Patents by Inventor Gary B. Ward

Gary B. Ward 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: 10864787
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a human machine interface for a trailer hitch system. One method includes receiving, a first user input, and presenting on a display a captured video image including a coupler, and determining an area into which the vehicle can be guided. The method includes presenting an indication of the area overlaying the captured video image. The method includes, in response to receiving a second user input indicating a location relative to the coupler, and when the vehicle is not in a reverse gear, presenting a visual command to put the vehicle in the reverse gear, and, when the vehicle is in the reverse gear, automatically steering the vehicle to the coupler based on the location. The method includes, during the automatic steering, receiving the speed of the vehicle, and, when the speed exceeds a threshold, presenting on the display a second visual command to slow the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rajani Janardhana, Gary B. Ward
  • Patent number: 10430705
    Abstract: A system for detecting if a hitch connecting a trailer and a vehicle is not secure. The system comprises a sensor, an output device, and electronic control unit. The electronic control unit receives information about the hitch connecting the trailer and the vehicle from the sensor. The electronic control unit detects if the hitch connecting the trailer and the vehicle is not secure. If the hitch connecting the trailer and the vehicle is not secure the electronic control unit generates a driver notification and controls the vehicle's motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Gary B. Ward
  • Publication number: 20190065931
    Abstract: A system for detecting if a hitch connecting a trailer and a vehicle is not secure. The system comprises a sensor, an output device, and electronic control unit. The electronic control unit receives information about the hitch connecting the trailer and the vehicle from the sensor. The electronic control unit detects if the hitch connecting the trailer and the vehicle is not secure. If the hitch connecting the trailer and the vehicle is not secure the electronic control unit generates a driver notification and controls the vehicle's motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventor: Gary B. Ward
  • Publication number: 20180029429
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a human machine interface for a trailer hitch system. One method includes receiving, a first user input, and presenting on a display a captured video image including a coupler, and determining an area into which the vehicle can be guided. The method includes presenting an indication of the area overlaying the captured video image. The method includes, in response to receiving a second user input indicating a location relative to the coupler, and when the vehicle is not in a reverse gear, presenting a visual command to put the vehicle in the reverse gear, and, when the vehicle is in the reverse gear, automatically steering the vehicle to the coupler based on the location. The method includes, during the automatic steering, receiving the speed of the vehicle, and, when the speed exceeds a threshold, presenting on the display a second visual command to slow the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Rajani Janardhana, Gary B. Ward