Patents by Inventor Kristin Ann Hellman
Kristin Ann Hellman 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: 11905743Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment having a door panel movable between closed and open positions allowing access to the storage compartment, a user input device located within the storage compartment, and a latch assembly for latching the door panel in the closed position. The latch assembly includes a first release stage in the closed position allowing the door panel to move to an intermediate position between the open and closed positions and a second release stage allowing the door panel to move to the open position. The vehicle also includes a vehicle speed sensor sensing vehicle speed and a controller monitoring the sensed vehicle speed and detecting a user input to the user input device and controlling the latch assembly to selectively allow the door panel to move to one of the intermediate and open positions based on the sensed vehicle speed and the detected user input.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2020Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Peter Phung
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Patent number: 11740094Abstract: A computer having a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The computer is programmed to: determine a total trip parameter associated with a destination of an occupant of a vehicle; determine a progress parameter since an outset of an occupant trip; and control a light output of a status assembly, wherein the output represents the parameters.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Kristin Ann Hellman
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Publication number: 20230061449Abstract: A vehicle assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cargo bed of a vehicle and a crossbar spanning the cargo bed. The crossbar is slidable relative to the cargo bed. A lift assist device is mounted to the crossbar. The assembly can include a passenger side rail mounted to a passenger side wall assembly of the cargo bed, and a driver side rail mounted to a driver side wall assembly of the cargo bed. The crossbar can be slidably coupled to both the driver side rail and the passenger side rail.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2021Publication date: March 2, 2023Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, William Wurz, David Brian Glickman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman
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Publication number: 20220290484Abstract: A vehicle door control system includes a door assembly, which includes a side door and a liftgate. The door assembly includes an actuation assembly that adjusts each of the side door and the liftgate between opened and closed positions. A sensor assembly defines a rear sensor field, a first side sensor field, and a second side sensor field. A controller determines whether a person in at least one of the rear sensor field, the first side sensor field, and the second side sensor field is a recognized passenger, determines a speed of the recognized passenger, determines whether the recognized passenger is carrying an object, and activates the actuation assembly to open at least one of the liftgate and the side door based on whether the recognized passenger is carrying an object, where timing of activation of the actuation assembly is based on the speed of the recognized passenger.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2021Publication date: September 15, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Aaron Halonen, Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, David Brian Glickman, Kristopher Karl Brown
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Patent number: 11200530Abstract: An object is identified within a specified distance from a vehicle. The object is assigned a position in the vehicle and the object is detected in the position. Upon detecting the object in the position, a vehicle component is actuated.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristin Ann Hellman, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock
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Publication number: 20210207409Abstract: A vehicle includes a storage compartment having a door panel movable between closed and open positions allowing access to the storage compartment, a user input device located within the storage compartment, and a latch assembly for latching the door panel in the closed position. The latch assembly includes a first release stage in the closed position allowing the door panel to move to an intermediate position between the open and closed positions and a second release stage allowing the door panel to move to the open position. The vehicle also includes a vehicle speed sensor sensing vehicle speed and a controller monitoring the sensed vehicle speed and detecting a user input to the user input device and controlling the latch assembly to selectively allow the door panel to move to one of the intermediate and open positions based on the sensed vehicle speed and the detected user input.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2020Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Peter Phung
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Publication number: 20200116503Abstract: A computer having a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor. The computer is programmed to: determine a total trip parameter associated with a destination of an occupant of a vehicle; determine a progress parameter since an outset of an occupant trip; and control a light output of a status assembly, wherein the output represents the parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2017Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Stuart C. SALTER, Annette Lynn HUEBNER, Pietro BUTTOLO, Paul Kenneth DELLOCK, Kristin Ann HELLMAN
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Patent number: 10564261Abstract: A mirror assembly is coupled to a vehicle and includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a mirror, and a metallized cover. A conductive mirror base is coupled to the LIDAR sensor, mirror, and metallized cover to form the mirror assembly. The mirror and metallized cover are each grounded to the conductive mirror base where the mirror and metallized cover each help to shield the LIDAR sensor from electromagnetic interference.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Kristin Ann Hellman, Pietro Buttolo
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Patent number: 10377315Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback. The seatback further includes a compartment in a side portion of the seatback. The compartment is pivotably and resiliently coupled to the side portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kristin Ann Hellman, Christian J. Hosbach, Artur Stanislavovich Sakarian, Annette Lynn Huebner
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Patent number: 10322679Abstract: A cargo management system includes a roof rack, a storage compartment rack and a first cross bar. The first cross bar is displaceable between a first position carried on the roof rack and a second position carried on the storage compartment rack. Clips at the opposed ends of the cross bar allow the first cross bar to be secured in position on either rack.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Stanislavovich Sakarian, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch, Matthew B. Rutman
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Publication number: 20190057341Abstract: An object is identified within a specified distance from a vehicle. The object is assigned a position within in the vehicle and the object is detected in the position. Upon detecting the object in the position, a vehicle component is actuated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2017Publication date: February 21, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristin Ann Hellman, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock
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Patent number: 10202060Abstract: A seat leveler device is configured for use with a vehicle seating assembly having a rearwardly inclined seating surface. The seat leveler device includes a support portion having a conformable outer casing with a seat engaging surface arranged at an angle complimentary to an angle of the inclined seating surface. A support surface is supported by the support portion in a substantially horizontal manner. One or more anchor members having engagement features are tethered to either the support surface or the support portion, and are configured to couple to anchoring locations disposed on the vehicle seating assembly to retain the seat leveler device on the vehicle seating assembly. The seat leveler device may include retaining straps and a cage assembly for assisting in controlled transport of items.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Johnathan Andrew Line, Susan Drobyshewski, Kristin Ann Hellman
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Patent number: 10150396Abstract: A vehicle cup holder assembly is provided herein. A receptacle is assembled to a vehicle console and a light source is coupled to the receptacle. An accessory is coupled to the receptacle and is deployable therefrom to increase the number of available cup holders in which to receive a beverage container. The accessory is configured to luminesce in response to light excitation by the light source.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2017Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Josh Greiner, Kristin Ann Hellman
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Patent number: 10131282Abstract: A cargo assist apparatus is provided for a motor vehicle. That cargo assist apparatus includes a panel and a translating and pivoting connector whereby the panel is displaced between a stowed position below an upper face of the seat bottom, a first deployed position projecting above the upper face and a second deployed position projecting forward from the upper face.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Stanislavovich Sakarian, Christian John Hosbach'
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Patent number: 10131263Abstract: A folding console is provided. That folding console includes a support, a panel connected by a first pivot to the support and a flap connected by a second pivot to the panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Patrick Welch, Matthew B. Rutman
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Publication number: 20180329036Abstract: A mirror assembly is coupled to a vehicle and includes a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a mirror, and a metallized cover. A conductive mirror base is coupled to the LIDAR sensor, mirror, and metallized cover to form the mirror assembly. The mirror and metallized cover are each grounded to the conductive mirror base where the mirror and metallized cover each help to shield the LIDAR sensor from electromagnetic interference.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2017Publication date: November 15, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Kristin Ann Hellman, Pietro Buttolo
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Patent number: 10106092Abstract: A center console includes a base and a bin supported on the base. The bin has a first section and a second section that define a variable volume storage compartment.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Ryan Welch, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Stanislavovich Sakarian, Joshua Hamilton Greiner, Matthew B. Rutman
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Patent number: 10098198Abstract: A light bar is provided and includes an elongated carrier having a surface extending along the carrier. Capacitive sensors are spaced along the carrier and positioned below the surface. Light sources are included for illuminating the surface, each associated with at least one capacitive sensor and positioned proximate thereto. A controller is included for detecting capacitive changes in the capacitive sensors, wherein when the controller detects a capacitive change in a capacitive sensor, the controller alters an illumination state of a light source associated therewith.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Artur Sakarian, Ali Ammar, Kristin Ann Hellman, Ryan Welch, Josh Greiner, Cornel Lewis Gardner
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Patent number: 10086732Abstract: A vehicle includes an armrest rotationally operable between upright and downward positions. Stowable tray tables are slidable within the armrest between a stowed position within the armrest and a ready position extended from the armrest. In the ready position, each stowable tray table is selectively pivotable to a table position proximate a respective seating position.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ryan Welch, Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Matthew B. Rutman
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Patent number: 10086700Abstract: A vehicle switch is provided herein. The vehicle switch includes a housing including an output window. A first light source and a second light source are disposed within the housing. The first light source emits excitation light of a first wavelength. The second light source emits excitation light of a second wavelength. A proximity switch assembly is positioned within the housing and is configured to control a vehicle feature. A first luminescent structure is disposed rearwardly of the output window and luminesces in response to excitation light of the first wavelength when the feature is in a first state. A second luminescent structure is disposed rearwardly of the output window and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation light of the second wavelength when the feature is in a second state.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Pietro Buttolo, Paul Kenneth Dellock