Patents by Inventor Michael Howard Varns

Michael Howard Varns 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: 8662226
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin, a high voltage traction battery, an electric motor powered by the traction battery, and a charger connected to the traction battery. The charger converts alternating current (AC) to high voltage direct current (DC) to charge the traction battery when the charger is plugged into an alternating current (AC) power supply. A forced air system includes an air inlet duct, a first air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the outside of the cabin, a second air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the inside of the cabin, a fan, and a valve for controlling air flow through the first and second air outlet ducts. The forced air system is arranged such that forced air flows through the air inlet duct, removes heat from the charger, and flows through at least one of the first and second air outlet ducts to assist with vehicle preconditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Howard Varns, Marc Jonathon Lucas, Christopher Adam Ochocinski
  • Publication number: 20110298241
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin, a high voltage traction battery, an electric motor powered by the traction battery, and a charger connected to the traction battery. The charger converts alternating current (AC) to high voltage direct current (DC) to charge the traction battery when the charger is plugged into an alternating current (AC) power supply. A forced air system includes an air inlet duct, a first air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the outside of the cabin, a second air outlet duct directing exhaust air to the inside of the cabin, a fan, and a valve for controlling air flow through the first and second air outlet ducts. The forced air system is arranged such that forced air flows through the air inlet duct, removes heat from the charger, and flows through at least one of the first and second air outlet ducts to assist with vehicle preconditioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Howard Varns, Marc Jonathon Lucas, Christopher Adam Ochocinski