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).

  • VEHICLE POWER PLUG CONVERTER
    Publication number: 20180043846
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed for a vehicle power plug converter. An example disclosed plug-in converter for a vehicle power socket includes a wireless node, a plug, a switch, an accessory power socket and a controller. The example a wireless node wirelessly receives service messages. The example plug is configured to plug into the vehicle power socket. The example switch is between the plug and the accessory power socket. Additionally, the example controller, in response to receiving the service messages, closes the switch to electrically couple the plug and the accessory power socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Benjamin Yilma, Matthew M. Olson
  • VEHICLE RIDE SHARING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING SMART MODULES
    Publication number: 20180039917
    Abstract: A vehicle sharing system includes a vehicle having interior transceiver modules associated with different passenger seating areas and a vehicle computing system (VCS) including a processor and a memory in communication with the modules and programmed to detect occupancy status of each seating area based on signals from the modules and to communicate the occupancy statuses to a remote server to facilitate scheduling of ride-sharing passengers for a specified seating area of the vehicle. The reserved seating location may be used to align the seating location/door with a passenger during pick-up, adjust vehicle accessory settings associated with the reserved seating location, and activate a visual indicator to direct the passenger to the assigned/reserved seating location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Pietro BUTTOLO, Stuart C. SALTER, James Stewart RANKIN, II, James J. SURMAN, Annette Lynn HUEBNER, Jeffrey A. WALLACE, Cornel Lewis GARDNER
  • Vehicle light system
    Patent number: 9849829
    Abstract: A light system for a vehicle is provided herein. The light system includes first and second light sources. A lens is configured to create a first illumination pattern when the first light source is activated and a second illumination pattern when the second light source is activated. A third light source is configured to create a third illumination pattern that extends vehicle outward of the first and second illumination patterns. A controller is configured to activate the first light source when a front door of the vehicle is opened and activate the second light source when a rear door of the vehicle is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Michael A. Musleh
  • LIGHTING MODULE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20170361760
    Abstract: A lighting module for a motor vehicle includes a carrier, such as a single printed circuit board, and a plurality of light sources configured to perform various functions selected from a group including door lock status, turn signal indication, blind spot warning indication and door latch handle illumination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Thomas F. Boettger
  • DEVICE FOR INDICATING A TURN SIGNAL ON A MOTOR VEHICLE WINDOW
    Publication number: 20170361764
    Abstract: A device for indicating lock status of a motor vehicle door includes a door lock status indicator carried on a window of the motor vehicle door. A device for indicating a turn signal of a motor vehicle includes a turn signal indicator carried on a window of the motor vehicle. These devices may be combined into a single lighting module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Thomas F. Boettger
  • DEVICE FOR INDICATING LOCK STATUS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE DOOR
    Publication number: 20170362860
    Abstract: A device for indicating lock status of a motor vehicle door includes a door lock status indicator carried on a window of the motor vehicle door. A window for a motor vehicle includes a luminescent door lock status indicator, a luminescent turn signal indicator and a luminescent blind spot indicator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Thomas F. Boettger
  • Illuminated chromatic emblem assembly
    Patent number: 9834136
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Roberts, LaRon Michelle Brown, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Illuminated trim panel
    Patent number: 9827903
    Abstract: A light system for a vehicle is provided herein. The light system includes a trim panel having an upper portion disposed proximately to an opening. A light guide is coupled to the panel. The light guide has an upper portion disposed between the trim panel and the opening and is configured to direct an excitation light therethrough. A light transmissive member is operably coupled with the light guide having a photoluminescent structure configured to convert an excitation light into a converted light. The converted light is directed towards a trim panel feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Jeffrey Singer, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Illuminated exterior strip
    Patent number: 9821708
    Abstract: A lighting system for a vehicle panel is provided herein. The lighting system includes an outer panel mated to an inner panel. An aperture is disposed in the outer panel. A light-producing assembly is arranged as a strip and includes a plurality of light sources. A photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the plurality of light sources. A retention feature is coupled to the light-producing assembly and insertable through the aperture for disposing the light-producing assembly on the outer panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • HEATED WINDSHIELD INDICATOR
    Publication number: 20170332446
    Abstract: A windshield assembly is provided herein. The windshield assembly includes a windshield having a frit and an indicator thermally coupled to the windshield to visually coincide with the frit and operable to illuminate in order to indicate a relative temperature of the windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Jennifer Ann Gauthier, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Tailgate and cargo box illumination
    Patent number: 9815402
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cargo box including at least one side wall. A tailgate is coupled to the box and operable between open and closed positions. A light assembly is positioned in a vehicle rear portion of the at least one side wall. A box light is configured to emit light into the box and a puddle lamp is configured to emit light in a vehicle rearward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Vehicle rear illumination
    Patent number: 9802531
    Abstract: A vehicle is presented that includes a lift gate operably connected to a body and operable between open and closed positions. A taillight is positioned at a rear end of the body. A cargo lamp is positioned on an inboard surface of the taillight such that the cargo lamp is concealed when the lift gate is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Stephen Kenneth Helwig
  • Illuminated tiered cargo area storage for vehicle
    Patent number: 9789823
    Abstract: A storage system for a vehicle cargo area includes at least one floor-mounted storage compartment including an interior photoluminescent material that luminesces in response to a light emitted by an overlying light source. The system further includes at least one cooperating deployable shelf or bin carrying the overlying light source and configured to deploy from the at least one storage compartment. At least one other deployable shelf or bin may be included carrying a light source. The light sources may be disposed behind a front edge of the at least one cooperating deployable shelf or bin and/or the at least one other deployable shelf or bin to emit light above and below the deployable shelfs or bins. A controller is provided to control an intensity and/or a color of light emitted by the light sources according to one or more inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Pietro Buttolo
  • Photoluminescent vehicle panel
    Patent number: 9789810
    Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one aperture disposed in a panel of the vehicle. A light source is disposed proximate the aperture and configured to emit a first emission having a first wavelength. A first photoluminescent portion is disposed proximate the panel substantially within the aperture and configured to emit a second emission having a second wavelength in response to receiving the first emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Michael James Whitens, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Inductively coupled bin light
    Patent number: 9783102
    Abstract: A storage bin for a motor vehicle includes a storage bin storage compartment and a storage bin lid hingedly connected to the storage compartment. The lid includes a light source disposed to illuminate an interior of the storage compartment. A transmitter and a receiver are provided for providing an electrical current to the hinged storage bin light source. The transmitter is a first coil disposed in a first portion of a pivoting hinge assembly of the storage bin and the receiver is a second coil disposed in a second portion of the pivoting hinge assembly, the second coil electrically communicating with the light source. In use, a current is supplied to the light source when the transmitter and receiver are disposed adjacent to one another by pivoting the storage bin lid to an open configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Ali Ammar, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • VEHICLE WHEEL ILLUMINATION ASSEMBLY USING PHOTOLUMINESCENT MATERIAL
    Publication number: 20170274712
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel illumination assembly includes a light source located on the body of a vehicle near the wheel well and oriented to direct light onto a wheel assembly having a tire. A tire pressure indicator detects tire pressure of the tire. The light source illuminates the wheel assembly with a desired color to indicate a tire pressure status based on the detected tire pressure. A photoluminescent material is located on the wheel assembly and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Ali Ammar
  • Interior side marker
    Patent number: 9758090
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a seat assembly having a seatback and a seat base. A side marker is positioned on the seat base. A light assembly is configured to emit light toward the side marker. The side marker emits light to an exterior of the vehicle when the vehicle is in a doors off configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Michael A. Musleh, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • VEHICLE REAR ILLUMINATION
    Publication number: 20170210281
    Abstract: A vehicle is presented that includes a lift gate operably connected to a body and operable between open and closed positions. A taillight is positioned at a rear end of the body. A cargo lamp is positioned on an inboard surface of the taillight such that the cargo lamp is concealed when the lift gate is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Stephen Kenneth Helwig
  • Ambient functional lighting of a seat
    Patent number: 9694741
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat having a base including peripheral side ledges disposed on first and second sides of the seat. A seat cushion is disposed on the base and includes first and second independent thigh supports that extend forwardly over the base and define a forward ledge. A seatback is operably coupled to the seat and includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a seatback cushion and a seatback support. A peripheral seatback cavity is located on first and second sides of the lower portion between the seatback cushion and the seatback support. At least one light source is disposed proximate the peripheral side ledges, the forward ledge, and the peripheral seatback cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Illuminating decal for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9688186
    Abstract: A decal for a vehicle is provided herein. The decal includes a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to luminesce in response to excitation by at least a portion of the light sources. A decorative layer has a pattern that is at least partially illuminated by the photoluminescent structure when the photoluminescent structure is in luminescent state is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Michael A. Musleh, James J. Surman