Patents by Inventor MICHAEL ROBERTSON, JR.
MICHAEL ROBERTSON, JR. 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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Patent number: 11453018Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a first sensor window defining a first plane, a second sensor window fixed relative to the first sensor window and defining a second plane different than the first plane, and a nozzle positioned to deliver fluid to the first and second sensor windows. The nozzle is translatable along a first axis, rotatable about the first axis, and rotatable about a second axis transverse to the first axis.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ashwin Arunmozhi, Michael Robertson, Jr., Tyler D. Hamilton
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Patent number: 11408984Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis oriented vertically, at least one air nozzle positioned below the sensor window and aimed upward, and a cap positioned above the sensor window and including a topside and an underside. The topside and the underside are disposed radially outward from the sensor window. The underside includes a first groove having a cross-section elongated circumferentially around the axis, and the cross-section of the first groove curves from a lower end upwardly and outwardly to an upper end.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rashaun Phinisee, Sunil Reddy Patil, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Michael Robertson, Jr., Raghu Raman Surineedi
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Publication number: 20220236084Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a base, a sensor body mounted to the base and rotatable around an axis relative to the base, a sensor window fixed relative to the sensor body, a sensing apparatus inside the sensor body and having a field of view through the sensor window, a vapor chamber fixed relative to the sensor body, and a heat pipe extending from the sensor body to the vapor chamber. The vapor chamber is spaced radially outward from the sensor body relative to the axis and has a curved shape extending circumferentially around the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2021Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Michael Robertson, JR., Rashaun Phinisee, Raghuraman Surineedi, Segundo Baldovino
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Publication number: 20220236382Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a base, a housing mounted to the base and rotatable relative to the base around an axis in a direction of rotation, a sensing apparatus inside the housing and rotatable with the housing, and a sensor window extending from a point on the housing in a direction that is radially outward and circumferential relative to the axis. The sensor window is flat. The sensing apparatus has a field of view through the sensor window. An exterior surface of the sensor window faces in a direction that is radially outward and circumferentially in the direction of rotation relative to the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2021Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Raghuraman Surineedi, Michael Robertson, JR., Rashaun Phinisee, Segundo Baldovino
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Publication number: 20220236380Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a base mounted to a vehicle defining a forward direction, a housing mounted to the base and rotatable relative to the base around an axis in a direction of rotation, a sensing apparatus inside the housing and rotatable with the housing, a sensor window fixed to and rotatable with the housing, and a nozzle fixed relative to the base. The sensor window is flat. The sensing apparatus has a field of view through the sensor window. The nozzle is positioned to be aimed at the sensor window when the sensor window is at a first rotational position that is more than 0° and less than 90° from the forward direction relative to the axis in the direction of rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2021Publication date: July 28, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Tyler D. Hamilton, Rashaun Phinisee, Michael Robertson, JR., Raghuraman Surineedi
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Publication number: 20220196801Abstract: A sensor assembly for a vehicle includes a base, a sensor body mounted to the base and rotatable relative to the base around an axis in a direction of rotation, and a cover. The sensor body includes a sensor window and a wall having heat fins elongated circumferentially relative to the axis. The cover is positioned to cover the heat fins. The cover includes an inlet open in the direction of rotation. The cover defines an airflow path from the inlet through the heat fins. The cover includes an outlet positioned to direction air across the sensor window.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Robertson, JR., Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Raghuraman Surineedi, Tyler D. Hamilton, Rashaun Phinisee, Colm Boran
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Publication number: 20220196807Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a base and a sensor housing mounted to the base. The sensor housing is rotatable relative to the base about an axis. The sensor housing includes a top panel having an exterior surface. A plurality of fins are disposed on the exterior surface and are fixed relative to the sensor housing. The fins extend radially outward relative to the axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2021Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rashaun Phinisee, Raghuraman Surineedi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Michael Robertson, JR., Tyler D. Hamilton, Segundo Baldovino
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Patent number: 11353697Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to identify a contaminant on a lens of a sensor upon determining a force applied to the lens based on an electric current exceeding a threshold and to actuate a cleaning component to remove the contaminant from the lens.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2019Date of Patent: June 7, 2022Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael Robertson, Jr., James Pizzimenti, Tyler D. Hamilton, Ashwin Arunmozhi
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Patent number: 11331893Abstract: A film-application apparatus includes a body including a first body half, a second body half, and a hinge coupling the body halves; and a squeegee blade movable from a first position relative to the body to a second position relative to the body. The second body half is rotatable about the hinge relative to the first body half to a closed position. When the second body half is in the closed position, the body includes a top ring and a bottom ring both centered on an axis and defining an axial gap therebetween. When the second body half is in the closed position and the body is enclosing a sensor having a cylindrical sensor window, the axial gap exposes the cylindrical sensor window, and moving the squeegee blade from the first position to the second position covers substantially an entire surface area of the cylindrical sensor window.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Cindy Anne Peters, Mark Edward Nichols, Michael Robertson, Jr.
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Publication number: 20220130294Abstract: Systems and methods for exterior signage evaluation are disclosed herein. An example method includes receiving images of an exterior signage area of an exterior surface of a first vehicle, the images being obtained by the first vehicle, a second vehicle camera or an infrastructure camera, determining current environmental conditions around the first vehicle, processing the images of the exterior signage area using the current environmental conditions, wherein processing includes comparing an expected appearance of the exterior signage area with an actual appearance of the exterior signage area to determine a visual appearance quality of the exterior signage area, and presenting a message on a display that includes the visual appearance quality.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2020Publication date: April 28, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Scheufler, Michael Robertson, JR., Ashwin Arunmozhi, Segundo Baldovino
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Publication number: 20220099802Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis and an air nozzle positioned at one end of the sensor window and shaped to direct airflow in a direction parallel to the axis across the sensor window. The air nozzle extends circumferentially relative to the axis around the sensor window. The nozzle is formed of an inner edge and an outer edge each extending circumferentially relative to the axis around the sensor window. The inner edge is circular with a radius at least as great as an outer radius of the sensor window. The outer edge includes a first portion with a semicircular shape with a radius smaller than the outer radius of the sensor window and a second portion that extends circumferentially relative to the axis around the sensor window from the first portion to the first portion at a constant radial distance from the inner edge.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2020Publication date: March 31, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rashaun Phinisee, Raghuraman Surineedi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Taneshia Turner, Michael Robertson, JR.
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Publication number: 20220066031Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a first sensing device, a sensor housing, a bracket, a second sensor, and a channel plate. The sensor housing includes a first sensor window and a top panel, and the first sensing device has a field of view through the first sensor window. The bracket is mounted on top of the top plate. The second sensor is held by the bracket and includes a second sensor window. The channel plate is fixed to the bracket. The bracket includes a first nozzle aimed at the first sensor window and a second nozzle aimed at the second sensor window. The bracket includes a channel fluidly connected to the first nozzle and the second nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Robertson, JR., Raghuraman Surineedi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Tyler D. Hamilton, Kunal Singh, Shibu Koyadan Chathoth
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Publication number: 20220063566Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor including a sensor window, a pump, a liquid nozzle aimed at the sensor window, a valve positioned and operable to control fluid flow from the pump to the liquid nozzle, and a computer communicatively coupled to the valve. The computer is programmed to, in response to detecting an obstruction on the sensor window, continuously activate the pump for a first time period; and during the first time period, operate the valve according to a preset sequence. The preset sequence includes opening and then closing the valve at least twice during the first time period.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ashwin Arunmozhi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Michael Robertson, JR., Segundo Baldovino, Tony Misovski, Kunal Singh
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Publication number: 20220057509Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a base, a nozzle positioned in the base and rotatable relative to the base, an extension arm elongated from a first portion to a second portion, and a fluid source fluidly connected to the nozzle. The first portion is fixed to the nozzle, and the second portion is spaced from the nozzle. Pressurizing the fluid source applies force to the second portion of the extension arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2020Publication date: February 24, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Andre Sykula, Michael Robertson, JR., James Pizzimenti, William Ethan-Alexander McClure, Inderpal Singh
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Patent number: 11247644Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor including a sensor window; a nozzle aimed at the sensor window; a supply line to supply fluid to the nozzle; a primary reservoir to supply fluid to the supply line; a first valve actuatable to inject fluid from a first reservoir into the supply line; a second valve actuatable to inject fluid from a second reservoir into the supply line; a third valve actuatable to inject fluid from a third reservoir into the supply line; and a computer communicatively coupled to the sensor and the valves. The computer is programmed to actuate the first valve in response to determining a first condition based on data from the sensor, actuate the second valve in response to determining a second condition based on data from the sensor, and actuate the third valve in response to determining a third condition based on data from the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael Robertson, Jr., Tyler D. Hamilton, Ashwin Arunmozhi, Venkatesh Krishnan
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Publication number: 20220041138Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a housing attachable to a vehicle and including a panel, a sensor window, a liquid nozzle fixed relative to the housing, and a tunnel. The panel includes a port. The sensor window is positioned in the port. The liquid nozzle is aimed at the sensor window. The liquid nozzle is positioned in a first horizontal direction from the port along the panel. The tunnel extends along the panel and is positioned in a second horizontal direction from the port, the second horizontal direction being opposite the first horizontal direction. The tunnel terminates at an opening positioned to receive fluid outputted by the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2020Publication date: February 10, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tyler D. Hamilton, Michael Robertson, JR., Rashaun Phinisee, Kunal Singh, Venkatesh Krishnan, Raghuraman Surineedi
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Publication number: 20220041139Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a cylindrical sensor window defining an axis, and a plurality of at least three tubular segments fixed relative to the sensor window. Each tubular segment is elongated circumferentially relative to the axis. The tubular segments collectively form a ring substantially centered around the axis. Each tubular segment includes a plurality of nozzles. Each nozzle includes a first opening and a second opening. Each of the first openings has a direction of discharge in a radially inward and axial direction forming a first angle with the axis, and each of the second openings has a direction of discharge in a radially inward and axial direction forming a second angle with the axis. The second angle is different than the first angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2020Publication date: February 10, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raghuraman Surineedi, Kunal Singh, Ashwin Arunmozhi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Michael Robertson, JR., Rashaun Phinisee
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Publication number: 20220041137Abstract: A fluid system includes a one-way check valve including a check-valve inlet and a check-valve outlet; a Y-connector including a Y-connector inlet, a first Y-connector outlet, a second Y-connector outlet, and a pressure-sensor connector; an inlet hose fluidly connecting the check-valve outlet and the Y-connector inlet; and a pressure sensor fluidly connected to the Y-connector via the pressure-sensor connector. The Y-connector inlet, Y-connector outlets, and pressure-sensor connector are fluidly connected to each other inside the Y-connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2020Publication date: February 10, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ashwin Arunmozhi, Michael Robertson, JR., Venkatesh Krishnan
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Publication number: 20220034690Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a sensor, a heat pipe, and a cover. The sensor includes a sensor housing. The sensor housing includes a sensor window oriented generally vertically and a top surface fixed relative to the sensor window above the sensor window and oriented generally horizontally. The heat pipe is fixed relative to the sensor, wherein the heat pipe is elongated from a first end to a second end, the first end is contacting the top surface, and the second end is spaced from the top surface. The cover covers the top surface and the heat pipe, and the cover is shaped to define a vertical gap between the top surface and the cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2020Publication date: February 3, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raghuraman Surineedi, Michael Robertson, JR., Rashaun Phinisee, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Sunil Reddy Patil
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Patent number: 11237028Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a sensor, a heat pipe, and a cover. The sensor includes a sensor housing. The sensor housing includes a sensor window oriented generally vertically and a top surface fixed relative to the sensor window above the sensor window and oriented generally horizontally. The heat pipe is fixed relative to the sensor, wherein the heat pipe is elongated from a first end to a second end, the first end is contacting the top surface, and the second end is spaced from the top surface. The cover covers the top surface and the heat pipe, and the cover is shaped to define a vertical gap between the top surface and the cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raghuraman Surineedi, Michael Robertson, Jr., Rashaun Phinisee, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Sunil Reddy Patil