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 having interior and exterior lighting on tailgate
    Patent number: 9688192
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a cabin defining a cargo space, and a tailgate operable between a substantially open position and a substantially closed position. The tailgate defines a license plate area on an exterior surface thereof. An illumination system is positioned within the tailgate, such that the illumination system illuminates at least one of the cargo space and the license plate area when the tailgate is in the closed position and illuminates a ground area behind the vehicle when the tailgate is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • ILLUMINATED VEHICLE PANEL
    Publication number: 20170174124
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a panel. The panel includes a substrate defining a first surface and a second surface disposed on opposite sides thereof, a phosphorescent structure positioned on the first surface of the substrate, and a photoluminescent structure positioned on the second surface of the substrate. A light-producing assembly is positioned to illuminate the second surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Peter Joseph Bejin
  • Illuminated latch system
    Patent number: 9663967
    Abstract: An illuminated latch system for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The illuminated latch system includes an engine compartment having a latch configured to open the compartment. A light source is configured to emit light at a first wavelength and is disposed between the compartment and latch. A light guide is optically coupled to the light source and configured to direct light towards the latch and the compartment. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed within the light guide and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. A second photoluminescent structure is disposed within the compartment that luminesces in response to the light at the first wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Kristin Ann Hellman
  • Proximity switch assembly and activation method
    Patent number: 9660644
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, James Stewart Rankin, Matthew Majkowski
  • Vehicle light system with illuminating wheel assembly
    Patent number: 9649877
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a surface of a first component of a vehicle wheel assembly. The illumination apparatus further includes a light source located proximate the first component. The light source is configured to emit light at a first wavelength directed toward the photoluminescent portion. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength to illuminate the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • ILLUMINATED TIERED CARGO AREA STORAGE FOR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20170120811
    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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Pietro Buttolo
  • Vehicle wheel assembly illumination lamp
    Patent number: 9642223
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel illumination assembly is provided. The 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 sensor senses a person near the wheel assembly and a controller activates the light source to illuminate the wheel assembly based on the sensed person to enable servicing of the tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Photoluminescent vehicle graphics
    Patent number: 9625115
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a surface comprising a first photoluminescent graphic comprising a first absorption range and a second photoluminescent graphic comprising a second absorption range. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one light source configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength. The first wavelength is substantially aligned with the first absorption range to generate a higher level of fluorescence from the photoluminescent first graphic than the second photoluminescent graphic. In this way, the illumination apparatus is operable to selectively illuminate the first photoluminescent graphic and the second photoluminescent graphic substantially independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Infrared bin lighting
    Patent number: 9610892
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle storage compartment is disclosed. The lighting apparatus comprises a sensor configured to generate a detection signal and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to interpret a detection signal and activate a first lighting mode in response to the detection signal communicating a closure of the storage compartment being open. The controller is further configured to activate a second lighting mode in response to the detection signal communicating that an object is proximate in opening of the storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Kristopher Kotenko
  • INFRARED BIN LIGHTING
    Publication number: 20170088043
    Abstract: A lighting apparatus for a vehicle storage compartment is disclosed. The lighting apparatus comprises a sensor configured to generate a detection signal and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor. The controller is configured to interpret a detection signal and activate a first lighting mode in response to the detection signal communicating a closure of the storage compartment being open. The controller is further configured to activate a second lighting mode in response to the detection signal communicating that an object is proximate in opening of the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: March 30, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Kristopher Kotenko
  • Illuminating prismatic badge for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9607534
    Abstract: A badge mounted on a vehicle is provided herein. The badge includes a housing having a viewable portion. A light source is disposed inside the housing and is configured to direct light toward the viewable portion. Light emitted from the light source illuminates in a plurality of colors which may create a prismatic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Michael A. Musleh, Brian Siler
  • RETRACTABLE STRIKER COVER ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20170081875
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Cornel Lewis Gardner, Megan Lovejoy, Inshirah Hillawi, Stuart C. Salter, Steven J. Antilla, Patrick Berryman, Scott H. Dunham
  • Method for depositing photoluminescent material
    Patent number: 9598632
    Abstract: A method of depositing a photoluminescent material into a surface of the polymeric material is disclosed. The method comprises dissolving the photoluminescent material in water to create a solution. The temperature of the solution is then controlled at a predetermined temperature. The surface is contacted by the solution at the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, thereby infusing the surface with the photoluminescent material. Following the predetermined time, the solution is removed from the surface by rinsing the surface with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Talat Karmo, Arsen Terjimanian
  • AUXILIARY UTILITY DUCT FOR A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20170072772
    Abstract: A vehicle having an air distribution system for moving air into a passenger compartment includes a front row of seats including a driver seat and a passenger seat, a second row of seats, and a console positioned therebetween. The console includes rearward facing vents and ducting directs air from the air distribution system through the vents and into the passenger compartment. An auxiliary duct has first and second telescoping portions. The first telescoping portion is pivotally attached to the console at a proximal end and in fluid communication with the ducting, and the second telescoping portion includes a vent positioned at a distal end. The auxiliary duct is positioned for pivotal movement within a plane defined by the console and a front row seat. A stop engages the auxiliary duct and limits a range of pivot between a stowed position and an active position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Jim J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • ILLUMINATED LATCH SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20170072848
    Abstract: An illuminated latch system for a vehicle is disclosed herein. The illuminated latch system includes an engine compartment having a latch configured to open the compartment. A light source is configured to emit light at a first wavelength and is disposed between the compartment and latch. A light guide is optically coupled to the light source and configured to direct light towards the latch and the compartment. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed within the light guide and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. A second photoluminescent structure is disposed within the compartment that luminesces in response to the light at the first wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Kristin Ann Hellman
  • FLOOR MAT WITH INTELLIGENT CONTROL SYSTEM TO REMOVE MOISTURE
    Publication number: 20170072767
    Abstract: A floor mat is provided for a motor vehicle. That floor mat includes a body and a controller carried on the body and configured to dry the floor mat. Further, the floor mat includes a moisture sensor carried on the body and adapted to provide floor mat moisture data to the controller. Finally, an associated method for drying the floor mat is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Vehicle rear illumination
    Patent number: 9586519
    Abstract: A vehicle is presented that includes a lift gate operably connected to a body, a cargo lamp configured to emit light positioned near a rear of the body, a first luminescent structure disposed on a lift gate sill of the body, and a second luminescent structure disposed on an interior side of the lift gate. The first and second luminescent structures are configured to interact with the light from the cargo lamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Stephen Kenneth Helwig
  • Wheel well step assembly of vehicle
    Patent number: 9586527
    Abstract: A step assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. A step pad is pivotally coupled to a quarter panel of the vehicle and is movable between a stowed position and deployed position. At least one light source is provided in the step pad and the step pad transmits light emitted by the at least one light source in an outward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Cornel Lewis Gardner, James J. Surman, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Luminescent vehicle molding
    Patent number: 9587800
    Abstract: A molding of a vehicle is provided herein. The molding includes a cover panel portion mounted to a body panel of the vehicle. A carrier is disposed between the cover panel portion and the body panel, the carrier having an exposed portion configured to luminesce in response to light excitation. At least one light source is disposed inside the carrier and is configured to emit light for exciting the exposed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Michael James Whitens, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Luminescent grille bar assembly
    Patent number: 9586518
    Abstract: A vehicle grille assembly is provided herein. The grille assembly includes a plurality of grille bars, each including a housing having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of each grille bar illuminates in a first color and the second portion of at least one grille bar illuminates in a second color that is visually distinct from the first color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Cornel Lewis Gardner