Patents by Inventor Tobias John Pallett

Tobias John Pallett 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: 10243494
    Abstract: Method and systems are provided for adjusting an engine torque in response to changes in a desired engine torque. In one example, a method may comprise responsive to increasing desired engine torques, monotonically decreasing an alternator torque to a first level from a second level when not injecting fuel to engine cylinders, and stepping up the alternator torque from the first level to the second level while initiating engine combustion, and then monotonically decreasing the alternator torque from the second level to the first level in response to the alternator torque reaching the first level. In this way, a method may comprise adjusting a load exerted on an engine by an alternator mechanically coupled to said engine during both cylinder combustion, and during non-fueling conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Christopher John Teslak, Yanan Zhao, Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 10202144
    Abstract: A current state of a vehicle is identified. Vehicle path curvature limits are determined. A curvature performance profile to follow is determined based at least in part the vehicle path curvature limits. A direction of the vehicle is controlled based at least in part the curvature performance profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Brown, Scott J. Lauffer, John P. Joyce, Steven R. El Aile, Tobias John Pallett, Shane Elwart, Wayne Williams
  • Patent number: 10108197
    Abstract: A current state of a vehicle can be identified. At least a minimum acceleration capability of the vehicle is determined. A desired acceleration profile to follow is determined based at least in part on the minimum acceleration capability. An acceleration of the vehicle is controlled based at least in part on the desired acceleration profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Scott J. Lauffer, John P. Joyce, Tobias John Pallett, Andrew Brown, Shane Elwart, Wayne Williams
  • Publication number: 20180167007
    Abstract: Method and systems are provided for adjusting an engine torque in response to changes in a desired engine torque. In one example, a method may comprise responsive to increasing desired engine torques, monotonically decreasing an alternator torque to a first level from a second level when not injecting fuel to engine cylinders, and stepping up the alternator torque from the first level to the second level while initiating engine combustion, and then monotonically decreasing the alternator torque from the second level to the first level in response to the alternator torque reaching the first level. In this way, a method may comprise adjusting a load exerted on an engine by an alternator mechanically coupled to said engine during both cylinder combustion, and during non-fueling conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Christopher John Teslak, Yanan Zhao, Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 9919708
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a user interface device and an autonomous mode controller. The user interface device receives a user input representing a driving mode selection. The autonomous mode controller commands one or more vehicle subsystems to operate in accordance with characteristics associated with the driving mode selection. Examples of characteristics can include how aggressively the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, a minimum distance from the vehicle to a front vehicle, or how frequently the vehicle changes lanes, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Anthony David Tsakiris, Kyle Richard Post
  • Patent number: 9893664
    Abstract: Method and systems are provided for adjusting an engine torque in response to changes in a desired engine torque. In one example, a method may comprise responsive to increasing desired engine torques, monotonically decreasing an alternator torque to a first level from a second level when not injecting fuel to engine cylinders, and stepping up the alternator torque from the first level to the second level while initiating engine combustion, and then monotonically decreasing the alternator torque from the second level to the first level in response to the alternator torque reaching the first level. In this way, a method may comprise adjusting a load exerted on an engine by an alternator mechanically coupled to said engine during both cylinder combustion, and during non-fueling conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Christopher John Teslak, Yanan Zhao, Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 9738284
    Abstract: A system of one or more computers having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the computer is programmed to identify a current state of a vehicle and determine a maximum acceleration capability of the vehicle. The system also determines a desired acceleration profile to follow based at least in part the maximum acceleration capability and controls an acceleration of the vehicle based at least in part the desired acceleration profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Hui Lin, Scott J. Lauffer, Shane Elwart, Wayne Williams
  • Publication number: 20170158199
    Abstract: A system of one or more computers having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor such that the computer is programmed to identify a current state of a vehicle and determine a maximum acceleration capability of the vehicle. The system also determines a desired acceleration profile to follow based at least in part the maximum acceleration capability and controls an acceleration of the vehicle based at least in part the desired acceleration profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Hui Lin, Scott J. Lauffer, Shane Elwart, Wayne Williams
  • Publication number: 20170158225
    Abstract: A current state of a vehicle is identified. Vehicle path curvature limits are determined. A curvature performance profile to follow is determined based at least in part the vehicle path curvature limits. A direction of the vehicle is controlled based at least in part the curvature performance profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Brown, Scott J. Lauffer, John P. Joyce, Steven R. El Aile, Tobias John Pallett, Shane Elwart, Wayne Williams
  • Publication number: 20170160745
    Abstract: A current state of a vehicle can be identified. At least a minimum acceleration capability of the vehicle is determined. A desired acceleration profile to follow is determined based at least in part on the minimum acceleration capability. An acceleration of the vehicle is controlled based at least in part on the desired acceleration profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott J. Lauffer, John P. Joyce, Tobias John Pallett, Andrew Brown, Shane Elwart, Wayne Williams
  • Patent number: 9637129
    Abstract: A driver training vehicle system includes a driver training vehicle and an interface system with an auxiliary control unit that is removably installable in the vehicle. A vehicle control system can receive a brake input from a vehicle driver via a floor pedal in the vehicle as well as a brake input from a vehicle passenger via the auxiliary unit. The control system adjusts an engine torque and a brake torque based on the received brake inputs to decelerate the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tobias John Pallett
  • Patent number: 9505405
    Abstract: Data is collected from vehicle sensors to generate a virtual map of objects proximate to the vehicle. Based on the virtual map, an in-vehicle computer determines a traffic condition in front of and behind a host vehicle. The in-vehicle computer determines collision avoidance maneuvers. The computer instructs vehicle control units to implement the collision avoidance maneuvers. The computer may additionally or alternatively communicate the collision avoidance maneuvers to a driver via an interface. In the case of unavoidable collisions, the computer determines and initiates damage mitigation actions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Stanek, Tobias John Pallett, Sarra Awad Yako, Mark Davison, Mark Douglas Malone, Mathew Alan Boesch, John A. Lockwood, Hsin-hsiang Yang, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Publication number: 20160319758
    Abstract: Method and systems are provided for adjusting an engine torque in response to changes in a desired engine torque. In one example, a method may comprise responsive to increasing desired engine torques, monotonically decreasing an alternator torque to a first level from a second level when not injecting fuel to engine cylinders, and stepping up the alternator torque from the first level to the second level while initiating engine combustion, and then monotonically decreasing the alternator torque from the second level to the first level in response to the alternator torque reaching the first level. In this way, a method may comprise adjusting a load exerted on an engine by an alternator mechanically coupled to said engine during both cylinder combustion, and during non-fueling conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Christopher John Teslak, Yanan Zhao, Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Publication number: 20160251016
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a user interface device and an autonomous mode controller. The user interface device receives a user input representing a driving mode selection. The autonomous mode controller commands one or more vehicle subsystems to operate in accordance with characteristics associated with the driving mode selection. Examples of characteristics can include how aggressively the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, a minimum distance from the vehicle to a front vehicle, or how frequently the vehicle changes lanes, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Anthony David Tsakiris, Kyle Richard Post
  • Publication number: 20160207530
    Abstract: Data is collected from vehicle sensors to generate a virtual map of objects proximate to the vehicle. Based on the virtual map, an in-vehicle computer determines a traffic condition in front of and behind a host vehicle. The in-vehicle computer determines collision avoidance maneuvers. The computer instructs vehicle control units to implement the collision avoidance maneuvers. The computer may additionally or alternatively communicate the collision avoidance maneuvers to a driver via an interface. In the case of unavoidable collisions, the computer determines and initiates damage mitigation actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Stanek, Tobias John Pallett, Sarra Awad Yako, Mark Davison, Mark Douglas Malone, Mathew Alan Boesch, John A. Lockwood, Hsin-hsiang Yang, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Patent number: 9365218
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a user interface device and an autonomous mode controller. The user interface device receives a user input representing a driving mode selection. The autonomous mode controller commands one or more vehicle subsystems to operate in accordance with characteristics associated with the driving mode selection. Examples of characteristics can include how aggressively the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, a minimum distance from the vehicle to a front vehicle, or how frequently the vehicle changes lanes, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Anthony David Tsakiris, Kyle Richard Post
  • Publication number: 20160009291
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a user interface device and an autonomous mode controller. The user interface device receives a user input representing a driving mode selection. The autonomous mode controller commands one or more vehicle subsystems to operate in accordance with characteristics associated with the driving mode selection. Examples of characteristics can include how aggressively the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, a minimum distance from the vehicle to a front vehicle, or how frequently the vehicle changes lanes, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Tobias John Pallett, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Anthony David Tsakiris, Kyle Richard Post
  • Publication number: 20150353093
    Abstract: A driver training vehicle system includes a driver training vehicle and an interface system with an auxiliary control unit that is removably installable in the vehicle. A vehicle control system can receive a brake input from a vehicle driver via a floor pedal in the vehicle as well as a brake input from a vehicle passenger via the auxiliary unit. The control system adjusts an engine torque and a brake torque based on the received brake inputs to decelerate the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventor: Tobias John Pallett
  • Patent number: 9174649
    Abstract: A vehicle sub-system controller is configured to receive a first message and a second message, wherein the first message includes at least a command for the controller, and the second message includes at least a target value for the controller to achieve. A fault may be detected with respect to the first message; and an adjustment to the sub-system may be locally determined in the sub-system controller to achieve the target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Andrew Brown, Scott J. Lauffer, Sarra Awad Yako, Shane Elwart, Douglas Scott Rhode, Alex Maurice Miller, Tobias John Pallett, John A. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 9174637
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving surge control. When surge conditions are approached, a reference governor reduces engine airflow at a slower rate and to a higher level than the engine airflow required to meet the reduced torque demand. The excess torque resulting from the extra airflow is offset by applying a negative torque on the driveshaft via an electric machine coupled to the engine or via alternate engine actuator adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Julia Helen Buckland, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Uros Vojko Kalabic, Matthew John Gerhart, Tobias John Pallett, Ilya Kolmanovsky, Suzanne Kay Wait