Patents by Inventor Scott Steadmon Thompson
Scott Steadmon Thompson 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: 11840248Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain of an autonomous vehicle is described. In one example, the autonomous driver may supply a torque request and a torque or power urgency assessment to a powertrain controller. The powertrain controller may monitor vehicle control system parameters based on the driver demand torque and the torque or power urgency assessment.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2019Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, Robert Roy Jentz, David Hancock
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Patent number: 11634032Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2022Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez, Nicholas Herhusky, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Lew
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Publication number: 20220410716Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez, Nicholas Herhusky, Alex O`Connor Gibson, David Lew
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Patent number: 11524674Abstract: An electrified vehicle may include an engine, an electric machine selectively coupled to the engine, a high-voltage traction battery electrically coupled to the electric machine and configured to selectively propel the electrified vehicle, an on-board generator including an inverter electrically coupled to the high-voltage traction battery and configured to convert direct current input to alternating current output, power outlets configured to receive power from the inverter of the on-board generator, a user interface, and a controller programmed to control the engine, the electric machine, and the high-voltage traction battery to provide power to on-board generator and to control the inverter to limit the power output by the inverter to the power outlets to one of a user-specified power limit based on input from the user interface, a powertrain power limit associated with the engine, the electric machine, and the high-voltage traction battery, and an inverter hardware power limit.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Seth Anthony Bryan, Adam J. Richards, Scott Steadmon Thompson, Nicholas Herhusky
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Patent number: 11465506Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez, Nicholas Herhusky, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Lew
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Patent number: 11423709Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for updating an in-use monitoring performance (IUMP) based on operation of an auxiliary device. In one example, a method may include using an engine model to estimate a duration in which a diagnostic routine is not completed due to operation of an auxiliary device driven by an engine and selectively updating the IUMP ratio based on a comparison of the duration to a minimum time duration needed for completion of the diagnostic routine.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2019Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, Robert Roy Jentz, Nicholas Herhusky
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Patent number: 11345350Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that may be driven to or sold in different geographical locations that may have different engine emissions and fuel economy standards are described. The systems and methods may adjust vehicle operation to comply with standards that may be enforced where the vehicle is geographically located. The standards may apply to countries, treaty zones, race track areas, off-road areas, and other geographically related standards.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2020Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Scott Christensen, John Eric Rollinger, Adam Joseph Krach, Nicholas Herhusky, Michael Bastanipour, Scott Steadmon Thompson
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Patent number: 11320844Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a direct current to alternating current converter is described. In one example, an indication of an air flow restriction of the direct current to alternating current converter is described. The direct current to alternating current converter may supply power to devices that are external to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, Nicholas Herhusky, John Eric Rollinger
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Publication number: 20220089143Abstract: An electrified vehicle may include an engine, an electric machine selectively coupled to the engine, a high-voltage traction battery electrically coupled to the electric machine and configured to selectively propel the electrified vehicle, an on-board generator including an inverter electrically coupled to the high-voltage traction battery and configured to convert direct current input to alternating current output, power outlets configured to receive power from the inverter of the on-board generator, a user interface, and a controller programmed to control the engine, the electric machine, and the high-voltage traction battery to provide power to on-board generator and to control the inverter to limit the power output by the inverter to the power outlets to one of a user-specified power limit based on input from the user interface, a powertrain power limit associated with the engine, the electric machine, and the high-voltage traction battery, and an inverter hardware power limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2020Publication date: March 24, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Seth Anthony BRYAN, Adam J. RICHARDS, Scott Steadmon THOMPSON, Nicholas HERHUSKY
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Publication number: 20220009447Abstract: Example embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to the use of a multi-zone geofence for key-free vehicle operations management. The multi-zone geofence may include a first zone where vehicles can be operated without the use of keys or key fobs, and a second zone surrounding the first zone where a first set of functional restrictions are imposed upon the vehicles. The first set of functional restrictions can include an upper speed limit that is automatically imposed upon a vehicle. The multi-zone geofence can include additional zones having functional restrictions, such as a third zone surrounding the second zone wherein key-free vehicle operations are permitted with a second set of restrictions. The second set of restrictions may include a directional speed feature involving an automatic speed reduction upon a vehicle travelling towards a periphery of the third zone and lifting the speed reduction if the vehicle turns back.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2020Publication date: January 13, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, John Eric Rollinger, Scott Steadmon Thompson, Nicholas Herhusky, Scott Christensen, Adam J. Richards
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Publication number: 20210387528Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a high power output direct current to alternating current converter for a vehicle. In one example, a method may include at a vehicle-on event, automatically operating the converter in a first power output mode, and transitioning to a different mode of operation in response to a transition request being received at a controller of the vehicle. In this way, the different mode of operation may be subject to confirmation via an operator of the vehicle, which may improve operational performance of the direct current to alternating current converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2020Publication date: December 16, 2021Inventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez, Nicholas Herhusky, Alex O`Connor Gibson, David Lew
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Patent number: 11098661Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine and an electric machine are described. In one example, a speed of the engine may be adjusted so that the engine provides power to drive the electric machine without generating numerous rapid engine speed changes in a short amount of time.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, Vincent Martinez, John Eric Rollinger, David Lew, Nicholas Herhusky
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Publication number: 20210237731Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that may be driven to or sold in different geographical locations that may have different engine emissions and fuel economy standards are described. The systems and methods may adjust vehicle operation to comply with standards that may be enforced where the vehicle is geographically located. The standards may apply to countries, treaty zones, race track areas, off-road areas, and other geographically related standards.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2020Publication date: August 5, 2021Inventors: Michael Scott Christensen, John Eric Rollinger, Adam Joseph Krach, Nicholas Herhusky, Michael Bastanipour, Scott Steadmon Thompson
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Publication number: 20210070315Abstract: A method for operating a powertrain of an autonomous vehicle is described. In one example, the autonomous driver may supply a torque request and a torque or power urgency assessment to a powertrain controller. The powertrain controller may monitor vehicle control system parameters based on the driver demand torque and the torque or power urgency assessment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2019Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, Robert Roy Jentz, David Hancock
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Publication number: 20210070248Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes an electrical power output is described. In one example, the method includes preventing shifting of transmission gears in response to an external electric power consumer being coupled to an electrical power output receptacle of the vehicle. The method may reduce a possibility of interrupting electrical power that may be supplied to the external electric power consumer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2019Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Nicholas Herhusky, Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez
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Patent number: 10940829Abstract: A method for operating a vehicle that includes an electrical power output is described. In one example, the method includes preventing shifting of transmission gears in response to an external electric power consumer being coupled to an electrical power output receptacle of the vehicle. The method may reduce a possibility of interrupting electrical power that may be supplied to the external electric power consumer.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Herhusky, Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Vincent Martinez
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Publication number: 20210005029Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for updating an in-use monitoring performance (IUMP) based on operation of an auxiliary device. In one example, a method may include using an engine model to estimate a duration in which a diagnostic routine is not completed due to operation of an auxiliary device driven by an engine and selectively updating the IUMP ratio based on a comparison of the duration to a minimum time duration needed for completion of the diagnostic routine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2019Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, Robert Roy Jentz, Nicholas Herhusky
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Publication number: 20200400084Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine and an electric machine are described. In one example, a speed of the engine may be adjusted so that the engine provides power to drive the electric machine without generating numerous rapid engine speed changes in a short amount of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2019Publication date: December 24, 2020Inventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, Vincent Martinez, John Eric Rollinger, David Lew, Nicholas Herhusky
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Publication number: 20200393859Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a direct current to alternating current converter is described. In one example, an indication of an air flow restriction of the direct current to alternating current converter is described. The direct current to alternating current converter may supply power to devices that are external to the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2019Publication date: December 17, 2020Inventors: Scott Steadmon Thompson, Nicholas Herhusky, John Eric Rollinger
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Patent number: 10760482Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine and an electric machine are described. In one example, operation of the engine may be adjusted to compensate for conditions when carbon deposits may build on one or more engine spark plugs. The engine adjustments may help to remove carbon deposits from the engine's spark plugs.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Herhusky, Scott Steadmon Thompson, John Eric Rollinger, David Lew