Patents by Inventor Michael Hrecznyj
Michael Hrecznyj 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: 11964064Abstract: A vehicle apparatus charges and sanitizes a mobile device. The mobile device has an inductive power receiver coil for wireless charging. A storage bin in the vehicle (such as a center console or a glove compartment) has a movable lid. A tray of the charging/sanitizing apparatus is adapted to receive a side surface of the mobile device so that a majority of the side surface is suspended from the tray by a gap. A first wireless power link is configured to inductively charge the mobile device from the tray to the power receiver coil. A plurality of ultraviolet emitters are disposed at a plurality of locations inside the storage bin to illuminate an exterior of the mobile device when the movable lid is closed. At least some of the ultraviolet emitters are also inductively powered.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael Hrecznyj, John Van Wiemeersch, Vivekanandh Elangovan
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Patent number: 11865234Abstract: A treatment apparatus for a vehicle comprises: a housing with at least one wall and a floor forming a treatment chamber; a source of ultraviolet light configured to emit ultraviolet light into the treatment chamber; and a door connected to the housing, the door having (i) an open position providing access to the treatment chamber and (ii) a closed position denying access to the treatment chamber and, together with the housing, preventing emitted ultraviolet light from irradiating beyond the treatment chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2020Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jay Z. Chen, Anthony Ligi, Jr., John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Michael Hrecznyj, Clay Wesley Maranville, Amy Ellen Langhorst, Rick H. Wykoff
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Patent number: 11793902Abstract: Sanitizing devices and control strategies based on wavelength are provided herein. An example device includes an enclosure for receiving an object, a first cleaning element that emits radiation at a first wavelength adapted to sanitize or sterilize contaminants on the object, a contaminant exposing element that emits radiation at a second wavelength that illuminates the contaminants on the object, a notification element that emits visible light within the enclosure, the visible light having a selected hue, and a controller for executing a cleaning cycle that includes illuminating contaminants present on the object using the contaminant exposing element prior to sanitizing or sterilizing the contaminants present on the object using the first cleaning element.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Michael Hrecznyj, Paul Kenneth Dellock
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Patent number: 11624214Abstract: A system for passive locking and unlocking a vehicle is described that includes a memory for storing executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to unlock the vehicle using a time of flight to transmit the trigger request between the vehicle and the first key fob. The processor receives, from a first key fob, a trigger request to unlock the vehicle, and determines, based key fob identifiers that identify the first key fob and a second key fob that is also near the vehicle, that the first and second key fobs are associated with a vehicle. The processor selects the first key fob based on a key fob characteristic. The processor evaluates the time of flight using the first key fob, and unlocks the vehicle based on the time of flight satisfying a threshold for signal transmission flight time.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2020Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Vivekanandh Elangovan, Michael Hrecznyj, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ryan Edwin Hanson
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Patent number: 11530673Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel M. King, Michael Hrecznyj, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Timothy Thivierge, Jr., Zeljko Deljevic, Jason Myslinski
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Publication number: 20220305154Abstract: A vehicle apparatus charges and sanitizes a mobile device. The mobile device has an inductive power receiver coil for wireless charging. A storage bin in the vehicle (such as a center console or a glove compartment) has a movable lid. A tray of the charging/sanitizing apparatus is adapted to receive a side surface of the mobile device so that a majority of the side surface is suspended from the tray by a gap. A first wireless power link is configured to inductively charge the mobile device from the tray to the power receiver coil. A plurality of ultraviolet emitters are disposed at a plurality of locations inside the storage bin to illuminate an exterior of the mobile device when the movable lid is closed. At least some of the ultraviolet emitters are also inductively powered.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2021Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: Michael Hrecznyj, John Van Wiemeersch, Vivekanandh Elangovan
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Patent number: 11425493Abstract: A remote-assist system programmed for vehicle parking assist or other remote vehicle operation features includes a selective ultrasonic beamforming Amplitude Modulated (AM) system configured and/or programmed to transmit audible alerts to a primary user via ultrasonic beamforming AM. The system localizes a mobile device that is being used by the primary user to initiate the system. The system localizes the primary user, and others in the vicinity, and determines others that may be associated with the vehicle and primary user. The system defines and reshapes a target zone to include only those associated with the primary user and the vehicle. The system electronically or mechanically steers a transducer array to steer an ultrasonic beam with an AM audio alert to the target zone, where the message is audible only to those within the target zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ali Hassani, Erick Michael Lavoie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Michael Hrecznyj
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Publication number: 20220201389Abstract: A remote-assist system programmed for vehicle parking assist or other remote vehicle operation features includes a selective ultrasonic beamforming Amplitude Modulated (AM) system configured and/or programmed to transmit audible alerts to a primary user via ultrasonic beamforming AM. The system localizes a mobile device that is being used by the primary user to initiate the system. The system localizes the primary user, and others in the vicinity, and determines others that may be associated with the vehicle and primary user. The system defines and reshapes a target zone to include only those associated with the primary user and the vehicle. The system electronically or mechanically steers a transducer array to steer an ultrasonic beam with an AM audio alert to the target zone, where the message is audible only to those within the target zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ali Hassani, Erick Michael Lavoie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Michael Hrecznyj
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Publication number: 20210308317Abstract: A treatment apparatus for a vehicle comprises: a housing with at least one wall and a floor forming a treatment chamber; a source of ultraviolet light configured to emit ultraviolet light into the treatment chamber; and a door connected to the housing, the door having (i) an open position providing access to the treatment chamber and (ii) a closed position denying access to the treatment chamber and, together with the housing, preventing emitted ultraviolet light from irradiating beyond the treatment chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2020Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jay Z. Chen, Anthony Ligi, JR., John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Michael Hrecznyj, Clay Wesley Maranville, Amy Ellen Langhorst, Rick H. Wykoff
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Publication number: 20210290809Abstract: Sanitizing devices and control strategies based on wavelength are provided herein. An example device includes an enclosure for receiving an object, a first cleaning element that emits radiation at a first wavelength adapted to sanitize or sterilize contaminants on the object, a contaminant exposing element that emits radiation at a second wavelength that illuminates the contaminants on the object, a notification element that emits visible light within the enclosure, the visible light having a selected hue, and a controller for executing a cleaning cycle that includes illuminating contaminants present on the object using the contaminant exposing element prior to sanitizing or sterilizing the contaminants present on the object using the first cleaning element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2020Publication date: September 23, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Michael Hrecznyj, Paul Kenneth Dellock
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Publication number: 20210246693Abstract: A system for passive locking and unlocking a vehicle is described that includes a memory for storing executable instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to unlock the vehicle using a time of flight to transmit the trigger request between the vehicle and the first key fob. The processor receives, from a first key fob, a trigger request to unlock the vehicle, and determines, based key fob identifiers that identify the first key fob and a second key fob that is also near the vehicle, that the first and second key fobs are associated with a vehicle. The processor selects the first key fob based on a key fob characteristic. The processor evaluates the time of flight using the first key fob, and unlocks the vehicle based on the time of flight satisfying a threshold for signal transmission flight time.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2020Publication date: August 12, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Vivekanandh Elangovan, Michael Hrecznyj, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ryan Edwin Hanson
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Publication number: 20210123407Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2021Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Daniel M. KING, Michael HRECZNYJ, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH, Timothy THIVIERGE, JR., Zeljko DELJEVIC, Jason MYSLINSKI
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Patent number: 10895235Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel M. King, Michael Hrecznyj, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Timothy Thivierge, Jr., Zeljko Deljevic, Jason Myslinski
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Publication number: 20190163203Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a tether activation instruction, including a range. The processor is also configured to wirelessly communicate with a mobile wireless module, responsive to the activation instruction. The processor is further configured to track the mobile wireless module as the module travels and issue an alert when the tracking reveals that the mobile wireless module has reached an outer edge of the range, measured from a processor-location.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2017Publication date: May 30, 2019Inventors: Hamid M. GOLGIRI, Michael HRECZNYJ, Vivekanandh ELANGOVAN, Albert BOEHNLEIN, Erick LAVOIE, John VAN WIEMEERSCH, Thomas HERMANN
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Patent number: 10301855Abstract: A vehicle door includes a powered latch configured to selectively retain the door in a closed position when the powered latch is latched, and permits the door to be opened when the powered latch is unlatched. The vehicle door further includes an exterior door handle having an outer side that faces away from the door structure, and an inner side that is spaced apart from an outer surface of the door to define a gap. A force sensor on the exterior door handle detects impact forces on the handle. The door also includes an unlatch switch that can be actuated by a user to request unlatching of the powered latch. A controller is configured to deny an unlatch request generated by actuation of the unlatch switch if the force sensor detects an impact on the exterior handle.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Kosta Papanikolaou, Robert Bruce Kleve, Michael Hrecznyj
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Publication number: 20190120195Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2017Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Daniel M. KING, Michael HRECZNYJ, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH, Timothy THIVIERGE, JR., Zeljko DELJEVIC, Jason MYSLINSKI
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Publication number: 20190088036Abstract: A vehicle rental administrative system comprising a computer system configured to manage vehicle rental transactions between vehicle owners and potential Temporary Users. The system allows an owner to develop a customer profile with information related to a rentable vehicle. The customer profile may include, but not limited to, the model year of the vehicle, engine specifications, and the rental rate. The potential Temporary User may request a certain vehicle to rent, and the system may provide a list of one or more vehicles matching the request. Once the Temporary User selects a vehicle, the system may notify customer that his vehicle has been selected. The customer may either approve or deny permission to rent vehicle. If the customer approves, a rental agreement is signed and the system sends a code to both vehicle and Temporary User's mobile device for a predetermined rental period to allow keyless drive-away of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH, Robert Bruce KLEVE, Michael HRECZNYJ, Thomas Joseph HERMANN
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Patent number: 10106080Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing discrete autonomous notifications to a passenger of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes a plurality of seats, a plurality of audio transducers, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a passenger seat corresponding to a passenger having a predetermined destination, determine a notification based on the predetermined destination, and transmit, via one or more of the plurality of audio transducers, a notification to the passenger based on a determined passenger head position.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ali Hassani, Michael Hrecznyj, Erick Michael Lavoie, Alyssa Chatten, Thomas Joseph Hermann, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
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Patent number: 10061013Abstract: A first computer is configured to receive, from at least one second computer in a first vehicle, data relating to a gunshot. The computer is configured to then determine a location of the gunshot from the data, and to transmit a message, including the gunshot location, to at least one third computer in a second vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Robert Bruce Kleve, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Patrick Kevin Holub, Michael Hrecznyj
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Publication number: 20180051498Abstract: A vehicle door includes a powered latch configured to selectively retain the door in a closed position when the powered latch is latched, and permits the door to be opened when the powered latch is unlatched. The vehicle door further includes an exterior door handle having an outer side that faces away from the door structure, and an inner side that is spaced apart from an outer surface of the door to define a gap. A force sensor on the exterior door handle detects impact forces on the handle. The door also includes an unlatch switch that can be actuated by a user to request unlatching of the powered latch. A controller is configured to deny an unlatch request generated by actuation of the unlatch switch if the force sensor detects an impact on the exterior handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Kosta Papanikolaou, Robert Bruce Kleve, Michael Hrecznyj