Patents by Inventor Ronald Patrick Brombach
Ronald Patrick Brombach 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: 11555336Abstract: A powered latch system for motor vehicles includes at least one powered latch that can be controlled based, at least in part, on vehicle operating conditions. The system may be configured to control unlatching of the vehicle doors utilizing data relating to the vehicle speed and/or the existence of a crash event. The powered latch system can be configured as required for various vehicles, and to accommodate specific operating requirements with respect to child locks in various geographic jurisdictions.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, John Thomas Ricks, Jim Michael Weinfurther, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Lisa Therese Boran, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden
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Patent number: 11466484Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: H. Paul Tsvi Linden, Daniel Carl Bejune, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Kosta Papanikolaou, Noah Barlow Mass, Lisa Therese Boran, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Jim Michael Weinfurther, Robert Bruce Kleve, John Thomas Ricks
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Patent number: 11059511Abstract: A vehicle is able to be set to operate in a factory mode (as opposed to a normal mode) in which certain features are disabled, such as an alarm system, a power liftgate, etc. This allows assembly workers to assemble, test, and calibrate the vehicle without various systems in the vehicle being undesirably activated. While in the factory mode, the vehicle can accomplish multiple ignition on/off cycles while being tested or driven between stations. A steering column and connected steering wheel are provided in the vehicle, and are situated between an instrument panel and a front seat. In response to the ignition completing an on/off cycle, a controller commands a motor to move the steering wheel and steering column to a predetermined position that is based on a visibility of the instrument panel relative to the steering wheel and steering column.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 13, 2021Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: John Steven McWilliams, Kevin Stanton Giaier, Fernando Cruz Solis, Amol Bhaskar Kurkute, Madhuri Narvekar, Erick Michael Lavoie, Ronald Patrick Brombach
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Patent number: 10737560Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door panel slidably operable between a secured position within a door aperture and a staging position partially distal from the door aperture. A latch is engaged with a striker path during operation of the door panel between the secured and staging positions, and is selectively disengaged from the striker path to define open and closed positions of the door panel when the door panel is in the staging position.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2019Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Kosta Papanikolaou, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Henry W. Hausler, John Thomas Ricks, George Anthony Bernwanger, Jr., Donald P. Iacovoni, Paul L. Heirtzler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20190367036Abstract: A vehicle computer includes a processor programmed to confirm an identity of a limited user prior to permitting the limited user to enter an autonomous host vehicle, monitor autonomous operation of the host vehicle, and transmit a status update to a primary mobile device associated with a supervisor user of the host vehicle during autonomous operation of the autonomous host vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2016Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Ronald Patrick BROMBACH, Daniel M. KING, John Robert VAN WIEMEERSCH
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Publication number: 20190299758Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door panel slidably operable between a secured position within a door aperture and a staging position partially distal from the door aperture. A latch is engaged with a striker path during operation of the door panel between the secured and staging positions, and is selectively disengaged from the striker path to define open and closed positions of the door panel when the door panel is in the staging position.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2019Publication date: October 3, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Kosta Papanikolaou, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Henry W. Hausler, John Thomas Ricks, George Anthony Bernwanger, Jr., Donald P. Iacovoni, Paul L. Heirtzler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20190249463Abstract: A powered latch system for motor vehicles includes at least one powered latch that can be controlled based, at least in part, on vehicle operating conditions. The system may be configured to control unlatching of the vehicle doors utilizing data relating to the vehicle speed and/or the existence of a crash event. The powered latch system can be configured as required for various vehicles, and to accommodate specific operating requirements with respect to child locks in various geographic jurisdictions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2019Publication date: August 15, 2019Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, John Thomas Ricks, Jim Michael Weinfurther, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Lisa Therese Boran, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden
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Patent number: 10369870Abstract: A vehicle door includes a door panel slidably operable between a secured position within a door aperture and a staging position partially distal from the door aperture. A latch is engaged with a striker path during operation of the door panel between the secured and staging positions, and is selectively disengaged from the striker path to define open and closed positions of the door panel when the door panel is in the staging position.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Kosta Papanikolaou, Christopher Matthew Radjewski, Henry W. Hausler, John Thomas Ricks, George Anthony Bernwanger, Jr., Donald P. Iacovoni, Paul L. Heirtzler, Jr.
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Patent number: 10323442Abstract: A powered latch system for motor vehicles includes at least one powered latch that can be controlled based, at least in part, on vehicle operating conditions. The system may be configured to control unlatching of the vehicle doors utilizing data relating to the vehicle speed and/or the existence of a crash event. The powered latch system can be configured as required for various vehicles, and to accommodate specific operating requirements with respect to child locks in various geographic jurisdictions.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, John Thomas Ricks, Jim Michael Weinfurther, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Laura Viviana Hazebrouck, Lisa Therese Boran, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden
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Patent number: 10323444Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for window short drop for a vehicle with an electronic latch. An example door of a vehicle includes a door control unit communicatively coupled to an electronic latch. The electronic latch, in response to detecting a user touching an exterior handle, requests authorization from the vehicle. In response to receiving authorization, the electronic latch sends a request to the door control unit to lower a window of the door. Additionally, in response to receiving a confirmation from the door control unit, the electronic latch unlatches the door.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, John Thomas Ricks
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Patent number: 10293787Abstract: Systems and methods for managing keys that operate a given vehicle include a processor. Responsive to identifying a received first key for operating the vehicle as having an administrative status, the processor is configured to enable creation of a second key for operating the vehicle having the administrative status, and enable creation of a third key for operating the vehicle having a secondary status and a passcode. Responsive to receiving and identifying the third key as having the secondary status, the processor is configured to enable alteration of the passcode.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, Daniel M. King, Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Maeen Mawari
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Patent number: 10273725Abstract: A powered door latch system for vehicles includes a controller configured to receive data concerning vehicle operating conditions. The door latch system also includes at least one electrically powered door latch having a powered actuator that can be actuated by the controller to unlatch the electrically powered latch. An emergency release is mechanically connected to the electrically powered latch to mechanically release the latch. The system also includes a user communication device such as a display screen that is operably connected to the controller. The user communication device provides a user with information concerning the location and/or operation of the emergency release if a predefined operating condition such as a loss of electrical power has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Robert Bruce Kleve, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Rajesh K. Patel
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Patent number: 10266134Abstract: System and method are disclosed for vehicle accessory power management. An example vehicle includes an engine configured to operate in a start-stop mode, and a power management system. The power management system is configured to receive an input requesting use of a vehicle accessory in an accessory mode, and responsive to the input, reduce an electrical load, disable the start-stop mode, and enable use of the accessory mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, James Michael Weinfurther, Hanyang B Chen, David J Dainelis, Michael J Irby
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Publication number: 20190047514Abstract: Systems and methods for managing keys that operate a given vehicle include a processor. Responsive to identifying a received first key for operating the vehicle as having an administrative status, the processor is configured to enable creation of a second key for operating the vehicle having the administrative status, and enable creation of a third key for operating the vehicle having a secondary status and a passcode. Responsive to receiving and identifying the third key as having the secondary status, the processor is configured to enable alteration of the passcode.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2017Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Ronald Patrick BROMBACH, Daniel M. KING, Maria Eugenia PROTOPAPAS, Maeen MAWARI
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Publication number: 20190024416Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: H. Paul Tsvi Linden, Daniel Carl Bejune, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Kosta Papanikolaou, Noah Barlow Mass, Lisa Therese Boran, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Jim Michael Weinfurther, Robert Bruce Kleve, John Thomas Ricks
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Publication number: 20180345887Abstract: System and method are disclosed for vehicle accessory power management. An example vehicle includes an engine configured to operate in a start-stop mode, and a power management system. The power management system is configured to receive an input requesting use of a vehicle accessory in an accessory mode, and responsive to the input, reduce an electrical load, disable the start-stop mode, and enable use of the accessory mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2017Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, James Michael Weinfurther, Hanyang B. Chen, David J. Dainelis, Michael J. Irby
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Patent number: 10119308Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: H. Paul Tsvi Linden, Daniel Carl Bejune, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Robert Bruce Kleve, John Thomas Ricks, Kosta Papanikolaou, Noah Barlow Mass, Lisa Therese Boran, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Jim Michael Weinfurther
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Publication number: 20180244299Abstract: A vehicle is able to be set to operate in a factory mode (as opposed to a normal mode) in which certain features are disabled, such as an alarm system, a power liftgate, etc. This allows assembly workers to assemble, test, and calibrate the vehicle without various systems in the vehicle being undesirably activated. While in the factory mode, the vehicle can accomplish multiple ignition on/off cycles while being tested or driven between stations. A steering column and connected steering wheel are provided in the vehicle, and are situated between an instrument panel and a front seat. In response to the ignition completing an on/off cycle, a controller commands a motor to move the steering wheel and steering column to a predetermined position that is based on a visibility of the instrument panel relative to the steering wheel and steering column.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2017Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: John Steven MCWILLIAMS, Kevin Stanton GIAIER, Fernando Cruz SOLIS, Amol Bhaskar KURKUTE, Madhuri NARVEKAR, Erick Michael LAVOIE, Ronald Patrick BROMBACH
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Publication number: 20180239483Abstract: Method, apparatus, and computer readable media are disclosed for position control touchscreens for vehicles. An example vehicle includes a center console touchscreen for controlling vehicle settings, a seat, a seat motor coupled to the seat, a position control touchscreen adjacent to the seat for controlling seat settings, and a position adjuster communicatively coupled to the position control touchscreen. The position adjuster is to receive a seat adjustment command from the position control touchscreen and adjust the seat, via the seat motor, based on the seat adjustment command.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2017Publication date: August 23, 2018Inventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, Bryan Nikiforuk, Kyle Schmidt
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Publication number: 20180100332Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for window short drop for a vehicle with an electronic latch. An example door of a vehicle includes a door control unit communicatively coupled to an electronic latch. The electronic latch, in response to detecting a user touching an exterior handle, requests authorization from the vehicle. In response to receiving authorization, the electronic latch sends a request to the door control unit to lower a window of the door. Additionally, in response to receiving a confirmation from the door control unit, the electronic latch unlatches the door.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2016Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, Howard Paul Tsvi Linden, John Thomas Ricks