Mark D Mccarthy

US Patent:

8384528, Feb 26, 2013

Filed:

Jan 22, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/625485

Inventors:

Mark W. McCarthy - Ann Arbor MI, US
Mark L. Clapper - Ann Arbor MI, US
Lloyd Bozzi - Saline MI, US
Prakash Thawani - Bloomfield Hills MI, US
Raymond L. Coppiellie - Canton MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G08B 3/10

US Classification:

3403843, 381 714, 381 715, 381 86, 12318421, 12318457

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for customizing the sound emitted from an automotive vehicle during operation. Specifically, the vehicle operator uses a controller to vary the sound emitted from the engine exhaust and intake or engine compartment sounds during vehicle operation. In addition, the operator can control the sound level, sound type and sound aspect in the vehicle interior or passenger compartment and the vehicle exterior. Further, the apparatus uses an active sound control system, such as those using microphones and speakers, to customize and/or tune the sound emanating from the vehicle.

US Patent:

20170248224, Aug 31, 2017

Filed:

May 16, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/596179

Inventors:

- Dearborn MI, US
Mark McCarthy - Ann Arbor MI, US
Stuart C. Salter - White Lake MI, US

International Classification:

F16H 59/12
F16H 59/02
B60K 20/08

Abstract:

A pushbutton shifter interface is provided that includes a movable assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface also includes a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys and interfacing with one of the keys and an actuator actuating the movable assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate the pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface further includes a display showing a sensed position of the user relative to the plurality of pushbutton keys.

US Patent:

20170227118, Aug 10, 2017

Filed:

Feb 10, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/040370

Inventors:

- Dearborn MI, US
Mark McCarthy - Ann Arbor MI, US
Stuart C. Salter - White Lake MI, US

International Classification:

F16H 59/12
F16H 59/02

Abstract:

A pushbutton shifter interface is provided that includes a movable assembly supporting a plurality of pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface also includes a proximity sensor arrangement configured to sense a user proximate the pushbutton keys and interfacing with one of the keys and an actuator actuating the movable assembly to a use position in response to sensing the user proximate the pushbutton keys. The pushbutton shifter interface further includes a display showing a sensed position of the user relative to the plurality of pushbutton keys.

US Patent:

20170227119, Aug 10, 2017

Filed:

May 18, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/157456

Inventors:

- Dearborn MI, US
Mark McCarthy - Ann Arbor MI, US
Stuart C. Salter - White Lake MI, US

International Classification:

F16H 59/12
F16H 61/24
F16H 59/02

Abstract:

A shifter interface is provided that includes a user interface panel. The shifter interface also includes a plurality of proximity sensors arranged to provide proximity switches on the panel, wherein the proximity switches form fixed input keys that are selectable by a user to enter an operating mode of the vehicle. The shifter interface further includes a controller processing signals generated by the proximity sensors to detect activation of one or more of the proximity sensors.