Patents by Inventor Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson 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: 20220130294
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Scheufler, Michael Robertson, JR., Ashwin Arunmozhi, Segundo Baldovino
  • Publication number: 20220099802
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rashaun Phinisee, Raghuraman Surineedi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Taneshia Turner, Michael Robertson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20220066031
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robertson, JR., Raghuraman Surineedi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Tyler D. Hamilton, Kunal Singh, Shibu Koyadan Chathoth
  • Publication number: 20220063566
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ashwin Arunmozhi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Michael Robertson, JR., Segundo Baldovino, Tony Misovski, Kunal Singh
  • Publication number: 20220057509
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andre Sykula, Michael Robertson, JR., James Pizzimenti, William Ethan-Alexander McClure, Inderpal Singh
  • Patent number: 11247644
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robertson, Jr., Tyler D. Hamilton, Ashwin Arunmozhi, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20220041138
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler D. Hamilton, Michael Robertson, JR., Rashaun Phinisee, Kunal Singh, Venkatesh Krishnan, Raghuraman Surineedi
  • Publication number: 20220041137
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ashwin Arunmozhi, Michael Robertson, JR., Venkatesh Krishnan
  • Publication number: 20220041139
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raghuraman Surineedi, Kunal Singh, Ashwin Arunmozhi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Michael Robertson, JR., Rashaun Phinisee
  • Publication number: 20220034690
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raghuraman Surineedi, Michael Robertson, JR., Rashaun Phinisee, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Sunil Reddy Patil
  • Patent number: 11237028
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Raghuraman Surineedi, Michael Robertson, Jr., Rashaun Phinisee, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Sunil Reddy Patil
  • Publication number: 20220018994
    Abstract: An assembly includes a sensor lens, a polymer film adhered to the sensor lens, a hydrophilic coating applied to the sensor lens, and a fluid layer between the sensor lens and the polymer film, wherein the fluid layer is disposed on the hydrophilic coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robertson, JR., Mark Edward Nichols, Cindy Anne Peters
  • Patent number: 11224902
    Abstract: A system includes a sensor window, a sensor having a field of view through the sensor window, a piezoelectric vibrator positioned to impart vibrations to the sensor window, and a computer communicatively coupled to the sensor and the piezoelectric vibrator. The computer is programmed to identify a type for an obstruction of the sensor window based on data from the sensor, and instruct the piezoelectric vibrator to vibrate the sensor window with vibrations having a vibration profile. The vibration profile has at least one of frequency or phase velocity chosen according to the identified type of obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robertson, Jr., Ashwin Arunmozhi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Rashaun Phinisee
  • Publication number: 20220009452
    Abstract: A solenoid valve in a manifold is commanded to move to a closed position. Upon activating a pump to supply fluid to the manifold via a supply line, a first pressure is determined in the supply line after commanding the solenoid valve to move to the closed position. Upon deactivating the pump to stop supplying fluid to the manifold, a second pressure is determined in the supply line. Based on a difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, the solenoid valve is determined to be one of (a) at least partially open or (b) in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ashwin Arunmozhi, Michael Robertson, JR., Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino
  • Patent number: 11156485
    Abstract: 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, a sensor window fixed relative to the housing, and a duct on an exterior of the housing. The sensing apparatus has a field of view through the sensor window. The duct includes an inlet open toward the direction of rotation and an outlet aimed across the sensor window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Rashaun Phinisee, Raghuraman Surineedi, Michael Robertson, Jr., Tyler D. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 11148609
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing defining a chamber and including a panel including at least one aperture, at least one sensor fixed inside the chamber and having a field of view through a lens and the aperture, at least one annular disc attached to the sensor concentrically around the lens and including a radially outer edge contactlessly exposed to the chamber, and at least three vanes extending from the disc to the panel and arranged radially asymmetrically around the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robertson, Jr., Segundo Baldovino, Venkatesh Krishnan, Sunil Patil, Raghuraman Surineedi
  • Publication number: 20210300313
    Abstract: A method to and an apparatus including a processor configured to determine a mass parameter indicative of a mass of an aircraft brake assembly, the mass parameter determined using an estimated amount of energy absorbed by the brake assembly in a given period of time and a corresponding estimated change in temperature of the brake assembly. Also disclosed is a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Michael ROBERTSON, Michael RACE
  • Patent number: 11115276
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosed technology address the problems of manually identifying and optimizing service chain (SC) performance bottlenecks by providing solutions for automatically identifying and tuning various SC parameters. In some aspects, a SC optimization process of the disclosed technology includes the replication or cloning of a SC for which traffic flow is to be optimized. Traffic flows for the production chain can then be simulated over one or more SC clones to identify and tune individual system parameters, for example, to determine if the simulated changes produce a positive, negative, or neutral change in flow performance. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Kemper Johnston, Michael Robertson, Magnus Mortensen, David C. White, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20210268785
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cindy Anne Peters, Mark Edward Nichols, Michael Robertson, JR.
  • Patent number: D936470
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignees: Gareth William Menzies AS TRUSTEE FOR GM TRUST & SWM TRUST & RGM TRUST, Timothy Menzies AS TRUSTEE FOR TM TRUST
    Inventors: Steven Sillitoe, Michael Robertson, Daniel Black, Warwick Brown