Patents Assigned to For Global Technologies, LLC
  • Method and system for exhaust heat exchanger diagnostics
    Patent number: 10487782
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for carrying out on-board diagnostics of a plurality of components of an exhaust heat exchange system. In one example, degradation of one or more of a heat exchanger and a coolant system fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger may be detected based on a first temperature estimated upstream of the heat exchanger, a second temperature sensor estimated downstream of the heat exchanger, a coolant temperature, and a pressure estimated upstream of the heat exchanger. Also, degradation of a diverter valve of the heat exchange system may be detected based on inputs of a position sensor coupled to the diverter valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Evelyn Bevan, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Method and apparatus for recommending power-saving vehicular utilization changes
    Patent number: 10488209
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a desired departure time and route for upcoming travel, from a vehicle computing system. The processor is also configured to determine a traffic level based on the received time for the received route. The processor is further configured to determine a vehicle charge level and recommend a new route or departure time if the vehicle charge level is projected to be sufficient to achieve travel-completion based on the new route or departure time in accordance with the recommendation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Lei, Allen R. Murray
  • Multilayered films, methods of manufacture thereof and articles comprising the same
    Patent number: 10486402
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multilayer film comprising a first layer and a second layer; and a tie layer; where the tie layer is disposed between the first layer and the second layer; the first layer being disposed on a first surface of the tie layer; the second layer being disposed on a second surface of the tie layer; where the second surface is opposedly disposed to the first surface; where the tie layer comprises a crystalline block composite and a carboxylated olefin copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Yushan Hu, Kim L. Walton
  • Cylinder head of an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 10487771
    Abstract: An engine component includes stratified metal layers. The stratified metal layers form walls of a cylinder head having internal cavities defining a cooling jacket configured to direct coolant within and through the walls. The stratified metal layers also form a lattice disposed within and spanning between opposing surfaces of the cooling jacket configured to promote heat transfer between the stratified metal layers and coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fabian Gadau, Mark Michael Madin, Joy Hines Forsmark, Lloyd E. Stanley, John Cornell
  • Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
    Patent number: 10486676
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively shut-down during engine idle-stop conditions, the vehicle system further including a hydraulically actuated transmission component. One example method comprises, during an idle-stop engine shut-down, adjusting a hydraulic actuation of the transmission component to adjust drag torque on the engine to stop the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Peter John Grutter, Felix Nedorezov, Rodney Lewis Lopez
  • Method and system for air flow through an engine having compressors
    Patent number: 10487757
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine that includes four compressors for two cylinder banks are described. In one example, output of two compressors and positions of valves are adjusted responsive to an engine air flow amount to prevent air from back flowing through a compressor. Output from the two compressors may be combined for higher engine air flow amounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tyler Kelly, Timothy Stolzenfeld
  • Method and system to manage vehicle thermal conditions
    Patent number: 10486495
    Abstract: A vehicle climate control system for an electrified vehicle including a thermal circuit and a controller is provided. The thermal circuit includes a heat pump and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater. The controller is programmed to direct operation of the heat pump and the PTC heater responsive to receipt of a request for simultaneous cooling and heating based on a heat source mode table and detection of a system configuration in which flow is permitted through one of a fixed orifice expansion device (FOT), a thermal expansion valve (TXV), and an electronic expansion valve (EXV). The heat source mode table may call for the heat pump to operate in a cool mode and the PTC heater to operate in a heat mode when heater core coolant is identified as warm and ambient temperature is above a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Timothy Noah Blatchley, Brett Allen Dunn, Anthony David Tsakiris, James George Gebbie
  • Control of vehicle headlights based on weather conditions
    Patent number: 10486586
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for control of vehicle headlights based on weather conditions. An example vehicle includes headlamps including low-beam lamps and high-beam lamps. The example vehicle also includes a light sensor, a camera, and a controller. The controller is to set the low-beam lamps in active mode when the light sensor detects low ambient light, monitor for precipitation in the low ambient light via the camera, identify an angle-of-incidence (AOI) between the precipitation and light emitted by the headlamps, and control the high-beam lamps based on the AOI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Brian Bennie, Aed M. Dudar
  • Tire carriers for use with vehicles
    Patent number: 10486756
    Abstract: Tire carriers for use with vehicles are disclosed herein. An example tire carrier, includes a frame including telescopically coupled tubes; and a lock carried by one of the tubes, the lock structured to mechanically engage another one of the tubes to fix the tubes relative to one another to prevent the tire carrier from inadvertently moving toward a lowered position, the lock structured to reduce the mechanical engagement with the other one of the tubes to enable the tire carrier to be moved toward a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Reese Cherry, Matt B. Rutman, Jared Shroyer
  • Functionalized block composite and crystalline block composite compositions
    Patent number: 10487167
    Abstract: The invention provides functionalized block composites and crystalline block composites. In particular, the invention provides a functionalized olefin-based polymer formed from at least (A) and (B): (A) a crystalline block composite comprising: a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and crystalline ethylene-based block; a propylene-based crystalline polymer; and, a crystalline ethylene-based polymer; and (B) at least one functionalization agent or a functionalized olefin-based polymer formed from at least (A) and (B): (A) a crystalline block composite comprising: a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and crystalline ethylene-based block; a propylene-based crystalline polymer; and, a crystalline ethylene-based polymer; and (B) at least one functionalization agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yushan Hu, Kim L. Walton, Gary R. Marchand, Michael D. Read, H. Craig Silvis
  • Castellated joint for improved adhesive coverage when using mechanical fixings and adhesive in one joint
    Patent number: 10487863
    Abstract: An assembly is provided that includes a castellated upper substrate defining a plurality of alternating troughs and ridges. A lower substrate is disposed adjacent the upper castellated substrate, and an adhesive material is disposed between the castellated upper substrate and the lower substrate. A fastener extends through a trough of the castellated upper substrate, through the adhesive material, and into the lower substrate. A method of assembling the upper and lower substrates is also provided, which includes plastically deforming the castellated upper substrate to reduce an intake of air between the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Norton, Anthony J. Grima
  • Vehicle light assembly with photon recycling
    Patent number: 10488008
    Abstract: A vehicle light assembly comprising a light chamber secured to a vehicle member. The chamber includes a partially transmissive lens and an interior. The interior includes a plurality of isotropically luminant surfaces and a substantially reflective surface. Further, the vehicle light assembly includes a light source arranged within the light chamber, and the light source is substantially oriented to emanate light that initially strikes the substantially reflective surface, propagates within the chamber along the isotropically luminant surfaces, and exits the chamber through the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake, Anthony Nicholas Aquilina, Arun Kumar, Stephen Kenneth Helwig, Sleiman N Abdelnour
  • Articulating hinge system for independently opening automotive doors
    Patent number: 10487553
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle is provided having a body with an opening without a pillar. First and second doors cover the opening, and a translatable hinge, such as a gooseneck hinge, connects the first door to the vehicle. The hinge is adapted for moving the first door away from the second door, and then allowing the first door to pivot to an open position about a single pivot axis. A striker is adapted for allowing a latch for latching the first door to move along the striker in a latched condition during translation of the hinge, and may include an elongated, angled striker bar for permitting the first door to move both along and outboard of the vehicle body during the opening sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald P. Iacovoni, Paul L. Heirtzler, Jr.
  • Active hood vent system and method of adjusting aero balance of a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 10486754
    Abstract: An active hood vent system for a motor vehicle includes a hood vent, having a closure displaceable between a closed position and an opened position, and a control module. That control module is configured to adjust the aero balance of the motor vehicle by opening and closing the closure. Further, the control module may be configured to close the closure and thereby minimize engine compartment air from entering an HVAC inlet of the motor vehicle when the current operating temperature of the motor vehicle is below a predetermined temperature requiring engine cooling, and a current motor vehicle speed is below a predetermined speed where airflow over the hood limits ingestion of engine compartment air by the HVAC inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Arthur Titus, Andrew Thomas Cunningham, Michael Stephen Sylvester
  • Luggage-retention device
    Patent number: 10486604
    Abstract: A vehicle compartment includes a first track and a second track spaced from each other, a first beam elongated transverse to and slidable along the first track, a second beam elongated transverse to and slidable along the second track, and a net extending from the first beam to the second beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S. M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi
  • Engine starting via electric turbocharger
    Patent number: 10487789
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for starting an engine via an electric turbocharger. In one example, a method for starting the engine via the electric turbocharger may include flowing compressed air from the electric turbocharger to cylinders of the engine to crank a crankshaft of the engine without a starter motor. The method may include adjusting an opening amount of electrically or pneumatically actuated intake valves and exhaust valves to reduce a force to crank the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Money
  • Fleet alert system
    Patent number: 10486591
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a controller programmed to responsive to detecting a predefined event indicative of a hazardous condition, adjust a threshold for an alert corresponding to the event based on one or more entries related to an operation of the vehicle and associated with the event; and responsive to adjusting the threshold, output the alert in a method corresponding to the threshold as adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Abraham Mezaael
  • Auto-ignition internal combustion engine suitable for HCCI operation, and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
    Patent number: 10487756
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an auto-ignition internal combustion engine comprising an exhaust gas recirculation arrangement, an intake system, and an exhaust gas discharge system for the discharge of exhaust gases, in which the internal combustion engine is operable, at least in a first, stoichiometric operating mode, by way of a spatial ignition method (HCCI mode). For the aftertreatment of the exhaust gas in the first operating mode, a three-way catalytic converter is provided in the exhaust gas discharge system for reducing nitrogen oxides and oxidizing unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. In this way, the auto-ignition internal combustion engine has a greater window of operation in the HCCI mode than conventional auto-ignition internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joerg Kemmerling, Frank Wunderlich, Hanno Friederichs, Andreas Kuske, Helmut Matthias Kindl, Vanco Smiljanovski, Franz Arnd Sommerhoff
  • Reductant tank as a heat storage device
    Patent number: 10487708
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine system is provided. The method includes during a first operating condition, flowing oil from an oil sump to a heat exchanger attached to a reductant tank and transferring heat from oil flowing through the heat exchanger to reductant stored in the reductant tank. The method further includes during a second operating condition, flowing oil from the oil sump to the heat exchanger and transferring heat from the reductant stored in the reductant tank to oil flowing through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Mehring, Thomas Lorenz, Hans Guenter Quix, Jan Linsel, Moritz Klaus Springer, Florian Huth
  • Vehicle center display
    Patent number: D867948
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Engelmann, Doyle Letson, Amko Leenarts, William Mangan, James Smithbauer, Scott Anderson, Michael Canty, Peter Jones