Patents by Inventor Michael Catlin

Michael Catlin 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).

  • Publication number: 20150353005
    Abstract: An overhead console for a vehicle having a lighting assembly. The lighting assembly may include multiple light sources configured to emit light toward a show surface of the overhead console. Each light source may include a light-emitting diode. The overhead console may also include a capacitive sensing input device, a sunroof control device, a haptic feedback device, a directional lighting device, and so forth. The overhead console has a thickness of less than or equal to approximately 15 millimeters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Hodgson, Ame Dassen, Jonathan M. Frens, Scott R. Meyers, Michael Catlin, Nicholas T. Moelker, Kyle Beeck
  • Publication number: 20150298609
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicle interior component. The illuminated vehicle interior component includes a light-transmissive substrate layer configured to be disposed over a printed circuit layer. The illuminated vehicle interior component also includes a decorative layer formed directly onto the light-transmissive substrate layer. The light-transmissive substrate layer is configured to receive light from a light-emitting device coupled to the printed circuit layer. The light-transmissive substrate layer is also configured to illuminate at least a portion of the illuminated vehicle interior component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Frens, Michael Catlin
  • Publication number: 20150258939
    Abstract: An interior trim component includes a substrate having a first rib positioned adjacent to an axial end of the interior trim component. The interior trim component also includes multiple second ribs each oriented substantially parallel to the first rib. The first rib and each second rib are configured to engage a track to facilitate movement of the interior trim component along the track. The interior trim component further includes a cushion coupled to the second ribs and to the substrate. The cushion extends along a first surface of the substrate, wraps around the first rib, and engages a second surface of the substrate, opposite the first surface, to form the axial end of the interior trim component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Jason M. HIPSHIER, Ronald A. BOZIO, Kenneth D. SHERBURN, Michael CATLIN
  • Patent number: 8733990
    Abstract: An interior vehicle component comprises a base and a panel coupled to the base. The panel is moveable between a first position and a second position. The panel has a first side and an opposite second side. The first side is configured to be visible to a vehicle occupant when the panel is in the first position. The second side cooperates with the base to define a cavity. The panel has an aperture extending through the first side and the second side. The panel also comprises at least one of a solid state switch and a light source supported at the first side of the panel, and a flexible circuit coupled to a backside of the at least one of the solid state switch and the light source through the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Nels R. Smith, Michael Catlin, Stephen J. Gwinnup, Rodney J. Tindall
  • Publication number: 20120230047
    Abstract: An interior vehicle component comprises a base and a panel coupled to the base. The panel is moveable between a first position and a second position. The panel has a first side and an opposite second side. The first side is configured to be visible to a vehicle occupant when the panel is in the first position. The second side cooperates with the base to define a cavity. The panel has an aperture extending through the first side and the second side. The panel also comprises at least one of a solid state switch and a light source supported at the first side of the panel, and a flexible circuit coupled to a backside of the at least one of the solid state switch and the light source through the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Nels R. Smith, Michael Catlin, Stephen J. Gwinnup, Rodney J. Tindall
  • Publication number: 20110199182
    Abstract: A storage compartment is provided that includes a sensor configured to generate a signal based on presence of an activating object. The storage compartment also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to detect an object adjacent to the storage compartment based on the signal. The storage compartment further includes an actuator communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to release a securing feature of the storage compartment when the controller detects the object adjacent to the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael Catlin
  • Publication number: 20080079279
    Abstract: This disclosed console is for mounting within a vehicle. The console includes a base configured to be coupled to the vehicle and a storage enclosure coupled to the base. The storage enclosure is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the base such that a first occupant is provided access to the storage enclosure. The storage enclosure is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The deployed position is configured to provide access to a second occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: David SPYKERMAN, Jeffrey Barber, Michael Catlin, Gregory Brncick, Kevin Kim