Patents by Inventor George F. MacDonald

George F. MacDonald 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).

  • Configurable electronic brake shift interlock override
    Patent number: 9580045
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for an electronic override of the brake shift interlock in a motor vehicle can provide for the vehicle to be manually pushed while it is parked without keys. A timed window is initiated upon detection of a parked state of the vehicle with its transmission in a park position and ignition key removable or removed. Selection of an out-of-park position is inhibited. The invention monitors activation of the brake pedal during the timed window. Override of the brake shift interlock is enabled while the brake pedal is activated during the timed window, thereby allowing selection of an out-of-park shifter position. The timed window ends after a predetermined time or event (e.g., after the driver's door is opened) to inhibit any further shifter movement from the park position until the next ignition key-cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick K. Holub, John R. Van Wiemeersch, Steven Y. Schondorf, George F. MacDonald, Johannes Huennekens, Graham Mace
  • CONFIGURABLE ELECTRONIC BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK OVERRIDE
    Publication number: 20120232765
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for an electronic override of the brake shift interlock in a motor vehicle can provide for the vehicle to be manually pushed while it is parked without keys. A timed window is initiated upon detection of a parked state of the vehicle with its transmission in a park position and ignition key removable or removed. Selection of an out-of-park position is inhibited. The invention monitors activation of the brake pedal during the timed window. Override of the brake shift interlock is enabled while the brake pedal is activated during the timed window, thereby allowing selection of an out-of-park shifter position. The timed window ends after a predetermined time or event (e.g., after the driver's door is opened) to inhibit any further shifter movement from the park position until the next ignition key-cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick K. Holub, John R. Van Weimeersch, Steven Y Schondorf, George F. MacDonald, Johannes Huennekens, Graham Mace