Patents Represented by Attorney Just Intellectuals, PLLC
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Patent number: 8348802Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a piston-actuated clutch assembly for a transmission. Interconnecting members are integrated into a pressure plate of the clutch assembly. The interlocking members are configured to selectively interlock the piston and the pressure plate. The location of the interlocking members reduces wear on the piston and other transmission components.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bradley R. Heuver
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Patent number: 8346422Abstract: The present disclosure relates to thermal management systems and methods for operating a vehicle, such as a hybrid electric vehicle. The systems determine a sunload and set calibrated thresholds and modified temperatures for deriving conditions for sending engine climate commands according to the sunload readings. The calibrations and modifications are designed to yield better vehicle fuel economy.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Elaine Chen
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Patent number: 8326479Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method of controlling an engine fuel pump in a hybrid-electric vehicle. The method includes: cycling a vehicle powertrain between an electric mode, where an engine is commanded off, and a mechanical mode, where the engine is commanded on; depowering an engine fuel pump when the engine is commanded off; and determining if the engine is operating in a fuel shut-off mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Jesse D. L. Brunais, Kenneth L. Pifher, Mike Paul Lindlbauer
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Patent number: 8303022Abstract: A vehicle structural reinforcement system includes: a first pillar; a second pillar; a vehicle door between the first and second pillars; a first crossbeam attached to the door; and a first locking hinge attached to the second pillar. The first crossbeam comprises a first hooked end configured to engage the first locking hinge. The second pillar includes a reinforcement ring and wherein the first locking hinge is attached to the reinforcement ring.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Inventors: Stephen William Rouhana, Krish E. Aekbote, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche
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Patent number: 8297717Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various computer-implemented methods of line-locking a hydraulic vehicle braking system. A method includes performing a preliminary system check and controlling the distribution of fluid between a hydraulic module and an individual wheel-end brake component when the preliminary check is satisfied. The system continues to monitor predetermined vehicle inputs during activation.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventors: Scott Mlynarczyk, Daniel Joseph Dunn, Michael V. Leese
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Patent number: 8276624Abstract: A temporary mobility kit directed to a release arrangement for selectively releasing a sealant bottle from the base of the kit is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kimberly Ann Steele, Darryl L. Jones, Yingchao Guan
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Patent number: 8181676Abstract: The present disclosure relates to temporary mobility kits that repair punctured tires. Some embodiments of the kit include an air compressor; a sealant assembly selectively connected to the pump; a sealant hose in the sealant assembly, configured to connect the air compressor to a tire valve; and a first circuit configured to assess a connection condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kimberly Ann Steele, Yingchao Guan, Darryl L. Jones, Zhi Qiang He, Sergey Maryanovsky
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Patent number: 8167262Abstract: The present disclosure relates mounting assemblies for a vehicle DC-to-DC power converter. The mounting assemblies can include a bracket having a first end configured to be fastened to a DC-to-DC power converter housing and a second end configured to be fastened to a vehicle structural member. The mounting assemblies can be utilized in hybrid, fuel cell and/or electric vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew Roger DeDona, William Damianov
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Patent number: 8146622Abstract: A temporary mobility kit to minimize or prevent the inadvertent outflow of tire sealant is provided. The temporary mobility kit includes a switch-inflator assembly and a removable sealant assembly. The switch-inflator assembly includes an air inflator and an associated hose for inflating a tire. The switch-inflator assembly further includes a diverter switch, a power-on, power-off switch, and an air pressure gauge. The diverter switch is a user-operated switch which moves an associated diverter valve between an air inflation function and a sealing function. The sealant assembly includes a sealant hose having a sealant tire valve connector. Electrical wires are provided in operative association with the sealant hose and electrically connect the sealant tire valve connector and the sealant assembly. A circuit arrangement is provided which prevents the inadvertent outflow of tire sealant through a logic arrangement which includes a reset circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yingchao Guan, Kimberly Ann Steele, Darryl L. Jones, Zhi Qiang He, Sergey Maryanovsky
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Patent number: 8113555Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle impact mitigation system. The impact mitigation system can be configured to mitigate front impact situations. A main rail and an extendable rail—configured to move with respect to the main rail—are provided. A front module is attached to the extendable rail and attachable to the main rail. A spring is positioned between the front module and main rail, the spring is configured to apply a force to the front module when the front module is detached from the main rail. An actuator is configured to control attachment of the front module to the main rail.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Omar Faruque
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Patent number: 8087714Abstract: The present disclosure relates to various vehicle structural reinforcement systems and methods of manufacturing the same. A latching system is included in the vehicle to mechanically link two vehicle structural members under preselected conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stephen William Rouhana, Krish E. Aekbote, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche
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Patent number: 8047807Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission with jet pump. The jet pump includes a hydraulic control system that has a nozzle fitted between a first and second housing. The nozzle is separable from the first and second housing. The hydraulic control system is configured to produce a jet stream of fluid through a center section of the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Charles M. Robeck, Robert J. Miller, Lee J. Becker, Mark R. Dobson
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Patent number: 8016576Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission with fluid pump having a recirculation circuit. The recirculation circuit is configured to direct fluid from an outlet of the pump to an inlet during pump cycling. A method of manufacturing a fluid pump for use in a vehicle transmission is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Bradley R. Heuver
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Patent number: D642107Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Mark Peschiutta