Sam M Mackool

US Patent:

58647686, Jan 26, 1999

Filed:

Sep 9, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/709704

Inventors:

Martin Bieber - Redford MI
Sam Mike Mackool - Berkley MI
Douglas Scott Rhode - Farmington Hills MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60G 17015

US Classification:

701 38

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for controlling continuously variable dampers in a vehicle suspension system is provided. A microcontroller receives sensor signals from the vehicle and generates heave, pitch and roll acceleration signals, heave, pitch and roll actual velocity signals, and heave, pitch and roll velocity level signals based on the received sensor signals. Heave, pitch and roll control signals are then calculated based on the acceleration, actual velocity, and velocity level signals, and the continuously variable dampers are adjusted in accordance with the calculated heave, pitch and roll control signals. A deadband schedule function is provided for adjusting the control signals in accordance with the significance of the particular ride event.

US Patent:

54228107, Jun 6, 1995

Filed:

May 5, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/238763

Inventors:

Alan D. Brunning - South Woodham Ferrers, GB2
Sam M. Mackool - Berkley MI
Geoffrey F. Bridges - Belleville MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B62D 500

US Classification:

36442405

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining a center position of the vehicular steering system includes a steering sensor and a control unit. A dynamic center find routine and a long term center find routine are run simultaneously and the results compared to assure accurate dynamic center position for controlling automotive devices.

US Patent:

49997769, Mar 12, 1991

Filed:

Nov 30, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/443974

Inventors:

Michael W. Soltis - Livonia MI
Sam M. Mackool - Berkley MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B62D 1500

US Classification:

36442405

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining a center position of the vehicular steering system includes a steering sensor and a control unit. A variable threshold time strategy is employed with a fixed window of operation and a movable window of operation to determine a precise center for the steering system. As an option, the control algorithm may employ both a variable theshold time and a variable size for the movable window of operation.

US Patent:

51234971, Jun 23, 1992

Filed:

Dec 20, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/631120

Inventors:

Wilford T. Yopp - Canton MI
Sam M. Mackool - Berkley MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B62D 506
G06F 700

US Classification:

180142

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for determining the centripetal force of an automotive vehicle operating on a roadway includes a vehicle speed measuring mechanism and a steering force measuring mechanism. Information regarding vehicle speed and steering force are fed into a processor which determines the centripetal force of the vehicle.

US Patent:

51209829, Jun 9, 1992

Filed:

Nov 14, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/436401

Inventors:

Wilford T. Yopp - Canton MI
John A. Glab - Taylor MI
Sam M. Mackool - Berkley MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60G 1700

US Classification:

307 101

Abstract:

A circuit for correcting a fault in an automotive system having at least two operating states includes an actuator mechanism for placing the system into one of at least two operating states and a switching mechanism, such as a relay, operatively connected with the actuator mechanism for driving the actuator mechanism upon passing a current through the switching mechanism. The circuit further includes a fault warning mechanism for detecting an inability of the actuator to place the system into a desired operating state and for generating a fault warning signal in response to the detection as well as a control unit for activating the switching mechanism according to a predetermined sequence upon generation of the fault warning signal to correct the inability of the actuator mechanism to place the system into a desired operating state.