Patents by Inventor Thomas R. Caraher

Thomas R. Caraher 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).

  • Patent number: 6264353
    Abstract: A mirror apparatus for displaying a supplemental turn signal includes a housing, a reflective mirror glass, and a display section. The display section is positioned to direct a chevron-like display having a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes which produce a light signal such as a flashing turn signal through the mirror glass. By locally removing selective portions of the reflective surface, the mirror glass provides a reflective view in the conventional manner and the transparent portion allows direct transmission of the light signal from the display section. In another embodiment the mirror apparatus takes advantage of a flexible circuit board to conform the LEDs to the shape of the housing such that the light signal is displayed adjacent to the mirror glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Caraher, John D. Youngs
  • Patent number: 5482240
    Abstract: A suspended horizontal ceiling system includes an upper support member vertically below a built ceiling, a suspension member to support a ceiling panel below the support member, and a support arrangement for providing vertical adjustment to the panels of such ceiling system. The support arrangement includes a spring clamp fixedly mounted to the support member, and an axial support rod connected to the suspension member. The clamp includes a positioning lip to assure proper and rapid placement of the clamp to the support member and a pair of resilient cantilevered plate sections which extend from the plate and away from one another to grip the outer periphery of the support rod whereby to prevent vertical movement of the support rod and deflect towards one another to release and permit vertical movement of the support rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Thomas R. Caraher