Patents by Inventor John D. Prainito

John D. Prainito 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: 6944527
    Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods that pertain to interactions between a vehicle and an occupant within the vehicle. More specifically, various systems and methods for enhancing the decisions of automated vehicle applications (collectively “decision enhancement system”) are disclosed. In a safety restraint embodiment, a sensor is used to capture various sensor readings. Sensor readings are typically in the form of images. Occupant information, such as location attributes, motion attributes, and occupant category attributes can be obtained from the sensor readings. Such information can then used by the system to enhance the decisions made by various automated applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Mark L. Dell′ Eva, Michael E. Farmer, John D. Prainito, Michael Montag, Daniel M. Croft, Joseph J. Spryshak, Kevin S. Jump
  • Patent number: 6034617
    Abstract: A passive remote operating system is disclosed which may be employed to gain entry to a vehicle. A remote control, carried by a driver, periodically transmits a command signal whenever the remote control is moving. As the driver approaches the vehicle, the remote control comes within the reception range of a control circuit in the vehicle, which then receives the command signal. Receipt of the command signal activates the control circuit to begin sensing for an action by the driver, such as operation of a door handle, which indicates an intention to enter the vehicle. Upon sensing that action within a given period after receipt of the command signal, the doors of the vehicle are unlocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Luebke, Thomas J. Waraksa, John D. Prainito, Richard C. Barthel, David R. Kahl, James A. Poirier
  • Patent number: 6016102
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) allows atmospheric pressure into an environmentally sealed enclosure for creating an equilibrium that allows a sensor (28) make a proper measurement. A slot or opening (26) in the cover (14) exposes outside atmospheric air to a restricted portion of a gas permeable membrane (18). The membrane (18) allows a selected gas to pass through the membrane (18) creating the equilibrium in the housing (12). A gasket (16) positioned between the cover (14) and housing (12) seals the housing in an air tight manner except for the gases allowed in through the membrane (18). Pressure sensor (28) can then make a more accurate measurement. Apparatus (10) finds particular utility in a low pressure tire management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: G. Clark Fortune, Thomas J. Waraksa, James K. Spring, John D. Prainito