Patents by Inventor Thomas Joseph Hermann
Thomas Joseph Hermann 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: 11912235Abstract: While a vehicle is in a minimal power state, a first sensor is activated based on a location of the vehicle within a monitored area. The vehicle is transitioned to an on state based on detecting an object via data from the first sensor. Then the vehicle is operated to block an exit from the monitored area based on identifying the object as an unauthorized object.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Sam Harris, Tarik Safir, Donald Paul Bilger, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Todd Ansbacher
-
Publication number: 20240022002Abstract: A composite antenna mount includes a polymer matrix, a plurality of particles dispersed through the polymer matrix, at least some of the particles including a ferromagnetic coating, and a plurality of electrically conductive filaments electrically connecting the ferromagnetic coatings of the particles. The ferromagnetic coating each coated particle is configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation in a specified frequency range.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2022Publication date: January 18, 2024Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Steven C. Pintar, Tye Arthur Winkel, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Katherine Howard-Cone, Jeffrey Scott Mayville
-
Publication number: 20220289143Abstract: While a vehicle is in a minimal power state, a first sensor is activated based on a location of the vehicle within a monitored area. The vehicle is transitioned to an on state based on detecting an object via data from the first sensor. Then the vehicle is operated to block an exit from the monitored area based on identifying the object as an unauthorized object.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2021Publication date: September 15, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Sam Harris, Tarik Safir, Donald Paul Bilger, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Todd Ansbacher
-
Patent number: 11425493Abstract: A remote-assist system programmed for vehicle parking assist or other remote vehicle operation features includes a selective ultrasonic beamforming Amplitude Modulated (AM) system configured and/or programmed to transmit audible alerts to a primary user via ultrasonic beamforming AM. The system localizes a mobile device that is being used by the primary user to initiate the system. The system localizes the primary user, and others in the vicinity, and determines others that may be associated with the vehicle and primary user. The system defines and reshapes a target zone to include only those associated with the primary user and the vehicle. The system electronically or mechanically steers a transducer array to steer an ultrasonic beam with an AM audio alert to the target zone, where the message is audible only to those within the target zone.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ali Hassani, Erick Michael Lavoie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Michael Hrecznyj
-
Publication number: 20220201389Abstract: A remote-assist system programmed for vehicle parking assist or other remote vehicle operation features includes a selective ultrasonic beamforming Amplitude Modulated (AM) system configured and/or programmed to transmit audible alerts to a primary user via ultrasonic beamforming AM. The system localizes a mobile device that is being used by the primary user to initiate the system. The system localizes the primary user, and others in the vicinity, and determines others that may be associated with the vehicle and primary user. The system defines and reshapes a target zone to include only those associated with the primary user and the vehicle. The system electronically or mechanically steers a transducer array to steer an ultrasonic beam with an AM audio alert to the target zone, where the message is audible only to those within the target zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ali Hassani, Erick Michael Lavoie, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Michael Hrecznyj
-
Patent number: 11270534Abstract: In some cases, signal attenuation may occur when a mobile device communicates with a vehicle. To accommodate for this, a vehicle may determine a distance between the vehicle and the mobile device by evaluating a signal strength of a wireless signal received from the mobile device. An erroneous distance result may be produced when the wireless signal is attenuated by an intervening object. A wearable device worn by the individual is used to detect the presence of the mobile device. The detection procedure involves measuring a separation distance between the wearable device and the mobile device at different instances in time as the individual swings his/her arm back and forth while moving towards the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hamid M. Golgiri, Thomas Joseph Hermann, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
-
Publication number: 20220012962Abstract: In some cases, signal attenuation may occur when a mobile device communicates with a vehicle. To accommodate for this, a vehicle may determine a distance between the vehicle and the mobile device by evaluating a signal strength of a wireless signal received from the mobile device. An erroneous distance result may be produced when the wireless signal is attenuated by an intervening object. A wearable device worn by the individual is used to detect the presence of the mobile device. The detection procedure involves measuring a separation distance between the wearable device and the mobile device at different instances in time as the individual swings his/her arm back and forth while moving towards the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2020Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hamid M. Golgiri, Thomas Joseph Hermann, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
-
Patent number: 10814736Abstract: A wireless charging system for a vehicle is described, as well as methods of using the system. The system may include a computer programmed with instructions stored in memory and executable by a processor, and a radar device controlled by the computer. One method includes: aligning a reception coil on a vehicle with a charging coil using ground penetrating radar data; and then receiving inductive charge at the reception coil.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Ali Hassani
-
Patent number: 10562539Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for transferring control of one or more vehicle functions from a driver HUD to a passenger HUD. An example vehicle includes a driver HUD, a passenger HUD, and a processor. The processor is configured for enabling control of one or more vehicle functions via the driver HUD responsive to determining that the vehicle speed is below a threshold. The processor is also configured for transitioning control of the one or more vehicle functions from the driver HUD to the passenger HUD responsive to determining that the vehicle speed has increased above the threshold.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alyssa Chatten, Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ali Hassani, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Erick Michael Lavoie
-
Publication number: 20200018976Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for passenger heads-up displays for vehicles. An example vehicle includes a passenger seat, a passenger heads-up display (HUD) to present a virtual interface in front of the passenger seat, and a controller. The controller is to identify a mode selection for the passenger HUD and determine, based on the mode selection, the virtual interface and an apparent distance of the virtual interface for a passenger. The controller also is to present, via the passenger HUD, the virtual interface at the apparent distance for the passenger.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Erick Michael Lavoie, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Alyssa Chatten
-
Publication number: 20200017122Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for transferring control of one or more vehicle functions from a driver HUD to a passenger HUD. An example vehicle includes a driver HUD, a passenger HUD, and a processor. The processor is configured for enabling control of one or more vehicle functions via the driver HUD responsive to determining that the vehicle speed is below a threshold. The processor is also configured for transitioning control of the one or more vehicle functions from the driver HUD to the passenger HUD responsive to determining that the vehicle speed has increased above the threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2018Publication date: January 16, 2020Inventors: Alyssa Chatten, Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ali Hassani, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Erick Michael Lavoie
-
Publication number: 20190184841Abstract: A wireless charging system for a vehicle is described, as well as methods of using the system. The system may include a computer programmed with instructions stored in memory and executable by a processor, and a radar device controlled by the computer. One method includes: aligning a reception coil on a vehicle with a charging coil using ground penetrating radar data; and then receiving inductive charge at the reception coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Ali Hassani
-
Publication number: 20190088036Abstract: A vehicle rental administrative system comprising a computer system configured to manage vehicle rental transactions between vehicle owners and potential Temporary Users. The system allows an owner to develop a customer profile with information related to a rentable vehicle. The customer profile may include, but not limited to, the model year of the vehicle, engine specifications, and the rental rate. The potential Temporary User may request a certain vehicle to rent, and the system may provide a list of one or more vehicles matching the request. Once the Temporary User selects a vehicle, the system may notify customer that his vehicle has been selected. The customer may either approve or deny permission to rent vehicle. If the customer approves, a rental agreement is signed and the system sends a code to both vehicle and Temporary User's mobile device for a predetermined rental period to allow keyless drive-away of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH, Robert Bruce KLEVE, Michael HRECZNYJ, Thomas Joseph HERMANN
-
Patent number: 10110327Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for characterizing the radio frequency (RF) functionality of a vehicle remote keyless system (RKS) by separating and precisely characterizing the individual bits of the overall RKS system in an enclosed controlled environment. More specifically, this RKS characterization system includes an enclosed testing chamber for isolating the key fob from the vehicle, and a simulation control system that manipulates RF signals between the key fob and the vehicle for controlled RF signal analysis between the components. In certain embodiments, the RKS characterization system includes an automated process for actuating the key fob. Through this process, the RKS characterization system is able to separately identify the Key Fob Factor, the Vehicle Factor, and the Person Factor, of the vehicle RKS system.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, Mark Wisnewski, Lawrence Banasky, John Frederick Locke, Hua Zeng
-
Patent number: 10106080Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing discrete autonomous notifications to a passenger of a vehicle. An example vehicle includes a plurality of seats, a plurality of audio transducers, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a passenger seat corresponding to a passenger having a predetermined destination, determine a notification based on the predetermined destination, and transmit, via one or more of the plurality of audio transducers, a notification to the passenger based on a determined passenger head position.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ali Hassani, Michael Hrecznyj, Erick Michael Lavoie, Alyssa Chatten, Thomas Joseph Hermann, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
-
Patent number: 10061013Abstract: A first computer is configured to receive, from at least one second computer in a first vehicle, data relating to a gunshot. The computer is configured to then determine a location of the gunshot from the data, and to transmit a message, including the gunshot location, to at least one third computer in a second vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2013Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Robert Bruce Kleve, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Patrick Kevin Holub, Michael Hrecznyj
-
Publication number: 20180041291Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for characterizing the radio frequency (RF) functionality of a vehicle remote keyless system (RKS) by separating and precisely characterizing the individual bits of the overall RKS system in an enclosed controlled environment. More specifically, this RKS characterization system includes an enclosed testing chamber for isolating the key fob from the vehicle, and a simulation control system that manipulates RF signals between the key fob and the vehicle for controlled RF signal analysis between the components. In certain embodiments, the RKS characterization system includes an automated process for actuating the key fob. Through this process, the RKS characterization system is able to separately identify the Key Fob Factor, the Vehicle Factor, and the Person Factor, of the vehicle RKS system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2017Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, Mark Wisnewski, Lawrence Banasky, John Frederick Locke, Hua Zeng
-
Patent number: 9865111Abstract: A fob includes a case, an antenna, at least one input device, and a positioning element. The case has an interface portion and a handle portion. The antenna is disposed at the interface portion of the case. The input device is disposed on the interface portion of the case. The finger positioner orients a user's hand on the handle portion of the case away from the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, John Locke, Lawrence Banasky, Jr., Mark Wisnewski
-
Patent number: 9819426Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for characterizing the radio frequency (RF) functionality of a vehicle remote keyless system (RKS) by separating and precisely characterizing the individual bits of the overall RKS system in an enclosed controlled environment. More specifically, this RKS characterization system includes an enclosed testing chamber for isolating the key fob from the vehicle, and a simulation control system that manipulates RF signals between the key fob and the vehicle for controlled RF signal analysis between the components. In certain embodiments, the RKS characterization system includes an automated process for actuating the key fob. Through this process, the RKS characterization system is able to separately identify the Key Fob Factor, the Vehicle Factor, and the Person Factor, of the vehicle RKS system.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, Mark Wisnewski, Lawrence Banasky, John Frederick Locke, Hua Zeng
-
Patent number: 9807704Abstract: A method for adjusting a power setting of a key fob includes receiving an input signal from a sensor by a processor. The processor determines, based at least in part on the input from the sensor, that a person is holding the key fob. Based on the determination that the person is holding the key fob, the processor adjusts an initial power setting of the key fob by a predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2015Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, John Locke, Lawrence Banasky, Jr., Mark Wisnewski