Patents by Inventor Brian D. Rutkowski

Brian D. Rutkowski 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: 20240103555
    Abstract: Sense mirror circuitry receives a voltage signal having values corresponding to a magnitude of a measured current. Responsive to the values falling within a first predefined range, the sense mirror circuitry outputs a current at a first predefined magnitude that corresponds to the first predefined range. Responsive to the values falling within a second predefined range, the sense mirror circuitry outputs a current at a second predefined magnitude different than the first predefined magnitude and that corresponds to the second predefined range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, David John Rutkowski
  • Publication number: 20240053175
    Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and related methods for vehicle sensor calibration are disclosed. An example vehicle includes a sensor including an output; sensor interface circuitry including a transistor, the sensor interface circuitry communicatively coupled to the output; and processor circuitry communicatively coupled to the sensor via the sensor interface circuitry. The processor circuitry is to cause the transistor to activate to electrically couple the output to one of (a) a ground potential or (b) a voltage source associated with a voltage different than a voltage corresponding to an output voltage range of the sensor; and cause a code to be transmitted to the sensor. The sensor is to perform a calibration in response to the electrical coupling of the output to ground and receipt of the code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, David John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 10369856
    Abstract: A damper control system includes a controller configured to estimate a temperature of a damper fluid based on data relating to heat added to and heat removed from the fluid. At least one damper is operatively coupled to the controller, and the controller is configured to control a size of a damper flow path of the at least one damper based on the estimated temperature. Methods relate to controlling at least one damper based on an estimated temperature of a damper fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, David John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 10084324
    Abstract: Systems and methods for balancing battery cells of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a charge imbalance is determined while battery cells operate in a high charge resolution voltage range. The charge imbalance determined during operation in the high charge resolution voltage range may be removed when the battery cells are operated in a low charge resolution voltage range. The system and method may be particularly useful for balancing battery cells that operate in the low charge resolution voltage range for a large portion of their operating time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: A123 Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Brian C. Moorhead, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 10079377
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating a state of a battery to a vehicle controller are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack outputs a signal indicative of an amount of capability the battery pack has to source or sink current at present operating conditions. The system and method may improve vehicle drivability and reduce battery pack degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: A123 Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, Brian C. Moorhead
  • Patent number: 9719407
    Abstract: A method for operating a device at a desired temperature is described. In one example, current supplied to a heater that melts a wax medium or material controlling flow through a valve is adjusted to reduce valve opening and closing delay. The method may improve device temperature control, thereby reducing device emissions, enhancing device performance, and improving device durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Samuel Schwartz, Brian D. Rutkowski, Yonghua Li
  • Publication number: 20170166027
    Abstract: A damper control system includes a controller configured to estimate a temperature of a damper fluid based on data relating to heat added to and heat removed from the fluid. At least one damper is operatively coupled to the controller, and the controller is configured to control a size of a damper flow path of the at least one damper based on the estimated temperature. Methods relate to controlling at least one damper based on an estimated temperature of a damper fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. RUTKOWSKI, David John RUTKOWSKI
  • Patent number: 9601923
    Abstract: Exemplary methods are disclosed, which may include providing a conductive component configured to conduct a current to at least two electrical systems or elements. Methods may further include determining one of the electrical elements as a low-priority system and a second one of the electrical elements as a high-priority system, measuring or estimating a current associated with the at least two electrical systems to establish the current exceeds a predetermined parameter, and deactivating the low-priority system in response to at least the determination of the current exceeding the predetermined parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, David J. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 9562933
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for diagnosing a multiple speed, relay controlled engine cooling fan system. One method includes measuring the change in current drawn from a battery-alternator system when fan speed is modified. A degradation in cooling fan operation is flagged when measured current change differs from an expected change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Troy Fischer, Jayne Froney, Randall J. Houston, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 9552679
    Abstract: A vehicle damper monitoring system of the present disclosure may include at least one height sensor and at least one controller configured to receive signals from the at least one height sensor and generate a notification if the signals indicate that one or more suspension dampers of a vehicle need to be serviced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David John Rutkowski, Brian D. Rutkowski, Russ Lee Norton
  • Publication number: 20160372941
    Abstract: Systems and methods for balancing battery cells of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a charge imbalance is determined while battery cells operate in a high charge resolution voltage range. The charge imbalance determined during operation in the high charge resolution voltage range may be removed when the battery cells are operated in a low charge resolution voltage range. The system and method may be particularly useful for balancing battery cells that operate in the low charge resolution voltage range for a large portion of their operating time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Brian C. Moorhead, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 9450426
    Abstract: Systems and methods for balancing battery cells of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a charge imbalance is determined while battery cells operate in a high charge resolution voltage range. The charge imbalance determined during operation in the high charge resolution voltage range may be removed when the battery cells are operated in a low charge resolution voltage range. The system and method may be particularly useful for balancing battery cells that operate in the low charge resolution voltage range for a large portion of their operating time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: A123 Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brian C. Moorhead, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Publication number: 20150349527
    Abstract: Exemplary methods are disclosed, which may include providing a conductive component configured to conduct a current to at least two electrical systems or elements. Methods may further include determining one of the electrical elements as a low-priority system and a second one of the electrical elements as a high-priority system, measuring or estimating a current associated with the at least two electrical systems to establish the current exceeds a predetermined parameter, and deactivating the low-priority system in response to at least the determination of the current exceeding the predetermined parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES,LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, David J. Rutkowski
  • Publication number: 20150152776
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for diagnosing a multiple speed, relay controlled engine cooling fan system. One method includes measuring the change in current drawn from a battery-alternator system when fan speed is modified. A degradation in cooling fan operation is flagged when measured current change differs from an expected change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Troy Fischer, Jayne Froney, Randall J. Houston, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 9035610
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the output of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack contactor is opened in response to battery pack current. The system and method may reduce battery pack degradation and increase system flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: A123 Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, Brian C. Moorhead
  • Patent number: 9028986
    Abstract: A battery system comprises a battery cell having a cell body and a voltage terminal extending out of the cell body and having first and second terminal edges; a busbar to which an upper end of the voltage terminal is electrically connected; and a zipper fuse formed in a portion of the terminal between the cell body and the busbar, wherein the zipper fuse comprises an array of perforations through the voltage terminal and extending across the voltage terminal from the first edge to the second edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: A123 Systems LLC
    Inventors: Mujeeb Ijaz, Brian D. Rutkowski, Benjamin J. Sinsheimer, Chad J. Allison, Shazad M. Butt, Jonathan Hostler
  • Publication number: 20150112540
    Abstract: A vehicle damper monitoring system of the present disclosure may include at least one height sensor and at least one controller configured to receive signals from the at least one height sensor and generate a notification if the signals indicate that one or more suspension dampers of a vehicle need to be serviced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David John RUTKOWSKI, Brian D. RUTKOWSKI, Russ Lee NORTON
  • Patent number: 9013127
    Abstract: One embodiment of a drive system may include a motor shaft coupled to a gear set in connection between an input shaft and an output shaft. The system may also have a direct current motor selectively holding the motor shaft in a fixed position for engaging the input and output shafts to one another in response to a sudden power loss from a main power supply. The system may further include an auxiliary power supply enabling the direct current motor to provide a resistive torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, David John Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 8963500
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the output of a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack contactor is closed after receiving a request to open the battery pack contactor during a power-up sequence. The system and method may reduce battery pack degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: A123 Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, Brian C. Moorhead
  • Publication number: 20140252998
    Abstract: One embodiment of a drive system may include a motor shaft coupled to a gear set in connection between an input shaft and an output shaft. The system may also have a direct current motor selectively holding the motor shaft in a fixed position for engaging the input and output shafts to one another in response to a sudden power loss from a main power supply. The system may further include an auxiliary power supply enabling the direct current motor to provide a resistive torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Rutkowski, David John Rutkowski