Patents by Inventor Douglas Scott Rhode
Douglas Scott Rhode 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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Publication number: 20140309888Abstract: A display system for a vehicle and trailer is disclosed. The system comprises an interface configured to receive a directional input and a controller in communication with the interface and a screen. The controller is operable to receive a hitch angle and determine a heading direction of the trailer. The controller is further operable to determine a predicted heading of the vehicle aligned with the trailer based on the hitch angle. The predicted heading of the trailer is then displayed by the controller on the screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: David Dean Smit, Matthew Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, John Shutko, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Publication number: 20140277942Abstract: A vehicle system for estimating a trailer length is disclosed. The system incorporates at least one sensor configured to measure a wheel steer angle and a trailer angle in communication with a processor. The processor is operable to determine a first length by a first computation method and determine a second length by a second computation method. The processor is further operable to validate an estimated trailer length based on the first length and the second length and perform a back-up function for the trailer based on the estimated trailer length.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christos Kyrtsos, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Alex Maurice Miller, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Publication number: 20140249723Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a trailer backup assist system includes a sensor that senses a measured hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. The system also provides an input module that receives a desired curvature of the trailer. A controller of the system includes a curvature regulator determining a desired hitch angle based on the desired curvature and a steering angle of the vehicle. In addition, the controller of the system includes a hitch angle regulator generating a steering angle command based on the desired hitch angle and the measured hitch angle. In this embodiment, the controller is configured to operate the trailer backup assist system irrespective of the attached trailer having a conventional tongue or a gooseneck tongue.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Roger Arnold Trombley, Michael Hafner, Matthew Y. Rupp, Douglas Scott Rhode, Darrel Alan Recker
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Publication number: 20140222288Abstract: A trailer back-up assist apparatus comprises an obstacle sensing system operable to output information characterizing proximity of a object adjacent to a vehicle-trailer combination while the vehicle-trailer combination is being backed toward a targeted location and a trailer back-up assist system correction apparatus coupled to the obstacle sensing system. The trailer back-up assist system uses the information characterizing proximity of the object to determine if a path of the vehicle-trailer combination needs to be altered to limit a potential of the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object and implements a path correction action to alter the path of travel of the vehicle-trailer combination to reduce the potential for the vehicle-trailer combination colliding with the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode, Darrel Alan Recker
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Publication number: 20140218522Abstract: A vehicle comprises a communication interface for enabling information to be communicated to a and from an occupant of the vehicle and a trailer back-up assist system coupled to the communication interface. The trailer back-up assist system is operable for determining a selected width of a lane within which the vehicle and an attached trailer are to be backed from a current position of the vehicle to reach a targeted location for the attached trailer and for outputting to the occupant of the vehicle via the communication interface information characterizing an ability of the vehicle to be backed within the lane from the current position of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode, Darrel Alan Recker
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Patent number: 8725353Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and a method for mitigating vehicle rollovers, the method comprises monitoring a vehicular tilt and sensing a vehicular rollover in a particular direction, through a tilt sensor. Further, the system determines an occurrence of a rollover according to a calculated tilt threshold, through a central processing unit. Steering the vehicle in the sensed direction of the rollover, accelerating the vehicle in the same direction, and braking the vehicle upon sensing a decrease in the rollover, all being controlled through a controller, enables the vehicle to eventually stabilize and return to track.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jianbo Lu, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Greg Blaisdell Stevens, Jeffrey Dan Rupp, Douglas Scott Rhode, Thomas Edward Pilutti
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Publication number: 20130184936Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and a method for mitigating vehicle rollovers, the method comprises monitoring a vehicular tilt and sensing a vehicular rollover in a particular direction, through a tilt sensor. Further, the system determines an occurrence of a rollover according to a calculated tilt threshold, through a central processing unit. Steering the vehicle in the sensed direction of the rollover, accelerating the vehicle in the same direction, and braking the vehicle upon sensing a decrease in the rollover, all being controlled through a controller, enables the vehicle to eventually stabilize and return to track.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2012Publication date: July 18, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jianbo Lu, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Greg Blaisdell Stevens, Jeffrey Dan Rupp, Douglas Scott Rhode, Thomas Edward Pilutti
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Publication number: 20120271514Abstract: A trailer backup steering input apparatus is coupled to a vehicle. The trailer backup steering input apparatus comprises a rotatable control element (e.g., a knob) and a rotatable control element movement sensing device. The rotatable control element biased to an at-rest position between opposing rotational ranges of motion. The rotatable control element movement sensing device is coupled to the rotatable control element for sensing movement of the rotatable control element. The rotatable control element movement sensing device outputs a signal generated as a function of an amount of rotation of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position, a rate movement of the rotatable control element, and/or a direction of movement of the rotatable control element with respect to the at-rest position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Douglas Scott Rhode, Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Roger Arnold Trombley
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Publication number: 20120271515Abstract: A vehicle has a trailer backup steering input apparatus, a trailer backup assist control module coupled to the a trailer backup steering input apparatus, and an electric power assist steering system coupled to the trailer backup assist control module and. The trailer backup steering input apparatus is configured for outputting a trailer path curvature signal approximating a desired curvature for a path of travel of a trailer towably coupled to the vehicle. The trailer backup assist control module is configured for determining vehicle steering information as a function of the trailer path curvature signa. The electric power assist steering system is configured for controlling steering of steered wheels of the vehicle as a function of the vehicle steering information.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2011Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Douglas Scott Rhode, David Dean Smit, Erick Michael Lavoie, Martin Fitzpatrick Frey, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Taehyun Shim, Matt Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley
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Patent number: 7143864Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of sensors sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle. The sensors include a steering angle sensor (35) and a yaw rate sensor (28). The controller (26) is coupled to the steering angle sensor (35) and the yaw rate sensor (28). The controller (26) determines a desired yaw rate in response to the steering wheel angle input, determines a corrected steering wheel input as a function of the desired yaw rate of an ideal vehicle and the vehicle yaw rate, and controls the road wheel steer angle (front, rear, or both) steering actuator in response to the corrected steering wheel input, the yaw rate and the modified steering wheel input, vehicle speed, lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, yaw rate, steering wheel angle, and road wheel angles.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.Inventors: Keith Glenn Mattson, Douglas Scott Rhode, Todd Allen Brown
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Patent number: 6834222Abstract: A system and method for developing signals to activate vehicle stability controllers wherein wheel speed sensors for the wheels of the vehicle are used as input variables. The wheel speed values are used in a wheel rolling radius determination. Dynamic imbalance strength estimation and dynamic imbalance strength magnitude use the computed wheel rolling radius information in a tire imbalance logic unit to develop signals to activate the vehicle stability controllers.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jianbo Lu, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Publication number: 20040172181Abstract: A system and method for developing signals to activate vehicle stability controllers wherein wheel speed sensors for the wheels of the vehicle are used as input variables. The wheel speed values are used in a wheel rolling radius determination. Dynamic imbalance strength estimation and dynamic imbalance strength magnitude use the computed wheel rolling radius information in a tire imbalance logic unit to develop signals to activate the vehicle stability controllers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jianbo Lu, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Publication number: 20040060765Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of sensors sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle. The sensors include a steering angle sensor (35) and a yaw rate sensor (28). The controller (26) is coupled to the steering angle sensor (35) and the yaw rate sensor (28). The controller (26) determines a desired yaw rate in response to the steering wheel angle input, determines a corrected steering wheel input as a function of the desired yaw rate of an ideal vehicle and the vehicle yaw rate, and controls the road wheel steer angle (front, rear, or both) steering actuator in response to the corrected steering wheel input, the yaw rate and the modified steering wheel input, vehicle speed, lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, yaw rate, steering wheel angle, and road wheel angles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Keith Glenn Mattson, Douglas Scott Rhode, Todd Allen Brown
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Patent number: 6496758Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors (28-39) sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle and a controller controls a steering force to reduce a tire moment so the net moment of the vehicle is counter to the roll direction. The sensors may include a speed sensor (30), a lateral acceleration sensor (32), a roll rate sensor (34), a yaw rate sensor (20) and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller (26) is coupled to the speed sensor (30), the lateral acceleration sensor (32), the roll rate sensor (34), the yaw rate sensor (28) and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller (26) determines a roll angle estimate in response to lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, roll rate, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The controller (26) changes a tire force vector using by changing the direction and/or force of the steering actuator in response to the relative roll angle estimate.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Douglas Scott Rhode, Joseph Carr Meyers, Todd Allen Brown
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Publication number: 20020095244Abstract: A stability control system (24) for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors (28-39) sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle and a controller controls a steering force to reduce a tire moment so the net moment of the vehicle is counter to the roll direction. The sensors may include a speed sensor (30), a lateral acceleration sensor (32), a roll rate sensor (34), a yaw rate sensor (20) and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller (26) is coupled to the speed sensor (30), the lateral acceleration sensor (32), the roll rate sensor (34), the yaw rate sensor (28) and a longitudinal acceleration sensor (36). The controller (26) determines a roll angle estimate in response to lateral acceleration, longitudinal acceleration, roll rate, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The controller (26) changes a tire force vector using by changing the direction and/or force of the steering actuator in response to the relative roll angle estimate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Douglas Scott Rhode, Joseph Carr Meyers, Todd Allen Brown
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Patent number: 6332104Abstract: A stability control system 24 for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors 28-37 sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle and a controller 26 that controls a distributed brake pressure to reduce a tire moment so the net moment of the vehicle is counter to the roll direction. The sensors include a speed sensor 30, a lateral acceleration sensor 32, a roll rate sensor 34, and a yaw rate sensor 20. The controller 26 is coupled to the speed sensor 30, the lateral acceleration sensor 32, the roll rate sensor 34, the yaw rate sensor 28. The controller 26 determines a roll angle estimate in response to lateral acceleration, roll rate, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The controller 26 may ultimately be used to determine a tire force vector such as brake pressure distribution or a steering angle change in response to the relative roll angle estimate.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Todd Allen Brown, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Patent number: 6324446Abstract: A stability control system 24 for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors 28-37 sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle and a controller 26 that controls a distributed brake pressure to reduce a tire moment so the net moment of the vehicle is counter to the roll direction. The sensors include a speed sensor 30, a lateral acceleration sensor 32, a roll rate sensor 34, and a yaw rate sensor 20. The controller 26 is coupled to the speed sensor 30, the lateral acceleration sensor 32, the roll rate sensor 34, the yaw rate sensor 28. The controller 26 determines a roll angle estimate in response to lateral acceleration, roll rate, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The controller 26 changes a tire force vector using a steering angle change in response to the relative roll angle estimate.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Todd Allen Brown, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Patent number: 6263261Abstract: A stability control system 24 for an automotive vehicle as includes a plurality of sensors 28-37 sensing the dynamic conditions of the vehicle and a controller 26 that controls a distributed brake pressure to reduce a tire moment so the net moment of the vehicle is counter to the roll direction. The sensors include a speed sensor 30, a lateral acceleration sensor 32, a roll rate sensor 34, and a yaw rate sensor 20. The controller 26 is coupled to the speed sensor 30, the lateral acceleration sensor 32, the roll rate sensor 34, the yaw rate sensor 28. The controller 26 determines a roll angle estimate in response to lateral acceleration, roll rate, vehicle speed, and yaw rate. The controller 26 changes a tire force vector using brake pressure distribution in response to the relative roll angle estimate.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Todd Allen Brown, Douglas Scott Rhode
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Patent number: 6076027Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle active tilt control system is provided for increasing the operating efficiency and improving operator/passenger comfort associated with the operation of a motor vehicle having an active tilt control system. The tilt control system includes a stabilizer bar adjustable by a hydraulic actuator which is movable in first and second opposing directions for adjusting vehicle body roll resistance provided by the stabilizer bar, and having a pressure control valve for controlling hydraulic pressure to the actuators.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Inventors: Joseph Michael Raad, John Allen Oliver, Douglas Scott Rhode, Russell Lee Norton, Steven A. Hermann, Jon Roland Watson
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Patent number: 6002327Abstract: A system and method that monitors four wheel sensors of an automotive vehicle to determine changes in the effective rolling radii of any wheel and a low pressure tire condition. Certain vehicle operating conditions, such as excessive or very low speeds, driven wheel torque, braking, and turns, are determined from the sensor outputs and are used to prevent erroneous detection of changes in effective rolling radius. Data from the sensors that is determined to be acceptable is accumulated over time as displacement values for each wheel. When the displacement values exceed a predetermined value, a metric function is used to compare differences detected in accumulated displacement values for the front pair of wheels and for the rear pair of wheels. If the difference between compared pairs of wheels is excessive, as compared with a predetermined baseline metric value, a low tire condition is detected.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Mathew Alan Boesch, Leonard Murray Brown, Douglas Scott Rhode