Patents by Inventor Onoyom Essien EKANEM
Onoyom Essien EKANEM 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: 11766993Abstract: A power door system for a vehicle including a plurality of power-operated doors is provided. The system includes a passive remote entry device configured to emit a signal to one or more cooperating vehicle receivers and a controller configured to cause the power door system to open the at least one power-operated door when the passive remote entry device signal is received and an individual is detected in a predefined activation zone for a predetermined period of time. The system further includes a vehicle-mounted user detection device. The passive remote entry device may be selected from the group consisting of a key fob, a smart key, a key card, a cellular telephone or smartphone configured with a phone-as-a-key function, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized cellular telephone, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartphone, and a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartwatch. Methods for controlling a power door system for a vehicle are described.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2021Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, David Toppenberg
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Patent number: 11619079Abstract: A vehicle handle assembly includes, among other things, an attachment bracket secured to a powered closure assembly of a vehicle, a handle core that is mounted to the attachment bracket, and a switch mounted to the handle core. The switch is configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to a user grasping the handle core. The powered closure assembly can move between a first position and a different, second position in response to a transition of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2019Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Constantin Manolescu, Marc Beeman, Rafic Jergess
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Publication number: 20220213722Abstract: This disclosure relates to a door assembly for a motor vehicle. An example door assembly includes a door free of moveable exterior door handles. Further, the door is mounted relative to an opening in a body of the motor vehicle such that the door is moveable between a fully closed position, a fully open position, and a partially open position between the fully closed and fully open positions. The assembly further includes a switch assembly including a mechanical switch configured to generate a signal when pressed, and a door presenter assembly configured to move the door from the fully closed position to the partially open position in response to the signal from the mechanical switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2021Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Rafic Jergess, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Onoyom Essien Ekanem
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Patent number: 11359430Abstract: An automatic door system for a vehicle may comprise a hinged door in connection with the vehicle configured to selectively enclose a continuous opening formed between a first and a second pillar of the vehicle, wherein the sliding door and the hinged door are configured to enclose the continuous opening without an intermediate support pillar. The system may also comprise the hinged door in a hinged position and controlled by a first power actuator. The system may also comprise the sliding door in connection with the vehicle configured to selectively enclose the continuous opening, wherein a second power actuator controls a sliding position of the sliding door. The system may further comprise proximity sensors and interference sensors to detect interfering obstructions, objects, and/or persons located within the interference zone.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Hassan Mehdi, Spurthi Varma Ganna, Rafic Jergess
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Publication number: 20220048466Abstract: A power door system for a vehicle including a plurality of power-operated doors is provided. The system includes a passive remote entry device configured to emit a signal to one or more cooperating vehicle receivers and a controller configured to cause the power door system to open the at least one power-operated door when the passive remote entry device signal is received and an individual is detected in a predefined activation zone for a predetermined period of time. The system further includes a vehicle-mounted user detection device. The passive remote entry device may be selected from the group consisting of a key fob, a smart key, a key card, a cellular telephone or smartphone configured with a phone-as-a-key function, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized cellular telephone, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartphone, and a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartwatch. Methods for controlling a power door system for a vehicle are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2021Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Howard Paul Tsvi LINDEN, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH, Onoyom Essien EKANEM, Laura Viviana HAZEBROUCK, David TOPPENBERG
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Patent number: 11192523Abstract: A power door system for a vehicle including a plurality of power-operated doors is provided. The system includes a passive remote entry device configured to emit a signal to one or more cooperating vehicle receivers and a controller configured to cause the power door system to open the at least one power-operated door when the passive remote entry device signal is received and an individual is detected in a predefined activation zone for a predetermined period of time. The system further includes a vehicle-mounted user detection device. The passive remote entry device may be selected from the group consisting of a key fob, a smart key, a key card, a cellular telephone or smartphone configured with a phone-as-a-key function, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized cellular telephone, a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartphone, and a Bluetooth®-activated and vehicle-recognized smartwatch. Methods for controlling a power door system for a vehicle are described.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, David Toppenberg
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Publication number: 20210214989Abstract: An automatic door system for a vehicle may comprise a hinged door in connection with the vehicle configured to selectively enclose a continuous opening formed between a first and a second pillar of the vehicle, wherein the sliding door and the hinged door are configured to enclose the continuous opening without an intermediate support pillar. The system may also comprise the hinged door in a hinged position and controlled by a first power actuator. The system may also comprise the sliding door in connection with the vehicle configured to selectively enclose the continuous opening, wherein a second power actuator controls a sliding position of the sliding door. The system may further comprise proximity sensors and interference sensors to detect interfering obstructions, objects, and/or persons located within the interference zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2020Publication date: July 15, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Hassan Mehdi, Spurthi Varma Ganna, Rafic Jergess
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Publication number: 20210172217Abstract: A vehicle handle assembly includes, among other things, an attachment bracket secured to a powered closure assembly of a vehicle, a handle core that is mounted to the attachment bracket, and a switch mounted to the handle core. The switch is configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to a user grasping the handle core. The powered closure assembly can move between a first position and a different, second position in response to a transition of the switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2019Publication date: June 10, 2021Inventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Constantin Manolescu, Marc Beeman, Rafic Jergess
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Patent number: 10934748Abstract: A vehicle door apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a door configured to be pivotably mounted to a body structure of a vehicle and a door locator mechanism. The door locator mechanism comprises a plunger and a retraction device. The plunger is configured to be actuated between extended and retracted positions. The retraction device is disposed on the plunger and configured to engage the body structure magnetically. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to withdraw the plunger to the retracted position while activating the retraction device electromagnetically connecting the plunger to the door.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2020Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Asaa Yehia Harajli, Jonathan Paul Weiler, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, David Darius Wooten, Onoyom Essien Ekanem
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Patent number: 10921900Abstract: A vehicle closure panel control assembly includes, among other things, a closure panel, an actuator system that can move the closure panel back and forth between an open position and a closed position, a positional sensor that senses a position of at least part of a user to detect a user gesture, and a control module that commands the actuator system to control movement of the closure panel. The commands from the control module to the actuator system are based at least partially on the user gesture.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Marc Beeman, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Kristopher Karl Brown
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Patent number: 10793107Abstract: A vehicle door activation device includes a housing, an activation button connected with the housing to define a first chamber and a second chamber, a back-up battery stored in the first chamber, and a semiconductor chip stored in the second chamber. The semiconductor chip, in response to a voltage supplied to a vehicle door being less than a threshold, causes the back-up battery to supply power to the vehicle door, and, in response to a tag being within a proximity from the semiconductor chip and an actuation of the activation button, causes the vehicle door to unlock.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, David Wooten
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Patent number: 10711503Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a closer operable to move a door to a closed position. A presenter is operable to move the door to an initial open position. An actuator is mounted within the door and includes a linear moving member movable between a retracted and extended position along a linear axis. The linear moving member operates the presenter when moved toward the extended position and the closer when moved toward the retracted position. The actuator may also be utilized to drive a door edge protector.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2017Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, David Darius Wooten, Cornel Gardner, Kosta Papanikolaou, Paul L. Heirtzler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20200217107Abstract: A vehicle door apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a door configured to be pivotably mounted to a body structure of a vehicle and a door locator mechanism. The door locator mechanism comprises a plunger and a retraction device. The plunger is configured to be actuated between extended and retracted positions. The retraction device is disposed on the plunger and configured to engage the body structure magnetically. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to withdraw the plunger to the retracted position while activating the retraction device electromagnetically connecting the plunger to the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2020Publication date: July 9, 2020Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Asaa Yehia Harajli, Jonathan Paul Weiler, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, David Darius Wooten, Onoyom Essien Ekanem
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Patent number: 10633893Abstract: A vehicle door apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a door configured to be pivotably mounted to a body structure of a vehicle and a door locator mechanism. The door locator mechanism comprises a plunger and a retraction device. The plunger is configured to be actuated between extended and retracted positions. The retraction device is disposed on the plunger and configured to engage the body structure magnetically. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to withdraw the plunger to the retracted position while activating the retraction device electromagnetically connecting the plunger to the door.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Asaa Yehia Harajli, Jonathan Paul Weiler, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, David Darius Wooten, Onoyom Essien Ekanem
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Publication number: 20200070775Abstract: A vehicle door activation device includes a housing, an activation button connected with the housing to define a first chamber and a second chamber, a back-up battery stored in the first chamber, and a semiconductor chip stored in the second chamber. The semiconductor chip, in response to a voltage supplied to a vehicle door being less than a threshold, causes the back-up battery to supply power to the vehicle door, and, in response to a tag being within a proximity from the semiconductor chip and an actuation of the activation button, causes the vehicle door to unlock.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2018Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, David Wooten
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Patent number: 10392849Abstract: An improved selective power assist device includes a controller for controlling a motor selectively coupled to the door and a clutch interposed between a drive shaft and a motor shaft, each having an angular velocity, whereby the motor is operatively coupled with and decoupled from the door. A brake assembly is disposed to synchronize the angular velocities of the drive shaft and the motor shaft allowing the clutch to operatively couple the motor with the door.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jinxiong Xiao, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Muhammad Omer Kahn, Christopher Matthew Radjewski
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Patent number: 10344519Abstract: A power door system for a vehicle includes a door connected to a vehicle body, a door actuator comprising a clutch and a braking system and adapted to displace the door between a plurality of open positions and a fully closed position, and a controller system configured to disengage the clutch on determination of a manual door open or close operation. The controller system is further configured to engage the braking system on a determination that the manual door close operation exceeds a threshold door closing speed. The controller system is further configured to cause the braking system to stop the manual door close operation exceeding the threshold door closing speed at a spaced distance from the vehicle body, to re-engage the clutch, and to actuate a power cinch function to displace the door to the fully closed position.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Jevon Xiao, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Muhammad Omer Khan
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Publication number: 20190203508Abstract: A vehicle door apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a door configured to be pivotably mounted to a body structure of a vehicle and a door locator mechanism. The door locator mechanism comprises a plunger and a retraction device. The plunger is configured to be actuated between extended and retracted positions. The retraction device is disposed on the plunger and configured to engage the body structure magnetically. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to withdraw the plunger to the retracted position while activating the retraction device electromagnetically connecting the plunger to the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2018Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Asaa Yehia Harajli, Jonathan Paul Weiler, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, David Darius Wooten, Onoyom Essien Ekanem
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Publication number: 20190143796Abstract: A vehicle door system includes a closer operable to move a door to a closed position. A presenter is operable to move the door to an initial open position. An actuator is mounted within the door and includes a linear moving member movable between a retracted and extended position along a linear axis. The linear moving member operates the presenter when moved toward the extended position and the closer when moved toward the retracted position. The actuator may also be utilized to drive a door edge protector.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Inventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, David Darius Wooten, Cornel Gardner, Kosta Papanikolaou, Paul L. Heirtzler, JR.
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Publication number: 20190032374Abstract: A handle for a door of a motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, at least one button configured to lock or unlock the door, a camera, and a printed circuit board including a processor electrically coupled to the at least one button and the camera. A method of use is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2017Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Onoyom Essien Ekanem, Jonathan Weiler, Asaa Harajli, Rajesh K. Patel