Brian C Sullivan

US Patent:

7578216, Aug 25, 2009

Filed:

May 3, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/120415

Inventors:

Brian J. Sullivan - Ann Arbor MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, LLC - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G05G 1/04

US Classification:

74523

Abstract:

The present invention provides a parking brake tensioning apparatus, method, and system. Generally described, the device is for adjusting the tension cable of a parking brake in a vehicle. The device has an inner housing for receiving the handle of the parking brake. Also, the device has a deformable member attached to the housing, and is preloaded with a predetermined load. The device further has a force probe, or rod, having a first end connected to the deformable member and a second end in contact with a component of the vehicle. In addition, the device has a switch for generating a control signal when a predefined force value is applied to the deformable member by adjusting the tension of the tension cable through an adjustment tool. Furthermore, the device has a relay for transmitting the control signal to the adjustment tool once the predefined force value is reached, thus disabling the adjustment tool. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

US Patent:

8250914, Aug 28, 2012

Filed:

Jul 17, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/505320

Inventors:

Brian J. Sullivan - Ann Arbor MI, US

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, LLC - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G01L 5/28

US Classification:

73121

Abstract:

The present invention provides a parking brake tensioning apparatus, method, and system. Generally described, the device is for adjusting the tension cable of a parking brake in a vehicle. The device has an inner housing for receiving the handle of the parking brake. Also, the device has a deformable member attached to the housing, and is preloaded with a predetermined load. The device further has a force probe, or rod, having a first end connected to the deformable member and a second end in contact with a component of the vehicle. In addition, the device has a switch for generating a control signal when a predefined force value is applied to the deformable member by adjusting the tension of the tension cable through an adjustment tool. Furthermore, the device has a relay for transmitting the control signal to the adjustment tool once the predefined force value is reached, thus disabling the adjustment tool. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

US Patent:

54546184, Oct 3, 1995

Filed:

Sep 2, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/299984

Inventors:

Brian K. Sullivan - Livonia MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60J 506
B60K 1505

US Classification:

296 9722

Abstract:

A sliding door stop device for a vehicle having a sliding door and a fuel filler access lid on the same side of the vehicle has a stop member mounted proximate a door track for a vehicle sliding door, the stop member having a first, obstructing position projecting into an inner portion of the track so as to obstruct movement of the sliding door along the track and a second, retracted position withdrawn from obstructing the track. Connection members, such as a cable, are connected between the stop member and the interior of a fuel filler access lid on the vehicle for moving the stop member to the obstructing position when the access lid is opened to prevent collision of the sliding door with the access lid, and to the retracted position when the access lid is closed so as not to obstruct movement of the sliding door within the door track.

US Patent:

56180802, Apr 8, 1997

Filed:

Oct 10, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/541862

Inventors:

Brian K. Sullivan - Livonia MI
Graham J. Britain - Canton MI
Donald F. Nelson - Dearborn MI

Assignee:

Ford Motor Company - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60J 506

US Classification:

296155

Abstract:

A upper track roller mechanism for an automotive vehicle sliding door is provided in which the upper track is formed as a generally U-shaped track member having centering mechanisms associated with it for preventing vertical movement of the roller into rubbing contact with upper or lower portions of the track. The centering mechanisms may include one or more chamfers formed on the outer wall of the track and a washer carried adjacent the roller in juxtaposition with the portion of the track.

US Patent:

61893943, Feb 20, 2001

Filed:

Jul 6, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/347886

Inventors:

Brian Kenneth Sullivan - Plymouth MI
Robert Edward Kosior - Livonia MI
Grace Ann Chamberlain - Clarkston MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

G01N 1900

US Classification:

738659

Abstract:

An in-line testing method for non-intrusively testing the force required to complete the closure of a power assisted sliding door assembly onto a door opening having resistance seals, comprising: (a) providing a door switch and a timing device within the power assist sliding door assembly to at least measure the time lapse from a door ajar position to a door locked position; and (b) if the time lapse is slower than a pattern time lapse for a model assembly of the same door known to be properly fitted, adjusting the door ajar gap in the test assembly to reduce the force required to achieve a door locked position.

US Patent:

20200180707, Jun 11, 2020

Filed:

Dec 11, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/216123

Inventors:

- Dearborn MI, US
Thomas William Partch - Trenton MI, US
Brian Kenneth Sullivan - Plymouth MI, US
Stephen Kenneth Helwig - Farmington Hills MI, US
Joshua Robert Hemphill - White Lake MI, US

International Classification:

B62D 33/027
B60P 3/14
B62D 33/03

Abstract:

A disclosed tailgate accessory assembly includes an accessory body portion and a mount portion. The accessory body portion can include features that provide additional storage space, work surfaces or cargo securement features. The mount portion includes a first post spaced a distance from a second post, wherein each of the first post and the second post are configured for insertion into corresponding openings in a tailgate. A clip is provided for engaging a portion of the tailgate in a locked position for holding the accessory body portion to the tailgate.

US Patent:

20200109588, Apr 9, 2020

Filed:

Oct 3, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/150545

Inventors:

- Dearborn MI, US
Craig A. Moccio - Milan MI, US
Brian K. Sullivan - Plymouth MI, US
Manuel Santana - Livonia MI, US

International Classification:

E05F 15/40
E05F 15/614
B62D 33/03
B60R 3/02
G07C 5/00

Abstract:

A vehicle tailgate with a power up-down system may employ a method of operating a vehicle tailgate that may include detecting a step is deployed from the tailgate, detecting the tailgate is less than fully open, and automatically actuating a power up-down system to drive the tailgate to fully open.

US Patent:

20200047821, Feb 13, 2020

Filed:

Aug 7, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/056974

Inventors:

- Dearborn MI, US
Joshua Robert Hemphill - White Lake MI, US
Brian Kenneth Sullivan - Plymouth MI, US

International Classification:

B62D 33/027
B62D 33/033
B62D 33/03

Abstract:

An exemplary removal assembly includes, among other things, a lock that rotates together with a powered tailgate when the powered tailgate is coupled to a vehicle in a coupled position and moved back-and-forth between an open and a closed position. The lock is rotatable between a locked position that blocks movement of the powered tailgate from the coupled position, and an unlocked position that permits removal of the powered tailgate. An exemplary removal method includes, among other things, moving a powered tailgate that is coupled to a vehicle in a coupled position. The moving transitions a lock from a locked position to an unlocked position. The lock in the locked position blocks movement of the powered tailgate from the coupled position. The lock in the unlocked position permitting removal of the powered tailgate.