The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 15, 2014
Filed:
May. 15, 2012
Scott Wojtkowicz, Livonia, MI (US);
Joseph Norman Ulrey, Dearborn, MI (US);
Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Dearborn, MI (US);
Scott Wojtkowicz, Livonia, MI (US);
Joseph Norman Ulrey, Dearborn, MI (US);
Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Dearborn, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A towed vehicle is towed by a towing vehicle. The towed vehicle includes a motor/generator for both regenerative braking and for powering wheels. A tow member connects the towed vehicle to the towed vehicle. A sensor measures or infers the tension and compression in the tow member. A computer communicates with the sensor and with the motor/generator. The computer commands the motor/generator to either utilize regenerative braking or provide assistance in propulsion of the towed vehicle based upon the tension and compression forces in the tow member.