Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Method and Apparatus for Predictive Driving Demand Modeling
    Publication number: 20150317847
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to record vehicle inputs during travel over a predefined distance. The processor is also configured to record environmental variables during travel over the predefined distance. Further, the processor is configured to record vehicle state changes during travel over the predefined distance. The processor is additionally configured to compare the inputs, variables and state changes to predetermined values to determine if a correlation, indicating a predefined condition, exists. Also, the processor is configured to record the predefined condition as occurring over the predefined distance if the correlation indicates the predefined condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Hsin-hsiang Yang
  • METHOD FOR INCREASING VACUUM PRODUCTION FOR A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20150316002
    Abstract: Methods and systems for providing vacuum to a vehicle are described. In one example, a method adjusts an engine air-fuel ratio in response to provide additional vacuum to the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • ESD PROTECTION FOR DYNAMIC LIGHTING
    Publication number: 20150319815
    Abstract: A lighting assembly including a circuit is disclosed. The circuit is configured to be disposed in a panel defining a cavity forming an opening. The circuit includes a light source in communication with a controller and an exposed conductive portion conductively connected to an isolation terminal. The exposed conductive portion is oriented proximate the opening and provides a path for an electrical discharge to protect the light source from the electrical discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Steven J. Antilla, Daniel Weckstein
  • Methods of Integrating Aluminoxane Production Into Catalyst Production
    Publication number: 20150315308
    Abstract: Methods for integrating aluminoxane production into catalyst production are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Timothy R. Lynn, Michael D. Awe
  • INDUCTION ANNEALING AS A METHOD FOR EXPANDED HYDROFORMED TUBE FORMABILITY
    Publication number: 20150315666
    Abstract: A method of hydroforming a workpiece includes the steps of bending the workpiece into a first preliminary shape, pre-forming the workpiece into a second preliminary shape, induction annealing the workpiece at a temperature between 120-160° C. and hydroforming the workpiece to a desired shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nia R. Harrison, Andrey M. Ilinich, S. George Luckey, Stephen Kernosky
  • PLASMA TREATMENT OF AN ELECTROCHEMICAL MEMBRANE
    Publication number: 20150318527
    Abstract: A method for treating an electrochemical membrane includes providing a porous film having a first outer surface and a second opposed outer surface, and treating at least a portion of the first outer surface with an air plasma jet at atmospheric pressure to functionalize the at least a portion of the first outer surface with a plurality of oxygen functional groups. A battery separator has an ionically conductive separator film having a first functionalized outer surface with a plurality of oxygen atoms providing one to twenty percent of the total atoms present on the surface to provide a greater electrolytic uptake than a non-functionalized film. An electrochemical membrane has an ionically conductive microporous film with at least a portion of the first side having a plurality of polar functional groups introduced by air plasma treatment at atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin James Rhodes, Larry Paul Haack
  • Method and Apparatus for Locating Optimal Refueling Stations
    Publication number: 20150316406
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments classify vehicle performance by fuel providers under a variety of driving demands. Individual measured performance may be combined with collaborative crowd-sourced experiences to leverage a vast data set usable to improve statistical accuracy. The illustrative embodiments provide non-limiting examples of methods usable to save fuel costs at the pump through the use of performance forecasts based on observed historic fuel quality at known fuel providers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allan Roy Gale, David Allen Kowalski
  • ROAD ROUGHNESS PREVIEW WITH DRIVE HISTORY
    Publication number: 20150314663
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a sensor configured to detect a first road feature, an adjustable suspension system, and a processing device. The processing device is configured to determine, using a drive history map, a location of the vehicle based on the first road feature and apply a suspension profile to the suspension system. The suspension profile is associated with a second road feature identified by the drive history map, which is at a different location from the first road feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Rhode, Shane Elwart, Nanjun Liu, Thomas Edward Pilutti
  • Method and system for an intake humidity sensor
    Patent number: 9175642
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an engine operating parameter based on an output of a humidity sensor during a compressor bypass valve event. When the compressor bypass valve is closed, a current output of the sensor is used for the adjustments. When the compressor bypass valve is opened, such as to mitigate surge, an output of the sensor stored from before the opening of the bypass valve is used for the adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Timothy Joseph Clark, Evangelos Skoures, Richard E. Soltis
  • Method for operating an internal combustion engine with gas as a fuel
    Patent number: 9175599
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ulrich Kramer
  • Electro-mechanical protector for vehicle latches during crash conditions and method for operating the same
    Patent number: 9174597
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic mechanical protector system for vehicle door latches during crash conditions, vehicle door equipped with such a system, and methods for operating the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Todd N. Clark, David J. Tippy, Matt A. Niesluchowski
  • Methods and systems for torque control
    Patent number: 9174637
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving surge control. When surge conditions are approached, a reference governor reduces engine airflow at a slower rate and to a higher level than the engine airflow required to meet the reduced torque demand. The excess torque resulting from the extra airflow is offset by applying a negative torque on the driveshaft via an electric machine coupled to the engine or via alternate engine actuator adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Julia Helen Buckland, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Uros Vojko Kalabic, Matthew John Gerhart, Tobias John Pallett, Ilya Kolmanovsky, Suzanne Kay Wait
  • Cement to make thermal shock resistant ceramic honeycomb structures and method to make them
    Patent number: 9174158
    Abstract: An improved ceramic honeycomb structure is comprised of at least two separate smaller ceramic honeycombs that have been adhered together by a cement layer comprised of a cement layer has at least two regions of differing porosity or cement layer where the ratio of toughness/Young's modulus is at least about 0.1 MPa·m1/2/GPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Aleksander J. Pyzik, Nicholas M. Shinkel, Arthur R. Prunier, Jr., Janet M. Goss, Kwanho Yang
  • Liquid phase injection tip icing prevention
    Patent number: 9175640
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly is provided herein. The fuel injector assembly includes an insulated delivery conduit in fluidic communication with a fuel pump and a conductive enclosure at least partially surrounding the insulated delivery conduit. The fuel injector assembly further includes a seal positioned between the insulated delivery conduit, conductive enclosure, and the fuel injector outlet with radial and axial forces against an exterior surface of the insulated delivery conduit, interior surface of the conductive enclosure, and the exterior surface of fuel injector outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Raymond Ryan, Brendan John Butcher
  • Ethylene-based polymer compositions, methods of making the same, and articles prepared from the same
    Patent number: 9175111
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a blend, which comprises a high molecular weight ethylene-based polymer, and a low molecular weight ethylene-based polymer, and wherein the high molecular weight ethylene-based polymer has a density less than, or equal to, 0.955 g/cm3, and wherein the blend has a high load melt index (I21) greater than, or equal to, 15 g/10 min, and wherein the blend has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) greater than, or equal to, 15. The invention also provides a composition comprising a blend, which comprises a high molecular weight ethylene-based polymer and a low molecular weight ethylene-based polymer, and wherein the high molecular weight ethylene-based polymer component has a density less than, or equal to, 0.945 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) less than, or equal to, 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Mridula (Babli) Kapur, Robert J. Jorgensen, Burkhard E. Wagner, William J. Michie, Jr.
  • Method of inferring start-up misfires due to the build-up of ice and melt water in the intake system of a vehicle engine
    Patent number: 9175619
    Abstract: Methods are provided for determining ice formation during cruising under cold weather conditions at the intake manifold or throttle body of an engine system and for enabling engine misfire diagnostics upon detection of dissipation of the formed ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Patrick Whitehead, Craig Alan Smith, Timothy Robert Gernant, Robert Sarow Baskins, Gregory Joseph Pawlak
  • Glow plug heater control
    Patent number: 9175661
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a glow plug are disclosed. In one example, current supplied to a glow plug can be controlled to promote combustion stability of a cylinder after an engine start. Engine feedgas hydrocarbons may be reduced during conditions where combustion stability may be otherwise reduced to reduce tailpipe emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Paul Joseph Tennison, David A. May
  • Method and system for engine control
    Patent number: 9175615
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing exhaust temperatures during high engine load conditions in engine systems configured to operate with multiple fuels. Stoichiometric cylinder operation is provided via injection of a gaseous fuel such as CNG. In response to elevated exhaust temperatures, the cylinder is enriched by injecting a liquid fuel, such as gasoline, while maintaining the injection of CNG and while maintaining spark timing at MBT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Badillo, Samuel Guido, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Dev Saberwal
  • Tilt switch and lighting assembly for a vehicle compartment
    Patent number: 9174571
    Abstract: A vehicle compartment has a housing defining a space and an access door pivotally coupled to the housing for pivoting between an open position and a closed position. Included is a light source for illuminating the space and a tilt switch provided on a circuit board coupled to the access door. The tilt switch is configured to have a first switch position when the access door is in the closed position and a second switch position when the access door is in the open position. The light source is activated when tilt switch is in the second switch position. The compartment may include a storage compartment, such as a glove box. The compartment may include an engine compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shannon Carloni, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Megan Lovejoy, Frederick A. Drapala, Latasha Nicole Smith
  • Process for telomerization of butadiene using a mono-orthoalkoxy substituted catalyst
    Patent number: 9174905
    Abstract: A process for the telomerization of butadiene comprises reacting 1,3-butadiene and an alkanol, in the presence of a catalyst promoter and an alkoxydimerization catalyst comprising a Group VIII transition metal and a triarylphosphine ligand, which includes one phenyl that is mono-ortho-alkoxy substituted and at least one other phenyl including at least one substituent that withdraws electrons from the phosphorus atom. The product includes an alkoxy-substituted octadiene, which may then be used to produce 1-octene. The catalyst shows improved stability, activity and selectivity toward the alkoxy-substituted octadiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: John R. Briggs, Jasson T. Patton, Daryoosh Beigzadeh, Peter M. Margl, Henk Hagen, Sonet Vermaire-Louw