Patents Assigned to For Global Technologies, LLC
  • Microcavity-containing resilient, thermoplastic foam; composite of such foam and particles; methods of preparing and articles prepared from same
    Patent number: 8741427
    Abstract: A microcavity-containing, resilient foam comprising a thermoplastic polymer; composite structures comprising such a microcavity-containing foam and a multiplicity of particles contained in such microcavities, preferably aqueous fluid absorbent particles; methods for preparation of such foam and structures; and disposable consumer articles incorporating such foams and composites. The aqueous fluid absorbent characteristics of the foam and composite structures render them useful in the fabrication of disposable consumer articles, in particular hygiene articles designed to rapidly absorb “insults” of bodily fluid thereby conducting such fluids away from contact with the skin of the wearer of the hygiene article. The useful articles include infant and children diapers, adult incontinence pants, feminine hygiene pads, pet urine-absorbent pads and mats, household cleaning pads, surgical drapery, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Young-Sam Kim, Luther E. Stockton, Mark W. VanSumeren
  • Method of fastening parts to a composite part
    Patent number: 8739388
    Abstract: A method of joining parts together with a self-piercing rivet that is inserted through a part and partially through a second part. The second part includes a fiber-filled layer and a resin matrix layer that together form a composite part. A self-piercing rivet extends into the second part, but does not penetrate completely through the matrix layer. An assembly, including a first part and a second part that includes a reinforced layer and a resin layer in which a fastener is inserted, but does not extend through the second layer. A composite part including a first layer of resin matrix reinforces the filler and a second layer of resin matrix that does not include a filler and is more than 3 microns thick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aindrea McKelvey Campbell, Daniel Quinn Houston, Amanda Kay Freis
  • Connector device for building integrated photovoltaic device
    Patent number: 8740642
    Abstract: The present invention is premised upon a connector device and method that can more easily electrically connect a plurality of PV devices or photovoltaic system components and/or locate these devices/components upon a building structure. It also may optionally provide some additional sub-components (e.g. at least one bypass diode and/or an indicator means) and may enhance the serviceability of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: James R. Keenihan, Joseph A. Langmaid, Gerald K. Eurich, Michael J. Lesniak, Michael H. Mazor, Robert J. Cleereman, Ryan S. Gaston
  • Impact modifier composition, an impact resistant composition, method of producing the same, and articles made therefrom
    Patent number: 8742020
    Abstract: The instant invention is an impact modifier composition and method of producing the same. The impact modifier composition comprises (a) less than 30 percent by weight of high-density polyethylene, based on the weight of the impact modifier composition; and (b) at least 70 percent by weight of chlorinated polyethylene, based on the weight of the impact modifier composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Charles M. Vanek, Mark T. Berard, Edward M. Bridge
  • Multi-tiered telescope shaped atomizer
    Patent number: 8739519
    Abstract: In one example, a system is provided, comprising an exhaust reductant injector upstream of a mixer. The mixer includes a plurality of concentrically smaller rings interconnected via fins having a width varying in a flow direction, the fins arranged annularly, and with a first set of fins between a first pair of adjacent rings angularly offset from a second set of fins between a second pair of adjacent rings, the first and second pairs of rings sharing one common ring. In this way, it is possible to atomize, redirect, and mix the exhaust flow over a short distance to effectively react with NOx in a downstream SCR catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Glenwood Hadden, Terry Jadan
  • BRAKE BOOSTER ASSISTANCE
    Publication number: 20140144128
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a vehicle brake booster having first and second chambers separated by a diaphragm coupled to a brake pedal are provided. In one example approach, a method comprises applying an exhaust pressure from a vacuum pump to a first chamber of the brake booster, and applying a vacuum pressure from the vacuum pump to a second chamber of the brake booster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140144218
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing each of a plurality of engine cooling system components including various valves and grill shutters. Each valve may be individually closed and opened for a specified duration, and corresponding changes in coolant temperature may be monitored. If all the components are functional, the various valves may be adjusted to stagnate coolant at the engine and expedite engine warm-up during a cold-start.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Robert Roy Jentz, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE POSITION CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140149023
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. An engine position is determined with higher resolution using timing circuits that are triggered in coordination with the operation of a laser ignition device of the engine. The more accurately determined piston position information enables a cylinder for initiating combustion during an engine restart to be better identified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
  • CRANKCASE VENTILATION TUBE DISCONNECT DETECTION VIA HUMIDITY SENSOR
    Publication number: 20140149015
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting degradation of a crankcase ventilation tube. Humidity sensed from a humidity sensor in the crankcase ventilation tube may provide an indication of crankcase ventilation tube disconnection during different engine operating conditions. The humidity sensor may further provide diagnosis of humidity sensor function and engine degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • PROXIMITY SWITCH ASSEMBLY AND ACTIVATION METHOD HAVING VIRTUAL BUTTON MODE
    Publication number: 20140145733
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The control circuitry controls the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation, monitors signals indicative of the activation field, and determines a first stable signal amplitude and a subsequent second signal amplitude, and generates an activation output when the second stable signal amplitude exceeds the first stable amplitude by a known amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Dipanjan Ghosh, Khaled Omar, James Stewart Rankin, II
  • Method and Apparatus for Limiting Engine Torque to Protect Disconnect Clutch in a Hybrid Vehicle
    Publication number: 20140148305
    Abstract: A powertrain comprising an engine, a motor, a disconnect clutch connected between the engine and the motor, and a transmission. The transmission is connected to the motor by a launch clutch and selectively and indirectly connected to the engine by the disconnect clutch. A controller receives an engine torque output signal and reduces the torque output of the engine to the clutch capacity limit value. A system and a method are also provided for controlling a powertrain for a hybrid vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Francis Thomas Connolly, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • ENGINE WITH LASER IGNITION AND MEASUREMENT
    Publication number: 20140149019
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises operating a laser ignition device in an engine cylinder and identifying engine position in response thereto; and igniting an air and fuel mixture in the cylinder with the laser ignition device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
  • Method and Apparatus for Reducing Torque During a Transmission Upshift for a Hybrid Vehicle
    Publication number: 20140148309
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain that has an engine and an electric machine that may separately or jointly provide torque to a multi-speed transmission. A drivetrain including the engine and the motor is controlled to reduce the requested level of torque provided to the transmission during an upshift. The method is initiated by a request for a reduction of the level of torque and checking the operating state of the engine. If the engine is not on, the torque from the motor is reduced. If the engine is on, the torque from the motor is reduced first and then the torque from the engine is reduced to the requested level of torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Daniel Scott Colvin, Christopher Alan Lear
  • SHIFT-BY-WIRE SYSTEM FOR ACTUATING A VEHICLE PARK BRAKE
    Publication number: 20140144733
    Abstract: A vehicle park-brake system includes a park brake, a solenoid; a first pressure source; a servo for disengaging the park-brake using the first pressure source, and for disengaging the park-brake using a force produced by the solenoid that actuates first and second pistons; and a second pressure source applied to the servo causing hydraulic pressure to vent from the servo, the pistons to detach mutually, and the servo to engage the park brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Steven A. Frait
  • SCR CATALYST DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20140144125
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises operating the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating rich, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating lean, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with the upstream exhaust sensor indicating rich and the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors each indicating lean, and indicating degradation of an SCR catalyst based on when the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors switch from lean to rich.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Giovanni Cavataio, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Thomas G. Leone, Joseph Robert Theis, Michael James Uhrich
  • ENGINE WITH LASER IGNITION AND MEASUREMENT
    Publication number: 20140149018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing an efficiency of engine starting of a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises operating a laser ignition device in an engine cylinder and identifying engine position in response thereto; and igniting an air and fuel mixture in the cylinder with the laser ignition device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
  • Protective Vehicle Battery Cage and Method of Making a Battery Cage
    Publication number: 20140147717
    Abstract: A cage assembly is provided to protect a battery pack in a vehicle. The cage assembly includes a top sub-assembly and a bottom sub-assembly that are secured together to protect the battery pack. U-shaped frames and base frames are connected together by tubular members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Sundararajan, Fubang Wu, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Michael M. Azzouz, Sino Johan Van Dyk
  • Adjusting Clutch Slip Based on Sensed Parameter of Transmission Shaft to Control NVH Level in Vehicle Powertrain
    Publication number: 20140148304
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a target where a magnitude of a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a desired noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
    Publication number: 20140149017
    Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting vehicle operation in response to vehicle weight are described. In one example, an adaptive driver demand correction is adjusted in response to vehicle weight. The methods and systems may provide for more consistent powertrain response and lower vehicle emissions at lower vehicle weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Szwabowski, John Ottavio Michelini, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Craig Thomas Hodorek, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Davor Hrovat
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140144408
    Abstract: Method and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions. One example method comprises, adjusting a brake torque applied to a deactivated rotating engine after an engine restart request, the brake torque applied to slow the engine to at least a predetermined threshold speed without stopping the engine, and engaging a starter to the still rotating engine to increase the engine speed and restart the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Donald Lewis, Joseph Norman Ulrey, John D. Russell