Patents by Inventor Adam J. Richards
Adam J. Richards 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: 11634032Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2022Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez, Nicholas Herhusky, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Lew
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Patent number: 11619179Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes two throttles that are arranged in parallel to deliver air into a single intake manifold are described. In one example, a first throttle and a second throttle are opened according to a value of a variable that changes as a function of a requested engine air flow.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2021Date of Patent: April 4, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rohit Bhat, Rob Ciarrocchi, Adam J. Richards, Conner Cecott
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Publication number: 20220410716Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez, Nicholas Herhusky, Alex O`Connor Gibson, David Lew
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Patent number: 11524674Abstract: An electrified vehicle may include an engine, an electric machine selectively coupled to the engine, a high-voltage traction battery electrically coupled to the electric machine and configured to selectively propel the electrified vehicle, an on-board generator including an inverter electrically coupled to the high-voltage traction battery and configured to convert direct current input to alternating current output, power outlets configured to receive power from the inverter of the on-board generator, a user interface, and a controller programmed to control the engine, the electric machine, and the high-voltage traction battery to provide power to on-board generator and to control the inverter to limit the power output by the inverter to the power outlets to one of a user-specified power limit based on input from the user interface, a powertrain power limit associated with the engine, the electric machine, and the high-voltage traction battery, and an inverter hardware power limit.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Seth Anthony Bryan, Adam J. Richards, Scott Steadmon Thompson, Nicholas Herhusky
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Patent number: 11518367Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine and a torque converter are presented. In one example, slip of a torque converter is adjusted via at least partially closing or opening a torque converter clutch in response to vehicle vibration. The vehicle vibration may be based on road surface conditions and an actual total number of operating cylinders of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Lin, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Justin Cartwright
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Patent number: 11465506Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez, Nicholas Herhusky, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Lew
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Publication number: 20220298983Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes two throttles that are arranged in parallel to deliver air into a single intake manifold are described. In one example, a first throttle is opened before a second throttle during a first condition and the second throttle is opened before the first throttle during a second condition. The throttles may be operated in this way to ensure even operation of the throttles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2021Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Conner Cecott, Rob Ciarrocchi, Rohit Bhat, Adam J. Richards
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Publication number: 20220298977Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes two throttles that are arranged in parallel to deliver air into a single intake manifold are described. In one example, a first throttle and a second throttle are opened according to a value of a variable that changes as a function of a requested engine air flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2021Publication date: September 22, 2022Inventors: Rohit Bhat, Rob Ciarrocchi, Adam J. Richards, Conner Cecott
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Patent number: 11448144Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes two throttles that are arranged in parallel to deliver air into a single intake manifold are described. In one example, a first throttle is opened before a second throttle during a first condition and the second throttle is opened before the first throttle during a second condition. The throttles may be operated in this way to ensure even operation of the throttles.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2021Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Conner Cecott, Rob Ciarrocchi, Rohit Bhat, Adam J. Richards
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Patent number: 11326528Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating and non-deactivating valves is presented. In one example, the engine may include non-deactivating intake valves, deactivating intake valves, and only non-deactivating exhaust valves. The non-deactivating exhaust valves may operate to open and close during an engine cycle while deactivating intake valves remain closed during the engine cycle to prevent air flow through selected engine cylinders.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards
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Publication number: 20220089143Abstract: An electrified vehicle may include an engine, an electric machine selectively coupled to the engine, a high-voltage traction battery electrically coupled to the electric machine and configured to selectively propel the electrified vehicle, an on-board generator including an inverter electrically coupled to the high-voltage traction battery and configured to convert direct current input to alternating current output, power outlets configured to receive power from the inverter of the on-board generator, a user interface, and a controller programmed to control the engine, the electric machine, and the high-voltage traction battery to provide power to on-board generator and to control the inverter to limit the power output by the inverter to the power outlets to one of a user-specified power limit based on input from the user interface, a powertrain power limit associated with the engine, the electric machine, and the high-voltage traction battery, and an inverter hardware power limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2020Publication date: March 24, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Seth Anthony BRYAN, Adam J. RICHARDS, Scott Steadmon THOMPSON, Nicholas HERHUSKY
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Publication number: 20220009447Abstract: Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to the use of a multi-zone geofence for key-free vehicle operations management. The multi-zone geofence may include a first zone where vehicles can be operated without the use of keys or key fobs, and a second zone surrounding the first zone where a first set of functional restrictions are imposed upon the vehicles. The first set of functional restrictions can include an upper speed limit that is automatically imposed upon a vehicle. The multi-zone geofence can include additional zones having functional restrictions, such as a third zone surrounding the second zone wherein key-free vehicle operations are permitted with a second set of restrictions. The second set of restrictions may include a directional speed feature involving an automatic speed reduction upon a vehicle travelling towards a periphery of the third zone and lifting the speed reduction if the vehicle turns back.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2020Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, John Eric Rollinger, Scott Steadmon Thompson, Nicholas Herhusky, Scott Christensen, Adam J. Richards
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Publication number: 20210387528Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2020Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez, Nicholas Herhusky, Alex O`Connor Gibson, David Lew
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Patent number: 11060329Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate a vehicle door to an opened position and to determine a height of an object on a vehicle roof based on a distance from a sensor on the door in the opened position to a top of the object.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2019Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Adam J. Richards
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Patent number: 11022049Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling engine knock. In one example, a method may include decreasing intake valve lift at a first set of cylinders where knock is indicated and increasing intake valve lift at a second set of cylinders where knock is not indicated. A stoichiometric air-to-fuel ratio is thereby maintained.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, John Eric Rollinger, Tyler Kelly, Julia Helen Buckland Seeds, Joshua Schumaker, Adam J. Richards, Joseph Lyle Thomas, John Erik Mikael Hellstrom
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Publication number: 20210131360Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling an internal combustion engine via flowing air through the internal combustion engine during select conditions are presented. In one example, lift of intake and/or exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature. In addition, opening and closing timings of intake and exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, John Eric Rollinger, Julia Helen Buckland Seeds, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Joshua Schumaker, John Erik Mikael Hellstrom, Adam J. Richards
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Patent number: 10995682Abstract: Systems and methods for cooling an internal combustion engine via flowing air through the internal combustion engine during select conditions are presented. In one example, lift of intake and/or exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature. In addition, opening and closing timings of intake and exhaust poppet valves may be adjusted as a function of engine temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, John Eric Rollinger, Julia Helen Buckland Seeds, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Joshua Schumaker, John Erik Mikael Hellstrom, Adam J. Richards
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Patent number: 10974731Abstract: A system includes a first sensor configured to detect a rotational position of a first wheel. The system includes a second sensor configured to detect a rotational position of a second wheel. The system includes a third sensor configured to detect a rotational speed of a driveline operatively coupled to the first wheel and the second wheel. The system includes a computer in communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor. The computer is programmed to detect a fault associated with the first wheel or the second wheel based on a correlation between an oscillation in the rotational speeds of the driveline and the rotational positions of the first wheel or the rotational positions of the second wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Adam J. Richards
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Publication number: 20210070248Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes an electrical power output is described. In one example, the method includes preventing shifting of transmission gears in response to an external electric power consumer being coupled to an electrical power output receptacle of the vehicle. The method may reduce a possibility of interrupting electrical power that may be supplied to the external electric power consumer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2019Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Nicholas Herhusky, Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez
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Patent number: 10940829Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes an electrical power output is described. In one example, the method includes preventing shifting of transmission gears in response to an external electric power consumer being coupled to an electrical power output receptacle of the vehicle. The method may reduce a possibility of interrupting electrical power that may be supplied to the external electric power consumer.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Herhusky, Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez