vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided and includes a plurality of light projectors located on a vehicle and configured to illuminate different lighted image patterns on a ground surface adjacent to the vehicle. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly also includes a controller for sequentially activating the plurality of light projectors to generate an animated lighted image on the ground surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ali Ammar, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Stuart C. Salter
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Publication number: 20140265377Abstract: A retractable cover assembly is provided for a vehicle to cover a latching component such as the striker of a trunk door. The assembly includes a retractable cover and a support structure for supporting the cover at a position to cover the striker. The assembly further includes an arrangement for actuating the cover between an open position exposing the striker and a closed position covering the striker. A first light source may illuminate the cover and a second light source may illuminate an interior of the vehicle when the cover is in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Cornel Lewis Gardner, Megan Lovejoy, Inshirah Hillawi, Stuart C. Salter, Steven J. Antilla, Patrick Berryman, Scott H. Dunham
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Publication number: 20140247614Abstract: An emblem assembly is provided that includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly may include an electroluminescent light source. The emblem assembly further includes a chromatic layer over the light-producing assembly that comprises and emblem shape, and a translucent sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light-producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. The emblem assembly exhibits a chrome- or mirror-like finish when viewed under ambient lighting conditions. Further, the emblem assembly possesses a glowing appearance when activated under low light or nighttime conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Colonial Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Roberts, LaRon Michelle Brown, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Publication number: 20140239710Abstract: An illuminable mat adapted for use in a variety of settings is provided. The illuminable mat includes an illuminable region and a light source that illuminates the illuminable region. The light source is powered by a receiver that is wirelessly supplied by a transmitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Ali Ammar, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Publication number: 20140240999Abstract: An illuminated emblem assembly is provided that includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly includes a plurality of light-emitting diode sources. The light-producing assembly may also include a plurality of micro-sized, dispersed light-emitting diode sources. The illuminated emblem assembly further includes a translucent base region over the light sources, a chromatic layer over the translucent base region and a UV-stable translucent sealing structure over the chromatic layer that seals the backing member, the light producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. The sealing structure may be UV-stable and/or include a design feature. The illuminated emblem assembly exhibits a chrome- or mirror-like finish when viewed under ambient lighting conditions. Further, the illuminated emblem assembly possesses a glowing appearance when activated under low light or nighttime conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Colonial Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Roberts, LaRon Michelle Brown, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 8796575Abstract: A vehicle proximity switch assembly includes a ground layer, a first proximity switch provided on a first major side of the ground layer and a second proximity switch provided on an opposite second major side of the ground layer. The first proximity switch includes a first proximity sensor and a first dielectric layer for controlling movement of a window panel in a first direction. The second proximity switch includes a second proximity sensor and a second dielectric layer for controlling movement of the window panel in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Yun Shin Lee, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Publication number: 20140203770Abstract: A wireless charging system comprising a wireless charger for charging a chargeable device in a charging region in a vehicle. The system includes a controller that detects a charging status of the chargeable device in the charging region and an indicator in proximity to or on the charging region for indicating the charging status by illuminating one or more light sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Jeffrey Singer, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Michael Hrecznyj
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Patent number: 8752989Abstract: An illuminated vehicle emblem assembly is provided that includes a power source, a backing member, and a light-producing assembly coupled to the power source and supported by the backing member. The light-producing assembly may include an electroluminescent light source. The illuminated vehicle emblem assembly further includes a translucent base region over the light source, a chromatic layer over the translucent base region, and a translucent sealing structure configured to seal the backing member, the light producing assembly, and the chromatic layer. The illuminated vehicle emblem assembly exhibits a chrome- or mirror-like finish when viewed under ambient lighting conditions. Further, the illuminated vehicle emblem assembly possesses a glowing appearance when activated under low-light or night-time conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Colonial Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Roberts, LaRon Michelle Brown, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Publication number: 20140116869Abstract: A vehicle proximity switch assembly includes a ground layer, a first proximity switch provided on a first major side of the ground layer and a second proximity switch provided on an opposite second major side of the ground layer. The first proximity switch includes a first proximity sensor and a first dielectric layer for controlling movement of a window panel in a first direction. The second proximity switch includes a second proximity sensor and a second dielectric layer for controlling movement of the window panel in a second direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2012Publication date: May 1, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Yun Shin Lee, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Publication number: 20140069015Abstract: A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Yun Shin Lee, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Publication number: 20140056017Abstract: A vehicle compartment has a housing defining a space and an access door pivotally coupled to the housing for pivoting between an open position and a closed position. Included is a light source for illuminating the space and a tilt switch provided on a circuit board coupled to the access door. The tilt switch is configured to have a first switch position when the access door is in the closed position and a second switch position when the access door is in the open position. The light source is activated when tilt switch is in the second switch position. The compartment may include a storage compartment, such as a glove box. The compartment may include an engine compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Shannon Carloni, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Megan Lovejoy, Frederick A. Drapala, Latasha Nicole Smith