Patents Assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Inter-vehicle warnings
    Patent number: 10262539
    Abstract: A host vehicle includes: motor(s), sensors, processor(s) configured to: (a) iterate a series of future properties, comprising future positions, of nearby first and second vehicles based on determined current properties thereof; (b) associate a blindspot with an iterated future position of the second vehicle; (c) determine whether a future position of the first vehicle occupies the blindspot; (d) if so, transmit a message to the second vehicle including a message activation time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Miller
  • Vehicle and method for illuminating a passenger compartment of a vehicle with distributed ambient lights
    Patent number: 10259388
    Abstract: A method for illuminating a passenger compartment of a vehicle with lighting devices which each contain one or more diffuse and/or indirect light sources. The intensity and color of the light emitted by the light sources being set automatically as a function of specific operating parameters which are influenced by a vehicle occupant. The lighting devices which are respectively spatially assigned to an area of the passenger compartment of the vehicle in which there is a vehicle component with an operating parameter which can be set separately by the driver and which can act on a general operating mode selected by the driver, are actuated in such a way that their intensity and color indicate to the driver whether the current setting of the separately settable operating parameter has a positive or negative effect on the general operating mode selected by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcel Mathissen, Thomas Baranowski, Maximilian Julius Engelke, Maik Broda, Xiao Chen
  • Pickup box D-pillar assembly
    Patent number: 10259509
    Abstract: A pickup truck box assembly includes a truck bed, an inner side panel, and a D-pillar. The truck bed is secured on a rear edge to a rear cross-member. The inner side panel is mounted to the truck bed. The D-pillar includes an inner part secured to the cross-member and inner side panel, and an outer part secured to the inner part and disposed between an outer side panel and the inner part. The D-pillar inner part includes a U-shaped portion and a first flange extending rearward substantially ninety degrees from the U-shaped portion in a plane substantially parallel to the side panel and a second flange extending from the U-shaped portion outboard of the inner side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jack Marchlewski, Robert Reiners, Dragan B. Stojkovic, Joshua R. Hemphill
  • Vehicle frame
    Patent number: 10259501
    Abstract: A vehicle frame for a vehicle includes a rail and an engine cradle. The rail has a front portion, a rear portion spaced from the front portion, and a middle portion between the front portion and the rear portion. The engine cradle is transversely attached to the front portion. The front portion and the rear portion are each welded to the middle portion. The middle portion has a gauge thinner than a gauge of the front portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Martin Knittel, Marwan Ahmad Elbkaily, Dan Joseph McCarthy, Jungmao Michael Chang, Amar Ourchane
  • Foam plug for engine cover fastener pocket
    Patent number: 10260414
    Abstract: An engine cover assembly including a fastener concealing plug is disclosed. The plug includes a conical wall having upper and lower ends. A lower circumferential ring is spaced apart from the upper ring. The lower end of the concealing plug includes a fastener-receiving recessed area. The fastener pocket of the engine cover includes upper and lower grooves having a ring area formed therebetween. The upper circumferential ring of the plug nests with the upper groove of the pocket, the recessed area of the plug nests with the ring area, and the lower circumferential ring of the plug nests with the lower groove of the pocket. The engine cover is positioned on the engine such that a cover attaching stud passes through a stud-passing aperture of the cover. A fastening nut is threaded onto the cover-attaching stud until it comes into contact with a compression-limiting spacer. The plug conceals the fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher William Newman, Gary Nola
  • Method and system for exhaust particulate matter sensing
    Patent number: 10260399
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided sensing particulate matter by a particulate matter sensor positioned downstream of a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system. In one example, a method may include increasing an inlet opening of the particulate matter sensor when an exhaust flow rate falls below a threshold to allow more particulates to enter the particulate matter sensor and further includes decreasing the inlet opening when the exhaust flow rate rises above the threshold to reduce the particulates entering the sensor. By adjusting the amount of particulates entering the sensor based on the exhaust rate, the rate of deposition of the sensor and hence the sensitivity of the sensor to the exhaust flow rate may be maintained at a desired level, and independent of the exhaust flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Xiaogang Zhang
  • Methods and apparatus to selectively disable functions of electronic control units
    Patent number: 10259469
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to selectively disable functions in electronic control units are disclosed. An example method includes executing, via a processor of an electronic control unit in a vehicle, a first software function and a second software function. The method further includes preventing the execution of the first software function while continuing to execute the second software function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Andrew Miloser, Steve Michael Cunningham, Chris Acosta
  • Moveable contact support structure and supporting method
    Patent number: 10262810
    Abstract: An exemplary contactor assembly includes, among other things, a moveable contact that moves back and forth between an electrically coupled position with a plurality of stationary contacts, and an electrically decoupled position with the stationary contacts. A support structure is configured to limit flexing of the moveable contact when in the electrically coupled position. An exemplary support method includes, among other things, transitioning a moveable contact from an electrically decoupled position to an electrically coupled position with a plurality of stationary contacts. The method further includes limiting a flexing movement of the moveable contact with a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Wesley Burkman
  • Insert nut and fastening system with integral seal and bumper
    Patent number: 10260546
    Abstract: An insert nut includes a body having an opening at a first end, an end wall at a second end and an internal cavity extending between the opening and the end wall. A seal is carried on the body around the opening. In addition, a fastening system is provided. That fastening system includes the insert nut and a cooperating fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ira Jason Goldberg, Shibu Koyadan Chathoth
  • Item holder having a self-adjusting air bladder system
    Patent number: 10259370
    Abstract: An item holder includes a receiving well with a sidewall and an upper opening. One or more air bladders are disposed within the receiving well and are operable between inflated and deflated conditions within the receiving well. The air bladders substantially fill the upper opening when the air bladders are in the inflated condition to provide a filled receiving well appearance. A sensor is configured to sense an item being received in or removed from the receiving well. The air bladders deflate from the inflated condition to the deflated condition as an item is received in the receiving well. The air bladders may include a filler material that is predisposed to an expanded condition which correlates to the air bladders being in the inflated condition to substantially fill the upper opening of the receiving well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael M. Filipovich, Michael Kolich, Johnathan Andrew Line, Michael Medoro
  • Steering operation
    Patent number: 10262476
    Abstract: A reference vehicle is identified from data measuring changes in steering wheel angles of a plurality of vehicles. A target vehicle's steering wheel angle deviations is compared to steering wheel angle deviations of the reference vehicle A target vehicle component is actuated upon determining that a difference of the target vehicle's change of steering wheel angle and the reference vehicle's change of steering wheel angle exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Solid state battery
    Patent number: 10263289
    Abstract: A method of producing a solid state battery includes pre-coating a solid electrolyte surface with a metal to form a sacrificial layer and contacting a metal alloy with the sacrificial layer such that the sacrificial layer and the metal alloy react to form a eutectic liquid metal interface layer, at room temperature and between the electrolyte and a lithium anode, configured to alloy with the liquid metal interface layer at operating potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Venkataramani Anandan, Andrew Robert Drews
  • Method and apparatus for a near field communication system to exchange occupant information
    Patent number: 10261755
    Abstract: A system includes a plurality of antennas, positioned to be capable of receiving a wireless near field communication (NFC) device signal associated with a device located in any one of a driver's back pocket or front pocket, a center console or a passenger seat. The system also includes an NFC reader, in communication with the plurality of antennas. The NFC reader is operable to assign, based at least in part on a number of signals received and a signal strength, one of one or more devices associated with detected signals to a driver. The NFC reader is in communication with a vehicle computing system, operable to retrieve additional information associated with the device assigned to the driver and to apply that information to control vehicle settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Active vehicle pillar arrangement for selective wind noise, wind throb, snow buildup and moisture control
    Patent number: 10259505
    Abstract: An apparatus is for use with a pillar adjacent to a vehicle window, such as a windshield. The apparatus includes a molding for positioning adjacent to the pillar, the molding forming a channel in a deployed condition for receiving moisture from the vehicle windshield, or for reducing the effects of wind throb when a single vehicle window is open. An actuator may be associated with the molding for activating a non-deployed condition of the molding for reducing the effects of wind noise. The molding may include a passage for receiving an airflow and transmitting it to an outlet for directing fluid away from the molding, the pillar and adjacent side window. In the deployed condition, the molding may project from a surface of the pillar and in the non-deployed condition may be substantially flush with the surface of the pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William S Gulker, Jonathan B Barnes, Travis S Garland, Mark George Vojtisek, Jamal Kanso, Douglas Richard Olson
  • Retention mechanism for a forward folding seat assembly
    Patent number: 10259395
    Abstract: A folding seat assembly for e vehicle includes a folding seat pan that is pivotally mounted to a support surface and includes a mounting aperture disposed therethrough. A seatback is coupled to the support surface and includes an outwardly extending bracket with an upwardly extending engagement feature disposed thereon. An engagement member having a frame portion disposed on a lower surface of the seat pan and first and second sidewalls upwardly extending through the mounting aperture, the sidewalls including opposed inwardly extending tabs for receiving the engagement feature therebetween when the seat pan is in a use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Salenbien, Kevin Mozurkewich, Ammeswara Rao Sajja, Chih-Cheng Liao
  • Axle assembly for hybrid electric vehicle
    Patent number: 10259308
    Abstract: A hybrid rear axle provides a variety of functionality in addition to the functionality of a non-hybrid axle. The axle transmits power from an electric motor to the drive wheels at two selectable speed ratios to propel the vehicle. One of the two ratios is usable to propel the vehicle electrically with the engine stopped. With the drive wheels stationary, the axle transmits power from the driveshaft to the motor to charge a battery or from the motor to the driveshaft to start the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Goleski, David Allen Janson
  • Supercharged internal combustion engine with mixed-flow turbine
    Patent number: 10260406
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a supercharged internal combustion with a mixed flow turbine. In one example, a system comprises a mixed-flow turbine having a turbine shaft coupled to a compressor, a plurality of guide vanes arranged in an inlet of the mixed-flow turbine, a plurality of bevel wheels each coupled to a respective guide vane via a respective guide vane shaft, a pinion wheel with a plurality of teeth to mesh with the plurality of bevel wheels, and a pinion drive coupled to one of the bevel wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Franz Arnd Sommerhoff, Andreas Kuske, Vanco Smiljanovski, Helmut Matthias Kindl, Joerg Kemmerling
  • Start-stop system
    Patent number: 10260473
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a vehicle including a start-stop system configured to shut down and restart an engine of the vehicle automatically based on a brake value of a brake system. In one example, the method may include determining a first threshold brake value as a first function of a gradient of a surface on which the vehicle is positioned, determining a second threshold brake value as a second function of the gradient, wherein a difference between the first and second threshold brake values varies as a function of the gradient, shut down the engine when the brake value exceeds the first threshold brake value, and restart the engine when the brake value drops below the second threshold brake value. In this way, an incidence of inadvertent engine shut downs and restarts when the vehicle is stopped on an incline may be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Pedlar, David Hesketh, Gary Paisley, Dilli Raj Poudel
  • System and methods for operating an exhaust gas recirculation valve based on a temperature difference of the valve
    Patent number: 10260436
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining changes in a flow area of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for EGR flow estimates due to a change in temperature difference between a stem and body of the EGR valve. In one example, a method includes adjusting an EGR valve based on an estimate of EGR flow, the EGR flow estimated based on a pressure difference across the EGR valve and an adjusted valve flow area. The adjusted valve flow area may be based on the temperature difference between the stem and body of the EGR valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Alfred Hilditch, Imtiaz Ali, Yan Wang, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • Hybrid-electric vehicle plug-out mode energy management
    Patent number: 10259443
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, a battery, and at least one controller. The vehicle may further comprise a port for supplying power to a load external to the vehicle. The controller is programmed to operate the engine at a power level based on a difference between a battery voltage and a reference voltage such that a power output by the electric machine reduces the difference. The power level may define an engine operating point that minimizes fuel consumption. The operating point may be an engine torque and an engine speed. The power level may be further based on a state of charge of the battery. The electric machine may be operated to cause the engine to rotate at an engine speed corresponding to the selected power level. The difference may be caused by varying power drawn by a load external to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Xiaoyong Wang, Rajit Johri, Ryan Abraham McGee, Ming Lang Kuang