Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Publication number: 20150148192
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a vehicle are presented. In one example, automatic engine stopping is inhibited in response to a driver communicating a desire to not automatically stop an engine. The driver communicates intentions to allow or inhibit automatic engine stopping via a brake pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Mitchell Lyon, Andrew Clement Dame, Peter Douglas Kuechler, Alan Robert Dona
  • Publication number: 20150149066
    Abstract: Embodiments may provide an engine knock monitoring system that may include an engine block including an engine block body and a cylinder wall defining at least a portion of a combustion chamber. A space may be defined between a top of the cylinder wall and a top of the engine block body. An engine knock sensor may be mounted to the engine block. A pressure pulse transmissive element may be disposed in the space and may be disposed in contact with an outside surface of the cylinder wall and an opposite inside surface of the engine block body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Ali Moetakef, James Matthew Kindree, Mathew Leonard Hintzen, Antony George Schepak
  • Publication number: 20150149005
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle using an estimated torque of an electric machine, the estimated torque based on one or more parameters associated with the electric machine that are independent from measured current feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Richard Luedtke, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Siwei Cheng
  • Publication number: 20150149017
    Abstract: A vehicle operator is identified. Based at least in part on the operator's identity, one or more parameters are determined specifying a mode for autonomously operating the vehicle. The vehicle is autonomously operated at least in part according to the one or more parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 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 Tijerna, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Wilford Trent Yopp
  • Publication number: 20150149088
    Abstract: A vehicle is operated at least partially autonomously. A predicted path of the vehicle is monitored to identify an object with which the vehicle is likely to collide. A graphical user interface (GUI) is provided that includes the predicted path, a proposed path for the vehicle to avoid a collision with an object, and the vehicle. A selection is made to follow one of the predicted path and the proposed path. The GUI is updated to include the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path, along with a location of the vehicle on the selected one of the predicted path and the proposed path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, John P. Joyce, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Douglas Scott Rhode, Matt Y. Rupp, John Shutko, Roger Arnold Trombley, Louis Tijerina, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Andrew Waldis
  • Publication number: 20150149019
    Abstract: A computer in a first vehicle is configured to receive data relating to a second vehicle. The computer may use the data to determine that the second vehicle is being operated at least partially autonomously. Further, the computer may cause the first vehicle to take an action to autonomously operate the first vehicle based at least in part on determining that the second vehicle is being operated at least partially autonomously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Matt Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Andrew Waldis, Wilford Trent Yopp
  • Publication number: 20150149018
    Abstract: A wearable computing device in a vehicle is identified by a vehicle in a computer. Collected data is received relating to autonomous operation of the vehicle. A message is sent to the wearable computing device based at least in part on the collected data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, John P. Joyce, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Douglas Scott Rhode, Matt Y. Rupp, John Shutko, Roger Arnold Trombley, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Andrew Waldis
  • Publication number: 20150147470
    Abstract: A method for making a composite polyamide membrane including a porous support and a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method includes the step of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and a tetraacyl acyl halide monomer represented by Formula (I) to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer; wherein A is selected from: oxygen (—O—); carbon (—C—); silicon (—Si—); each of which may be unsubstituted or substituted, e.g. with alkyl groups of 1-4 carbon atoms; or a carbonyl group (—C(O)—), X is the same or different and is selected from a halogen, and Y is selected from halogen and hydroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Tina L. Arrowood, Aman A. Desai, Steven D. Jons, Mou Paul, Abhishek Roy
  • Publication number: 20150149043
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting vehicle grille shutters based on engine coolant temperature. In one example, a method includes adjusting grille shutters based on engine coolant temperature and additional engine operating conditions when engine coolant temperature is below a threshold and adjusting the grille shutters base on the engine coolant temperature only when the engine coolant temperature is above the threshold. Further, the method may include recalibrating a position of the grille shutters based on a grille shutter position error.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Macfarlane, Christopher Semanson, Robert Roy Jentz, Joseph James Gallo, Chuck Irwin Rackmil
  • Publication number: 20150144314
    Abstract: An example coupling for an electric vehicle battery pack includes an attachment member configured to connect to a cold plate, a fluid inlet extending from the attachment member, and a fluid outlet extending from the attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Giriraj Srinivassan, Neil Robert Burrows, James McManaman
  • Publication number: 20150148491
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a polyolefin composition suitable for injection molding applications, and method of making such injection molded articles. The polyolefin composition suitable for injection molding applications comprises: an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer composition comprising: (a) from 25 to 50 percent by weight of a first ethylene/?-olefin copolymer fraction having a density in the range of from 0.924 to 0.937 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.03 to 0.3 g/10 min, (b) from 50 to 75 percent by weight of a second ethylene homopolymer fraction having a density in the range of from greater than 0.960 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 100 to 180 g/10 minutes, wherein said ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer composition has a density in the range of from 0.950 to 0.958 g/cm3, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 1.0 g/10 min to 3.5 g/10 min, a zero shear viscosity ratio (ZSVR) in the range of from 1.01 to 2.5, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of from 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Mridula Kapur, Mehmet Demirors, Philip P. Fontaine, Douglas S. Ginger, David T. Gillespie
  • Publication number: 20150145668
    Abstract: A vehicle tire pressure indicator and tire illumination assembly is provided. The assembly includes a light source located on the body of a vehicle near the wheel well and oriented to direct light onto a wheel assembly having a tire. A tire pressure indicator detects air inflation pressure of the tire. The light source illuminates the wheel assembly with a desired color to indicate a tire pressure status based on the detected tire pressure. In addition, the light source may be illuminated to provide puddle lamp and area lighting and turn signal indication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Ali Ammar
  • Patent number: 9038382
    Abstract: A turbocharger arrangement in an internal combustion engine is provided. The turbocharger arrangement includes a turbocharger housing surrounding a sealed inner space and a shaft extending through the turbocharger housing. The turbocharger arrangement further includes a turbine wheel arranged on the shaft and driving a compressor unit, a bearing arrangement mounting the shaft in the turbocharger housing, an oil supply device lubricating the bearing arrangement, and a pressure changing unit in fluidic communication with the sealed inner space configured to adjust the pressure in the sealed inner space based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ludwig Stump, Bernd Schumacher, Marco Marceno, Jan Linsel, Kay Hohenboeken, Oliver Berkemeier, Jens Wojahn, Klemens Grieser
  • Patent number: 9039570
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque transferred via a driveline disconnect clutch is estimated based on characteristics of a torque converter to improve driveline operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 9038607
    Abstract: An air cooler line is provided. The air cooler lines includes a first air cooler having a plurality of air flow conduits, each of the air flow conduits including an inlet, and a first air flow deflector extending across peripheral portions of the inlets and fixedly coupled to the air flow conduits and a second air cooler having a plurality of air flow conduits, each of the air flow conduits including an inlet, and a second air flow deflector extending across peripheral portions of the inlets and fixedly coupled to the air flow conduits, the second air flow deflector differing in at least one of size and geometry than the first air flow deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada, Jim Raymond Palm, John R. Ladd, Michael Thomas Kramer, Jim Tyler
  • Patent number: 9038709
    Abstract: The thermal energy storage material (TESM) system includes a container having a wall surface, and a TESM in at least partial contact with the wall surface. The TESM may include, consist essentially of, or consist of a metal containing compound comprising lithium, one or more different metal cations (i.e., different from lithium) and one or more polyatomic anions. The TESM may have a liquidus temperature, TL, from about 100° C. to about 250° C. The TESM may exhibits a heat storage density from 1 MJ/l to 1.84 MJ/l, as measured from 300° C. to 80° C. The TESM system may be free of water. If any water is present in the TESM system, the water concentration preferably is less than 10 wt. %. Preferably, the TESM system is generally resistant to corrosion at temperatures of about 300° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: David H. Bank, Andrey N. Soukhojak, Kalyan Sehanobish, David G. McLeod
  • Patent number: 9038760
    Abstract: A vehicle including an active front steer system including a locking mechanism having a solenoid actuated locking pin and a spring for biasing the pin toward an extended or locked position for engaging a locking disc of the active front steer system wherein the active front steer system further includes a current sensor for sensing the motion of the pin of the solenoid when the engine of the vehicle is shut down and pulse width modulated current to the solenoid is reduced and when the pin movement is sensed, the pulse width modulated current is increased (fed forward duty cycle) to reduce the movement of the pin to reduce the noise made when the metal pin makes when contacting the metal locking disc. The end of the pin and/or the locking disc may also include an insulating material to further reduce any remaining noise made when the metal pin makes when contacting the metal locking disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Nehls, Jeremy Alan Rawlings, Joshua Guerra, Lodewijk Wijffels
  • Patent number: 9039385
    Abstract: A system for an engine is provided herein. The system includes a primary passage, a suction passage, and an outer casing coupling the primary and suction passages such that a primary axis is orthogonal to a suction axis. The system further includes a jet pump assembly coupled to the primary passage forming an annular channel between the outer casing and the jet pump assembly. Further, the jet pump assembly includes a flow divider positioned opposite from the suction passage within the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Myers, Syed K. Ali, Robert Hornblower Meyer
  • Patent number: 9038580
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enabling engine dilution control. One or more engine diluents are combined to provide a desired engine dilution, the various diluents selected based on their respective combustion stability limits. A ratio of the various diluents used is further adjusted based on engine operating limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Thomas G. Leone, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Christopher House, Michael Howard Shelby
  • Patent number: 9038608
    Abstract: Embodiments for an engine system are provided. One example internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder head and at least two cylinders, in which each cylinder has at least one inlet opening for the supply of combustion air into the cylinder, comprises an intake line leading to each inlet opening, an overall intake line where the intake lines of at least two cylinders merge, such that a distributor junction point is formed, and a heating device arranged in the overall intake line which has at least one strip-like heating element, a first narrow side of a cross section of which faces toward intake combustion air flow, wherein the heating device is arranged adjacent to the distributor junction point at which the intake lines merge to form the overall intake line, a spacing between the heating device and the distributor junction point being smaller than the diameter of a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Winge Vigild, Wilbert Hemink, Daniel Roettger, Andreas Kuske