Patents by Inventor John Moulds

John Moulds 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: 11878680
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle with an active parking assistant, comprising: determining a parking maneuver data set with at least one parking movement for a parking maneuver for parking in a parking space; determining a quality value representative of the parking situation of the motor vehicle in the parking space after the parking movement; comparing the quality value with a predetermined threshold value; providing the parking maneuver data set if the quality value is less than the threshold value; determining a further parking movement of the parking maneuver data set; determining a further quality value representative of the parking situation of the motor vehicle in the parking space after the further parking movement; and comparing the quality value with a predetermined threshold value if the quality value is greater than the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mike John Mould, Hendrik Jeckel
  • Publication number: 20220135023
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle with an active parking assistant, comprising: determining a parking maneuver data set with at least one parking movement for a parking maneuver for parking in a parking space; determining a quality value representative of the parking situation of the motor vehicle in the parking space after the parking movement; comparing the quality value with a predetermined threshold value; providing the parking maneuver data set if the quality value is less than the threshold value; determining a further parking movement of the parking maneuver data set; determining a further quality value representative of the parking situation of the motor vehicle in the parking space after the further parking movement; and comparing the quality value with a predetermined threshold value if the quality value is greater than the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mike John Mould, Hendrik Jeckel
  • Publication number: 20200226310
    Abstract: Described here is a method for the discretization of a complex model using computational windows to define the physics, solve type (explicit/implicit), mesh (type/density), and time step used within distinct spatial domains for finite element analysis. The windows can be defined manually or automatically and can be leveraged to reduce the overall computational energy and time required to solve the model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: John Mould, Dave Vaughan, Scott McClennan, Laura Carcione, Gerald Harvey, Ryan Diestelhorst
  • Patent number: 10394235
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle. The driver assistance system includes a wrong-way driving detection device that detects underway or imminent wrong-way driving of the motor vehicle. The driver assistance system also includes an output device that outputs a signal to a driver of the motor vehicle indicative of a wrong-way driving detection. The driver assistance system, via the output device, is configured to modify an operating state of the infotainment device according to the wrong-way driving detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mithat Ceylan, Tobias Lotz, Jan Lukas Guesten, Thomas Michel, Alexander Simukhin, Stefan Berg, Michael John Mould
  • Patent number: 10363935
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle operation of a vehicle having a standard transmission, a clutch, a service brake activated by a brake pedal, and an engine controller configured to shut off the engine after a stationary state of the vehicle has been reached. The method including shutting off the engine in a stopping step if an idling position of the manually shifted transmission has been engaged and if the clutch has been engaged and restarting engine in a chronologically subsequent starting step upon activation of a pedal, including a clutch pedal. The service brake configured to apply a brake pressure directly after release of the brake pedal for predetermined time period or interval between the stopping step and the starting step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tadeusz Bularz, Mike John Mould
  • Patent number: 10077073
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a parking process of a vehicle. The method including setting an upper speed limit; using a speed-limiting device to limit the speed of the vehicle at a parking speed that is less than or equal to the upper speed limit speed; suppressing an accelerator pedal speed increase request that increases the vehicle speed over the upper speed limit; and performing the assisted parking operation while limiting the vehicle speed and terminating the suppression of the increase in speed when the accelerator pedal is depressed by more than a predetermined value. Wherein the predetermined value is selected as a function of a slope on which the vehicle is located. The invention also relates to a steering system for an assisted parking procedure of a vehicle and a vehicle with such a steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregor Allexi, Claudia Kunze, Torsten Wey, Mike John Mould, Stefan Kappes, Mithat Ceylan
  • Publication number: 20180113453
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a driver assistance system for a motor vehicle. The driver assistance system includes a wrong-way driving detection device that detects underway or imminent wrong-way driving of the motor vehicle. The driver assistance system also includes an output device that outputs a signal to a driver of the motor vehicle indicative of a wrong-way driving detection. The driver assistance system, via the output device, is configured to modify an operating state of the infotainment device according to the wrong-way driving detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mithat CEYLAN, Tobias LOTZ, Jan Lukas GUESTEN, Thomas MICHEL, Alexander SIMUKHIN, Stefan BERG, Michael John MOULD
  • Publication number: 20170113693
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle operation of a vehicle having a standard transmission, a clutch, a service brake activated by a brake pedal, and an engine controller configured to shut off the engine after a stationary state of the vehicle has been reached. The method including shutting off the engine in a stopping step if an idling position of the manually shifted transmission has been engaged and if the clutch has been engaged and restarting engine in a chronologically subsequent starting step upon activation of a pedal, including a clutch pedal. The service brake configured to apply a brake pressure directly after release of the brake pedal for predetermined time period or interval between the stopping step and the starting step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Tadeusz Bularz, Mike John Mould
  • Patent number: 9566961
    Abstract: A method for operating a braking apparatus with a service and parking brake function, which braking apparatus can be applied both in a hydraulic manner by means of a hydraulic pressure generator and by means of an electromechanical force generator. A transfer takes place from the pressure generator, which exerts the hydraulic brake application, to the force generator, which exerts the electromechanical brake application, as soon as the braking torque is active at the braking apparatus. During the transfer, the braking torque, which is applied by the hydraulic pressure generator and the braking torque which is applied by the electromechanical force generator, is at least as high as the braking torque applied solely by the hydraulic pressure generator before the transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Karl-Peter Hesseler, Mike John Mould, Chad Michael Korte, Nadja Wysietzki
  • Patent number: 9327710
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, vehicle brakes are held to reduce the possibility of vehicle motion and stopping of engine rotation is prevented until confirmation of vehicle hold is present. The approach may allow an engine to remain in an off state for a longer period of time while reducing the possibility of vehicle motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Douglas Malone, Michael John Mould, William Najib Mansur, Chad Everette Griffin, Karl-Peter Hesseler
  • Publication number: 20150197224
    Abstract: A method for operating a braking apparatus with a service and parking brake function, which braking apparatus can be applied both in a hydraulic manner by means of a hydraulic pressure generator and by means of an electromechanical force generator. A transfer takes place from the pressure generator, which exerts the hydraulic brake application, to the force generator, which exerts the electromechanical brake application, as soon as the braking torque is active at the braking apparatus. During the transfer, the braking torque, which is applied by the hydraulic pressure generator and the braking torque which is applied by the electromechanical force generator, is at least as high as the braking torque applied solely by the hydraulic pressure generator before the transfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Karl-Peter Hesseler, Mike John Mould, Chad Michael Korte, Nadja Wysietzki
  • Publication number: 20150073675
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, vehicle brakes are held to reduce the possibility of vehicle motion and stopping of engine rotation is prevented until confirmation of vehicle hold is present. The approach may allow an engine to remain in an off state for a longer period of time while reducing the possibility of vehicle motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Douglas Malone, Michael John Mould, William Najib Mansur, Chad Everette Griffin, Karl-Peter Hesseler
  • Publication number: 20140121930
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a parking process of a vehicle. The method including setting an upper speed limit; using a speed-limiting device to limit the speed of the vehicle at a parking speed that is less than or equal to the upper speed limit speed; suppressing an accelerator pedal speed increase request that increases the vehicle speed over the upper speed limit; and performing the assisted parking operation while limiting the vehicle speed and terminating the suppression of the increase in speed when the accelerator pedal is depressed by more than a predetermined value. Wherein the predetermined value is selected as a function of a slope on which the vehicle is located. The invention also relates to a steering system for an assisted parking procedure of a vehicle and a vehicle with such a steering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregor Allexi, Claudia Kunze, Torsten Wey, Mike John Mould, Stefan Kappes, Mithat Ceylan
  • Publication number: 20070029032
    Abstract: A labeling apparatus has a source of printed labels that have adhesive backing, a vacuum pickup with two opposable arms, a blower bar to support a label on air. Each opposable arm has its own vacuum head and each head is removably attachable to a respective end portion of the label. The apparatus also has a label position sensor, and the vacuum pickup is movable from a pickup position to a wrap position. Each pickup arm has a plurality of spring loaded pins. A two layer label has a backing strip, an inner layer, and an outer layer, and at least one removable portion of the outer layer. The label has a neck portion and two end portions, such that the label set may be wrapped a container with the two end portions adhered back to back to each other. The neck portion is relatively narrower than either of the two end portions and is relatively offset so that it is closer to a front edge of the label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Thomas McCarthy, James Torina, Darcy Clarke, John Moulds, Thomas Vorndran
  • Publication number: 20060240249
    Abstract: A labeling apparatus has a source of printed labels that have adhesive backing, a vacuum pickup with two opposable arms, a blower bar to support a label on air. Each opposable arm has its own vacuum head and each head is removably attachable to a respective end portion of the label. The apparatus also has a label position sensor, and the vacuum pickup is movable from a pickup position to a wrap position. Each pickup arm has a plurality of spring loaded pins. A two layer label has a backing strip, an inner layer, and an outer layer, and at least one removable portion of the outer layer. The label has a neck portion and two end portions, such that the label set may be wrapped a container with the two end portions adhered back to back to each other. The neck portion is relatively narrower than either of the two end portions and is relatively offset so that it is closer to a front edge of the label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas McCarthy, James Torina, Darcy Clarke, John Moulds, Thomas Vorndran
  • Publication number: 20060234041
    Abstract: A labeling apparatus has a source of printed labels that have adhesive backing, a vacuum pickup with two opposable arms, a blower bar to support a label on air. Each opposable arm has its own vacuum head and each head is removably attachable to a respective end portion of the label. The apparatus also has a label position sensor, and the vacuum pickup is movable from a pickup position to a wrap position. Each pickup arm has a plurality of spring loaded pins. A two layer label has a backing strip, an inner layer, and an outer layer, and at least one removable portion of the outer layer. The label has a neck portion and two end portions, such that the label set may be wrapped a container with the two end portions adhered back to back to each other. The neck portion is relatively narrower than either of the two end portions and is relatively offset so that it is closer to a front edge of the label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: October 19, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas McCarthy, James Torina, Darcy Clarke, John Moulds, Thomas Vorndran
  • Publication number: 20060118573
    Abstract: A small item dispense module. Small items are stored inside a first chamber. The small items are then transferred to a second chamber having a first singulator. The first singulator transfers the small items to a third chamber having a second singulator. The second singulator transfers the small items from the third chamber to a discharge tube having a discharge gate. The discharge gate allows for the dispensing of the small items so that they easily accessible. Preferably, the dispense module further includes: a microcontroller with real-time clock, a unique electronic identification number, an external barcode identification label, and an automatic locking mechanism that can be released electronically and controlled by the microcontroller. The microcontroller also preferably keeps track of dispense and fill requests and inventory. In a preferred embodiment, the small items being dispensed are pills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 8, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Ganz, John Adams, John Hoffman, John Moulds, Thomas Vorndran
  • Publication number: 20050179562
    Abstract: An environmental data recorder for recording environmental factors acting on micro-well plates. The environmental data recorder has sensors for sensing environmental factors and it has a microcontroller programmed to receive and process inputs from the sensors. The sensors and microcontroller are housed in a recorder housing unit. The recording housing unit has exterior dimensions that are approximately equal to the exterior dimensions of the micro-well plates enabling the recorder housing unit to be handled by the same robotic device handling the micro-well plates. In a preferred embodiment, the environmental data recorder's sensors are a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor and an accelerometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Brian Ganz, John Adams, Joseph Gottlieb, John Moulds, Jason Kovach
  • Publication number: 20050164403
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing device. The liquid dispensing device has a tray for holding a liquid at a relatively constant level. A syringe is used for drawing fluid from the tray. A liquid container containing a liquid is positioned upside-down in the tray such that the opening of the liquid container defines a vertical position that is slightly below the liquid level in the tray. Atmospheric pressure on the liquid in the tray and a vacuum inside the liquid container prevents liquid from draining from the container until the fluid level in the tray drops to a level approximately equal to the vertical position of the opening. The positioning of the syringe for drawing fluid is simplified by reason of the fact that the level of fluid in the tray is maintained at an approximately constant level despite withdrawal of quantities of fluid from the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2004
    Publication date: July 28, 2005
    Inventors: John Hoffman, John Adams, Brian Ganz, David Jewell, John Moulds, Janet Newman
  • Publication number: 20050115681
    Abstract: A labeling apparatus has a source of printed labels that have adhesive backing, a vacuum pickup with two opposable arms, a blower bar to support a label on air. Each opposable arm has its own vacuum head and each head is removably attachable to a respective end portion of the label. The apparatus also has a label position sensor, and the vacuum pickup is movable from a pickup position to a wrap position. Each pickup arm has a plurality of spring loaded pins. A two layer label has a backing strip, an inner layer, and an outer layer, and at least one removable portion of the outer layer. The label has a neck portion and two end portions, such that the label set may be wrapped a container with the two end portions adhered back to back to each other. The neck portion is relatively narrower than either of the two end portions and is relatively offset so that it is closer to a front edge of the label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Publication date: June 2, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas McCarthy, James Torina, Darcy Clarke, John Moulds, Thomas Vorndran