David C Hein

US Patent:

6441510, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Mar 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/519110

Inventors:

David A. Hein - Sterling Heights MI
David J. Berels - Plymouth MI
Arthur W. Hess - Novi MI
Jack S. Palazzolo - Dearborn MI
Michael J. Hier - Royal Oak MI
John P. Slaven - Harper Woods MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H02G 300

US Classification:

307 101, 307 91, 34082502, 34082521, 439 34, 701 36

Abstract:

A configurable instrument panel design is provided that integrates component designs so that an instrument panel can be configured for a specific vehicle content as late in the vehicle assembly process as possible. An electrical system and modular instrument cluster are provided that utilizes the same flat flexible cable for every vehicle independent of vehicle content. Instrument cluster modules are provided with universal connector arrangement, where the type and function of a particular module determine which connectors are live. A plurality of different multiplexing links are built-in to the electrical system and wiring arrangement allowing the system to be universal across all possible instrument cluster configurations. This allows the system to accommodate lower option vehicles at a lower cost than conventional technology. Instrument cluster features can be configured at the time of assembly, all without customizing the electrical system and wiring arrangement.

US Patent:

6511342, Jan 28, 2003

Filed:

Mar 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/519815

Inventors:

David A. Hein - Sterling Heights MI
David J. Berels - Plymouth MI
Arthur W. Hess - Novi MI
Jack S. Palazzolo - Dearborn MI
Michael J. Hier - Royal Oak MI
John P. Slaven - Harper Woods MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H01R 1100

US Classification:

439502, 307 101

Abstract:

A configurable instrument panel design is provided that integrates component designs so that an instrument panel can be configured for a specific vehicle content as late in the vehicle assembly process as possible. An electrical system is provided that utilizes a flat flexible cable that is the same for every vehicle independent of vehicle content. Electronic modules are provided with connectors that only connect to the specific wires required for a particular module. A plurality of different multiplexing links are built-in to the electrical system and wiring arrangement allowing the system to be universal across all possible instrument panel configurations. This allows the system to accommodate lower option vehicles at a lower cost than conventional technology. Thin smart switch units can be installed at a final stage in the instrument panel assembly process to configure the feature content of the instrument panel. Features that can be configured include selecting between different types of audio system, climate control system, and integrated instrument panel, all without customizing the electrical system and wiring arrangement.

US Patent:

6536928, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

Mar 2, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/798253

Inventors:

David Anthony Hein - Sterling Heights MI
Michael J. Berta - Rochester Hills MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B60Q 302

US Classification:

362464, 362488, 362491, 362501, 116 281

Abstract:

A vehicle lighting system includes a sensor to detect a first set of conditions and a second set of conditions. The vehicle lighting system also includes a light emitting source. The light emitting source is operable to illuminate selectively between a first lighting characteristic and a second lighting characteristic. The light emitting source is adapted to be actuated at the first lighting characteristic in response to a first signal operatively generated by the sensor indicating the first set of conditions. The light emitting source is also adapted to be actuated at the second lighting characteristic in response to a second signal operatively generated by the sensor indicating the second set of conditions.

US Patent:

6590354, Jul 8, 2003

Filed:

Oct 8, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/973492

Inventors:

David A. Hein - Sterling Heights MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H02P 774

US Classification:

318 34, 318280, 318283, 318286, 318468, 318568

Abstract:

A seat adjusting system having a motor assembly with an integrated sensor and control electronics assembly for adjusting a vehicle seat. The integrated electronics assembly performs electronic memory seat module functions. The integrated electronics assembly includes a multiplex link for communicating data between the integrated sensor and control electronics assembly and an external switch. The integrated electronics assembly further includes motor control relays positioned between the motors of the motor assembly for controlling the motors to adjust the seat. The integrated electronics assembly also includes seat position sensors for monitoring the position of the seat. In contrast to typical seat adjusting systems having an external electronic memory seat module, the seat adjusting system needs only a minimal set of wires connecting the seat adjusting system to an external switch as the integrated electronics assembly performs electronic memory seat module functions.

US Patent:

6737596, May 18, 2004

Filed:

May 8, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/431802

Inventors:

David A. Hein - Sterling Heights MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H01H 902

US Classification:

200310, 200314, 200317, 200517, 200341

Abstract:

An integrated switch bank manufactured using multi-shot molding. The switch bank including at least one switch device, a faceplate, at least one button, and a cover. The at least one button disposed to operate a respective one of the at least one switch devices. The cover molded over at least a portion of the faceplate and at least a portion of the at least one button. The faceplate includes at least one of a front housing and a bezel. The face plate and the at least one button molded by one shot and the cover molded by another shot of the multi-shot molding. The cover generally joins and seals the at least one button to the faceplate. The cover molded over the graphics region to a thickness sufficient to permit the light to shine through the cover or reduced to permit the light to shine through the cover.

US Patent:

6799786, Oct 5, 2004

Filed:

Nov 8, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/290744

Inventors:

David A. Hein - Sterling Heights MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B62D 2514

US Classification:

296 70, 296 391

Abstract:

An instrument panel including a first portion and a second portion separate from the first portion. At least one wire is disposed between the first and second portions. The first and second portions are welded together, thereby trapping and retaining the wire.

US Patent:

6854782, Feb 15, 2005

Filed:

Jan 3, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/248268

Inventors:

Adam Reichert - Novi MI, US
John F. Nathan - White Lake Twp MI, US
John R. Sims - South Lyon MI, US
David Anthony Hein - Sterling Heights MI, US

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B60N002/02

US Classification:

296 6513, 280735, 296 6514, 296 681

Abstract:

A seat position sensing device for use in a deployable passenger restraint system for an automotive vehicle has a Hall Effect sensor and a magnetic actuator sensor target facing each other and mounted in corresponding rails used to mount the vehicle seat to the vehicle said rails in moveable relationship to each other. Said seat position sensing device not requiring special hardware to be mounted in external to said seat rails.

US Patent:

6960735, Nov 1, 2005

Filed:

Mar 17, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/802193

Inventors:

David A. Hein - Sterling Heights MI, US
Michael W. Cass - Lenox MI, US
Todd L. DePue - Brighton MI, US
Charles B. Banter - Northville MI, US

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H01H017/975

US Classification:

200600

Abstract:

A conductive plastic touch switch includes a plastic substrate having a first side surface including at least two channels formed within the first side surface and a second side surface including a manual activation region opposite of the at least two channels. At least two conductive traces are formed within the at least two channels, respectively. A printed circuit board is electrically attached to the at least two conductive traces. The plastic substrate is formed during a first mold process and said at least two conductive traces are in-molded during a second mold process.