Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Koester
Daniel J. Koester 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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Patent number: 8991930Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including at least a component of the seat assembled made of closed-cell foam and having an integral exterior surface. The component may include a backrest, headrest, seat cushion or a component thereof such as an armrest. A method of forming a seat assembly including a first seat component and a second seat component wherein at least one of the first and the second components are made of closed-cell foam.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Gregg Laframboise, Scott E. Dluge, Daniel J. Koester, David Thimm, Duane Potes, Jr., Sheraine Sabbagh, John Gomez, Joon Kyu Lee, Richard P. Doerer, Emery Jay Zadina, Kurt G. Lusko
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Patent number: 8727449Abstract: A trim covering for a seat assembly of a vehicle, the trim cover having an inner and outer surface and a bonding tape applied to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces. The bonding tape is used to bond portions of the trim cover together, provide additional structural integrated to the trim cover and provide improved craftsmanship in closing-out certain areas of the trim cover. A method of performing a trim cover assembly for use in a seat assembly of a vehicle. The method includes applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to bonding tape arranged at a joint between at least two trim components, placing such bonding tape and trim components in a mold, and applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to such trim components having the bonding tape arranged at a joint, to form a one-piece trim assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Gregg Laframboise, David Thimm, Richard P. Doerer, Daniel J. Koester, Marie R. Howell, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey Suiter, Teresa A. Stapleton, Duane Potes, Jr.
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Patent number: 8398114Abstract: A vehicle seat configured to retain an air bag. The vehicle seat uses selective use of adhesive tape in place of stitching to provide easier manufacturing, lower cost, improved durability and easier repairs, as well as having the adhesive tape be configured to rupture as needed in response to activation of the air bag.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Gregg Laframboise, David Thimm, Richard P. Doerer, Daniel J. Koester, Marie R. Howell, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey Suiter, Teresa A. Stapleton, Duane Potes, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110260508Abstract: A trim covering for a seat assembly of a vehicle, the trim cover having an inner and outer surface and a bonding tape applied to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces. The bonding tape is used to bond portions of the trim cover together, provide additional structural integrated to the trim cover and provide improved craftsmanship in closing-out certain areas of the trim cover. A method of performing a trim cover assembly for use in a seat assembly of a vehicle. The method includes applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to bonding tape arranged at a joint between at least two trim components, placing such bonding tape and trim components in a mold, and applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to such trim components having the bonding tape arranged at a joint, to form a one-piece trim assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: Gregg Laframboise, David Thimm, Richard P. Doerer, Daniel J. Koester, Marie R. Howell, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey Suiter, Teresa A. Stapleton, Duane Potes, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110037243Abstract: A vehicle seat configured to retain an air bag. The vehicle seat uses selective use of adhesive tape in place of stitching to provide easier manufacturing, lower cost, improved durability and easier repairs, as well as having the adhesive tape be configured to rupture as needed in response to activation of the air bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventors: Gregg Laframboise, David Thimm, Richard P. Doerer, Daniel J. Koester, Marie R. Howell, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey Suiter, Teresa A. Stapleton, Duane Potes, JR.
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Publication number: 20100171346Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly including at least a component of the seat assembled made of closed-cell foam and having an integral exterior surface. The component may include a backrest, headrest, seat cushion or a component thereof such as an armrest. A method of forming a seat assembly including a first seat component and a second seat component wherein at least one of the first and the second components are made of closed-cell foam.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventors: Gregg Laframboise, Scott E. Dluge, Daniel J. Koester, David Thimm, Duane Potes, JR., Sheraine Sabbagh, John Gomez, Joon Kyu Lee, Richard P. Doerer
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Patent number: 7239096Abstract: An electronic control system (24) for a vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat base (12), a seat back (14), an operator input device (30) and a control circuit (26). The seat base has a seat back motor (34) configured to move a seat base forward and backward. The seat back has a seat back motor (32) configured to adjust an angle of inclination of the seat back. The operator input (30) device is configured to received operator commands for movement of the vehicle seat. The control circuit is configured to receive the operator commands and to control the seat base motor and the seat back motor. The control circuit is also configured to move the seat base and the seat back at a ratio of approximately 1 degree of inclination to between approximately 1 mm to approximately 4 mm of forward or backward movement of the seat base.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert L. Hancock, Terrence M. Cussen, Joseph W. McElroy, Daniel J. Koester, Bruno Wevers
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Patent number: 7170240Abstract: An electronic control system (24) for a vehicle seat is provided that includes a seat base (12), a seat back (14), an operator input device (30) and a control circuit (26). The seat base has a seat back motor (34) configured to move a seat base forward and backward. The seat back has a seat back motor (32) configured to adjust an angle of inclination of the seat back. The operator input (30) device is configured to received operator commands for movement of the vehicle seat. The control circuit is configured to receive the operator commands and to control the seat base motor and the seat back motor. The control circuit is also configured to move the seat base and the seat back at a ratio of approximately 1 degree of inclination to between approximately 1 mm to approximately 4 mm of forward or backward movement of the seat base.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Robert L. Hancock, Terrence M. Cussen, Joseph W. McElroy, Daniel J. Koester, Bruno Wevers
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Patent number: 6702375Abstract: An activity center for a vehicle includes a base defining a storage area and a panel having first and second surfaces. The base is connected to the rear surface of a vehicle seat back. The panel, in turn, is connected to the base for movement between a closed position, which prevents access to the storage area and an open position which allows access to the storage area. The panel is also preferably coupled to the base so that either the first or second surface thereof may face away from the base. The two surfaces of the panel may be configured for a wide variety of educational, entertainment or work-related uses.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Michael J. Laskowski, Ronald R. Siegrist, Lance E. Larsen, Neil J. Bush, Roger A. Whitley, Daniel J. Koester
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Patent number: 6527154Abstract: An apparatus for releasably mounting a vehicle accessory to the floor attachments of a motor vehicle having a floor panel and removable seats. The apparatus includes an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably engage the floor attachments of the motor vehicle and a frame coupled to the attachment mechanism The frame is adapted for contacting the floor of the vehicle to steady the device and for mounting the vehicle accessory thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Lance E. Larsen, Joanne H. Cole, Neil J. Bush, Mark A. Caye, Gregary A. Haupt, Benjamin R. Judy, Daniel J. Koester, David J. Spykerman, Roger A. Whitley, Detlef Zimmermann
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Publication number: 20010054632Abstract: An apparatus for releasably mounting a vehicle accessory to the floor attachments of a motor vehicle having a floor panel and removable seats. The apparatus includes an attachment mechanism adapted to releasably engage the floor attachments of the motor vehicle and a frame coupled to the attachment mechanism The frame is adapted for contacting the floor of the vehicle to steady the device and for mounting the vehicle accessory thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventors: Lance E. Larsen, Joanne H. Cole, Neil J. Bush, Mark A. Caye, Gregary A. Haupt, Benjamin R. Judy, Daniel J. Koester, David J. Spykeman, Roger A. Whitley, Detlef Zimmermann
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Patent number: 6283552Abstract: A seat assembly for a vehicle including a seat frame, a seating surface secured to the seat frame and having spaced apart, generally parallel first fibers and spaced apart second fibers transverse to the first fibers, a bolster, and a fastener. The fastener has an attachment member securable to the bolster and a series of hook members extending from the attachment member and insertable between the first fibers and the second fibers of the seating surface. The hook members have a barb portion extending from the hook members to provide retention of the fastener to the first fibers, thereby securing the bolster to the seating surface.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Larry E. Halse, Jean-Paul Schowalter, Lance E. Larsen, John Krsteski, Daniel J. Koester
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Patent number: 6216995Abstract: An adjuster for adjusting the position of a vehicle component relative to a vehicle body having a fixed rail and a slide rail movable relative to the fixed rail. The adjuster includes a latch in which a movable plunger from an electromechanical device such as a solenoid is used as a latch pin and is seated into an aperture in a latch plate to hold the slide rail in position relative to the fixed rail.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Johnson Contools Technology CompanyInventor: Daniel J. Koester
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Patent number: 6203088Abstract: A sliding console system for a motor vehicle in which one or more console bodies are provided with a track for movement of the console body longitudinally within the motor vehicle. Multiple console bodies can be provided and each adjusted in position in the vehicle independent of one another. An elongated electrical cable or sliding contacts in the track can be utilized to provide electrical power to one or more electrical devices contained in the console bodies.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company'Inventors: Carlos C. Fernandez, Daniel J. Koester
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Patent number: 6199948Abstract: A seat assembly of a vehicle capable of receiving and retaining an interchangeable module. The seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back, and a module receiver. The module receiver is secured to either the seat bottom or the seat back and includes a coupling device to retain the module which is received in the module receiver.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Neil J. Bush, Daniel J. Koester, William J. Fluharty
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Patent number: 6179362Abstract: A vehicle utility seat in which the seat back can be rotated down onto the seat bottom to form a pass through opening into the trunk area of the vehicle. In addition, the seat bottom can be rotated upward to a stowed position immediately in front of the seat back providing increased cargo area in the rear seat area. A flat load floor is provided beneath the seat bottom for placing cargo thereon. The seat bottom and seat back are formed with complementary seating surfaces so that the seat bottom and seat back can nest together and occupy a minimal volume in the vehicle to maximize the cargo carrying capacity of the vehicle. In addition, the seat bottom and seat back are mounted to the vehicle for rotation about a common pivot axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Chester R. Wisniewski, Daniel J. Koester
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Patent number: 6027155Abstract: A storage system for a vehicle cargo compartment which includes a cover attached to the floor of the cargo compartment at a location spaced from an upright wall of the cargo compartment. The cover extends from the floor to the upright wall at a location above the floor thereby enclosing a storage space defined by the floor, upright wall and the cover. The cover is attached to the floor by a pivot mechanism enabling the cover to rotate between open and closed positions. The cover can be removably attached to the floor so that it can be removed from the floor to merge the storage space with the remaining space of the cargo compartment, if necessary. The cover is preferably made of a translucent or transparent material whereby items placed within the storage space can be seen.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Chester R. Wisniewski, Daniel J. Koester
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Patent number: 5474353Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a fixed seat portion which is adapted to be mounted on the floor of a vehicle and a movable seat portion which is mounted on the fixed seat portion and adapted to be moved between a normal use or drive position and an access position where the front edge of the movable seat portion overlies the sill of the vehicle to facilitate egress from the vehicle, the movable seat portion providing substantial support for the occupant at the drive position and during its movement to the access position, the vehicle seat assembly including mechanisms for pivoting and/or sliding movement of the movable seat portion relative to the fixed seat portion and for locking the movable seat portion to the fixed seat portion to prevent unwanted movement of the movable seat portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1993Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Hoover Universal, Inc.Inventors: Daniel J. Koester, Robert L. Demick, Benny T. Vo, Duane E. Potes, Jr., Basil M. Freeman