Patents by Inventor Roger Arnold Trombley

Roger Arnold Trombley 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).

  • Patent number: 9616888
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor that detects a speed of at least one nearby vehicle and outputs a speed signal representing the speed of the at least one nearby vehicle. The vehicle system further includes a processing device programmed to determine a set point speed based on the speed signal output by the sensor. The processing device generates a command signal to control a host vehicle in accordance with the set point speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Roger Arnold Trombley
  • Patent number: 9616923
    Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for vehicles utilizes surface slope data to provide an alert to an operator if a problematic operating condition is present and/or imminent while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to utilize surface slope data to control steering, braking, or other vehicle operating parameter while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to generate a warning and/or control the vehicle if a jackknife condition is imminent. The surface slope data may be obtained utilizing sensors on the vehicle, or the surface slope data may be obtained utilizing a database that includes topographical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Roger Arnold Trombley, Hai Yu
  • Patent number: 9610945
    Abstract: An intersection of a host vehicle and a target vehicle is identified. Data relating to the target vehicle are collected. A map of a surrounding environment is developed. A driver intent probability is determined based at least in part on the map. A threat estimation is determined based at least in part on the driver intent probability. At least one of a plurality of safety systems is activated based at least in part on the threat estimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex Maurice Miller, Roger Arnold Trombley, Kun Deng, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Patrick Piastowski
  • Patent number: 9555832
    Abstract: A display system for a vehicle and trailer is disclosed. The system comprises an interface configured to receive a directional input and a controller in communication with the interface and a screen. The controller is operable to receive a hitch angle and determine a heading direction of the trailer. The controller is further operable to determine a predicted heading of the vehicle aligned with the trailer based on the hitch angle. The predicted heading of the trailer is then displayed by the controller on the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Dean Smit, Matthew Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, John Shutko, Douglas Scott Rhode
  • Patent number: 9552735
    Abstract: A computer in a first vehicle is configured to receive data relating to a second vehicle. The computer may use the data to determine that the second vehicle is being operated at least partially autonomously. Further, the computer may cause the first vehicle to take an action to autonomously operate the first vehicle based at least in part on determining that the second vehicle is being operated at least partially autonomously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Matt Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Andrew Waldis, Wilford Trent Yopp
  • Publication number: 20160362104
    Abstract: An intersection of a host vehicle and a target vehicle is identified. Data relating to the target vehicle are collected. A map of a surrounding environment is developed. A driver intent probability is determined based at least in part on the map. A threat estimation is determined based at least in part on the driver intent probability. At least one of a plurality of safety systems is activated based at least in part on the threat estimation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex Maurice Miller, Roger Arnold Trombley, Kun Deng, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Patrick Piastowski
  • Patent number: 9511764
    Abstract: A first vehicle may receive at least one message from a second vehicle, the message including data provided by the second vehicle. A computing device in the first vehicle is configured to analyze the data of the at least one message to determine that the second vehicle can operate as a lead vehicle. The computing device in the first vehicle is further configured to implement at least one operation in the first vehicle according to the data from the lead vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Matthew Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Andrew Waldis
  • Patent number: 9506774
    Abstract: A method of inputting a path is provided. The method includes the steps of generating an aerial view of a vehicle and a trailer based on at least one of image data and satellite image data, displaying the aerial view on a display having a touch screen, and registering a touch event on the touch screen that inputs an intended path for the vehicle and the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Shutko, Roger Arnold Trombley, Matt Y. Rupp, Michael Hafner
  • Patent number: 9500497
    Abstract: A path input system is provided. The path input system includes at least one imaging device for generating image data. A GPS device is included for generating satellite image data. A controller generates an aerial view of a vehicle and a trailer based on the image data and the satellite data. A display is included for displaying the aerial view and registering a touch event thereon that inputs an intended path for the vehicle and the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, John Shutko, Roger Arnold Trombley
  • Patent number: 9493187
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, a trailer backup assist system includes a sensor that senses a measured hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. The system also provides an input module that receives a desired curvature of the trailer. A controller of the system includes a curvature regulator determining a desired hitch angle based on the desired curvature and a steering angle of the vehicle. In addition, the controller of the system includes a hitch angle regulator generating a steering angle command based on the desired hitch angle and the measured hitch angle. In this embodiment, the controller is configured to operate the trailer backup assist system irrespective of the attached trailer having a conventional tongue or a gooseneck tongue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Roger Arnold Trombley, Michael Hafner, Matthew Y. Rupp, Douglas Scott Rhode, Darrel Alan Recker
  • Publication number: 20160314690
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least one environmental sensor and a processing device. The environmental sensor is programmed to collect traffic information. The processing device is programmed to receive the traffic information, generate a traffic complexity index based at least in part on the traffic information, compare the traffic complexity index to a predetermined threshold, and generate a traffic alert signal if the traffic complexity index exceeds the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hsin-hsiang Yang, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Fling Finn Tseng, Roger Arnold Trombley
  • Publication number: 20160297476
    Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a brake system and a throttle sensor module outputting a throttle application signal. The system further includes a control module estimating a road grade beneath the trailer and outputting a brake torque request to the brake system based on the estimated road grade and the throttle application signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Nathaniel Abram Rolfes, Shane Elwart
  • Publication number: 20160297411
    Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer is provided herein. The system includes a brake system and a steering system of the vehicle. A controller is configured to output a brake torque request to the brake system and a steering command to the steering system, wherein the brake torque request and the steering command are each based at least in part on a trailer mass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Roger Arnold Trombley, Erick Michael Lavoie, Hai Yu
  • Publication number: 20160288786
    Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a brake module and a throttle module. The system further includes a controller having a vehicle speed detector and coupled with the brake module and the throttle module for implementing a backup mode including detecting an adverse operating condition and then adjusting at least one of the brake module and the throttle module and terminating the backup mode upon detecting the adverse operating condition for a time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Nathaniel Abram Rolfes, Michael Hafner
  • Patent number: 9457684
    Abstract: A system includes a first battery configured to power at least one vehicle subsystem and a second battery configured to power an electric motor to propel a vehicle. A processing device is configured to detect an inadequate power level provided from the first battery to the at least one vehicle subsystem and selectively partition the second battery to power the at least one vehicle subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Jerome Charles Ivan, James Robert McBride, Wayne Williams, Paul Joseph Szuszman, Roger Arnold Trombley, Peter Worrel, Hai Yu
  • Publication number: 20160257341
    Abstract: A trailer backup assist system for vehicles utilizes surface slope data to provide an alert to an operator if a problematic operating condition is present and/or imminent while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to utilize surface slope data to control steering, braking, or other vehicle operating parameter while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The trailer backup assist system may also be configured to generate a warning and/or control the vehicle if a jackknife condition is imminent. The surface slope data may be obtained utilizing sensors on the vehicle, or the surface slope data may be obtained utilizing a database that includes topographical data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Roger Arnold Trombley, Hai Yu
  • Patent number: 9374562
    Abstract: A system and method for calculating a horizontal camera to target distance is provided. A camera on board a vehicle is configured to image a target on a trailer that is aligned with the vehicle. A controller is in communication with the camera and is supplied a user-obtained measurement. The controller is configured to calculate a first horizontal distance and a second horizontal distance, and to sum the first and second horizontal distances to calculate a horizontal camera to target distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roger Arnold Trombley, Christopher Scott Nave, Erick Michael Lavoie, Bradley G. Hockrein, Don Jacob Mattern
  • Publication number: 20160159350
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor that detects a speed of at least one nearby vehicle and outputs a speed signal representing the speed of the at least one nearby vehicle. The vehicle system further includes a processing device programmed to determine a set point speed based on the speed signal output by the sensor. The processing device generates a command signal to control a host vehicle in accordance with the set point speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Publication date: June 9, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Roger Arnold Trombley
  • Patent number: 9335765
    Abstract: An event is detected arising during autonomous operation of a vehicle. An index in media content associated with the event is identified. At least one instruction is provided to a media module to pause or modify play of the media content based on the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Matthew Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Andrew T. Waldis
  • Patent number: 9296423
    Abstract: The trailer backup assist system has a human machine interface coupled to a controller having a setup module, a calibration module, an activation module and a control module configured to receive trailer measurements, apply trailer measurements, activate and control vehicle systems to calibrate and implement a curvature control algorithm that controls the reverse movement of the vehicle-trailer combination in a manner consistent with a driver request. When incorrect trailer measurements have been entered, the trailer backup assist system recognizes the error, initiates a warning and requests corrective action to correct the trailer measurements. Default values for a maximum controllable curvature limit and a maximum controllable angle replace the limits calculated and applied by the calibration model that used incorrect trailer measurements, until corrected trailer measurements may be entered by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Matt Y. Rupp, David Dean Smit, Roger Arnold Trombley, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Erick Michael Lavoie, Christopher Scott Nave, John Shutko, Kenneth Michael Mayer, Martin Fitzpatrick Frey, Douglas Scott Rhode