Patents Assigned to Ford Global Technologies
  • POINT OF INTEREST SEARCH, IDENTIFICATION, AND NAVIGATION
    Publication number: 20120041673
    Abstract: A computer-implemented navigation method for identifying one or more points of interest (POI) in a geographic location includes calculating a navigation route and receiving a reference point input. The reference point input may be unrelated to the navigation route and usable for identifying one or more POIs. The method further includes receiving one or more search parameters for searching for one or more POIs with respect to the reference point and identifying the one or more POIs based on the search parameters and reference point. The method also includes presenting the one or more POIs on a vehicle computer display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Karl Douglas Vandivier, Dean T. Wisniewski, Mark Schneider, Jennifer L. Brace, Paul Aldighieri, Vilay Patel, Charles Michael Broadwater
  • INTEGRATED EXHAUST MANIFOLD
    Publication number: 20120037101
    Abstract: A cylinder head of an engine with an integrated exhaust manifold is provided. In one example, the inner exhaust runners and outer exhaust runners have different cross-sectional areas. This arrangement may be beneficial to maintain exhaust flow rates in the integrated exhaust manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Riegger, Shuya Shark Yamada, Todd Jay Brewer
  • METHOD FOR OPERATING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH GAS AS A FUEL
    Publication number: 20120041665
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine is provided. The method comprises, during low and medium load conditions, introducing fuel from a fuel tank by intake pipe injection into at least one intake air line coupled to at least one cylinder, and during high load conditions, introducing the fuel from the fuel tank by direct injection into the at least one cylinder. In this way, the method of fuel delivery may be optimized based on the load conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ulrich Kramer
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IN-VEHICLE WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY
    Publication number: 20120039248
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a vehicle computer system for establishing in-vehicle wireless connectivity to remote computer network, e.g., the Internet. The system may include a processor in communication with a human machine interface (HMI) for control by a user. The processor may also be in communication with one or more wireless transceivers for wireless data communication. The processor may be capable of being paired to a pneumatic commuting device (e.g., cellphone, PDA, etc.) having wireless Internet connectivity. The processor may be configured to wirelessly connect to one or more personal computing devices in the vicinity of the vehicle, and provide a wireless Internet access point to the one or more personal computing devices based on the wireless connection and the Internet connectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schneider, Jennifer L. Brace, Paul Aldighieri, Michael Raymond Westra, Sukhwinder Wadhwa, Arthur Van Jack, JR.
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REGULATING CONTROL OF A VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120041633
    Abstract: One or more embodiments include systems and methods for regulating control of a vehicle infotainment system. In one embodiment, a vehicle computing system includes a user interface which has one or more output components and one or more input components. Software executing in memory of the vehicle computing system may be programmed with rules to reduce driver distraction such as preventing inputs or outputs during vehicle operation. Inputs may be intercepted from the one or more input components of the user interface. Additionally or alternatively, outputs may be intercepted to the output components of the user interface. The intercepted inputs or intercepted outputs may be evaluated for one or more violations based on the rules. If the one or more violations are detected, the inputs or outputs may be prevented during vehicle operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Schunder, Julius Marchwicki
  • HIGH-PRESSURE EXHAUST-GAS RECIRCULATION SYSTEM WITH HEAT RECOVERY
    Publication number: 20120036848
    Abstract: A method for operation of a high pressure exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system is provided. The method includes transferring heat from an exhaust flow through an EGR cooler to an engine coolant, the EGR cooler coupled to an EGR line fluidly coupled in parallel with a turbine and directing a controlled portion of the exhaust flow from the EGR cooler to an engine intake. The method further includes directing another controlled portion of the exhaust flow from the EGR cooler to the surrounding atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Hans Guenter Quix, Christian Winge Vigild
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION CONTROL
    Publication number: 20120037134
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an EGR valve and one or more intake throttles responsive to the output of an intake oxygen sensor to provide a desired amount of EGR flow while maintaining engine torque. The adjustments are coordinated to improve distributed control of the EGR valves and intake throttles, and enable EGR flow even when one actuator is limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Julie Helen Buckland, Amey Y. Karnik, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Dynamic traction control
    Patent number: 8116927
    Abstract: A vehicle in which propulsion can be distributed between first and second axles includes: a first electric motor coupled to the first axle and a second electric motor coupled to the second axle. An electric control unit (ECU) coupled to the motors causes electrical energy to be generated by the first motor in response to the ECU determining that a wheel speed of at least one wheel associated with the first axle exceeds the vehicle speed and causing electrical energy to be supplied to the second motor in response to electrical energy being generated in the first motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Hai Yu, Ming Lang Kuang
  • System and method for desulfating a NOtrap
    Patent number: 8112988
    Abstract: A method is described for controlling an engine with a NOx trap. The method may include adjusting timing of subsequent desulfation based upon a delay between initiating the desulfation process and a temperature increase in the NOx trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shane Elwart
  • Status indicator and reminder system for vehicle temporary mobility kit
    Patent number: 8115615
    Abstract: A status indicator and reminder system for use with a vehicle having a tire sealant-containing temporary mobility kit is provided. The system includes a signal provided for viewing by the operator which indicates that the temporary mobility kit requires servicing. The need for servicing can be based on certain variables, including the passage of a pre-determined period of time or on changes in temperature which may impact the effective life of the sealing compound. In addition, the need for servicing can be based on a sensed of the temporary mobility kit from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Kimberly Ann Steele, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Control of sequential downshifts in a transmission
    Patent number: 8113989
    Abstract: A method for executing a downshift in a transmission includes starting disengagement of a second control element after starting disengagement of a first element. Disengagement of the second element starts before starting engagement of a fourth element. A third element is forced to synchronous speed by beginning engagement of the fourth element before engaging the third element. Engagement of the third and fourth elements is completed at the end of the downshift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin MacFarlane, Timothy Merlino, Than Pham, Barbara Anne Hartline, Michael Tarrant
  • Motor power control
    Patent number: 8116926
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a traction battery, and a hybrid electric powertrain including an electric motor powered by the traction battery. A method of controlling the vehicle includes determining a desired motor torque, and calculating a desired total motor power based on the desired motor torque, current motor speed, and a loss map indicating motor losses as a function of motor torque and motor speed. The desired total motor power is limited to system limits based on traction battery charge and discharge power limits. A motor torque command which will achieve the limited total motor power is calculated. The motor is controlled based on the motor torque command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carol Louise Okubo, Shunsuke Okubo
  • Fuel cell stack flow diversion
    Patent number: 8114547
    Abstract: A fuel cell system has a compressor delivering compressed gas to a fuel cell stack and a control valve affecting the flow of compressed gas. A load dump condition is determined for the fuel cell stack. The flow through the compressor is increased and the additional flow diverted away from the fuel cell stack by the control valve to provide additional load for the fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack may then be operated at a higher output power for the purpose of generating more waste heat to more rapidly warm itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fred G. Brighton, II, Hans Buus Gangwar, Victor D. Dobrin
  • Eight speed planetary kinematic arrangement
    Patent number: 8113982
    Abstract: A multiple speed power transmission comprising: four epicylic gearing assemblies each having first, second, and third rotating elements with specified interconnections, an input shaft, an output shaft, three clutches, and two brakes. Clutches and brakes are applied in combinations of three to produce eight forward ratios and one reverse ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Reid Alan Baldwin
  • Tire pressure monitoring system auto learn algorithm
    Patent number: 8115613
    Abstract: A method of operating a tire pressure monitoring system on a vehicle comprising tracking number of burst transmissions sent by a sensor, building a pareto of potential sensor identifications based on the greatest number of burst transmissions received from the sensor associating a potential sensor identification to a respective tire location on the vehicle and storing the associated sensor identification in memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Dilip B. Patel, Thomas Michael McQuade, Mohsen Katiba, Greg Swadling
  • Inductor topologies with substantial common-mode and differential-mode inductance
    Patent number: 8115582
    Abstract: An inductor includes a core that has a window (164). The core includes a first core member and a second core member. A first winding is coupled to the first core member and a second winding is coupled to the second core member. A shell surrounds the core. Pairs of gaps between the core and the shell provide flux paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventors: Chingchi Chen, Michael Degner, Feng Liang
  • Polycarbonate panel assembly for a vehicle
    Patent number: 8114239
    Abstract: A vehicle glazing panel assembly has a polycarbonate panel supported by a vehicle body, and has a plurality of peripheral regions. A reinforcement member is mounted to the polycarbonate panel proximate at least one of the plurality of peripheral regions to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing panel assembly by thermoforming a polycarbonate panel. A reinforcement member is injection molded. The reinforcement member is joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel. A vehicle glazing panel assembly is manufactured by a method of thermoforming. A reinforcement member is formed and joined to the polycarbonate panel to stiffen the polycarbonate panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kedzie Davis Fernholz, Richard Howard Wykoff
  • System and method for determining a vehicle refueling strategy
    Patent number: 8116972
    Abstract: A method for generating a fueling strategy that generally minimizes fueling costs for a specified route to be traveled by a vehicle during a multi-day time period may include, based on current and forecasted fuel prices for the multi-day time period, (i) selecting at least one day during the multi-day time period on which to purchase fuel, (ii) selecting at least one fueling station along the route at which to purchase fuel for each selected day, and (iii) determining an amount of fuel to purchase at each selected fueling station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erica Klampfl, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin, Kacie Alane Theisen, Yimin Liu, Thomas J. Giuii, Perry Robinson MacNeille
  • Controlling of a vehicle responsive to reductant conditions
    Patent number: 8116961
    Abstract: Controlling a vehicle responsive to reductant conditions is provided. The method for controlling a vehicle having an engine with an exhaust, the exhaust having a reductant injection system including a reductant storage vessel, the engine further having a fuel system including a fuel storage vessel, may include under degraded reductant conditions, restricting vehicle motion in response to a fuel refill of the fuel storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Bogema, Bret Alan Zimmerman, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Ed Kulik, James Edwin Blatchford
  • Method for idle speed control
    Patent number: 8113170
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling engine output in a vehicle having a hydraulic power steering system. The method may include, during an idle condition where an engine speed is set to an idle speed, adjusting engine output based on a learned absolute steering wheel angle to compensate for changes in engine load caused by operation of the hydraulic power steering system. The learned absolute steering wheel angle may be based on a steering wheel angle relative to a steering wheel position at vehicle startup and operating conditions from previous vehicle operation before the vehicle startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brent Jacobsen, Mike Ryan Scannell, Ron Reichenbach, Hugh Hamilton, Marian Sue Chupa