Patents by Inventor Norman A. Orr

Norman A. Orr 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: 10139490
    Abstract: A system and method detects an obstruction in the path of a vehicle access control member moving from an open position to a closed position. The method includes transmitting a detection signal along an edge of the member towards a reflective surface mounted on the member. The detection signal includes a sequence of pulses having different amplitudes with the amplitudes varying linearly moving from a first pulse to a final pulse of the sequence of pulses. The method further includes receiving a detection response signal corresponding to the detection signal following reflection of the detection signal by one of the reflective surface and the obstruction. The detection response signal includes another sequence of pulses and the method further includes generating an obstruction signal indicating whether the obstruction is in the path of the access control member responsive to differences in amplitude between adjacent pulses in the sequence of pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Doru N. Serban, Brian Norman Orr, Norman J. Weigert
  • Publication number: 20170269210
    Abstract: A system and method detects an obstruction in the path of a vehicle access control member moving from an open position to a closed position. The method includes transmitting a detection signal along an edge of the member towards a reflective surface mounted on the member. The detection signal includes a sequence of pulses having different amplitudes with the amplitudes varying linearly moving from a first pulse to a final pulse of the sequence of pulses. The method further includes receiving a detection response signal corresponding to the detection signal following reflection of the detection signal by one of the reflective surface and the obstruction. The detection response signal includes another sequence of pulses and the method further includes generating an obstruction signal indicating whether the obstruction is in the path of the access control member responsive to differences in amplitude between adjacent pulses in the sequence of pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Doru N. Serban, Brian Norman Orr, Norman J. Weigert
  • Patent number: 6571660
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly includes a support structure adapted to connect to a vehicle, with the support structure defining first and second slots arranged in a spaced-apart manner. A pedal assembly is disposed adjacent the support structure, where the pedal assembly includes a pedal. First and second pins extend from the pedal assembly through the first and second slots whereby the pedal assembly is supported for sliding movement on the support structure along the slots. A linear actuator is interconnected with the pedal assembly for sliding the pedal assembly to a desired position along the support structure. The invention may be adapted for use in connection with brake pedals, clutch pedals, and accelerator pedals. In the case of accelerator pedals, the invention can be adapted for use with conventional pedals as well as electronic throttle control pedals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Waldemar Wawrzyniec Gmurowski, Brian Norman Orr
  • Publication number: 20030084744
    Abstract: An adjustable toe pan assembly including an adjustable pedal assembly and a toe pan assembly. The adjustable pedal assembly includes a support structure that connects to a vehicle and a pedal assembly including a pedal disposed adjacent to the support structure and connected to the support structure. An actuator is connected with the pedal assembly to move the pedal to a desired position. The toe pan assembly is connected to an actuator which moves the toe pan assembly in relation to the pedal assembly such that a specified distance is maintained between the pedal and toe pan assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Chantal S. Parenteau, Brian norman Orr
  • Publication number: 20030084749
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly including a support structure that connects to a vehicle. The support structure includes first and second slots and a pivot point for allowing movement of the support structure with respect to a vehicle. A pedal assembly is disposed adjacent the support structure and is coupled with the support structure via first and second pins. A push rod assembly is coupled with the pedal assembly by a connection point. An actuator is interconnected with the pedal assembly and the push rod assembly such that the pedal assembly and the push rod assembly simultaneously move, such that a uniform mechanical advantage is maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Brian Norman Orr, Waldemar Wawpzyniec Gmurowski
  • Publication number: 20020148322
    Abstract: An adjustable pedal assembly includes a support structure adapted to connect to a vehicle, with the support structure defining first and second slots arranged in a spaced-apart manner. A pedal assembly is disposed adjacent the support structure, where the pedal assembly includes a pedal. First and second pins extend from the pedal assembly through the first and second slots whereby the pedal assembly is supported for sliding movement on the support structure along the slots. A linear actuator is interconnected with the pedal assembly for sliding the pedal assembly to a desired position along the support structure. The invention may be adapted for use in connection with brake pedals, clutch pedals, and accelerator pedals. In the case of accelerator pedals, the invention can be adapted for use with conventional pedals as well as electronic throttle control pedals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Waldemar Wawrzyniec Gmurowski, Brian Norman Orr
  • Patent number: 6405486
    Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle roof and connected to the liftgate for opening and closing the liftgate. Each drive unit includes a bracket that is secured to the vehicle body for supporting several parts including a reversible electric motor, a gear unit and a track. The electric motor drives a segmented drive linkage inside the track via a gear reduction unit and a sprocket. The segmented drive linkage includes an elongated arcuate link arm that slides in an arcuate track portion of the track and a power roller chain that is stored in a storage track portion when the liftgate is closed. The outboard end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the liftgate to open and close the liftgate as the link arm is extended and retracted by the power roller chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr., David Joseph Chapman, Brian Norman Orr, Joseph Michael Johnson
  • Patent number: 6301993
    Abstract: A cam-guided adjustable pedal actuator assembly for a vehicle includes a housing for connection to vehicle structure and a linear actuator operatively connected to the housing. The cam-guided adjustable pedal actuator assembly also includes a pedal operatively connected to the linear actuator for adjusting a position of the pedal relative to the housing. The pedal has a cam surface to cooperate with the housing as a force is applied to the pedal such that the housing and the pedal effectively act as one solid member to transfer force to an actuating member in a manner of a conventional pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Norman Orr, Waldemar Wawrzyniec Gmurowski
  • Patent number: 6179742
    Abstract: A transmission assembly for a powered sliding door system for an automotive vehicle. The transmission assembly includes a rotatable input member, a stationary hub, and a planetary gearset disposed within the hub and operatively cooperating with the input member. The transmission assembly also includes an electromagnetic brake disposed within the hub and operatively cooperating with the planetary gearset to lock and unlock a gear of the planetary gearset. The transmission assembly further includes a rotatable output member operatively cooperating with the planetary gearset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Brian Norman Orr, John Ion Moceanu, Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6100619
    Abstract: A drive apparatus, in particular for the automatic actuation of a sliding door of a motor vehicle, comprising a fast running motor, the motor shaft of which is connected to a transmission with a large step-down ratio, the transmission having a first gear wheel which can be secured against rotation, via a releasable blocking device, and a second rotatable gear wheel which is rotationally fixedly connected to an output drive shaft and which is rotatable relative to the first gear wheel by the rotation of the motor when the first gear wheel is blocked, with the number of teeth of the first gear wheel only differing by a few teeth from the number of teeth of the second gear wheel and with the large step-down ratio being determined by this difference of the tooth numbers. By releasing the blocking device, the step-down ratio of the transmission changes. In particular a step-down ratio of 1:1 results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Buscher, Lloyd Walker Rogers, Jr., Brian Norman Orr
  • Patent number: 6038818
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for a powered sliding door system for an automotive vehicle. The actuator assembly includes a housing having a cavity and a first cable reel and a second cable reel disposed in the cavity. The first cable reel is operatively connected to one end of a cable and the second cable reel is operatively connected to another end of the cable. The actuator assembly includes a transmission assembly being disposed in the cavity and operatively connected to either the first cable reel or the second cable reel. The actuator assembly includes a motor operatively connected to the transmission assembly for rotating the first cable reel and the second cable reel. The actuator assembly further includes a motor bracket operatively connected to the transmission assembly and enclosing the motor. The motor bracket is adjustable relative to the housing to form either a right-hand assembly, left-hand assembly or intermediate assembly for a right-hand and left-hand sliding door for a powered sliding door system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Helmut Haag, Brian Norman Orr, John Ion Moceanu
  • Patent number: 4879287
    Abstract: Pharmacuetical compositions for topical application to the skin are disclosed comprising the hydrated crystalline calcium salt of mupirocin and a corticosteriod intimately mixed therewith. The compositions are useful for the treatment of skin disorders in humans and domestic animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Beecham Group p.l.c.
    Inventors: Norman A. Orr, Michael J. Greenway
  • Patent number: 4790989
    Abstract: Certain formulations of pseudomonic acids and their salts have good antifungal activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Beecham Group p.l.c.
    Inventors: Pamela A. Hunter, Valerie Berry, Joshua Oduro-Yeboah, Norman A. Orr