Patents Represented by Attorney Just Intellectuals, PLLC
  • Patent number: 8348802
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley R. Heuver
  • Patent number: 8346422
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Elaine Chen
  • Patent number: 8326479
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Jesse D. L. Brunais, Kenneth L. Pifher, Mike Paul Lindlbauer
  • Patent number: 8303022
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen William Rouhana, Krish E. Aekbote, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche
  • Patent number: 8297717
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Inventors: Scott Mlynarczyk, Daniel Joseph Dunn, Michael V. Leese
  • Patent number: 8276624
    Abstract: A temporary mobility kit directed to a release arrangement for selectively releasing a sealant bottle from the base of the kit is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Ann Steele, Darryl L. Jones, Yingchao Guan
  • Patent number: 8181676
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Ann Steele, Yingchao Guan, Darryl L. Jones, Zhi Qiang He, Sergey Maryanovsky
  • Patent number: 8167262
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Roger DeDona, William Damianov
  • Patent number: 8146622
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yingchao Guan, Kimberly Ann Steele, Darryl L. Jones, Zhi Qiang He, Sergey Maryanovsky
  • Patent number: 8113555
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Omar Faruque
  • Patent number: 8087714
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen William Rouhana, Krish E. Aekbote, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche
  • Patent number: 8047807
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Robeck, Robert J. Miller, Lee J. Becker, Mark R. Dobson
  • Patent number: 8016576
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bradley R. Heuver
  • Patent number: D642107
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Peschiutta