Patents by Inventor Patrick J. Ellison

Patrick J. Ellison 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: 20240131929
    Abstract: For a vehicle interior compartment defined by a vehicle floor, opposing sidewalls, a forward end and a rearward end, and a vehicle ceiling covering at least part of the compartment, an end zone overhead display structure includes bulkhead forming attachment elements coupled to a roof strut spanning from sidewall to sidewall of the vehicle roof. The display structure includes an open box-like upper bracket and an open box-like lower bracket coupled together with the roof strut interposed to provide an assembly that reduces unwanted motion, rotation or vibration of the display assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Kohei INOUE, Patrick J. ELLISON, Taiga MARUKAWA, Kosaku TOMOZAWA, Akira FUTATSUHASHI, Takashi NAKANO, Jagpaul S. PANDHER, Tsuyoshi HIGUCHI
  • Patent number: 11885445
    Abstract: A duct system for an air intake system for a vehicle, the duct system including a first duct having a first duct wall that defines a first duct opening and forms a conduit configured for conveying fluid through the first duct opening in an axial direction of the first duct opening, and a rim fixed with the first duct wall and extending from the first duct in the axial direction of the first duct opening, and disposed around the first duct opening, with a first rim portion and a second rim portion disposed along opposite sides of the first duct opening in a lateral direction of the first duct opening perpendicular to the axial direction of the first duct opening. The duct system also includes a second duct including a second duct wall that defines a second duct opening in fluid communication with the first duct opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Stephen James Marshall, Steve Faria, Taiga Marukawa, Patrick J. Ellison, Takashi Nakano, Akira Futatsuhashi, Keiichiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 11888217
    Abstract: An arrangement of antennas on a roof of a vehicle is described to minimize radio wave interference. The roof includes an outer panel, a first structural component extending in a lateral direction across the roof, and a second structural component extending in the lateral direction across the roof. The first structural component is closer to a rear edge of the roof than the second structural component. The roof also includes an antenna configuration attached to the roof. The antenna configuration includes a first set of antennas mounted to the first structural component and a second set of antennas mounted to the second structural component. The first set of antennas are spaced apart from the rear edge of the roof by a first distance. The second set of antennas are spaced apart from the edge of the roof by a second distance. The second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohei Inoue, Patrick J. Ellison, Taiga Marukawa, Kosaku Tomozawa, Takashi Nakano, Akira Futatsuhashi, Jagpaul S. Pandher, Tsuyoshi Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20230415833
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle and related method include, at each corner of the vehicle, a module including a cast frame configured to mount on a corner component of the autonomous vehicle, and an applique connected directly to the cast frame, wherein the applique covers at least part of the cast frame and defines a portion of an outside surface of the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Taiga MARUKAWA, Gilberto LARRACHE-IRIZARRY, Douglas M. DAFLER, Patrick J. ELLISON, Kosaku TOMOZAWA, Keiichiro TSUJI, Takashi NAKANO, Anthony John LEANZA
  • Publication number: 20230415667
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle and related method include, at each corner of the vehicle, a sensor module including a cast frame configured to mount on a corner component of the vehicle, and a plurality of sensors mounted on the cast frame. The plurality of sensors are configured to sense an environment around the autonomous vehicle and to communicate data about the environment to a navigation system of the autonomous vehicle for navigating the autonomous vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2022
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Taiga MARUKAWA, Gilberto LARRACHE-IRIZARRY, Douglas M. DAFLER, Patrick J. ELLISON, Kosaku TOMOZAWA, Keiichiro TSUJI, Takashi NAKANO, Anthony John LEANZA
  • Publication number: 20230406225
    Abstract: An overhead display system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a central strut channel extending across the vehicle ceiling, and front and rear arches also extending across the vehicle ceiling in spaced relation to the central strut channel and in generally parallel relationship thereto. A central bracket has an upward channel attached to the central strut channel and angled surfaces and horizontal surfaces emanating forward and rearward from the central channel. The horizontal surfaces attach to the front strut or the rear strut respectively to provide anchoring stability to the central bracket. Matingly received in the central upward channel is a central fixture which is attached to a display housing at both the front and rear sections. The resulting upside down T-shaped structure provides stability and vibration management to the overhead display mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Kohei INOUE, Patrick J. ELLISON, Taiga MARUKAWA, Kosaku TOMOZAWA, Takashi NAKANO, Akira FUTATSUHASHI, Jagpaul S. PANDHER, Tsuyoshi HIGUCHI
  • Patent number: 11807193
    Abstract: A module support system for a vehicle including exterior paneling defining an interior and exterior of the vehicle, and a frame disposed in the interior of the vehicle, the module support system including a first casting mounted on the frame, where the first casting extends outward from the frame, through the exterior paneling, to the exterior of the vehicle such that the first casting includes an interior portion disposed within the interior of the vehicle and mounted on the frame, and an exterior portion extending outward from the exterior of the vehicle. The module support system includes a first electronic device supported on the exterior portion of the first casting, and a cover fixed with the exterior portion of the first casting such that the cover is disposed over the first electronic device and the exterior portion of the first casting with respect to an external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taiga Marukawa, Gilberto Larrache-Irizarry, Douglas M. Dafler, Patrick J. Ellison, Kosaku Tomozawa, Keiichiro Tsuji, Anthony John Leanza, Takashi Nakano
  • Patent number: 11794821
    Abstract: A vehicle fender assembly includes a fender including a body having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The body defines a body opening. A stiffener is mounted to the body inner surface and is located at the body opening. The stiffener includes stiffener holes sized to receive associated fasteners. A charge port assembly includes a bracket mounted to the stiffener. The bracket includes bracket holes sized to receive the associated fasteners. The bracket holes are over-sized relative to the associated fasteners to allow for positional movement of the charge port assembly on the associated fasteners relative to the body opening. The stiffener includes at least one stiffener locating feature and the bracket includes at least one bracket locating feature adapted to mate with the at least one stiffener feature to ensure proper placement of the bracket on the stiffener relative to the body opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Stephen James Marshall, Steve Faria, Daniel R. Muller, Patrick J. Ellison, Taiga Marukawa, Takashi Nakano, Akira Futatsuhashi, Keiichiro Tsuji
  • Publication number: 20230313579
    Abstract: A hood for a vehicle is movable between an open position and a closed position for covering a vehicle compartment. The hood includes a hood body having an exterior facing surface and an interior facing surface. A first bracket attached to the interior facing surface of the hood body includes a bottom end having a downward opening slot a rotatable hinge attached to the vehicle in the vehicle compartment for moving the hood body between the open position and the closed position. A second bracket is attached to the vehicle in the vehicle compartment. The second bracket is attached to a distal end of the rotatable hinge and includes a weld stud extending laterally from a side of the second bracket. The first bracket is seated on the weld stud during installation of the hood.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2022
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Steven C. HEINRICHS, Patrick J. ELLISON, Taiga MARUKAWA, Kosaku TOMOZAWA, Akira FUTATSUHASHI, Gilberto LARRACHE-IRIZARRY, Stephen D ROSENKRANTZ, Keiichiro TSUJI, Takashi NAKANO
  • Publication number: 20230303185
    Abstract: A vehicle hood assembly can include a vehicle body structure and a hood moveable with respect to the vehicle body structure from a closed state to an opened state. A first linkage can connect the hood to the vehicle body structure and include a first linkage aperture extending therethrough. A second linkage can connect the hood to the vehicle body structure and include a second linkage aperture extending therethrough. A central axis of the first linkage aperture can be coaxial with a central axis of the second linkage aperture if the hood is in the opened state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Steven C. Heinrichs, Stephen D. Rosenkrantz, Patrick J. Ellison, Taiga Marukawa, Kosaku Tomozawa, Akira Futatsuhashi, Gilberto Larrache-Irizarry, Steve Faria, Keiichiro Tsuji, Takashi Nakano
  • Publication number: 20230307823
    Abstract: An arrangement of antennas on a roof of a vehicle is described to minimize radio wave interference. The roof includes an outer panel, a first structural component extending in a lateral direction across the roof, and a second structural component extending in the lateral direction across the roof. The first structural component is closer to a rear edge of the roof than the second structural component. The roof also includes an antenna configuration attached to the roof. The antenna configuration includes a first set of antennas mounted to the first structural component and a second set of antennas mounted to the second structural component. The first set of antennas are spaced apart from the rear edge of the roof by a first distance. The second set of antennas are spaced apart from the edge of the roof by a second distance. The second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Kohei INOUE, Patrick J. ELLISON, Taiga MARUKAWA, Kosaku TOMOZAWA, Takashi NAKANO, Akira FUTATSUHASHI, Jagpaul S. PANDHER, Tsuyoshi HIGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20230294509
    Abstract: A vehicle fender air intake assembly for a vehicle can include a central baffle configured to be mounted to a body structure of the vehicle, a central shutter mounted on the central baffle, a lower baffle configured to be mounted to the body structure, a lower shutter mounted on the lower baffle, and an upper baffle including a first side and a second side that opposes the first side. The upper baffle can terminate at the first side and the second side. The first side can include a first opening in fluid communication with the central baffle, and the second side can include a second opening in fluid communication with the central baffle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen J. MARSHALL, Steve FARIA, Patrick J. ELLISON, Taiga MARUKAWA, Takashi NAKANO, Akira FUTATSUHASHI, Keiichiro TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20230294612
    Abstract: A module support system for a vehicle including exterior paneling defining an interior and exterior of the vehicle, and a frame disposed in the interior of the vehicle, the module support system including a first casting mounted on the frame, where the first casting extends outward from the frame, through the exterior paneling, to the exterior of the vehicle such that the first casting includes an interior portion disposed within the interior of the vehicle and mounted on the frame, and an exterior portion extending outward from the exterior of the vehicle. The module support system includes a first electronic device supported on the exterior portion of the first casting, and a cover fixed with the exterior portion of the first casting such that the cover is disposed over the first electronic device and the exterior portion of the first casting with respect to an external environment of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Taiga MARUKAWA, Gilberto LARRACHE-IRIZARRY, Douglas M. DAFLER, Patrick J. ELLISON, Kosaku TOMOZAWA, Keiichiro TSUJI, Anthony John LEANZA, Takashi NAKANO
  • Publication number: 20230279977
    Abstract: A duct system for an air intake system for a vehicle, the duct system including a first duct having a first duct wall that defines a first duct opening and forms a conduit configured for conveying fluid through the first duct opening in an axial direction of the first duct opening, and a rim fixed with the first duct wall and extending from the first duct in the axial direction of the first duct opening, and disposed around the first duct opening, with a first rim portion and a second rim portion disposed along opposite sides of the first duct opening in a lateral direction of the first duct opening perpendicular to the axial direction of the first duct opening. The duct system also includes a second duct including a second duct wall that defines a second duct opening in fluid communication with the first duct opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: September 7, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen James MARSHALL, Steve FARIA, Taiga MARUKAWA, Patrick J. ELLISON, Takashi NAKANO, Akira FUTATSUHASHI, Keiichiro TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20230257025
    Abstract: A vehicle fender assembly includes a fender including a body having an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The body defines a body opening. A stiffener is mounted to the body inner surface and is located at the body opening. The stiffener includes stiffener holes sized to receive associated fasteners. A charge port assembly includes a bracket mounted to the stiffener. The bracket includes bracket holes sized to receive the associated fasteners. The bracket holes are over-sized relative to the associated fasteners to allow for positional movement of the charge port assembly on the associated fasteners relative to the body opening. The stiffener includes at least one stiffener locating feature and the bracket includes at least one bracket locating feature adapted to mate with the at least one stiffener feature to ensure proper placement of the bracket on the stiffener relative to the body opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen James MARSHALL, Steve FARIA, Daniel R. MULLER, Patrick J. ELLISON, Taiga MARUKAWA, Takashi NAKANO, Akira FUTATSUHASHI, Keiichiro TSUJI
  • Patent number: 11084537
    Abstract: An access panel for a body of a vehicle is provided that includes a dome portion, a flat portion, and an extension portion. The dome portion has a reinforcing element. The extension portion extends from the flat portion. A floor panel structure for a vehicle is also provided that includes a metal sheet and an access panel. The metal sheet includes an aperture. The access panel includes a dome portion, a flat portion, and an extension portion. The access panel is coupled to the metal sheet over the aperture, and the flat portion and the extension portion are configured to transmit a downward force applied to the access panel to the metal sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Freeman, Patrick J. Ellison
  • Publication number: 20200307717
    Abstract: An access panel for a body of a vehicle is provided that includes a dome portion, a flat portion, and an extension portion. The dome portion has a reinforcing element. The extension portion extends from the flat portion. A floor panel structure for a vehicle is also provided that includes a metal sheet and an access panel. The metal sheet includes an aperture. The access panel includes a dome portion, a flat portion, and an extension portion. The access panel is coupled to the metal sheet over the aperture, and the flat portion and the extension portion are configured to transmit a downward force applied to the access panel to the metal sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher R. Freeman, Patrick J. Ellison
  • Patent number: 8870271
    Abstract: A cowl member for a vehicle includes a grill portion with grill openings formed therein for taking in external air, a hood sealing portion disposed forwardly of the grill portion, and a hood seal integrally formed with the hood sealing portion. The cowl member further includes a vertical wall portion integrally formed with the hood sealing portion and extending downwardly relative thereto, and a plenum sealing portion integrally formed with a terminal edge of the vertical wall portion and extending forwardly relative thereto for sealing with a flange of a dashboard that separates an engine compartment from a passenger compartment on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Ellison, David M. Edwards
  • Publication number: 20140265450
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a floor connected to a main frame assembly. The main frame assembly includes first and second side rails and interconnecting cross-members. A front frame structure located near a forward part of the vehicle body structure is connected to the main frame assembly. The front frame structure includes first and second diagonal members and a laterally extending member. Each of the first and second diagonal members includes a forward end portion connected to the main frame assembly and a rearward end portion connected to the lateral member. The rearward end portions converge toward one another and the lateral member is connected to the first and second side rails. The front frame structure transfers an impact load caused by a narrow offset frontal collision from the first side rail to the second side rail by transferring the load through the front frame structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Patrick M. Shafer, Brian E. Dressel, Takashi Nakano, Kishore K. Pydimarry, Brandon D. Koester, Patrick J. Ellison
  • Publication number: 20140265446
    Abstract: A cowl member for a vehicle includes a grill portion with grill openings formed therein for taking in external air, a hood sealing portion disposed forwardly of the grill portion, and a hood seal integrally formed with the hood sealing portion. The cowl member further includes a vertical wall portion integrally formed with the hood sealing portion and extending downwardly relative thereto, and a plenum sealing portion integrally formed with a terminal edge of the vertical wall portion and extending forwardly relative thereto for sealing with a flange of a dashboard that separates an engine compartment from a passenger compartment on the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Ellison, David M. Edwards