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).

  • Publication number: 20240117761
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Tom Leroy, Owen Lineham, Mike Rowland
  • Patent number: 11912262
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Leroy, Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, Athul Raj, Grant Cooper
  • Patent number: 11815002
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Leroy, Owen Lineham, Mike Rowland
  • Publication number: 20230228209
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Tom Leroy, Owen Lineham, Mike Rowland
  • Patent number: 11554771
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, James Christopher Wilkins, Tom Leroy, Jonathan James Hall
  • Publication number: 20220161778
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2020
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tom LEROY, Nicholas Dashwood CRISP, Athul RAJ, Grant COOPER
  • Publication number: 20220048493
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, James Christopher Wilkins, Tom Leroy, Jonathan James Hall
  • Patent number: 11242834
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Leroy, Nicholas Dashwood Crisp, Wassim Koubaa, Jonathan James Hall
  • Patent number: 10053077
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Robert Valentine, Tom Leroy, Kevin Brett
  • Patent number: 9956946
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Leroy, Brian David Eves, Andy Staughton
  • Publication number: 20180050677
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Robert Valentine, Tom Leroy, Kevin Brett
  • Patent number: 9669816
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tom Leroy, Shane Keilthy, Mark Metcalfe
  • Publication number: 20160221561
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventors: Tom Leroy, Shane Keilthy, Mark Metcalfe
  • Publication number: 20160214592
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Tom Leroy, Brian David Eves, Andy Staughton
  • Patent number: 9284899
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian David Eves, Shane Keilthy, Mike Acton, Tom Leroy
  • Publication number: 20150047345
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Brian David Eves, Shane Keilthy, Mike Acton, Tom Leroy
  • Patent number: 7421638
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Comtech Telecommunications Corp.
    Inventors: Eric John Hewitt, Alan Robert Danielson, Peter Sean Ladow, Tom Leroy Hansen
  • Patent number: 7085987
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Comtech Telecommunications, Corp
    Inventors: Eric John Hewitt, Alan Robert Danielson, Peter Sean Ladow, Tom Leroy Hansen
  • Patent number: 7039846
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Comtech Telecommunications Corp.
    Inventors: Eric John Hewitt, Alan Robert Danielson, Peter Sean Ladow, Tom Leroy Hansen
  • Publication number: 20040261000
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Eric John Hewitt, Alan Robert Danielson, Peter Sean Ladow, Tom Leroy Hansen