Patents by Inventor Ranganathan Madhavan

Ranganathan Madhavan 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: 11207949
    Abstract: A multi-compressor refrigerant system for a vehicle including a main compressor, an auxiliary compressor fluidly coupled with the main compressor, and a chiller fluidly coupled to the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor for exchanging heat with an electronic device. At least one of the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor is operated based on a thermal load of the chiller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jing He, Loren John Lohmeyer, Manfred Koberstein, Ranganathan Madhavan, Craig Martin Spinneweber
  • Publication number: 20210206235
    Abstract: A multi-compressor refrigerant system for a vehicle including a main compressor, an auxiliary compressor fluidly coupled with the main compressor, and a chiller fluidly coupled to the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor for exchanging heat with an electronic device. At least one of the main compressor and the auxiliary compressor is operated based on a thermal load of the chiller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jing He, Loren John Lohmeyer, Manfred Koberstein, Ranganathan Madhavan, Craig Martin Spinneweber
  • Patent number: 10639961
    Abstract: A system and method of selecting air intake between 100% fresh air mode and 100% recirculated air mode for optimum heating/cooling performance, fuel economy and/or high voltage (HV) battery power consumption is disclosed. The system and method includes a partial recirculation control strategy in which the air inlet door is moved progressively to any position by taking into account cooling/heating loads and cabin fogging probability. As cooling/heating loads increase the air inlet door moves toward 100% recirculation mode. As fogging probability increases the air inlet door moves toward 100% fresh air mode. By selectively choosing a position between 100% recirculation and 100% fresh air, fuel economy and/or HV battery power consumption is optimized without compromising passenger comfort or causing fogging on interior glass surfaces. In cooling applications the compressor load is minimized and air conditioning performance is improved due to the reduced evaporator cooling load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Halim Wijaya, Ranganathan Madhavan, Curtis M. Jones, Manfred Koberstein
  • Patent number: 10125860
    Abstract: A method and system for the cancellation of transmission shift delay as a function of an optimum target temperature is disclosed. Once the pre-selected optimum target is achieved the shift delay is cancelled and the transmission is upshifted. Thus the disclosed inventive concept is based the cancellation of the shift delay on achieving climate control air conditioning comfort targets. Such comfort targets could include one or more of the measured HVAC evaporator temperature, the HVAC discharge temperature, or the in-vehicle cabin temperatures. When a temperature sensor measuring the selected temperature reaches the pre-selected target temperature the shift delay may be cancelled and the transmission may be upshifted, thus maximizing passenger comfort while minimizing fuel consumption. Having the shift delay based upon the achievement of specific measurable comfort targets in the form of target temperatures rather than a set time period allows optimization between cabin comfort and fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manfred Koberstein, Tina M. Maurer, Stephen R. Dennon, Ranganathan Madhavan, Jim C. Rollinson
  • Patent number: 10035404
    Abstract: A heat transfer system is provided for a road vehicle having a passenger cabin. A primary branch includes a primary pump and a primary power plant. An auxiliary branch includes an auxiliary coolant pump, an auxiliary heat source, and a cabin heat exchanger. A thermostatic multi-way valve directs coolant from a valve inlet to substantially only a first valve outlet when receiving coolant below a first temperature. The valve directs coolant from the valve inlet to substantially only a second valve outlet when receiving coolant above a second temperature. The valve inlet is coupled to receive coolant from either the primary branch or the auxiliary branch. The first valve outlet is configured to return coolant to the same branch as is connected to the valve inlet. The second valve outlet is configured to direct coolant to the other branch to which the valve inlet is not connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Upendra J. Patel, Ranganathan Madhavan
  • Patent number: 9662959
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling blower speed of an air conditioning system in a vehicle having a start/stop engine. When an auto stop event of the start/stop engine is entered, an ambient temperature and a second temperature (e.g., evaporator) of the air conditioning system are measured by sensors. A first cutback limit is determined in response to the ambient temperature. The blower speed is ramped to the first cutback limit by a controller. The engine is restarted and the blower speed is restored in response to the second temperature reaching a restart threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kirk R. Pebley, James C. Rollinson, Eric M. Rademacher, Ranganathan Madhavan, Manfred Koberstein, Wayne F. Buescher
  • Patent number: 9657976
    Abstract: A method and apparatus controls a recirculation position of a return vent in an HVAC system for a vehicle with a compressor driven by a start/stop engine. A partial recirculation position is set according to a basic recirculation strategy while the engine is operating. An auto stop event is entered at a time with the compressor operating. A full recirculation position is set during the stop event by an HVAC controller if a plurality of low fogging probability indicators are true. The low fogging probability indicators include a sensed ambient temperature being above a predetermined temperature, a sensed state of a windshield wiper being an off state, and a sensed sunload being above a predetermined sunload. The return vent is set at other than the full recirculation position by the HVAC controller according to the basic recirculation strategy if the low fogging probability indicators are not true.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kirk R. Pebley, Ranganathan Madhavan, Eric G. Schaefer, Manfred Koberstein, James C. Rollinson
  • Publication number: 20160305542
    Abstract: A method and system for the cancellation of transmission shift delay as a function of an optimum target temperature is disclosed. Once the pre-selected optimum target is achieved the shift delay is cancelled and the transmission is upshifted. Thus the disclosed inventive concept is based the cancellation of the shift delay on achieving climate control air conditioning comfort targets. Such comfort targets could include one or more of the measured HVAC evaporator temperature, the HVAC discharge temperature, or the in-vehicle cabin temperatures. When a temperature sensor measuring the selected temperature reaches the pre-selected target temperature the shift delay may be cancelled and the transmission may be upshifted, thus maximizing passenger comfort while minimizing fuel consumption. Having the shift delay based upon the achievement of specific measurable comfort targets in the form of target temperatures rather than a set time period allows optimization between cabin comfort and fuel efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Manfred Koberstein, Tina M. Maurer, Stephen R. Dennon, Ranganathan Madhavan, Jim C. Rollinson
  • Patent number: 9376099
    Abstract: A method and system for the cancellation of transmission shift delay as a function of an optimum target temperature is disclosed. Once the pre-selected optimum target is achieved, the shift delay is cancelled and the transmission is upshifted. Thus the disclosed inventive concept is based on the cancellation of the shift delay on achieving climate control air conditioning comfort targets. Such comfort targets could include one or more of the measured HVAC evaporator temperature, the HVAC discharge temperature, or the in-vehicle cabin temperatures. When a temperature sensor measuring the selected temperature reaches the pre-selected target temperature the shift delay may be cancelled and the transmission may be upshifted, thus maximizing passenger comfort while minimizing fuel consumption. Having the shift delay based upon the achievement of specific measurable comfort targets in the form of target temperatures rather than on a set time period allows optimization between cabin comfort and fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manfred Koberstein, Tina Maurer, Stephen R. Dennon, Ranganathan Madhavan, Jim Rollinson
  • Publication number: 20160061237
    Abstract: A vehicle ventilation system includes an airflow circuit providing a flow pathway between a blower, an evaporator core, a heater core and an airflow restrictor. The airflow restrictor is provided downstream from the heat or cold and functions to increase the residence time of the air in the heater core to enhance heating performance of the vehicle ventilation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Manfred Koberstein, Ranganathan Madhavan, Kurt Francis Wingert, Denis Gerard O'Shannessy, Gary D. Mullen, Harold Li, Hai Feng Xing
  • Publication number: 20150018172
    Abstract: A method and system for the cancellation of transmission shift delay as a function of an optimum target temperature is disclosed. Once the pre-selected optimum target is achieved the shift delay is cancelled and the transmission is upshifted. Thus the disclosed inventive concept is based the cancellation of the shift delay on achieving climate control air conditioning comfort targets. Such comfort targets could include one or more of the measured HVAC evaporator temperature, the HVAC discharge temperature, or the in-vehicle cabin temperatures. When a temperature sensor measuring the selected temperature reaches the pre-selected target temperature the shift delay may be cancelled and the transmission may be upshifted, thus maximizing passenger comfort while minimizing fuel consumption. Having the shift delay based upon the achievement of specific measurable comfort targets in the form of target temperatures rather than a set time period allows optimization between cabin comfort and fuel efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Manfred Koberstein, Tina Maurer, Stephen R. Dennon, Ranganathan Madhavan, Jim Rollinson
  • Patent number: 8893517
    Abstract: A vehicle air handling system includes an air conditioner having an inlet selectively opening to a source of fresh air or recirculated air from within the passenger compartment. A controller switches the source of inlet air to recirculated air under certain conditions in order to optimize system efficiency and component life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ranganathan Madhavan, Curtis M. Jones, Manfred Koberstein, Kenneth G. Brown, Eric G. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20140312132
    Abstract: A method of optimizing usage of post-injection strategy for improved cabin comfort in a vehicle includes detecting a set of conditions corresponding to parameters pertaining to the vehicle's hardware components, driving components and operating conditions. If one or more of the set of conditions are satisfied, the method implements the post-injection strategy for the vehicle, for a pre-determined time, if the fuel-oil ratio for the engine of the vehicle is lower than a pre-determined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: RANGANATHAN MADHAVAN, MANFRED KOBERSTEIN, MARKUS MARKOWITZ
  • Publication number: 20140157803
    Abstract: A method controls a recirculation position of a return vent in an HVAC system for a vehicle with a compressor driven by a start/stop engine. A partial s recirculation position is set according to a basic recirculation strategy while the engine is operating. An auto stop event is entered at a time with the compressor operating. A full recirculation position is set during the stop event if a plurality of low fogging probability indicators are true. The low fogging probability indicators include a sensed ambient temperature being above a predetermined temperature, a sensed state of a windshield wiper being an off state, and a sensed sunload being above a predetermined sunload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kirk R. Pebley, Ranganathan Madhavan, Eric G. Schaefer, Manfred Koberstein, James C. Rollinson
  • Publication number: 20140157802
    Abstract: A method for controlling blower speed of an air conditioning system in a vehicle having a start/stop engine. A stop event is entered and an ambient temperature and a second temperature (e.g., evaporator) of the air conditioning system are measured. A first cutback limit is determined in response to the ambient temperature. The blower speed is ramped to the first cutback limit The engine is restarted and the blower speed is restored in response to the second temperature reaching a restart threshold. Consequently, a rise in evaporator temperature is delayed so that any to request by the HVAC system to terminate the stop event is also delayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kirk R. Pebley, James C. Rollinson, Eric M. Rademacher, Ranganathan Madhavan, Manfred Koberstein, Wayne F. Buescher
  • Patent number: 8721407
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an air intake that facilitates air transfer from an ambient environment outside the vehicle to a vehicle space. The air intake inhibits liquid transfer from the ambient environment to the vehicle space. The air intake includes an inlet for receiving air from the ambient environment, and an outlet in communication with the inlet. The outlet is disposed in an upper portion of the housing. A blocking member is disposed within the housing adjacent the inlet for preventing upward fluid flow from the inlet directly to the outlet. The air intake receives ambient air through an aperture in a window in the vehicle, thereby reducing the size of the air intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Mandernach, Ranganathan Madhavan, Rachid El Aile, Maria Heirtzler, Arthur Henke, Lim Wijaya
  • Publication number: 20140103128
    Abstract: A heat transfer system is provided for a road vehicle having a passenger cabin. A primary branch includes a primary pump and a primary power plant. An auxiliary branch includes an auxiliary coolant pump, an auxiliary heat source, and a cabin heat exchanger. A thermostatic multi-way valve directs coolant from a valve inlet to substantially only a first valve outlet when receiving coolant below a first temperature. The valve directs coolant from the valve inlet to substantially only a second valve outlet when receiving coolant above a second temperature. The valve inlet is coupled to receive coolant from either the primary branch or the auxiliary branch. The first valve outlet is configured to return coolant to the same branch as is connected to the valve inlet. The second valve outlet is configured to direct coolant to the other branch to which the valve inlet is not connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Upendra J. Patel, Ranganathan Madhavan
  • Publication number: 20140053590
    Abstract: A vehicle air handling system includes an air conditioner having an inlet selectively opening to a source of fresh air or recirculated air from within the passenger compartment. A controller switches the source of inlet air to recirculated air under certain conditions in order to optimize system efficiency and component life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ranganathan Madhavan, Curtis M. Jones, Manfred Koberstein, Kenneth G. Brown, Eric G. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20120009859
    Abstract: A system and method of selecting air intake between 100% fresh air mode and 100% recirculated air mode for optimum heating/cooling performance, fuel economy and/or high voltage (HV) battery power consumption is disclosed. The system and method includes a partial recirculation control strategy in which the air inlet door is moved progressively to any position by taking into account cooling/heating loads and cabin fogging probability. As cooling/heating loads increase the air inlet door moves toward 100% recirculation mode. As fogging probability increases the air inlet door moves toward 100% fresh air mode. By selectively choosing a position between 100% recirculation and 100% fresh air, fuel economy and/or HV battery power consumption is optimized without compromising passenger comfort or causing fogging on interior glass surfaces. In cooling applications the compressor load is minimized and air conditioning performance is improved due to the reduced evaporator cooling load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Halim Wijaya, Ranganathan Madhavan, Curtis M. Jones, Manfred Koberstein
  • Publication number: 20060084373
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an air intake that facilitates air transfer from an ambient environment outside the vehicle to a vehicle space. The air intake inhibits liquid transfer from the ambient environment to the vehicle space. The air intake includes an inlet for receiving air from the ambient environment, and an outlet in communication with the inlet. The outlet is disposed in an upper portion of the housing. A blocking member is disposed within the housing adjacent the inlet for preventing upward fluid flow from the inlet directly to the outlet. The air intake receives ambient air through an aperture in a window in the vehicle, thereby reducing the size of the air intake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Mandernach, Ranganathan Madhavan, Rachid El Aile, Maria Heirtzler, Arthur Henke, Lim Wijaya