Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Grommet assembly for vehicle body panel
    Patent number: 9130298
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a body panel defining a pass-through, a grommet sealed against the body panel, an electrical connector having a surface defining a sleeve and a tab, and a walled retainer in the grommet and seated within the pass-through. The walled retainer has a prong formed thereon. The prong is configured to slidably receive the sleeve orienting the electrical connector within the pass-through. The prong further defines a channel terminating a ledge. The channel, ledge, and tab are arranged such that the channel and ledge cooperate to retain the tab to prevent movement of the connector relative to the walled retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mohammed Michael Baydoun
  • Automated camera wash for vehicles
    Patent number: 9126534
    Abstract: A system to remove debris from a vehicle camera lens using washer fluid from the vehicle's washer system is disclosed. The system analyzes a captured image and determines if the image is obstructed by debris. If the image is determined to be obstructed, the system automatically sprays the camera lens with fluid to remove the debris. The system includes a method of determining obstruction by comparing an image with a reference image. The system includes a method of determining obstruction by analyzing relative movement within a reference area of the image. The system also prevents the draining of the washer fluid due to a false obstruction reading or debris that does not come off after a few sprayings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shane Snider
  • Lightweight vehicle beam
    Patent number: 9126628
    Abstract: Several different cross sections of beam having more than four sides are disclosed that may form a central portion of a beam having end portions that have four sides. The end portions of the beams may be received by frame rails. The central portion of the beam between the frame rails may be formed with more than four sides. The additional sides may be recessed beads or protruding ribs. Beams having arcuate recesses or arcuate ribs may be provided on the central portion of the beam. The end portions of the beams may extend outboard of the frame rails. The ribs or beads on the central portion of the beam may provide equivalent performance to four-sided beams having considerably thicker walls. Weight reduction is achieved because the central portion is made of a thinner material while retaining strength by forming beads or ribs in the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tau Tyan, Yu-Kan Hu, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Saeed David Barbat
  • Sliding deflector assembly
    Patent number: 9126550
    Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly is provided comprising a main rail. The vehicle frame assembly also includes a deflector assembly which has a front member having an inboard end pivotally coupled to the main rail and an outboard end. Moreover, the deflector assembly includes a rear member having an inboard end slidably coupled to the main rail and an outboard end pivotally coupled to the outboard end of the front member. Additionally, a tension member is disposed between the inboard ends of the front member and the rear member. The deflector assembly is operable between a normal use position wherein the tension member is slack and a collision position wherein the tension member is taut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saied Nusier, Ridha Baccouche, Rahul Arora, Saeed David Barbat, Jamel E. Belwafa
  • Ductless cooling system for a vehicle power storage unit
    Patent number: 9126477
    Abstract: A battery of a vehicle is cooled by air from a cabin of the vehicle. The air from the cabin flows underneath a rear seat of the vehicle and to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Zhu, Sarav Paramasivam, David Patel, Patrick Maguire, Kanghua Chen
  • Crankcase integrity breach detection
    Patent number: 9127578
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring crankcase ventilation system integrity are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube. For example, indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on a lower vacuum than expected downstream of a PCV breather tube may include indicating a crankcase ventilation system degradation based on an absolute pressure sensor measurement relative to a gauge pressure sensor measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, John Eric Rollinger
  • Fischer-Tropsch process for converting synthesis gas to a lower olefin
    Patent number: 9126876
    Abstract: Effect Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of lower olefins by converting a syngas feedstream at a temperature within a range of from 300° C. to no more than 400° C. using a supported, iron-based catalyst under a total system pressure of at least 2 megapascals with a volumetric ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of at least 3:1 with markedly lower coking rates than attainable at a total system pressure of less than 2 megapascals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Krijn Pieter de Jong, Adrianus Koeken, Matthijs Ruitenbeek
  • Multiple clutch module
    Patent number: 9127755
    Abstract: A multiple clutch module for an automatic transmission integrates at least two multi-plate wet clutches into a single module. Each of the clutches includes a set of separator plates interleaved with at least one friction plate and a piston configured to compress the separators plates and friction plates. The separator plates of the first clutch are splined to a housing along their inner diameter whereas the separator plates of the second clutch are splined to the housing along their outer diameter. Each piston is associated with an apply chamber and a balance chamber radially inside the respective separator plates and friction plates. The housing rotates about a central shaft. Pressurized fluid is supplied to the clutches from the shaft. The first and second balance chambers are connected by a passageway within the housing such that they can be supplied with fluid from a common orifice in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Goleski, Jeffrey Edward Maurer, Steven Gerald Thomas
  • Integrated thin flex composite headrest assembly
    Patent number: 9126504
    Abstract: A vehicle headrest assembly includes a head restraint operably coupled to a vehicle seatback and having a head support surface. A flexible member includes a top portion operably coupled to the head restraint. The flexible member includes an intermediate portion adjacent the head support surface, a lower portion, and an upper back support disposed on the vehicle seatback and defining an elongated slot through which the flexible member extends. An actuation system is operably coupled to the lower portion of the flexible member. The actuation system operates to move the flexible member through the slot between a deployed position and a non-deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper
  • Methods and systems for turbocharger control
    Patent number: 9127626
    Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a turbocharged engine having an additional throttle located between an intake manifold of the engine and an outlet of a compressor. In one example approach a method comprises, during a cold start condition, diverting a portion of compressed air from downstream a compressor to a heat exchanger, and heating vehicle components with the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Laura Brzozowski
  • Multi-contour bladder system
    Patent number: 9126515
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base and a seat back. A cover stock is disposed over the seat back and the seat base. An inflatable bladder is disposed in at least one of the seat base and the seat back and is configured to be in a first position, wherein the bladder is deflated, and a second position, wherein the bladder is inflated. The bladder includes at least one orifice extending completely through the inflatable bladder. A fan is operably coupled to the at least one orifice and is configured to move air through the at least one orifice and the cover stock, thereby providing air flow to a vehicle passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mbathie Diop, Christian J. Hosbach
  • Process for manufacturing phosphate esters from phosphoryl chloride and monoalkyl ethers of glycols or polyglycols
    Patent number: 9130239
    Abstract: Phosphate ester compounds are prepared by reacting phosphoryl chloride with at least one mono(alkylene glycol) monoether or poly(alkylene glycol) monoether, or a mixture at least one mono(alkylene glycol) monoether or poly(alkylene glycol) monoether and at least one alkylene glycol or polyalkylene glycol, in the presence of at least three moles per mole of phosphoryl chloride of a pyridinyl compound that is devoid of aliphatic nitrogen atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Nicole L. Wagner
  • Hybrid vehicle drive control system and method for providing motor torque boost compensating for engine delay and torque exceeding maximum engine torque
    Patent number: 9126587
    Abstract: A vehicle control system including a combustion engine and an electric motor selectively provided torque to a transmission separately or in combination to meet driver torque demand. The engine has a maximum torque output value and a torque increase delay response function spanning a predetermined time period. A motor torque boost signal requests an increase in torque provided from an electric motor if the engine torque request signal exceeds the maximum torque output of the engine or the torque increase delay response function of the engine. The motor torque boost signal is time limited and a second level of motor torque boost may be provided for a second limited time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Francis Thomas Connolly
  • System for determining EGR degradation
    Patent number: 9127606
    Abstract: A system for improving operation of an EGR system is presented. The system provides distinct models to estimate EGR temperature in response to a valve position. In one example, the system can judge EGR system operation when a state of a control valve is adjusted during driving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mary Catherine Farmer
  • Method for determining crankcase breach and oil level
    Patent number: 9127976
    Abstract: Embodiments for detecting crankcase breach are provided. In one example, a method includes indicating both crankcase ventilation system degradation and a crankcase oil sump level based on a common crankcase sensor. In this way, the same sensor can provide both crankcase breach detection and oil level determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Fluid heating apparatus and method
    Patent number: 9127663
    Abstract: An apparatus for heating a fluid such as engine oil includes an auxiliary pump, a conduit connected to the auxiliary pump and provides fluid communication from the auxiliary pump and an aperture in the conduit. In use the auxiliary pump contains the fluid. A first portion of the fluid is pumped into the conduit by the auxiliary pump and a second portion of the fluid remains in the auxiliary pump. The aperture restricts the flow of the first portion of the fluid in the conduit. The second portion of the fluid is heated due to friction between the second portion of the fluid and the pump. There is also described a method of heating a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Graham Pegg, Roland Paul Stark
  • Control of hydraulic brake system and method
    Patent number: 9126570
    Abstract: A hybrid or electric vehicle includes a hydraulic brake system having an active vacuum booster with an active boost control valve actuated by at least one controller. An isolation valve is disposed in a fluid circuit that fluidly connects a master cylinder to hydraulic brakes. A brake pedal is capable of moving in an initial deadband displacement range when initially depressed by an operator of the vehicle. While in the initial deadband displacement range, the controller selectively activates the isolation valve to inhibit fluid flow from at least a portion of the fluid circuit to the master cylinder based at least upon an operating state of the active boost control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Joyce, Dale Scott Crombez, Daniel A. Gabor, John Phillip McCormick
  • Vapor recovery system purge valve and method
    Patent number: 9127605
    Abstract: A canister purge valve, fuel vapor recovery system, and method are provided. The canister purge valve may include an inlet port configured to be coupled with an inlet line to receive a fluid from a vapor-recovery canister. The canister purge valve may also include an outlet having two or more exit ports configured to be coupled with a common exit line to pass the fluid to an engine. In this way, improved mixing may be achieved without substantially increasing flow resistance and/or noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin William Plymale, Paul Zeng, Patrick Brostrom, Abdelkrim Zouani, Ahsanul Karim
  • Functional silane-compatibilized epoxy compositions for insulation applications
    Patent number: 9127116
    Abstract: Described is an epoxy composition containing: (a) an epoxy resin containing at least one epoxy group, (b) an anhydride hardener, (c) a hydroxyl-terminated polysiloxane, and (d) a functional silane having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of an epoxy-reactive group, an anhydride-reactive group, and an epoxy- and anhydride-reactive group. Also describing a crosslinked epoxy composition and a method for preparing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Tong Ping T. Xiu, Yong-jiang Li, Hongyu Chen, Yi Zhang, Ming L. Ji
  • Upper seatback pivot system
    Patent number: 9126508
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes first and second side supports defining a seatback structure that is operable between upright and reclined positions. A motorized actuation assembly is disposed between the first and second side supports and is operably coupled to a pivot bar that is rotatably coupled with the seatback structure. An upper seatback suspension component is coupled to the pivot bar. The upper seatback suspension component automatically pivots relative to the pivot bar to a rearward position when the seatback structure is in the upright position and automatically pivots relative to the pivot bar to a forward position when the seatback structure is in the reclined position. An external peripheral gap is defined between the upper seatback suspension component and the seatback structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Daniel Ferretti, John W. Jaranson, Grant A. Compton, Kendrick Alden Harper