Patents by Inventor Robert Mark Schmidt

Robert Mark Schmidt 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: 7207686
    Abstract: A light emitting panel having first and second panels that are constructed of a generally transparent material and that are connected such that the second panel is angularly positioned relative to the first panel. The first panel has first and second opposing surface, wherein at least a portion of the surfaces have a reflective material disposed thereon and an aperture through the reflective material is positioned on the first surface. A light source is associated with the second panel and a contact-less switch sensor is positioned at the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mark Schmidt, Michael A. Uleski, Mike Barlow
  • Patent number: 7168751
    Abstract: An automotive center stack panel assembly is provided comprising an instrument panel face plate having an outer face plate surface and an internal face plate surface. A display window region is formed into the instrument panel face plate and has a curved internal window surface. A flat flex circuit assembly is in direct contact with the curved internal window surface. The flat flex circuit assembly includes a plurality of field effect sensors. A clamp plate backer is mounted to the internal face plate surface. A soft durometer backer is positioned between the clamp plate backer and the flat flex circuit assembly. The clamp plate backer compresses the soft durometer backer such that the soft durometer backer presses the field effect sensors into direct contact with the curved internal window surface without adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mark Schmidt, Paul R. McEvilly, Anthony C. Walowich
  • Patent number: 7163249
    Abstract: An automotive center stack panel assembly is provided comprising an inner retainer panel including a recessed display mount. A video display panel assembly is mounted to the recessed display mount and has a display angle orientation. At least one roller guide formed on the inner retainer panel. An outer main bezel is included having a bezel outer panel surface. A control panel is positioned between the inner retainer panel and the outer main bezel. A plurality of roller elements are positioned within the at least one roller guide and retained therein by the outer main bezel. The control panel is movable between a display hidden position and a display exposed position. The control panel covers the recessed display mount when in the display hidden position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mark Schmidt, John A. Stack
  • Patent number: 7121699
    Abstract: A control illumination apparatus having at least one control and a movable cover positionable over the at least one control. At least one light source is connected to the cover and illuminates an exterior surface of the at least one control with the cover in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Mark G. Feldman, Robert Mark Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7063370
    Abstract: An automotive center stack panel assembly is providing comprising an automotive instrument panel assembly having a recessed display chamber formed therein. A video display panel assembly is mounted within the recessed display chamber. A pivot link assembly has a first fixed pivot end rotatably mounted to the automotive instrument panel assembly and a second fixed pivot end. A control panel has an upper control panel end and a lower control panel end. The second fixed pivot end is rotatably mounted to the upper control panel end such that the control panel is pivotable between a display hidden position and a display exposed position. The control panel covers the recessed display chamber when in the display hidden position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mark Schmidt, James Bernard Wright
  • Patent number: 6666492
    Abstract: A vehicle instrument panel assembly includes an instrument panel portion and a console pivotably connected to the instrument panel portion about a horizontal axis of rotation. The console is movable between open and closed positions relative to the instrument panel portion. The console comprises a first surface portion having a primary electronic item and a second surface portion having a secondary electronic item. The primary electronic item is accessible to a vehicle occupant when the console is in the open and closed positions. The secondary electronic item is accessible to the vehicle occupant only when the console is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Mark Schmidt, Charles Bruce Banter