Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • System and method for reducing power train air resistance
    Patent number: 9475381
    Abstract: A vehicle system, comprising an internal combustion engine, a transmission enclosed within a transmission case coupled to a gaseous fuel source, the transmission case having an amount of gaseous fuel located therein. Housing the transmission in a case containing low density gaseous fuel reduces the power losses from air resistance and increases fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Karl Bidner
  • Expandable roof panel perimeter reinforcement
    Patent number: 9475524
    Abstract: A vehicle roof frame includes an adhering structure having an adhesive carrier and an expanding structural adhesive coupled to at least a portion of an outer surface of the adhesive carrier. The expanding structural adhesive includes an installation state and a structural state, and the structural state has a larger volume than the installation state. The vehicle roof frame also includes a plurality of vehicle frame members that cooperate to form a frame joint and a joint cavity defined within the frame joint. The adhering structure is disposed within the joint cavity and the adhesive carrier and the expanding structural adhesive in the structural state substantially occupies the joint cavity and fixably couples the plurality of framing members such that the frame joint is free of supplemental mechanical connections proximate the joint cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edgar Edward Donabedian, Darrin Neil Wagner, Mark Keller, Bruno M. Barthelemy
  • Detecting and communicating lane splitting maneuver
    Patent number: 9478137
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a lane detector programmed to output a boundary signal representing a location of a lane boundary relative to a host vehicle. A processing device is programmed to determine, from the boundary signal, whether the host vehicle is performing a lane splitting maneuver. If so, the processing device is programmed to transmit a lane splitting signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Zachary David Nelson, Arthur Erik Zysk
  • Vehicle occupant classification
    Patent number: 9475405
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes at least two sensors. A first sensor is configured to output a child restraint signal indicating a presence of a child restraint system. A second sensor is configured to output a belt tension signal representing a tension associated with a seat belt. A processing device is programmed to determine whether the child restraint system includes a child seat or a booster seat based on the child restraint signal and the belt tension signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Agnes S. Kim, Robert William McCoy
  • Turbocharger for an internal combustion engine and method for operating a turbocharged internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 9476350
    Abstract: A turbocharger for an internal combustion engine includes an oil-lubricated bearing, a feed line for the oil and a throughflow limiter for the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernd Schumacher, Marco Marceno, Jan Linsel, Kay Hohenboeken, Oliver Berkemeier, Jens Wojahn, Klemens Grieser
  • Coordination of cam timing and blow-through air delivery
    Patent number: 9476365
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing turbo lag by directing intake air from an intake manifold to an exhaust manifold. The intake air may be directed via an EGR passage by opening an EGR valve or by may be directed via engine cylinders by increasing positive valve overlap. Amounts of air directed via external EGR and air directed via positive valve overlap are based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Robert Andrew Wade, David Bell
  • Cell to cell terminal connections for a high voltage battery
    Patent number: 9478779
    Abstract: A traction battery assembly is provided which may include first and second arrays spaced apart and each having a plurality of battery cells. The battery cells may each have a positive and a negative terminal on a cell face facing the other array. The cells may be oriented in tilted stacks such that the terminals of at least one of the cells of the first array are aligned with oppositely charged terminals of two different cells of the second array. The assembly may also include a frame supporting and orienting the cells such that the cells of the arrays are tilted at opposing and inversely equal angles which are based on a width and length of each battery cell to facilitate the alignment of the terminals of at least one of the cells of the first array with the oppositely charged terminals of two different cells of the second array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Wesley Edward Burkman
  • Route-based distance to empty calculation for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9476719
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an electric machine configured to provide torque to vehicle wheels, a battery electrically coupled with and configured to provide electric power to the electric machine, a display configured to signal information to an operator, and a processor. The processor is configured to present a vehicle driving range on the display. The vehicle driving range is based on a known vehicle route including at least one route segment, an estimated energy usage for the route segment, an available battery charge, and stored energy consumption data from previous drive cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Sangeetha Sangameswaran
  • Method and apparatus for seamless application portability over multiple environments
    Patent number: 9479601
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive data, gathered by a vehicle, for use by a mobile application. The processor is further configured to receive instructions from the application interacting with the vehicle, for continuing usage in the extra-vehicular environment, utilizing the received data. Also, the processor is configured to determine that a mobile device, containing the processor, has left the vehicle. Additionally, the processor is configured to execute the instructions to continue application functionality while the mobile device remains out of contact with the vehicle in the extra-vehicular environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Anthony Hatton
  • Anti-rotation and pull resistant fastener inserts
    Patent number: 9476444
    Abstract: An insert according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body extending along an axis between a proximal portion and a distal portion and a plurality of tabs that protrude radially outwardly from an outermost surface of the body at a location between the proximal portion and the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Droste, Jesus Cardoso
  • Vehicle seat back including a deployable device
    Patent number: 9475447
    Abstract: A seat back includes a frame and a deployable device mounted to the frame. The deployable device includes a back panel, a front panel opposite the back panel, and a cavity between the back panel and the front panel. An inflator is in communication with the cavity. A clip is fixed to the back panel and is engaged with the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Whitens, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi, Iskander Farooq
  • Reinforced polypropylene composition
    Patent number: 9475928
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composition comprising: a) a polypropylene; b) a polyolefin elastomer; and c) a block composite. The polyolefin elastomer has an I10/I2 from greater than 7.5 to 15.0. The composition may optionally include a filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yi Jin, Xuming X. Chen, Kim L. Walton, Gary R. Marchand, Jeffrey D. Weinhold, Sylvie Vervoort
  • Vehicle airbag appendage
    Patent number: 9475445
    Abstract: An airbag includes a primary portion and a secondary portion. The primary portion defines a first chamber and the secondary portion defines a second chamber fluidly connected to the first chamber. The primary portion further defines a center axis and the secondary portion is disposed at least partially along the center axis. In its unexpanded state, the airbag may be disposed under an instrument cluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Pardeep Kumar Jindal, Djamal Eddine Midoun, Edward Joseph Abramoski, Rahul Makwana
  • Apparatus and method for detecting a personal communication device in a vehicle
    Patent number: 9479924
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a personal communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes one or more near field communication (NFC) devices positioned about a driver zone of the vehicle for being wirelessly coupled to the PCD. The PCD is configured to (i) determine if the vehicle is moving above a predetermined vehicle speed, (ii) wirelessly transmit a first signal to the one or more NFC devices in the vehicle, and (iii) determine that the PCD is positioned in the driver zone of the vehicle in response to a second signal from the one or more NFC devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Robert Bruce Kleve, Brian Bennie, Anthony Gerald King
  • Nanostructure material methods and devices
    Patent number: 9478713
    Abstract: In one aspect, structures are provided comprising: a substrate having a first surface and a second surface; and a polymeric layer disposed on the first surface of the substrate, the polymeric layer comprising a polymer and a plurality of light-emitting nanocrystals; the polymeric layer having a patterned surface, the patterned surface having a patterned first region having a first plurality of recesses and a patterned second region having a second plurality of recesses, wherein the plurality of recesses in each region has a first periodicity in a first direction, and a second periodicity in a second direction which intersects the first direction, wherein the first periodicity of the first region is different from the first periodicity of the second region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignees: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials LLC, Dow Global Technologies LLC, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Brian T. Cunningham, Gloria G. See, Peter Trefonas, Jong Keun Park, Kishori Deshpande, Jieqian Zhang, Jaebum Joo
  • Hybrid vehicle including a prevent powertrain gear hunting strategy
    Patent number: 9475483
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a controller. The controller is programmed to inhibit a scheduled transmission downshift and increase a torque of the motor for a specified period of time in response to a torque demand being greater than a maximum torque capability of the engine but less than a maximum combined torque capability of the engine and motor. Upon expiration of the specified period of time, the controller may permit the downshift to occur. The specified period of time may be based on a state of charge of a battery at a time when the torque demand exceeds the maximum torque capability of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Ming Lang Kuang, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Liang, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Drive chain
    Patent number: 9476481
    Abstract: Exemplary arrangements for drive chains are disclosed. In one exemplary arrangement, a tooth shaped link member for a drive chain comprises a web portion, a first side tooth, a second side tooth and a central guide tooth. The web portion extends between opposing side portions of the link member. The first side tooth and the second side tooth each include an apex that is oriented at an angle to extend toward the central guide tooth. In another exemplary arrangement, a drive chain comprises a plurality of inner links that are operatively connected to a plurality of outer links, where a pair of rollers are mounted between the inner links with a pin being positioned between the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Riegger, Jeffrey D. Fluharty
  • Biocidal compositions and methods of use
    Patent number: 9474278
    Abstract: Provided are biocidal compositions comprising: a hydroxymethyl-substituted phosphorus compound and an isothiazolinone compound selected from 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 2-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, and mixtures thereof. The compositions are useful for controlling microorganisms in aqueous or water-containing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Bei Yin, Michael V. Enzien, Donald J. Love, Emerentiana Sianawati
  • Sensor system and method for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9475464
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for determining if a windshield wiper of a vehicle should be automatically activated. The system and method may include a sensor system that receives at least one distance signal indicative of a distance between an object and a front windshield of the vehicle. The sensor system may further receive a relative velocity of the object using the at least one distance signal, the relative velocity being indicative of a velocity between the object and the front windshield of the vehicle. The sensor system may determine whether a windshield wiper should be automatically activated in response to the distance signal being within a distance activation range and the relative velocity being within a velocity activation range or the relative velocity exceeding a maximum velocity threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wilford Trent Yopp, Peter Gyumyeong Joh, Wangdong Luo
  • Temporary engine start or stop using paddle shifter
    Patent number: 9475487
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a driver interface having a first driver-activated selector, and a controller. The controller selectively operates the engine according to a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode the engine runs continuously. In the second mode the engine is turned off in response to a first set of operating conditions and turned on in response to a second set of operating conditions. The controller further, in response to a driver activation of the first selector, controls the engine according to the first mode and, in response to an anticipated end of a first vehicle acceleration event subsequent the driver activation of the first selector, controls the engine according to the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Thomas Soo, Bernard D. Nefcy, David Paul Tourner, Charles Vitullo, Craig Edward Esler