Patents by Inventor John Locke

John Locke 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: 11799185
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to a metal foam element configured to provide a multi-purpose functionality to an electrical device in a vehicle. An example apparatus in a vehicle includes a module that houses an electrical device. A metal foam element is attached to the module in a configuration whereby the metal foam element provides a multi-purpose functionality that includes a heat dissipation functionality and an antenna functionality. In an example implementation, the metal foam element is attached to the module in the form of a sheet that is dimensioned to operate as a patch antenna for transmitting and/or receiving a wireless signal associated with the electrical device and to provide a heat dissipation functionality for dissipating heat produced by the electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Ali Attaran, Ming Liang, Michael Dupuis, John Locke, Deepa Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20230335880
    Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to a metal foam element configured to provide a multi-purpose functionality to an electrical device in a vehicle. An example apparatus in a vehicle includes a module that houses an electrical device. A metal foam element is attached to the module in a configuration whereby the metal foam element provides a multi-purpose functionality that includes a heat dissipation functionality and an antenna functionality. In an example implementation, the metal foam element is attached to the module in the form of a sheet that is dimensioned to operate as a patch antenna for transmitting and/or receiving a wireless signal associated with the electrical device and to provide a heat dissipation functionality for dissipating heat produced by the electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Ali Attaran, Ming Liang, Michael Dupuis, John Locke, Deepa Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 10476967
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one and/or one or more in-vehicle and/or onboard controller(s) that is/are coupled to spaced apart sensor groups that are arrayed within a headliner and/or seats of the vehicle cabin. Each sensor group generally corresponds to and/or with a plurality of and/or one or more seat positions, each having a single seat, and which include a driver zone seat position that has a driver seat. Each sensor group in the array includes at least one signal processor, and a plurality of transceivers, antennas, and/or sensors configured for and tuned to different electromagnetic frequencies and/or powers. Also included are electromagnetically active, directional waveguides that adjust, amplify, and/or attenuate the sensitivity of each of the respective antennas, to electromagnetic energy detected and received from mobile devices located in the vehicle cabin, such that the sensitivity is limited to electromagnetic emissions within a limited effective range for each antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Mueller, Boris Gorovets, Gregory Farrey, John Locke, Laura Hazebrouck
  • Publication number: 20190149611
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one and/or one or more in-vehicle and/or onboard controller(s) that is/are coupled to spaced apart sensor groups that are arrayed within a headliner and/or seats of the vehicle cabin. Each sensor group generally corresponds to and/or with a plurality of and/or one or more seat positions, each having a single seat, and which include a driver zone seat position that has a driver seat. Each sensor group in the array includes at least one signal processor, and a plurality of transceivers, antennas, and/or sensors configured for and tuned to different electromagnetic frequencies and/or powers. Also included are electromagnetically active, directional waveguides that adjust, amplify, and/or attenuate the sensitivity of each of the respective antennas, to electromagnetic energy detected and received from mobile devices located in the vehicle cabin, such that the sensitivity is limited to electromagnetic emissions within a limited effective range for each antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Inventors: Paul MUELLER, Boris GOROVETS, Gregory FARREY, John LOCKE, Laura HAZEBROUCK
  • Patent number: 9865111
    Abstract: A fob includes a case, an antenna, at least one input device, and a positioning element. The case has an interface portion and a handle portion. The antenna is disposed at the interface portion of the case. The input device is disposed on the interface portion of the case. The finger positioner orients a user's hand on the handle portion of the case away from the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, John Locke, Lawrence Banasky, Jr., Mark Wisnewski
  • Patent number: 9807704
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a power setting of a key fob includes receiving an input signal from a sensor by a processor. The processor determines, based at least in part on the input from the sensor, that a person is holding the key fob. Based on the determination that the person is holding the key fob, the processor adjusts an initial power setting of the key fob by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, John Locke, Lawrence Banasky, Jr., Mark Wisnewski
  • Publication number: 20160295523
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a power setting of a key fob includes receiving an input signal from a sensor by a processor. The processor determines, based at least in part on the input from the sensor, that a person is holding the key fob. Based on the determination that the person is holding the key fob, the processor adjusts an initial power setting of the key fob by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, John Locke, Lawrence Banasky, JR., Mark Wisnewski
  • Publication number: 20160294049
    Abstract: A fob includes a case, an antenna, at least one input device, and a positioning element. The case has an interface portion and a handle portion. The antenna is disposed at the interface portion of the case. The input device is disposed on the interface portion of the case. The finger positioner orients a user's hand on the handle portion of the case away from the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, John Locke, Lawrence Banasky, JR., Mark Wisnewski
  • Patent number: 9380540
    Abstract: A method comprising for adjusting a power level in a key fob includes transmitting a first output signal at a first power setting. A feedback signal is received via a feedback mechanism that indicates a first power level of the first output signal. The first output level is compared to a threshold level. A second output signal at a second power setting greater than the first power setting is transmitted if the first output power level is below the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, John Locke, Lawrence Banasky, Jr., Mark Wisnewski
  • Publication number: 20070101900
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a dye-based inkjet ink set and, more particularly, to a dye-based inkjet ink set suitable for printing on polyamide fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Inventors: James Wheeler, John Locke, Samit Chevli, Sandra Issler, Alicia Walsh
  • Publication number: 20070002110
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a dye-based inkjet ink set and, more particularly, to a dye-based inkjet ink set suitable for printing on polyamide fabric. The present invention also pertains to a method for printing a polyamide fabric with the dye-based inkjet ink set, and a polyamide fabric so printed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: James Wheeler, John Locke, Samit Chevli, Sandra Issler, Alicia Walsh
  • Publication number: 20040073575
    Abstract: The system has three main parts. The first is a service providing audio and visual data downloaded for the user. The service provides a library of audio files including words, phrases and complete stories. The database of audio files can be updated. The second component is a software application for a user's computer. The application provides users with the software necessary to connect to the service, to provide personalizing information, select audio and visual files, purchase and download the files from the service. The third component is a device for playing the audio and visual files with the ability to display animated characters on a screen corresponding to the audio files being played. The screen has the ability to allow the user to color characters similar to a coloring book.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: John Locke
  • Publication number: 20030177010
    Abstract: Voice Enabled Personalized Documents are documents that are highly personalized to an audience of one. That is, we are creating one to one communication documents that are voice enabled. The overall concept is to take personalized documents that contain unique information to an individual and voice-enable them. By doing this, we open up several new forms of delivery of personalized documents to the audience of our customers. The product that we are planning to offer utilizes technology to produce and assemble personalized messages for each person in a group that is the target audience. The personalized documents that we produce will have audio that includes personal information, some examples of this are the persons name, membership information, information regarding activity with a group etc. With these messages we will provide highly personalized information to users using high quality speech that will be acceptable to the end audience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: John Locke