Patents by Inventor Dan Newkirk

Dan Newkirk 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).

  • Patent number: 11947051
    Abstract: A set-up tool for aiding vehicle sensor calibrations having a structure with a first and second vehicle contact points configured to contact a vehicle and establish a calibration axis. A substantially vertically projected flat blade laser may be placed in a position perpendicular to the calibration axis and used to align the set-up tool with a center of the vehicle. Once centered, the laser ma be transitioned to project a laser line, in coordination with a protractor having a base-line parallel to the calibration axis (which is now substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle), at a discreet angle away from the center of the vehicle. A target may then be placed along the laser line to aid in the calibration of vehicle sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dan Newkirk, Jeremy Harmer, Eric Wuchte, James Baum
  • Publication number: 20220137199
    Abstract: A set-up tool for aiding vehicle sensor calibrations having a structure with a first and second vehicle contact points configured to contact a vehicle and establish a calibration axis. A substantially vertically projected flat blade laser may be placed in a position perpendicular to the calibration axis and used to align the set-up tool with a center of the vehicle. Once centered, the laser ma be transitioned to project a laser line, in coordination with a protractor having a base-line parallel to the calibration axis (which is now substantially parallel to a transverse axis of the vehicle), at a discreet angle away from the center of the vehicle. A target may then be placed along the laser line to aid in the calibration of vehicle sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Dan Newkirk, Jeremy Harmer, Eric Wuchte, James Baum
  • Patent number: 11162785
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a target structure (101) having a reflective surface (102) and a crossbar structure oriented parallel to an axel of the vehicle; a first reference structure (107) having a pass-through channel (108) and an aiming surface (109); a second reference structure (111) having a laser emitter (102). In the method the first reference structure is aligned with a midpoint of a side of the vehicle nearest to the target structure and the second reference structure with the laser emitter is aligned with a midpoint of a side of the vehicle furthest from the target structure with the laser emitter oriented toward the target structure. The emitted laser beam passes through the channel of the first reference structure and is reflected by the reflective surface. The relative angle and alignment of the target structure at the reflection position is adjusted such that the reflected beam is reflected onto a designated region of the aiming surface on the first structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dan Newkirk, Jeremy Harmer, Robert Meitzler
  • Patent number: 11092667
    Abstract: An apparatus for calibration of vehicle sensors comprising a target structure and an alignment structure. The target structure comprises a portable arrangement, including a number of folding legs configurable into at least a first position. The target structure is further operable to be reconfigured to accommodate a variety of vehicles having different sensor placements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jeremy Harmer, Dan Newkirk, Robert Meitzler
  • Publication number: 20210080253
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a target structure (101) having a reflective surface (102) and a crossbar structure oriented parallel to an axel of the vehicle; a first reference structure (107) having a pass-through channel (108) and an aiming surface (109); a second reference structure (111) having a laser emitter (102). In the method the first reference structure is aligned with a midpoint of a side of the vehicle nearest to the target structure and the second reference structure with the laser emitter is aligned with a midpoint of a side of the vehicle furthest from the target structure with the laser emitter oriented toward the target structure. The emitted laser beam passes through the channel of the first reference structure and is reflected by the reflective surface. The relative angle and alignment of the target structure at the reflection position is adjusted such that the reflected beam is reflected onto a designated region of the aiming surface on the first structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Dan Newkirk, Jeremy Harmer, Robert Meitzler
  • Publication number: 20190187249
    Abstract: An apparatus for calibration of vehicle sensors comprising a target structure and an alignment structure. The target structure comprises a portable arrangement, including a number of folding legs configurable into at least a first position. The target structure is further operable to be reconfigured to accommodate a variety of vehicles having different sensor placements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Jeremy Harmer, Dan Newkirk, Robert Meitzler