| Patent Number |
Title Of Patent |
Date Issued |
| D428397 |
Icon for vehicle navigation guidance display |
July 18, 2000 |
|
| D422545 |
Icon for vehicle speedometer display |
April 11, 2000 |
|
| 6774505 |
Vehicle switch assembly with proximity activated illumination |
August 10, 2004 |
| The inventive vehicle switch assembly includes a switch for producing a signal to control a vehicle accessory, a light for illuminating the assembly, and a sensor for actuating the light in response to detecting an object in proximity to the switch. Preferably, the switch is illuminated |
| 6734807 |
Polarametric blind spot detector with steerable beam |
May 11, 2004 |
| A blind spot detection system includes a transmitter directing a circularly polarized signal into a blind spot adjacent a vehicle. A receiver also mounted on the vehicle receives a reflection of the circularly polarized signal which is oppositely circularly polarized. An indicator indica |
| 6628247 |
Display system with latent image reduction |
September 30, 2003 |
| A display system reduces latent image formation by shifting an image between a first position and a second position, displaced only a few pixels from the first position. Preferably, the image is displayed briefly simultaneously at the first and second positions and then displayed only |
| 6624364 |
Multifunction stalk-mounted switch |
September 23, 2003 |
| A multifunction stalk switch combines a pivoting lever and an internal rod which can be independently rotated and slid in an axial direction to control multiple functions, including separate control of wiper on/off/intermittent settings, an intermittent delay setting, and a washer sp |
| 6615680 |
Method of testing switch design to quantify feel |
September 9, 2003 |
| A method of testing a switch looks at the second derivative of the resistance force to movement. The second derivative is most indicative of the feel the operator will experience when utilizing the switch. It is desirable to keep the second derivative to a minimum for the switch at l |
| 6597897 |
Low power radio frequency transmitter with controllable gain |
July 22, 2003 |
| A low power transmitter useful for vehicle remote keyless entry systems, for example, includes a transmitter circuit portion and a gain control circuit portion. The gain control circuit portion preferably includes an inductive load that introduces a resonant frequency that provides radio |
| 6535609 |
Cabin communication system |
March 18, 2003 |
| The present invention teaches a system for improving the clarity of a voice spoken within an enclosed space. The system comprises a first microphone, positioned at a first location, for receiving the audible communication and for converting the audible communication at the first location |
| 6512461 |
Method of teaching transmitter codes to remote receivers |
January 28, 2003 |
| An improved method for programming a vehicle remote entry receiver includes transmitting the information over the vehicle data bus line. A diagnostic box which is typically utilized to check the electrical systems on the vehicle is provided with a switch that moves the vehicle receiver i |
| 6441730 |
Electronics module for brake lamp diagnostics |
August 27, 2002 |
| A microprocessor based control detects actuation of the vehicle's braking system and compares the actual magnitude of the lamp current drawn by the system's brake lamps during illumination with reference signals indicative of the nominal value of brake lamp excitation current required fo |
| 6433728 |
Integrally molded remote entry transmitter |
August 13, 2002 |
| Remote entry transmitters are formed to have a housing element made by a two-shot molding technique. A plateable and a non-plateable plastic are molded in the two-shot molding technique. Circuit trace material is then plated onto the plateable material. This results in a reduction in the |
| 6426706 |
Safety warning transceiver |
July 30, 2002 |
| A safety warning system includes a safety warning transceiver which retransmits safety warning signals received by the safety warning transmitter in order to extend the range of safety warning transmitter systems. The safety warning transceiver also functions as a trainable garage do |
| 6417786 |
Vehicle navigation system with removable positioning receiver |
July 9, 2002 |
| A navigation system includes a portable receiver unit that can be carried about by hand and used by an individual to determine position information through a global positioning system. The portable receiver is supported within a housing that is selectively received by and removable from |
| 6411884 |
Auto PC module enclosure |
June 25, 2002 |
| An enclosure for a vehicle computer system module is disclosed. The enclosure permits a plurality of computer system modules of the vehicle system computer to be releasably mounted within the enclosure. A plurality of user input devices are connected through the enclosure with the co |
| 6363156 |
Integrated communication system for a vehicle |
March 26, 2002 |
| An audio communication system for use in the passenger compartment of a vehicle providing full duplex communication through a plurality of speakers and microphones while substantially eliminating unwanted external interference and feedback. A digital signal processor further integrates |
| 6351709 |
Vehicle navigation system with route updating feature |
February 26, 2002 |
| A vehicle navigation system includes an update module that provides travel advisory information on a real time basis. The update module receives traffic advisory signals such as intelligent highway system signals, safety warning system signals and specially encoded traffic reports from |
| 6333698 |
Expandable multiple frequency programmable transmitter |
December 25, 2001 |
| A trainable transmitter includes code generation circuitry and a socket for receiving a plug-in module including circuitry for generating an RF signal. By selecting the appropriate plug-in module, the user can expand the frequency transmission range of the transmitter beyond that which m |
| 6320487 |
Control device with tailored feedback |
November 20, 2001 |
| A control switch assembly includes a variable and selectively activatable feedback unit. The feedback unit provides tactile feedback to a user of the system depending upon a particular adjustment to be made by manipulating the control switch. In the preferred embodiment, the feedback |
| 6317009 |
Frequency shift key modulating oscillator |
November 13, 2001 |
| The present invention teaches a system for selectably oscillating at a first or a second oscillating frequency. The system comprises an oscillator for providing an oscillating output. Moreover, the system comprises a switching device for selecting a first or a second impedance in res |
| 6314351 |
Auto PC firewall |
November 6, 2001 |
| A vehicle computer system provides a firewall between an auto PC and its application software and the vehicle bus and vehicle components. The firewall prevents unauthorized access by software in the auto PC to the vehicle bus and vehicle components. Preferably, the firewall utilizes |
| 6308083 |
Integrated cellular telephone with programmable transmitter |
October 23, 2001 |
| The inventive cellular telephone includes a telephone for transmitting outgoing telephone call signals and receiving incoming telephone call signals and a transmitter for producing a wireless control signal to operate a remote device. The remote device may be a remote keyless entry s |
| 6304173 |
Rear view and multi-media system for vehicles |
October 16, 2001 |
| A vehicle display system includes a display which is selectively movable between a first position in which it is viewable by a driver and a second position in which it is viewable by the rear passengers but not the driver. In the first position, the display provides a rear view from a |
| 6299055 |
Manufacturing processes of service boxes and their parts |
October 9, 2001 |
| A method for welding electronic components (13) to a circuit board (10) having two conductive layers (12) includes the steps of inserting an electronic component (13) into a first surface of circuit board (10), welding the electronic component (13) to a first conductive face of the c |
| 6276959 |
Lateral insertion connector |
August 21, 2001 |
| A connector 10 for making electrical terminal connections facilitates making relatively easy and secure lateral insertions of one or more terminals. The connector 10 includes a pair of lateral supports 12 at opposite ends of a plurality of generally aligned walls 14. The walls 14 def |
| 6275539 |
System and method for modulating a frequency signal |
August 14, 2001 |
| A radio frequency transmitter circuit including a user input switch for producing an input signal, an oscillator for producing a frequency signal having a first frequency, an antenna connected to the oscillator for broadcasting the frequency signal, a coupling circuit disposed a pred |
| 6271813 |
Voltage control for adjusting the brightness of a screen display |
August 7, 2001 |
| A method of controlling the brightness level of a screen display having a matrix of pixels that each have a brightness level controlled by a first and second voltage includes maintaining the first voltage of each pixel at a preselected voltage level. The second voltage level is controlle |
| 6271765 |
Passive garage door opener |
August 7, 2001 |
| A passive garage door opener system includes a sensor for determining the position of the vehicle relative to the receiver. When the vehicle is within a predetermined area near the receiver, the transmitter sends the signal to open the garage door. Other conditions of the vehicle, such a |
| 6266035 |
ELD driver with improved brightness control |
July 24, 2001 |
| A display system generally comprises an ELD including a plurality of pixels each activated by a voltage across an inner and outer electrode. A controller applies voltages to each of the pixels via the inner and outer electrodes at a refresh rate to illuminate the pixels. The controller |
| 6264353 |
Exterior mirror with supplement turn signal |
July 24, 2001 |
| 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 flashin |
| 6236333 |
Passive remote keyless entry system |
May 22, 2001 |
| A passive remote keyless entry system includes a plurality of sensors each associated with a door of the vehicle. Each sensor detects the presence and distance of a key fob from the sensor. By monitoring the distance of the key fob from the sensor, the sensor determines if the key fob is |
| 6234558 |
Interior trim attachment apparatus for an automotive vehicle |
May 22, 2001 |
| An interior trim attachment apparatus for an automotive vehicle includes a fastener and a bezel secured together in a screw free manner by rotating one of the components relative to the other. An interior trim member is sandwiched between the fastener and bezel. In another aspect of the |
| 6225873 |
Frequency shift key modulating oscillator |
May 1, 2001 |
| The present invention teaches a system for selectably oscillating at a first or a second oscillating frequency. The system comprises an oscillator for providing an oscillating output. Moreover, the system comprises a switching device for selecting a first or a second impedance in res |
| 6223103 |
Driver display with highlighted images |
April 24, 2001 |
| A vehicle display system includes an electroluminescent display showing images of a plurality of control switches within the vehicle. Whenever one of the control switches is accessed by a vehicle operator, a controller alters the image of that control switch. The altered image can be |
| 6220644 |
Visor assembly |
April 24, 2001 |
| A vehicle visor assembly is mounted to a vehicle structure for pivotal, rotational, and sliding movement relative thereto and includes a single-piece visor blade and cartridge assembly. The single-piece visor blade includes a first mounting portion with a pair of grooves integrally f |
| 6218625 |
Grommet |
April 17, 2001 |
| A wire harness grommet assembly which is assembled by connecting together a rigid outer member to compress a resilient inner member around a portion of the wire harness accommodated therein. The resilient inner member provides a sealing surface between the rigid outer member and the wire |
| 6217098 |
Instrument panel top cover with integral foamed components |
April 17, 2001 |
| An instrument panel top cover is provided with an integrally molded foam underside. The integrally molded foam underside provides a number of components that have been supplied separately in the prior art. The use of the integrally molded foam underside thus eliminates the need for many |
| 6214456 |
Headliner material with polyester and non-polyester layers |
April 10, 2001 |
| A unique headliner includes a pair of spaced polyester fiber mat layers. The polyester fiber layers are preferably felt layers which are needled and consist of a mixture of low and high melt polyester fiber pieces. The low melt fiber pieces are provided with an adhesive sheathing that me |
| 6207096 |
Trim panel having zig zag fiber construction |
March 27, 2001 |
| An improved method for forming a vehicle trim panel, such as a headliner, utilizes a zig zag path to deposit fibrous pieces onto a fibrous layer to form part of the trim panel. In one method, the fibrous pieces are laid down in a zig zag pattern that does not extend across the entire lat |
| 6201678 |
High-voltage switch gear protection circuit |
March 13, 2001 |
| A switch gear protection circuit for use in electric vehicles provides parallel circuit pathways for selectively coupling a power source to a capacitive load. A first pathway includes a main switch element that preferably is a high-current contactor or a high-current, low-voltage rel |
| 6198995 |
Sleep mode for vehicle monitoring system |
March 6, 2001 |
| After a vehicle has entered a sleep mode, the disclosed method places the vehicle monitoring system into longer and longer nap periods provided the monitoring system does not receive a wake-up signal from one of a plurality of vehicle subsystems. During the nap periods, the monitoring |
| 6182359 |
Manufacturing process for printed circuits |
February 6, 2001 |
| A printed circuit manufacturing process includes starting with a piece of conductive material such as copper. One side of the conductive material is chemically machined or cut to form grooves corresponding to the desired design of the printed circuit. A dielectric material is then inject |
| 6180886 |
Method of assembling wire harness and trim panel |
January 30, 2001 |
| An improved method and apparatus for assembling a wire harness, and then securing that wire harness to a vehicle trim panel includes the use of adhesive strips. The strips are placed in a welding station prior to the wire harness being assembled through the welding stations. Once the wir |
| 6174481 |
Method for forming cast tooling for polymer molding |
January 16, 2001 |
| A method for rapidly forming a cast tool adapted for plastic molding includes preparing a uniform mixture of a castable material. A pattern is provided for a desired object to be formed by molding. The castable mixture is applied to the pattern. A continuous structure is cast within |
| 6174204 |
Junction box with improved fuse access |
January 16, 2001 |
| A fuse holding structure includes a housing having several fuse sockets recessed therein. A wall extends upwardly from the housing adjacent the fuse sockets and includes recesses adapted to partially surround each fuse socket without fully surrounding each fuse socket. The wall does not |
| 6171144 |
Electrical connector sealing plug |
January 9, 2001 |
| A sealing plug for a multi-contact electrical connector includes a shaft portion and a locking portion preferably formed of a non-conductive material. The sealing plug is inserted in non-used contact cavities of the multi-contact electrical connector to preclude the necessity of installi |
| 6166630 |
Wireless fuel gauge |
December 26, 2000 |
| A wireless fuel gauge assembly including a fuel tank containing fuel having a level defining a liquid-air boundary. A control determines a digital indication of the fuel level. The control is able to determine plural digital signals that provide incremental level readings. A transmitter |
| 6166460 |
Electrical junction box having a replaceable controller |
December 26, 2000 |
| An electrical junction box for a vehicle includes a housing and a circuit disposed in the housing for receiving power from a remote power source. At least one power switching device is electrically connected to the circuit for switching power from the power source to a remote electri |
| 6161895 |
Pleated corners for vehicle trim openings |
December 19, 2000 |
| A unique method of forming a headliner around a sunroof opening includes providing pleats at a corner of a portion of said headliner which is to be deformed behind a rear surface of said headliner. The pleats facilitate the bending of the material and provide a smooth appearance at the |
| 6161889 |
Ribbed trim panel for thermal spraying of electrical circuit |
December 19, 2000 |
| A trim panel includes a plurality of ribs projecting from a surface of the trim panel. Fluent, conductive material is sprayed onto the ribs at an angle such that distinct electrical traces are formed on each rib. The gauge of each electrical trace can be determined by varying the height |
