Patents by Inventor Michael John Harmon

Michael John Harmon 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).

  • Publication number: 20240037958
    Abstract: The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the vicinity of power cables. In an example method, a first end of a power cable may be detected to be connected to a vehicle. A first trajectory of the power cable may then be determined via a plurality of sensors at the vehicle. The first trajectory of the power cable may include a first location and a first orientation of the power cable. It may then be determined, via the plurality of sensors at the vehicle, whether an obstacle is within a predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable. Responsive to the determination that the obstacle is within the predetermined distance of the first trajectory of the power cable, a notification associated with the obstacle may be provided, and a power supply to the power cable may be turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Brendan Diamond, Michael John Harmon, Vyas Shenoy
  • Publication number: 20240034419
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a plurality of fins engaged with a bed wall of a cargo bed. The plurality of fins are configured to move telescopically back-and-forth between a stowed position and a deployed position. The fins can be disposed along a vertical top of the bed wall. The fins can slidably engage the bed wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Sriram Pakkam, Michael John Harmon, Andrew Brand, Marius Curea, Jack Marchlewski
  • Publication number: 20240034133
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a tonneau cover, and an actuator assembly that transitions the tonneau cover back-and-forth between a lowered position and a tilted position. The tonneau cover covers a cargo bed of a vehicle when the tonneau cover is in the lowered position and when the tonneau cover is in the tilted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Sriram Pakkam, Michael John Harmon, Marius Curea
  • Publication number: 20240025361
    Abstract: Remote power supply systems are disclosed for use on motor vehicles The remote power supply systems may power auxiliary devices separate from the vehicle. Exemplary remote power supply systems may include one or more removable power outlet boxes that include electrical power outlets for connecting the auxiliary devices. The electrical power outlets may be powered by a generator system of the vehicle. The removable power outlet box may be removed from the vehicle for repositioning the electrical power outlets at a distance away from the vehicle. A control module may command the vehicle to move toward the removable power outlet box when the box is removed from the vehicle and a predefined length of a cord has been unwound from a reel of the removable power outlet box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Michael John Harmon, David Brian Glickman, Deborah M. Bjorge, Hussain Z. Tajmahal
  • Patent number: 11866095
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for multi-position wheel assembly mounts. An example vehicle frame disclosed herein includes apertures adjacent to each of a plurality of wheel assembly locations on the vehicle frame, and a wheel assembly mount at each of the wheel assembly locations, the wheel assembly mount having protrusions extending toward the vehicle frame and positionable in the apertures in a first position to provide a first ride height of the vehicle frame and a second position to provide a second ride height of the vehicle frame, the first ride height less than the second ride height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Marielle Conrad, Benjamin Jordan Curtis, David Earl Ooms, Yejin Han
  • Patent number: 11858571
    Abstract: Vehicle chassis with interchangeable performance packages and related methods. are disclosed herein. An example vehicle chassis disclosed herein includes a frame including a first chassis portion including a cavity, a battery platform coupled to first chassis portion, and a first subframe couplable within the cavity, the first subframe including a first motor and a first suspension assembly, and a second subframe couplable within the cavity, the second subframe including a second motor and a second suspension assembly, the second motor having a greater power than the first motor, the second suspension assembly having a greater stiffness than the first suspension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Marielle Conrad, Benjamin Jordan Curtis, David Earl Ooms, Yejin Han
  • Patent number: 11858399
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a dashboard having a lower portion that defines a recess. The lower portion has a bottom surface and a recess surface. The bottom surface is adjacent to the recess surface, and the recess surface of the lower portion defines the recess. The vehicle also includes a desk operably coupled to the dashboard and movable between an undeployed position and a deployed position. In the undeployed position, the desk is received within the recess and an underside surface of the desk is generally flush with the bottom surface of the lower portion of the dashboard. In the deployed position, the position of the desk is further vehicle-rearward than the position of the desk in the undeployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Ryan Wayne Warner, Jesse Rene Diephuis, Andrew Brand, Andrew Smith
  • Publication number: 20230391217
    Abstract: Self-locating charging systems are disclosed for charging electrified vehicles equipped with traction battery packs. An exemplary self-locating charging system may include a beacon dock and a mobile rover configured to move between a stowed state within a docking space of the beacon dock and a charging alignment state in the mobile rover is aligned to a vehicle receiver module of an electrified vehicle for wirelessly transferring power. The self-locating charging system may further include a control module programmed to control movement of the mobile rover along a desired travel path between the stowed state and the charging alignment state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Daveanand M. Singh, Stuart C. Salter, Hussein Berry, David Brian Glickman, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • Publication number: 20230392430
    Abstract: A system includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel is configured to be movably mounted within a vehicle structure to move between an open position and a closed position. The second panel is moveable independently of the first panel within the vehicle structure by a drive mechanism between a deployed position and a non-deployed position. The second panel is automatically or selectively moved to the deployed position to provide a privacy mode within a passenger compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Chester Stanislaus Walawender, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Michael John Harmon, Jesse Rene Diephuis, David Brian Glickman, Clayton Benjamin Ford, Hussain Z. Tajmahal
  • Publication number: 20230391269
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a front trunk including a multi-action closure assembly. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a front trunk establishing a cargo space; a frame rotatably mounted relative to the cargo space; a first panel rotatably mounted to the frame; a second panel rotatably mounted to the frame; and wherein, when the first and second panels are in closed positions, the frame is rotatable to an open position to uncover the front trunk, wherein, when the frame is in a closed position, the first and second panels are rotatable to open positions to uncover the front trunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Benjamin Howard, Kathryn N. Cezar
  • Publication number: 20230391272
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a front trunk configured to facilitate wireless charging. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a front trunk including a wireless charger configured to wirelessly charge an electronic device adjacent the front trunk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Jesse Rene Diephuis, Ryan Wayne Warner
  • Publication number: 20230391267
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a front trunk including a number of features, which can be used for work purposes, entertainment purposes, or both. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a front trunk establishing a cargo space; a first panel moveable between a closed position in which the first panel covers the front trunk and an open position in which the first panel uncovers the front trunk, wherein the first panel includes a first surface facing the cargo space when the first panel is in the closed position; and an electronic visual display mounted to the first surface, wherein the first panel and the electronic visual display are configured such the electronic visual display is substantially perpendicular a ground surface beneath the motor vehicle when the first panel is in the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Erol Ozcelik, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Benjamin Howard, Kathryn N. Cezar, Leyna Hirsch
  • Publication number: 20230393455
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a front trunk including a screen for displaying still images or video. Among other benefits, which will be appreciated from the below description, the disclosed features increase the usability of the front trunk, and, in turn, the vehicle overall. In particular, many of the features discussed below are intended to make the front trunk more usable at worksites, tailgating events, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Benjamin Howard, Kathryn N. Cezar
  • Publication number: 20230391159
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a climate controlled front trunk. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a climate control system; and a front trunk establishing a cargo space, wherein the front trunk is configured to receive thermally conditioned air from the climate control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Benjamin Howard, Kathryn N. Cezar
  • Publication number: 20230391268
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a front trunk including a closure providing increased headroom and shade. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a front trunk establishing a cargo space; and a closure assembly configured to move between a closed position and an open position to selectively cover and uncover the front trunk, wherein the closure assembly includes a hood section and a grille section, wherein, when the closure assembly is not in the closed position, the grille section is rotatable relative to the hood section in a direction away from a ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Benjamin Howard, Kathryn N. Cezar
  • Publication number: 20230391271
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a front trunk including a moveable platform. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a front trunk including a platform configured to move between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein, when the platform is in the retracted position, a panel on a top of the platform provides a floor of the front trunk, and wherein, when the platform is in the deployed position, the panel provides a work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Erol Ozcelik, Jesse Rene Diephuis
  • Publication number: 20230391270
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to work surfaces for a front trunk. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including: a front trunk; a housing adjacent a floor of the front trunk; and a panel moveable relative to the housing between a retracted position and a deployed position, wherein, when in the panel is in the deployed position, the panel provides a work surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Benjamin Howard, Kathryn N. Cezar, Sarah Shaw, Charlie Qian
  • Publication number: 20230364965
    Abstract: A vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit includes a seating assembly that has a seat air duct assembly disposed within an interior of the seating assembly. A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning assembly includes a housing having a first surface and a second surface. The seating assembly is disposed on the first surface of the housing. A seat-directed duct is disposed within the housing. The seat-directed duct is in fluid communication with the seat air duct assembly and an intake defined by the housing. A condenser is disposed within the housing proximate to the intake and an evaporator is disposed within the housing proximate to an inlet of the seat-directed duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2023
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Zoher Tajmahal, Marielle Beverly Conrad, Yejin Han, David Earl Ooms, Michael Moliterno, Andrew Smith
  • Publication number: 20230356787
    Abstract: Various vehicle systems are proposed for facilitating access to and utilization of motor vehicle cargo spaces. The vehicle systems may include deployable stairgate systems, deployable step systems, cargo bed swing door systems, etc. The vehicle systems allow the cargo spaces to be accessed from a variety of positions relative to the cargo space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Stuart C. SALTER, David Brian GLICKMAN, Michael John HARMON, Dennis YEE
  • Patent number: 11807302
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for scalable vehicle platforms. An example vehicle chassis disclosed herein includes a right front chassis portion including a first longitudinal member, and a first crossmember attachment locator disposed on the first longitudinal member. The example vehicle chassis includes a left front chassis portion including a second longitudinal member and a second crossmember attachment locator disposed on the second longitudinal member, wherein the vehicle chassis has a first width when a first crossmember is coupled to the first and second crossmember attachment locators and wherein the vehicle chassis has a second width greater than the first width when a second crossmember is coupled to the first and second crossmember attachment locators, the second crossmember longer than the first crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael John Harmon, Hussain Z. Tajmahal, Marielle Conrad, Benjamin Jordan Curtis, David Earl Ooms, Yejin Han