Patents by Inventor Michael G. Fuhrman

Michael G. Fuhrman 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: 10976156
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. D'Agostino, Michael G. Fuhrman
  • Publication number: 20200309517
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Applicant: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. D'AGOSTINO, Michael G. FUHRMAN
  • Patent number: 10684125
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert J. D'Agostino, Michael G. Fuhrman
  • Publication number: 20190293415
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Robert J. D'Agostino, Michael G. Fuhrman
  • Patent number: 10365095
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert J. D'Agostino, Michael G. Fuhrman
  • Publication number: 20180238682
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. D'Agostino, Michael G. Fuhrman
  • Patent number: 9982998
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SNAP-ON INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert J. D'Agostino, Michael G. Fuhrman
  • Publication number: 20160195388
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Inventors: Robert J. D'AGOSTINO, Michael G. FUHRMAN
  • Patent number: 6993170
    Abstract: We disclose quantitative geometrical analysis enabling the measurement of several features of images of tissues including perimeter, area, and other metrics. Automation of feature extraction creates a high throughput capability that enables analysis of serial sections for more accurate measurement of tissue dimensions. Measurement results are input into a relational database where they can be statistically analyzed and compared across studies. As part of the integrated process, results are also imprinted on the images themselves to facilitate auditing of the results. The analysis is fast, repeatable and accurate while allowing the pathologist to control the measurement process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Icoria, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. Johnson, Mary Del Brady, Michael G. Fuhrman, Othman A. Abdul-Karim, Sujal Shah
  • Publication number: 20020086347
    Abstract: We disclose quantitative geometrical analysis enabling the measurement of several features of images of tissues including perimeter, area, and other metrics. Automation of feature extraction creates a high throughput capability that enables analysis of serial sections for more accurate measurement of tissue dimensions. Measurement results are input into a relational database where they can be statistically analyzed and compared across studies. As part of the integrated process, results are also imprinted on the images themselves to facilitate auditing of the results. The analysis is fast, repeatable and accurate while allowing the pathologist to control the measurement process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Peter C. Johnson, Mary Del Brady, Michael G. Fuhrman, Othman A. Abdul-Karim, Sujal Shah