Patents by Inventor Michael O. Kirkhart

Michael O. Kirkhart 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).

  • Vehicle navigation system with improved powerup performance
    Patent number: 6282495
    Abstract: A navigation system includes a driver presence sensor and engine running detection circuitry. When the detection circuitry determines that the engine of the vehicle is not running, the navigation system enters a low power mode. When the presence of the driver is detected, the navigation system begins power up, switching from a low power to a full power operational mode. If the detection circuitry does not determine that the engine is running within a predetermined time period, the navigation system reenters the low power mode. The detection circuitry monitors the vehicle's electrical system and determines that the engine is running when an AC content exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Magellan DIS, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O. Kirkhart, Larry E. Spencer, II
  • Vehicle navigation system with improved powerup performance
    Patent number: 6059843
    Abstract: A navigation system includes a driver presence sensor and engine running detection circuitry. When the detection circuitry determines that the engine of the vehicle is not running, the navigation system enters a low power mode. When the presence of the driver is detected, the navigation system begins power up, switching from a low power to a full power operational mode. If the detection circuitry does not determine that the engine is running within a predetermined time period, the navigation system reenters the low power mode. The detection circuitry monitors the vehicle's electrical system and determines that the engine is running when an AC content exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Magellan DIS, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael O. Kirkhart
  • Vehicle navigation system with improved powerup performance
    Patent number: 6055479
    Abstract: A navigation system includes a driver presence sensor and engine running detection circuitry. When the detection circuitry determines that the engine of the vehicle is not running, the navigation system enters a low power mode. When the presence of the driver is detected, the navigation system begins power up, switching from a low power to a full power operational mode. If the detection circuitry does not determine that the engine is running within a predetermined time period, the navigation system reenters the low power mode. The detection circuitry monitors the vehicle's electrical system and determines that the engine is running when an AC content exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Magellan DIS, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O. Kirkhart, Larry E. Spencer, II
  • Vehicle navigation system with improved powerup performance
    Patent number: 6052646
    Abstract: A navigation system includes a driver presence sensor and engine running detection circuitry. When the detection circuitry determines that the engine of the vehicle is not running, the navigation system enters a low power mode. When the presence of the driver is detected, the navigation system begins power up, switching from a low power to a full power operational mode. If the detection circuitry does not determine that the engine is running within a predetermined time period, the navigation system reenters the low power mode. The detection circuitry monitors the vehicle's electrical system and determines that the engine is running when an AC content exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Magellan DIS, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O. Kirkhart, Larry E. Spencer, II