Patents by Inventor Raymond J. Vivacqua

Raymond J. Vivacqua 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).

  • Occupant proximity sensor with horn switch
    Patent number: 6135494
    Abstract: A cover member (20) for a steering wheel mounted air bag module (14) is provided. The cover member (20) includes a horn switch (26) formed by a first conductive layer (30) defining a ground plane, and a second conductive layer (28) for contacting one side of the first conductive layer (30). The cover member (20) further includes a proximity sensor (24) formed by a third conductive layer (32) and a fourth conductive layer (34). The third and fourth conductive layers (32, 34) are electrically associated with the first conductive layer (30), and the proximity sensor (24) generates an electric field (50) in response to a signal received from a driver circuit (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Lotito, Matthew W. Owen, Raymond J. Vivacqua, Ronald A. Marker, deceased
  • Sensing logic system and method for adaptive control of vehicle restraint devices
    Patent number: 5900677
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling adaptive vehicle occupant restraint devices use a processor for receiving input signals from a plurality of sensors, for generating control parameters using a predetermined program, and for generating control signals from the control parameters to adaptively control the restraint devices during an accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Musiol, Raymond J. Vivacqua
  • System for modifying the output of a component of a safety restraint system
    Patent number: 5831342
    Abstract: A seat belt retractor which is capable of functioning in either an ALR and ELR mode including a mode switching mechanism to convert the retractor between ELR to ALR modes of operation. A sensor capable of detecting which mode the retractor is in and accordingly provide a signal that modifies the operation of other devices of a safety restraint system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Vivacqua, Christopher Eusebi
  • Occupant sensing and crash behavior system
    Patent number: 5785347
    Abstract: An occupant sensing and crash behavior system for a motor vehicle determines the presence and location of an occupant to then control the deployment of supplemental restraint systems such as air bags or inflatable seat/shoulder belts. Crash anticipation and crash severity sensors provide additional inputs to the system to determine the behavior of the crash and the occupants therein. An infrared sensor emits a plurality of beams to determine the location and position of the occupant as does a proximity sensor located on the air bag door or the occupant seat. Occupant weight plus the presence and orientation of a child seat are considered. Seat belt control is provided to control the length of the seat belt during an impact or crash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignees: Siemens Automotive Corporation, AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Eudora F. Adolph, Paul A. Witt, Emmanuel Garcia, John A. Musiol, Raymond J. Vivacqua, James C. Lotito, Robert Alden Lewis