Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Patent number: 9475972
    Abstract: The invention is a composition comprising: a) one or mote isocyanate functional polyether based prepolymers; b) one or more alkyl esters of one or more long chain; fatty acids; and c) one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate moieties with hydroxyl, groups. The invention is s method, of bonding two or more substrates together which comprises contacting the two or more substrates together with a composition according to this invention disposed along at least a portion of the area wherein the substrates are in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Daniel P. Sophiea
  • Patent number: 9477894
    Abstract: An overhead clearance system for a vehicle is configured to receive signals from wireless transceivers attached to objects that are towed or carried by the vehicle and extend above a top of the vehicle. A controller is programmed to receive the signals from the wireless transceivers and transmit a request to a remote device to send height data associated with the object and the vehicle. The controller outputs an alert when combined object and vehicle heights exceed a sensed vertical clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric L. Reed, Thomas Lee Miller, Cameron Smyth, Jacob Lucero
  • Patent number: 9476387
    Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing an EGR system are presented. The method provides for indicating EGR system degradation in response to a temperature at an outlet of an EGR cooler. The method may require less calibration effort than a model based diagnostic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yong-Wha Kim, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Eric Kurtz
  • Patent number: 9475479
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling an electrified vehicle by engaging a parking brake if a battery state of charge is depleted below a predefined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert David Hancasky, Bader M. Badreddine
  • Patent number: 9478809
    Abstract: A solid state battery includes a flexible polymer sheet, and an array of solid state pillars supported by and extending through the sheet. Each of the pillars has an anode layer, a cathode layer adjacent, and an inorganic solid electrolyte (ISE) layer interposed between the anode and cathode layers. A flexible electrochemical membrane includes a flexible polymer sheet, and an array of inorganic solid electrolyte pillars supported by the polymer sheet with each of the pillars extending through a thickness of the sheet to form an ionically conductive pathway therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Venkataramani Anandan, Andrew Robert Drews
  • Patent number: 9476557
    Abstract: A vehicle headlamp module is provided that includes a lens having a plurality of near-field lens elements, a canted input surface, an exit surface and a cavity between the surfaces. The headlamp module also includes an LED lighting module that directs incident light through the input and exit surfaces. The lens elements are configured to transmit from the exit surface a collimated light pattern containing at least 60% of the incident light. In some embodiments, the exit surface includes a step-wise pattern of optical elements. In other implementations, a headlamp assembly is provided that includes a plurality of vehicle headlamp modules. Each headlamp module includes: a lens with a canted input surface and an exit surface, a bezel surrounding the lens, and an LED light source that directs incident light through the input surface. The lens of each module includes a plurality of near-field lens elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arun Kumar, Albert Ekladyous, Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake, Bruce Preston Williams, Junmo Park, Eric Stoddard
  • Patent number: 9477236
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present discourse includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle by pressurizing a transmission pump in response to an anticipated shift change trigger. The anticipated shift change trigger may include touching a shift device of the vehicle, or detecting that a vehicle occupant is in proximity to the shift device of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Colvin, Francis Thomas Connolly, Marvin Paul Kraska, Bernard D. Nefcy, Hussam Makkiya
  • Patent number: 9476485
    Abstract: A nylon chain tensioning arm and nylon chain guide having diamond-like carbon coatings are provided. The diamond-like carbon coating is formed on the substrate by methods including physical vapor deposition, for example, by sputtering or chemical vapor deposition of coating systems composed of various combinations of amorphous carbon. A preferred method for applying the diamond-like carbon coating to the nylon substrate is a hybrid process of plasma-based ion implantation and deposition. The chain tensioning arm or guide may be formed from any number of plastics appropriate to the purpose, although a synthetic polymer, such as the aliphatic polyamide nylon, is the preferred material. The substrate may be a conventional nylon or may be a composite reinforced with glass or carbon fibers. The diamond-like carbon coating may be applied to the nylon substrate by vapor deposition, either directly to the chain-contacting surface or upon a primed surface formed on the substrate prior to deposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Eliot Chottiner, Rick L. Williams
  • Patent number: 9478788
    Abstract: A battery assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a terminal holder, a terminal at least partially surrounded by the terminal holder, and a bus bar module connectable to the terminal holder. One of the terminal holder and the bus bar module includes at least one locating feature to position the bus bar module in a welding position relative to the terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Debbi Callicoat, Brian Utley, Steve Droste, Derek Hartl
  • Patent number: 9476345
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to condensate forming in a charge air cooler, engine cooling fan operation is adjusted. Engine cooling fan operation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 9475441
    Abstract: An energy absorber assembly for a motor vehicle includes a first deformable energy absorbing component and at least one deformable second energy absorbing component associated with a grille assembly of the motor vehicle. The first energy absorbing component defines at least one receiver for engaging a corresponding portion of the at least one second energy absorbing component whereby the receiver and the mating surface remain engaged on receiving an impact. The first energy absorbing component is carried on a bumper assembly or attached to a fascia assembly of the motor vehicle, and the second energy absorbing component is included in a grille carrier component of the motor vehicle grille assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Juan Moises Calleja, Rabin Bhojan, Irfan Sharif
  • Patent number: 9475495
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a transmission, and an electric machine configured to provide drive torque and regenerative braking torque. The electric machine is selectively coupled to the engine via a clutch. The vehicle additionally includes a torque converter with an associated bypass clutch coupling the electric machine and transmission. The bypass clutch has an associated torque capacity. The vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a braking request indicative of an anticipated regenerative braking request, increase the torque capacity prior to the regenerative braking event by a quantity corresponding to an anticipated regenerative braking torque associated with the anticipated regenerative braking event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Francis Thomas Connolly, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Patent number: 9475496
    Abstract: A vehicle includes at least one autonomous driving sensor configured to monitor at least one condition while operating in an autonomous mode. The vehicle further includes a processing device configured to identify at least one occupant, select a profile associated with the occupant, and autonomously operate at least one subsystem according to the selected profile and the at least condition monitored by the at least one autonomous driving sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Attard, Shane Elwart, Jeff Allen Greenberg, Rajit Johri, Devinder Singh Kochhar, Douglas Scott Rhode, John Shutko, Eric Hongtei Tseng
  • Patent number: 9476364
    Abstract: A method for controlling valve actuation in an engine is provided. The method includes initiating combustion operation in a first cylinder, opening, via a first cam, a first exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a first opening duration. The method further includes opening, via a second cam, a second exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a second opening duration not equivalent to the first opening duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Helmut Hans Ruhland, Jens Dunstheimer, Albert Breuer, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Patent number: 9476452
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes: a torque converter; a stator in the torque converter; and a thrust washer adjacent the stator. The thrust washer includes a circulation circuit formed in the washer to facilitate fluid movement from one side of the washer to another side of the washer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Diana Placha
  • Patent number: 9475366
    Abstract: A door intrusion apparatus for a vehicle having a door and a rocker with a vertically extending wall defining a catcher opening. The apparatus includes a projection horizontally extending from the door and a projection trap attached to the vertically extending wall inside the rocker and below the catcher opening. In a side impact collision, the projection trap engages the projection thereby minimizing the door from intruding into a vehicle cabin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, Michael M. Azzouz
  • Patent number: 9479095
    Abstract: A system is configured to receive vehicle state input, and in response to the vehicle state input, select an operational mode for PWM switching of electronics in a power conversion circuit of a hybrid electric vehicle electric drive system (EDS). Vehicle state input can pertain to EDS state, engine state, and the presence of alternative noise sources, such as audio equipment, climate control equipment, and lowered windows. Various operational modes can include a noise reduction mode in which EDS noise is reduced, a loss reduction mode in which EDS losses are reduced, and a default mode, which can be designed to maximize fuel efficiency. A system can be configured to provide a PWM implementation strategy based on operational mode selection. By way of example, a PWM implementation strategy can comprise random PWM, continuous PWM, discontinuous PWM and fixed frequency PWM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Venkateswa Sankaran
  • Patent number: 9477332
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the performance of complex operations on a dashboard-mounted touchscreen in a vehicle moving above a predetermined minimal speed. The system includes a sensor for determining that the touchscreen is intended or going to be touched by driver and/or front seat passenger. A control, responsive to operation of the sensor, disallows or allows the touchscreen to be responsive to a touching. The touchscreen is not allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is touched by the driver. The touchscreen is allowed to perform a complex operation when the vehicle is moving above the minimal speed if the touchscreen is not going to be touched by the driver and is touched by the passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Louis Tijerina, Walter Joseph Talamonti, Devinder Singh Kochhar
  • Patent number: 9475423
    Abstract: A lamp assembly is provided for installation in an opening of a vehicle body. The lamp assembly includes a lamp container having first and second sides, each of the first and second sides integrally including first and second stops, and at least one clip assembly including a clip, a threaded bolt, and a nut. The clip has a connecting wall with respective first and second side walls extending from the connecting wall, and first and second tabs extending inwardly respectively from the first and second side walls, the threaded bolt being inserted through an opening in the connecting wall of the clip, and the nut being threaded onto the bolt. When the lamp assembly is in a pre-compressed position, the nut is spaced away from the stops, and, when the lamp assembly is in a compressed position, at least one of the nut and the connecting wall contacts the stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Urban Kowalczyk, Albert Ekladyous, Gary Edward Henige, Sleiman N. Abdelnour, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos
  • Patent number: 9476450
    Abstract: A bearing block assembly in an engine is provided. The bearing block assembly includes at least one bearing block to rotatably support an oil lubricated shaft and fastening apparatus to attach the at least one bearing block to a flat mounting surface on a large engine component and a thermal barrier positioned between the shaft and the flat mounting surface configured to reduce the loss of heat to the large engine component from oil used to lubricate the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Graham Pegg, Robert Helle-Lorentzen, Nigel Philip Harold Fawcett, Roland Paul Stark