Patents by Inventor Craig Sandvig
Craig Sandvig 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).
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Patent number: 10436601Abstract: A trip gauge for a vehicle information display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. The trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. Moreover, the positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. Accordingly, drivers may be either reassured that they are expected to reach their destination successfully or warned if they are not so the drivers can modify their driving behavior or change their destination.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri, David L. Watson, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Angela L. Watson
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Patent number: 10421420Abstract: A computer-implemented method of displaying vehicle range includes receiving input corresponding to a level of charge remaining in a vehicle having at least a partial electric power source usable for vehicle locomotion. The method also includes determining a maximum remaining range which the vehicle can travel based at least on the level of charge. The method further includes displaying a maximum range boundary overlaid on a map, including at least an indicator at the center of the range indicating a current location of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ryan Skaff, Derek Hartl, Paul Aldighieri, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, David L. Watson, Dale Gilman, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, Leann Kridner, Angela L. Watson
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Patent number: 9696176Abstract: A trip gauge for a vehicle information display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. The trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. Moreover, the positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. Accordingly, drivers may be either reassured that they are expected to reach their destination successfully or warned if they are not so the drivers can modify their driving behavior or change their destination.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2011Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri, David L. Watson, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Angela L. Watson
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Publication number: 20170184413Abstract: A trip gauge for a vehicle information display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. The trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. Moreover, the positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. Accordingly, drivers may be either reassured that they are expected to reach their destination successfully or warned if they are not so the drivers can modify their driving behavior or change their destination.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2017Publication date: June 29, 2017Inventors: Dale GILMAN, Paul ALDIGHIERI, David L. WATSON, Craig SANDVIG, Leslie BODNAR, Jeffrey Allen GREENBERG, Angela L. WATSON
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Patent number: 8755994Abstract: A vehicle display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. A trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. The positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. A battery gauge may also convey information associated with the vehicle range. Portions of the trip gauge and the battery gauge, as well as one or more of the associated indicators, may assigned various color values for display based upon energy consumption, vehicle range, and target distance information.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri, David L. Watson, Angela L. Watson, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg
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Patent number: 8670885Abstract: A vehicle display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. A trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. The positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. A battery gauge may also convey information associated with the vehicle range. Portions of the trip gauge and the battery gauge, as well as one or more of the associated indicators, may assigned various color values for display based upon energy consumption, vehicle range, and target distance information.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri, David L. Watson, Angela L. Watson, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg
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Patent number: 8536996Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2012Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernandez, Steven Bishop, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage, Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, James Belloli, Jeffrey Greenberg, Michael Blommer
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Patent number: 8464578Abstract: A multi-functional, composite fuel display for displaying both fuel level information and fuel economy information is provided. The fuel level is displayed using a plurality of bar segments, each corresponding to a single unit of fuel. Once a single unit of fuel is consumed, the corresponding bar segment changes size to indicate an average fuel economy for that unit of fuel. The bar segment corresponding to the current unit of fuel being consumed changes size in real time to indicate instantaneous fuel economy. An indicator is provided over the bar segments corresponding to single unit of consumed fuel to indicate average fuel economy for the current tank of fuel.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Angela L. Watson, Steven Bishop, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernandez, David Watson, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage
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Publication number: 20120235806Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernández, Steven Bishop, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage, Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, James Belloli, Jeffrey Greenberg, Michael Blommer
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Publication number: 20120179420Abstract: A trip gauge for a vehicle information display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. The trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. Moreover, the positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. Accordingly, drivers may be either reassured that they are expected to reach their destination successfully or warned if they are not so the drivers can modify their driving behavior or change their destination.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri, David L. Watson, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Angela L. Watson
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Publication number: 20120179318Abstract: A vehicle display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. A trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. The positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. A battery gauge may also convey information associated with the vehicle range. Portions of the trip gauge and the battery gauge, as well as one or more of the associated indicators, may assigned various color values for display based upon energy consumption, vehicle range, and target distance information.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri, David L. Watson, Angela L. Watson, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg
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Publication number: 20120179395Abstract: An efficiency gauge from a vehicle information display may incorporate vehicle range information in addition to an efficiency indicator. The range information may be displayed as an area on the efficiency gauge indicating a safe operating region for average driving in order for the vehicle to reach a target destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. By maintaining a vehicle's average trip efficiency within the safe operating region through driving behavior, the display may convey that the vehicle will be able to make it to the target destination. Over the course of a trip, the safe operating region may be constantly updated to reflect the current state of the battery and the remaining distance to the target destination.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, David L. Watson, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Angela L. Watson
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Publication number: 20120179311Abstract: A computer-implemented method of displaying vehicle range includes receiving input corresponding to a level of charge remaining in a vehicle having at least a partial electric power source usable for vehicle locomotion. The method also includes determining a maximum remaining range which the vehicle can travel based at least on the level of charge. The method further includes displaying a maximum range boundary overlaid on a map, including at least an indicator at the center of the range indicating a current location of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ryan Skaff, Derek Hartl, Paul Aldighieri, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, David L. Watson, Dale Gilman, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, Leann Kridner, Angela L. Watson
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Publication number: 20120179319Abstract: A vehicle display may convey vehicle trip information and vehicle range information graphically to assist drivers in qualitatively visualizing and determining whether they can successfully make it to their destination before an on-board energy source is depleted. A trip gauge may include indicators corresponding to the relative locations of the vehicle, the destination, and a projected zero charge location associated with the vehicle's range or distance to empty value. The positions of the indicators relative to one another may indicate whether the excess energy is available for the vehicle to reach the destination or whether the energy available is insufficient. A battery gauge may also convey information associated with the vehicle range. Portions of the trip gauge and the battery gauge, as well as one or more of the associated indicators, may assigned various color values for display based upon energy consumption, vehicle range, and target distance information.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dale Gilman, Paul Aldighieri, David L. Watson, Angela L. Watson, Craig Sandvig, Leslie Bodnar, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg
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Patent number: 8207841Abstract: An information display system for a vehicle includes an information display for displaying a plurality of selectable information display levels according to an information display hierarchy. Each selectable information display level may include one or more visual gauges for conveying vehicle information. Each successive selectable information display level may include additional and/or alternative vehicle information when compared to the preceding selectable information display level. The information display system further includes a controller configured to display the plurality of selectable information display levels according to an at least one driver input. In this way, the information display can display a particular selectable information display level best suited to a driver's individual preferences or understanding of the vehicle's operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernández, Steven Bishop, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage, Ryan J. Skaff, Derek Hartl, James Belloli, Jeffrey Greenberg, Michael Blommer
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Publication number: 20120042716Abstract: A multi-functional, composite fuel display for displaying both fuel level information and fuel economy information is provided. The fuel level is displayed using a plurality of bar segments, each corresponding to a single unit of fuel. Once a single unit of fuel is consumed, the corresponding bar segment changes size to indicate an average fuel economy for that unit of fuel. The bar segment corresponding to the current unit of fuel being consumed changes size in real time to indicate instantaneous fuel economy. An indicator is provided over the bar segments corresponding to single unit of consumed fuel to indicate average fuel economy for the current tank of fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2011Publication date: February 23, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Angela L. Watson, Steven Bishop, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernández, David Watson, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage
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Patent number: 8082774Abstract: A multi-functional, composite fuel display for displaying both fuel level information and fuel economy information is provided. The fuel level is displayed using a plurality of bar segments, each corresponding to a single unit of fuel. Once a single unit of fuel is consumed, the corresponding bar segment changes size to indicate an average fuel economy for that unit of fuel. The bar segment corresponding to the current unit of fuel being consumed changes size in real time to indicate instantaneous fuel economy. An indicator is provided over the bar segments corresponding to single unit of consumed fuel to indicate average fuel economy for the current tank of fuel.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2009Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Angela L. Watson, Steven Bishop, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernandez, David Watson, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage
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Publication number: 20100207757Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the resolution setting of an operating condition of a vehicle displayed using an information display system. The information display system comprising an information display that includes at least one gauge configured to display information indicative of a vehicle operating parameter. A controller may receive information indicative of the vehicle operating condition to be displayed on the at least one gauge. The controller may allow adjustment to the resolution setting of the at least one gauge. Also, the controller may transmit the resolution setting and the vehicle operating parameter so that the at least one gauge displays the vehicle operating condition using the resolution setting.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ivette Hernandez, Angela L. Watson, David Watson, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Steven Bishop, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Engin Erdogan, Susanne Stage
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Publication number: 20100207755Abstract: A multi-functional, composite fuel display for displaying both fuel level information and fuel economy information is provided. The fuel level is displayed using a plurality of bar segments, each corresponding to a single unit of fuel. Once a single unit of fuel is consumed, the corresponding bar segment changes size to indicate an average fuel economy for that unit of fuel. The bar segment corresponding to the current unit of fuel being consumed changes size in real time to indicate instantaneous fuel economy. An indicator is provided over the bar segments corresponding to single unit of consumed fuel to indicate average fuel economy for the current tank of fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Angela L. Watson, Steven Bishop, Sohel Merchant, Craig Sandvig, Ivette Hernandez, David Watson, Engin Erdogan, Altay Jun Wakui Sendil, Susanne Stage
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Patent number: 7712811Abstract: A vehicle tailgate extender mechanism including a tailgate frame having a tailgate bed extender guide, and a bed extender assembly coupled to the tailgate frame and including an extender cross member. An extender guide may be secured to the extender cross member, and an extender support member may be secured to the extender cross member. The extender support member is capable of at least partial insertion into and extraction out of the tailgate bed extender guide. A cargo restraining panel is rotatably coupled to the extender cross member. A ratcheting mechanism may couple the extender support member to the tailgate frame and allow the extender support member to be linearly displaced in a first direction within the tailgate bed extender guide while simultaneously preventing substantial linear movement of the extender support member in a second direction opposite the first direction within the tailgate bed extender guide.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2008Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dan P. Heaman, Craig Sandvig