Patents by Inventor Frank O'Brien
Frank O'Brien 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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Publication number: 20090290369Abstract: A vehicular mirror system comprises an interior electro-optic mirror having a transflective mirror reflector and a display screen disposed behind the mirror reflector so that the presence of the display screen is substantially unobservable to a driver of the vehicle until the display screen is actuated to emit light that passes through the electro-optic reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. Control circuitry may receive a signal indicative of selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle by the driver and may actuate the display screen to display video images captured by a video imaging device disposed to the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view rearward of and external to the vehicle. Control circuitry may electronically generate indicia overlaying the video images on the display screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2009Publication date: November 26, 2009Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7583184Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system comprises an interior electrochromic mirror having a transflective mirror reflector and a video screen disposed behind the mirror reflector so that the presence of the video screen is substantially unobservable to a driver of the vehicle until the video screen is actuated to emit light that passes through the electrochromic reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. Control circuitry receives a signal indicative of selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle by the driver and actuates the video screen in order to display video images captured by a video imaging device disposed to the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view rearward of and external to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7579939Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system comprises an interior electrochromic mirror having a transflective mirror reflector and a video screen disposed behind the mirror reflector so that its presence is substantially unobservable to a driver of the vehicle until the video screen is actuated to emit light that passes through the electrochromic reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. Common control circuit circuitry may control dimming of the electrochromic medium and actuation of the video screen. The control circuitry may receive a signal indicative of selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle by the driver and actuates the video screen in order to display video images captured by a video imaging device disposed to the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view rearward of and external to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7579940Abstract: An information display mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an interior portion of a vehicle and having a casing, a mirror support arm and a reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an information display screen disposed separate from and independent of and lateral of the reflective element at a portion of the casing closer to a seating location of the vehicle driver or at a portion of the casing further from a seating location of the vehicle driver. The information display screen may be a touch-sensitive information display screen that displays information responsive to the driver of the vehicle at least one of touching its viewing surface and positioning a finger proximate its viewing surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 7446650Abstract: An accessory system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly having a mirror-mounting portion that is adapted to detachably mount the interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle. A windshield accessory module assembly is also preferably included attached at the windshield of the vehicle. The windshield accessory module assembly is unaffected by adjustment of the rearward field of view of the reflective element of the interior rearview mirror assembly and preferably comprises at least one of a forward facing imaging device with a field of view forward of the vehicle through the windshield of the vehicle and an interior cabin imaging device with a field of view encompassing at least a portion of the interior cabin of the vehicle. The accessory system preferably includes a video display screen displaying an image captured by an image capture device with a field of view rearward of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Scholfield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L Bingle, Niall R Lynam
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Patent number: 7423522Abstract: A tire pressure alert system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a vehicular tire pressure monitoring system and a telematic system of the vehicle. The telematic system of the vehicle is operable to wirelessly communicate between the vehicle and an external service provider external to the vehicle. The tire pressure monitoring system is operable to detect or determine or estimate a tire pressure in a tire mounted on a wheel of the vehicle and to communicate an output signal indicative of the tire pressure to the external service provider. The external service provider receives the output signal from the tire pressure monitoring system and processes the output signal and communicates an alert to the subject vehicle to alert the driver or occupant of the vehicle of a tire pressure condition in one or more of the vehicle's tires.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Frank O'Brien, Niall R. Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
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Publication number: 20080212215Abstract: An information display mirror system suitable for use in a vehicle includes an interior rearview mirror assembly configured for mounting at an interior portion of a vehicle and having a casing, a mirror support arm and a reflective element. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes an information display screen disposed separate from and independent of and lateral of the reflective element at a portion of the casing closer to a seating location of the vehicle driver or at a portion of the casing further from a seating location of the vehicle driver. The information display screen may be a touch-sensitive information display screen that displays information responsive to the driver of the vehicle at least one of touching its viewing surface and positioning a finger proximate its viewing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Publication number: 20070213418Abstract: The present invention relates to asphalt generally, and more particularly to polymeric products containing asphalt-based additives to achieve various properties and/or reduce cost. In one embodiment, this invention relates the use of asphalt as a resin replacement and/or a colorant in a plastic product. In one such embodiment it relates to rigid foamed polymeric board wherein asphalt is added to increase insulating capability of the polymeric foamed board.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2007Publication date: September 13, 2007Inventors: Donn Vermilion, Robert Quinn, Frederick Ponn, Frank O'Brien-Bernini, Jeffrey Smith, Fawn Uhl, Nassreen Olang, Sheree Bargabos, Joseph Rynd, Barbara Fabian, Mitchell Weekly, Byron Hulls, Roland Loh
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Publication number: 20070171037Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system comprises an interior electrochromic mirror having a transflective mirror reflector and a video screen disposed behind the mirror reflector so that its presence is substantially unobservable to a driver of the vehicle until the video screen is actuated to emit light that passes through the electrochromic reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. Common control circuit circuitry may control dimming of the electrochromic medium and actuation of the video screen. The control circuitry may receive a signal indicative of selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle by the driver and actuates the video screen in order to display video images captured by a video imaging device disposed to the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view rearward of and external to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2007Publication date: July 26, 2007Applicant: DONNELLY CORPORATIONInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert Bingle, Niall Lynam
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Publication number: 20070132567Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system comprises an interior electrochromic mirror having a transflective mirror reflector and a video screen disposed behind the mirror reflector so that the presence of the video screen is substantially unobservable to a driver of the vehicle until the video screen is actuated to emit light that passes through the electrochromic reflective element to be viewed by the driver of the vehicle. Control circuitry receives a signal indicative of selection of a reverse gear of the vehicle by the driver and actuates the video screen in order to display video images captured by a video imaging device disposed to the rear of the vehicle and having a field of view rearward of and external to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2007Publication date: June 14, 2007Applicant: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert Bingle, Niall Lynam
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Publication number: 20070039703Abstract: Wet-laid chopped strand glass mats for use in roofing applications that have improved hot wet tensile strengths are provided. The chopped strand mats are formed by the application or inclusion of at least one coupling agent to the chopped strand mat during a wet-laid mat forming process. The coupling agent may be added to the chopped strand mat as part of a two-part binder composition that includes a binder and at least one coupling agent. Alternatively, the coupling agent may be added directly to the chopped strand mat independent of the binder. As a further alternative, the coupling agent(s) may be added to the white water in the wet-laid mat forming process and incorporated into the formed glass mat via the glass fibers. The binder may be a modified urea-formaldehyde binder, a non-modified urea-formaldehyde binder, and/or a formaldehyde-free binder. The coupling agent(s) may be silane coupling agents and/or reactive siloxanes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2005Publication date: February 22, 2007Inventors: Jerry Lee, Liang Chen, Dave Mirth, Frank O'Brien-Bernini
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Patent number: 7175615Abstract: An intravenous drug access system. In one embodiment of the invention, the drug access system includes an IV bag having an inlet port and outlet port, whereby the inlet port is a female luer integral therewith. The integral female luer fitting may be fitted with a sealed end cap comprising a male luer insert with a closed end. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a discrete pre-molded connector made with one spike at one end and a female luer fitting at the opposing end. The spike is used to penetrate a standard IV bag through a conventional inlet port.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventors: Kevin B. Hanly, Frank O'Brien, Salvadore F. Palomares, William S. Phillips, Bruce Hubrecht, William M. Porter, Evelyn L. Foss
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Publication number: 20060217679Abstract: An intravenous drug access system. In one embodiment of the invention, the drug access system includes an IV bag having an inlet port and outlet port, whereby the inlet port is a female luer integral therewith. The integral female luer fitting may be fitted with a sealed end cap comprising a male luer insert with a closed end. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a discrete pre-molded connector made with one spike at one end and a female luer fitting at the opposing end. The spike is used to penetrate a standard IV bag through a conventional inlet port.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2006Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: Kevin Hanly, Frank O'Brien, Salvadore Palomares, William Phillips, Bruce Hubrecht, William Porter, Evelyn Foss
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Publication number: 20060103045Abstract: A method for incorporating wet use chopped strand glass (WUCS) in a screw extrusion process is provided. A polymeric resin is added to an extruder in a polymer feed zone and conveyed to a first compression zone where the resin is at least partially melted. The molten resin is conveyed to a high volume zone where WUCS fibers are added. In the high volume zone, the flights of the screw may have a greater pitch to facilitate the introduction of the WUCS into the extruder. The molten resin/fiber mixture is conveyed to a second compression zone where the resin and fibers are intimately compounded. Next, the molten resin/fiber mass is conveyed to a low pressure zone where moisture evaporated from the fibers is released through an opening. The resin/fiber mixture is then conveyed through a compression/die feed zone to further compound and mix the resin and fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2004Publication date: May 18, 2006Inventors: Frank O'Brien-Bernini, Donn Vermilion, Scott Schweiger, Brian Guhde, William Graham, George Walrath, Leslie Morris
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Publication number: 20060071766Abstract: A tire pressure alert system suitable for use in a vehicle includes a vehicular tire pressure monitoring system and a telematic system of the vehicle. The telematic system of the vehicle is operable to wirelessly communicate between the vehicle and an external service provider external to the vehicle. The tire pressure monitoring system is operable to detect or determine or estimate a tire pressure in a tire mounted on a wheel of the vehicle and to communicate an output signal indicative of the tire pressure to the external service provider. The external service provider receives the output signal from the tire pressure monitoring system and processes the output signal and communicates an alert to the subject vehicle to alert the driver or occupant of the vehicle of a tire pressure condition in one or more of the vehicle's tires.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2005Publication date: April 6, 2006Inventors: Frank O'Brien, Niall Lynam, Kenneth Schofield
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Publication number: 20040204699Abstract: An intravenous drug access system. In one embodiment of the invention, the drug access system includes an IV bag having an inlet port and outlet port, whereby the inlet port is a female luer integral therewith. The integral female luer fitting may be fitted with a sealed end cap comprising a male luer insert with a closed end. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a discrete pre-molded connector made with one spike at one end and a female luer fitting at the opposing end. The spike is used to penetrate a standard IV bag through a conventional inlet port.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventors: Kevin B. Hanly, Frank O'Brien, Salvadore F. Palomares, William S. Phillips, Bruce Hubrecht, William M. Porter, Evelyn L. Foss
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Publication number: 20040145457Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing incorporating a reflective element. The reflective element has a rearward field of view when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in a vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes a mirror-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle, such as a windshield portion or a header portion. The mirror casing is adjustable about the mirror-mounting portion for adjusting the rearward field of view of the reflective element. The video display assembly includes a video screen which is incorporated in a video display housing. The video display assembly also includes a display-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the video display assembly at the interior portion of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2004Publication date: July 29, 2004Applicant: Donnelly Corporation, a corporation of the State of MichiganInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 6726672Abstract: An intravenous drug access system. In one embodiment of the invention, the drug access system includes an IV bag having an inlet port and an outlet port, whereby the inlet port is a female luer integral therewith. The integral female luer fitting may be fitted with a sealed end cap including a male luer insert with a closed end. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a discrete pre-molded connector made with a spike at one end and a female luer fitting at the opposing end. The spike is used to penetrate a standard IV bag through a conventional inlet port.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventors: Kevin B. Hanly, Frank O'Brien, Salvadore F. Palomares, William S. Phillips, Bruce Hubrecht, William M. Porter, Evelyn L. Foss
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Patent number: 6690268Abstract: A vehicular video mirror system includes an interior rearview mirror assembly and a video display assembly. The interior rearview mirror assembly includes a mirror casing incorporating a reflective element. The reflective element has a rearward field of view when the interior rearview mirror assembly is mounted in a vehicle. The mirror assembly further includes a mirror-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the interior rearview mirror assembly at an interior portion of the vehicle, such as a windshield portion or a header portion. The mirror casing is adjustable about the mirror-mounting portion for adjusting the rearward field of view of the reflective element. The video display assembly includes a video screen which is incorporated in a video display housing. The video display assembly also includes a display-mounting portion, which is adapted to mount the video display assembly at the interior portion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Donnelly CorporationInventors: Kenneth Schofield, Frank O'Brien, Robert L. Bingle, Niall R. Lynam
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Patent number: 6399694Abstract: A type of (and method of making) fiberglass insulation is disclosed. Such insulation comprises: glass fibers; a polyacrylic glycerol (PAG) binder coating said glass fibers; and at least one of a coloring agent and a biocide adhered to said PAG binder. Such fiberglass insulation can take the form of a batt, board (a heated and compressed batt) or molding media (a different form of heated and compressed batt). The coloring agent and/or the biocide can be applied where the batt (or board or molding media, as the case may be) is manufactured or can be applied after the batt is installed in the field.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ralph D. McGrath, Frank O'Brien Bernini, Jocelyn M. Seng, Neil R. Hettler