Patents by Inventor Liviu Bolbocianu
Liviu Bolbocianu 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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Publication number: 20190122056Abstract: An ultrasonic object detection system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system includes an indicator attached to a vehicle body for informing a user of an appropriate location to make an activation gesture for initiating opening of a closure member. At least one ultrasonic transducer is attached to the vehicle body. An electronic control unit is electrically coupled to the indicator and includes at least one ultrasonic driver electrically coupled to the at least one ultrasonic transducer. The electronic control unit is in communication with a plurality of vehicle controllers and is configured to receive a plurality of operational signals from the plurality of vehicle controllers, detect the activation gesture made by the user with the at least one ultrasonic transducer, and transmit an activation signal to the plurality of vehicle controllers in response to detecting the activation gesture made by the user for operating the closure member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Cuong TRAN, Allan CORNER, Liviu BOLBOCIANU
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Patent number: 10246009Abstract: A user-activated, non-contact power closure member system and method of operating a closure member of a vehicle are provided. The system includes at least one sensor for sensing an object or motion. An indicator is located on the vehicle to inform the user of the appropriate location to make an activation gesture, which initiates opening of the closure member. The indicator is located adjacent the at least one sensor. The indicator also informs the user if the system is activated, in motion, and/or waiting for the activation gesture. An electronic control unit is connected to the at least one sensor and the indicator. When the object or motion is detected by the at least one sensor, the control unit notifies the user with the indicator, determines if the object or motion is the correct activation gesture, and initiates movement of the closure member.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: MAGNA COLSURES INC.Inventors: Gerard McMahon, Liviu Bolbocianu, Samuel Ricardo Baruco, Pratibha Jagdish Pose
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Publication number: 20180170309Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a non-contact power closure member system for operating a liftgate of vehicle. The non-contact power closure member system includes at least one sensor for sensing an object or motion when a key fob is located within a predetermined distance of the vehicle. An indicator is located on the vehicle to inform the user of the appropriate location to make an activation gesture. The system also includes an electronic control unit connected to the at least one sensor and executing software. The electronic control unit processes the data to determine if the gesture made by the user is the activation gesture required to open the liftgate, or a false signal. In response to the activation gesture, the electronic control unit initiates opening of the liftgate. Methods are provided for operating the liftgate of a vehicle using a non-contact power closure member system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2018Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Gerard McMahon, Liviu Bolbocianu, Samuel R. Baruco, Pratibha Jagdish Pose
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Publication number: 20180065545Abstract: A user-activated, non-contact power closure member system and method of operating a closure member of a vehicle are provided. The system includes at least one sensor for sensing an object or motion. An indicator is located on the vehicle to inform the user of the appropriate location to make an activation gesture, which initiates opening of the closure member. The indicator is located adjacent the at least one sensor. The indicator also informs the user if the system is activated, in motion, and/or waiting for the activation gesture. An electronic control unit is connected to the at least one sensor and the indicator. When the object or motion is detected by the at least one sensor, the control unit notifies the user with the indicator, determines if the object or motion is the correct activation gesture, and initiates movement of the closure member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Gerard McMahon, Liviu Bolbocianu, Samuel Ricardo Baruco, Pratibha Jagdish Pose
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Publication number: 20170044813Abstract: An obstacle sensor for a closure panel of a vehicle includes an elongate non-conductive case which encloses a first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes. The first and second electrodes are separated by a portion of the case, with a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode. The changed capacitance of the obstacle sensor provides a proximity indication of the obstacle to the obstacle sensor. The second and third electrodes are separated by an air gap formed in the case, with a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the case by the obstacle. The changed resistance of the obstacle sensor provides a contact indication of the obstacle with the obstacle sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Mirko Pribisic, Liviu Bolbocianu, Alex Porat, Thomas Mellary, Timothy Dezorzi, Allan Corner, Erik Schattenmann, Anjan Nayani
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Patent number: 9541664Abstract: In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2016Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic, Mirko Pribisic, Thomas Mellary, Alex Porat
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Publication number: 20160320514Abstract: In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic, Mirko Pribisic, Thomas Mellary, Alex Porat
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Patent number: 9477003Abstract: An obstacle sensor for a closure panel of a vehicle includes an elongate non-conductive case which encloses a first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes. The first and second electrodes are separated by a portion of the case, with a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode. The changed capacitance of the obstacle sensor provides a proximity indication of the obstacle to the obstacle sensor. The second and third electrodes are separated by an air gap formed in the case, with a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the case by the obstacle. The changed resistance of the obstacle sensor provides a contact indication of the obstacle with the obstacle sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.Inventors: Mirko Pribisic, Liviu Bolbocianu, Alex Porat, Thomas Mellary, Timothy Dezorzi, Allan Corner, Erik Schattenmann, Anjan Nayani
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Patent number: 9417099Abstract: In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic, Mirko Pribisic, Thomas Mellary, Alex Porat
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Publication number: 20160084675Abstract: In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2015Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic, Mirko Pribisic, Thomas Mellary, Alex Porat
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Publication number: 20160025520Abstract: A capacitive sensing system for a liftgate of a vehicle includes at least one elongate capacitive sensor mounted on a trim panel of the liftgate. The at least one elongate capacitive sensor is arranged to extend over an area of the trim panel. The capacitive sensing system also includes a controller coupled to the at least one elongate capacitive sensor for monitoring changes in a capacitance value of the at least one elongate capacitive sensor, with the capacitance value changing when an obstacle approaches the area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: January 28, 2016Inventors: Mirko PRIBISIC, Timothy DeZORZI, Liviu BOLBOCIANU, Thomas Andrew MELLARY, Allan CORNER, Erik SCHATTENMANN, Anjan NAYANI
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Patent number: 9234979Abstract: In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: MAGNA CLOSURES INC.Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic, Mirko Pribisic, Thomas Mellary, Alex Porat
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Publication number: 20150369941Abstract: An obstacle sensor for a closure panel of a vehicle includes an elongate non-conductive case which encloses a first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes. The first and second electrodes are separated by a portion of the case, with a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode. The changed capacitance of the obstacle sensor provides a proximity indication of the obstacle to the obstacle sensor. The second and third electrodes are separated by an air gap formed in the case, with a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the case by the obstacle. The changed resistance of the obstacle sensor provides a contact indication of the obstacle with the obstacle sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Mirko Pribisic, Liviu Bolbocianu, Alex Porat, Thomas Mellary, Timothy Dezorzi, Allan Corner, Erik Schattenmann, Anjan Nayani
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Publication number: 20130307567Abstract: In an aspect, a pinch sensor is provided, comprising: an elongate non-conductive casing enclosing first, second, and third elongate conductive electrodes; the first and second electrodes being separated by a portion of the casing, a capacitance between the first and second electrodes changing when an obstacle approaches the first electrode to provide a proximity indication of the obstacle to the pinch sensor; and, the second and third electrodes being separated by an air gap formed in the casing, a resistance between the second and third electrodes changing when the second and third electrodes come into contact upon compression of the casing by the obstacle to provide a contact indication of the obstacle with the pinch sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Magna Closures Inc.Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic
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Patent number: 8493081Abstract: A resistive pinch sensor utilizing electrically conductive wires encapsulated in a resiliently deformable casing. A pinch is detected when one of the wires, which is normally separated by an air gap within the casing, contacts another wire lowering the electrical resistance therebetween. The described pinch sensors have wide activation ranges or angles. Tri-lobed designs provide wide activation range by incorporating at least three electrically-conductive conduits that are substantially equidistantly spaced circumferentially along the inner wall of a tubular casing. One of the conduits, or optionally an axially arranged electrically-conductive core may function as the reference element. Coaxial designs provide wide activation range by incorporating a central electrically-conductive core and a coaxial electrically-conductive tubular outer sheath that are normally spaced apart by at least one non-conductive spacer.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic
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Publication number: 20110169513Abstract: A resistive pinch sensor utilizing electrically conductive wires encapsulated in a resiliently deformable casing. A pinch is detected when one of the wires, which is normally separated by an air gap within the casing, contacts another wire lowering the electrical resistance therebetween. The described pinch sensors have wide activation ranges or angles. Tri-lobed designs provide wide activation range by incorporating at least three electrically-conductive conduits that are substantially equidistantly spaced circumferentially along the inner wall of a tubular casing. One of the conduits, or optionally an axially arranged electrically-conductive core may function as the reference element. Coaxial designs provide wide activation range by incorporating a central electrically-conductive core and a coaxial electrically-conductive tubular outer sheath that are normally spaced apart by at least one non-conductive spacer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Rade Isailovic
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Patent number: 7828348Abstract: A single piece striker for a latch formed from stock, comprising a mounting plate with an integral striker bar. The striker bar extends out from the mounting plate via a neck portion. The engagement area of the striker bar has a greater diameter than the thickness of the mounting plate. The striker is formed using a progressive die. The striker bar is formed by compressing a portion of the stock to a greater thickness than the rest of the striker. Compressing a portion of the stock also provides a rounded engagement area across the length of the strike bar. Compression occurs over a series of dies that provide a progressively rounder shape. Locator channels within the dies help retain the striker bar during compression.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Magna Closures Inc.Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Vladimir Beserminji
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Publication number: 20080093866Abstract: A single piece striker for a latch, comprising a mounting plate with an integral striker bar. The striker bar extends out from the mounting plate via a neck portion. The engagement area of the striker bar has a greater diameter than the thickness of the mounting plate. The striker is formed using a progressive die. The striker bar is formed by compressing a portion of the stock to a greater thickness than the rest of the striker. Compressing a portion of the stock also provides a rounded engagement area across the length of the striker bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2005Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Liviu Bolbocianu, Vladimir Beserminji