Patents by Inventor Ray C. Siciak
Ray C. Siciak 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).
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Patent number: 10479328Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes interior sensors including a camera, IR camera, electro-chemical sensor, humidity sensor, and temperature sensor. Initial and final outputs of these sensors are captured for a trip conveying one or more passengers. If changes in the outputs of the sensors are detected, whether the final outputs of the sensors are acceptable may be evaluated. In some embodiments, an aggregation of the outputs is evaluated and found unacceptable even where individual outputs are acceptable. Outputs may be presented to a dispatcher to confirm that the outputs are unacceptable. If the outputs are found to be unacceptable, the vehicle may be autonomously driven to a cleaning station. Personal items may be identified in camera outputs and alerts generated in response.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2016Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael E Reibling, Ramzi Ahmad Chraim, Steven Michael Cyr, Ray C. Siciak
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Publication number: 20190291712Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing processor-executable instructions. The processor is programmed to prevent a traction battery from providing power to a vehicle powertrain below a charge threshold, and then, upon one of (a) receiving an acceleration demand above an acceleration threshold and (b) predicting that a planned maneuver classified as high acceleration will occur within a time threshold, permit the traction battery to provide power to the vehicle powertrain below the charge threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2018Publication date: September 26, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: DAVID ANTHONY SYMANOW, PRASAD VENKITESWARAN, RAY C. SICIAK
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Publication number: 20190283609Abstract: An electrical power system for a vehicle includes an interface electrically connected to a node and a battery electrically connected to the interface. The interface includes circuit elements that permit current flow between the battery and the node when and only when the voltage of the node is below a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2018Publication date: September 19, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: DAVID ANTHONY SYMANOW, RAY C. SICIAK, MICHAEL ADEL AWAD ALLA, SAMI DAGHER
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Publication number: 20190259226Abstract: A system includes means for identifying a risk condition based on a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) and an operating condition in a vehicle, means for determining an instruction for the vehicle based on the identified risk condition, and means for navigating the vehicle based on the instruction.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2018Publication date: August 22, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ahmad Khalifeh, Amy Beth Cronin, Scott J. Lauffer, Rashmi Hegde, Beni Tang, Ray C. Siciak
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Publication number: 20190135206Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling a high voltage power supply. An example vehicle includes first and second power supply buses, a high voltage power supply coupled to the first and second power supply buses, and a high voltage controller. The high voltage controller is configured to control the high voltage power supply, detect a short circuit on the first power supply bus, and responsively change a power source of the high voltage controller by activating an opto-isolator and one or more smart FETs.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: John Sturza, Masahiro Kimoto, Tsung-Han Tsai, David Anthony Symanow, Ray C. Siciak
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Patent number: 10272917Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processor programmed to establish communication between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, identify one of the vehicles as a towing vehicle and the other as a towed vehicle, and limit operation of the towing vehicle according to constraints associated with the towed vehicle. In some implementations, the vehicle system detects that the towing vehicle is flat-towing the towed vehicle and that the towed vehicle is not operating in a neutral tow mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2017Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Eric David Bramson, Ray C. Siciak
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Patent number: 10230231Abstract: Systems and methods provide an alternative high voltage cutoff technique for disconnecting a high voltage battery from an electrical network of a vehicle in the event of a fault condition. Embodiments include a vehicle system comprising an electrical bus and a battery module coupled to the electrical bus via a contactor and a disconnector. The vehicle system further includes a controller configured to switch the contactor to an open state, upon receiving a fault condition signal, and if the contactor failed to open, activating the disconnector to break electrical connection between the battery module and the electrical bus. In some embodiments, the fault condition signal is generated upon detecting a vehicular impact. In some embodiments, the disconnector is a pyrotechnic device powered by a vehicle battery included in the vehicle system.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2017Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ray C. Siciak, David Crist Gabriel, Bo Wu, Derek Hartl
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Publication number: 20190025836Abstract: A first landmark of a target vehicle is identified. A host vehicle is moved laterally adjacent to the target vehicle such that a second landmark of the host vehicle is a specified longitudinal distance from the first landmark.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2017Publication date: January 24, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Frank J. Desjarlais, Ray C. Siciak
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Patent number: 10185322Abstract: A first landmark of a target vehicle is identified. A host vehicle is moved laterally adjacent to the target vehicle such that a second landmark of the host vehicle is a specified longitudinal distance from the first landmark.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2017Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Frank J. Desjarlais, Ray C. Siciak
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Patent number: 10153523Abstract: An exemplary method includes circulating a fluid along a fluid circuit that extends through a heat exchanger and a battery pack, and, during the circulating, heating the fluid with a flow of exhaust gas and using the fluid to heat the battery pack. An exemplary vehicle system includes a battery pack, a heat exchanger, a fluid circuit configured to circulate a fluid between the battery pack and the heat exchanger, and a valve moveable back and forth between a heating position and a cooling position. The valve in the heating position permits more flow along an exhaust circuit to heat the fluid in the fluid circuit than the valve in the cooling position.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Michael Cyr, Ray C. Siciak, Allen Dennis Dobryden, Michael Reibling
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Patent number: 10032588Abstract: An integrated contactor/service disconnect assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a stationary contact, a movable contact selectively movable relative to the stationary contact and a service disconnect unit configured to block the movable contact from contacting the stationary contact.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2013Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Philip Michael Gonzales, Ray C. Siciak
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Patent number: 10023174Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine operation of a hybrid vehicle to increase power output and fuel efficiency. In one example, a method may include operating the engine using an Atkinson cycle during a lower than threshold engine torque demand and a lower than threshold battery state of charge, and operating the engine using an Otto cycle during a higher than threshold torque demand. During operation in the Otto cycle, an octane booster is injected to the fuel line to increase the octane level in the fuel, if desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Michael Cyr, Michael E. Reibling, Ray C. Siciak
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Publication number: 20180186377Abstract: A vehicle system includes a processor programmed to establish communication between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, identify one of the vehicles as a towing vehicle and the other as a towed vehicle, and limit operation of the towing vehicle according to constraints associated with the towed vehicle. In some implementations, the vehicle system detects that the towing vehicle is flat-towing the towed vehicle and that the towed vehicle is not operating in a neutral tow mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2017Publication date: July 5, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric David Bramson, Ray C. Siciak
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Patent number: 10011283Abstract: Methods and systems for driving vehicle accessories of a vehicle that includes an automatic transmission are presented. In one non-limiting example, the vehicle accessories are driven via a vehicle's kinetic energy while an engine of the vehicle has stopped rotating. Vehicle accessories are driven from a location of a driveline downstream of a torque converter impeller.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2016Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Michael E. Reibling, Steven Michael Cyr, Ray C. Siciak
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Publication number: 20180131052Abstract: An electrified vehicle includes a vehicle body establishing an interior space, a battery pack mounted within the interior space, and a battery thermal management system including a control module configured to command evacuation of hot air within the interior space if an external temperature of the battery pack exceeds a predefined temperature threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2016Publication date: May 10, 2018Inventors: Michael E. REIBLING, Steven Michael CYR, Ray C. SICIAK
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Publication number: 20180126960Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes interior sensors including a camera, IR camera, electro-chemical sensor, humidity sensor, and temperature sensor. Initial and final outputs of these sensors are captured for a trip conveying one or more passengers. If changes in the outputs of the sensors are detected, whether the final outputs of the sensors are acceptable may be evaluated. In some embodiments, an aggregation of the outputs is evaluated and found unacceptable even where individual outputs are acceptable. Outputs may be presented to a dispatcher to confirm that the outputs are unacceptable. If the outputs are found to be unacceptable, the vehicle may be autonomously driven to a cleaning station. Personal items may be identified in camera outputs and alerts generated in response.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2016Publication date: May 10, 2018Inventors: Michael E. Reibling, Ramzi Ahmad Chraim, Steven Michael Cyr, Ray C. Siciak
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Publication number: 20180113448Abstract: An energy level for each vehicle in a convoy is determined. A following vehicle is assigned as a new lead vehicle when the energy level of a current lead vehicle is below the energy level of the following vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2016Publication date: April 26, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yash Nagda, Nayaz Khalid Ahmed, Ray C. Siciak
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Publication number: 20180072304Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine operation of a hybrid vehicle to increase power output, and fuel efficiency. In one example, a method may include operating the engine using an Atkinson cycle during a lower than threshold engine torque demand, and a lower than threshold battery state of charge, and operating the engine using an Otto cycle during a higher than threshold torque demand. During operating in the Otto cycle, an octane booster may be injected to the fuel line to increase the octane level in the fuel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2016Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Steven Michael Cyr, Michael E. Reibling, Ray C. Siciak
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Publication number: 20180060776Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing selection of battery electric vehicles to perform delivery tasks. Within a group of battery electric vehicles (“BEVs”), a BEV is selected to perform a delivery task based on battery charge status. The BEV can be selected based on one or more of: proximity to a requested pick up location, battery state-of-charge (“SOC”), charging station proximity to a requested delivery location, and charging station port availability (e.g., wait time to access a charging port). BEV selection can be optimized such that a BEV arrives at a charging station with optimal remaining SOC. Thus, the distance to charging stations can be optimized while meeting the needs of customer requests to get a delivery from a pickup location to delivery location. In some aspects, autonomous vehicle technology is used to operate BEV's.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2016Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Nayaz Khalid Ahmed, Ramzi Ahmad Chraim, Ray C. Siciak
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Publication number: 20180013279Abstract: Systems and methods provide an alternative high voltage cutoff technique for disconnecting a high voltage battery from an electrical network of a vehicle in the event of a fault condition. Embodiments include a vehicle system comprising an electrical bus and a battery module coupled to the electrical bus via a contactor and a disconnector. The vehicle system further includes a controller configured to switch the contactor to an open state, upon receiving a fault condition signal, and if the contactor failed to open, activating the disconnector to break electrical connection between the battery module and the electrical bus. In some embodiments, the fault condition signal is generated upon detecting a vehicular impact. In some embodiments, the disconnector is a pyrotechnic device powered by a vehicle battery included in the vehicle system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Ray C. Siciak, David Crist Gabriel, Bo Wu, Derek Hartl