Patents by Inventor Edward J. Prokopik

Edward J. Prokopik 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).

  • Intelligent lift interlock system
    Patent number: 7274980
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled system for ensuring the safe operation of an auxiliary device, such as a wheelchair lift used in conjunction with a vehicle. The microprocessor preferably allows operation of the lift device when one or more parameters are met. These parameters include the following: the vehicle is in “park”, the parking brake is engaged, the vehicle ignition is “on”, the lift power switch is “on”, and the lift door is open. The present invention does not allow the vehicle to be shifted out of park if the lift door is open and/or when the parking brake is “on”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Intermotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Schafer, Edward J. Prokopik
  • Intelligent lift interlock system
    Patent number: 6965819
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled system for ensuring the safe operation of an auxiliary device, such as a wheelchair lift used in conjunction with a vehicle. The microprocessor preferably allows operation of the lift device when one or more parameters are met. These parameters include the following: the vehicle is in park, the parking brake is engaged, the vehicle ignition is on, the lift power switch is on, and the lift door is open. The present invention further does not allow the vehicle to be shifted out of park if the lift door is open and/or when the parking brake is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventors: Gregory E. Schafer, Edward J. Prokopik, Jr.
  • Intelligent lift interlock system
    Publication number: 20040098182
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled system for ensuring the safe operation of an auxiliary device, such as a wheelchair lift used in conjunction with a vehicle. The microprocessor preferably allows operation of the lift device when one or more parameters are met. These parameters include the following: the vehicle is in park, the parking brake is engaged, the vehicle ignition is on, the lift power switch is on, and the lift door is open. The present invention further does not allow the vehicle to shifted out of park if the lift door is open and/or when the parking brake is on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory E. Schafer, Edward J. Prokopik
  • Intelligent lift interlock system
    Patent number: 6594565
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled system for ensuring the safe operation of an auxiliary device, such as a wheelchair lift used in conjunction with a vehicle. The microprocessor preferably allows operation of the lift device when one or more parameters are met. These parameters include the following: the vehicle is in park, the parking brake is engaged, the vehicle ignition is on, the lift power switch is on, and the lift door is open. The present invention further does not allow the vehicle to shifted out of park if the lift door is open and/or when the parking brake is on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Intermotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Schafer, Edward J. Prokopik
  • Method and apparatus for automatically selecting an overdrive mode in electronically controlled automobile transmissions
    Patent number: 5944631
    Abstract: For motor vehicles equipped with overdrive-equipped transmissions normally biased in one of the overdrive or non-overdrive modes of operation, a method for automatically biasing the transmission to the alternate mode of operation, and apparatus to practice the method. Normally used to bias transmissions from the overdrive to the non-overdrive mode of operation, the apparatus and method taught herein are particularly well-suited for operation in conjunction with automatic transmissions, and are actuated uniquely with each ignition run cycle. Alternatively, the method and apparatus may, with equal facility, incorporate other vehicle operations and conditions to actuate its overdrive biasing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Intermotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Schafer, Edward J. Prokopik