Patents by Inventor Valerie A. Gardner

Valerie A. Gardner 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).

  • Publication number: 20240109579
    Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 11772700
    Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 11667318
    Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY ACQUISITION LLC
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Valerie Gardner
  • Publication number: 20230078866
    Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 11447068
    Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 11208037
    Abstract: Various implementations of illumination systems are described herein. For example, the illumination system includes a light guide having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end of the light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emits infrared or visible light into the first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide. In addition, the system may include a second light source disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light source emits infrared or visible light into the second end of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS ACQUISITION LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Publication number: 20210316656
    Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Publication number: 20210122404
    Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 10953791
    Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Publication number: 20200406817
    Abstract: Various implementations of illumination systems are described herein. For example, the illumination system includes a light guide having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end of the light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emits infrared or visible light into the first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide. In addition, the system may include a second light source disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light source emits infrared or visible light into the second end of the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 10787189
    Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: JOYSON SAFETY SYSTEMS ACQUISITION LLC
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 10696217
    Abstract: Various implementations of illumination systems are described herein. For example, the illumination system includes a light guide having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end of the light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emits infrared or visible light into the first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide. In addition, the system may include a second light source disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light source emits infrared or visible light into the second end of the light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Publication number: 20190275935
    Abstract: Various implementations of an illumination system include a light guide, a housing having a ceiling and defining a window, and a base coupled to the housing. The light guide is supported between the base and the ceiling. At least one light source is disposed adjacent a first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide and the window. One or more tabs extending from the base each define at least one opening, and the at least one opening defined by each tab is alignable with an opening in a spoke portion of a frame. The openings receive a fastener to couple the base to the spoke portion. The housing may be integrally formed with a trim cover coupled to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Publication number: 20190135325
    Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 10046786
    Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Valerie Gardner
  • Publication number: 20180208111
    Abstract: Various implementations of illumination systems are described herein. For example, the illumination system includes a light guide having an outer surface and an inner surface that extend between a first end and a second end of the light guide, and at least one light source disposed adjacent the first end of the light guide. The light source emits infrared or visible light into the first end of the light guide. The light guide transmits the light from the light source through at least a portion of the outer surface of the light guide. In addition, the system may include a second light source disposed adjacent the second end of the light guide. The second light source emits infrared or visible light into the second end of the light guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Lisseman, Adorian Marc, Erick Staszak, Valerie Gardner
  • Publication number: 20170106892
    Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 9533687
    Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Valerie Gardner
  • Publication number: 20160185354
    Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Len Cech, Valerie Gardner
  • Patent number: 8540281
    Abstract: A steering system for allowing an operator to control the direction of travel of a vehicle propelled on wheels. The steering system comprises a steering input device configured to include a handle pivotally coupled to a linkage assembly configured to swivel, wherein the handle is configured to move in the fore and aft direction, wherein the steering input device generates input data based on the position of the linkage assembly and/or the handle. The steering system further comprises a communication device to communicate the input data received by the steering input device to a lower steering system, wherein the lower steering system is configured to receive the input data from the steering input device and control the direction of the wheels based on the input data received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: TK Holdings Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Carl Lisseman, Steve Pasteiner, Jerome Bosch, Valerie Gardner