Patents by Inventor Rafic Jergess
Rafic Jergess 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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Publication number: 20240401394Abstract: This disclosure relates to a window system for a motor vehicle. The window system is configured to move one or more windows to a pre-drop position. A corresponding method is also disclosed. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a window system for a motor vehicle, including: a window moveable between a fully closed position, a pre-drop position, and a short drop position; a sensor system configured to generate signals indicative of a presence of a recognized user adjacent the motor vehicle, and indicative of a proximity of the recognized user to the motor vehicle; and a controller configured to instruct the window to move from the fully closed position to the pre-drop position when a signal from the sensor system indicates the recognized user is adjacent the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2023Publication date: December 5, 2024Inventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Rafic Jergess, Asaa Harajli, Wolfgang Frank Loewe, Onoyom Essien Ekanem
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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: 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: 10731395Abstract: A smart hinge assembly includes a fixed hinge pin, a rotary drive cup including a hinge pin socket to engage the fixed hinge pin and a drive cup position sensor. That drive cup position sensor is configured to monitor current rotary position of the rotary drive cup.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Adrian Nania
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Patent number: 10343728Abstract: A powered hinge assembly includes a first gate hinge feature, a drive unit connected to the first gate hinge feature and a controller configured to displace the first gate hinge feature to an installation position upon connection to a power source. A powered tailgate assembly, incorporating the powered hinge assembly, and a method of installing a tailgate are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technolgies, LLCInventors: Rafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Adrian Nania
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Patent number: 10293868Abstract: A hinge assembly for moving a tailgate about a hinge axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part for mating with the first hinge part. The second hinge part may be moved to a release position for releasing from the first hinge part, and a lock is provided for locking the second hinge part in the release position. A tailgate including the hinge assembly is also disclosed, which may also be provided with a powered raising and lowering capability. A related method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Adrian Nania
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Patent number: 10266111Abstract: A method of generating warnings associated with a vehicle is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (a) receiving an indication that a warning relating to operation of an electric motor is appropriate; (b) generating a drive current for the electric motor; (c) superimposing a warning signal onto the drive current; and (d) driving the electric motor with the drive current and the superimposed warning signal such that the electric motor produces the warnings. The warning signal may produce an audio warning, a tactile warning, or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jennifer Ann Prescott, Jason Meyer Quint, Andrew Mcmullen, Alexander Petniunas, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Rafic Jergess
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Publication number: 20180339652Abstract: A method of generating warnings associated with a vehicle is provided. The method broadly includes the steps of: (a) receiving an indication that a warning relating to operation of an electric motor is appropriate; (b) generating a drive current for the electric motor; (c) superimposing a warning signal onto the drive current; and (d) driving the electric motor with the drive current and the superimposed warning signal such that the electric motor produces the warnings. The warning signal may produce an audio warning, a tactile warning, or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2017Publication date: November 29, 2018Inventors: Jennifer Ann Prescott, Jason Meyer Quint, Andrew Mcmullen, Alexander Petniunas, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Rafic Jergess
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Patent number: 10118470Abstract: A method for re-initializing a moon roof control system includes sequentially re-initializing first a sunshade controller and then a moon roof panel controller. The step of sequentially re-initializing is implemented by actuating one or more sunshade and/or moon roof panel actuators for a predetermined re-initializing time period that is less than a full duration of the re-initializing.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Rafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III
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Publication number: 20180281571Abstract: A method for re-initializing a moon roof control system includes sequentially re-initializing first a sunshade controller and then a moon roof panel controller. The step of sequentially re-initializing is implemented by actuating one or more sunshade and/or moon roof panel actuators for a predetermined re-initializing time period that is less than a full duration of the re-initializing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2017Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Rafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III
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Publication number: 20180266161Abstract: A smart hinge assembly includes a fixed hinge pin, a rotary drive cup including a hinge pin socket to engage the fixed hinge pin and a drive cup position sensor. That drive cup position sensor is configured to monitor current rotary position of the rotary drive cup.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2017Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Rafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Adrian Nania
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Publication number: 20180251164Abstract: A hinge assembly for moving a tailgate about a hinge axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part for mating with the first hinge part. The second hinge part may be moved to a release position for releasing from the first hinge part, and a lock is provided for locking the second hinge part in the release position. A tailgate including the hinge assembly is also disclosed, which may also be provided with a powered raising and lowering capability. A related method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2017Publication date: September 6, 2018Inventors: Rafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Adrian Nania
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Patent number: 10065556Abstract: A warning system for a vehicle includes a vehicle door-mounted exterior illuminable signal, a door-open indicator associated with the vehicle door, and a controller configured to actuate the exterior illuminable signal to emit light in a selected one of multiple operating modes. The operating modes may include an increased visibility operating mode differing from other operating modes in an intensity and/or pattern and/or color of light emitted by the door-mounted exterior illuminable signal. The vehicle door may be a rear-hinged door and the illuminable signal may be associated with a handle of the door. The controller may actuate the exterior illuminable signal in a different operating mode on receiving both of a signal from the door-open indicator and a signal from a vehicle navigational system.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Donald P. Iacovoni, Rajesh K. Patel, Rafic Jergess, Paul L. Heirtzler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180229779Abstract: A powered hinge assembly includes a first gate hinge feature, a drive unit connected to the first gate hinge feature and a controller configured to displace the first gate hinge feature to an installation position upon connection to a power source. A powered tailgate assembly, incorporating the powered hinge assembly, and a method of installing a tailgate are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2017Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Rafic Jergess, Spencer Monroe Dinkins, III, Adrian Nania
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Patent number: 10041286Abstract: A method of controlling a movable closure member of a vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: determining an initial position of the movable closure member; initiating movement of the movable closure member; and switching power between a first shunt and a second shunt when the movable closure member is at an intermediate position between the initial position and a final position of the movable closure member. The shunt may be traces on a printed circuit board. Within the method, the initiating step may include switching power to the first shunt when the initial position of the movable closure member is determined to be a closed position, and switching power from the first shunt to the second shunt when the movable closure member is at an intermediate position. The movable closure member may be a side door window, a rear gate window, a power sliding door, a sunroof, or a moon roof.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Rafic Jergess
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Patent number: 9922472Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a vehicle communication status indicator. An example disclosed vehicle includes a body control module and a keyless entry unit. The example body control unit determines whether a mobile device is authorized to act as a key. The example keyless entry unit is communicatively coupled to the body control module. The example keyless entry unit activates an indicator LED when the mobile device is connected to a wireless node. The indicator LED emits a first color when the mobile device is authorized.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rafic Jergess, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden
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Publication number: 20180053360Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a vehicle communication status indicator. An example disclosed vehicle includes a body control module and a keyless entry unit. The example body control unit determines whether a mobile device is authorized to act as a key. The example keyless entry unit is communicatively coupled to the body control module. The example keyless entry unit activates an indicator LED when the mobile device is connected to a wireless node. The indicator LED emits a first color when the mobile device is authorized.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2016Publication date: February 22, 2018Inventors: Rafic Jergess, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden