Patents by Inventor David Richens Brigham

David Richens Brigham 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: 20090050383
    Abstract: A propulsion system includes a first torque producing arrangement including an electric machine configured to a first energy source supplying electrical energy to the electric machine. The system also includes a second torque producing arrangement having an engine connected to a second energy source configured to supply gaseous fuel to the engine. The system has a hydrogen production system having an electrolyzer, a water source, a hydrogen dispensing and loading system, and a connection to an electricity grid. Hydrogen is loaded to the second energy source when the electrolyzer is electrolyzing the water. The engine further connects to a third energy source configured to supply a non-hydrogen fuel to the engine. The system has a controller electrically connected to the motor and the engine capable of selecting the propulsion component and the fuel source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Richens Brigham, Douglas Bradley Bell, Mark John Jennings
  • Patent number: 5820172
    Abstract: An operating strategy for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) manages the flow of energy to both supply the motive demand power of the HEV and maintain the charge of the energy storage system (ESS). A controller operates the main power unit (HPU) and ESS and, using an optimal fuel cost strategy, scans all possible combinations of power from the HPU and ESS that satisfy the motive demand power. The combination with the lowest fuel cost is selected and the ESS is charged, when possible, using marginal charging; but, if the state of charge of the ESS falls below a certain level, fast charging is invoked. A minimum power threshold strategy can be used rather than the fuel cost strategy. The minimum power threshold strategy determines the optimal compromise of HPU operation and ESS operation to maximize fuel economy by using a motive power threshold below which the HPU is not operated except to recharge the ESS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Richens Brigham, Sandra Giardini, Amos Lev, Timothy Romlein, Michael Alan Tamor