Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • VEHICLE-TO-INFRASTRUCTURE COMMUNICATION
    Publication number: 20150100189
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least one autonomous driving sensor that detects a location of a target vehicle, a communication device that receives infrastructure information from an infrastructure device, and a processing device that controls operation of at least one vehicle subsystem according to the infrastructure information. An exemplary method includes determining a location of a target vehicle, receiving infrastructure information from an infrastructure device, and controlling operation of at least one vehicle subsystem according to the infrastructure information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Levasseur Tellis, Farid Ahmed-Zaid, Joseph Edward Stinnett, Christopher Nave, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Timothy D. Zwicky, James A. Martell, Jerome Charles Ivan
  • Efficiency Gauge For Plug-In Electric Vehicle
    Publication number: 20150100226
    Abstract: A user interface for a vehicle may include an information display configured to display an efficiency gauge having an efficiency indicator. The position of the efficiency indicator may correspond to a range per full charge value. The range per full charge value may be calculated based on an amount of usable energy per full charge for an energy storage device and a distance-based energy consumption rate. An instantaneous energy consumption rate may be used to calculate an instantaneous range per full charge value. Similarly, an average energy consumption rate may be used to calculate an average range per full charge value. The efficiency gauge may include an instantaneous efficiency indicator corresponding to an instantaneous range per full charge value, an average efficiency indicator corresponding to an average range per full charge value, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan J. Skaff, Henry F. Donald, III
  • Deflector-Catcher for Small Overlap Vehicle Impacts
    Publication number: 20150097394
    Abstract: A front-end assembly including a deflector and a catcher bracket. The V-shaped deflector is attached to a bumper of a vehicle, a rear leg of the deflector has a distal end disposed adjacent to the frame rail. In a collision, the distal end of the rear leg engages the catcher bracket to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi, Morteza Tanbakuchi
  • COATING COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20150099831
    Abstract: A curable resin composition including (I) at least one thermoset resin composition; and (II) at least one hardener; wherein the powder coating has a balance of properties including a combination of high glass transition temperature and low water absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Guillaume Metral, Bernd Hoevel, Joseph Gan, Michael J. Mullins, Robert E. Hefner, JR.
  • VEHICLE SUN VISOR WITH ILLUMINATION POWERED BY KINETIC MOTION
    Publication number: 20150097483
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor system and method for powering the vehicle sun visor are provided herein, and include a generator configured to produce a first current via kinetic motion. A converter is electrically coupled to the generator and configured to convert the first current into a second current. An energy storing device is electrically coupled to the converter and configured to store an electrical charge. An illumination source is electrically coupled to the energy storing device and configured to operate between an ON and an OFF state, wherein during the ON state, the electrical charge stored in the energy storing device is discharged to supply electrical power to the illumination source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Huelke, Adam W. Hellar, Matthew Majkowski
  • FREEZE PREPARATION FOR A FUEL CELL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150099200
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel cell system, and a controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of a predicted ambient temperature at a specified location, and command the fuel cell system to operate at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A method for controlling a fuel cell system includes receiving a first signal at a controller indicative of a predicted ambient temperature for a specified location, and operating the fuel cell system at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, and a controller configured to, in response to receiving a predicted freezing condition, command the fuel cell stack to operate at a lower relative humidity level for a time period preceding a predicted time for system shut down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Staley, William F. Sanderson, Milos Milacic, Hasdi R. Hashim, Daniel William Forthoffer, Craig Michael Mathie
  • MONITORING AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE STEERING
    Publication number: 20150100191
    Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism is autonomously operated. At least one first parameter for governing control of a steering mechanism is retrieved. The first parameter is applied to operation of the steering mechanism. Data is collected relating to operation of the vehicle. At least one second parameter for governing control of the steering mechanism is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Wilford Trent Yopp
  • VEHICLE BATTERY CHARGE SETPOINT CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150097512
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle traction battery charge setpoint strategy is disclosed which enables the adjustment of the maximum battery State of Charge (SOC) setpoint used for battery charging from an electric utility grid. Based on knowledge of the upcoming route and related driving behavior, the vehicle calculates a setpoint less than the maximum battery SOC charging setpoint so that when the vehicle begins operation, it can utilize regenerative braking and historical driving behavior to allow the battery charge to be maximized during the trip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yonghua Li, Johannes Geir Kristinsson, Fling Tseng
  • SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION CATALYST
    Publication number: 20150098870
    Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst includes a support layer. A copper-loaded chabazite (Cu/CHA) layer is supported on the support layer. A copper-loaded beta zeolite (Cu/beta) is supported on the Cu/CHA layer. The Cu/beta may be hydrothermally pre-aged prior to use of the SCR catalyst in a vehicle. The pre-aged Cu/beta is essentially free of phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), CaSO4, Ca19Zn2(PO4)14, CaZn2(PO4)2, ash, and/or soot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTINE KAY LAMBERT, JUSTIN ANTHONY URA, GIOVANNI CAVATAIO
  • COMPRESSION BOSS FOR ENGINE FRONT COVER
    Publication number: 20150096525
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided having two mating components. The mating components include an engine and an engine front cover. A fastening boss is formed on at least one of the two mating components and configured to receive a threaded fastener to join the two mating components. A compression boss extends from a first of the two mating components to contact a second of the two mating components. The compression boss is dimensioned relative to the fastening boss to create compressive loading in the compression boss when the threaded fastener is tightened to join the mating components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Reinhart, Chad Strimpel, JonCarlo Mancini
  • Plug-In Vehicle with Secondary DC-DC Converter
    Publication number: 20150097527
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery, an auxiliary battery, a charger, and two DC-DC converters. A first DC-DC converter is connected between the traction battery and the auxiliary battery through a main contactor. A second DC-DC converter is connected between the charger and the auxiliary battery. The charger is configured to charge the auxiliary battery via the second DC-DC converter when the charger is receiving power. The second DC-DC converter is configured to charge the auxiliary battery when the first DC-DC converter is disconnected from the traction battery. The second DC-DC converter can charge the auxiliary battery independent of the charger charging the traction battery. The second DC-DC converter may be configured to generally maximize power conversion efficiency in a range of power outputs associated with charging the auxiliary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Roger DeDona, Arthur M. Rutyna, Mark J. Ferrel, Bo Wu, Hilde Anne Heremans, Christopher W. Bell
  • Method and System for Generating Supplier Capacity Requirements
    Publication number: 20150100370
    Abstract: One or more embodiments include a computer-implemented method or system for generating part volumes necessary to assemble all vehicles of a vehicle product line for a predetermined time period. The method or system being configured to receive a product definition representing valid configurations for a product. The products may include feature families with mutually exclusive features. The method or system also receives a feature forecast rate or sales forecast rate that may be an aggregated demand. The method or system may further receive a bill of material for the product. The method or system may generate a forecasted order that is a quantity of each configuration by interacting the feature forecast rate and the product definition. The method or system may further generate a part volume necessary to assemble the product by interacting the quantity of each configuration with a product bill of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yakov M. Fradkin, Gintaras Vincent Puskorius, Ravindra Venkata Tappeta
  • Control Pilot Latch-Out Mechanism to Reduce Off-Board Energy Consumption
    Publication number: 20150097526
    Abstract: A vehicle connected to electric vehicle supply equipment is configured to wake-up an onboard charger based on a pilot signal. A controller is configured to interrupt the pilot signal to prevent the pilot signal from subsequently waking the charger to reduce power consumed by the charger while the vehicle is connected. The interruption may be triggered by a completion of a charge cycle, an extensive charge wait interval, or a charging system condition that prevents charging. The controller may discontinue interruption of the pilot signal in response to a wake-up source other than the pilot signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Roger DeDona, Arthur M. Rutyna, Mark J. Ferrel, Bo Wu, Hilde Anne Heremans, Christopher W. Bell
  • Low profile vehicle axle
    Patent number: 8998766
    Abstract: An axle assembly includes first and second spiral bevel gears meshing with a pinion, a gearset including a sun gear secured to the first bevel gear, a ring gear secured to the second bevel gear, and planet pinions supported on a carrier and meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, and a differential including an input secured to the carrier, and first and second outputs secured, respectively to first and second output shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Refrigerant line
    Patent number: 8997798
    Abstract: A refrigerant line for carrying a mixture of refrigerant and lubrication oil. The line includes an inner casing made of a material impermeable to the refrigerant/oil mixture, an outer casing made of a material that is highly permeable to the refrigerant in its gaseous state, and an intermediate layer between the inner and outer casings made of a material that is high permeable to the gaseous refrigerant but that is able to retain the admixed oil. In this way, any oil contained in a refrigerant/oil mixture leaking through the inner casing is retained by the intermediate layer, while the refrigerant gas is allowed to escape through the outer two layers. The intermediate layer may retain the oil by absorption, by adsorption, or by binding of the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dietmar Fischer, Markus Markowitz, Lambertus Wilhelmus Schmitz
  • Functionalized polymers, articles prepared therefrom, and methods for making the same
    Patent number: 9000099
    Abstract: The invention provides compositions comprising at least one propylene-based polymer, at least one peroxide and at least one coagent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: William J. Harris, John D. Weaver, Nelson G. Rondan, Drew A. Davidock
  • Methods and systems for engine shut-down control
    Patent number: 9002600
    Abstract: An example method of operation comprises, selectively shutting down engine operation responsive to operating conditions and without receiving an engine shutdown request from the operator, maintaining the automatic transmission in gear during the shutdown, and during an engine restart from the shutdown condition, and with the transmission in gear, transmitting reduced torque to the transmission. For example, slippage of a forward clutch of the transmission may be used to enable the transmission to remain in gear, yet reduce torque transmitted to the vehicle wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Peter John Grutter, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Felix Nedorezov
  • Composite polyamide membrane derived from aromatic monomer including anhydride and sulfonyl halide functional groups
    Patent number: 8999449
    Abstract: A method for making a composite polyamide membrane including the step of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method is characterized by: i) conducting the interfacial polymerization in the presence of an aromatic anhydride monomer include at least one sulfonyl halide functional group, or ii) applying the aromatic anhydride monomer to the thin film polyamide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Mou Paul, Tina L. Arrowood, Duane R. Romer
  • Catalyst heating with exhaust back-pressure
    Patent number: 8997457
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling an exhaust back-pressure valve are provided. In one example, a method for operating an engine comprises closing an exhaust back-pressure valve in response to a component temperature, and adjusting intake and/or exhaust valve operation in response to closing the exhaust back-pressure valve to reduce cylinder internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In this way, combustion stability may be maintained while the exhaust back-pressure valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Peter C. Moilanen
  • Method for making porous mullite-tialite composites
    Patent number: 8999872
    Abstract: Porous composites of acicular mullite and tialite are formed by firing an acicular mullite body in the presence of an oxide of titanium. In some variations of the process, the oxide of titanium is present when the acicular mullite body is formed. In other variations, the oxide of titanium is applied to a previously-formed acicular mullite body. Surprisingly, the composites have coefficients of linear thermal expansion that are intermediate to those of acicular mullite and tialite alone. Some of the tialite is believed to form at grain boundaries and/or points of intersection between acicular mullite needles, rather than merely coating the needles. The presence of the titanium oxide(s) during acicular mullite formation does not significantly affect the ability to produce a highly porous network of mullite needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Grohol, Mark L. Dreibelbis, Michael T. Malanga