Patents by Inventor Brad Alan

Brad Alan 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: 11235876
    Abstract: A computer is programmed to deploy an aerial drone to fly within a specified distance of a first vehicle. The computer is programmed to detect a second vehicle and then activate an aerial drone light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Somak Datta Gupta, Brian Bennie
  • Publication number: 20220010702
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing compression release during a stop/start event in an engine. In one example, a method includes: responsive to a request for a stop/start event in an engine with a continuously variable valve lift (CVVL) system including a compression release hydraulic valve actuator coupled to a valve of a first cylinder, determining a desired stop position of the engine; and prior to restarting the engine during the stop/start event, adjusting the compression release hydraulic valve actuator to open the valve during a compression stroke of the first cylinder. In this way, an amount of torque used to restart the engine may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Brad Alan VanDerWege, Michael Shelby
  • Publication number: 20210387036
    Abstract: A fitness-based playset with integrated exercise equipment allowing parents or other adults to play alongside their children. The play equipment may include a slide, swings, play deck, and other various climbing apparatus. The exercise equipment may include pull-up bars, dip bars, box jumps, core training station, squat rack, and climbing rope. The equipment has a modular design which allows one or more pieces to be connected to or removed from the main structure to provide various configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2021
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventor: BRAD ALAN LEEMAN
  • Publication number: 20210338439
    Abstract: A radial head assembly is provided that includes a stem, a collar, a locking ring, and an articular member. The stem has a convex articular head on one end thereof. The locking ring has a ring wall, which has a ring opening. The ring wall has an angular outer surface and a slot configured to permit the ring wall to radially expand. The angular outer surface engages an angular portion of an interior surface of the collar. The articular member and the locking ring define an articular space within the collar. The articular space is configured to receive the convex articular head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Applicant: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Matthew Victor KARTHOLL, Brad Alan PARKER, William Matthew KUESTER, Jackson R. HEAVENER, Kevin Alika FARLEY
  • Publication number: 20210330465
    Abstract: A radial head assembly is provided that includes a stem, a collar, a locking ring, and an articular member. The stem has a convex articular head on one end thereof. The locking ring has a ring wall, which has a ring opening. The ring wall has an angular outer surface and a slot configured to permit the ring wall to radially expand. The angular outer surface engages an angular portion of an interior surface of the collar. The articular member and the locking ring define an articular space within the collar. The articular space is configured to receive the convex articular head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Applicant: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Matthew Victor KARTHOLL, Brad Alan PARKER, Kevin Alika FARLEY, Ryan D. KOEPKE
  • Patent number: 11124219
    Abstract: A stowable user interface system includes an armrest. The stowable user interface system includes a steering wheel support arm supported by the armrest and movable between an extended position outside the armrest and a retracted position inside the armrest. The stowable user interface system permits an operator of a vehicle to control a steering system of the vehicle when the steering wheel support arm in the extended position. The stowable user interface system stows the steering wheel support arm in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cheri Lyn Hansen, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brad Alan Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 11109978
    Abstract: A radial head assembly is provided that includes a stem, a collar, a locking ring, and an articular member. The stem has a convex articular head on one end thereof. The locking ring has a ring wall, which has a ring opening. The ring wall has an angular outer surface and a slot configured to permit the ring wall to radially expand. The angular outer surface engages an angular portion of an interior surface of the collar. The articular member and the locking ring define an articular space within the collar. The articular space is configured to receive the convex articular head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: HOWMEDICA OSTEONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Matthew Victor Kartholl, Brad Alan Parker, William Matthew Kuester, Jackson R. Heavener, Kevin Alika Farley
  • Patent number: 11014443
    Abstract: A system that includes a vehicle fuel-receiver comprising a port located on a vehicle surface; and an onboard computer programmed to: send a fuel delivery request to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); actuate the port to permit the UAV to deliver fuel; and instruct a communication module to transmit a beacon signal to the UAV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Bennie, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Somak Datta Gupta
  • Publication number: 20210138919
    Abstract: A vehicle charging system includes a vehicle charge port having a first connector with one or more first magnets and a plurality of first terminals arranged in a first array. A charge station for the vehicle includes a support and a second connector attached to the support by an articulating mechanism that permits movement of the second connector relative to the support. The second connector has one or more second magnets and a plurality of second terminals arranged in a second array that matches the first array so that the first terminals are connectable to the second terminals when the first and second connectors aligned. The first and second magnets are arranged to move the second terminals, via the articulating mechanism, into alignment with first terminals when the first and second connectors are within a magnetic-coupling range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: David Charles WEBER, Brad Alan IGNACZAK, Adil Nizam SIDDIQUI, Christopher W. BELL, Emil G. SERBAN, Hannah Bailey, Christopher Westfall
  • Publication number: 20210115203
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite sheet, and a ballistic resistant article, comprising unidirectionally aligned high performance polyethylene (HPPE) fibers and a polymeric resin, wherein said polymeric resin comprises a homopolymer or copolymer of ethylene and wherein said polymeric resin has a density as measured according to ISO1183 of between 930 and 980 kg/m3, and a peak melting temperature of from 115 to 140° C.; and said polymeric resin is present in an amount of from 5 to 25% by weight based on the total weight of the composite sheet. It further relates to a method for manufacturing a composite sheet comprising assembling HPPE fibers to a sheet, applying an aqueous suspension of a polymeric resin to the HPPE fibers, partially drying the aqueous suspension, optionally applying a temperature and/or a pressure treatment to the composite sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Inventors: Brad Alan DICKINSON, Harm VAN DER WERFF, Raul Marcelino PEREZ GRATEROL, Petrus Henricus Maria ELEMANS, Leonardus Gerardus Bernardus BREMER, Francois Antoine Maria OP DEN BUIJSCH, Roelof MARISSEN
  • Patent number: 10953725
    Abstract: Methods and system for providing heat to a vehicle are presented. In one example, a refrigerant loop is operated to heat a passenger cabin via heat generated by a compressor and heat generated by a resistive heating element. The heat that is generated by the compressor and the heat that is generated by the resistive heating element is transferred to a refrigerant before it is transferred to the passenger cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Debasish Dhar, Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Pursifull, Brad Alan VanDerWege
  • Patent number: 10920732
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine following an engine idle-stop. In one example, a method may include upon receiving an engine restart request during an engine idle-stop, initiating combustion in a selected cylinder and based on a predicted time of attainment of peak pressure in the cylinder, activating a starter motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Andrew Ord, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Joseph Lyle Thomas
  • Patent number: 10907558
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, each of a first valve positioned in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage, the EGR passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of cylinder exhaust valves, and a second valve positioned in a flow passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the exhaust passage may be adjusted based on a measured pressure in the first exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Julian Barnaby Corona, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Patent number: 10871104
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to an intake passage via a ported scavenge manifold. In one example, the ported scavenge manifold includes a first scavenge manifold coupled to a plurality of exhaust runners and a second scavenge manifold coupled to the plurality of exhaust runners via ports. The location of the ports on the exhaust runners combined with adjustments to a bypass valve coupled between the first scavenge manifold and an exhaust passage and an EGR valve coupled between the second scavenge manifold and the intake passage enables exhaust gas to be preferentially flowed to the exhaust passage and blowthrough air to be preferentially flowed to the intake passage under select operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Patent number: 10859055
    Abstract: A method for starting an engine is disclosed. The method may adjust exhaust valve opening timing of one or more cylinders during a first cycle of an engine since a most recent engine stop to reduce engine cranking work. The method may adjust exhaust valve timing if the engine is directly started or started via an electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alexander O'Conor Gibson, Brad Alan VanDerWege
  • Patent number: 10836256
    Abstract: A location of a first wearable device is determined based on a first biometric signature. Operation of a touchscreen display is restricted if the location of the first wearable device is in an operator's side of a vehicle cabin and the first wearable device is within a first distance from the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Brad Alan Ignaczak, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Adil Nizam Siddiqui, Patrick Kevin Holub
  • Patent number: 10735895
    Abstract: A plurality of transducers positioned at respective specified locations in a vehicle are actuated to generate a plurality of respective tones. A plurality of respective time differences are determined between times that each respective tone is generated by the respective transducer and the tone is detected by a portable device. A location of the portable device is determined based at least in part on the time differences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Kevin Holub, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Adil Nizam Siddiqui, Jeffrey Allen Greenberg, Brad Alan Ignaczak
  • Patent number: 10731573
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, an intake valve timing, exhaust valve timing of a first set of exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold, and a position of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve in an EGR passage may be adjusted in coordination with one another in response to a condition at a compressor. The EGR passage may be coupled between the intake passage, upstream of the compressor, and the first exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer, James Leiby
  • Publication number: 20200238827
    Abstract: A location of a first wearable device is determined based on a first biometric signature. Operation of a touchscreen display is restricted if the location of the first wearable device is in an operator's side of a vehicle cabin and the first wearable device is within a first distance from the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: JEFFREY ALLEN GREENBERG, BRAD ALAN IGNACZAK, JOHN ROBERT VAN WIEMEERSCH, ADIL NIZAM SIDDIQUI, PATRICK KEVIN HOLUB
  • Publication number: 20200208581
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, each of a first valve positioned in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage, the EGR passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of cylinder exhaust valves, and a second valve positioned in a flow passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the exhaust passage may be adjusted based on a measured pressure in the first exhaust manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Julian Barnaby Corona, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer