Patents by Inventor Kurt M. Schatz
Kurt M. Schatz 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: 11866983Abstract: A vehicular door control system responsive to object detection includes a radar unit disposed at a vehicle that has a field of sensing adjacent to and exterior a door of the vehicle and that transmits radar signals and receives reflected radar signals representative of an object. A scanning actuator coupled to the radar unit moves the radar unit relative to the door to create a variation between the transmitted radar signals and the reflected radar signals. An electronic control unit (ECU) operates the radar unit to transmit the radar signals. While the radar unit is transmitting the radar signals and receiving the reflected radar signals, the ECU operates the scanning actuator to move the radar unit relative to the door. The ECU processes the received reflected radar signals to determine presence of the object and operates an electrically powered actuator coupled to the door to open and close the door.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2021Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.Inventors: Kurt M. Schatz, Ming Wang, Adam Bott
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Patent number: 11855581Abstract: A solar panel support apparatus comprising: a support frame for holding the solar panel; a support post pivotally connected to the support frame at a post pivot connection and anchored to an adjacent supporting surface, the support post for positioning the support frame above the supporting surface; and a linear actuator coupled at a proximal end to the support post by a support pivot connection and at a distal end by a frame pivot connection with the support frame, the post pivot connection and the frame pivot connection spaced apart from one another on the support frame; wherein a change in a length of the linear actuator results in pivoting of the support frame about the post pivot connection.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Polar Racking Inc.Inventors: Kurt M. Schatz, James J. Ferri, J. R. Scott Mitchell, Judson Henderson Whiteside, Andrew Mauchlen, Mariano Gualtieri D'Angela, Gabriele Wayne Sabatini
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Publication number: 20220349220Abstract: A vehicle exterior component, such as a handle assembly, a light module, a minor housing, or an applique holds a radar sensor. A stand-alone radar module for mounting within a vehicle exterior component comprises a module housing defining an interior space configured to hold a radar module including a heat source, and a sealing material extending between the radar module and the module housing for blocking moisture and other contaminants. Several different arrangements attaching a heat sink to a radar IC for dissipating heat from the radar IC are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2020Publication date: November 3, 2022Inventors: James J. Ferri, Kurt M. Schatz, Kasper M. Pilested, Samuel R. Baruco
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Publication number: 20220235599Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect movement of the closure member, detect no obstacle using the at least one non-contact obstacle sensor, and alter movement of the closure member in response to no obstacle being detected while movement of the closure member is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2022Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Hesam AKBARIAN, Ryan HERMAN, Samuel R. BARUCO, Gabriele Wayne SABATINI, J.R. Scott MITCHELL, Kurt M. SCHATZ
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Publication number: 20220187416Abstract: A radar sensor assembly includes a sensor printed circuit board (PCB) having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. A radar transceiver is disposed at the first side of the sensor PCB and includes a plurality of antennas configured for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) radiation. A heat sink is disposed adjacent to the radar transceiver and is configured to dissipate heat from the radar transceiver. The radar transceiver is sandwiched between the heat sink and the sensor PCB. The heat sink is configured to allow the RF radiation to pass therethrough without guiding the RF radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2021Publication date: June 16, 2022Inventors: Traian Miu, Gabriele W. Sabatini, Kurt M. Schatz, Eric Peterson, Gregory A. Huizen, James J. Ferri
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Patent number: 11313167Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect movement of the closure member, detect no obstacle using the at least one non-contact obstacle sensor, and alter movement of the closure member in response to no obstacle being detected while movement of the closure member is detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Hesam Akbarian, Ryan Herman, Samuel R. Baruco, Gabriele Wayne Sabatini, J.R. Scott Mitchell, Kurt M. Schatz
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Publication number: 20210262274Abstract: A vehicular door control system responsive to object detection includes a radar unit disposed at a vehicle that has a field of sensing adjacent to and exterior a door of the vehicle and that transmits radar signals and receives reflected radar signals representative of an object. A scanning actuator coupled to the radar unit moves the radar unit relative to the door to create a variation between the transmitted radar signals and the reflected radar signals. An electronic control unit (ECU) operates the radar unit to transmit the radar signals. While the radar unit is transmitting the radar signals and receiving the reflected radar signals, the ECU operates the scanning actuator to move the radar unit relative to the door. The ECU processes the received reflected radar signals to determine presence of the object and operates an electrically powered actuator coupled to the door to open and close the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Inventors: Kurt M. Schatz, Ming Wang, Adam Bott
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Publication number: 20200208455Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for an opening in a vehicle includes a cover panel, such as a glass pane, slidable between opened and closed positions within the opening. The system includes one or more infrared time-of-flight (IR-TOF) sensors which measure the length of a beam of infrared light by measuring the time that the infrared light in the beam takes to travel the length of the beam and to reflect back to the sensor. The IR-TOF sensors may be configured to provide a beam of light along either the side edge of the frame parallel to the sliding direction or a terminal edge generally transverse to the sliding direction. Methods are provided for detecting obstacles within the opening of the frame by controllers using the lengths of beams from each of those different beam configurations, and for self-calibrating the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Kurt M. SCHATZ, Samuel R. BARUCO, Stephen James CARON
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Patent number: 10604984Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for an opening in a vehicle includes a cover panel, such as a glass pane, slidable between opened and closed positions within the opening. The system includes one or more infrared time-of-flight (IR-TOF) sensors which measure the length of a beam of infrared light by measuring the time that the infrared light in the beam takes to travel the length of the beam and to reflect back to the sensor. The IR-TOF sensors may be configured to provide a beam of light along either the side edge of the frame parallel to the sliding direction or a terminal edge generally transverse to the sliding direction. Methods are provided for detecting obstacles within the opening of the frame by controllers using the lengths of beams from each of those different beam configurations, and for self-calibrating the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2018Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES, INC.Inventors: Kurt M. Schatz, Samuel R. Baruco, Stephen James Caron
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Publication number: 20200018111Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect movement of the closure member, detect no obstacle using the at least one non-contact obstacle sensor, and alter movement of the closure member in response to no obstacle being detected while movement of the closure member is detected.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Hesam Akbarian, Ryan Herman, Samuel R. Baruco, Gabriele Wayne Sabatini, J.R. Scott Mitchell, Kurt M. Schatz
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Patent number: 10533350Abstract: A touch and gesture pad for a swipe/tap entry verification system and a method of operating the touch and gesture pad are disclosed. The touch and gesture pad includes a housing that defines a compartment. The touch and gesture pad includes a wiring connector for attachment to a wiring harness to provide power and communication with a processing unit. A PCB is disposed in the compartment. A plurality of IR TOF sensors are disposed on and electrically connected to the PCB for sensing gestures and touches to the touch and gesture assembly. The plurality of IR TOF sensors each includes a transmitter for transmitting an infrared beam and a receiver for receiving the infrared beam after reflection from an object near one of the plurality of IR TOF sensors and for outputting an IR TOF signal to the processing unit indicating touches or gestures.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2017Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Kurt M. Schatz, Samuel R. Baruco, J. R. Scott Mitchell, Marlon D. R. Hilla
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Patent number: 10443292Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect an obstacle and cease movement of the closure member in response to the obstacle being detected. Additionally, the control unit is configured to release a latch and apply power to a motor in response to the obstacle not being detected. The control unit is also configured to determine whether the closure member is in a full open position, and continue to apply power to a motor coupled to the closure member if the closure member is not in the full open position.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Magna Closures, Inc.Inventors: Samuel R. Baruco, Gabriele Wayne Sabatini, J. R. Scott Mitchell, Kurt M. Schatz
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Patent number: 10337227Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a two-door closure system for a motor vehicle including a body having an A-pillar and a C-pillar being spaced from one another. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the closure system includes a front door having a front edge that is pivotably connected to the A-pillar. The closure system also includes a rear door that has a rearward edge that is pivotably coupled to the C-pillar of the vehicle body. At least one swivel hinge unit is provided that has a first pivot pin that is pivotably connected to the rearward edge of the rear door, and a second pivot pin for being pivotably connected to the C-pillar of the vehicle body to allow the rear door to initially pivot and translate away from the front door prior to pivoting the rear door between an open and closed position about the second pivot pin.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Frank Stoof, Kris Tomaszewski, Roman Cetnar, Kurt M. Schatz, Peter Lance Oxley, James J. Ferri, Jeffrey Richard F. Domenchini, Joseph Scheuring
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Publication number: 20190052224Abstract: A solar panel support apparatus comprising: a support frame for holding the solar panel; a support post pivotally connected to the support frame at a post pivot connection and anchored to an adjacent supporting surface, the support post for positioning the support frame above the supporting surface; and a linear actuator coupled at a proximal end to the support post by a support pivot connection and at a distal end by a frame pivot connection with the support frame, the post pivot connection and the frame pivot connection spaced apart from one another on the support frame; wherein a change in a length of the linear actuator results in pivoting of the support frame about the post pivot connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Kurt M. SCHATZ, James J. FERRI, J. R. Scott MITCHELL, Judson Henderson WHITESIDE, Andrew MAUCHLEN, Mariano GUALTIERI D'ANGELA, Gabriele Wayne SABATINI
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Patent number: 10099656Abstract: A system and method for providing access to a vehicle operation includes a first user-input interface, a second user-input interface, and a vehicle controller. The first user-input interface is configured to interact with a user via a swipe-up input. The second user-input interface is configured to interact with the user via an application independent of the swipe-up input. The vehicle controller is configured to control the vehicle operation in response to detecting a first swipe-type user-input via the first user-input interface and a second user-input via the second user-input interface within a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Mirko Pribisic, Timothy DeZorzi, Kurt M. Schatz
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Publication number: 20180258682Abstract: A power swing door drive actuator for moving a passenger swing door relative to a body portion of a motor vehicle. The power swing door actuator includes a housing, a motor operably mounted to the housing, and a leadscrew of a spindle drive mechanism rotatably driven by the motor for causing relative translational movement of a drive nut relative to the leadscrew which, in turn, results in the vehicle door swinging between open and closed positions in response to selective actuation of the motor. A first articulation joint unit couples an elongate extensible member fixed to the drive nut to the vehicle body while a second articulation joint unit couples the housing to the vehicle door.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: Kurt M. Schatz, J.R. Scott Mitchell, Gabriele Wayne Sabatini, Michael Smart
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Publication number: 20180238099Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system and a virtual handle assembly for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system and a closure member using a virtual handle assembly are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles. The control unit is configured to detect the obstacle and cease opening of the closure member in response to the obstacle being detected. Additionally, the control unit is configured to release a latch and apply power to a motor in response to the obstacle not being detected. The virtual handle assembly includes at least one virtual handle sensor for detecting a hand and maintaining a distance to the hand by operating an actuation system to move the closure member.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: Kurt M. SCHATZ, Samuel R. BARUCO, J.R. Scott MITCHELL, Marlon D.R. HILLA, Wassim RAFRAFI, Gabriele Wayne SABATINI
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Publication number: 20180238094Abstract: A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for an opening in a vehicle includes a cover panel, such as a glass pane, slidable between opened and closed positions within the opening. The system includes one or more infrared time-of-flight (IR-TOF) sensors which measure the length of a beam of infrared light by measuring the time that the infrared light in the beam takes to travel the length of the beam and to reflect back to the sensor. The IR-TOF sensors may be configured to provide a beam of light along either the side edge of the frame parallel to the sliding direction or a terminal edge generally transverse to the sliding direction. Methods are provided for detecting obstacles within the opening of the frame by controllers using the lengths of beams from each of those different beam configurations, and for self-calibrating the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2018Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: Kurt M. SCHATZ, Samuel R. BARUCO, Stephen James CARON
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Publication number: 20180215346Abstract: A system and method for providing access to a vehicle operation includes a first user-input interface, a second user-input interface, and a vehicle controller. The first user-input interface is configured to interact with a user via a swipe-up input. The second user-input interface is configured to interact with the user via an application independent of the swipe-up input. The vehicle controller is configured to control the vehicle operation in response to detecting a first swipe-type user-input via the first user-input interface and a second user-input via the second user-input interface within a predetermined time.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2018Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Mirko Pribisic, Timothy DeZorzi, Kurt M. Schatz
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Patent number: 9925953Abstract: A system and method for providing access to a vehicle operation includes a first user-input interface, a second user-input interface, and a vehicle controller. The first user-input interface is configured to interact with a user via a swipe-up input. The second user-input interface is configured to interact with the user via an application independent of the swipe-up input. The vehicle controller is configured to control the vehicle operation in response to detecting a first swipe-type user-input via the first user-input interface and a second user-input via the second user-input interface within a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Mirko Pribisic, Timothy DeZorzi, Kurt M. Schatz