Patents by Inventor Dale Scott Crombez

Dale Scott Crombez 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: 9440638
    Abstract: A charge utilization control system for an electric vehicle includes a controller, an electric motor connected to the controller, a battery connected to the electric motor and an internal combustion engine connected to the controller. The controller is adapted to minimize electric charge stored in the battery as the electric vehicle approaches a charging destination for the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lewis Booth, Dale Scott Crombez, Daniel A. Gabor
  • Publication number: 20160245351
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cancelling brake torque variation in a motor vehicle are disclosed. Signals indicative of brake torque variation are received at a controller. Based on the signals, a frequency associated with the indicated brake torque variation is determined. At least one of an output time and output volume of pressurized brake fluid is adjusted based on the frequency to cancel the indicated brake torque variation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bradley J. JOHNSON, Dale Scott CROMBEZ, John P. JOYCE, Eric M. GAMBERG
  • Patent number: 9421956
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various vehicle braking assemblies. Brake pedal arms include, for example, a cam block that is configured to simplify the engagement between the power booster and pedal arm. Cam block can be movable with respect to the pedal arm to manage the gap between the pedal arm and power booster in by-wire braking assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adil Kahn, Clement Sagan, Dale Scott Crombez, Daniel A. Gabor, Daniel Anthony Villar, Mark Muddiman, Prashanth Kaparthi
  • Publication number: 20160207529
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor and a processing device. The sensor is configured to detect an impact vehicle. The processing device is programmed to predict an impact zone, define a passenger zone relative to a host vehicle, and generate a control signal to move the impact zone away from the passenger zone. The passenger zone is defined at least in part on a location of at least one occupant inside the host vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Scott J. Lauffer
  • Patent number: 9381915
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor and a processing device. The sensor is configured to detect an impact vehicle. The processing device is programmed to predict an impact zone, define a passenger zone relative to a host vehicle, and generate a control signal to move the impact zone away from the passenger zone. The passenger zone is defined at least in part on a location of at least one occupant inside the host vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Scott J. Lauffer
  • Publication number: 20160144721
    Abstract: A vehicle includes traction wheels, an electric machine configured to provide regenerative braking torque to the traction wheels, wheel brakes configured to provide friction braking torque to the traction wheels, and at least one power source configured to provide drive torque to the traction wheels. The vehicle additionally includes, a sensor configured to detect a forward object, and at least one controller. The controller is configured to control the power source, wheel brakes, and electric machine according to an adaptive cruise control (ACC) algorithm. The ACC algorithm is configured to command the electric machine to provide regenerative braking torque without application of the wheel brakes in response to a detected forward object and a maximum regeneration braking distance. The maximum regeneration braking distance is calculated based on a powertrain regenerative braking limit and a distance to the forward object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Brian Thomas SOO, Bernard D. NEFCY, Francis Thomas CONNOLLY, David Paul TOURNER, Dale Scott CROMBEZ
  • Publication number: 20160102622
    Abstract: Data is collected in a vehicle relating to a potential obstacle. Based at least in part on the collected data, an obstacle is identified. At least one characteristic of the obstacle is determined. At least one torque to be applied in a vehicle powertrain is determined based at least in part on the at least one characteristic of the obstacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, David Crist Gabriel, Jonathan Andrew Butcher
  • Publication number: 20160059833
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for reducing brake drag in a brake system of a vehicle. It may be determined that the vehicle is stationary. A brake pressure of the brake system may be monitored. The monitored brake pressure may then be compared to a brake pressure criteria. A brake pressure to be applied may be regulated when the monitored brake pressure does not meet the brake pressure criteria, wherein the applied brake pressure meets the pressure criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Charles K. EVANS, Tim JURKIW, Dale Scott CROMBEZ, Thomas SVENSSON
  • Patent number: 9254825
    Abstract: A vehicle regenerative braking control system includes a brake pedal; a brake pedal angle sensor interfacing with the brake pedal; a vehicle braking system interfacing with the brake pedal angle sensor, the vehicle braking system adapted to implement friction braking and regenerative braking responsive to receiving a brake pedal angle input signal from the brake pedal angle sensor; and at least one of a brake pedal switch and a brake master cylinder pressure sensor interfacing with the brake pedal and the vehicle braking system. The vehicle braking system is further adapted to implement friction braking and regenerative braking responsive to input from the at least one of a brake pedal switch and a brake master cylinder pressure sensor in the event that the vehicle braking system does not receive the brake pedal angle input signal from the brake pedal angle sensor. A regenerative braking control method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLc
    Inventors: Jinkoo Lee, Dale Scott Crombez, Daniel A. Gabor, Scott J. Lauffer, John P. Joyce
  • Publication number: 20160016565
    Abstract: A system for applying regenerative braking during high friction coefficient braking of a vehicle includes at least one controller; at least one braking sensor interfacing with the at least one controller; a vehicle powertrain interfacing with the at least one controller; a brake pedal interfacing with the at least one controller; vehicle friction brakes interfacing with the at least one controller; and the at least one controller applies anti-lock braking torque to the vehicle brakes and simultaneously applies regenerative braking torque to the vehicle powertrain responsive to input from the at least one braking sensor. A method for applying regenerative braking during high friction coefficient braking of a vehicle is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Gabor, Dale Scott Crombez
  • Patent number: 9174575
    Abstract: A driver prompting braking system includes a detection device adapted to sense at least one object in front of the vehicle; a detection system interfacing with the detection device, the detection system adapted to detect the at least one object; and a brake coaching system interfacing with the detection system, the brake coaching system adapted to determine a brake application timing for an operator of the vehicle to avoid the object and optimize fuel economy of the vehicle. A driver prompting braking method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Mitts, Aaron L. Mills, Dale Scott Crombez, Daniel A. Gabor
  • Patent number: 9162657
    Abstract: An automotive braking system includes a windshield wiper system, a traction wheel, and a non-friction brake system configured to apply a braking force to the traction wheel. The system also includes one or more controllers operatively connected with the windshield wiper system, and configured to, in response to a braking request, command the non-friction brake system to apply the braking force to the traction wheel. The braking force has a magnitude that depends on whether the windshield wiper system is active.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yonghua Li, Dale Scott Crombez
  • Patent number: 9156358
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes at least one wheel, a friction brake, a motor, and at least one controller. The friction brake is coupled to the wheel and configured to provide friction brake torque, and the motor is coupled to the wheel and configured to provide regenerative brake torque. The controller is configured to command the motor to provide a regenerative brake torque to satisfy a low frequency torque component or a high frequency torque component of a required antilock wheel brake torque during an antilock braking event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Hai Yu, Kerem Bayar, Dale Scott Crombez
  • Publication number: 20150274027
    Abstract: A system includes a first battery configured to power at least one vehicle subsystem and a second battery configured to power an electric motor to propel a vehicle. A processing device is configured to detect an inadequate power level provided from the first battery to the at least one vehicle subsystem and selectively partition the second battery to power the at least one vehicle subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Jerome Charles Ivan, James Robert McBride, Wayne Williams, Paul Joseph Szuszman, Roger Arnold Trombley, Peter Worrel, Hai Yu
  • Publication number: 20150274018
    Abstract: A system for controlling regenerative braking in an electrified vehicle to prevent or minimize reduction of overall braking torque during wheel slip events includes an antilock braking system adapted to transmit an antilock braking system active signal and a regeneration powertrain interfacing with the antilock braking system. The regeneration powertrain is adapted to inhibit regenerative braking torque reduction responsive to receiving the antilock braking system active signal during a high deceleration braking event. A method for controlling regenerative braking in an electrified vehicle to prevent or minimize reduction of overall braking torque during wheel slip events is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Kerem Bayar
  • Publication number: 20150274169
    Abstract: Vehicle operating systems are autonomously operated. A transient in an upcoming path of the vehicle is determined from a comparison of vehicle path data and vehicle status data to a threshold of mechanism first operating system. Operational parameters for one of first and second operating systems are selected according to the comparison. The selected operational parameters are applied to the operation of the one of the first and second operating systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Attard, Dale Scott Crombez, Jerome Charles Ivan, John P. Joyce, James Robert McBride, Wayne Williams, Paul Joseph Szuszman, Peter Worrel, Hai YU, John Shutko, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Douglas Scott Rhode
  • Patent number: 9145129
    Abstract: Data is collected related to motion of a vehicle. Based on the collected data, it may be determined that a threshold associated with motion sickness is exceeded. An adjustment for a component in the vehicle may be adjusted based at least in part on the collected data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Francis Worrel, Dale Scott Crombez, Roger Arnold Trombley
  • Patent number: 9126570
    Abstract: A hybrid or electric vehicle includes a hydraulic brake system having an active vacuum booster with an active boost control valve actuated by at least one controller. An isolation valve is disposed in a fluid circuit that fluidly connects a master cylinder to hydraulic brakes. A brake pedal is capable of moving in an initial deadband displacement range when initially depressed by an operator of the vehicle. While in the initial deadband displacement range, the controller selectively activates the isolation valve to inhibit fluid flow from at least a portion of the fluid circuit to the master cylinder based at least upon an operating state of the active boost control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Joyce, Dale Scott Crombez, Daniel A. Gabor, John Phillip McCormick
  • Publication number: 20150241878
    Abstract: A computer in a vehicle is configured to operate the vehicle in at least one of an autonomous and a semi-autonomous mode. The computer is further configured to detect at least one condition of a roadway being traveled by the vehicle, the condition comprising at least one of a restricted lane, a restricted zone, a construction zone, and accident area, an incline, a hazardous road surface. The computer is further configured to determine at least one autonomous action based on the condition, the at least one autonomous action including at least one of altering a speed of the vehicle, controlling vehicle steering, controlling vehicle lighting, transitioning the vehicle to manual control, and controlling a distance of the vehicle from an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Matt Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Andrew Waldis, Peter Francis Worrel, Wilford Trent Yopp
  • Publication number: 20150232098
    Abstract: A vehicle coasting control system for a vehicle having a prime mover includes an accelerator pedal positional throughout an accelerator pedal position range; a vehicle controller interfacing with the accelerator pedal, the vehicle controller adapted to control operating speeds of the prime mover of the vehicle corresponding to positions, respectively, of the accelerator pedal within the accelerator pedal position range; and the vehicle controller is adapted to operate the prime mover at idle when the accelerator pedal is positioned at a coast zone within the accelerator pedal position range. A vehicle coasting control method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2014
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Ryan J. Skaff, Kenneth Frederick