Patents by Inventor Eric S. Deuel
Eric S. Deuel 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: 12115913Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment at a vehicle and an electrically-operable actuator. An exterior mirror head is movable relative to an exterior portion of the vehicle via operation of the actuator. The exterior mirror head accommodates an exterior mirror reflective element attached at an attachment plate. A heater pad is disposed between the exterior mirror reflective element and the attachment plate. An outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element is exposed to and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle and is contactable. The attachment plate includes wall structure that spans a perimeter circumferential edge of the exterior mirror reflective element. No part of the exterior mirror head encroaches onto the outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element. No part of the exterior mirror head overlaps the outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2023Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Eric S. Deuel, Justin E. Sobecki, Joseph R. Mambourg, Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 11993352Abstract: A seat assembly for a marine vessel includes a base to be connected to a deck of the marine vessel, a seat supported by the base, and an actuator. The actuator adjusts a position of the seat with respect to the base in at least one of the following ways: to translate the seat in a front-back direction with respect to the base, to raise and lower the seat with respect to the base, to tilt the seat at various angles with respect to the base, and to rotate the seat with respect to the base. The seat assembly also includes a controller in signal communication with the actuator, and the controller activates the actuator to adjust the position of the seat with respect to the base to a predetermined position.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: John Witte, Michael J. Boks, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20240116442Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mounting base configured to mount the mirror assembly at a side of a vehicle. The mirror head accommodates a reflective element and an indicator module. With the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at the side of the vehicle, and responsive to actuation by a driver of the vehicle of a turn signal input of the plurality of inputs, the indicator module projects a turn signal icon onto the ground proximate the side of the vehicle. With the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at the side of the vehicle, and responsive to another input of the plurality of inputs, the indicator module projects another icon onto the ground proximate the side of the vehicle. The other icon projected onto the ground is a different color than the turn signal icon projected onto the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Kenneth C. Peterson, Darryl P. De Wind, Jake A. Mohan, Matthew V. Steffes, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20240101023Abstract: A vehicular communication system includes a near field communication device disposed at a vehicle. Responsive to a near field communication-enabled device being within a threshold distance of the vehicle, the near field communication device wirelessly receives a wakeup near field communication from the near field communication-enabled device. Responsive to the near field communication device wirelessly receiving the wakeup near field communication from the near field communication-enabled device, the near field communication device (i) wakes up and (ii) determines whether the near field communication-enabled device is an authorized device. Responsive to determining that the near field communication-enabled device is an authorized device, the near field communication device authenticates the near field communication-enabled device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2023Publication date: March 28, 2024Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20240042932Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror system includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for attachment at a vehicle and an electrically-operable actuator. An exterior mirror head is movable relative to an exterior portion of the vehicle via operation of the actuator. The exterior mirror head accommodates an exterior mirror reflective element attached at an attachment plate. A heater pad is disposed between the exterior mirror reflective element and the attachment plate. An outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element is exposed to and is viewable by a driver of the vehicle and is contactable. The attachment plate includes wall structure that spans a perimeter circumferential edge of the exterior mirror reflective element. No part of the exterior mirror head encroaches onto the outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element. No part of the exterior mirror head overlaps the outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Eric S. Deuel, Justin E. Sobecki, Joseph R. Mambourg, Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 11851004Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror head and a mounting base configured for attachment at a side of a vehicle. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a reflective element. The vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a turn signal indicator. The turn signal indicator, with the mounting base of the vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly attached at the side of the vehicle, and responsive to actuation by a driver of the vehicle of a turn signal of the vehicle, projects a turn signal icon onto the ground proximate the side of the vehicle. The turn signal indicator may be disposed at a lower region of the mirror casing and may intermittently project a direction-indicating icon or shape onto the ground, with the direction-indicating shape indicating a direction away from the side of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Kenneth C. Peterson, Darryl P. De Wind, Jake A. Mohan, Matthew V. Steffes, Eric S Deuel
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Patent number: 11840172Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a ground illumination module or turn signal indicator that includes at least one light source operable to emit light when electrically powered. A near field communication device communicates utilizing a near field communication (NFC) standard. Responsive to a near field communication-enabled device being present exterior the vehicle, the near field communication device wirelessly receives a communication from the near field communication-enabled device and determines whether the near field communication-enabled device is an authorized device. Responsive to determining that the near field communication-enabled device is an authorized device, the near field communication device authenticates the near field communication-enabled device as an authorized device for communication with the near field communication device.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 11827324Abstract: A trolling motor has a steering motor transmitting torque to a steering shaft, which is coupled to a lower propulsion unit such that rotation of the steering shaft rotates the propulsion unit about a steering axis. A controller is in signal communication with the steering motor. A foot pedal in signal communication with the controller has a foot pad pivotable about a pivot axis and sends electrical steering signals to the controller (and thus steering motor) in response to pivoting of the foot pad. A variable resistance device is coupled to the foot pedal and controllable to vary resistance to pivoting of the foot pad about the pivot axis based on a position, velocity, acceleration, and/or jerk of the steering shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the variable resistance device provides haptic feedback to a user via the foot pad to inform the user about information related to the trolling motor system.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Robert S. Tate, Brian C. Scott, John Witte, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 11794648Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at a vehicle includes a mounting arm, an electrically operated actuator at one end of the mounting arm, an attachment portion at the other end of the mounting arm, and an exterior mirror head movable relative to the mounting arm via the actuator. The exterior mirror head includes an exterior mirror reflective element attached at an attachment plate of the exterior mirror head. The exterior mirror reflective element attached at the attachment plate moves in tandem with movement of the exterior mirror head relative to the mounting arm when the driver of the equipped vehicle operates the actuator. The attachment plate of the exterior mirror head includes wall structure that extends from the front side of the attachment plate. No part of the exterior mirror head encroaches onto or overlaps the outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Eric S. Deuel, Justin E. Sobecki, Joseph R. Mambourg, Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 11753119Abstract: A seating system for installation on a marine vessel includes a base to be connected to a deck of the marine vessel and a pedestal to be removably installed in an upright position on or in the base. The base includes a built-in first electrical connector to be electrically connected to a power source on the marine vessel. The pedestal includes a second electrical connector designed to mate with the first electrical connector in the base. A base for the seating system and a pedestal for the seating system are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: John Witte, Michael J. Boks, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20230243357Abstract: A pump system comprises a bilge pump powered by an electric motor and a controller controlling the electric motor. The controller is configured to determine if the pump system is malfunctioning. In response to determining that the pump system is malfunctioning, the controller is configured to control the electric motor according to a predetermined routine configured to rectify the malfunction. A pump system comprises a first bilge pump including a first electric motor configured to power the first bilge pump and a first controller controlling the first electric motor and a second bilge pump including a second electric motor configured to power the second bilge pump and a second controller controlling the second electric motor. The first and second controllers are in signal communication with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2023Publication date: August 3, 2023Applicant: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Richard J. Bovill, Eric S. Deuel, John Witte, Simon H. McFarland, Andrew Peoples
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Patent number: 11512506Abstract: A method for extending and retracting a handle of a door handle assembly for a door of a vehicle includes providing a door handle assembly having a base portion, a handle portion that is movably attached at the base portion, and an electrically operable actuator that operates to move the handle portion relative to the base portion. A control controls operation of the actuator to move the handle portion between a recessed position and a partially extended position. Responsive to detecting presence of an authorized user, a sensing system determines a motion vector of the user that is indicative of a direction that the user is moving relative to the vehicle. Responsive to determining that the determined motion vector is indicative of the user approaching the door of the vehicle, the control controls operation of the actuator to move the handle portion to the partially extended position.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Keith D. Foote, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20220258693Abstract: A vehicular exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a ground illumination module or turn signal indicator that includes at least one light source operable to emit light when electrically powered. A near field communication device communicates utilizing a near field communication (NFC) standard. Responsive to a near field communication-enabled device being present exterior the vehicle, the near field communication device wirelessly receives a communication from the near field communication-enabled device and determines whether the near field communication-enabled device is an authorized device. Responsive to determining that the near field communication-enabled device is an authorized device, the near field communication device authenticates the near field communication-enabled device as an authorized device for communication with the near field communication device.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2022Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20220154720Abstract: A pump system comprises a bilge pump powered by an electric motor and a controller controlling the electric motor. The controller is configured to determine if the pump system is malfunctioning. In response to determining that the pump system is malfunctioning, the controller is configured to control the electric motor according to a predetermined routine configured to rectify the malfunction. A pump system comprises a first bilge pump including a first electric motor configured to power the first bilge pump and a first controller controlling the first electric motor and a second bilge pump including a second electric motor configured to power the second bilge pump and a second controller controlling the second electric motor. The first and second controllers are in signal communication with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2020Publication date: May 19, 2022Applicant: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Richard J. Bovill, Eric S. Deuel, John Witte, Simon H. McFarland, Andrew Peoples
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Patent number: 11325564Abstract: A vehicular illumination system includes a ground illumination module disposed at a side door of a vehicle. The ground illumination module includes a reconfigurable display element and at least one light source operable to emit light. When the at least one light source is electrically powered, light emitted by the at least one light source illuminates a ground region adjacent the vehicle. When the at least one light source is electrically powered, light emitted by the at least one light source passes through the reconfigurable display element and the ground illumination module projects an icon established by the reconfigurable display element onto the ground region. The reconfigurable display element is reconfigurable to form the icon responsive to programming of the reconfigurable display element for an icon.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20210371063Abstract: A system for a marine vessel includes a first peripheral device including a controller, and a second peripheral device. A first serial bus connects the controller to the second peripheral device. At least one sensor is coupled to the controller via a second serial bus. The first peripheral device's controller can do one or more of the following: automatically control switches in the first peripheral device in response to information from the sensor; stage the first peripheral device upon start-up of the system; diagnose a malfunction of the first peripheral device and control the second peripheral device in response to determining that the first peripheral device is malfunctioning; and/or report a status of the first peripheral device over the serial bus.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Applicant: Brunswick CorporationInventors: John Witte, Eric S. Deuel, Michael J. Boks, Brian C. Scott, Richard J. Bovill
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Patent number: 11155327Abstract: A trolling motor has a steering motor transmitting torque to a steering shaft, which is coupled to a lower propulsion unit such that rotation of the steering shaft rotates the propulsion unit about a steering axis. A controller is in signal communication with the steering motor. A foot pedal in signal communication with the controller has a foot pad pivotable about a pivot axis and sends electrical steering signals to the controller (and thus steering motor) in response to pivoting of the foot pad. A variable resistance device is coupled to the foot pedal and controllable to vary resistance to pivoting of the foot pad about the pivot axis based on a position, velocity, acceleration, and/or jerk of the steering shaft. Additionally or alternatively, the variable resistance device provides haptic feedback to a user via the foot pad to inform the user about information related to the trolling motor system.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Robert S. Tate, Brian C. Scott, John Witte, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20210268991Abstract: A vehicular illumination system includes a ground illumination module disposed at a side door of a vehicle. The ground illumination module includes a reconfigurable display element and at least one light source operable to emit light. When the at least one light source is electrically powered, light emitted by the at least one light source illuminates a ground region adjacent the vehicle. When the at least one light source is electrically powered, light emitted by the at least one light source passes through the reconfigurable display element and the ground illumination module projects an icon established by the reconfigurable display element onto the ground region. The reconfigurable display element is reconfigurable to form the icon responsive to programming of the reconfigurable display element for an icon.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20210162928Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at a vehicle includes a mounting arm, an electrically operated actuator at one end of the mounting arm, an attachment portion at the other end of the mounting arm, and an exterior mirror head movable relative to the mounting arm via the actuator. The exterior mirror head includes an exterior mirror reflective element attached at an attachment plate of the exterior mirror head. The exterior mirror reflective element attached at the attachment plate moves in tandem with movement of the exterior mirror head relative to the mounting arm when the driver of the equipped vehicle operates the actuator. The attachment plate of the exterior mirror head includes wall structure that extends from the front side of the attachment plate. No part of the exterior mirror head encroaches onto or overlaps the outermost side of the exterior mirror reflective element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2021Publication date: June 3, 2021Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Eric S. Deuel, Justin E. Sobecki, Joseph R. Mambourg, Keith D. Foote, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 11007978Abstract: A vehicular illumination system includes an illumination module disposed at an exterior portion of a vehicle. The illumination module includes a reconfigurable display element and a light source operable to emit light. When the light source is operated, light emitted by the light source passes through the reconfigurable display element and the illumination module projects an icon established by the reconfigurable display element. The reconfigurable display element is reconfigurable to form the icon responsive to one of (i) a user selection of an icon and (ii) programming of the reconfigurable display element for an icon. When the light source is operated, light emitted by the light source passes through the reconfigurable display element and the illumination module projects the icon of the reconfigurable display element onto a surface exterior of the equipped vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel