Patents Assigned to For Global Technologies, LLC
  • Object tracking by unsupervised learning
    Patent number: 10449956
    Abstract: A computing device in a vehicle can determine one or more objects based on 3D data points by determining a joint Bayesian probability of each of the one or more objects, conditioned on previously determined objects, and pilot the vehicle based on the determined one or more objects, wherein the objects have parameters including locations, sizes, poses, speeds, directions and predicted paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin Wyffels
  • Electric vehicle battery thermocouple
    Patent number: 10454145
    Abstract: An example electric vehicle battery thermocouple includes a temperature sense lead of a first material, and an electric vehicle battery component of a second material different than the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Turgeon, Masahiro Kimoto
  • Battery charge strategy using discharge cycle
    Patent number: 10449870
    Abstract: A battery management system for a vehicle includes a controller programmed to charge a battery at a predetermined charge current. The controller activates an electrical load to discharge the battery for a predetermined time in response to a charge current of the battery becoming less than the predetermined charge current at a predetermined voltage limit. After discharging for the predetermined time, the controller resumes charging at the predetermined charge current. A current magnitude during the discharge and the predetermined time may be based on factors including the predetermined charge rate, a battery temperature, and a charge current magnitude during charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Chang, Szushen Ho, Xu Wang, Chuan He
  • Object detection using recurrent neural network and concatenated feature map
    Patent number: 10452946
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system includes a sensor component and a detection component. The sensor component is configured to obtain a first stream of sensor data and a second stream of sensor data, wherein each of the first stream and second stream comprise a plurality of sensor frames. The detection component is configured to generate a concatenated feature map based on a sensor frame of a first type and a sensor frame of a second type. The detection component is configured to detect one or more objects based on the concatenated feature map. One or more of generating and detecting comprises generating or detecting using a neural network with a recurrent connection that feeds information about features or objects from previous frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Guy Hotson, Parsa Mahmoudieh, Vidya Nariyambut Murali
  • Engine cooling system and method
    Patent number: 10450941
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine cooling while reducing the overall energy consumption of the engine cooling system's components. A first circulation pump is used to pump coolant through an engine block as a function of engine output while a second radiator pump is selectively operated when a thermostat valve is open to pump coolant through a radiator and the engine block to effect the engine coolant temperature. Operation of the second pump is coordinated with the operation of a radiator cooling fan and grille shutters to improve radiator performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Cunningham, Joseph Ulrey, Ross Pursifull
  • Battery system identification through impulse injection
    Patent number: 10451678
    Abstract: Vehicle systems and methods can include a traction battery and a controller to operate the traction battery according to current limits of a battery model identified from a battery response to a pulse of current injected into the battery while the battery is not being discharged to propel the vehicle or being charged. The pulse can have a sampling time and magnitude. The response is battery terminal voltages measurements at every sampling time during a set duration. The controller can implement a state estimator configured to output battery state uses a battery impulse response. The pulse input into the battery can be a current signal and the measured battery response can be a voltage. The controller can select a time period for the pulse input and battery measurement response to be when the controller is not charging the battery or drawing current from the battery to propel the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tae-Kyung Lee
  • Valve lift control device with cylinder deactivation
    Patent number: 10450907
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a valve lift control device. In one example, a method may include rotating an adjusting camshaft of the valve lift control device in order to adjust a valve lift of one or more cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Guenter Hans Grosch, Rainer Lach, Joerg Bonse
  • Proximity switch having sensor with decorative metal
    Patent number: 10454474
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly is provided having a sensing pad and a proximity sensor extending around the sensing pad for generating an activation field. The proximity sensor comprises at least one electrode that forms a decorative trim component that is visibly exposed. The proximity switch assembly also includes a controller for determining activation of the switch based on a signal generated from the activation field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Anthony Majkowski, Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati, Wei Xu, Steven J. Antilla, Akshay Kaasam Sudershan
  • Mounting unit comprising drive shaft and drive shaft holder as well as motor vehicle comprising mounting unit
    Patent number: 10449854
    Abstract: A mounting unit for a motor vehicle, comprising a drive shaft bracket fastening a drive shaft to a mounting component of the motor vehicle. The drive shaft bracket is fastened to the mounting component of the motor vehicle by a fastening portion. The drive shaft bracket, in the event of a front force on the drive shaft, is supported by a contact portion of the bracket via a contact point on a supporting component of the motor vehicle, which causes a rotation of the drive shaft bracket around the contact point. The rotation causes a joint between the fastening portion and the mounting component to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Meckenstock
  • Vehicle light control
    Patent number: 10453346
    Abstract: A system including a computer for a vehicle is programmed to identify the vehicle as a lead vehicle in a platoon of three or more vehicles, and to identify one of the vehicles in the platoon as a caboose vehicle. The computer is programmed to deactivate a rear light of the lead vehicle, and to instruct activation of a rear light of the caboose vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia M. Neubecker, Somak Datta Gupta, Brad Alan Ignaczak, Pramita Mitra, Jayanthi Rao, Perry Robinson MacNeille
  • Adhesive compositions containing functionalized ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymers and rosin-based tackifiers
    Patent number: 10450484
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising the following components: A) an anhydride and/or carboxylic acid functionalized ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer comprising the following properties: i) a melt viscosity (177° C.) less than, or equal to, 50,000 cP; and ii) a density from 0.855 to 0.895 g/cc; B) a rosin-based tackifier; and wherein the tackifier is selected from the following: i) a partially hydrogenated glycerol ester; ii) a fully hydrogenated pentaerythritol ester; iii) a fully hydrogenated glycerol ester; iv) a non-hydrogenated ester with a Tg from 30° C. to 50° C.; or v) a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Livia Li Wen Chen, Selim Yalvac
  • Climate control for hybrid electric vehicle with engine stop-start
    Patent number: 10449945
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that includes an internal combustion engine and a climate control system (CCS) coupled to controllers configured to auto start-stop the engine when the HEV decelerates to an engine-stop threshold speed. The controllers are also configured to adjust a climate-fan-speed by a predetermined initial-factor, and at subsequent timed-intervals with a speed-factor that is adjusted from the initial-factor at each timed-interval, such that engine restart is inhibited by perceptually small speed adjustments and perceptually slow timed-interval cabin cooling adjustments. Such gradual adjustments are tuned to increase passenger perceptions of continuing cabin comfort, which reduce the likelihood that a passenger may adjust the CCS to require engine restart, and to increase auto stop-start fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, James C Rollinson, Hussam Makkiya, Siraj Siddiqui
  • Systems and methods for diagnosing components in a vehicle evaporative emissions system
    Patent number: 10451010
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a canister purging operation and for rationalizing components of a vehicle evaporative emission system. In one example, after completion of a refueling event, a first fuel vapor canister purge operation is conducted to desorb hydrocarbon light ends from the fuel vapor canister, and subsequently the canister is heated to desorb hydrocarbon heavy ends from the canister, which are routed to a hydrocarbon sensor to rationalize the hydrocarbon sensor, before being purged to engine intake in a second purging operation. In this way, a fuel vapor storage canister may be thoroughly cleaned of hydrocarbon light ends and hydrocarbon heavy ends, while additionally indicating whether a canister heating element, and a hydrocarbon sensor positioned between the canister and atmosphere, are functioning as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Vehicle light assembly having deformable lens
    Patent number: 10449896
    Abstract: A vehicle light assembly is provided that includes a light source, a deformable inner lens operatively coupled to the light source, and a movable outer lens configured to deform the inner lens, wherein in a first position the inner lens has a first shape and in a second position the inner lens is deformed to a second shape to change the beam pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati, Steven J. Antilla, Jason Robert Emrich, Christopher Craft, Linsheng Chen
  • Thermal engine encapsulation diagnostic
    Patent number: 10450981
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an engine thermal encapsulation positioned around a powertrain of a vehicle. In one example, degradation of the thermal encapsulation may be determined by comparing a temperature sampled via a sensor during engine off condition with an expected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Anthony Tascillo, Thomas G. Leone, Kenneth James Miller, William Charles Ruona
  • Method of controlling a belt drive of an engine of a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 10451018
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a vehicle comprising a stop-start system and in particular to a motor vehicle having a belt driven integrated starter-generator (BISG) drivingly connected to an accessory drive belt of an engine of the motor vehicle are provided. The BISG may be used during an engine stop event to preposition the crank at an angle from which it facilitates rapid restart of the engine and during engine running the BISG may be used as a power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Andrew Straker, Ian Robinson
  • System and method for acoustic determination of battery cell expansion
    Patent number: 10454144
    Abstract: A battery pack according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery assembly, a resonant device disposed about the battery assembly, a bracket located between the battery assembly and the resonant device, and at least one modulating device located between the bracket and the resonant device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Poirier
  • Electronic locking differential
    Patent number: 10451161
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a differential having an electronic locker and a controller. The controller is programmed to, when in differential-lock mode, engage the locker responsive to vehicle speed being less than a speed threshold and a steering angle being less than a threshold, disengage the locker responsive to vehicle speed exceeding the speed threshold, and prevent automatic re-engagement of the locker responsive to the steering angle exceeding the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gustavo Luis Garcia, Jacob Martin Povirk, Jihong Guo, Filip Tomik
  • Container with molded bag on valve assembly
    Patent number: 10450114
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a container and a process for producing the container. In an embodiment, the process includes placing a sleeve bag on valve assembly (SBoV) in a blow mold apparatus. The blow mold apparatus has two opposing and movable molds. The SBoV has a valve seat. The process includes extending a parison of flowable polymeric material around the SBoV and between the opposing molds. The process includes moving the opposing molds to a closed position and pressing an upstream portion of the parison against the valve seat. The process includes blow molding a downstream portion of the parison into a container-shape within the closed mold. The process includes forming a container with the valve seat melt bonded to a neck portion of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Peter J. Schulz, Marc S. Black, Matthew J. Turpin, Jeffrey E. Bonekamp, Todd A. Hogan
  • Exhaust silencer
    Patent number: 10450912
    Abstract: An exhaust silencer for a motor vehicle is provided. In one example, the silencer comprises a noise-reducing structure and a heat sink to transfer heat from exhaust gases to the exterior of the silencer, the heat sink comprising two regions of fins which define a plurality of flow channels through the heat sink, the flow channels directing the flow of exhaust through the silencer from an inlet passage to an outlet passage. In this way, a temperature of the exhaust is reduced, and the silencer and downstream components of an exhaust system may be constructed of materials of a lower thermal tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Donnelly, Daniel Neville, John Shore, Graeme McKen