Patents by Inventor Jeff A. Wallace

Jeff A. Wallace 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: 11982119
    Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Publication number: 20210222474
    Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Patent number: 11047163
    Abstract: A vehicle door system is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, a power source, and a controller. The actuator is configured to adjust a position of a door. The controller is configured to control the actuator with energy provided by the power source. The controller is further configured to identify a charge level of the power source and compare the charge level to at least one threshold. In response the charge level being less than the at least one threshold, the controller is configured to output a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, John Wayne Jaranson, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath, Evangelos P. Skoures
  • Patent number: 10995535
    Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Patent number: 10982481
    Abstract: A system for determining a door condition includes a hinge including a first portion coupled with a door and a second portion coupled with a vehicle frame and rotatably coupled with the first portion. The system further includes a sensor outputting a signal related to a position of the first portion relative to the second portion and a controller receiving the signal and determining whether the signal corresponds to a door closed condition or a door open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Jeff A. Wallace
  • Patent number: 10801246
    Abstract: A power assist device includes a motor that is operatively coupled to a door of a vehicle, a display for displaying a swing path of the door, a controller for controlling the motor, and a touchscreen device for supplying the controller with one or more user-inputted selections for controlling a door swing of the door, wherein the user-inputted selections are received by the touchscreen device via one or more touch events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Patent number: 10745957
    Abstract: A door assist system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator configured to control a position of the door about a hinge assembly. An interference sensor forms a portion of a door opening seal and is configured to detect an obstruction in a plurality of detection regions. The system further comprises a controller configured to control the actuator in response to a detection signal from the interference sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath, Evangelos P. Skoures
  • Patent number: 10626657
    Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Publication number: 20190383647
    Abstract: A system for determining a door condition includes a hinge including a first portion coupled with a door and a second portion coupled with a vehicle frame and rotatably coupled with the first portion. The system further includes a sensor outputting a signal related to a position of the first portion relative to the second portion and a controller receiving the signal and determining whether the signal corresponds to a door closed condition or a door open condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Jeff A. Wallace
  • Patent number: 10443287
    Abstract: A system for determining a door condition includes a hinge including a first portion coupled with a door and a second portion coupled with a vehicle frame and rotatably coupled with the first portion. The system further includes a sensor outputting a signal related to a position of the first portion relative to the second portion and a controller receiving the signal and determining whether the signal corresponds to a door closed condition or a door open condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Jeff A. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20190071913
    Abstract: A vehicle door system is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, a power source, and a controller. The actuator is configured to adjust a position of a door. The controller is configured to control the actuator with energy provided by the power source. The controller is further configured to identify a charge level of the power source and compare the charge level to at least one threshold. In response the charge level being less than the at least one threshold, the controller is configured to output a warning signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, John Wayne Jaranson, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath, Evangelos P. Skoures
  • Publication number: 20190063138
    Abstract: A power assist device is provided herein. The power assist device includes a motor that is operatively coupled to a door of a vehicle, a display for displaying as swing path of the door, a controller for controlling the motor, and a touchscreen device for supplying to the controller one or more user-inputted selections for controlling door swing, wherein the user-inputted selections are received by the touchscreen device via one or more touch events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Patent number: 10151132
    Abstract: A vehicle door system is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, a power source, and a controller. The actuator is configured to adjust a position of a door. The controller is configured to control the actuator with energy provided by the power source. The controller is further configured to identify a charge level of the power source and compare the charge level to at least one threshold. In response the charge level being less than the at least one threshold, the controller is configured to output a warning signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, John Wayne Jaranson, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath, Evangelos P. Skoures
  • Patent number: 10145165
    Abstract: A motor is operatively coupled to a door of a vehicle. A controller controls the motor and a user-input device supplies the controller with one or more user-inputted selections for controlling a door swing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Publication number: 20180245390
    Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Patent number: 10030431
    Abstract: A method of closing a vehicle door includes the steps of providing a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body, transmitting a door closing signal to a controller, identifying a current position of the door using a position sensor, closing the door using a power assist device powered from a hinge axis of the door, monitoring the door position during closing, releasing a catch of a latch mechanism when a latch striker of the vehicle body is partially received in the latch mechanism, and latching the door to the vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath
  • Patent number: 10000961
    Abstract: A vehicle door controller is disclosed. The vehicle door controller is in communication with an actuator configured to control a door and is further in communication with a temperature sensing device. The controller is configured to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensing device. Based on the temperature signal, the controller is configured to identify an actuator condition. In response to the actuator condition, the controller is configured to control the actuator to move the door to a resting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Timothy J. Potter, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath, Evangelos P. Skoures, Jeff A. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20180066466
    Abstract: An automated door system includes a door pivotally coupled to a vehicle body at a hinge axis defined by at least one hinge assembly. A power assist device is coupled to the hinge assembly and further coupled to the door. The power assist device is configured to slow movement of the door along a door swing path from an initial velocity to a slow close velocity when the initial velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold velocity, thereby providing a slow and controlled close when a user attempts to slam the door. The power assist device is further configured to power opening and closing movement of the door as initiated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Patent number: 9890576
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a door rotatably coupled to a vehicle body, wherein a power assist device is coupled between the door and the vehicle body on a hinge assembly. An audio sensor is disposed on the vehicle and is operably coupled to a controller. The controller is configured to receive voice command data from the audio sensor via a signal, identify a control command correlating to the voice command data, and output a signal to the power assist device to move the door according to parameters defined within the control command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz, Gerald J. Heath
  • Patent number: 9879465
    Abstract: A power assist device is provided herein. A motor is operatively coupled to a door of a vehicle. A controller controls a mechanical resistance applied by the motor to the door to resist door swing. The mechanical resistance applied to the door is a function of an angular position of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Dean Elie, Timothy J. Potter, Robert F. Novak, John Wayne Jaranson, Jeff A. Wallace, Michael M. Azzouz