Patents by Inventor George A. Alderton, IV

George A. Alderton, IV 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).

  • Automotive convertible top system
    Patent number: 6288511
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of a motorized convertible top such that it may be extended and retracted automatically. The system and method of the present invention monitors the movement of the various components to provide fluid, simultaneous motion. It further detects and corrects improper alignments that may result in damage to the top due to overlapping elements or binding elements, and stores error information useful in diagnosing and repairing unrecoverable errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A. Porter, Richard H. Kruse, Samuel DiCesare, Kerry S. Berland, James M. Helms, George A. Alderton, IV
  • Automotive convertible top system
    Patent number: 6246199
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of a motorized convertible top such that it may be extended and retracted automatically. The system and method of the present invention monitors the movement of the various components to provide fluid, simultaneous motion. It further detects and corrects improper alignments that may result in damage to the top due to overlapping elements or binding elements, and stores error information useful in diagnosing and repairing unrecoverable errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A. Porter, Richard H. Kruse, Samuel DiCesare, Kerry S. Berland, James M. Helms, George A. Alderton, IV
  • Automotive convertible top system for an automobile
    Patent number: 6114819
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of a motorized convertible top such that it may be extended and retracted automatically. The system and method of the present invention monitors the movement of the various components to provide fluid, simultaneous motion. It further detects and corrects improper alignments that may result in damage to the top due to overlapping elements or binding elements, and stores error information useful in diagnosing and repairing unrecoverable errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A. Porter, Richard H. Kruse, Samuel DiCesare, Kerry S. Berland, James M. Helms, George A. Alderton, IV
  • Control system for a vehicle having a moveable vehicle body member
    Patent number: 5825147
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of a motorized convertible top such that it may be extended and retracted automatically. The system and method of the present invention monitors the movement of the various components to provide fluid, simultaneous motion. It further detects and corrects improper alignments that may result in damage to the top due to overlapping elements or binding elements, and stores error information useful in diagnosing and repairing unrecoverable errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A. Porter, Richard H. Kruse, Samuel DiCesare, Kerry S. Berland, James M. Helms, George A. Alderton, IV
  • Motorized self-correcting automatic convertible top
    Patent number: 5451849
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for monitoring and controlling the operation of a motorized convertible top such that it may be extended and retracted automatically. The system and method of the present invention monitors the movement of the various components to provide fluid, simultaneous motion. It further detects and corrects improper alignments that may result in damage to the top due to overlapping elements or binding elements, and stores error information useful in diagnosing and repairing unrecoverable errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael A. Porter, Richard H. Kruse, Samuel DiCesare, Kerry S. Berland, James M. Helms, George A. Alderton, IV
  • Single-button actuated self-correcting automatic convertible top
    Patent number: 5225747
    Abstract: A system for lowering and raising an automotive convertible top includes a motor for moving the convertible top, a potentiometer for sensing the position of the convertible top throughout its range of movement, and a controller for actuating the motor in response to the sensed position of the potentiometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: ASC Incorporated
    Inventors: James M. Helms, George A. Alderton, IV