Patents by Inventor David R. Mick

David R. Mick 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).

  • Method and system for controlling an ignition switch and an operational state of a vehicle
    Patent number: 7990254
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an operational state of a vehicle having a keyless rotary ignition switch and a locking mechanism coupled to the keyless rotary ignition switch are provided. The locking mechanism is disengaged to allow the keyless rotary ignition switch to be rotated from a first position to a second position by a user when an electronic authorization is detected. The locking mechanism is engaged to prevent the keyless rotary ignition switch from being rotated from the first position to the second position by the user when no electronic authorization is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David T. Proefke, David R. Mick, Kimberly A. Morse-Harvey
  • Apparatus and method for providing improved wiper operation
    Patent number: 7983803
    Abstract: Methods and an apparatus are provided for controlling a wiper system of a type that can operate in an automatic mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated automatically and in a manual mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated by a user, the wiper system including at least one wiper configured to move across a surface of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a motor coupled to the at least one wiper for moving the at least one wiper across the surface and a processor in operable communication with the motor. The processor is configured to detect when the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and return the at least one wiper to a predetermined position, and deactivate the wiper system, if the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and the vehicle is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark R. Willey, David R. Mick
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING IMPROVED WIPER OPERATION
    Publication number: 20090254219
    Abstract: Methods and an apparatus are provided for controlling a wiper system of a type that can operate in an automatic mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated automatically and in a manual mode wherein the wiper system is deactivated by a user, the wiper system including at least one wiper configured to move across a surface of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a motor coupled to the at least one wiper for moving the at least one wiper across the surface and a processor in operable communication with the motor. The processor is configured to detect when the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and return the at least one wiper to a predetermined position, and deactivate the wiper system, if the wiper system is operating in the automatic mode and the vehicle is turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark R. WILLEY, David R. MICK
  • Method and System for Controlling an Ignition Switch and an Operational State of a Vehicle
    Publication number: 20090021344
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an operational state of a vehicle having a keyless rotary ignition switch and a locking mechanism coupled to the keyless rotary ignition switch are provided. The locking mechanism is disengaged to allow the keyless rotary ignition switch to be rotated from a first position to a second position by a user when an electronic authorization is detected. The locking mechanism is engaged to prevent the keyless rotary ignition switch from being rotated from the first position to the second position by the user when no electronic authorization is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David T. Proefke, David R. Mick, Kimberly A. Morse-Harvey