Patents by Inventor Timothy Vaughn

Timothy Vaughn 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: 11725575
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an accessory drive device. In one example, the accessory drive device comprises an input belt coupled to a pulley of a two-speed device and an output pulley coupled to an output belt configured to provide energy to an alternator or a belt integrated starter generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Vaughn, George Papaioannou, John Brevick
  • Patent number: 11623633
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for engaging and disengaging an electromagnetic clutch of a two-speed accessory drive of an engine of a vehicle. In one example, a method comprises, responsive to an electrical demand being higher than a threshold electrical demand, operating an electric machine of the vehicle in a motor mode to reduce a speed of a grounding gear of a planetary gear set of a two-speed accessory drive (TSAD) of the vehicle; and engaging an electromagnetic clutch responsive to the speed of the grounding gear reaching a clutch engagement threshold speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Vaughn, David Ord, George Papaioannou, Joseph Lyle Thomas, John Brevick
  • Patent number: 11566561
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, an electric machine having a shaft, and a front end accessory drive (FEAD). The FEAD includes a multi-speed pulley assembly mounted to one of the crankshaft and the shaft, a pulley mounted to the other of the crankshaft and the shaft, and a tension member trained around the multi-speed pulley assembly and the pulley. The multi-speed pulley assembly is configured to establish a low speed ratio between the shaft and the crankshaft and a high speed ratio between the shaft and the crankshaft. A vehicle controller is programmed to, in switch between the high speed ratio and the low speed ratio to optimize operating conditions of the FEAD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: George Aristidis Papaioannou, Timothy Vaughn, Nicholas Dahlin, John Edward Brevick
  • Publication number: 20220219670
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for engaging and disengaging an electromagnetic clutch of a two-speed accessory drive of an engine of a vehicle. In one example, a method comprises, responsive to an electrical demand being higher than a threshold electrical demand, operating an electric machine of the vehicle in a motor mode to reduce a speed of a grounding gear of a planetary gear set of a two-speed accessory drive (TSAD) of the vehicle; and engaging an electromagnetic clutch responsive to the speed of the grounding gear reaching a clutch engagement threshold speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy Vaughn, David Ord, George Papaioannou, Joseph Lyle Thomas, John Brevick
  • Publication number: 20220154636
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an accessory drive device. In one example, the accessory drive device comprises an input belt coupled to a pulley of a two-speed device and an output pulley coupled to an output belt configured to provide energy to an alternator or a belt integrated starter generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy Vaughn, George Papaioannou, John Brevick
  • Publication number: 20220049647
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, an electric machine having a shaft, and a front end accessory drive (FEAD). The FEAD includes a multi-speed pulley assembly mounted to one of the crankshaft and the shaft, a pulley mounted to the other of the crankshaft and the shaft, and a tension member trained around the multi-speed pulley assembly and the pulley. The multi-speed pulley assembly is configured to establish a low speed ratio between the shaft and the crankshaft and a high speed ratio between the shaft and the crankshaft. A vehicle controller is programmed to, in switch between the high speed ratio and the low speed ratio to optimize operating conditions of the FEAD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: George Aristidis Papaioannou, Timothy Vaughn, Nicholas Dahlin, John Edward Brevick
  • Publication number: 20170040936
    Abstract: A device for bonding metallic components, providing a mechanical and electrical connection between interfaced components. The bonding device serves as a structural connection between rails, L-feet, module clamps, climbers, and other component connections within a solar mounting system. The invention uses specialized geometry in its construction to penetrate paints, coatings, and other similar materials to provide an electrical connection. The invention provides an advantage of quick and easy installation of hardware components and associated parts, and meets the demand for a single device capable of forming both a mechanical and electrical connection to associated hardware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Veit Schutz, Timothy Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20160344338
    Abstract: A method and system for facilitating quick and easy installation of structural components used in solar mounting systems. In an aspect, the system includes a retaining element configured to secure a solar panel module or other racking components to a rail. The retaining element can create a mechanical and electrical connection between components. In an aspect, the retaining element includes a retainer cap and a base member. In an aspect, the retainer cap and the base member are configured to secure solar components to the rail. In an aspect, the rail retaining element includes a connector that is configured to hold the retainer cap, the base member, and solar panel or like component together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Veit Schutz, Timothy Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20080302400
    Abstract: The system and method of the present invention removes organic and organometallic materials from an article in reduced pressure atmosphere containing ozone and activated oxygen. A dielectric barrier discharge lamp induces an intermolecular molecule energy transfer to the organic and organometallic material. The dielectric barrier discharge lamp emits vacuum ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of about 172 nm that produce a photochemical reaction with the oxygen-containing gas to generate ozone and the activated oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Johnston, Timothy Vaughn, Pete Atwell
  • Publication number: 20060248962
    Abstract: We have invented an improved apparatus for electronically measuring fluid flow. The apparatus includes a radiation detection means for indicating the position of a flow indicator in a chamber of a variable area flowmeter and has a reliability, versatility and functional accuracy not obtainable with known variable area flowmeters. The invention may also include a variable area flowmeter with the flow indicator in a tapered fluid flow chamber with a wall and a long axis, the chamber having a front side, a back side, and an operational length substantially parallel to the long axis. The invention has no moving parts and is not intrusive so mechanical malfunction and unwanted leaks can not occur. Useful embodiments include, for example, compact self contained apparatus useful for fitting around existing flowmeters, systems that include flowmeters and systems able to work with some fluids that are visually opaque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Inventors: Timothy Vaughn, Norman Neher, Toni Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20060180173
    Abstract: The system and method of the present invention removes organic and organometallic materials from an article in reduced pressure atmosphere containing ozone and activated oxygen. A dielectric barrier discharge lamp induces an intermolecular molecule energy transfer to the organic and organometallic material. The dielectric barrier discharge lamp emits vacuum ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of about 172 nm that produce a photochemical reaction with the oxygen-containing gas to generate ozone and the activated oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 17, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Johnston, Timothy Vaughn, Pete Atwell
  • Patent number: 7015437
    Abstract: This present invention for an in-line fluid heater suitable for heating ultrapure fluids utilizes a radiant energy source that generates infrared radiation to heat a fluid. The fluid to be heated is passed through a vessel such as a tube. The vessel, formed of PFA or polytetraflouroethylene, is coiled around the lamp or lamps. A chamber surrounds the lamp or lamps and the vessel. A temperature sensor at the outlet end of the vessel sends a signal to a controller that adjusts either the flow of fluid through the vessel or the intensity of the lamp or lamps, thereby controlling the fluid temperature at the outlet. The system is useful in any application requiring an ultraclean, non-contact method of raising the temperature of various liquids and gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: TriFact Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Johnston, Timothy Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20040184794
    Abstract: This present invention for an in-line fluid heater suitable for heating ultrapure fluids utilizes a radiant energy source that generates infrared radiation to heat a fluid. The fluid to be heated is passed through a vessel such as a tube. The vessel, formed of PFA or polytetraflouroethylene, is coiled around the lamp or lamps. A chamber surrounds the lamp or lamps and the vessel. A temperature sensor at the outlet end of the vessel sends a signal to a controller that adjusts either the flow of fluid through the vessel or the intensity of the lamp or lamps, thereby controlling the fluid temperature at the outlet. The system is useful in any application requiring an ultraclean, non-contact method of raising the temperature of various liquids and gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Johnson, Timothy Vaughn
  • Publication number: 20040108059
    Abstract: The system and method of the present invention removes organic and organometallic materials from an article in reduced pressure atmosphere containing ozone and activated oxygen. A dielectric barrier discharge lamp induces an intermolecular molecule energy transfer to the organic and organometallic material. The dielectric barrier discharge lamp emits vacuum ultraviolet rays having a wavelength of about 172 nm that produce a photochemical reaction with the oxygen-containing gas to generate ozone and the activated oxygen. The organic and organometallic material is then attached by the ozone and activated oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Johnston, Timothy Vaughn, Pete Atwell