Patents by Inventor Daniel M. King
Daniel M. King 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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Publication number: 20210023960Abstract: A power system for a vehicle includes a control module, a low-voltage battery electrically coupled to the control module, a high-voltage battery electrically coupled to the control module, an engine electrically coupled to the high-voltage battery, and a computer. The computer is programmed to, while the vehicle is in an off state, in response to a pending download to the control module, provide power to the control module with one of the low-voltage battery, the high-voltage battery, or the engine upon determining whether the low-voltage battery and the high-voltage battery have sufficient charge to power the control module for the download.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2019Publication date: January 28, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yuming Niu, Ming Lang Kuang, Mark Douglas Malone, Daniel M. King
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Patent number: 10895235Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 19, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel M. King, Michael Hrecznyj, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Timothy Thivierge, Jr., Zeljko Deljevic, Jason Myslinski
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Publication number: 20200307555Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for key fob utilization for vehicle remote park-assist. An example vehicle system for remote park-assist (RePA) includes a key fob. The key fob includes a low frequency (LF) antenna to receive a beacon and an ultra-high frequency (UHF) antenna to transmit a return signal including a distance indicator and a RePA signal. The example vehicle system also includes a vehicle. The vehicle includes an LF module to transmit the beacon at a predefined interval, a receiver-transceiver module to receive the return signal and the RePA signal, a controller to enable RePA responsive to determining that the distance indicator is less than a tethering threshold distance, and an autonomy unit to perform RePA based on the RePA signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Daniel M. King, Erick Michael Lavoie, Vivekanandh Elangovan, Ali Hassani, Alyssa Chatten
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Publication number: 20200310407Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for key fobs for vehicle remote park-assist. An example key fob for a vehicle includes buttons including a lock button, an unlock button, and a trigger button. The example key fob also includes an antenna and a controller. The controller is configured to transmit, via the antenna, a lock signal responsive to detecting the lock button is pressed. The controller is configured to transmit, via the antenna, an unlock signal responsive to detecting the unlock button is pressed. The controller is configured to transmit, via the antenna, a remote-start signal responsive to detecting a remote-start combination of the buttons is pressed. The controller is configured to transmit, via the antenna, a remote park-assist (RePA) signal to initiate RePA of the vehicle responsive to detecting a RePA combination of the buttons is pressed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2019Publication date: October 1, 2020Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Erick Michael Lavoie, Daniel M. King, Ali Hassani, Alyssa Chatten
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Publication number: 20190367036Abstract: A vehicle computer includes a processor programmed to confirm an identity of a limited user prior to permitting the limited user to enter an autonomous host vehicle, monitor autonomous operation of the host vehicle, and transmit a status update to a primary mobile device associated with a supervisor user of the host vehicle during autonomous operation of the autonomous host vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2016Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Ronald Patrick BROMBACH, Daniel M. KING, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH
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Patent number: 10407023Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for remote starting of engines via vehicle keypads. An example vehicle includes a keypad, a communication module to communicate with a mobile device designated as a wireless key, and a vehicle activator. The vehicle activator is to remote start an engine in response to receiving a first code entered via the keypad when a battery of the mobile device is discharged and authorize control of the engine in response to the communication module establishing communication with the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Daniel M. King, Timothy Thivierge, Jr.
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Patent number: 10328940Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for secure idle for a vehicle generator. An example vehicle includes an outlet external to the vehicle, a power inverter dedicated to supplying AC power to the outlet, and a powertrain control module. The powertrain control module controls the power inverter to supply first power level when a switch is in a first position and a second power level when the switch is in a second position. Additionally, the powertrain control module, after entering a secure mode, controls an engine to remain idling when an ignition switch is off.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: James Theodore Cikalo, Daniel M. King, Thomas Lee Miller, Kevin Thomas Hille, Micheal Nikiforuk, Scott Alan Watkins
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Patent number: 10293787Abstract: Systems and methods for managing keys that operate a given vehicle include a processor. Responsive to identifying a received first key for operating the vehicle as having an administrative status, the processor is configured to enable creation of a second key for operating the vehicle having the administrative status, and enable creation of a third key for operating the vehicle having a secondary status and a passcode. Responsive to receiving and identifying the third key as having the secondary status, the processor is configured to enable alteration of the passcode.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, Daniel M. King, Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Maeen Mawari
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Publication number: 20190120195Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes an input device configured to send an activation signal responsive to an input to start the vehicle. The system further includes a vehicle body controller, programmed to, responsive to the input and a lack of presence of a phone operating as a key, send an activation signal to activate a power source within a cabin of the vehicle for up to a predefined time period since a last vehicle start.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2017Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Daniel M. KING, Michael HRECZNYJ, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH, Timothy THIVIERGE, JR., Zeljko DELJEVIC, Jason MYSLINSKI
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Publication number: 20190047514Abstract: Systems and methods for managing keys that operate a given vehicle include a processor. Responsive to identifying a received first key for operating the vehicle as having an administrative status, the processor is configured to enable creation of a second key for operating the vehicle having the administrative status, and enable creation of a third key for operating the vehicle having a secondary status and a passcode. Responsive to receiving and identifying the third key as having the secondary status, the processor is configured to enable alteration of the passcode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Ronald Patrick BROMBACH, Daniel M. KING, Maria Eugenia PROTOPAPAS, Maeen MAWARI
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Publication number: 20180265088Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for secure idle for a vehicle generator. An example vehicle includes an outlet external to the vehicle, a power inverter dedicated to supplying AC power to the outlet, and a powertrain control module. The powertrain control module controls the power inverter to supply first power level when a switch is in a first position and a second power level when the switch is in a second position. Additionally, the powertrain control module, after entering a secure mode, controls an engine to remain idling when an ignition switch is off.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2017Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: James Theodore Cikalo, Daniel M. King, Thomas Lee Miller, Kevin Thomas Hille, Micheal Nikiforuk, Scott Alan Watkins
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Publication number: 20180215345Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for remote starting of engines via vehicle keypads. An example vehicle includes a keypad, a communication module to communicate with a mobile device designated as a wireless key, and a vehicle activator. The vehicle activator is to remote start an engine in response to receiving a first code entered via the keypad when a battery of the mobile device is discharged and authorize control of the engine in response to the communication module establishing communication with the mobile device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Daniel M. King, Timothy Thivierge, JR.
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Patent number: 9894492Abstract: Embodiments include a vehicle comprising a plurality of antennas positioned at locations inside and outside a vehicle cabin, each antenna being in wireless communication with an external mobile device and being associated with signal strength information; and a central module in communication with the antennas and configured to identify the antennas with the two strongest signals, and determine a mobile device location relative to the vehicle cabin based on the locations of the identified antennas. Embodiments also include a method comprising receiving signal strength information associated with a plurality of antennas wirelessly communicating with a mobile device, the antennas positioned at locations inside and outside a vehicle cabin; identifying a first antenna having a first highest signal strength and a second antenna having a second highest signal strength; and determining a mobile device location relative to the vehicle cabin based on the locations of the first and second antennas.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Daniel M King, Kevin Thomas Hille
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Patent number: 9694824Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frank J. Desjarlais, Thomas Lee Miller, Daniel M. King, Charles Richard Drake, Eric L. Reed
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Patent number: 9656629Abstract: An access system for a vehicle may include a controller. The controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request by causing a compartment closure to unlock for a predetermined time. Or the controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request and a vehicle operation signal indicative of a vehicle secure state by causing a compartment closure to unlock for a predetermined time. Upon expiration of the predetermined time, the controller may cause the compartment closure to lock. The controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlatch signal indicative of an unlatch request during the predetermined time by causing the compartment closure to unlatch.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Arie Groeneveld, Daniel M. King, Steven Skikun, Robert Kern, William Michael Gardner, Steven Erno, Patricia Seashore
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Publication number: 20160347279Abstract: An access system for a vehicle may include a controller. The controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request by causing a compartment closure to unlock for a predetermined time. Or the controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlock signal indicative of an unlock request and a vehicle operation signal indicative of a vehicle secure state by causing a compartment closure to unlock for a predetermined time. Upon expiration of the predetermined time, the controller may cause the compartment closure to lock. The controller may be configured to respond to receiving an unlatch signal indicative of an unlatch request during the predetermined time by causing the compartment closure to unlatch.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2015Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Arie Groeneveld, Daniel M. King, Steven Skikun, Robert Kern, William Michael Gardner, Steven Erno, Patricia Seashore
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Publication number: 20160114802Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2016Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Frank J. Desjarlais, Thomas Lee Miller, Daniel M. King, Charles Richard Drake, Eric L. Reed
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Patent number: 9272688Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frank J. Desjarlais, Thomas Lee Miller, Daniel M. King, Charles Richard Drake, Eric L. Reed
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Publication number: 20150283975Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting vehicle operating modes in response to output of remote security token devices are described. In one example, a vehicle operating mode may be determined when two key fobs having different, but valid, security token assignments are present within a vehicle cabin. Further, one mode of a two mode key fob may be selectively deactivated and reactivated to provide system flexibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: October 8, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frank J. Desjarlais, Thomas Lee Miller, Daniel M. King, Charles Richard Drake, Eric L. Reed
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Patent number: 9132805Abstract: An unattended-vehicle engine-idling system controls a vehicle powertrain in a non-motive mode with the engine running. An ignition switch operables with a removable ignition key. A control circuit has multiple states including a PREARMED state which is entered when the powertrain is in the motive mode and the user generates a manual activation signal. An ARMED state is entered when the transmission is in Park and holds an ignition switch status signal at RUN. An ACTIVE state is entered when the ignition switch is moved to the Accessory or Off positions or the key is removed. The powertrain is switched to non-motive mode and the switch status signal stays at RUN. A DISARMED state is entered in response to a manual deactivation signal generated independently of the ignition switch. In the DISARMED state, the ignition switch status signal corresponds with the ignition switch position, thereby turning off the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Daniel M. King, Thomas L. Miller, Kevin T. Hille, Scott A. Watkins, James E. Kaminske