Patents by Inventor Steven L. Lambert
Steven L. Lambert 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: 11628704Abstract: A method of operating a cooling system for a vehicle including providing a cooling system including a coolant loop having a coolant valve, a first refrigerant loop having a first compressor and a first chiller configured to exchange heat with the coolant loop, a second refrigerant loop having a second compressor and a second chiller configured to exchange heat with the coolant loop, and a cooling system controller operably coupled to the first compressor, the second compressor, and the coolant valve. The coolant valve is configured to selectively direct or prevent the flow of coolant between the battery and each of the first chiller and the second chiller. The method further includes operating the cooling system in one of a second chiller only mode, a first chiller only mode, an air conditioning (AC) only mode, a first refrigerant loop only mode, and a dual refrigerant loop mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Allen Bray, Steven L. Lambert, Luke McDermott, William Stewart Johnston
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Publication number: 20230056312Abstract: Provided are methods for producing bimodal polyolefins comprising the steps of contacting ?-olefin monomers with a catalyst in slurry polymerization conditions in the presence of zero to minimum hydrogen to produce a high molecular weight polyolefin and contacting additional ?-olefin monomers in gas phase polymerization conditions and the high molecular weight polyolefin and the catalyst to produce bimodal polyolefin having high stiffness and broad molecular weight distribution. An additional step of polymerizing the bimodal polyolefin with a comonomer in a second gas phase can provide a bimodal impact copolymer having high stiffness and broad molecular weight distribution. Among the advantages of the present methods, bimodal polyolefins can be produced in a continuous process between a slurry polymerization reactor and a gas phase polymerization reactor without a venting step in between and with minimal hydrogen in the slurry polymerization reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2021Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.Inventors: Xiaodan ZHANG, Christopher G. BAUCH, Todd S. EDWARDS, Mark S. CHAHL, Blu E. ENGLEHORN, Khoa TO, Steven L. LAMBERT
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Patent number: 11511595Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle including a coolant loop configured to exchange heat with a battery. The coolant loop includes a proportional valve for directing a coolant from the battery to at least one of a first chiller and a second chiller. The cooling system for a vehicle also includes a first refrigerant loop comprising the first chiller. The first chiller is configured to exchange heat between the first refrigerant loop and the coolant loop. The cooling system for a vehicle also includes a second refrigerant loop comprising the second chiller. The second chiller is configured to exchange heat between the second refrigerant loop and the coolant loop.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Allen Bray, Luke McDermott, Steven L. Lambert, William Stewart Johnston
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Publication number: 20210283978Abstract: A method of operating a cooling system for a vehicle including providing a cooling system including a coolant loop having a coolant valve, a first refrigerant loop having a first compressor and a first chiller configured to exchange heat with the coolant loop, a second refrigerant loop having a second compressor and a second chiller configured to exchange heat with the coolant loop, and a cooling system controller operably coupled to the first compressor, the second compressor, and the coolant valve. The coolant valve is configured to selectively direct or prevent the flow of coolant between the battery and each of the first chiller and the second chiller. The method further includes operating the cooling system in one of a second chiller only mode, a first chiller only mode, an air conditioning (AC) only mode, a first refrigerant loop only mode, and a dual refrigerant loop mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2020Publication date: September 16, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Allen Bray, Steven L. Lambert, Luke McDermott, William Stewart Johnston
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Publication number: 20210283979Abstract: A cooling system for a vehicle including a coolant loop configured to exchange heat with a battery. The coolant loop includes a proportional valve for directing a coolant from the battery to at least one of a first chiller and a second chiller. The cooling system for a vehicle also includes a first refrigerant loop comprising the first chiller. The first chiller is configured to exchange heat between the first refrigerant loop and the coolant loop. The cooling system for a vehicle also includes a second refrigerant loop comprising the second chiller. The second chiller is configured to exchange heat between the second refrigerant loop and the coolant loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2020Publication date: September 16, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Allen Bray, Luke McDermott, Steven L. Lambert, William Stewart Johnston
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Patent number: 10403946Abstract: A climate-control system for a vehicle includes a refrigerant subsystem having a chiller and an electronic expansion valve (EXV) arranged to selectively route refrigerant to the chiller. The vehicle further includes a coolant subsystem having conduit arranged to circulate coolant through a traction battery and the chiller. The coolant subsystem further includes a first temperature sensor configured to measure coolant circulating into an inlet side of the chiller and a second temperature sensor configured to measure coolant circulating out of an outlet side of the chiller. A vehicle controller is configured to, in response to the battery exceeding a threshold temperature and cabin air conditioning being requested, command opening of the EXV to a predetermined position and adjust the position based on a measured coolant temperature difference between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ali Jalilevand, Jan Xu, Steven L. Lambert, William Stewart Johnston, Timothy Van Evans, Mark C. Evans
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Patent number: 10297880Abstract: A battery thermal management system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery pack, a coolant subsystem including a chiller configured to cool the battery pack, and a refrigerant subsystem including at least one evaporator. The coolant subsystem is arranged to exchange heat with the refrigerant subsystem within the chiller. A tap line extends from the at least one evaporator to the chiller.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Steven L. Lambert, Manfred Koberstein, Ali Jalilevand
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Publication number: 20170358833Abstract: A climate-control system for a vehicle includes a refrigerant subsystem having a chiller and an electronic expansion valve (EXV) arranged to selectively route refrigerant to the chiller. The vehicle further includes a coolant subsystem having conduit arranged to circulate coolant through a traction battery and the chiller. The coolant subsystem further includes a first temperature sensor configured to measure coolant circulating into an inlet side of the chiller and a second temperature sensor configured to measure coolant circulating out of an outlet side of the chiller. A vehicle controller is configured to, in response to the battery exceeding a threshold temperature and cabin air conditioning being requested, command opening of the EXV to a predetermined position and adjust the position based on a measured coolant temperature difference between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2016Publication date: December 14, 2017Inventors: Ali JALILEVAND, Jan XU, Steven L. LAMBERT, William Stewart JOHNSTON, Timothy Van EVANS, Mark C. EVANS
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Publication number: 20170309976Abstract: A battery thermal management system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery pack, a coolant subsystem including a chiller configured to cool the battery pack, and a refrigerant subsystem including at least one evaporator. The coolant subsystem is arranged to exchange heat with the refrigerant subsystem within the chiller. A tap line extends from the at least one evaporator to the chiller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2016Publication date: October 26, 2017Inventors: Steven L. Lambert, Manfred KOBERSTEIN, Ali JALILEVAND
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Patent number: 9796243Abstract: An automatic climate controller device identifies an operating zone of the climate control system according to at least two input factors, and identifies a discharge temperature of the climate control system. Based on the operating zone and the discharge temperature, the automatic climate controller device determines whether to perform at least one override action to override a climate control system setting to reduce the possibility of evaporator core icing. The automatic climate controller device also adjusts an evaporator set point according to the at least one override action to reduce the discharge temperature. The input factors may include evaporator temperature and cabin relative humidity. The actions may include one or more of increasing blower speed or increasing use of recirculated air.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gary A. Dage, Steven L. Lambert
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Publication number: 20160108300Abstract: A heat transfer composition for use in a mobile air-conditioning system in a vehicle, includes a first component comprised of a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant. A second component of the composition includes a polyvinylether lubricant. The heat transfer composition is compatible for use in a mobile air-conditioning system when the mobile air-conditioning system is powered by a mechanically driven compressor, and is also compatible for use in the mobile air-conditioning system when the mobile air-conditioning system is powered by an electrically driven compressor built-in to the mobile air-conditioning system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Angelo Patti, manfred Koberstein, Steven L. Lambert, Edward Stanley Sakowicz, William Stewart Johnston
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Patent number: 9302565Abstract: An exemplary vehicle is disclosed having a compressible fluid system including at least one sensor configured to determine a fluid pressure present within the compressible fluid system, and a circulator configured to circulate air in the engine compartment. The vehicle is configured to activate the circulator in response to a decrease in the fluid pressure, and in some approaches may also open a grill shutter or other fluid passage into the engine compartment. Exemplary methods may include providing a circulator configured to selectively circulate airflow, e.g., into an engine compartment of a vehicle, and detecting a fluid pressure decrease within a compressible fluid system in the engine compartment. The circulator may be activated to circulate air in the engine compartment in response to at least the detected fluid pressure decrease.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: William S. Johnston, Manfred Koberstein, Steven L. Lambert
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Publication number: 20150352926Abstract: An exemplary vehicle is disclosed having a compressible fluid system including at least one sensor configured to determine a fluid pressure present within the compressible fluid system, and a circulator configured to circulate air in the engine compartment. The vehicle is configured to activate the circulator in response to a decrease in the fluid pressure, and in some approaches may also open a grill shutter or other fluid passage into the engine compartment. Exemplary methods may include providing a circulator configured to selectively circulate airflow, e.g., into an engine compartment of a vehicle, and detecting a fluid pressure decrease within a compressible fluid system in the engine compartment. The circulator may be activated to circulate air in the engine compartment in response to at least the detected fluid pressure decrease.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: December 10, 2015Inventors: William S. Johnston, Manfred Koberstein, Steven L. Lambert
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Publication number: 20150329758Abstract: A heat transfer composition for use in a mobile air-conditioning system in a vehicle, includes a first component comprised of a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant. A second component of the composition includes a polyvinylether lubricant. The heat transfer composition is compatible for use in a mobile air-conditioning system when the mobile air-conditioning system is powered by a mechanically driven compressor, and is also compatible for use in the mobile air-conditioning system when the mobile air-conditioning system is powered by an electrically driven compressor built-in to the mobile air-conditioning system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2014Publication date: November 19, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Angelo Patti, Manfred Koberstein, Steven L. Lambert, Edward Sakowicz, William Stewart Johnston
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Patent number: 9175883Abstract: A HVAC system including a multi-function unit for conditioning and controlling the flow of refrigerant. The multi-function unit may be contained within a housing that houses a receiver/dryer, integral heat exchanger and thermal expansion valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Manfred Koberstein, Mitali Chakrabarti, Steven L. Lambert, Stephen Patrick Lepper, Angelo Patti
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Publication number: 20150115603Abstract: A sealing system, comprises a male block including an annular flange, a female block including an annular recess configured to accommodate the annular flange, a circular seal having a diameter configured to fit within a hose aperture, and an O-ring configured to fit between the annular flange and a wall of the annular recess when the blocks are in a mated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2013Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory C. Trombley, Manfred Koberstein, Steven L. Lambert
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Publication number: 20150075822Abstract: An engine compartment fire suppression system for an HVAC system of a vehicle monitors conditions including, but not limited to, a collision sensor, an air conditioning system pressure sensor, engine coolant temperature, exhaust gas temperature, or an engine load calculation. The fire suppression system discharges a fire suppression composition when a controller receives a specified combination of the monitored conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Paul Bryan Hoke, Manfred Koberstein, Kenneth J. Jackson, Steven L. Lambert, Steven Van Buren Lake
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Publication number: 20140373560Abstract: A HVAC system including a multi-function unit for conditioning and controlling the flow of refrigerant. The multi-function unit may be contained within a housing that houses a receiver/dryer, integral heat exchanger and thermal expansion valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Manfred Koberstein, Mitali Chakrabarti, Steven L. Lambert, Stephen Patrick Lepper, Angelo Patti
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Publication number: 20140216705Abstract: An automatic climate controller device may be configured to perform operations including identifying, by an automatic climate controller device, an operating zone of the climate control system according to at least two input factors; identifying a discharge temperature of the climate control system; determining, based on the operating zone and the discharge temperature, whether to perform at least one override action to override a climate control system setting to reduce the possibility of evaporator core icing; and adjusting an evaporator set point according to the at least one override action to reduce the discharge temperature. The input factors may include evaporator temperature and cabin relative humidity. The actions may include to increase blower speed and to increase use of recirculated air.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2013Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gary A. Dage, Steven L. Lambert
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Patent number: 8677779Abstract: An air conditioning system has one expansion valve supplying refrigerant to two evaporators. A vapor quality of a refrigerant has an initial value at a primary inlet of a primary evaporator, and has a resultant value at the primary outlet. The primary evaporator has a bypass inlet at a first location where the vapor quality of the refrigerant is less than about 80% of the resultant value. A secondary evaporator has a secondary inlet receiving a bypass portion of the metered flow of refrigerant split-off at a second location of the primary evaporator between the first location and the expansion valve. The secondary outlet is connected to the bypass inlet. Thus, cooling can be achieved for two different zones using only one expansion valve.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Steven L. Lambert