Patents by Inventor Mark G. Smith
Mark G. Smith 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: 20240115449Abstract: An embodiment of a storage device for medical products includes a cabinet defining an enclosure having a plurality of compartments. In addition, the storage device includes a plurality of storage containers, each storage container configured to be inserted into a corresponding one of the plurality of compartments. Further, the storage device includes an actuation assembly including a plurality of arms that are configured to engage the plurality of storage containers so as to secure the plurality of storage containers in the plurality of compartments. Still further, the storage device includes a release mechanism that is configured to simultaneously actuate each of the plurality of arms to release the plurality of storage containers from the plurality of compartments.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Thomas J. Larkner, David A. Ferrer, Jesse M. Smith, Dennis H. Smith, Adam A. Cloud, Mark D. Lockwood, Mark G. Loeffelholz, James R. Edwards
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Publication number: 20240093476Abstract: A toilet assembly includes a flush engine having a bowl defining a sump and a trapway extending from the sump. A bowl insert is configured to be located in the bowl and a shroud is configured to be positioned over the flush engine to conceal at least a portion of the flush engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventors: Billy Jack Ahola, Andrew L. Smith, Mark E. Baumgartner, Donald G. Bogenschuetz, Tobin J. Vetting, Lawrence E. Duwell, Peter W. Swart
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Publication number: 20230406071Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle climate control system including a compressor, at least one sensor, and at least one controller is provided. The compressor is configured to circulate fluid about a refrigerant loop. The at least one sensor is configured to provide a signal indicative of a pressure of the fluid in the refrigerant loop. The at least one controller is programmed to control a first valve to open to enable the fluid to flow to an evaporator for a battery responsive to the pressure of the fluid being greater than a predetermined pressure level to reduce the pressure of the fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2022Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventor: Mark G. SMITH
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Patent number: 11688903Abstract: A vehicle climate control system includes a cooling system including a chiller, a coolant circuit, a refrigerant circuit, a pump, and a compressor. The coolant circuit bypasses the chiller. The refrigerant circuit incorporates the chiller. The pump is configured to move coolant through the coolant circuit. The compressor is configured to move refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit. The vehicle climate control system also includes a controller configured to, in response to a temperature of a battery exceeding a threshold while the pump is moving fluid through the coolant circuit, activate the chiller and the compressor.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Mark G. Smith, Neil Robert Burrows, Bo Wu
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Patent number: 11597252Abstract: An electrified vehicle and method for heating a passenger cabin of an electrified vehicle that may include an internal combustion engine in addition to an electric machine and a traction battery for supplying the electric machine control an electric heating element to store thermal energy while the vehicle is connected to an external power source that is also used to charge the traction battery, and to extract stored thermal energy during operation of the vehicle with the electric heating element turned off to extend the electric driving range of the vehicle while also providing heat to the passenger cabin. The electric heating element may positioned and controlled to heat one or more elements directly by mechanical contact, or indirectly by heating a circulating liquid coolant to a temperature above a current or anticipated external ambient temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas Zenner, Daniel Benjamin Kok, Timothy Noah Blatchley, Mark G. Smith
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Publication number: 20230053169Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle climate system includes, by a controller, responsive to a same blower motor request, operating a blower motor at a first speed responsive to a heater core isolation valve (HCIV) directing coolant used to heat a cabin to an engine. The method further includes, by the controller, responsive to the same blower motor request, operating the blower motor at a second speed less than the first speed responsive to the HCIV directing the coolant to an electric heater and not to the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2022Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: Mark G. SMITH, Chris George OEHRING, Jasbir JAGLAN, Angel Fernando PORRAS
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Publication number: 20220371400Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle climate system when an ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature is provided. In response to an ambient temperature being less than a threshold temperature, a controller is adapted to operate a blower motor at a voltage that depends on whether the vehicle is in charge sustain mode or charge deplete mode. In response to an ambient temperature being greater than a threshold temperature, the controller is adapted to operate the blower motor at a voltage that does not depend on whether in the charge sustain or charge deplete modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2022Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Jasbir Jaglan, William Stewart Johnston, Alan Douglas Wallington, Curtis Mark Jones, Chris George Oehring, Mark G. Smith
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Patent number: 11491846Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle climate system includes, by a controller, responsive to a same blower motor request, operating a blower motor at a first speed responsive to a heater core isolation valve (HCIV) directing coolant used to heat a cabin to an engine. The method further includes, by the controller, responsive to the same blower motor request, operating the blower motor at a second speed less than the first speed responsive to the HCIV directing the coolant to an electric heater and not to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark G. Smith, Chris George Oehring, Jasbir Jaglan, Angel Fernando Porras
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Patent number: 11413932Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle climate system when an ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature is provided. In response to an ambient temperature being less than a threshold temperature, a controller is adapted to operate a blower motor at a voltage that depends on whether the vehicle is in charge sustain mode or charge deplete mode. The controller operates the blower motor according to a first voltage responsive to a charge sustain mode, and operates the blower motor according to a second voltage different than the first voltage in response to a charge deplete mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jasbir Jaglan, William Stewart Johnston, Alan Douglas Wallington, Curtis Mark Jones, Chris George Oehring, Mark G. Smith
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Patent number: 11214114Abstract: A traction battery thermal management system is provided. The thermal management system includes a battery loop for regulating the traction battery temperature. A motor loop is provided for regulating a motor temperature. The thermal management system also includes a radiator. A radiator valve selectively controls fluid flow through the radiator. A battery valve selectively couples the battery loop and the motor loops. The battery loop, the motor loop are in fluid communication and arranged in parallel to be cooled by the radiator.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark G. Smith, William Samuel Schwartz, Kenneth J. Jackson, David Fabricatore
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Patent number: 10933718Abstract: This disclosure relates to a vehicle configured to prevent oil entrapment within a refrigerant system of the vehicle. This disclosure also relates to a corresponding method. An example vehicle includes a refrigerant system configured to circulate fluid including a mixture of refrigerant and oil relative to an evaporator, a controller, and an electronic expansion valve upstream of the evaporator. The electronic expansion valve is responsive to instructions from the controller, and the controller is configured to instruct the electronic expansion valve to open to prevent entrapment of oil within the evaporator or refrigerant lines.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark G. Smith, Timothy Noah Blatchley
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Publication number: 20200361288Abstract: This disclosure relates to a vehicle configured to prevent oil entrapment within a refrigerant system of the vehicle. This disclosure also relates to a corresponding method. An example vehicle includes a refrigerant system configured to circulate fluid including a mixture of refrigerant and oil relative to an evaporator, a controller, and an electronic expansion valve upstream of the evaporator. The electronic expansion valve is responsive to instructions from the controller, and the controller is configured to instruct the electronic expansion valve to open to prevent entrapment of oil within the evaporator or refrigerant lines.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2019Publication date: November 19, 2020Inventors: Mark G. Smith, Timothy Noah Blatchley
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Publication number: 20200338953Abstract: An electrified vehicle and method for heating a passenger cabin of an electrified vehicle that may include an internal combustion engine in addition to an electric machine and a traction battery for supplying the electric machine control an electric heating element to store thermal energy while the vehicle is connected to an external power source that is also used to charge the traction battery, and to extract stored thermal energy during operation of the vehicle with the electric heating element turned off to extend the electric driving range of the vehicle while also providing heat to the passenger cabin. The electric heating element may positioned and controlled to heat one or more elements directly by mechanical contact, or indirectly by heating a circulating liquid coolant to a temperature above a current or anticipated external ambient temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2020Publication date: October 29, 2020Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas ZENNER, Daniel Benjamin KOK, Timothy Noah BLATCHLEY, Mark G. SMITH
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Patent number: 10457118Abstract: A vehicle includes a first cooling loop, a second cooling loop, and a controller. The first cooling loop includes a compressor and a chiller. The second cooling loop includes a valve and an evaporator. The second cooling loop extends from an input side to an output side of the chiller on the first loop. The controller is programmed to, responsive to operation of the chiller but not the evaporator, close and intermittently pulse open the valve each time a discharge pressure of the compressor exceeds a first threshold.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jianqing Xu, Jasbir Jaglan, Mark G. Smith, Yinhua Zheng
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Publication number: 20190315192Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle climate system includes, by a controller, responsive to a same blower motor request, operating a blower motor at a first speed responsive to a heater core isolation valve (HCIV) directing coolant used to heat a cabin to an engine. The method further includes, by the controller, responsive to the same blower motor request, operating the blower motor at a second speed less than the first speed responsive to the HCIV directing the coolant to an electric heater and not to the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2018Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Mark G. SMITH, Chris George OEHRING, Jasbir JAGLAN, Angel Fernando PORRAS
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Patent number: 10427494Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle climate control system includes steps of determining that a first predetermined set of conditions are satisfied whereby a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system airflow into a passenger cabin will exceed a predetermined HVAC airflow temperature threshold and, if so, automatically implementing a first climate control system operating condition at least reducing the HVAC airflow into the passenger cabin. On determining that a second predetermined set of conditions are satisfied whereby the HVAC airflow into the passenger cabin will satisfy the predetermined HVAC airflow temperature threshold, the method includes a step of automatically implementing a second climate control system operating condition increasing the HVAC airflow into the passenger cabin. Climate control systems for implementing the described methods are provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: David Alan Wong, Debasish Dhar, Alan Gutowski, Alan Douglas Wallington, Manfred Koberstein, Mark G. Smith, Angel Fernando Porras
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Publication number: 20190273296Abstract: A vehicle climate control system includes a cooling system including a chiller, a coolant circuit, a refrigerant circuit, a pump, and a compressor. The coolant circuit bypasses the chiller. The refrigerant circuit incorporates the chiller. The pump is configured to move coolant through the coolant circuit. The compressor is configured to move refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit. The vehicle climate control system also includes a controller configured to, in response to a temperature of a battery exceeding a threshold while the pump is moving fluid through the coolant circuit, activate the chiller and the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2019Publication date: September 5, 2019Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Mark G. Smith, Neil Robert Burrows, Bo Wu
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Patent number: 10293658Abstract: A cooling system is provided for a traction battery of an electrified motor vehicle. That cooling system includes a cooling circuit, a refrigerant circuit, a plurality of flow control valves and a control system. That control system includes a controller configured to (a) control operation of the plurality of flow control valves and (b) prioritize cabin cooling over traction battery cooling.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Timothy Noah Blatchley, Mark G. Smith, Brett Allen Dunn
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Patent number: 10282735Abstract: A system and method for determining total capacity, amount reserved or sold and remaining availability of ad impressions for an online advertising publishing system. Calculations may be based on multiple factors including for example 1) actuals of historical data of ad impression delivery, 2) various delivery parameters including ad targeting overlap with other ads, timing, priority and impression goals, and 3) a mathematical algorithm and calculations of the above incorporating adjustments due to seasonality and market factors. The resulting calculations are used to reserve, schedule and target advertisements to be delivered over a network to be viewed by consumers.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: AutoTrader.com, Inc.Inventors: Steven R. Karson, Mark G. Smith, Michael J. Burgiss
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Publication number: 20190111760Abstract: A vehicle includes a first cooling loop, a second cooling loop, and a controller. The first cooling loop includes a compressor and a chiller. The second cooling loop includes a valve and an evaporator. The second cooling loop extends from an input side to an output side of the chiller on the first loop. The controller is programmed to, responsive to operation of the chiller but not the evaporator, close and intermittently pulse open the valve each time a discharge pressure of the compressor exceeds a first threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2017Publication date: April 18, 2019Inventors: Jianqing XU, Jasbir JAGLAN, Mark G. SMITH, Yinhua ZHENG