Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Kracker
Thomas G. Kracker 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: 11628806Abstract: A method of calibrating a windshield wiper system that includes moving a wiper arm, of the windshield wiper system, within at least a portion of a full range of motion defined by at least one physical boundary, determining a position of the wiper arm when it contacts the at least one physical boundary, defining, based on the determined position of the wiper arm, an operating range of motion for the wiper arm that is shorter than the full range of motion, and setting the wiper arm to operate within the defined operating range of motion.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2019Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Joshua Thomas Glazier, Erik F. De Almeida
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Patent number: 11612023Abstract: A flexible, sheet-like, multi-layered lighting assembly for applying to a surface. The lighting assembly includes an on-board power source for powering the lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a sheet-like electroluminescent light source that is activated by power from the power source, and when activated, emits light. The power source may include a flexible thin sheet-like battery, a wireless power receiver, or a combination thereof. The wireless power receiver may receive power from a power signal generated by a wireless power transmitter; and may operate to directly power the electroluminescent light source, or may recharge the battery. The lighting assembly includes outer and inner polymer layers for protecting the other layers of the lighting assembly, and an adhesive layer on the inner polymer layer for adhering the lighting assembly to a surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Kathryn A. Richardson, Nichole A. Verwys, Thomas G. Kracker, Duane Trent Detwiler
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Publication number: 20210329753Abstract: A flexible, sheet-like, multi-layered lighting assembly for applying to a surface. The lighting assembly includes an on-board power source for powering the lighting assembly. The lighting assembly includes a sheet-like electroluminescent light source that is activated by power from the power source, and when activated, emits light. The power source may include a flexible thin sheet-like battery, a wireless power receiver, or a combination thereof. The wireless power receiver may receive power from a power signal generated by a wireless power transmitter; and may operate to directly power the electroluminescent light source, or may recharge the battery. The lighting assembly includes outer and inner polymer layers for protecting the other layers of the lighting assembly, and an adhesive layer on the inner polymer layer for adhering the lighting assembly to a surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Kathryn A. RICHARDSON, Nichole A. VERWYS, Thomas G. KRACKER, Duane Trent DETWILER
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Publication number: 20210155203Abstract: A method of calibrating a windshield wiper system that includes moving a wiper arm, of the windshield wiper system, within at least a portion of a full range of motion defined by at least one physical boundary, determining a position of the wiper arm when it contacts the at least one physical boundary, defining, based on the determined position of the wiper arm, an operating range of motion for the wiper arm that is shorter than the full range of motion, and setting the wiper arm to operate within the defined operating range of motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2019Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Joshua Thomas Glazier, Erik F. De Almeida
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Patent number: 10343599Abstract: A luminescent feature on a vehicle and a method for installing the same on a vehicle includes a transparent window panel positioned on the vehicle, a conductive material extending along at least a portion of a perimeter of the window panel and at least one electroluminescent pigment strip. The window panel has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Each at least one electroluminescent pigment strip has a first end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a first location along the perimeter of the window panel and a second end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a second location on the perimeter of the window panel that is spaced apart from the first location.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nichole A. Verwys, Philip Z. Teano, Zachary Segraves, Thomas G. Kracker
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Publication number: 20180229651Abstract: A luminescent feature on a vehicle and a method for installing the same on a vehicle includes a transparent window panel positioned on the vehicle, a conductive material extending along at least a portion of a perimeter of the window panel and at least one electroluminescent pigment strip. The window panel has an interior surface and an exterior surface. Each at least one electroluminescent pigment strip has a first end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a first location along the perimeter of the window panel and a second end portion in electrical contact with the conductive material at a second location on the perimeter of the window panel that is spaced apart from the first location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2017Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Nichole A. Verwys, Philip Z. Teano, Zachary Segraves, Thomas G. Kracker
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Publication number: 20160339878Abstract: A car wash detection method includes detecting a factor caused by a washing operation of a car wash. The car wash detection method further includes automatically disabling a wiper assembly of a vehicle in response to detecting the factor. A car wash detection apparatus includes a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to detect a factor caused by a washing operation of a car wash. The controller is configured to automatically disable a wiper assembly of a vehicle in response to receiving a signal from the sensor indicating detection of the factor. A vehicle including a car wash detection apparatus is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2015Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventor: Thomas G. Kracker
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Patent number: 9476556Abstract: A reflector configured to receive and reflect illumination from an illumination device across a projector lens of a vehicle headlight assembly. The reflector includes a reflection surface, a curved edge adjacent to the reflection surface and defining a lower illumination aperture, and a wall member extending across the lower illumination aperture to define a gap portion between the wall member and the curved edge. The wall member is configured to reduce illumination reflected from the reflection surface by blocking an amount of illumination passing through the lower illumination aperture.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Tony Da-Tung Wang, Francisco Americo Ramos, Darrin T. Roberts, Shinichi Todaka, Dean Bowles, Ippei Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9379567Abstract: Smart key fob with an integrated rechargeable battery and a replaceable battery. Transfer of charge from the replaceable battery to the rechargeable battery is configured to occur only during a period of time when the key fob remains motionless to reduce RF interference with polling operation of the key fob's transceiver to determine presence of the mother-vehicle nearby. Optionally, the poling operation of the transceiver is reduced or ceased during periods of motionlessness of the key fob.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2012Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Brian K. Lickfelt
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Patent number: 9305410Abstract: A key fob assembly includes a mechanical key, a key fob, a control in the key fob, Hall effect switches in the key fob, and magnets associated with the mechanical key. The mechanical key is configured to cooperate with a mechanical lock. The key fob is configured to selectively connect with the mechanical key. The control in the key fob is for transmitting wireless signals to a vehicle to actuate components on the vehicle. The Hall effect switches in the key fob are each in electrical communication with the control. At least one of the Hall effect switches changes an operating state based on detecting a positive magnetic field and at least one other Hall effect switch changes an operating state based on detecting a negative magnetic field. Respective poles of the magnets are disposed such that connection of the mechanical key with the key fob in a storage position aligns the poles of the magnets with respective Hall effect switches for changing the operating state of the respective Hall effect switches.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Hideaki Arai, Thomas G. Kracker
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Publication number: 20150375717Abstract: A temperature-dependent spray assembly for a headlight and associated method of spray washing a headlight are provided. The spray assembly includes a nozzle assembly having an opening directed toward a headlight lens surface. A sensor monitors an outdoor temperature. A controller is in operative communication with the sensor and the nozzle assembly, and the controller provides a signal indicative of one of (i) a temperature at or above a predetermined temperature and (ii) a temperature below the predetermined temperature whereby the nozzle assembly is operated in a first manner at or above the predetermined temperature and in a different, second manner below the predetermined temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2014Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, John A. Horan, Michael T. Binfet
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Patent number: 9045112Abstract: A system for adjusting the wipers of a vehicle based on the use of rain and proximity detecting subsystem on a given vehicle for detecting the presence of rain and one or more other vehicles in proximity to the given vehicle, such that the wipers of the given vehicle can be automatically operated to better respond to material such as rain, snow, or other material being splashed on the given vehicle by the other vehicle(s). This system may utilize sensor subsystems used for other purposes for use as the proximity sensors.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Brian K. Lickfelt
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Publication number: 20140265980Abstract: A system for adjusting the wipers of a vehicle based on the use of rain and proximity detecting subsystem on a given vehicle for detecting the presence of rain and one or more other vehicles in proximity to the given vehicle, such that the wipers of the given vehicle can be automatically operated to better respond to material such as rain, snow, or other material being splashed on the given vehicle by the other vehicle(s). This system may utilize sensor subsystems used for other purposes for use as the proximity sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Brian K. Lickfelt
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Publication number: 20140232322Abstract: Smart key fob with an integrated rechargeable battery and a replaceable battery. Transfer of charge from the replaceable battery to the rechargeable battery is configured to occur only during a period of time when the key fob remains motionless to reduce RF interference with polling operation of the key fob's transceiver to determine presence of the mother-vehicle nearby. Optionally, the poling operation of the transceiver is reduced or ceased during periods of motionlessness of the key fob.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Brian K. Lickfelt
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Patent number: 8400284Abstract: A method for controlling headlights on a vehicle includes detecting for a wiper switch state for a wiper switch on a vehicle, detecting wiper operations, incrementing a counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight ON threshold, counting toward a time threshold, decrementing the counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight OFF threshold value, and changing a state of the headlights based on the counter value reaching one of the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. Incrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each detected wiper operation. Counting toward the time threshold can occur in response to detecting a wiper switch OFF state. Decrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each instance of the time threshold elapsing with no change from the wiper switch OFF state. A plurality of intermediate counter values can be found between the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. A control system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Tony D. Wang, John Sgueglia, David G. Peterson
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Publication number: 20130051040Abstract: A vehicle assembly includes an external rearview mirror support arm, an external rearview mirror housing, a mirror, a puddle light, a proximity sensor, and a switch. The external rearview mirror housing pivotally connects with the support arm. The mirror mounts to the housing. The puddle light connects with the housing. The proximity sensor includes a first component mounted to the support arm and a second component mounted to the housing. The second component rotates with respect to the first component when the housing is pivoted with respect to the support arm. The switch electrically connects with the puddle light, at least one of the components of the proximity sensor and a power source. The switch is closed when the second component is located in a first position with respect to the first component. The switch is open when the second component is located in a second position with respect to the first component. A method for controlling power to a puddle light is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Joshua T. Glazier, Kyle Q. Dodley, Sean A. Murray, Michael T. Binfet
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Publication number: 20130033361Abstract: A key fob assembly includes a mechanical key, a key fob, a control in the key fob, Hall effect switches in the key fob, and magnets associated with the mechanical key. The mechanical key is configured to cooperate with a mechanical lock. The key fob is configured to selectively connect with the mechanical key. The control in the key fob is for transmitting wireless signals to a vehicle to actuate components on the vehicle. The Hall effect switches in the key fob are each in electrical communication with the control. At least one of the Hall effect switches changes an operating state based on detecting a positive magnetic field and at least one other Hall effect switch changes an operating state based on detecting a negative magnetic field. Respective poles of the magnets are disposed such that connection of the mechanical key with the key fob in a storage position aligns the poles of the magnets with respective Hall effect switches for changing the operating state of the respective Hall effect switches.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Brian K. Lickfelt, Hideaki Arai, Thomas G. Kracker
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Publication number: 20120062116Abstract: A method for controlling headlights on a vehicle includes detecting for a wiper switch state for a wiper switch on a vehicle, detecting wiper operations, incrementing a counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight ON threshold, counting toward a time threshold, decrementing the counter value by x until the counter value reaches a headlight OFF threshold value, and changing a state of the headlights based on the counter value reaching one of the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. Incrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each detected wiper operation. Counting toward the time threshold can occur in response to detecting a wiper switch OFF state. Decrementing the counter value by x can occur in response to each instance of the time threshold elapsing with no change from the wiper switch OFF state. A plurality of intermediate counter values can be found between the headlight ON threshold and the headlight OFF threshold. A control system is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Tony D. Wang, John Sgueglia, David G. Peterson
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Patent number: 7841756Abstract: A vehicle lamp assembly for a vehicle includes a light source unit (e.g., one or more LEDs) mounted to the vehicle for providing illumination and a heat sink thermally coupled to the light source unit for dissipating generated heat therefrom. An air guide is secured to the vehicle for guiding air to the heat sink to remove heat therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Thomas G. Kracker, Steven M. Kovach, Tony D. Wang
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Patent number: 7775693Abstract: An interior light assembly for providing lighting in a vehicle includes a light housing mounted in the vehicle interior. The light housing has an open side. At least one main light source is received in the light housing for providing diffuse lighting in the vehicle interior. An outer diffuser lens closes the open side of the light housing and is disposed over the at least one main light source for diffusing light from the at least one main light source throughout the vehicle interior. The outer diffuser lens has at least one opening defined therein. At least one secondary light source is received in the light housing and is directed toward the at least one opening for providing spot lighting in the vehicle interior. At least one focusing lens is disposed over the at least one opening and the at least one secondary light source for focusing light from the at least one secondary light source to a specific limited location of the vehicle interior.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Thomas G. Kracker