Patents by Inventor Jerry R. Brown
Jerry R. Brown 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: 11772519Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Patrick Maloney, Kevin Mozurkewich, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Jerry R. Brown
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Publication number: 20220144144Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system includes a vehicle, a plurality of seating assemblies positioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle and defining an arrangement, a plurality of actuators that effect movement of various components of the plurality of seating assemblies, a plurality of sensors, and a controller. Specific examples of pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements are disclosed, as well as the ability to customize the arrangement. Additionally, exemplary methods are disclosed that illustrate transitions between a variety of the pre-set or pre-programmed arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2020Publication date: May 12, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Patrick Maloney, Kevin Mozurkewich, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Jerry R. Brown
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Patent number: 11130424Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a seat base, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat base and having a front portion and a rear portion, and an actuator operable to change a position of the seating assembly. The assembly also includes a capacitive proximity sensor located on the seat back and configured to detect a user touch command and a user pressure command, and a controller for receiving the user touch command and pressure command and controlling the actuator to change a position of the seating assembly based on a user input.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2020Date of Patent: September 28, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Jerry R. Brown, Sean Bayle West, Pietro Buttolo, James Robert Chascsa, II
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Publication number: 20210146800Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly is provided that includes a seat base, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat base and having a front portion and a rear portion, and an actuator operable to change a position of the seating assembly. The assembly also includes a capacitive proximity sensor located on the seat back and configured to detect a user touch command and a user pressure command, and a controller for receiving the user touch command and pressure command and controlling the actuator to change a position of the seating assembly based on a user input.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2020Publication date: May 20, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Jerry R. Brown, Sean Bayle West, Pietro Buttolo, James Robert Chascsa, II
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Patent number: 10882487Abstract: A vehicle including an instrument panel, a front seat rotatable between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position, and an airbag inflatable between the instrument panel and the front seat. The vehicle includes a controller including a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions wherein the processor is programmed to identify that the front seat is rearward-facing, inflate an airbag in response to a sensed frontal impact, and open an external vent in the airbag during inflation in response to identification that the front seat is rearward-facing.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: John Q. White, Jerry R. Brown, Frank Heitplatz
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Patent number: 10807504Abstract: A seating system comprises a plurality of seating assemblies having first and second-row seating assemblies. Each seating assembly includes a cradle pivotally coupled to a seat base and to a seatback. The seat base is movable between first and second positions. The seating assembly includes a base having first and second supports and a swivel plate assembly including first and second frames. The first frame is coupled to the cradle, and the second frame is coupled to the base. The swivel plate assembly includes first and second swivel plates, the first swivel plate coupled to the first frame and the second swivel plate coupled to the second frame. The first swivel plate is configured to allow the cradle to rotate between first and second positions relative to the base. The seating system includes a track assembly. The first and second supports of the base are slidably coupled to the track assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Daniel Ferretti, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Jerry R. Brown, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas
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Publication number: 20200269800Abstract: A vehicle including an instrument panel, a front seat rotatable between a forward-facing position and a rearward-facing position, and an airbag inflatable between the instrument panel and the front seat. The vehicle includes a controller including a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions wherein the processor is programmed to identify that the front seat is rearward-facing, inflate an airbag in response to a sensed frontal impact, and open an external vent in the airbag during inflation in response to identification that the front seat is rearward-facing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2019Publication date: August 27, 2020Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Q. White, Jerry R. Brown, Frank Heitplatz
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Patent number: 10696198Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a seat base pivotally and slidably coupled with a seatback and a support frame operable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The support frame includes a first member that is pivotally coupled with a bottom portion of the seat base and pivotally coupled to a lower frame member fixedly attached to a floor support and a second member that is slidably coupled with a bottom portion of the seat base, pivotally coupled with the first member, and slidably coupled with the floor support. The support frame also includes a kickstand pivotally coupled to the floor support and slidably coupled to the seat base. The kickstand is operable between a forward position and a rearward position, wherein the kickstand is biased to and lockable in the forward position.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2018Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Amaury Diaz Serrano, Daniel Ferretti, Jerry R. Brown, Paul Iacoban
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Publication number: 20200086768Abstract: A seating system comprises a plurality of seating assemblies having first and second-row seating assemblies. Each seating assembly includes a cradle pivotally coupled to a seat base and to a seatback. The seat base is movable between first and second positions. The seating assembly includes a base having first and second supports and a swivel plate assembly including first and second frames. The first frame is coupled to the cradle, and the second frame is coupled to the base. The swivel plate assembly includes first and second swivel plates, the first swivel plate coupled to the first frame and the second swivel plate coupled to the second frame. The first swivel plate is configured to allow the cradle to rotate between first and second positions relative to the base. The seating system includes a track assembly. The first and second supports of the base are slidably coupled to the track assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2018Publication date: March 19, 2020Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Daniel Ferretti, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Jerry R. Brown, Joseph Michael Kish, Macit Aktas
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Publication number: 20200023757Abstract: A seating assembly for a vehicle includes a seat base pivotally and slidably coupled with a seatback and a support frame operable between a deployed position and a collapsed position. The support frame includes a first member that is pivotally coupled with a bottom portion of the seat base and pivotally coupled to a lower frame member fixedly attached to a floor support and a second member that is slidably coupled with a bottom portion of the seat base, pivotally coupled with the first member, and slidably coupled with the floor support. The support frame also includes a kickstand pivotally coupled to the floor support and slidably coupled to the seat base. The kickstand is operable between a forward position and a rearward position, wherein the kickstand is biased to and lockable in the forward position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2018Publication date: January 23, 2020Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Spencer Robert Hoernke, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Amaury Diaz Serrano, Daniel Ferretti, Jerry R. Brown, Paul Iacoban
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Patent number: 8449011Abstract: A monopod seat structure including first and second sides. A back is pivotally connected to the seat. A vertical support column is disposed below the seat and positioned substantially centrally between the first and second sides of the seat. A side support member includes a top portion operably connected to one of the first and second sides. A bottom portion is operably connected to a transmission hump of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John W. Jaranson, Johnathan Andrew Line, Jerry R. Brown, James Creighton, Daniel Ferretti, Christopher J. Kiehler
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Patent number: 8434823Abstract: An eccentric free pivot for a reclining seat assembly may include a seat cushion, a seatback, a gear system, an input mechanism, a rod, and an eccentric pivot. The gear system may pivotally couple the seat cushion to the seatback. A rod extending generally across the seat assembly may be coupled to the gear system on one side and the eccentric pivot on the other side. When the gear system and/or input mechanism rotate the rod and eccentric pivot, this rotation causes the side of the seatback opposite the gear system and/or input mechanism to move up and down.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Robert Du, Paul G. Ferraiuolo, Jerry R. Brown, Brian Haidar, Jerry J. Naujokas
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Patent number: 8408646Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat base. A seat pan is operably connected to the seat base. A rod extends across the seat base into elongated slots in the seat pan. An engagement member is operable between a first position out of contact with the rod and a second position in contact with the rod. A motor includes a drive shaft operably connected with the rod and adapted to rotate the rod. Rotation of the drive shaft when the engagement member is in the first position causes longitudinal displacement of the seat pan. Rotation of the drive shaft when the engagement member is in the second position causes rotation of the rod and the seat pan.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kendrick Alden Harper, Mark Damien Jessup, Jerry R. Brown
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Publication number: 20110298240Abstract: A monopod seat structure including first and second sides. A back is pivotally connected to the seat. A vertical support column is disposed below the seat and positioned substantially centrally between the first and second sides of the seat. A side support member includes a top portion operably connected to one of the first and second sides. A bottom portion is operably connected to a transmission hump of a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2010Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: John W. Jaranson, Johnathan Andrew Line, Jerry R. Brown, James Creighton, Daniel Ferretti, Christopher J. Kiehler
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Publication number: 20110248538Abstract: A seat assembly having a seat base. A seat pan is operably connected to the seat base. A rod extends across the seat base into elongated slots in the seat pan. An engagement member is operable between a first position out of contact with the rod and a second position in contact with the rod. A motor includes a drive shaft operably connected with the rod and adapted to rotate the rod. Rotation of the drive shaft when the engagement member is in the first position causes lateral displacement of the seat pan. Rotation of the drive shaft when the engagement member is in the second position causes rotation of the rod and the seat pan.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: Kendrick Alden Harper, Mark Damien Jessup, Jerry R. Brown
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Publication number: 20110012413Abstract: An eccentric free pivot for a reclining seat assembly may include a seat cushion, a seatback, a gear system, an input mechanism, a rod, and an eccentric pivot. The gear system may pivotally couple the seat cushion to the seatback. A rod extending generally across the seat assembly may be coupled to the gear system on one side and the eccentric pivot on the other side. When the gear system and/or input mechanism rotate the rod and eccentric pivot, this rotation causes the side of the seatback opposite the gear system and/or input mechanism to move up and down.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Inventors: Robert Du, Paul G. Ferraiuolo, Jerry R. Brown, Brian Haidar, Jerry J. Naujokas
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Patent number: 7802809Abstract: System and method for protecting an occupant in a vehicle seat, through the use of an occupant protection system is disclosed, wherein the vehicle seat includes a backrest section and a seat section. The occupant protection system includes a first airbag assembly having a first inflatable airbag, wherein the first airbag assembly is containable within an airbag recess located within a vehicle roof portion. A second airbag assembly is included having a second inflatable airbag and a deployment location. The second airbag assembly is mounted to a frame that is integrated with the seat while being external to a seat cushion. The first inflatable airbag is configured to extend downward from the roof portion to below a passenger shoulder-thorax protection region while in an inflated state. The second inflatable airbag is configured to extend upward from the deployment location through a passenger pelvic-thorax protection region while in an inflated state.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 28, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sean Timothy Ryan, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Jerry R. Brown, Richard Edward Ruthinowski, Brian Robert Spahn
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Publication number: 20100078921Abstract: System and method for protecting an occupant in a vehicle seat, through the use of an occupant protection system is disclosed, wherein the vehicle seat includes a backrest section and a seat section. The occupant protection system includes a first airbag assembly having a first inflatable airbag, wherein the first airbag assembly is containable within an airbag recess located within a vehicle roof portion. A second airbag assembly is included having a second inflatable airbag and a deployment location. The second airbag assembly is mounted to a frame that is integrated with the seat while being external to a seat cushion. The first inflatable airbag is configured to extend downward from the roof portion to below a passenger shoulder-thorax protection region while in an inflated state. The second inflatable airbag is configured to extend upward from the deployment location through a passenger pelvic-thorax protection region while in an inflated state.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Sean Timothy Ryan, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Jerry R. Brown, Richard Edward Ruthinowski, Brian Robert Spahn
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Patent number: 5606651Abstract: A process of merging an original drawing file and at least one updated or modified drawing file based on the original drawing file to produce a common or merged drawing file. The original drawing file and the updated drawing file are first stored in a storage medium and then merged. The entities of the original and updated drawings are then compared for duplicate entities and modified entities. Entities of the original drawing that are duplicated in the updated drawing are automatically removed. Entities of the original drawing that have been modified in the updated drawing are also automatically removed.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1996Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jerry R. Brown, Paul J. Rich
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Patent number: 5572637Abstract: A process of merging an original drawing file and at least one updated or modified drawing file based on the original drawing file to produce a common or merged drawing file. The original drawing file and the updated drawing file are first stored in a storage medium and then merged. The entities of the original and updated drawings are then compared for duplicate entities and modified entities. Entities of the original drawing that are duplicated in the updated drawing are automatically removed. Entities of the original drawing that have been modified in the updated drawing are also automatically removed.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1994Date of Patent: November 5, 1996Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jerry R. Brown, Paul J. Rich