Patents by Inventor Gerald Ostrander

Gerald Ostrander 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).

  • Patent number: 8013726
    Abstract: A disclosed example receiver for receiving transmissions and data for both a remote keyless entry (RKE) system and a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system tailors the data slice level to the characteristics unique to each of the RKE transmissions and the TPM transmissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Tejas B. Desai, Patricia Kachouh, Gerald Ostrander, Scott Lucy
  • Patent number: 7991527
    Abstract: A receiver receives transmission containing information from different vehicle systems and determines an origin of that transmission according to the length of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Marlett, Patricia Kachouh, Gerald Ostrander, Tejas B. Desai, Brian Farrell
  • Patent number: 7859389
    Abstract: An example receiver/transmitter for a passive start and entry system switches between amplitude shift keyed modulation and frequency shift keyed modulation to maintain clear uninterrupted and dependable communication with a remote transmitter in the presence of interfering signals. The receiver/transmitter is switched to receive incoming FSK signals in response to the RSSI becoming saturated by undesired signals. The switch to FSK signal modulation occurs by signaling the remote transmitter to change over and begin sending FSK modulated signals. The FSK modulated signals are then received without significant interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Gerald Ostrander, Patricia Kachouh
  • Patent number: 7629875
    Abstract: A passive start and entry (PASE) system monitors a signal strength of a LF signal detected by a fob. The fob reports the signal strength back to an electronic control unit using an RF signal. The electronic control unit compares the signal strength to a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength is below the threshold, the electronic control unit determines that the fob may not be receiving the LF transmission due to interference and takes corrective action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Gerald Ostrander
  • Publication number: 20090121858
    Abstract: A disclosed example receiver for receiving transmissions and data for both a remote keyless entry (RKE) system and a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system tailors the data slice level to the characteristics unique to each of the RKE transmissions and the TPM transmissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS US, INC.
    Inventors: Tejas B. Desai, Patricia Kachouh, Gerald Ostrander, Scott Lucy
  • Publication number: 20080177441
    Abstract: A receiver receives transmission containing information from different vehicle systems and determines an origin of that transmission according to the length of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS US, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Marlett, Patricia Kachouh, Gerald Ostrander, Tejas B. Desai, Brian Farrell
  • Publication number: 20080136590
    Abstract: An example receiver/transmitter for a passive start and entry system switches between amplitude shift keyed modulation and frequency shift keyed modulation to maintain clear uninterrupted and dependable communication with a remote transmitter in the presence of interfering signals. The receiver/transmitter is switched to receive incoming FSK signals in response to the RSSI becoming saturated by undesired signals. The switch to FSK signal modulation occurs by signaling the remote transmitter to change over and begin sending FSK modulated signals. The FSK modulated signals are then received without significant interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Gerald Ostrander, Patricia Kachouh
  • Publication number: 20080106367
    Abstract: A passive entry and start system transmits a neutral signal over all the antennas except for that antenna that is proximate an area in which transmission to an identification device is desired. Accordingly, the area of a vehicle and those physical features that are proximate and associated with the area is isolated to prevent undesired operation of other vehicle mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS VDO AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patricia Kachouh, Brian Marlett, Gerald Ostrander, Tejas B. Desai, Scott Lucy, Brian Saloka
  • Patent number: 7369040
    Abstract: An example receiver/transmitter for a passive start and entry system switches between amplitude shift keyed modulation and frequency shift keyed modulation to maintain clear uninterrupted and dependable communication with a remote transmitter in the presence of interfering signals. The receiver/transmitter is switched to receive incoming FSK signals in response to the RSSI becoming saturated by undesired signals. The switch to FSK signal modulation occurs by signaling the remote transmitter to change over and begin sending FSK modulated signals. The FSK modulated signals are then received without significant interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Gerald Ostrander, Patricia Kachouh
  • Publication number: 20080100427
    Abstract: An identification device is user configurable to communicate according to different communication protocols. Once the identification device has been set to a desired communication protocol where all it will immediately transmit an identification code to the corresponding vehicle controller such that the vehicle controller will learn the identification code and be able to recognize subsequent transmissions and authenticate the identification device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: SIEMENS VDO AUTOMOTIVE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tejas B. Desai, Patricia Kachouh, Gerald Ostrander, Brian Marlett, Scott Lucy
  • Publication number: 20070228828
    Abstract: A vehicle passive start and entry system includes a controller that sends signals through a low frequency antenna to an identification device. The low frequency antenna is disposed within the vehicle cabin and proximate a source that generates extraneous electronic noise that may interfere with the transmission between the passive start and entry system and the identification device. Placing the low frequency transmitting antenna proximate these noise generating devices and locations prevents and provides for a uniform consistent and uninterrupted signal between the passive start and entry system and the identification device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Ostrander, Tejas Desai
  • Publication number: 20070164876
    Abstract: An example wireless communication system receives signals from several wireless systems such as for example a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system, a remote keyless entry (RKE) system, and a passive start and entry (PASE) system. Each of the systems provides different signals of different frequencies and modulations. The example receiver includes multiple channels that correspond to the signals from each of the example systems. Each of the channels is operable concurrently to monitor and receive signals from each of the system according to a desired hierarchy. The multiple channels eliminate transmission collisions between signals from the different systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Ostrander, David Reimus, Tejas Desai
  • Publication number: 20070160206
    Abstract: A system and method provides a wireless link that is adaptive to the current electronic environment. An electronic control unit monitors signals that are proximate the vehicle that make up the current electronic environment. The electronic control unit evaluates these signals along with any other signals proximate the vehicle. The evaluation of the signals includes the determination of a best signal modulation and strength that would best avoid potential interferences with the other signals. The determined transmission protocol is sent in the prompt signal to an authentication device. The authentication device in return transmits the identifier signal according to the determined transmission protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Ostrander, David Reimus, Tejas Desai
  • Publication number: 20060267744
    Abstract: An example receiver/transmitter for a passive start and entry system switches between amplitude shift keyed modulation and frequency shift keyed modulation to maintain clear uninterrupted and dependable communication with a remote transmitter in the presence of interfering signals. The receiver/transmitter is switched to receive incoming FSK signals in response to the RSSI becoming saturated by undesired signals. The switch to FSK signal modulation occurs by signaling the remote transmitter to change over and begin sending FSK modulated signals. The FSK modulated signals are then received without significant interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Gerald Ostrander, Patricia Kachouh
  • Publication number: 20060261925
    Abstract: A method of controlling the signal sensitivity of a receiver module of a remote signal communication system includes initializing a PASE function and actuating a switch from a first position to a second position. The second position represents an open switch wherein either an external antenna or a LNA circuit or both are shut off. The switch is returned to a first position in response to completion of a PASE command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: November 23, 2006
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Gerald Ostrander, Brian Marlett, Patricia Kachouh
  • Publication number: 20060226952
    Abstract: A passive start and entry system utilizes a receiver/transmitter to communicate with a remote actuation device through low frequency radio signals. The remote actuation device includes a plurality of signal receiving coils. A signal strength received by each of the plurality of coils is measured to determine a direction of a desired signal and undesired signals. The signal receiving coil receiving a signal in a direction determined to correspond to the unwanted signal is switched off to eliminate potential interfering signals from disrupting communication with the receiver/transmitter of the passive start and entry system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Gerald Ostrander, Patricia Kachouh
  • Publication number: 20060208854
    Abstract: A passive start and entry (PASE) system monitors a signal strength of a LF signal detected by a fob. The fob reports the signal strength back to an electronic control unit using an RF signal. The electronic control unit compares the signal strength to a predetermined threshold. If the signal strength is below the threshold, the electronic control unit determines that the fob may not be receiving the LF transmission due to interference and takes corrective action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: September 21, 2006
    Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Josef Baumgartner, Gerald Ostrander
  • Patent number: 6759943
    Abstract: A remote memory preference system for a passenger vehicle is disclosed. The remote memory preference system utilizes existing passive or active remote entry devices. Memory preference settings include driver's seat position, mirror positions and radio station presets. Once these settings are adjusted by a primary vehicle user, they are stored in a memory location in the vehicle either automatically or when a memory button on the remote entry device is depressed by the user. Settings may then be later recalled either automatically by activating the remote entry device or when a recall button on the remote entry device is depressed by the user. The system may also employ a shift register system, which would automatically store current and previous memory preference settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Lucy, James A. Poirier, Frank Buccinna, Gerald Ostrander, Joseph R. Thompson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020118579
    Abstract: A remote memory preference system for a passenger vehicle is disclosed. The remote memory preference system utilizes existing passive or active remote entry devices. Memory preference settings include driver's seat position, mirror positions and radio station presets. Once these settings are adjusted by a primary vehicle user, they are stored in a memory location in the vehicle either automatically or when a memory button on the remote entry device is depressed by the user. Settings may then be later recalled either automatically by activating the remote entry device or when a recall button on the remote entry device is depressed by the user. The system may also employ a shift register system, which would automatically store current and previous memory preference settings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Lucy, James A. Poirier, Frank Buccinna, Gerald Ostrander, Joseph R. Thompson