Patents by Inventor Bruce Frederick Pierce

Bruce Frederick Pierce has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9352777
    Abstract: A system for configuring a trailer model for a trailer maneuvering system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller having a memory and being operable to communicate with the trailer maneuvering system. The controller is configured to receive trailer dimensional data from a mobile device. The trailer dimensional data may then be stored in the memory as a first trailer profile. The controller is operable to access the trailer dimensional data in the first trailer profile to determine at least one vehicle operation configured to maneuver the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Bruce Frederick Pierce
  • Patent number: 9291179
    Abstract: An article, for use in coupling a first member including a first material to a second member including a second material different than the first material, includes a clip having a first leg, a second leg, and a middle portion located between the first and second legs. The clip has an inner side including the first material and an outer side including the second material. The clip is aligned on one of the first and second members so the inner side of the clip contacts one of the first and second members and the outer side of the clip contacts the other of the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Frederick Pierce, John Charles Caris, Ajay Kumar Gupta
  • Publication number: 20150120141
    Abstract: A system for configuring a trailer model for a trailer maneuvering system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller having a memory and being operable to communicate with the trailer maneuvering system. The controller is configured to receive trailer dimensional data from a mobile device. The trailer dimensional data may then be stored in the memory as a first trailer profile. The controller is operable to access the trailer dimensional data in the first trailer profile to determine at least one vehicle operation configured to maneuver the trailer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Bruce Frederick Pierce
  • Publication number: 20140345091
    Abstract: An article, for use in coupling a first member including a first material to a second member including a second material different than the first material, includes a clip having a first leg, a second leg, and a middle portion located between the first and second legs. The clip has an inner side including the first material and an outer side including the second material. The clip is aligned on one of the first and second members so the inner side of the clip contacts one of the first and second members and the outer side of the clip contacts the other of the first and second members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Frederick Pierce, John Charles Caris, Ajay Kumar Gupta
  • Patent number: 8230733
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading a spring member secured on the apparatus. The apparatus includes a first mechanism for applying a translational loading to the spring member, and a second mechanism for applying a torsional loading to the spring member. The first mechanism includes a plurality of first elements, and the second mechanism includes a plurality of second elements. Each first element of the plurality of first elements is physically spaced apart from each second element of the plurality of second elements to aid in preventing interference between the first and second mechanisms during operation of the first and second mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Frederick Pierce, Alexander Gregory Livshiz, Liang Tang, Ian D. S. MacLachlan, Andre Luis Beduschi, Edwin R. Dubin, David J Dudonis
  • Publication number: 20100288041
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for loading a spring member secured on the apparatus. The apparatus includes a first mechanism for applying a translational loading to the spring member, and a second mechanism for applying a torsional loading to the spring member. The first mechanism includes a plurality of first elements, and the second mechanism includes a plurality of second elements. Each first element of the plurality of first elements is physically spaced apart from each second element of the plurality of second elements to aid in preventing interference between the first and second mechanisms during operation of the first and second mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Bruce Frederick Pierce, Alexander Gregory Livshiz, Liang Tang, Ian D.S MacLachlan, Andre Luis Beduschi, Edwin R. Dubin, David J. Dudonis
  • Patent number: 6370461
    Abstract: A crash control system for vehicles employs pre-crash surrogate signals to predict a potential crash. The predictive signals may be generated by activation of the vehicle's anti-lock brakes, or by a sensor that detects rate of brake pedal travel indicating panic braking or by advanced radar systems. The pre-crash signals may be used to ready various safety systems on the vehicle, such as chassis and suspension systems, dynamic body systems, interior occupant protection systems and other systems that function to improve vehicle's crash worthiness or assist in improving vehicle stability or control. The pre-crash signals may also be used to modify the normal trigger points of safety systems to improve the timing of their response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Frederick Pierce, David J. Bauch, David Edward Winnard, Rouaa Nakhleh