Patents by Inventor James Adam Drozdowski
James Adam Drozdowski 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: 20220219500Abstract: A pivotable vehicle trailer hitch assembly may include a tube frame operably coupled to a chassis of a vehicle and extending transversely across a rear portion of the vehicle, a hitch receiver operably coupled to the tube frame to support a ball mount, and a pivot assembly defining a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to a direction of extension of the tube frame. The pivot assembly may be operably coupled to the hitch receiver and the tube frame to pivot the hitch receiver and ball mount about the pivot axis from an extended position in which the hitch receiver and ball mount extend substantially perpendicular to tube frame, and a retracted position in which the hitch receiver and ball mount extend substantially parallel to the tube frame. The pivot assembly comprises an electrically operated linear actuator operable to transfer the hitch receiver and the ball mount between the extended position and the retracted position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2021Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Nathan Kenneth Shaeff, Joe Buchwitz, James Adam Drozdowski, Henry W. Hausler
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Patent number: 11104191Abstract: A vertically articulating trailer hitch assembly for use with a vehicle, and particularly for use with an autonomous vehicle. The trailer hitch assembly is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame. The hitch assembly is allowed to swing away from the vehicle frame from a lowered position in which the trailer ball is uncoupled from the hitch coupler of the trailer to a raised position in which the trailer ball is coupled to the hitch coupler. The hitch assembly typically includes a receiver that has a long axis. The vehicle frame has a long axis. When the hitch assembly is in its lowered position, the long axis of the receiver is out of alignment with the long axis of the frame. When the hitch assembly is in its raised position, the long axis of the receiver is aligned with the long axis of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric Emil Jackson, Joseph L. Buchwitz, James Adam Drozdowski
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Patent number: 10994777Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example apparatus includes a cam pivotably coupled to a rear axle. The example apparatus also includes a first tie rod having a first end pivotably coupled to the cam and a second end pivotably coupled to a steering knuckle. The example apparatus also includes a second tie rod having a first end pivotably coupled to the cam outboard relative to the first end of the first tie rod and a second end coupled to a steering actuator.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, Geoffrey Lawrence Gordon, John Wesley Stanley, James Adam Drozdowski
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Patent number: 10836424Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example wheel steering apparatus includes a steering actuator to couple to a rear axle, a tie rod, and a transfer link to couple the steering actuator and the tie rod. The steering actuator is positioned on a first side of a first longitudinal axis of the rear axle and the tie rod positioned on a second side of the first longitudinal axis of the rear axle opposite the first side.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Joe L Buchwitz, James Adam Drozdowski, Geoffrey Lawrence Gordon, John Wesley Stanley
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Patent number: 10625778Abstract: Steerable knuckle apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a steerable knuckle for a vehicle. The knuckle has a first portion to be movably coupled to a yoke of the vehicle and a second portion removably coupled to the first portion. The second portion receives a wheel hub of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a first aperture disposed on the first portion to receive a first joint for movably coupling the knuckle to the yoke.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, John Wesley Stanley, Charles Krysztof, James Adam Drozdowski
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Patent number: 10589589Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example vehicle suspension includes a yoke to couple a knuckle to an axle of the vehicle suspension. The yoke includes a post to receive the axle and a lobe projecting from the post.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, John Wesley Stanley, Vijay Bokil, James Adam Drozdowski, Timothy Panagis
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Publication number: 20200017142Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example apparatus includes a cam pivotably coupled to a rear axle. The example apparatus also includes a first tie rod having a first end pivotably coupled to the cam and a second end pivotably coupled to a steering knuckle. The example apparatus also includes a second tie rod having a first end pivotably coupled to the cam outboard relative to the first end of the first tie rod and a second end coupled to a steering actuator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, Geoffrey Lawrence Gordon, John Wesley Stanley, James Adam Drozdowski
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Publication number: 20190375453Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example wheel steering apparatus includes a steering actuator to couple to a rear axle, a tie rod, and a transfer link to couple the steering actuator and the tie rod. The steering actuator is positioned on a first side of a first longitudinal axis of the rear axle and the tie rod positioned on a second side of the first longitudinal axis of the rear axle opposite the first side.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2018Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, James Adam Drozdowski, Geoffrey Lawrence Gordon, John Wesley Stanley
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Publication number: 20190193496Abstract: A vertically articulating trailer hitch assembly for use with a vehicle, and particularly for use with an autonomous vehicle. The trailer hitch assembly is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame. The hitch assembly is allowed to swing away from the vehicle frame from a lowered position in which the trailer ball is uncoupled from the hitch coupler of the trailer to a raised position in which the trailer ball is coupled to the hitch coupler. The hitch assembly typically includes a receiver that has a long axis. The vehicle frame has a long axis. When the hitch assembly is in its lowered position, the long axis of the receiver is out of alignment with the long axis of the frame. When the hitch assembly is in its raised position, the long axis of the receiver is aligned with the long axis of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Eric Emil Jackson, Joseph L. Buchwitz, James Adam Drozdowski
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Patent number: 10252590Abstract: The disclosed inventive concept provides a vertically articulating trailer hitch assembly for use with a vehicle, and particularly for use with an autonomous vehicle. The trailer hitch assembly is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame. The hitch assembly is allowed to swing away from the vehicle frame from a lowered position in which the trailer ball is uncoupled from the hitch coupler of the trailer to a raised position in which the trailer ball is coupled to the hitch coupler. The hitch assembly typically includes a receiver that has a long axis. The vehicle frame has a long axis. When the hitch assembly is in its lowered position, the long axis of the receiver is out of alignment with the long axis of the frame. When the hitch assembly is in its raised position, the long axis of the receiver is aligned with the long axis of the frame.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric Emil Jackson, Joseph L. Buchwitz, James Adam Drozdowski
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Publication number: 20190071120Abstract: Steerable knuckle apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An apparatus includes a steerable knuckle for a vehicle. The knuckle has a first portion to be movably coupled to a yoke of the vehicle and a second portion removably coupled to the first portion. The second portion receives a wheel hub of the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a first aperture disposed on the first portion to receive a first joint for movably coupling the knuckle to the yoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2017Publication date: March 7, 2019Inventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, John Wesley Stanley, Charles Krysztof, James Adam Drozdowski
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Publication number: 20190061455Abstract: Vehicle suspension systems are described herein. An example vehicle suspension includes a yoke to couple a knuckle to an axle of the vehicle suspension. The yoke includes a post to receive the axle and a lobe projecting from the post.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2017Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Joe L. Buchwitz, John Wesley Stanley, Vijay Bokil, James Adam Drozdowski, Timothy Panagis
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Patent number: 10150516Abstract: A reinforcement panel for the floor of a pick-up truck bed. The reinforcement panel is assembled between the floor of the pick-up truck and a fifth wheel cross member. The reinforcement panel includes transversely extending reinforcing or stiffening ribs. The stiffening ribs resist deflection in the area of the gooseneck ball receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mark Joseph Courtright, Joshua Hemphill, James Adam Drozdowski, John Comiez, Vincent Chimento
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Publication number: 20180222264Abstract: The disclosed inventive concept provides a vertically articulating trailer hitch assembly for use with a vehicle, and particularly for use with an autonomous vehicle. The trailer hitch assembly is pivotally attached to the vehicle frame. The hitch assembly is allowed to swing away from the vehicle frame from a lowered position in which the trailer ball is uncoupled from the hitch coupler of the trailer to a raised position in which the trailer ball is coupled to the hitch coupler. The hitch assembly typically includes a receiver that has a long axis. The vehicle frame has a long axis. When the hitch assembly is in its lowered position, the long axis of the receiver is out of alignment with the long axis of the frame. When the hitch assembly is in its raised position, the long axis of the receiver is aligned with the long axis of the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2017Publication date: August 9, 2018Inventors: Eric Emil Jackson, Joseph L. Buchwitz, James Adam Drozdowski
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Patent number: 9834057Abstract: A suspension stabilization system may include a stabilizer bar having an end configured to connect to a suspension component of a vehicle, and a torsion shaft with an end connected to the stabilizer bar. A locking mechanism may be configured to rotationally couple and decouple at least a portion of the torsion shaft with a portion of a frame of the vehicle. Methods relate to stabilizing a vehicle suspension.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: James Adam Drozdowski, Joe L Buchwitz, Bruce C Arnold
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Publication number: 20170334284Abstract: A grille shade assembly for a vehicle includes a deployable flexible grille shade and one or more drive elements for translating the flexible grille shade between a deployed and a stowed position. A motor is operatively connected to the one or more drive elements. A carrier carrying the deployable flexible grille shade is operatively connected to the one or more drive elements. One or more trolley slides engage a portion of the flexible grille shade and the one or more drive elements to effect translation of the grille shade between the deployed and retracted position. A controller is operatively connected to the motor and to one or more sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2016Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: James Adam Drozdowski, Charlie Qian, Jay Robert Degenkolb
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Patent number: 9783175Abstract: A cable mounting assembly that may include a ball fitting having a hole that receives a cable assembly. The ball fitting may be disposed in an abutment and may be received in a bracket that may be disposed on the abutment.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph L Buchwitz, James Adam Drozdowski, Andrew Arthur Brown, Jacob Peter Stencel, Mason Otto Suksumake, Richard Green
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Publication number: 20170120713Abstract: A suspension stabilization system may include a stabilizer bar having an end configured to connect to a suspension component of a vehicle, and a torsion shaft with an end connected to the stabilizer bar. A locking mechanism may be configured to rotationally couple and decouple at least a portion of the torsion shaft with a portion of a frame of the vehicle. Methods relate to stabilizing a vehicle suspension.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2015Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: James Adam DROZDOWSKI, Joe L BUCHWITZ, Bruce C ARNOLD
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Publication number: 20170088188Abstract: A reinforcement panel for the floor of a pick-up truck bed. The reinforcement panel is assembled between the floor of the pick-up truck and a fifth wheel cross member. The reinforcement panel includes transversely extending reinforcing or stiffening ribs. The stiffening ribs resist deflection in the area of the gooseneck ball receptacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2016Publication date: March 30, 2017Inventors: Mark Joseph COURTRIGHT, Joshua HEMPHILL, James Adam DROZDOWSKI, John COMIEZ, Vincent CHIMENTO
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Patent number: 9545873Abstract: A reinforcement panel for the floor of a pick-up truck bed. The reinforcement panel is assembled between the floor of the pick-up truck and a fifth wheel cross member. The reinforcement panel includes transversely extending reinforcing or stiffening ribs. The stiffening ribs resist deflection in the area of the gooseneck ball receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mark Joseph Courtright, Joshua Hemphill, James Adam Drozdowski, John Comiez, Vincent Chimento