Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE MEDIA CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150105960
    Abstract: An event is detected arising during autonomous operation of a vehicle. An index in media content associated with the event is identified. At least one instruction is provided to a media module to pause or modify play of the media content based on the event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Edward Pilutti, Matthew Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Andrew T. Waldis
  • Expandable Clinch Joint Punch
    Publication number: 20150101170
    Abstract: A clinch punch including a core and an sleeve that includes a plurality of teeth for forming an enhanced clinch joint. The core includes a first cam surface that engages cam surfaces on the teeth that drive the teeth into the sides of the clinch joint. In an alternative embodiment, the core acts upon jaws that are driven into engagement with the sides of the clinch joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Amanda Kay Freis
  • Method For Molding Tailored Composites
    Publication number: 20150104633
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a molding method for producing a molded article is provided. The method may include introducing polymer and fiber separately into an extruder in a first ratio to produce a first extruded material having a first fiber content and in a second ratio to produce a second extruded material having a second fiber content different from the first fiber content. The method may further include filling a first region of a mold with the first extruded material and a second region of the mold with the second extruded material. The extruded material may be formed as blanks for use in compression molding or may be introduced into an injection chamber for use in injection molding. The method may be used to form molded articles having a plurality of regions having different fiber contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick James Blanchard, Jeffrey Scott Dahl
  • SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS LEAK DETECTION BASED ON A VEHICLE LOCATION
    Publication number: 20150105969
    Abstract: A method for detecting evaporative emissions system leaks, comprising: adjusting a leak detection threshold based on a vehicle geographical location including jurisdiction borders; and indicating a leak based on the adjusted threshold. In this way, a vehicle may perform OBD EVAP leak tests in accordance with local regulations. This method allows for a single PCM to be installed in all vehicles of a certain model during manufacturing regardless of the jurisdiction where the vehicle will be sold, thereby reducing part complexity and simplifying the manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • REMOTE VEHICLE MONITORING
    Publication number: 20150105933
    Abstract: A monitoring device receives an aerial image, data relating to a vehicle and a request for an image of the vehicle. The vehicle is located in the image. A portion of the aerial image that includes the vehicle and/or information based thereon is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas R. Martin, Kenneth J. Miller
  • REGENERATIVE BRAKING IN THE PRESENCE OF AN ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM CONTROL EVENT
    Publication number: 20150105951
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes at least one wheel, a friction brake, a motor, and at least one controller. The friction brake is coupled to the wheel and configured to provide friction brake torque, and the motor is coupled to the wheel and configured to provide regenerative brake torque. The controller is configured to command the motor to provide a regenerative brake torque to satisfy a low frequency torque component or a high frequency torque component of a required antilock wheel brake torque during an antilock braking event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hai Yu, Kerem Bayar, Dale Scott Crombez
  • Crush-Can Attached to a Frame Rail Through a Vehicle Body
    Publication number: 20150102615
    Abstract: An impact absorption assembly includes a bumper that is attached to a crush-can. The crush-can is assembled within a frame rail or other chassis frame member. A load path for a low speed impact is provided from the bumper through the crush-can and to the frame rail. An outer body structure defines an opening through which the crush-can is assembled to avoid damage to the outer body structure that may include a back-light support panel, a lift-gate and a rear tail light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bhimaraddi Vankaraddi Alavandi, Sankar Krishnamoorthy, Kevin Gustafson, John Michael McGuckin, Erika Kristin Low
  • REFUELING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MIXED LIQUID AND GASEOUS FUEL
    Publication number: 20150101704
    Abstract: A fuel tank system, comprising: a fuel tank configured to store a liquid fuel and a pressurized gaseous fuel capable of partially dissolving in the liquid fuel; a refueling conduit coupled to the fuel tank via a tank access valve; a first high pressure refueling port coupled to the refueling conduit; a low pressure refueling port coupled to the refueling conduit via a check valve. In this way, pressurized gaseous fuel or a pre-pressurized mix of fuels may be added to the fuel tank without active control any time the fuel pressure in the fuel tank is below a maximum allowable pressure, and liquid fuel may be added to the fuel tank with active control whenever the fuel pressure and liquid fuel level in the fuel tank are below threshold levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Mark Allen Dearth
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN OXYGEN SENSOR
    Publication number: 20150101327
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately learning the zero point of an intake gas oxygen sensor during selected engine no-fueling conditions. The learned zero point is used to infer EGR flow and accordingly adjust EGR valve control. In addition, EGR valve leakage is diagnosed based on the zero point learned during a DFSO adaptation relative to a zero point learned during an idle adaptation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Joseph Clark, Gopichandra Surnilla, Matthew John Gerhart, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • COMPOSITE MODULAR REAR SEAT STRUCTURE FRAME
    Publication number: 20150102650
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a plurality of horizontal members, a plurality of vertical members, and a plurality of corner members, which define a seat frame. The plurality of corner members are configured to snap-fit into the plurality of horizontal and vertical members. A seatback is disposed behind the seat frame. A low-pressure compression mold is disposed over the seat frame and defines at least one open section. A subassembly is disposed over the compression mold, defining a center seat and including at least one cushion attachment support disposed adjacent to the at least one open section. A seat cushion insert is operably coupled to the at least one cushion attachment support and is disposed over the at least one open section and defining a side seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian J. Hosbach, Adam Sachs, Johnathan Andrew Line, Kevin VanNieulande
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING BATTERY PACK STATE OF CHARGE LIMITS
    Publication number: 20150105947
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a battery pack supplying power to propel a vehicle are disclosed. One example method comprises, adjusting a battery pack state of charge window in response to vehicle mass. Adjusting the battery pack state of charge window in response to vehicle mass may allow the battery pack to provide an increased amount of energy to a motor so that the motor may provide torque to a driveline for a longer period of time and/or absorb more vehicle generator produced power during vehicle operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Chang, Chuan He, Xu Wang
  • VEHICLE FUELING ROUTE PLANNING
    Publication number: 20150106001
    Abstract: An estimated fuel consumption may be determined for a route for a vehicle. At least in part on the estimated fuel consumption, it may be determined that an amount of fuel in the vehicle is insufficient for the vehicle to traverse the route and/or one or more waypoints may be identified within a predetermined distance of the route, e.g., waypoints for refueling the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin F. Lee, Scott J. Cutler, Peter Christ Korovesis, Venkatesh Krishnan
  • HYBRID VEHICLE CONTROL FOR TRAVELING OVER A GRADE
    Publication number: 20150105949
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine includes automatically stopping the engine in response to vehicle power demand dropping below currently available electrical power, and automatically starting the engine when vehicle power demand is at a first offset below currently available electrical power to reduce a time delay for starting the engine and increase a currently available vehicle power to move the vehicle up a grade in response to receiving a signal indicating a positive grade. A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, and a controller. The controller is configured to control starting/stopping of the engine in response to a first driver demand when receiving a signal indicative of a road grade angle exceeding a corresponding threshold and in response to a second driver demand otherwise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Wright, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • USAGE STRATEGY FOR MIXED GASOLINE AND CNG FUELED VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20150101566
    Abstract: A method for an engine, comprising: responsive to a pressure in a fuel tank being below a pressure threshold, injecting only a liquid fuel into an engine cylinder, the fuel tank storing the liquid fuel and a pressurized gaseous fuel partially dissolved in the liquid fuel. In this way, the pressurized gaseous fuel may be conserved, thus maintaining a pressure gradient within the fuel system and allowing for judicious use of the pressurized gaseous fuel, for example during cold start conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Mark Allen Dearth, Joseph Norman Ulrey, David Karl Bidner, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Artificial Aging Process For High Strength Aluminum
    Publication number: 20150101718
    Abstract: A method of age hardening a 7xxx series aluminum alloy is provided that includes heat treating the alloy at a first temperature for a first exposure time and heat treating the alloy at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature for a second exposure time. The age hardening process may be used to form an alloy having a yield strength of at least 490 MPa and the total age hardening time may be 8 hours or less. In one example, the first heat treatment is performed at 100° C. to 150° C. for 0.2 to 3 hours and the second heat treatment is be performed at 150° C. to 185° C. for 0.5 to 5 hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nia R. Harrison, S. George Luckey, JR.
  • TRAFFIC SIGNAL PREDICTION
    Publication number: 20150104071
    Abstract: An aerial image relates to a geographic area. The aerial image is analyzed to identify at least one traffic signal in the geographic area. Based at least in part on analyzing the aerial image, a timing prediction is determined for the at least one traffic signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas R. Martin, Kenneth J. Miller
  • Method for Securely Authorizing Vehicle Owners to an In-Vehicle Telematics Feature Absent In-Car Screen
    Publication number: 20150105941
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive remote vehicle identification information and a user-confirmable vehicle variable value from a remote vehicle computing system. The processor is also configured to receive vehicle identification information and user-confirmable variable value user-input, input in conjunction with a remote process remote access request. Further, the processor is configured to compare the user-input variable value to the remotely received variable value. The processor is additionally configured to provide access to the remote process upon a correspondence between the user-input variable value and the remotely received variable value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ritesh Pandya, Brian Petersen
  • VISCOSITY DETECTION USING STARTER MOTOR
    Publication number: 20150105996
    Abstract: Various methods for inferring oil viscosity and/or oil viscosity index in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one example, a new control method comprises cranking the engine during a start mode with an electric motor connected to a substantially constant source of electrical power, inferring engine oil viscosity based at least on engine oil temperature and speed of the engine while being cranked by the electric motor during the start mode, and correcting an operating parameter of the engine based on the inferred engine oil viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Alexander O'Connor Gibson
  • Stepped Dual Tube Deflector
    Publication number: 20150102635
    Abstract: A front end assembly including a stepped deflector assembly. The stepped deflector assembly includes a first step attached to one end of a bumper. The first step includes an inner front leg and an intermediate leg. The second step includes an outer front leg and a rear leg. The intermediate leg and rear leg have ends that are disposed adjacent a frame rail, but that are not attached to the frame rail. In a collision, the first and second inner ends of the first and second step, respectively, are driven laterally into the frame rail to reduce intrusions into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saeed David Barbat, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Jamel E. Belwafa, Rahul Arora
  • VISCOSITY DETECTION USING SUMP
    Publication number: 20150105995
    Abstract: Various methods for inferring oil viscosity and/or oil viscosity index in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one aspect, a new control method comprises: after engine shutdown, learning engine oil viscosity based on time to drain the oil back into an engine sump and oil temperature during the draining, and correcting an engine operating parameter based on the learned oil viscosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone