Patents by Inventor Michael R. Powell

Michael R. Powell 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: 20230202401
    Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seatback, a seat base, and/or a retractable cover assembly connected to the seat base. The retractable cover assembly may include a retractable cover that is selectively connectable to the seatback. The retractable cover assembly may include a housing mounted to an underside of the seat base. The seat base may be configured to rotate relative to the seatback between a seating position and a storage position. The retractable cover may be selectively connectable to the seatback at least when the seat base is in the seating position. The retractable cover may be selectively connectable to a second seatback of a second seat at least when the seat base is in the storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2021
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Inventors: Mark Weaver, Sumanth Muthyala, Brandon Landry, Paul Severinski, Michael R. Powell
  • Patent number: 11541784
    Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seatback having a forward surface to support an upper body of an occupant and an upper console portion formed on a rear surface of the seatback. The seatback pivots at a seatback pivot axis to a use position where the seatback extends generally horizontal. A bottom cushion has an upward surface to support a lower body of the occupant. The cushion pivots at a cushion pivot axis to an access position to access a lower console formed along an interior surface of the seat bottom cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael R. Powell, Karl Henn, Paul S. Severinski, Wee Tzee Gam, Anthony James Mollica, Louella Ann Patterson
  • Patent number: 11524691
    Abstract: A system and method are described for controlling a vehicle interior environmental condition. A biometric sensor senses a biometric condition of a vehicle seat occupant and generates a sensed biometric condition value. A controller receives the sensed biometric condition value, a sensed interior environmental condition value, and a sensed exterior environmental condition value. Each of multiple exterior environmental condition values has an associated biometric condition value defined as optimal for the vehicle occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: LEAR Corporation
    Inventors: David Gallagher, Francesco Migneco, Marie-Eve Cote, Vyachislav Ivanov, Karl Henn, Michael R. Powell
  • Publication number: 20220314850
    Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seatback frame, a primary carrier, an airflow duct, and a plurality of airflow outlets. The primary carrier may be connected to the seatback frame. The airflow duct may be defined at least partially by the primary carrier. The plurality of airflow outlets may extend through the primary carrier to an external surface and may be in fluid communication with the airflow duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Publication date: October 6, 2022
    Inventors: Michael R. Powell, Jeanette Puig-Pey, Vyachislav Ivanov, Louella Patterson, Anthony Mollica, Brad Duncan, Wee Gam, Karl W. Henn, Paul Severinski, Mark Weaver
  • Patent number: 11453320
    Abstract: A seat assembly may include a seatback frame, a primary carrier, an airflow duct, and a plurality of airflow outlets. The primary carrier may be connected to the seatback frame. The airflow duct may be defined at least partially by the primary carrier. The plurality of airflow outlets may extend through the primary carrier to an external surface and may be in fluid communication with the airflow duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Michael R. Powell, Jeanette Puig-Pey, Vyachislav Ivanov, Louella Patterson, Anthony Mollica, Brad Duncan, Wee Gam, Karl W. Henn, Paul Severinski, Mark Weaver
  • Patent number: 11142106
    Abstract: A padding component for intelligent distribution of airflow in a vehicle seat, optimizing the sensation of airflow for the occupant. This includes a top layer, a bottom layer, and a fibrous layer interposed between the top layer and the bottom layer. The fibrous layer defines airflow channels having a first filament density and non-channel regions having a second filament density. Characteristically, the second filament density is greater than the first filament density such that air preferentially flow through the airflow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael R. Powell, Samuel Hanlon, Vyachislav Ivanov, Thomas Korycinski, Lisa Townley
  • Patent number: 10562426
    Abstract: A head restraint is provided for a seat for use with a motor vehicle. The head restraint includes a base configured to be attached to the seat, and a main portion configured to be positioned between the base and a head of a seat occupant when the base is attached to the seat and the seat is mounted in the vehicle. The head restraint further includes at least one movement mechanism associated with at least one of the base and the main portion and configured to move at least part of the main portion laterally or upwardly and downwardly relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Raymond E. Scott, Arjun Yetukuri, Jasmine Pizana, Michael R. Powell, James Brackenbury, Peter Festag
  • Patent number: 10124699
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly a seat bottom and a seatback pivotally attached to the seat bottom. The seatback comprises a seatback support shell comprising a shaped resinous sheet comprising a main seat portion, a left side bolster, and a right side bolster. The seatback support shell further comprising a left side hinge extending between and connecting the left side bolster and the main seat portion to allow relative movement between the left side bolster and the main seat portion and a right side hinge extending between and connecting the right side bolster and the main seat portion to allow relative movement between the right side bolster and the main seat portion. The vehicle seat assembly further comprising trim cover disposed over the seatback and the seat bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ashford Allen Galbreath, Asad S. Ali, Michael R. Powell
  • Patent number: 10112513
    Abstract: A vehicle seat with an inflatable bladder having a rear surface and a support surface opposite the rear surface is provided. The subassembly includes a seat climate control system having an air duct. An air duct tunnel is formed in the inflatable bladder and extends from the rear surface to the support surface. The air duct tunnel cooperates with the air duct to supply climate control air to a seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerald Patrick, Michael R. Powell
  • Publication number: 20170282754
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly and controller are provided. The assembly includes a front seat having a front seat bottom and a front seat back mounted adjacent to the front seat bottom. A sensor cooperates with at least one of the front seat bottom and the front seat back. An actuator is disposed on at least one of the seat bottom and seat back. A rear seat assembly is behind the front seat assembly. The vehicle seat controller is in communication with the sensor and the actuator. The controller receives an input indicative of a request to move a rear seat assembly to a storage position. The controller conveys a signal to an actuator to move a front seat assembly to an accommodation position in response to the input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Winsen C. ZOUZAL, Gerald PATRICK, Michael R. Powell, Samuel Hanlon
  • Publication number: 20140238634
    Abstract: High-temperature thermal energy storage and retrieval systems, devices, and processes are described that reversibly store high-temperature heat in metal hydride beds composed of titanium-containing metals or transition metal alloy that reversibly form metal hydrides at high temperatures above about 600° C. and at low temperatures at or below 100° C. The present invention provides exergetic efficiency up to 96% or better.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Ewa Carin Ellinor Ronnebro, Greg A. Whyatt, Michael R. Powell
  • Patent number: 8666235
    Abstract: The efficiency and effectiveness of apparatuses for vaporizing and combusting liquid fuel can be improved using thermal conductors. For example, an apparatus having a liquid fuel vaporizer and a combustion chamber can be characterized by a thermal conductor that conducts heat from the combustion chamber to the vaporizer. The thermal conductor can be a movable member positioned at an insertion depth within the combustion chamber that corresponds to a rate of heat conduction from the combustion chamber to the vaporizer. The rate of heat conduction can, therefore, be adjusted by positioning the movable member at a different insertion depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Michael R. Powell, Greg A. Whyatt, Daniel T. Howe, Matthew S. Fountain
  • Patent number: 8497338
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing an organosilicon product having a stabilized low color and no formation of black particles during storage includes (a) reacting an unsaturated compound with a silicon compound having a reactive Si—H bond under hydrosilylation conditions in a reaction zone in the presence of a heterogeneous precious metal catalyst to provide an organosilicon product having a color of less than 40 pt/co; (b) separating the heterogeneous precious metal catalyst from the organosilicon product; and (c) recovering the heterogeneous precious metal catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
    Inventors: He Bai, Kevin L. Bobbitt, Michael R. Powell
  • Publication number: 20130109772
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing an organosilicon product having a stabilized low color and no formation of black particles during storage includes (a) reacting an unsaturated compound with a silicon compound having a reactive Si—H bond under hydrosilylation conditions in a reaction zone in the presence of a heterogeneous precious metal catalyst to provide an organosilicon product having a color of less than 40 pt/co; (b) separating the heterogeneous precious metal catalyst from the organosilicon product; and (c) recovering the heterogeneous precious metal catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: Momentive Performance Materials Inc.
    Inventors: He Bai, Kevin L. Bobbitt, Michael R. Powell
  • Patent number: 8394544
    Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Chick, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Michael R. Powell, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Greg A. Whyatt
  • Patent number: 7954519
    Abstract: Safe storage of volatile compounds or elements is provided by utilizing storage configurations that take advantage of the diffusibility and release characteristics of cell-based materials, such as foam materials. Such configurations may provide storage of hazardous, liquefied gases in closed-cell foam material. Release of gas/liquid from the foam is restricted by the need for the gas to diffuse through the closed cells. Because rapid release is prevented, storage safety is greatly improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Powell, Matthew Fountain, Anand Chellappa
  • Publication number: 20110059409
    Abstract: The efficiency and effectiveness of apparatuses for vaporizing and combusting liquid fuel can be improved using thermal conductors. For example, an apparatus having a liquid fuel vaporizer and a combustion chamber can be characterized by a thermal conductor that conducts heat from the combustion chamber to the vaporizer. The thermal conductor can be a movable member positioned at an insertion depth within the combustion chamber that corresponds to a rate of heat conduction from the combustion chamber to the vaporizer. The rate of heat conduction can, therefore, be adjusted by positioning the movable member at a different insertion depth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Michael R. Powell, Greg A. Whyatt, Daniel T. Howe, Matthew S. Fountain
  • Patent number: 7899309
    Abstract: Apparatus for vaporizing liquid in a vaporization pathway having an actively controlled temperature are disclosed according to some aspects. The apparatus can comprise a first body having a cross sectional shape and dimensions substantially equal to the cross sectional shape and dimensions of a cavity in a second body, which allows the first body to be non-permanently inserted into the second body. The outer surface of the first body, the inner surface forming the cavity in the second body, or both can be modified to create a vaporization pathway between the first and second bodies when the surfaces mate and/or align. The liquid vaporizer can further comprise a vaporization pathway inlet for fluid comprising liquid, a vaporization pathway outlet for fluid comprising primarily vapor, and a heater in thermal communication with the first body, the second body, or both. The heater provides active control of the temperature of the vaporization pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Greg A. Whyatt, Michael R. Powell
  • Publication number: 20090280369
    Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Chick, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Michael R. Powell, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Greg A. Whyatt
  • Publication number: 20080193112
    Abstract: Apparatus for vaporizing liquid in a vaporization pathway having an actively controlled temperature are disclosed according to some aspects. The apparatus can comprise a first body having a cross sectional shape and dimensions substantially equal to the cross sectional shape and dimensions of a cavity in a second body, which allows the first body to be non-permanently inserted into the second body. The outer surface of the first body, the inner surface forming the cavity in the second body, or both can be modified to create a vaporization pathway between the first and second bodies when the surfaces mate and/or align. The liquid vaporizer can further comprise a vaporization pathway inlet for fluid comprising liquid, a vaporization pathway outlet for fluid comprising primarily vapor, and a heater in thermal communication with the first body, the second body, or both. The heater provides active control of the temperature of the vaporization pathway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventors: Greg A. Whyatt, Michael R. Powell