Patents by Inventor Franco Chirico

Franco Chirico 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: 20200172050
    Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for monitoring and providing real-time notification and vehicle-related information to a remotely located user is presented. A vehicle monitoring system can comprise a camera of a vehicle configured to capture video, a transceiver for wireless connectivity, a position sensor, and an onboard device. The onboard device, having a processor and a memory, can be configured to monitor position data from the position sensor, determine whether the position data exceeds a predetermined threshold, and generate a notification report when the position sensor data exceeds the predetermined threshold. The transceiver can be configured to transmit the notification report to a third-party device of a third-party. The vehicle monitoring system enables the user to receive timely and relevant information related to possible vehicle theft or unauthorized use of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan C. Schwarz, Christopher M. Macheca, Todd Goodnight, Franco Chirico
  • Patent number: 10576927
    Abstract: An onboard starter-interrupt device incorporates Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality in addition to payment schedule enforcement functions. In response to certain events, and/or on a periodic basis, the onboard device transmits vehicle location data to an operations center. In one aspect, a “geo-fence”, or virtual boundary, can be defined; if the vehicle is driven outside the geo-fence, the location information is transmitted to the operations center and/or other action is taken. In response to receiving vehicle location data, the operations center can send a message to cause the onboard device to disable the vehicle, or to present a warning to the vehicle owner, or to notify a third party of the event and/or vehicle location, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Christopher M. Macheca, Michael Glancy, Chris Aron, Mary Sue Karlin, Franco Chirico
  • Patent number: 10068391
    Abstract: An onboard device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The onboard device also comprises a transceiver and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In some embodiments, the memory of the onboard device stores a program that, when executed causes the processor to monitor voltage levels of a main battery of a vehicle for presence of a start sequence of a vehicle, detect movement of the vehicle, and send a message to an operations center indicating movement of the vehicle without occurrence of the start sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Morgan, Christopher M. Macheca, Franco Chirico
  • Publication number: 20170294055
    Abstract: An onboard device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The onboard device also comprises a transceiver and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In some embodiments, the memory of the onboard device stores a program that, when executed causes the processor to monitor voltage levels of a main battery of a vehicle for presence of a start sequence of a vehicle, detect movement of the vehicle, and send a message to an operations center indicating movement of the vehicle without occurrence of the start sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald A. MORGAN, Christopher M. MACHECA, Franco Chirico
  • Publication number: 20170197582
    Abstract: An onboard device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The onboard device also comprises a pair of wires where a first wire of the pair of wires is coupled to an analog input port of the A/D converter, and a second wire of the pair of wires is coupled to a reference voltage port of the A/D converter. The onboard device also comprises a cellular transceiver and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In some embodiments, the memory of the onboard device stores a program that, when executed causes the processor to monitor, by way of the pair of wires, voltage levels of a main battery of a vehicle for presence of a start sequence of a vehicle, detect movement of the vehicle, and send a message to an operations center indicating movement of the vehicle without occurrence of the start sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: July 13, 2017
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Morgan, Christopher M. Macheca, Franco Chirico
  • Patent number: 9701279
    Abstract: An onboard device comprising a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The onboard device also comprises a pair of wires where a first wire of the pair of wires is coupled to an analog input port of the A/D converter, and a second wire of the pair of wires is coupled to a reference voltage port of the A/D converter. The onboard device also comprises a cellular transceiver and a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. In some embodiments, the memory of the onboard device stores a program that, when executed causes the processor to monitor, by way of the pair of wires, voltage levels of a main battery of a vehicle for presence of a start sequence of a vehicle, detect movement of the vehicle, and send a message to an operations center indicating movement of the vehicle without occurrence of the start sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Morgan, Christopher M. Macheca, Franco Chirico
  • Publication number: 20160339870
    Abstract: Emergency Override System. The system comprises an onboard device configured to disable operation of a vehicle. The onboard device includes circuitry configured to connect to one or more user-actuated vehicle components. The onboard device is configured to enable operation of a vehicle disabled by the onboard device by enabling the vehicle on detection of a preselected sequence of actions from one of the one or more user-actuated vehicle components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald A. MORGAN, Christopher M. Macheca, Stanley G. SCHWARZ, Franco CHIRICO
  • Publication number: 20160132053
    Abstract: A system. The system includes a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, a first wireless communication circuit coupled to the processor. The first wireless communication circuit is configured to receive, from an operations center remotely located with respect to a vehicle, a message comprising an alert concerning a payment event. The system also includes a second wireless communication circuit, distinct from the first wireless communication circuit, coupled to the processor. The second wireless communication circuit is configured to relay the alert to a wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Jeffrey H. Frank, Christopher M. Macheca, Gerald A. Morgan, Franco Chirico, Chris Aron, Mary Sue Karlin, Corey Pelland, Debra A. Jones, James C. Graves, JR.
  • Patent number: 9308892
    Abstract: Selectively enabling a vehicle by way of a portable wireless device. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems: a data center; a portable wireless device; and an onboard device affixed to a vehicle. The onboard device communicates to the data center by way of the portable wireless device. The portable wireless device programmed to: send a command to disable the vehicle to the onboard device by way of a first communication protocol; send a command to enable the vehicle to the onboard device by way of the first communication protocol; and send an indication of location of the vehicle to the data center over a second communication protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Jeffrey H. Frank, Christopher M. Macheca, Gerald A. Morgan, Franco Chirico
  • Publication number: 20160023635
    Abstract: An onboard starter-interrupt device incorporates Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality in addition to payment schedule enforcement functions. In response to certain events, and/or on a periodic basis, the onboard device transmits vehicle location data to an operations center. In one aspect, a “geo-fence”, or virtual boundary, can be defined; if the vehicle is driven outside the geo-fence, the location information is transmitted to the operations center and/or other action is taken. In response to receiving vehicle location data, the operations center can send a message to cause the onboard device to disable the vehicle, or to present a warning to the vehicle owner, or to notify a third party of the event and/or vehicle location, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Christopher M. Macheca, Michael Glancy, Chris Aron, Mary Sue Karlin, Franco Chirico
  • Publication number: 20160026982
    Abstract: An onboard starter-interrupt device incorporates Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality in addition to payment schedule enforcement functions. In response to certain events, and/or on a periodic basis, the onboard device transmits vehicle location data to an operations center. In one aspect, a “geo-fence”, or virtual boundary, can be defined; if the vehicle is driven outside the geo-fence, the location information is transmitted to the operations center and/or other action is taken. In response to receiving vehicle location data, the operations center can send a message to cause the onboard device to disable the vehicle, or to present a warning to the vehicle owner, or to notify a third party of the event and/or vehicle location, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Christopher M. Macheca, Michael Glancy, Chris Aron, Mary Sue Karlin, Franco Chirico
  • Patent number: 9183530
    Abstract: An onboard starter-interrupt device incorporates Global Positioning System (GPS) functionality in addition to payment schedule enforcement functions. In response to certain events, and/or on a periodic basis, the onboard device transmits vehicle location data to an operations center. In one aspect, a “geo-fence”, or virtual boundary, can be defined; if the vehicle is driven outside the geo-fence, the location information is transmitted to the operations center and/or other action is taken. In response to receiving vehicle location data, the operations center can send a message to cause the onboard device to disable the vehicle, or to present a warning to the vehicle owner, or to notify a third party of the event and/or vehicle location, or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Christopher M. Macheca, Michael Glancy, Chris Aron, Mary Sue Karlin, Franco Chirico
  • Publication number: 20150183397
    Abstract: Selectively enabling a vehicle by way of a portable wireless device. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are systems: a data center; a portable wireless device; and an onboard device affixed to a vehicle. The onboard device communicates to the data center by way of the portable wireless device. The portable wireless device programmed to: send a command to disable the vehicle to the onboard device by way of a first communication protocol; send a command to enable the vehicle to the onboard device by way of the first communication protocol; and send an indication of location of the vehicle to the data center over a second communication protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Jeffrey H. Frank, Christopher M. Macheca, Gerald A. Morgan, Franco Chirico
  • Patent number: 9026267
    Abstract: Selectively enabling a vehicle by way of a portable wireless device. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: enabling a vehicle when a portable wireless device is communicatively coupled to an onboard device by way of a first communication network; sending an indication of location of the vehicle to a data center; and disabling the vehicle when the portable wireless device is no longer communicatively coupled to the onboard device. In some cases, the sending by: receiving global positioning system (GPS) signals by the portable wireless device; establishing that the portable wireless device is proximate to the vehicle; and sending an indication of location to the data center, the sending by the portable wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Jeffrey H. Frank, Christopher M. Macheca, Gerald A. Morgan, Franco Chirico
  • Publication number: 20140304053
    Abstract: Providing information to an occupant of a vehicle. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: identifying an occupant of a vehicle, the identifying creates an indicia of occupant identity; determining an identity of the vehicle, the determining creates an indicia of vehicle identity; tracking location of the vehicle when occupied by the occupant; and providing information to the occupant, the information selected based on the indicia of occupant identity, the indicia of vehicle identity, and/or the locations of vehicle when occupied by the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley G. SCHWARZ, Jeffrey H. FRANK, Christopher M. MACHECA, Gerald A. MORGAN, Franco CHIRICO
  • Patent number: 8781900
    Abstract: Providing information to an occupant of a vehicle. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: identifying an occupant of a vehicle, the identifying creates an indicia of occupant identity; determining an identity of the vehicle, the determining creates an indicia of vehicle identity; tracking location of the vehicle when occupied by the occupant; and providing information to the occupant, the information selected based on the indicia of occupant identity, the indicia of vehicle identity, and/or the locations of vehicle when occupied by the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Jeffrey H. Frank, Christopher M. Macheca, Gerald A. Morgan, Franco Chirico
  • Patent number: 8686841
    Abstract: Activating geo-fence boundaries and collecting location data. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: activating a geo-fence for a pre-determined area responsive to an event related to a vehicle; receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) signals indicative of a location of the vehicle, the receiving by an onboard device coupled to the vehicle; detecting that the vehicle has crossed the geo-fence; creating a data set comprising data regarding locations of the vehicle with respect to the geo-fence; determining a parameter associated with an existing insurance policy based on the data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Gordon*Howard Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher M. Macheca, Franco Chirico, Gerald A. Morgan, Stanley G. Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20130238366
    Abstract: Activating geo-fence boundaries and collecting location data. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: activating a geo-fence for a pre-determined area responsive to an event related to a vehicle; receiving Global Positioning System (GPS) signals indicative of a location of the vehicle, the receiving by an onboard device coupled to the vehicle; detecting that the vehicle has crossed the geo-fence; creating a data set comprising data regarding locations of the vehicle with respect to the geo-fence; determining a parameter associated with an existing insurance policy based on the data set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: GORDON*HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Gerald A. MORGAN, Stanley G. SCHWARZ, Christopher M. MACHECA, Franco CHIRICO
  • Publication number: 20130066720
    Abstract: Providing information to an occupant of a vehicle. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: identifying an occupant of a vehicle, the identifying creates an indicia of occupant identity; determining an identity of the vehicle, the determining creates an indicia of vehicle identity; tracking location of the vehicle when occupied by the occupant; and providing information to the occupant, the information selected based on the indicia of occupant identity, the indicia of vehicle identity, and/or the locations of vehicle when occupied by the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: GORDON * HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Jeffrey H. Frank, Christopher M. Macheca, Gerald A. Morgan, Franco Chirico
  • Publication number: 20120239223
    Abstract: Selectively enabling a vehicle by way of a portable wireless device. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: enabling a vehicle when a portable wireless device is communicatively coupled to an onboard device by way of a first communication network; sending an indication of location of the vehicle to a data center; and disabling the vehicle when the portable wireless device is no longer communicatively coupled to the onboard device. In some cases, the sending by: receiving global positioning system (GPS) signals by the portable wireless device; establishing that the portable wireless device is proximate to the vehicle; and sending an indication of location to the data center, the sending by the portable wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GORDON * HOWARD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Stanley G. Schwarz, Jeffrey H. Frank, Christopher M. Macheca, Gerald A. Morgan, Franco Chirico