Patents by Inventor Daniel J. Wheeler

Daniel J. Wheeler 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).

  • Publication number: 20080130305
    Abstract: An interior lighting arrangement for automotive use comprises an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) encapsulated in a light diffusing material disposed in a frame with a lens overlying the light diffusing material, the array of LEDs and the frame. Preferably, the light diffusing material is translucent epoxy and the lens is grated to further diffuse and direct light. In accordance with one embodiment of the LED lighting arrangement, the lighting arrangement is in combination with a sun visor to illuminate a vanity mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jianhua Wang, Daniel J. Wheeler, George F. Lambert, Gregory J. Vargo, Patricia A. Flores
  • Patent number: 7226107
    Abstract: The sunvisor attachment apparatus of the present invention includes a mounting bezel configured to retain a sunvisor sub-assembly. The mounting bezel includes an alignment protrusion adapted to align the mounting bezel relative to the vehicle. The alignment protrusion includes a mounting clip configured to temporarily retain the mounting bezel to the vehicle. The mounting bezel also includes an attachment boss positioned to align with a complementary attachment feature of the vehicle when the mounting bezel is aligned with the vehicle. The sunvisor attachment apparatus also includes a fastener configured to more permanently attach the mounting bezel to the vehicle. Advantageously, the temporary retention of the mounting bezel to the vehicle allows the fastener to be driven to more permanently attach the mounting bezel to the vehicle in a simplified hands-free manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Wheeler, Gregory J. Vargo