Patents by Inventor Tom Leroy
Tom Leroy 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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Publication number: 20240117761Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for model-based determination of a temperature distribution of an exhaust aftertreatment system of a vehicle. A power demand from a first component of the aftertreatment system is measure, a heat transfer into the first component of the aftertreatment system based on power demand of the first component and a configurable emissivity value of the exhaust gas is determined, and the temperature of the first component based on the calculated heat transfer is calculated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Tom Leroy, Owen Lineham, Mike Rowland
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Patent number: 11912262Abstract: A vehicle includes an air-conditioning (AC) compressor, an engine, a belt-integrated starter generator (BISG), and a controller. The controller, responsive to detecting a first AC compressor engagement condition, compares a first AC torque demand that is required to engage the AC compressor with an available torque from the BISG. The controller further, responsive to the available torque being insufficient to engage the AC compressor, engages the AC compressor using the available torque from the BISG and an engine torque from the engine to compensate a torque shortfall between the AC torque demand and the available torque by retarding spark timing and increasing air intake.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tom Leroy, Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, Athul Raj, Grant Cooper
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Patent number: 11815002Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for model-based determination of a temperature distribution of an exhaust aftertreatment system of a vehicle. A power demand from a first component of the aftertreatment system is measure, a heat transfer into the first component of the aftertreatment system based on power demand of the first component and a configurable emissivity value of the exhaust gas is determined, and the temperature of the first component based on the calculated heat transfer is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tom Leroy, Owen Lineham, Mike Rowland
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Publication number: 20230228209Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for model-based determination of a temperature distribution of an exhaust aftertreatment system of a vehicle. A power demand from a first component of the aftertreatment system is measure, a heat transfer into the first component of the aftertreatment system based on power demand of the first component and a configurable emissivity value of the exhaust gas is determined, and the temperature of the first component based on the calculated heat transfer is calculated.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2022Publication date: July 20, 2023Inventors: Tom Leroy, Owen Lineham, Mike Rowland
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Patent number: 11554771Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine configured to apply a negative torque during regenerative braking, and a multi-speed transmission coupled to the engine and having multiple discrete gear ratios. A controller is programmed to, in response to a request to decelerate the vehicle, command a shift of the transmission to a one of the gear ratios that is predetermined to rotate the electric machine at a speed that generates a regenerative-braking torque corresponding to a target deceleration of the vehicle without application of friction brakes.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, James Christopher Wilkins, Tom Leroy, Jonathan James Hall
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Publication number: 20220161778Abstract: A vehicle includes an air-conditioning (AC) compressor, an engine, a belt-integrated starter generator (BISG), and a controller. The controller, responsive to detecting a first AC compressor engagement condition, compares a first AC torque demand that is required to engage the AC compressor with an available torque from the BISG. The controller further, responsive to the available torque being insufficient to engage the AC compressor, engages the AC compressor using the available torque from the BISG and an engine torque from the engine to compensate a torque shortfall between the AC torque demand and the available torque by retarding spark timing and increasing air intake.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2020Publication date: May 26, 2022Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tom LEROY, Nicholas Dashwood CRISP, Athul RAJ, Grant COOPER
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Publication number: 20220048493Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine configured to apply a negative torque during regenerative braking, and a multi-speed transmission coupled to the engine and having multiple discrete gear ratios. A controller is programmed to, in response to a request to decelerate the vehicle, command a shift of the transmission to a one of the gear ratios that is predetermined to rotate the electric machine at a speed that generates a regenerative-braking torque corresponding to a target deceleration of the vehicle without application of friction brakes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2020Publication date: February 17, 2022Inventors: Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, James Christopher Wilkins, Tom Leroy, Jonathan James Hall
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Patent number: 11242834Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine including a crank shaft; a battery; a belt-integrated starter generator (BISG) mechanically coupled to the crank shaft and configured to generate electric power from motion of the engine to charge the battery; and a controller configured to operate the BISG to apply a load to the crank shaft to slow the engine and capture electric power for storage in the battery, wherein an initial magnitude of the load is proportional to a temperature of the engine, responsive to a speed of the BISG or engine achieving a predetermined non-zero threshold, remove the load from the crank shaft, and bring the engine to a stop.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tom Leroy, Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, Wassim Koubaa, Jonathan James Hall
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Patent number: 10053077Abstract: A method of controlling an aspirator valve of a vacuum assisted braking system that rapidly fully opens and closes the aspirator valve when an engine of a motor vehicle has been shut-down and the current conditions indicate that ice is likely to have formed in the aspirator valve. The rapid opening and closing of the aspirator valve breaks up any ice buildup thereby de-icing the aspirator valve and allowing normal aspirator valve operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2017Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Robert Valentine, Tom Leroy, Kevin Brett
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Patent number: 9956946Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a brake booster aspirator shut-off valve are provided. The shut-off valve is operable to selectively permit flow of intake air through an aspirator; the aspirator bypasses a throttle of an engine and provides a vacuum source for a brake booster. The method comprises determining whether the shut-off valve may require cleaning, opening the shut-off valve so as to permit a flow of air through the shut-off valve and clean the shut-off valve and adjusting the throttle position of the engine to compensate for the additional flow of intake air through the aspirator.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tom Leroy, Brian David Eves, Andy Staughton
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Publication number: 20180050677Abstract: A method of controlling an aspirator valve of a vacuum assisted braking system that rapidly fully opens and closes the aspirator valve when an engine of a motor vehicle has been shut-down and the current conditions indicate that ice is likely to have formed in the aspirator valve. The rapid opening and closing of the aspirator valve breaks up any ice buildup thereby de-icing the aspirator valve and allowing normal aspirator valve operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Robert Valentine, Tom Leroy, Kevin Brett
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Patent number: 9669816Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fault within a brake booster system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include measuring the pressure of a brake booster chamber and the pressure of an inlet manifold, comparing the booster chamber and inlet manifold pressures, determining the faulty source, and restricting the use of an electrical system in case of a fault. In this way, the pressure within the inlet manifold may be reduced or maintained in the event of a fault.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2016Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tom Leroy, Shane Keilthy, Mark Metcalfe
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Publication number: 20160221561Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fault within a brake booster system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include measuring the pressure of a brake booster chamber and the pressure of an inlet manifold, comparing the booster chamber and inlet manifold pressures, determining the faulty source, and restricting the use of an electrical system in case of a fault. In this way, the pressure within the inlet manifold may be reduced or maintained in the event of a fault.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2016Publication date: August 4, 2016Inventors: Tom Leroy, Shane Keilthy, Mark Metcalfe
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Publication number: 20160214592Abstract: A method and system for cleaning a brake booster aspirator shut-off valve are provided. The shut-off valve is operable to selectively permit flow of intake air through an aspirator; the aspirator bypasses a throttle of an engine and provides a vacuum source for a brake booster. The method comprises determining whether the shut-off valve may require cleaning, opening the shut-off valve so as to permit a flow of air through the shut-off valve and clean the shut-off valve and adjusting the throttle position of the engine to compensate for the additional flow of intake air through the aspirator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: Tom Leroy, Brian David Eves, Andy Staughton
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Patent number: 9284899Abstract: A method and system of cleaning a turbocharger bypass control valve, the control valve being operable to vary the position of a bypass valve and thereby vary the amount of flow bypass across a turbine and/or compressor of a turbocharger for an engine. The method comprises: determining whether the control valve may require cleaning; adjusting the duty cycle of the shuttle so as to increase a flow of fluid through the control valve and clean the control valve; and adjusting a throttle position of the engine and thus the engine torque output to compensate for the adjustment in the amount of boost provided by the turbocharger.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2014Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brian David Eves, Shane Keilthy, Mike Acton, Tom Leroy
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Publication number: 20150047345Abstract: A method and system of cleaning a turbocharger bypass control valve, the control valve being operable to vary the position of a bypass valve and thereby vary the amount of flow bypass across a turbine and/or compressor of a turbocharger for an engine. The method comprises: determining whether the control valve may require cleaning; adjusting the duty cycle of the shuttle so as to increase a flow of fluid through the control valve and clean the control valve; and adjusting a throttle position of the engine and thus the engine torque output to compensate for the adjustment in the amount of boost provided by the turbocharger.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Brian David Eves, Shane Keilthy, Mike Acton, Tom Leroy
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Patent number: 7421638Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a linear block encoded string of information bits comprising: converting the string into a plurality of codewords. Performing hard and soft decisions on each codeword to generate a hard and soft decision vector. Computing the syndrome and finding the location of the two minimum values by Galois Field Arithmetic. Designating these values LOW1 and LOW2 and xoring with a Nc1, thus generating Nc2. Swapping Nc1 with Nc2 and determining the lowest soft decision value, Min1 and a next lowest value, Min2. The two bit locations creating Min1 are designated as MinA and MinB. MinA being replaced with Min2 minus the value MinA. MinB being replaced with Min2 minus the value at MinB. Generating an output codeword by subtracting Min1 from all other bit locations values and 2's complementing all soft values with 0 in their location. Creating the new soft value vector.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Comtech Telecommunications Corp.Inventors: Eric John Hewitt, Alan Robert Danielson, Peter Sean Ladow, Tom Leroy Hansen
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Patent number: 7085987Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a linear block encoded string of information bits comprising: converting the string into a plurality of codewords. Performing hard and soft decisions on each codeword to generate a hard and soft decision vector. Computing the syndrome and finding the location of the two minimum values by Galois Field Arithmetic. Designating these values LOW1 and LOW2 and xoring with a Nc1, thus generating Nc2. Swapping Nc1 with Nc2 and determining the lowest soft decision value, Min1 and a next lowest value, Min2. The two bit locations creating Min1 are designated as MinA and MinB. MinA being replaced with Min2 minus the value MinA. MinB being replaced with Min2 minus the value at MinB. Generating an output codeword by subtracting Min1 from all other bit locations values and 2's complementing all soft values with 0 in their location. Creating the new soft value vector.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Comtech Telecommunications, CorpInventors: Eric John Hewitt, Alan Robert Danielson, Peter Sean Ladow, Tom Leroy Hansen
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Patent number: 7039846Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a linear block encoded string of information bits comprising: converting the string into a plurality of codewords. Performing hard and soft decisions on each codeword to generate a hard and soft decision vector. Computing the syndrome and finding the location of the two minimum values by Galois Field Arithmetic. Designating these values LOW1 and LOW2 and xoring with a Nc1, thus generating Nc2. Swapping Nc1 with Nc2 and determining the lowest soft decision value, Min1 and a next lowest value, Min2. The two bit locations creating Min1 are designated as MinA and MinB. MinA being replaced with Min2 minus the value MinA. MinB being replaced with Min2 minus the value at MinB. Generating an output codeword by subtracting Min1 from all other bit locations values and 2's complementing all soft values with 0 in their location. Creating the new soft value vector. Some embodiments include a system and method that organizes an encoded codeword.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: Comtech Telecommunications Corp.Inventors: Eric John Hewitt, Alan Robert Danielson, Peter Sean Ladow, Tom Leroy Hansen
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Publication number: 20040261000Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding a linear block encoded string of information bits comprising: converting the string into a plurality of codewords. Performing hard and soft decisions on each codeword to generate a hard and soft decision vector. Computing the syndrome and finding the location of the two minimum values by Galois Field Arithmetic. Designating these values LOW1 and LOW2 and xoring with a Nc1, thus generating Nc2. Swapping Nc1 with Nc2 and determining the lowest soft decision value, Min1 and a next lowest value, Min2. The two bit locations creating Min1 are designated as MinA and MinB. MinA being replaced with Min2 minus the value MinA. MinB being replaced with Min2 minus the value at MinB. Generating an output codeword by subtracting Min1 from all other bit locations values and 2's complementing all soft values with 0 in their location. Creating the new soft value vector.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventors: Eric John Hewitt, Alan Robert Danielson, Peter Sean Ladow, Tom Leroy Hansen