Patents by Inventor Thomas C. Herrmann

Thomas C. Herrmann 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).

  • Seat for sensing a load
    Patent number: 7043997
    Abstract: An automotive seat includes optical sensors for determining a load on the seat, such as a person. The sensors may be used with a computer and computer software to analyze data from the sensors in determining a weight of the load, and the sensors may also be used to determine a shape of the load. From the weight and shape of the load, the computer may decide whether the load is suitable for safe deployment of an automatic restraining device, such as an airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Cherry Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel J. Mattson, William G. Rodseth, Thomas C. Herrmann, James E. Mraz