Patents by Inventor Sara M. Eslinger

Sara M. Eslinger 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).

  • Automated plug-in system and method
    Patent number: 11904715
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative vehicle charging connectors, vehicle charging connector systems, and vehicle charging systems. In an illustrative embodiment a vehicle charging connector includes at least two electrical contacts configured to electrically connect with electrical contacts of a vehicle charge port. At least one controllable electromagnet may be configured to attract the vehicle charging connector to contact a charge port of an electric vehicle. The connector also includes at least one controllable electrically actuated mechanical connector configured to provide mechanical engagement and disengagement between the vehicle charging connector and the charge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Rivian IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler J. Erikson, Trent C. Warnke, Kyle R. Underhill, Sara M. Eslinger
  • AUTOMATED PLUG-IN SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20220144107
    Abstract: Various disclosed embodiments include illustrative vehicle charging connectors, vehicle charging connector systems, and vehicle charging systems. In an illustrative embodiment a vehicle charging connector includes at least two electrical contacts configured to electrically connect with electrical contacts of a vehicle charge port. At least one controllable electromagnet may be configured to attract the vehicle charging connector to contact a charge port of an electric vehicle. The connector also includes at least one controllable electrically actuated mechanical connector configured to provide mechanical engagement and disengagement between the vehicle charging connector and the charge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Tyler J. Erikson, Trent C. Warnke, Kyle R. Underhill, Sara M. Eslinger