Patents by Inventor Todd N. Clark
Todd N. Clark 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: 10953787Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sensor, a headlamp, and a controller configured to adjust an aim of the headlamp based on a signal from the sensor. The controller is configured to account for a zero drift of the sensor. A method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David James Bauch, Stephan Biggs, Ryan Craig, Robert Miller, Todd N. Clark
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Patent number: 10493937Abstract: A method for developing restraint device deployment timings includes selecting a first restraint device as a reference device, determining a deployment time range for the first restraint device, selecting a second restraint device, and determining a deployment time range for the second restraint device relative to the deployment time range of the first restraint device.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Kirk David Arthurs, Todd N. Clark, Edward Joseph Abramoski
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Publication number: 20190160999Abstract: A motor vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sensor, a headlamp, and a controller configured to adjust an aim of the headlamp based on a signal from the sensor. The controller is configured to account for a zero drift of the sensor. A method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: May 30, 2019Inventors: David James Bauch, Stephan Biggs, Ryan Craig, Robert Miller, Todd N. Clark
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Patent number: 10093239Abstract: A coupling system includes a glovebox panel having inner and outer surfaces and a keyhole slot disposed therethrough having an enlarged portion leading to a narrowed portion. A ramped flange is disposed on the outer surface of the glovebox panel. A damper mechanism includes an abutment plate with a post and head member. The head member is received through an enlarged portion of the keyhole slot when the damper mechanism is in a pre-load position. The abutment plate engages the ramped flange to progressively drive the head member into engagement with the inner surface of the glovebox panel as the damper mechanism moves from the pre-load position to a seated position.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2014Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Todd N. Clark, Robert A. Chanko, Stacey H. Raines, Anne Dirkes
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Publication number: 20180215335Abstract: A method for developing restraint device deployment timings includes selecting a first restraint device as a reference device, determining a deployment time range for the first restraint device, selecting a second restraint device, and determining a deployment time range for the second restraint device relative to the deployment time range of the first restraint device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Kirk David Arthurs, Todd N. Clark, Edward Joseph Abramoski
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Patent number: 9643554Abstract: An apparatus includes a closed body having a varied configuration between a first location and at least a second location. The apparatus further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the closed body at the first location. When forces with substantially equal magnitudes are respectively applied to the closed body at different locations between the first and second locations, the closed body respectively translates the forces to substantially equal pressure differentials at the first location.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2014Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Yeruva Satya Reddy, Paul Kevin Kula, Bill Pappas, Todd N. Clark
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Patent number: 9604607Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes providing a vehicle having a brake system configured to operate according to a nominal mode in which applied braking pressure is based on a driver braking request, a first active braking mode in which applied braking pressure is based on maximum ABS braking pressure and decreased in response to a driver brake pedal release, and a second active braking mode in which applied braking pressure is based on maximum braking pressure. In response to a detected collision, the system is controlled according to the first active braking mode. In response to the first active braking mode being active and no driver braking request being anticipated, the system is controlled according to the second active braking mode. In response to the first or second active braking modes being active and a termination criterion being satisfied, the system is controlled according to the nominal mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Hassen Hammoud, Jianbo Lu, Gilberto Burgio, Todd N. Clark, Otto Hofmann, Mohsen Lakehal-Ayat, Shweta M. Farmer, Jason Shomsky, Roland Schaefer
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Patent number: 9463694Abstract: A configurable vehicle cluster is described which extends down below a top of the steering column to provide a display of information. The display can display information to the driver through or around the steering wheel and the recess in the vehicle cluster through which the steering wheel column extends. An instrument cluster is positioned adjacent the steering assembly and includes a display having an edge that is non-linear and may at least partly wrap around the steering column to increase the viewing area of the cluster. The display may extend around the steering column behind the steering wheel. The vehicle cluster can be mounted lower in a vehicle while providing adequate viewing area and conserving space in the vehicle cabin.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2015Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Techologies, LLCInventors: Todd N. Clark, Kathleen M. Schulz, Christopher Tulik, Mark Larry
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Publication number: 20160129846Abstract: A coupling system includes a glovebox panel having inner and outer surfaces and a keyhole slot disposed therethrough having an enlarged portion leading to a narrowed portion. A ramped flange is disposed on the outer surface of the glovebox panel. A damper mechanism includes an abutment plate with a post and head member. The head member is received through an enlarged portion of the keyhole slot when the damper mechanism is in a pre-load position. The abutment plate engages the ramped flange to progressively drive the head member into engagement with the inner surface of the glovebox panel as the damper mechanism moves from the pre-load position to a seated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: May 12, 2016Inventors: Todd N. Clark, Robert A. Chanko, Stacey H. Raines, Anne Dirkes
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Publication number: 20160046266Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes providing a vehicle having a brake system configured to operate according to a nominal mode in which applied braking pressure is based on a driver braking request, a first active braking mode in which applied braking pressure is based on maximum ABS braking pressure and decreased in response to a driver brake pedal release, and a second active braking mode in which applied braking pressure is based on maximum braking pressure. In response to a detected collision, the system is controlled according to the first active braking mode. In response to the first active braking mode being active and no driver braking request being anticipated, the system is controlled according to the second active braking mode. In response to the first or second active braking modes being active and a termination criterion being satisfied, the system is controlled according to the nominal mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Hassen HAMMOUD, Jianbo LU, Gilberto BURGIO, Todd N. CLARK, Otto HOFMANN, Mohsen LAKEHAL-AYAT, Shweta M. FARMER, Jason SHOMSKY, Roland SCHAEFER
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Patent number: 9205815Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle braking system includes commanding vehicle brakes to provide braking torque based on a driver braking request in response to a detected collision and an anticipated application of a driver-actuated brake pedal after the collision. The method additionally includes activating the vehicle brakes in the absence of application of the brake pedal in response to a subsequent application and release of the brake pedal while a motion sensor reading exceeds a predefined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hassen Hammoud, Jianbo Lu, Gilberto Burgio, Todd N. Clark, Otto Hofmann, Mohsen Lakehal-Ayat, Shweta M. Farmer, Jason Shomsky, Roland Schaefer
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Patent number: 9205792Abstract: An outer bumper and an inner bumper have disposed therebetween a plastic bolster. At least one inflator is communicatively coupled to a controller and arranged to inflate the plastic bolster. The bolster is formed of a plastic having sufficient rigidity to fold. In one example, the bolster includes accordion folds in an undeployed state.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Todd N. Clark
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Patent number: 9174597Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic mechanical protector system for vehicle door latches during crash conditions, vehicle door equipped with such a system, and methods for operating the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Todd N. Clark, David J. Tippy, Matt A. Niesluchowski
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Patent number: 9162642Abstract: A vehicle comprises an acceleration sensing module and a crash direction-computing module. The acceleration-sensing module is configured for generating acceleration information resulting from a vehicle collision event. The acceleration information includes a first direction acceleration value and a second direction acceleration value. The crash direction-computing module is coupled to the acceleration-sensing module for receiving the acceleration information therefrom and is configured for determining impact direction information resulting from the vehicle collision event.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2015Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Ford Global TechnologiesInventors: Todd N. Clark, Jason Shomsky
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Publication number: 20150274102Abstract: An apparatus includes a closed body having a varied configuration between a first location and at least a second location. The apparatus further includes a pressure sensor coupled to the closed body at the first location. When forces with substantially equal magnitudes are respectively applied to the closed body at different locations between the first and second locations, the closed body respectively translates the forces to substantially equal pressure differentials at the first location.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Yeruva Satya Reddy, Paul Kevin Kula, Bill Pappas, Todd N. Clark
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Publication number: 20150197207Abstract: A vehicle comprises an acceleration sensing module and a crash direction-computing module. The acceleration-sensing module is configured for generating acceleration information resulting from a vehicle collision event. The acceleration information includes a first direction acceleration value and a second direction acceleration value. The crash direction-computing module is coupled to the acceleration-sensing module for receiving the acceleration information therefrom and is configured for determining impact direction information resulting from the vehicle collision event.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2015Publication date: July 16, 2015Inventors: Todd N. Clark, Jason Shomsky
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Patent number: 8960742Abstract: A vehicular crash sensing system includes a bumper cap for contacting a bumper. A chamber fits into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Y. Ghannam, Todd N. Clark, Eric L. Stratten, Swadad A. Carremm
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Publication number: 20150006053Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle braking system includes commanding vehicle brakes to provide braking torque based on a driver braking request in response to a detected collision and an anticipated application of a driver-actuated brake pedal after the collision. The method additionally includes activating the vehicle brakes in the absence of application of the brake pedal in response to a subsequent application and release of the brake pedal while a motion sensor reading exceeds a predefined threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Hassen HAMMOUD, Jianbo LU, Gilberto BURGIO, Todd N. CLARK, Otto HOFMANN, Mohsen LAKEHAL-AYAT, Shweta M. FARMER, Jason SHOMSKY, Roland SCHAEFER
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Patent number: 8903620Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle braking system, includes: (i) detecting whether a collision has occurred; (ii) detecting whether a predetermined condition follows the collision; (iii) determining whether a driver has applied the brakes; and (iv) when a driver has not applied the brakes, autonomously initiating braking.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hassen Hammoud, Jianbo Lu, Gilberto Burgio, Todd N. Clark, Otto Hofmann, Mohsen Lakehal-ayat, Shweta M. Farmer, Jason Shomsky, Roland Schaefer
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Patent number: 8824151Abstract: A mounting system for a control module in a vehicle comprises a housing with a flange formed with an opening adapted to receive a fastener for securing the housing to the vehicle. A crack initiator causes a crack to occur in the flange or the housing and thus reduces bending of the housing during a side impact collision causing lateral forces. Preferably, an attachment bolt extends through the opening into the vehicle and the flange forms a C-shape around the opening to allow lateral forces during the side impact collision to force the attachment bolt to slide out of the opening. Preferably, electronic components in the module include an event data recorder for recording data about the vehicle collision and relaying the data after the collision, a communications system for calling for assistance and a controller for cutting off the vehicle fuel supply.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Todd N Clark, Roy Joseph Scott, Erich Kemnitz, Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi, Se Kyoon Shin