Steven S Pate

US Patent:

6709075, Mar 23, 2004

Filed:

Aug 7, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/635183

Inventors:

Dale Scott Crombez - Livonia MI
Steven Otis Pate - Royal Oak MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, LLC - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60T 1374

US Classification:

303152, 303 3

Abstract:

Strategies other than immediate elimination of regenerative braking (FIG. ) are invoked when an incipient wheel lock-up is detected, the ABS becomes active, and/or incipient wheel slip is detected. The strategies include: reducing the regenerative braking torque as a function of the coefficient of friction of a surface on which the vehicle is traveling (FIG. ); and adjusting regenerative braking in relation to the rate at which wheel slip is changing (FIG. ). Some of the strategies may be applied on an individual wheel basis (FIG. ), and some of the strategies may be applied in conjunction with operating friction brakes of the vehicle to apply at least some of the reduction in regenerative braking torque as friction brake torque (FIG. ).

US Patent:

63090317, Oct 30, 2001

Filed:

Dec 14, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/460546

Inventors:

Dale Scott Crombez - Livonia MI
Dave James Lotito - Lathrup Village MI
Mark Alan Shehan - Ypsilanti MI
Steven Otis Pate - Royal Oak MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technology, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60T 834

US Classification:

3031134

Abstract:

A vehicle brake system 10 has a brake pedal assembly 14, a sensor 18 or 22 for sensing effort applied to the brake pedal assembly and a brake actuator 26 for generating braking force to be applied to one or more brakes 12A-12D on the vehicle. The brake system further includes a position sensor for sensing a position signal, such as an adjustable brake pedal position sensor 40, a seat position sensor 42, a steering wheel position sensor 44, or a driver position sensor 46, which is generally indicative of the stature and/or comfort of the driver. The brake system further includes a controller 24 for automatically controlling the amount of braking force applied to the one or more brakes in the vehicle as a function of the sensed position. Accordingly, the brake system automatically adjusts the braking effort based on a sensed position signal.

US Patent:

20140354035, Dec 4, 2014

Filed:

May 31, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/906742

Inventors:

- Dearborn MI, US
Steven Otis Pate - Royal Oak MI, US
Peter Francis Worrel - Troy MI, US
Clement Newman Sagan - Dearborn MI, US

International Classification:

B60T 13/14
B60T 13/58

US Classification:

303 601

Abstract:

A braking system in a hybrid vehicle is provided. The braking system includes a master cylinder having a first outlet, a second outlet, and a piston disposed therein and translatable from a proximal end to a distal end in response to brake pedal displacement. A brake fluid reservoir supplies hydraulic fluid to the master cylinder. A first fluid circuit connects the first outlet of the master cylinder to the brake fluid reservoir. A second fluid circuit connects the second outlet of the master cylinder to wheel brakes and supplies hydraulic fluid from the master cylinder to the wheel brakes in response to brake pedal displacement. The first outlet of the master cylinder is disposed between the second outlet and the proximal end of the master cylinder such that initial brake pedal displacement transfers brake fluid from the master cylinder to the fluid reservoir to inhibit hydraulic braking during regenerative braking.