Patents by Inventor Ronald Zimmerman

Ronald Zimmerman 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: 20230182623
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a cushion motor linked to a pinion gear for providing concentric rotation of a linkage through rotational engagement of the pinion gear with a sector gear. The seat assembly includes a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat cushion and a seat base adapted for mounting the seat assembly within an automotive vehicle. The linkage includes a front link and a rear link extending between the seat cushion and the seat base, wherein pivoting of the linkage moves the seat assembly between a plurality of positions. A recliner mechanism is operatively coupled to the front link for selectively allowing pivoting thereof, and the sector gear is fixed to the front link. Actuation of the cushion motor when the recliner mechanism is unlocked rotates the pinion gear, causing the sector gear to rotate for pivoting the linkage to move the seat assembly between the plurality of positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: MICHAEL KAPUSKY, David M Runde, Ronald A Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11598973
    Abstract: A system for forming a homogenized illumination line which can be imaged as a low-speckle line is disclosed. The system includes a laser configured to emit a collimated laser beam; and an illumination-fan generator that includes one or more linear diffusers. The illumination-fan generator is arranged and configured to (i) receive the collimated laser beam, (ii) output a planar fan of diffused light, such that the planar fan emanates from a light line formed on the distal-most one of the one or more linear diffusers, and (iii) cause formation of an illumination line at an intersection of the planar fan and an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Parrett, John F. Filhaber, Andrew Goodale, Laurent Belanger, Ronald Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20230018025
    Abstract: A seat assembly for movement between a plurality of positions within an automotive vehicle includes a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat cushion and a seat track assembly with a sliding track repositionable along a fixed track for movement of the seat assembly between a forward position and a rearward position. A linkage assembly extends between the seat cushion and the sliding track for movement of the seat cushion between an easy entry position and a design position. An interlock element is pivotally coupled to the sliding track. Movement of the seat assembly from the forward position to the rearward position pivots the interlock element from a locked condition engaged with the linkage assembly for holding the seat cushion in the easy entry position, to an unlocked condition disengaged from the linkage assembly for allowing movement of the seat cushion to the design position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Inventors: Michael Kapusky, Ronald A Zimmerman, II
  • Publication number: 20220236580
    Abstract: A system for forming a homogenized illumination line which can be imaged as a low-speckle line is disclosed. The system includes a laser configured to emit a collimated laser beam; and an illumination-fan generator that includes one or more linear diffusers. The illumination-fan generator is arranged and configured to (i) receive the collimated laser beam, (ii) output a planar fan of diffused light, such that the planar fan emanates from a light line formed on the distal-most one of the one or more linear diffusers, and (iii) cause formation of an illumination line at an intersection of the planar fan and an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew Parrett, John F. Filhaber, Andrew Goodale, Laurent Belanger, Ronald Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11314100
    Abstract: A system for forming a homogenized illumination line which can be imaged as a low-speckle line is disclosed. The system includes a laser configured to emit a collimated laser beam; and an illumination-fan generator that includes one or more linear diffusers. The illumination-fan generator is arranged and configured to (i) receive the collimated laser beam, (ii) output a planar fan of diffused light, such that the planar fan emanates from a light line formed on the distal-most one of the one or more linear diffusers, and (iii) cause formation of an illumination line at an intersection of the planar fan and an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Parrett, John F. Filhaber, Andrew Goodale, Laurent Belanger, Ronald Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20220072977
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes a four-bar linkage for providing movement of the seat assembly between a plurality of positions in an automotive vehicle. The four-bar linkage includes front and rear links which simultaneously rotate to move the seat assembly between an easy entry position in which the seat assembly tilts forwardly and downwardly toward a floor of the automotive vehicle to allow ingress and egress behind the seat assembly, a stow position in which a seat cushion lowers toward the floor of the automotive vehicle and a seat back pivots toward and overlaps the seat cushion, and an intermediate design position in which the seat cushion is spaced from the floor of the automotive vehicle and the seat back is disposed generally upright to support an occupant. The seat assembly is capable of moving directly between the easy entry and stow positions without needing to intermediately return to the design position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Ronald Zimmerman, II, Cheikh Dioum
  • Patent number: 11054506
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin Braker, Aaron Wegner, Ronald Zimmerman, Eric Moore, Trevor McDonald
  • Publication number: 20200309914
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: October 1, 2020
    Inventors: Benjamin Braker, Aaron Wegner, Ronald Zimmerman, Eric Moore, Trevor McDonald
  • Patent number: 10627489
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Braker, Aaron Wegner, Ronald Zimmerman, Eric Moore, Trevor McDonald
  • Publication number: 20190302234
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Benjamin Braker, Aaron Wegner, Ronald Zimmerman, Eric Moore, Trevor McDonald
  • Publication number: 20190227336
    Abstract: A system for forming a homogenized illumination line which can be imaged as a low-speckle line is disclosed. The system includes a laser configured to emit a collimated laser beam; and an illumination-fan generator that includes one or more linear diffusers. The illumination-fan generator is arranged and configured to (i) receive the collimated laser beam, (ii) output a planar fan of diffused light, such that the planar fan emanates from a light line formed on the distal-most one of the one or more linear diffusers, and (iii) cause formation of an illumination line at an intersection of the planar fan and an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew Parrett, John F. Filhaber, Andrew Goodale, Laurent Belanger, Ronald Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10295655
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Benjamin Braker, Aaron Wegner, Ronald Zimmerman, Eric Moore, Trevor McDonald
  • Patent number: 10202056
    Abstract: A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for movement between a use position and a fold flat position overlying the seat cushion. A seat track assembly is coupled to the seat cushion for providing selective adjustment of the seat assembly between an upright design position and a reclined slouch position wherein the seat back is automatically pivoted rearwardly in response to forward sliding movement of the seat cushion. A sliding fold flat latch mechanism is operatively coupled to the seat back for slidably guiding the seat back during movement of the seat assembly between the upright design position and the reclined slouch position and for actuation between a locked condition retaining the seat back in the use position and an unlocked condition allowing pivotal movement of the seat back to the fold flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald A Zimmerman, II
  • Publication number: 20180335506
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Benjamin Braker, Aaron Wegner, Ronald Zimmerman, Eric Moore, Trevor McDonald
  • Patent number: 10106059
    Abstract: A disc recliner 18 for a seat assembly includes a fixed plate 22 secured to a seat cushion 12 and a rotatable plate 30 secured to a seat back 14. Each of the fixed and rotatable plates 22,30 has a plurality of teeth 40,48, the number of teeth not being equal. A flex spline 26 has a plurality of teeth 52, the number of teeth being equal to the number of teeth on the fixed plate 22. A wave generator 28 causes a portion of the teeth 52 on the flex spline 26 to meshingly engage with the teeth 40,48 on the fixed and rotatable plates 22,30. Rotation of the wave generator 28 causes the teeth 52 on the flex spline 26 which meshingly engage with the teeth 40,48 on the fixed and rotatable plates 22,30 to change, thereby causing the rotatable plate 30 to rotate relative to the fixed plate 22, which in turn causes the seat back 14 to pivot relative to the seat cushion 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Magna Seating Inc
    Inventors: Xiao J Wei, Ronald A Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 10088556
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Braker, Aaron Wegner, Ronald Zimmerman, Eric Moore, Trevor McDonald
  • Publication number: 20170253150
    Abstract: A disc recliner 18 for a seat assembly includes a fixed plate 22 secured to a seat cushion 12 and a rotatable plate 30 secured to a seat back 14. Each of the fixed and rotatable plates 22,30 has a plurality of teeth 40,48, the number of teeth not being equal. A flex spline 26 has a plurality of teeth 52, the number of teeth being equal to the number of teeth on the fixed plate 22. A wave generator 28 causes a portion of the teeth 52 on the flex spline 26 to meshingly engage with the teeth 40,48 on the fixed and rotatable plates 22,30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Xiao J. Wei, Ronald A. Zimmerman, II
  • Publication number: 20170205495
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Benjamin Braker, Aaron Wegner, Ronald Zimmerman, Eric Moore, Trevor McDonald
  • Patent number: 9562760
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices involving patterned radiation are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments include a device for projecting pattern radiation. Some embodiments include a method for estimating coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. Some embodiments include a system for estimating the coordinates of a location on an object in a 3D scene. A variety of radiation patterns are provided in accordance with various embodiments. Some embodiments may relate to the use of patterned illumination to identify the angular information that may be utilized to measure depth by triangulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin Braker, Aaron Wegner, Ronald Zimmerman, Eric Moore, Trevor McDonald
  • Publication number: 20160288671
    Abstract: A seat assembly for an automotive vehicle comprises a seat cushion and a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat cushion for movement between a use position and a fold flat position overlying the seat cushion. A seat track assembly is coupled to the seat cushion for providing selective adjustment of the seat assembly between an upright design position and a reclined slouch position wherein the seat back is automatically pivoted rearwardly in response to forward sliding movement of the seat cushion. A sliding fold flat latch mechanism is operatively coupled to the seat back for slidably guiding the seat back during movement of the seat assembly between the upright design position and the reclined slouch position and for actuation between a locked condition retaining the seat back in the use position and an unlocked condition allowing pivotal movement of the seat back to the fold flat position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Magna Seating Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald A Zimmerman, II