John F Whalen

US Patent:

6481799, Nov 19, 2002

Filed:

Jun 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/596289

Inventors:

John F. Whalen - Macomb MI

Assignee:

Fisher Dynamics Corporation - St. Clair Shores MI

International Classification:

B60N 202

US Classification:

29737811

Abstract:

An inertia-sensitive hinge mechanism for a seat assembly allows rotation of a first hinge member relative to a second hinge member about a pivot during normal use and prevents rotation about the pivot when a predetermined deceleration force is present. The inertia-sensitive lockout assembly includes a guide assembly coupled to the first and second hinge members and having a tab fixed for movement with one of the first and second hinge members. The guide assembly also includes a follower movable between a detent position and a cam position. The inertia-sensitive lockout assembly also includes an inertial actuator having a center of gravity spaced from its center of rotation wherein, when the first hinge member is in its first position and the predetermined deceleration force is present, the inertial actuator rotates to operatively engage the follower and prevent the follower from moving from its detent position to its cam position.

US Patent:

6948772, Sep 27, 2005

Filed:

Mar 3, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/518120

Inventors:

David L. Robinson - Sterling Heights MI, US
John F. Whalen - Macomb MI, US
Jeffery T. Bonk - Clinton Township MI, US

Assignee:

Fisher Dynamics Corporation - St. Clair Shores MI

International Classification:

B60N002/02

US Classification:

29736212, 297363, 297364

Abstract:

A linear seat recliner for use in a motor vehicle having a seat with a seat back pivotally connected to a seat bottom. The seat is operable in a plurality of use positions ranging from an upright position to a fully reclined position. The linear seat recliner includes a housing adapted to be coupled to one of the seat back and the seat bottom, a latching mechanism coupled to the housing, and a recliner rod. The recliner rod includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a substantially planar top flat diametrically opposed and parallel to a substantially planar bottom flat. The top flat includes a plurality of teeth positioned at the first end of the body. The first end of the recliner rod is selectively engageable by the latching mechanism and the second end of the recliner rod is adapted to be coupled to the other of the seat back and the seat bottom.

US Patent:

20070123766, May 31, 2007

Filed:

Sep 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/540087

Inventors:

John Whalen - Davie FL, US
James Weiland - Valencia CA, US
Mark Humayun - Glendale CA, US

International Classification:

A61B 5/04

US Classification:

600395000, 600393000, 600372000

Abstract:

Microelectrode assemblies and related methods are disclosed for bio-stimulating and/or bio-sensing a target tissue. The assemblies can include a two-side substrate, an array of microelectrodes, each of the microelectrodes including a nano-wire embedded within the substrate and extending from a proximal end to a distal end and through the substrate, each nano-wire having a diameter preferably less than 1 μm. The substrate can include portions made of nano-porous material(s) through which the microelectrodes pass. The substrate with the embedded nano-wires can effectively be fluid impermeable. The proximal ends of the nano-wires can be adapted to be connected to an electronic device and the distal ends are adapted to be disposed in a biological environment for bio-stimulating a target tissue and/or bio-sensing activities of the target tissue. Suitable alloys such as platinum, platinum-iridium, and/or other noble-metal-alloyed compositions can be used for the nano-wires.

US Patent:

20070187238, Aug 16, 2007

Filed:

Sep 29, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/540899

Inventors:

John Whalen - Davie FL, US
James Weiland - Valencia CA, US
Mark Humayun - Glendale CA, US
Peter Searson - Baltimore MD, US

International Classification:

G01N 27/26

US Classification:

204400000

Abstract:

A microelectrode assembly for bio-stimulating and/or bio-sensing a target tissue includes a substrate having a first side and a second side, an array of microelectrodes, each of the microelectrodes including a nano-wire embedded within the substrate and extending from a proximal end at the first side to a distal end at the second side, each nano-wire having a diameter less than 1 μm. The substrate with the embedded nano-wires is fluid impermeable. The proximal ends of the nano-wires are adapted to be connected to an electronic device and the distal ends are adapted to be disposed in a biological environment for bio-stimulating a target tissue and/or bio-sensing activities of the target tissue.

US Patent:

RE370266, Jan 23, 2001

Filed:

Dec 1, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/452771

Inventors:

John F. Whalen - Macomb MI

Assignee:

Fisher Dynamics Corporation - St. Clair Shores MI

International Classification:

B60N 212

US Classification:

2973611

Abstract:

A pivot assembly for a structured vehicle seat assembly accommodates loads applied to the seatback through a safety belt restraint system carried by the seat assembly. The pivot assembly includes a connector member including an upper portion extending into a hollow channel defined by the seatback frame. The connector member is fixedly attached thereto. The pivot assembly further includes a housing attached to a lower seat structure for movement therewith between fore and aft positions. The connector member is pivotally mounted to the housing to thereby permit the seatback to rotate relative to the lower seat structure between a generally upright position and a reclined position. The pivot assembly further preferably includes a drive arrangement for rotating the connector member about a pivot axis. The pivot assembly functions to efficiently and effectively transfer loads from the seatback to the lower seat structure, and in turn, to the vehicle structure. Advantageously, the safety belt restraint system is adapted to move with the seat assembly.

US Patent:

57115770, Jan 27, 1998

Filed:

Dec 1, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/565987

Inventors:

John F. Whalen - Macomb MI

Assignee:

Fisher Dynamics Corporation - St. Clair Shores MI

International Classification:

B60N 212

US Classification:

2973611

Abstract:

A pivot assembly for a structured vehicle seat assembly accommodates loads applied to the seatback through a safety belt restraint system carried by the seat assembly. The pivot assembly includes a connector member including an upper portion extending into a hollow channel defined by the seatback frame. The connector member is fixedly attached thereto. The pivot assembly further includes a housing attached to a lower seat structure for movement therewith between fore and aft positions. The connector member is pivotally mounted to the housing to thereby permit the seatback to rotate relative to the lower seat structure between a generally upright position and a reclined position. The pivot assembly further preferably includes a drive arrangement for rotating the connector member about a pivot axis. The pivot assembly functions to efficiently and effectively transfer loads from the seatback to the lower seat structure, and in turn, to the vehicle structure. Advantageously, the safety belt restraint system is adapted to move with the seat assembly.

US Patent:

57950245, Aug 18, 1998

Filed:

Apr 22, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/837751

Inventors:

Cecil A. Collins - Sterling Heights MI
John F. Whalen - Macomb MI
Timothy J. Schmidt - Clawson MI

Assignee:

Fisher Dynamics Corporation - St. Clair Shores MI

International Classification:

B60N 212

US Classification:

2973611

Abstract:

A pivot arm assembly for a structured vehicle seat assembly accommodates loads applied to the seatback through a safety belt restraint system carried by the seat assembly. The pivot arm assembly includes a pair of C-shaped plates interconnected to define a clam-shell assembly. An arm segment of the pivot arm assembly extends into a hollow channel defined by the seatback frame and is fixedly attached thereto. The pivot arm assembly is pivotally mounted to a portion of the lower seat structure to permit the seatback to rotate relative thereto about a pivot axis. A drive arrangement is provided for rotating the pivot arm assembly about the pivot axis. The pivot arm assembly functions to efficiently and effectively transfer loads from the seatback to the lower seat structure, and in turn, to the vehicle structure.

US Patent:

54604290, Oct 24, 1995

Filed:

Jan 31, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/188917

Inventors:

John F. Whalen - Macomb MI

Assignee:

Fisher Dynamics Corporation - St. Clair Shores MI

International Classification:

B60N 202

US Classification:

29737811

Abstract:

An inertia-sensitive seat hinge mechanism allows rotation of a seatback relative to a seat bottom under normal use conditions and yet prevents such rotation in response to deceleration forces exceeding a predetermined threshold level. The seat hinge mechanism includes a lower hinge member connected to the seat bottom and an upper hinge member connected to the seatback and an inertia-sensitive latch assembly. The inertia-sensitive latch assembly includes a component carried by the upper member which defines first and second stop surfaces. The first stop surface limits rotation of the upper hinge member in one direction. An inertial actuator is rotatable with respect to the upper hinge member and includes an engaging finger for engaging the second stop surface when the upper hinge member attempts to rotate in an opposite direction due to exertion of the predetermined deceleration forces thereon. The inertial actuator also includes a projection located adjacent a center of rotation. Moreover, the inertial actuator has a center of gravity spaced from the center of rotation.

Author:

John Whalen

ISBN #:

0806515767

Author:

John Whalen

ISBN #:

0806518332

Author:

John Whalen

ISBN #:

0806520337

Author:

John Whalen

ISBN #:

0806525312

Author:

John Whalen

ISBN #:

0761309683

Author:

John A. Whalen

ISBN #:

0738849413

Author:

John A. Whalen

ISBN #:

0738849421

Address:

11019 Elm Brg Ct, Houston, TX 77065

Phone:

281 890-4726

VIN:

1FTWW31R58EB78475

Make:

FORD

Model:

F-350 SUPER DUTY

Year:

2008