John J Mcconnell

US Patent:

6433728, Aug 13, 2002

Filed:

Jan 22, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/235701

Inventors:

Eric Krupp - Canton MI
John E. McConnell - Ann Arbor MI
John Nantz - Brighton MI

Assignee:

Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G08C 1912

US Classification:

341176, 341173, 361792, 343702

Abstract:

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 number of separate parts for the transmitter. In addition, the antenna is positioned to be non-parallel to the main circuit board. This results in packaging efficiencies and improvements. Preferably, the antenna may be plated onto an inner side wall of the housing when the two-shot molding technique occurs. Alternatively, the antenna may be provided as a separate board.

US Patent:

6608399, Aug 19, 2003

Filed:

Apr 3, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/825229

Inventors:

John E. McConnell - Ann Arbor MI
Michael N. Maass - Ypsilanti MI
William M. Jarocha - South Lyon MI
Christos T. Kyrtsos - Southfield MI
Pawel W. Sleboda - Bloomfield Hills MI

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H02G 300

US Classification:

307 101, 710303, 367683

Abstract:

A smart, universal vehicle docking station is provided for receiving one or more plug-in feature modules. The docking station includes a personality module arranged to receive the feature modules. The feature modules are of uniform dimensions and include a standardized docking station coupler. Some of the feature modules can be operated separately from the docking station, and are completely interchangeable within the docking station. The personality module is removable so that an entire personality module can be removed from a vehicle for security reasons, as well as to transplanted from one vehicle to another to provide immediate vehicle customization. A gateway located in the docking station allows integration and appropriate signal translation of signals between the modules and a vehicle irrespective of make or model of the vehicle. The present invention allows different features to be easily added or upgraded in a vehicle.

US Patent:

7071434, Jul 4, 2006

Filed:

Oct 5, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/163108

Inventors:

John E. McConnell - Ann Arbor MI, US
Brian R. Masters - Hartland MI, US
Bruce Pierik - Hazel Park MI, US
John Stack - Shelby Township MI, US

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H01H 13/04

US Classification:

200310, 200317, 200343

Abstract:

A button and light pipe mechanism and assembly. The button and light pipe mechanism includes a unitary body having a frame, a first arm, a button, and a light pipe. The first arm is configured to flex when sufficient force is exerted on the button.

US Patent:

7098411, Aug 29, 2006

Filed:

Dec 5, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/275036

Inventors:

John E. McConnell - Ann Arbor MI, US
Bruce Pierik - Hazel Park MI, US
John Stack - Shelby Township MI, US
Brian R. Masters - Hartland MI, US

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H01H 9/00

US Classification:

200 5R, 200 5 A, 200310, 200341, 341 22, 345168

Abstract:

An electronic module that is activated by the touch of a button for sending a wireless signal to a remote receiver. The module has a housing with an upper portion that is secured in relation to a vehicle. A lower portion of the housing has mating apertures and openings provided therein. A set of staking posts extends from an upper face of one or more buttons. The staking posts have a leading end that is registrable with the mating apertures that are provided in the lower portion of the housing. A set of actuating posts also extends from the upper face of the button. Those posts extend within at least some of the openings that are defined in the lower portion of the housing. Optionally, an array of light pipes is in optical communication with a set of switches. One of the switches can be closed following contact by a leading end of one of the posts when a button is depressed. A printed circuit board is positioned in operative communication with one or more of the buttons so that upon touching a button, a circuit in the circuit board is closed by one of the switches.

US Patent:

7218745, May 15, 2007

Filed:

Dec 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/327824

Inventors:

John E. McConnell - Ann Arbor MI, US
Justin Putti - Rochester Hills MI, US

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H04R 1/02

US Classification:

381302, 381152, 381389

Abstract:

A vehicle headliner includes electromagnetic drivers for sonically driving a member or a layer of the headliner. A foam beam is shaped around a driver transducer connection area that holds one or more driver connectors. A cover may be maintained over the shaped foam beam to protect against entry of dust and other debris into the driver and the transducer connection area that receives the driver.

US Patent:

7256363, Aug 14, 2007

Filed:

Sep 18, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/532641

Inventors:

John E. McConnell - Ann Arbor MI, US
Bruce H. Pierik - Hazel Park MI, US

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H01H 13/00

US Classification:

200343, 200296, 200331

Abstract:

A switch actuator assembly is provided comprising a circuit board housing including an upper housing and a lower housing forming a board compartment. A circuit board assembly, mounted within the board compartment, includes a switch element. A button assembly, positioned remotely from the upper housing, includes a cantilever button element. A plunger array assembly is included comprising a plunger array frame and a plunger element. The plunger element comprises a main plunger piston having a first plunger end configured to engage the cantilever button element only in a radial direction and a second plunger end configured to transfer force to the switch element. A plunger cantilever arm has a first cantilever end affixed to the plunger array frame and a second cantilever end affixed to the main plunger piston and is mounted in a mount position configured to minimize horizontal displacement of said second plunger end.

US Patent:

7357647, Apr 15, 2008

Filed:

Feb 22, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/677611

Inventors:

John E. McConnell - Ann Arbor MI, US
John Stack - Shelby Township MI, US
Jason Summerford - Dearborn MI, US
Mary Trombley - Berkley MI, US

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

H01R 12/00

US Classification:

439 761, 439 34

Abstract:

An assembly for controlling a device. The assembly includes a circuit board and a carrier. The carrier includes a first portion having a flexible arm and a second portion extending at an angle from the first portion. The circuit board extends between and is disposed adjacent to the first and second portions.

US Patent:

7458627, Dec 2, 2008

Filed:

Mar 5, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/682016

Inventors:

John M. Tiesler - Dearborn MI, US
John E. McConnell - Ann Arbor MI, US

Assignee:

Lear Corporation - Southfield MI

International Classification:

B60J 3/00

US Classification:

296 975

Abstract:

A visor assembly configured for use in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a first wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface including a channel formed therein and a bezel provided on the inner surface of the first wall cooperating with the channel. A second wall cooperates with the first wall to form a visor housing and a cavity defined therein. One or more openings are formed through the second wall. An electronic control module is disposed in the visor housing and includes a printed circuit board including one or more switches positioned in operative communication with one or more buttons extending at least partially through the second wall in the visor housing. The module includes a transmitter for transmitting a wireless control signal to control one or more remote devices when the one or more buttons are actuated by a user.