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: 10913395Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle includes a mounting arm configured for attachment at the vehicle, a mirror head disposed at an end of the mounting arm and movable relative to the mounting arm, and an electrically operated actuator operable to move the mirror head relative to the mounting arm. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element that, when the actuator is electrically operated, moves in tandem with the mirror head. The actuator, with the mounting arm attached at the exterior portion of the vehicle, and when the actuator is electrically operated, moves the mirror head relative to the mounting arm to vertically and horizontally adjust a rearward field of view of a driver of the vehicle who is viewing the mirror reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2018Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20200362602Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2020Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Keith D. Foote, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20200254972Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 10731387Abstract: A system for extending and retracting a handle of a door handle assembly for a door of a vehicle includes a door handle assembly, a control operable to control operation of a motor of an electrically operable actuator of the handle assembly, and a sensing system operable to detect an authorized user. The sensing system, responsive to detecting an authorized user, determines a motion vector of the detected authorized user. The sensing system determines whether the motion vector is indicative of the detected authorized user approaching the door of the vehicle. Responsive to determination that the detected authorized user is approaching the door of the vehicle, the control unlocks the door handle assembly and controls operation of the motor to move a handle portion from a recessed position to a partially extended position so as to be graspable by the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Keith D. Foote, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20200156545Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2020Publication date: May 21, 2020Inventors: 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: 10632968Abstract: A vehicular door handle assembly includes a base portion configured to mount at a handle region of a vehicle door of a vehicle, a handle portion movable relative to the base portion, and an illumination module disposed in the handle portion. The illumination module includes a housing and an electronic circuit assembly having a light emitting diode (LED) and a circuit board with a user actuatable input disposed at a side thereof. The illumination module includes a light pipe in the housing and at least partially along the handle portion and having a light receiving end at the LED. The LED is actuated responsive at least in part to actuation by the user of the user actuatable input. Light emitted by the LED, when actuated, is received at the light receiving end of the light pipe, whereby the light pipe provides illumination at least partially along the handle portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 10543784Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes a mirror head and a light module disposed at a mirror casing. A blind zone indicator light emitting diode and a turn signal indicator light emitting diode are disposed at a single circuit board and are operable to emit light for a blind zone indicator and a turn signal indicator, respectively. The blind zone indicator and the turn signal indicator are disposed along a forward and sideward portion of the mirror casing, where the turn signal indicator is viewable and the blind zone indicator is not viewable along the forward and sideward portion of the mirror casing. When the blind zone indicator light emitting diode is operated and when the exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at the side of the vehicle, the blind zone alert is viewable by the driver of the vehicle outboard of the mirror reflective element.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2016Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20190248332Abstract: A vehicular door handle assembly includes a base portion configured to mount at a handle region of a vehicle door of a vehicle, a handle portion movable relative to the base portion, and an illumination module disposed in the handle portion. The illumination module includes a housing and an electronic circuit assembly having a light emitting diode (LED) and a circuit board with a user actuatable input disposed at a side thereof. The illumination module includes a light pipe in the housing and at least partially along the handle portion and having a light receiving end at the LED. The LED is actuated responsive at least in part to actuation by the user of the user actuatable input. Light emitted by the LED, when actuated, is received at the light receiving end of the light pipe, whereby the light pipe provides illumination at least partially along the handle portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 10315575Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting portion mountable at a side of a vehicle and a mirror head portion pivotally adjustable relative to the mounting portion. The mirror assembly includes an actuator operable to impart pivotal movement of the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion to adjust the mirror head portion relative to the side of the vehicle at which the mounting portion is mounted. The actuator includes a first motor and a second motor that are operable in tandem to cooperatively rotatably drive a gear to cause the mirror head portion to pivot relative to the mounting portion. Operation of the first motor is synchronized with operation of the second motor.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 10266151Abstract: A method for unlocking a door for an authorized user of a vehicle via a door unlocking system of the vehicle includes providing a control at the vehicle, providing a near field communication device at the vehicle, and wirelessly communicating, via the near field communication device of the vehicle, with a near field communication-enabled smartphone when the smartphone is within a threshold distance from the vehicle. Responsive to the near field communication device of the vehicle communicating with the smartphone, it is determined whether or not the smartphone is an authorized device. The smartphone is authenticated as an authorized device for communication with the near field communication device of the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the smartphone being authenticated as an authorized device, the locking mechanism is actuated, at least in part via the control, to unlock the vehicle door for the user of the authorized device.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 10175477Abstract: A display system of a vehicle includes a windshield of a vehicle, an interior rearview mirror assembly, an assembly disposed at an upper region of the windshield, and a display device disposed at the assembly. The upper region of the windshield includes a display region. The display device is operable to project a mirror image of display information towards and onto the display region of the windshield for viewing by a driver of the vehicle. The display information is viewable at the display region of the windshield and is viewable and discernible by the driver of the vehicle when the driver is normally operating the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2013Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Kenneth C. Peterson, Keith D. Foote, Richard R. Hook, Eric S. Deuel, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20180257571Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle includes a mounting arm configured for attachment at the vehicle, a mirror head disposed at an end of the mounting arm and movable relative to the mounting arm, and an electrically operated actuator operable to move the mirror head relative to the mounting arm. The mirror head includes a mirror reflective element that, when the actuator is electrically operated, moves in tandem with the mirror head. The actuator, with the mounting arm attached at the exterior portion of the vehicle, and when the actuator is electrically operated, moves the mirror head relative to the mounting arm to vertically and horizontally adjust a rearward field of view of a driver of the vehicle who is viewing the mirror reflective element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: 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: 10053200Abstract: A universal boat propulsion system is provided for a boat that is defined in a length direction, a width direction, and a depth direction. The universal boat propulsion system includes a support assembly that spans the boat in the width direction, a clamping assembly that secures the support assembly on the boat, and a pair of shafts coupled to respective opposite ends of the support assembly. Each shaft in the pair of shafts extends in a depth direction. A pair of propulsion devices produce thrust to propel the boat. Each propulsion device in the pair of propulsion devices is supported by a respective one of the shafts. A user input device controls operation of the pair of propulsion devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Nathan D. Koetsier, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 9969334Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle includes a mounting arm configured for attachment at the vehicle, a mirror head disposed at an outboard end of the mounting arm and movable relative to the mounting arm, and an actuator operable to move the mirror head relative to the mounting arm. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a frameless mirror reflective element fixedly attached at the mirror casing, with no part of the mirror casing disposed over the front surface of the mirror reflective element. The actuator is operable to move the mirror head relative to the mounting arm to vertically and horizontally adjust a rearward field of view of the driver of the vehicle who is viewing the mirror reflective element with the exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2017Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: 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: 9966895Abstract: A method for controlling a trolling motor including a sonar transducer and an electric motor rotating a propeller includes providing a motor controller configured for electrical connection to the electric motor. The motor controller includes a pulse width modulator outputting a PWM signal. A high-side electronic switch is provided between a high-side output of the pulse width modulator and the electric motor and a low-side electronic switch is provided between a low-side output of the pulse width modulator and the electric motor. The electric motor is driven by current transmitted via the high-side electronic switch or the low-side electronic switch in response to the PWM signal. An operating frequency of the PWM signal is selected such that an operating frequency of the sonar transducer is approximately centered between harmonic frequencies of the PWM signal. A spread spectrum switching algorithm reduces a peak noise level of the PWM signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20180086272Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an exterior portion of a vehicle includes a mounting arm configured for attachment at the vehicle, a mirror head disposed at an outboard end of the mounting arm and movable relative to the mounting arm, and an actuator operable to move the mirror head relative to the mounting arm. The mirror head includes a mirror casing and a frameless mirror reflective element fixedly attached at the mirror casing, with no part of the mirror casing disposed over the front surface of the mirror reflective element. The actuator is operable to move the mirror head relative to the mounting arm to vertically and horizontally adjust a rearward field of view of the driver of the vehicle who is viewing the mirror reflective element with the exterior rearview mirror assembly mounted at the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventors: 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: 9827913Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror assembly includes a non-movable portion, a movable portion and a mirror head. The non-movable portion is configured for attachment at an exterior portion of a vehicle and the movable portion is movable relative to the non-movable portion. The mirror head is movable relative to the movable portion, and a mirror reflective element is fixedly attached at the mirror head. A first actuator is operable to move the movable portion relative to the non-movable portion about a first axis and a second actuator is operable to move the mirror head relative to the movable portion about a second axis. The first and second actuators are cooperatively operable to move the movable portion about the first axis and to move the mirror head about the second axis, and the mirror reflective element moves in tandem with movement of the mirror head.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: 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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Publication number: 20170327041Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting portion mountable at a side of a vehicle and a mirror head portion pivotally adjustable relative to the mounting portion. The mirror assembly includes an actuator operable to impart pivotal movement of the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion to adjust the mirror head portion relative to the side of the vehicle at which the mounting portion is mounted. The actuator includes a first motor and a second motor that are operable in tandem to cooperatively rotatably drive a gear to cause the mirror head portion to pivot relative to the mounting portion. Operation of the first motor is synchronized with operation of the second motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2017Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Patent number: 9718407Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an exterior rearview mirror assembly having a mounting portion mountable at a side of a vehicle and a mirror head portion pivotally adjustable relative to the mounting portion. The mirror assembly includes an actuator operable to impart pivotal movement of the mirror head portion relative to said mounting portion. The actuator includes a first motor and a second motor that are operable in tandem to cooperatively cause a common drive gear of a gear system to be driven to pivot the mirror head portion relative to the mounting portion. Operation of the first and second motors is synchronized and causes the common drive gear to rotate. A shutoff circuit is operable to determine a stalled condition and, responsive to such determination, is operable to deactivate driving of the common drive gear by the at least two motors.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: MAGNA MIRRORS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel
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Publication number: 20170210342Abstract: A method for unlocking a door for an authorized user of a vehicle via a door unlocking system of the vehicle includes providing a control at the vehicle, providing a near field communication device at the vehicle, and wirelessly communicating, via the near field communication device of the vehicle, with a near field communication-enabled smartphone when the smartphone is within a threshold distance from the vehicle. Responsive to the near field communication device of the vehicle communicating with the smartphone, it is determined whether or not the smartphone is an authorized device. The smartphone is authenticated as an authorized device for communication with the near field communication device of the equipped vehicle. Responsive to the smartphone being authenticated as an authorized device, the locking mechanism is actuated, at least in part via the control, to unlock the vehicle door for the user of the authorized device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2017Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: Darryl P. De Wind, Justin E. Sobecki, Eric S. Deuel