Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Method and system for estimating fuel system integrity
    Patent number: 9133783
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a fuel system configured to deliver a gaseous fuel to an engine. While the engine is shutdown, diagnostic routines may be performed to identify fuel system leaks or breaches. When the engine is subsequently restarted, fuel rail pre-priming is adjusted based on the presence of fuel system leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie Terence Slaymaker, Andrew Paul Chee Aun Wong, Adam Nolan, Phuoc Bui Buiquang, Michael Lanksch
  • Biocidal compositions and methods of use
    Patent number: 9131698
    Abstract: Provided are biocidal compositions comprising: a hydroxymethyl-substituted phosphorus compound and a polymeric biguanide. The compositions are useful for controlling microorganisms in aqueous or water-containing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Bei Yin
  • Frequency based battery model parameter estimation
    Patent number: 9132745
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain system includes a battery and at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to determine instantaneous battery power limits during operation of the system using filtered battery voltage signals and current input signals. The at least one controller is further configured to separate medium-to-high frequency dynamics of the measured battery voltage. The filtering process, in certain examples, is realized using a low pass filter or a high pass filter. The at least one controller is further configured to correlate the medium-to-high frequency loads to estimate battery parameters and determine battery dynamics using, in one example, an Extended Kalman Filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tae-Kyung Lee
  • Adjustable tower stud assembly
    Patent number: 9133870
    Abstract: An adjustable tower stud assembly is disclosed for securing an object, such as a roof rack, to an external panel such as the roof of a vehicle. The object requires more support than can be provided by the external panel and it is also connected to a sub-surface support. Upper and lower collared studs are connected by a threaded connection that allows the length of the tower stud assembly to be adjusted. Stops on a lower collar ground the tower stud assembly to the sub-surface support after the tower stud assembly is adjusted to the proper length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David James Spolyar
  • Method and System for Warning a Driver of a Motor Vehicle
    Publication number: 20150251667
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for altering the drivability of a vehicle so as to alert a driver of the vehicle of a potentially hazardous condition. The vehicle has at least one sensor configured to detect the potentially hazardous potential. Additionally, the vehicle has a control system for directing a transmission of the vehicle to perform a transmission operation that catches the driver's attention by generating an acceleration or deceleration. The transmission operation is preferably an upshift, a downshift, an unlocking of a torque converter lockup clutch or a locking of the lockup clutch. In one embodiment, the control system directs the transmission to perform more than one transmission operation, the transmission operations defining a transmission operation cycle. In a preferred embodiment, more than one transmission operation cycle is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jianbo Lu, Zhengyu Dai, Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Dimitar Petrov Filev
  • METHOD TO PRODUCE ALCOHOLS FROM ORGANIC ACIDS
    Publication number: 20150251982
    Abstract: A method of producing an alcohol compound from an organic acid compound including the step of heating a solution of the organic acid compound in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst including transition metal supported upon a cross-linked functional polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicants: Dow Global Technologies LLC, Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Brandon A. Rodriguez, Jose A. Trejo O' Reilly
  • TRIM AND FOAM ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE SEAT
    Publication number: 20150251579
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame disposed between an integrally formed back panel and an inner close-out panel. A cushion assembly is operably coupled to the inner close-out panel. A composite support member is substantially encompassed by the cushion assembly. The composite support member includes attachment members projecting rearwardly from inside the cushion assembly that engage with the inner close-out panel. The attachment members include snap-fit features disposed at a lower portion of the composite support member. Retaining rings are disposed at an upper portion of the composite support member. An upper trim piece extends over a top portion of the seat frame, the back panel, and the inner close-out panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Christian J. Hosbach
  • VEHICLE SEATING ASSEMBLY WITH MULTI-CONTOUR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150251580
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seating surface. A plurality of polymeric mats each include a memory metal encased therein, a first side operably coupled with an underlying support structure, and a second side proximate the seating surface. An electrical source is operably coupled to the memory metal in each polymeric mat and is configured to supply energy to the plurality of memory metals in each polymeric mat. A controller is in communication with the plurality of polymeric mats and is configured to deliver a predetermined electrical input to the memory metal of each polymeric mat. The predetermined electrical input manipulates each polymeric mat to a deformed state, which operates a cushion between a multitude of comfort positions. An air bladder is disposed below the plurality of polymeric mats. The air bladder is operable between an inflated condition and a deflated condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Sachs, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • VEHICLE TARGET IDENTIFICATION USING HUMAN GESTURE RECOGNITION
    Publication number: 20150251697
    Abstract: A trailer target detection system includes a camera located on a vehicle and arranged to capture video images of a trailer towed by the vehicle. The system includes an image processor processing the video images to detect a gesture by a user indicative of position of target on the trailer and identifying location of the target based on the detected gesture. A vehicle trailer backup assist system includes a camera and an image processor for processing images to detect a gesture and determine a command based on the gesture. The processor controls backing of the trailer based on the command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Trailer backup assist system using gesture commands and method
    Publication number: 20150251693
    Abstract: A trailer target detection system includes a camera located on a vehicle and arranged to capture video images of a trailer towed by the vehicle. The system includes an image processor processing the video images to detect a gesture by a user indicative of position of target on the trailer and identifying location of the target based on the detected gesture. A vehicle trailer backup assist system includes a camera and an image processor for processing images to detect a gesture and determine a command based on the gesture. The processor controls backing of the trailer based on the command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Sudipto Aich
  • AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE WITH ADAPTIVE SIDE VIEW MIRRORS
    Publication number: 20150253536
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one side view mirror assembly configured to move to a folded position. A processing device is configured to command the at least one side view mirror assembly to move to the folded position when the vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode. A method includes determining whether a vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode and commanding at least one side view mirror assembly to move to a folded position if the vehicle is operating in the autonomous mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jialiang Le, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Matthew Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Andrew Waldis
  • BATTERY MODEL WITH ROBUSTNESS TO CLOUD-SPECIFIC COMMUNICATION ISSUES
    Publication number: 20150251556
    Abstract: A vehicle may include battery cells and a controller configured to control the vehicle, based on a state observation of the battery cells, using model parameters computed according to controller-determined cell nominal parameters adjusted by remotely-determined cell delta parameters, the delta parameters received from an external computing device responsive to cell measurements relating to a cell battery model sent to the external computing device, the delta parameters indicating adjustments that improve accuracy of the nominal parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: JASON MEYER
  • FRONT END ACCESSORY DRIVE BRACKET AND MOUNTING METHOD FOR AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20150251536
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a bracket and surrounding structure for mounting a front end accessory drive component, such as an alternator, to an engine. Hanging heavy components on brackets may be dangerous and difficult for human operators as well as violate assembly standards. To securely hold the component to the engine in order to withstand vibrations and to protect the operator, an open bracket with a curved lip and surrounding support structure is used to mount the component to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Parsons Sullivan, Burak Gullac, Allan Kaminski, Dan D. Kirby, Ghanshyam M. Patel
  • DRIVER DROWSINESS DETECTION
    Publication number: 20150251663
    Abstract: Data is collected related to a yaw-rate of a vehicle during a period of time. Based in part on the yaw-rate data, an actual trajectory and an ideal trajectory for the vehicle in the period of time are computed. A deviation of a yaw-rate associated with the actual trajectory is determined from a yaw-rate associated with the ideal trajectory. A variance of the deviation is calculated. An indication is provided of a dangerous driving condition if the variance exceeds a predetermined variance threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hsin-hsiang Yang, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • HIGH VOLTAGE CUTOFF FOR ELECTRIFIED VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20150255975
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide an alternative high voltage cutoff technique for disconnecting a high voltage battery from an electrical network of a vehicle in the event of a fault condition. Embodiments include a vehicle system comprising an electrical bus and a battery module coupled to the electrical bus via a contactor and a disconnector. The vehicle system further includes a controller configured to switch the contactor to an open state, upon receiving a fault condition signal, and if the contactor failed to open, activating the disconnector to break electrical connection between the battery module and the electrical bus. In some embodiments, the fault condition signal is generated upon detecting a vehicular impact. In some embodiments, the disconnector is a pyrotechnic device powered by a vehicle battery included in the vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ray C. Siciak, David Crist Gabriel, Bo Wu, Derek Hartl
  • MESSAGING VIA VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL
    Publication number: 20150251666
    Abstract: One of a condition affecting a vehicle and a planned action of the vehicle are identified. An instruction is provided to actuate movement of a steering wheel in the vehicle, wherein the movement is determined according to the one of the condition and the planned action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, John P. Joyce, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Douglas Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Louis Tijerina, Hongtei Eric Tseng
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRE-IGNITION CONTROL IN A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE
    Publication number: 20150252743
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing pre-ignition incidence in a variable displacement engine during reactivation from a VDE mode. During conditions when one or more deactivated cylinders are reactivated to elevated engine loads, the reactivated cylinder(s) may be temporarily and preemptively enriched to reduce the possibility of cylinder pre-ignition. The preemptive enrichment is learned and further adjusted in a closed loop fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Paul Glugla
  • Fluid conduit with variable flow resistance
    Patent number: 9127799
    Abstract: A fluid-carrying conduit achieves variable resistance to flow. An elongate, hollow body casing has at least one chamber containing either a dilatant fluid or an electroactive polymer. In the case of the dilatant fluid, a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line occurs in reaction to an increase in the shear rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid line. In the case of the electroactive polymer, a reduction in an effective flow cross section of the fluid line occurs in reaction to an electric current being applied to the body casing. The conduit may be configured for use as a degassing line in a cooling system of an internal combustion engine. The conduit may have a reinforcement encircling the electroactive polymer. The conduit may have an electrically conductive connecting surface adjacent to the electroactive polymer. The electroactive polymer may be an ionic electroactive polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernd Brinkmann, Harald Kaufeld
  • Method for purging condensate from a charge air cooler
    Patent number: 9127607
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning out condensate stored at a charge air cooler. In response to increased condensate accumulation at a charge air cooler, airflow through the engine is increased to purge the condensate while an engine actuator is adjusted to maintain engine torque. Combustion stability issues of engine cylinders are addressed by adjusting fueling of each cylinder individually during condensate ingestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada, James Matthew Kindree, Claire Steele
  • Selective gas transport films that contain brominated styrene-butadiene copolymers
    Patent number: 9126153
    Abstract: Brominated styrene-butadiene copolymers are useful gas transport films. The gas transport films are made by brominating a starting styrene-butadiene copolymer, and then forming the brominated styrene-butadiene copolymer into a film. The film may contain a blend of the brominated styrene-butadiene copolymer with one or more other polymers. The films have excellent selectivities between certain pairs of gasses, and exhibit high gas transport rates for various gasses such as carbon dioxide and water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Scott T. Matteucci, Mark W. Beach, Michal E. Matteucci, Shari L. Kram, William G. Stobby, Ted A. Morgan, Inken Beulich