Patents by Inventor Ronald A. Shields
Ronald A. Shields 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: 20230373633Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter Anthony Settles, Willard F. Hagan, Giuseppe Gullotto
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Patent number: 11628937Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter Anthony Settles, Willard F. Hagan, Giuseppe Gullotto
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Publication number: 20200055603Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2019Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter Anthony Settles, Willard F. Hagan, Giuseppe Gullotto
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Patent number: 10364034Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2015Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter Anthony Settles, Willard F. Hagan, Giuseppe Gullotto
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Patent number: 9925950Abstract: Active airbag vent systems and associated systems and methods are described herein. An airbag system having an active vent configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, a first inflator operably coupled to a first hose for inflating an airbag in response to a rapid deceleration event. The airbag system can further include a second inflator operably coupled to a second hose configured to release a vent or seam on the airbag to rapidly deflate the airbag after initial deployment of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Trenton Dirk Moeller, Daniel Nick Foubert, Todd Joseph Humbert, Peter Anthony Settles, Ronald A. Shields
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Publication number: 20160297396Abstract: Active airbag vent systems and associated systems and methods are described herein. An airbag system having an active vent configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, a first inflator operably coupled to a first hose for inflating an airbag in response to a rapid deceleration event. The airbag system can further include a second inflator operably coupled to a second hose configured to release a vent or seam on the airbag to rapidly deflate the airbag after initial deployment of the airbag.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2016Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Trenton Dirk Moeller, Daniel Nick Foubert, Todd Joseph Humbert, Peter Anthony Settles, Ronald A. Shields
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Publication number: 20160133069Abstract: A system for testing a number of electronic module assemblies (EMAs) that control one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor with a computer system transmits signals that instruct the EMAs to perform a diagnostic self-test. The results of the self-test are received by the computer system and stored in a computer readable memory. In one embodiment, the computer system is a cabin management computer system for use on an aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2015Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter Anthony Settles
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Publication number: 20160096625Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter Anthony Settles, Willard F. Hagan, Giuseppe Gullotto
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Patent number: 9176202Abstract: Electronics module assemblies (“EMAs”) for inflatable personal restraints and associated systems are described herein. An EMA configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, a housing having a body portion, cover portion that attaches to the body portion to form an enclosure, and protrusion extending outwardly from the cover portion. The protrusion can have an outer boundary at which the protrusion projects away from the cover portion. The EMA can further include a crash sensor within the enclosure in an area defined by the outer boundary of the protrusion. The protrusion can form an envelope of space around the crash sensor that defines a minimum distance an external object with a magnetic field can come to the crash sensor without activating it. The EMA can optionally include a magnetic field configured to disable the crash sensor upon the detection of an external magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2012Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Andre Baca, Ronald A. Shields, Willard F. Hagan
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Patent number: 9156558Abstract: An electronic module assembly (EMA) for use in controlling one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor within the EMA is configured to determine when a personal restraint system associated with each seat in a vehicle should be deployed. In addition, the programmed processor is configured to perform a diagnostic self-test to determine if the EMA and the personal restraint systems are operational. In one embodiment, results of the diagnostic self-test routine are displayed on a display included on the electronic module assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the results of the diagnostic self-test routine are transmitted via a wireless transceiver to a remote device. The remote device can include a wireless interrogator or can be a remote computer system such as a cabin management computer system.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter A. Settles, Willard F. Hagan, Giuseppe Gullotto
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Patent number: 9153080Abstract: A system for testing a number of electronic module assemblies (EMAs) that control one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor with a computer system transmits signals that instruct the EMAs to perform a diagnostic self-test. The results of the self-test are received by the computer system and stored in a computer readable memory. In one embodiment, the computer system is a cabin management computer system for use on an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter Anthony Settles
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Publication number: 20150199856Abstract: A system for testing a number of electronic module assemblies (EMAs) that control one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor with a computer system transmits signals that instruct the EMAs to perform a diagnostic self-test. The results of the self-test are received by the computer system and stored in a computer readable memory. In one embodiment, the computer system is a cabin management computer system for use on an aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2014Publication date: July 16, 2015Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter Anthony Settles
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Patent number: 8914188Abstract: A system for testing a number of electronic module assemblies (EMAs) that control one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor with a computer system transmits signals that instruct the EMAs to perform a diagnostic self-test. The results of the self-test are received by the computer system and stored in a computer readable memory. In one embodiment, the computer system is a cabin management computer system for use on an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Peter Anthony Settles, Ronald A. Shields
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Patent number: 8818759Abstract: A system for testing a number of electronic module assemblies (EMAs) that control one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor with a computer system transmits signals that instruct the EMAs to perform a diagnostic self-test. The results of the self-test are received by the computer system and stored in a computer readable memory. In one embodiment, the computer system is a cabin management computer system for use on an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter A. Settles
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Patent number: 8556293Abstract: Buckle connectors and airbag assemblies for inflatable personal restraints, and associated methods of use and manufacture are described herein. In one embodiment, an inflatable personal restraint system for use in an aircraft includes a web configured to restrain an occupant in a seat, a connector attached to a distal end portion of the web, and an airbag carried by the web. The restraint system further includes an airbag cover at least partially enclosing the airbag and engaging a portion of the connector. The connector can include a tongue portion configured to be releasably engaged with a corresponding buckle to secure the web around a portion of the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Andre Baca, Ronald A. Shields
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Publication number: 20130187646Abstract: Electronics module assemblies (“EMAs”) for inflatable personal restraints and associated systems are described herein. An EMA configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include, for example, a housing having a body portion, cover portion that attaches to the body portion to form an enclosure, and protrusion extending outwardly from the cover portion. The protrusion can have an outer boundary at which the protrusion projects away from the cover portion. The EMA can further include a crash sensor within the enclosure in an area defined by the outer boundary of the protrusion. The protrusion can form an envelope of space around the crash sensor that defines a minimum distance an external object with a magnetic field can come to the crash sensor without activating it. The EMA can optionally include a magnetic field configured to disable the crash sensor upon the detection of an external magnetic field.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Andre Baca, Ronald A. Shields, Willard F. Hagan
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Patent number: 8403361Abstract: Systems for indicating the status of a seatbelt buckle prior to a protective response are disclosed herein. An airbag activation system configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a normally closed magnetically operated reed switch. The reed switch is attached to a connector carried on one portion of a seatbelt, and a magnet is attached to a buckle carried on another portion of the seatbelt. Coupling the connector to the buckle causes the magnetic field of the magnet to move the reed switch from the normally closed position to an open position, thereby enabling the activation system to inflate the airbag in the event of an accident.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventor: Ronald A. Shields
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Publication number: 20120292893Abstract: Buckle connectors and airbag assemblies for inflatable personal restraints, and associated methods of use and manufacture are described herein. In one embodiment, an inflatable personal restraint system for use in an aircraft includes a web configured to restrain an occupant in a seat, a connector attached to a distal end portion of the web, and an airbag carried by the web. The restraint system further includes an airbag cover at least partially enclosing the airbag and engaging a portion of the connector. The connector can include a tongue portion configured to be releasably engaged with a corresponding buckle to secure the web around a portion of the occupant.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Andre Baca, Ronald A. Shields
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Publication number: 20120259586Abstract: A system for testing a number of electronic module assemblies (EMAs) that control one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor with a computer system transmits signals that instruct the EMAs to perform a diagnostic self-test. The results of the self-test are received by the computer system and stored in a computer readable memory. In one embodiment, the computer system is a cabin management computer system for use on an aircraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2011Publication date: October 11, 2012Applicant: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: Ronald A. Shields, Peter A. Settles
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Patent number: D688156Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: AmSafe, Inc.Inventors: André Baca, Ronald A. Shields, Greg Vargas