Patents Assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC
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Publication number: 20250086315Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to identify personally identifiable information (PII) in an initial image frame; encode a region containing the PII of the initial image frame to a latent vector with a lower dimensionality than the region; anonymize the region from the initial image frame, resulting in a modified image frame; and associate the latent vector with the modified image frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2023Publication date: March 13, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: David Michael Herman
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Publication number: 20250085694Abstract: A method of performing a finishing operation on a surface of a component includes: (a) generating an image of the surface of the component; (b) comparing the image of the surface of the component with a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model of the surface of the component to identify a target area to be finished; (c) selecting, by a controller, one of a plurality of finishing tools to perform the finishing operation on the target area; (d) operating, by a robot, a selected one of the plurality of finishing tools to perform the finishing operation; (e) measuring a surface roughness of the target area; and (f) repeating steps (a) to (e) until the surface roughness of the target area satisfies a predetermined value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2023Publication date: March 13, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Raj Sohmshetty, Chris Schultz, Elizabeth Bullard, Jeff Tornabene, Ramesh Parameswaran, Kyle Saul, Lorne Forsythe
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Patent number: 12247838Abstract: A system and method for vehicle sharing include a vehicle having sensors, a vehicle computing system (VCS) including a processor and a memory communicating with the sensor and programmed to store sensor data associated with a vehicle sharing trip, and a human-machine interface (HMI) communicating with the VCS and displaying a vehicle sharing trip cost using the sensor data associated with vehicle and/or vehicle component wear and tear incurred during the trip, trip cost savings based on the pricing method, and presenting related coupons. Vehicle sharing cost may be determined for a vehicle use, driver, route, road conditions, parking behavior, weather, etc. based on data from vehicle sensors and external sensors to detect ambient and operating conditions. Sensor data may be communicated to cloud-based networks for processing, analysis, and cost determination using models associating sensor data with component wear, driver's characteristics, historical behavior, and related maintenance and repair cost.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yimin Liu, Perry Robinson MacNeille, Erica Klampfl, Kevin Cooper
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Patent number: 12246681Abstract: A roof rack assembly for a vehicle includes a pedestal including an indentation. A roof rail is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to the pedestal. In the first configuration, a toggle loop of the roof rail is positioned in a first orientation relative to the indentation. In the second configuration, the toggle loop is positioned in a second orientation relative to the indentation.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rohit Telukunta, Adam Weyrauch, Peter Joyce, Steven Frank
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Patent number: 12246625Abstract: A seating assembly is provided that includes a seating assembly frame that includes a seatback frame, and a seat frame. The seating assembly further includes a seatback panel coupled to an upper portion of the seatback frame and movable between a stored position relative to the seatback frame and an extended position relative to the seatback frame, and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the seatback panel and the seating assembly frame and movable between a first position and a second position in response to an actuating force.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Line, Joseph Kish, Ratan Howlader, Ian James, Robert Shipley, Patrick Davis, Nicholas Alphonse Billardello, David Frederick Lyons, Sean West
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Patent number: 12247839Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to divide a plurality of waypoints in a geographic area into a plurality of clusters according to at least one metric, arrange the clusters into an upper-level ordering by executing an optimization algorithm, arrange the waypoints within the respective clusters into a plurality of respective lower-level orderings by executing the optimization algorithm on the respective clusters, and output the waypoints in a final ordering by concatenating the waypoints in the lower-level orderings according to the upper-level ordering. The final ordering defines a final route passing through the waypoints in the final ordering.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2022Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joydip Ghosh, Rathi Munukur
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Patent number: 12247506Abstract: A method of providing a heating cycle for an after-treatment system is described. The method comprises initiating a pre-charge cycle of a DCDC converter and determining a temperature of the after-treatment system. In response to determining the temperature of the after-treatment system is below a threshold temperature and the pre-charge is complete, the method further comprises operating a solid-state switch to electrically connect a high voltage power source to a heating element to of the after-treatment system, and heating the after-treatment system with the heating element until the after-treatment system reaches the threshold temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Cox, David Hesketh, Themi Petridis
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Patent number: 12246627Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat and a seatback. The seatback includes a frame that has opposing first and second frame members and first and second displaceable panels that are pivotably coupled to the first and second frame members. The first and second displaceable panels are movable between stored positions and deployed positions in response to a force exerted on the seatback.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2023Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ranjit Nagi, Nathan Pabalate, Nicholas Gilbert, Patrick Davis, Megan Romelfanger
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Publication number: 20250074346Abstract: A bumper for a vehicle includes a crossbeam, a first crush can, and a second crush can. The first crush can extends vehicle-rearward from the crossbeam to the first frame rail along the vehicle-longitudinal axis and the second crush can extend vehicle-rearward from the crossbeam to the second frame rail along the vehicle-longitudinal axis. The bumper has a topmost surface along the crossbeam, the first crush can, and the second crush can. The bumper has a bottommost surface along the crossbeam, the first crush can, and the second crush can. The crossbeam, the first crush can, and the second crush can have a lattice shape defining cells. At least some of the cells are elongated through both the topmost surface and the bottommost surface. The crossbeam, the first crush can, and the second crush can are unitary with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Saeed D. Barbat, Mohammad Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi, S.M. Iskander Farooq
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Publication number: 20250074176Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame including a pair of spaced apart longitudinal members extending along a vehicle-longitudinal axis. Multiple cross-members extend transverse to the vehicle-longitudinal axis and are fastened at each end to a corresponding one of the pair of longitudinal members. A battery tray is positioned above the multiple cross-members and positioned between the longitudinal members.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohammad Omar Faruque, S.M. Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi
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Publication number: 20250074424Abstract: Systems and methods for pass zone vehicle control include receiving, via wireless communications, respective vehicle data for each of a plurality of vehicles on a roadway, the vehicle data including at least speed and location data. A set of current pass zones and a set of current no-pass zones on the roadway is determined based on the speed and location data from the plurality of vehicles, a set of static no-pass zones, and a set of static pass zones. A control parameter is then transmitted for a candidate passing vehicle in the plurality of vehicles, wherein the control parameter is determined based on the set of current pass-zones and the set of current no-pass zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Sullivan, Tyler James-Ray Kaldobsky
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Publication number: 20250079835Abstract: A vehicle configured to provide energy to a building is disclosed. The vehicle may include a transceiver configured to receive a set point temperature, historical building load consumption information and current building load consumption information associated with the building. The vehicle may further include a processor configured to obtain a trigger signal, and transmit a command signal to cause an activation of a building component to the set point temperature responsive to obtaining the trigger signal. The processor may further compare the current building load consumption information with the historical building load consumption information responsive to activating the building component, and determine a building component load profile based on the comparison and the set point temperature. The processor may then control a building component operation based on the building component load profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ryan O'Gorman, Stuart C. Salter, Peter Phung, Brendan Diamond
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Publication number: 20250074286Abstract: A vehicle including a plurality of first motorized tiles and a vehicle elevator is disclosed. The plurality of first motorized tiles may be disposed in a vehicle interior portion. The plurality of first motorized tiles may be configured to move and secure a first bin of a first size and a second bin of a second size. The vehicle elevator may include a second motorized tile and a set of third motorized tiles. The second motorized tile may be configured to receive the second bin from the plurality of first motorized tiles and secure the second bin. The second motorized tile may be of a third size. Further, each third motorized tile may be configured to receive the first bin from the plurality of first motorized tiles and secure the first bin. Each third motorized tile may be of a fourth size.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Meghna Menon, Geoffrey Horowitz, Sarah Garrow, Jason Snow, John Vincent, Yifan Chen, Kevin Hwang, Kurt Lundeen, Timothy Feldkamp, Smruti Panigrahi, Sam Hoff
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Publication number: 20250074287Abstract: A delivery vehicle having a base and a bin engagement unit is disclosed. The base may be configured to secure a plurality of bins. Each bin may include a plurality of sidewalls, and each sidewall may include an interior surface and an exterior surface. The bin engagement unit may be configured to move in a two-dimensional (2D) space in proximity to the base. The bin engagement unit may be configured to engage with the interior surface of a bin, from the plurality of bins, and slide the bin on the base when the bin engagement unit engages with the interior surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yifan Chen, Kurt Michael Lundeen, Sam Hoff, Smruti Panigrahi, Kevin Hwang, Timothy Mark Feldkamp
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Publication number: 20250074282Abstract: A motor vehicle having a mounting device for a tray for use on a steering wheel or steering wheel rim arranged in a tray support position, wherein the tray has at least one guide element on a mounting side arranged opposite a tray surface, and wherein the mounting device has a counter-guide clement corresponding to the at least one guide element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2024Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sascha Kaatz, Sree Ram Gopal Reddy Thodeme
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Publication number: 20250076873Abstract: A method for vehicle distribution of a fleet of vehicles includes: receiving signals from a set of infrastructure sensors; receiving signals from one or more sensors on-board the vehicles; processing the signals from the set of infrastructure sensors and the signals from the one or more sensors on-board the vehicles; controlling autonomous queuing of the vehicles using the processed signals; and controlling autonomous loading and unloading of the vehicles onto a transportation vehicle according to the queuing of the vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mario Anthony Santillo, Meghna Menon, Gregory P. Linkowski, Smruti Panigrahi
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Publication number: 20250074725Abstract: A vehicle for delivering a plurality of packages disposed in a plurality of bins is described. The vehicle includes a grid of a plurality of motorized tiles configured to enable movement of the plurality of bins within the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a robotic arm disposed at a vehicle rear portion. The robotic arm may be configured to load or unload a bin to or from the grid of the plurality of motorized tiles. The robotic arm may be attached to a linear actuator that is configured to move the robotic arm in a vehicle interior portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Hwang, Timothy Mark Feldkamp, Yifan Chen, Kurt Michael Lundeen, Sam Hoff, Smruti Panigrahi
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Publication number: 20250074296Abstract: A trailer light management system is disclosed. The system may include a constant current source circuit and a processor. The constant current source circuit may be configured to supply a current to a trailer light. The processor may be configured to obtain a trigger signal and cause the constant current source circuit to supply the current to the trailer light responsive to obtaining the trigger signal. The processor may be further configured to determine a voltage drop in the constant current source circuit responsive to supplying the current. In addition, the processor may determine that a predefined condition may be met based on the voltage drop. The processor may perform a predefined action responsive to determining that the predefined condition may be met.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sheran Anthony Alles, Manuel Leon, Sandeep Pothuganti
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Publication number: 20250078686Abstract: A vehicle including a transceiver, a telematics control unit and a processor is disclosed. The transceiver may be configured to receive tour information associated with a tour, and the telematics control unit may be determine a real-time vehicle geolocation. The processor may be configured to obtain a trigger signal, and obtain the tour information and the real-time vehicle geolocation responsive to obtaining the trigger signal. The processor may be further configured to determine that a predefined condition may be met based on the tour information and the real-time vehicle geolocation. The processor may modify a first vehicle component setting associated with a vehicle component to a second vehicle component setting, responsive to determining that the predefined condition may be met.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alexander Blouin, Kevin King, Jacob Michael Haspiel, Robin Mathew Kurian, Zhimin Yang, Stefan Bankowski, Ryan Alexander Bright
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Publication number: 20250076882Abstract: A method for remotely controlling the movement of a vehicle by means of a hand-held device is described. The method includes the following steps: activating a button by pressing and holding the button by a user; setting a tilt angle of the device by the user starting from an initial tilt angle when activating the button; receiving a signal representing the current tilt angle of the device; converting the received signal into a virtual pedal position, which corresponds to the position of a physical pedal corresponding to the virtual pedal; controlling the movement of the vehicle according to the virtual pedal position; and stopping the vehicle if pressing and holding the button is ended.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2024Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Andreas Puetz, Mohamed Benmimoun, Lars Kuhnert, Tobias Lotz, Thomas Nowak, Benjamin Maus