Patents by Inventor Lorenzo Menaldo

Lorenzo Menaldo 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: 11747503
    Abstract: A system (1) and a method provide for detecting the presence or the absence of a hand on a steering wheel (9) that is provided with one or more conductive wires (2, 2a, 2b, 3), and the system (1) includes a detection device (5) with an input circuit (6) providing an input signal (11) to at least one conductive wire (2, 2a). The input signal (11) is an RF frequency electrical signal and an output circuit (7) is configured for sensing the impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2) or for sensing the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and at least one second conductive wire (2b) in response to the input signal. The detection device (5) is configured for detecting a change in impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2, 2b) or for detecting a change the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and the at least one second conductive wire (2b), to indicate the presence or the absence of a hand on said steering wheel (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Lorenzo Menaldo, Luigino Gugole, Valerio Poli
  • Publication number: 20200363552
    Abstract: A system (1) and a method provide for detecting the presence or the absence of a hand on a steering wheel (9) that is provided with one or more conductive wires (2, 2a, 2b, 3), and the system (1) includes a detection device (5) with an input circuit (6) for providing an input signal (11) to at least one conductive wire (2, 2a). The input signal (11) is an RF frequency electrical signal and an output circuit (7) is configured for sensing the impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2) or for sensing the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and at least one second conductive wire (2b) in response to the input signal. The detection device (5) is configured for detecting a change in impedance of the at least one conductive wire (2, 2b) or for detecting a change the inductive coupling between the at least one conductive wire (2a) and the at least one second conductive wire (2b), to indicate the presence or the absence of a hand on said steering wheel (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Lorenzo MENALDO, Luigino GUGOLE, Valerio POLI
  • Patent number: 7908941
    Abstract: A steering wheel has a ring portion, spoke portions and a hub portion. The steering wheel is provided with a thermoelectric reversible heat pump to heat or cool a fluid. A closed hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump and at least one duct extending along the ring portion of the steering wheel. The fluid is heated or cooled by the thermoelectric heat pump and is circulated by the hydraulic pump within the ring portion of the steering wheel to heat or cool the ring portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Menaldo, Giuseppe Testa, Alberto Muscio, Stefano Soragni
  • Publication number: 20070028715
    Abstract: A steering wheel or other component for motor vehicle interiors, is produced by pressure thermoforming an external layer of decorative material, together with an internal structural layer of support material that includes a matrix of thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers for the thermoplastic matrix. The matrix may be of polymer that impregnates the fabric or made of fabrics that are interwoven or mixed with the reinforcing fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Lorenzo Menaldo, Giuseppe Testa
  • Patent number: 7143663
    Abstract: A steering wheel or other component for motor vehicle interiors, is produced by pressure thermoforming an external layer of decorative material, together with an internal structural layer of support material that includes a matrix of thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers for the thermoplastic matrix. The matrix may be of polymer that impregnates the fabric or made of fabrics that are interwoven or mixed with the reinforcing fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorenzo Menaldo, Giuseppe Testa
  • Publication number: 20050276874
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a decorative components for vehicle interiors, comprises the steps of pre-forming a sheet of formable veneer material under pressure and heath, positioning the pre-formed sheet in a mold half of an injection mold comprising a cavity; holding the sheet in position on the mold half, closing said mold and injecting into the cavity one or more thermoplastic materials on the back of the veneer sheet to provide a support layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Publication date: December 15, 2005
    Inventors: Lorenzo Menaldo, Giuseppe Testa, Adolfo Ridolfi, Roberto Salvoro
  • Publication number: 20040261567
    Abstract: A steering wheel has a ring portion, spoke portions and a hub portion. The steering wheel is provided with a thermoelectric reversible heat pump to heat or cool a fluid. A closed hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump and at least one duct extending along the ring portion of the steering wheel. The fluid is heated or cooled by the thermoelectric heat pump and is circulated by the hydraulic pump within the ring portion of the steering wheel to heat or cool the ring portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Lorenzo Menaldo, Giuseppe Testa, Alberto Muscio, Stefano Soragni
  • Publication number: 20040149074
    Abstract: A steering wheel or other component for motor vehicle interiors, is produced by pressure thermoforming an external layer of decorative material, together with an internal structural layer of support material that includes a matrix of thermoplastic material and a plurality of reinforcing fibers for the thermoplastic matrix. The matrix may be of polymer that impregnates the fabric or made of fabrics that are interwoven or mixed with the reinforcing fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Lorenzo Menaldo, Giuseppe Testa