Patents by Inventor Susan Johnson
Susan Johnson 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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Patent number: 6518882Abstract: An improved key fob and key combination allows the mechanical key to be removed from the key fob and given to a valet attendant. The key is provided with a mechanical latch which may be easily removed from the key fob. When the key is removed, secured areas on the vehicle are locked. Moreover, the vehicle has limited operation when the mechanical key is not received with the key fob. In a second feature of this invention, a locator function on the key fob provides an indication of an approximate direction to a vehicle in a parking area. The key fob relies upon RF transmissions from the vehicle to determine an approximate direction to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas Desai, Deborah Marie Lambert, Jonathan Clark, Jeralyn Reese
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Patent number: 6515865Abstract: An improved and low cost electrical connection for use in circuit boards for key fobs incorporates a plurality of generally cylindrical pin members which are symmetric about a central axis. The use of the symmetric pin allows automatic insertion of the pin in that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. The pin has a generally tapered transition portion which provides a contact surface for the battery, and this transition portion is also symmetric such that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. Further, a stop face on the pin provides a stop for insertion of the pin into the circuit board such that the pin is at the desired height relative to the battery and such that the transition portion will provide electrical contact to the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas B. Desai, Kyle Cleland
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Patent number: 6424301Abstract: A combined battery holder and antenna is utilized into a remote signaling device, or keyfob for a vehicle. The battery holder receives the battery at an inner peripheral surface of a bobbin body. The coil antenna is wound about the outer peripheral surface of the bobbin body. In this way, the single part can provide both functions. This reduces the required space necessary for providing all functions within the keyfob.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Siemens Vdo Automotive CorporationInventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas Desai
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Publication number: 20020067249Abstract: An improved key fob and key combination allows the mechanical key to be removed from the key fob and given to a valet attendant. The key is provided with a mechanical latch which may be easily removed from the key fob. When the key is removed, secured areas on the vehicle are locked. Moreover, the vehicle has limited operation when the mechanical key is not received with the key fob. In a second feature of this invention, a locator function on the key fob provides an indication of an approximate direction to a vehicle in a parking area. The key fob relies upon RF transmissions from the vehicle to determine an approximate direction to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas Desai, Deborah Marie Lambert, Jonathan Clark, Jeralyn Reese
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Patent number: 6392592Abstract: A car locator system includes a hand held locator which receives information with regard to the location of a vehicle and then stores that information for display on the hand held locator. The hand held locator could be a key fob having buttons to command operation to the vehicle. When a command signal is transmitted to the vehicle, the vehicle then transmits its position location to the hand held location for storage. In this way, an operator will be able to have an indication of the location of the vehicle. The vehicle can communicate with GPS satellites to determine its location, or may communicate with ground based local transmitters. The ground based local transmitters can be programmed to provide an indication of the location of the vehicle within a parking lot.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas Desai
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Patent number: 6386007Abstract: An improved key fob and key combination allows the mechanical key to be removed from the key fob and given to a valet attendant. The key is provided with a mechanical latch which may be easily removed from the key fob. When the key is removed, secured areas on the vehicle are locked. Moreover, the vehicle has limited operation when the mechanical key is not received with the key fob. In a second feature of this invention, a locator function on the key fob provides an indication of an approximate direction to a vehicle in a parking area. The key fob relies upon RF transmissions from the vehicle to determine an approximate direction to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas Desai, Debbie Marie Lambert, Jonathan Clark, Jeralyn Reese
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Patent number: 6380643Abstract: An alternative arrangement for a passive entry and ignition system for a vehicle is disclosed. The passive system uses an electronically coded card or ‘smart card’ that electronically conveys identifying information to a single on board antenna. The single on board antenna is integrated into the roof panel of the vehicle using conventional wire or flat cable technology. The single antenna communicates to a vehicle control unit to enable actuation of various predetermined mechanical systems of a vehicle such as the vehicle entry system or the vehicle ignition system. In an alternative embodiment, the single on board antenna is integrated in an existing occupant detection mat located in the passenger seat of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Allan D. Losey, Tejas B. Desai, Susan Johnson
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Publication number: 20020039008Abstract: A power closure sensor system is disclosed. The system includes a data processing device, a closer motor in communication with the data processing device and controlling the movement of a closable member, and a proximity sensor, configured to sense the location of an object. The proximity sensor is in communication with the data processing device. The proximity sensor is configured to communicate the location of the object without the object contacting either the closable member or the frame. The system also includes a position sensor configured to sense the position of the closable member. The position sensor is in communication with the data processing device. Further, the system includes a logic program running on the data processing device and the logic program is configured to generate an estimate of the location of the object relative to the closable member.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Applicant: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Lynne A. Edgar, Tejas B. Desai, Allan D. Losey, Susan A. Johnson
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Publication number: 20020030602Abstract: An improved and low cost electrical connection for use in circuit boards for key fobs incorporates a plurality of generally cylindrical pin members which are symmetric about a central axis. The use of the symmetric pin allows automatic insertion of the pin in that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. The pin has a generally tapered transition portion which provides a contact surface for the battery, and this transition portion is also symmetric such that the orientation of the pin relative to the board is unimportant. Further, a stop face on the pin provides a stop for insertion of the pin into the circuit board such that the pin is at the desired height relative to the battery and such that the transition portion will provide electrical contact to the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Applicant: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas B. Desai, Kyle Cleland
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Publication number: 20020008660Abstract: A car locator system includes a hand held locator which receives information with regard to the location of a vehicle and then stores that information for display on the hand held locator. The hand held locator could be a key fob having buttons to command operation to the vehicle. When a command signal is transmitted to the vehicle, the vehicle then transmits its position location to the hand held location for storage. In this way, an operator will be able to have an indication of the location of the vehicle. The vehicle can communicate with GPS satellites to determine its location, or may communicate with ground based local transmitters. The ground based local transmitters can be programmed to provide an indication of the location of the vehicle within a parking lot.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Applicant: Siemens Automotive CorporationInventors: Susan Johnson, Tejas Desai
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Publication number: 20010054952Abstract: The vehicle port system comprises a first port secured by a first lock and at least a second port secured by a second lock. A control unit communicates with at least the first lock, thereby controlling actuation of at least the first lock. At least one proximity sensor communicates with the control unit and senses for an electronic key device. The control unit actuates the first lock without actuating the second lock when the at least one proximity sensor senses the electronic key device a predetermined distance from the first port.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventors: Tejas B. Desai, Susan A. Johnson
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Publication number: 20010052839Abstract: The vehicle port control system comprises a capaciflective sensor, a port, a lock securing the port, and a control unit. The capaciflective sensor senses the presence of objects a predetermined distance from the vehicle port. The sensor communicates its readings to the control unit, which controls the actuation of the lock.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Inventors: Pratik Kumar Nahata, Tjarko Leifer, Edwin T. Li, Tejas B. Desai, Susan A. Johnson, Mark Cutkoski
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Patent number: 6086572Abstract: A two-part electrotransport drug delivery device (20) is comprised of a controller (22) which has a plurality of different electronic outputs. The controller (22) is adapted to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a plurality of different drug-containing units (24). Each drug unit (24) includes a means (40, 42, Rx, Cx) for signaling the controller (22). The signal is read by the controller (22) and a predetermined electronic output is thereby selected and applied through the drug unit (24) in order to deliver the drug contained therein by electrotransport. The signal sent by the drug unit (24) to the controller (22) may be an optical signal (e.g., reflected light), a signal sent by an electro-mechanical connector, an electrical signal (e.g., resistance or capacitance), a magnetic signal or a metal detector sensing signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Susan A. Johnson, Gary A. Lattin, Larry A. McNichols
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Patent number: 5978701Abstract: A two-part electrotransport drug delivery device (20) is comprised of a controller (22) which has a plurality of different electronic outputs. The controller (22) is adapted to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a plurality of different drug-containing units (24). Each drug unit (24) includes a means (40, 42, Rx, Cx) for signaling the controller (22). The signal is read by the controller (22) and a predetermined electronic output is thereby selected and applied through the drug unit (24) in order to deliver the drug contained therein by electrotransport. The signal sent by the drug unit (24) to the controller (22) may be an optical signal (eg, reflected light), a signal sent by an electro-mechanical connector, an electrical signal (eg, resistance or capacitance), a magnetic signal or a metal detector sensing signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1995Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: ALZA CorporationInventors: Susan A. Johnson, Gary A. Lattin, Larry A. McNichols