Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 9464692
    Abstract: A family of transmission gearing arrangements provides ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratios by selective engagement of shift elements in various combinations. Four simple planetary gear sets are provided, each having a sun gear, a planet carrier, and a ring gear. One carrier is coupled to the input. At least one planetary gear set provides an underdrive speed relationship between a shaft extending from the carriers of that gear set and the output. At least two brakes and four clutches provide selective coupling between other shafts in the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Scott Lippert
  • Illuminated hitch angle detection component
    Patent number: 9464887
    Abstract: A lighting system for a trailer assembly is provided herein. The lighting system includes a hitch angle detection component having a predefined pattern thereon. A light source is disposed within the hitch angle detection component. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the light source. The photoluminescent structure is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by light output from at least a portion of the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Erick Michael Lavoie, James J. Surman
  • Methods and system for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9463790
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cranking an engine of a hybrid vehicle that includes an electric machine to crank the engine and propel the vehicle are disclosed. In one example, engine cranking speed and engine cranking source are selected in response to vehicle operating conditions that may affect whether or not an electrical power source has sufficient energy to crank the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott James Thompson, David Farrell, Robert Wright, Xiaoyong Wang
  • Vehicle frame joint assembly and method of forming the same
    Patent number: 9463830
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a vehicle frame joint assembly includes a first frame portion including an adaptor, a second frame portion defining a cavity to receive at least a portion of the adaptor, and a first adhesive layer positioned between the adaptor and the cavity when the first frame portion is connected to the second frame portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Sanjay Mehta, John Joseph Uicker, Patrick Marchena
  • Luminescent hitch angle detection component
    Patent number: 9464886
    Abstract: A lighting system for a trailer is provided herein. The lighting system may include a hitch angle detection component disposed on the trailer. A light source is disposed on the vehicle. A photoluminescent structure is disposed on the hitch angle detection component and configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light source. The hitch angle detection component may further include a predetermined image pattern of a certain size and shape provided on the top surface thereof for capture by an imaging device and recognition by an image processing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Erick Michael Lavoie, James J. Surman
  • Electrified vehicle charger
    Patent number: 9463701
    Abstract: An exemplary assembly includes a cord and a lockable charger housing, which has a surface that is shaped to correspond with a shape of a portion of an electrified vehicle. An exemplary method includes positioning a surface of a lockable charger housing against a portion of an electrified vehicle. The surface has a shape corresponding to a shape of a portion of the electrified vehicle. The method includes securing the lockable charger housing relative to the portion after the positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Eid Farha
  • Illuminated speaker
    Patent number: 9464803
    Abstract: A speaker is provided herein. The speaker includes a light source configured to emit inputted light. A diaphragm is configured to move as a magnet receives electrical signals. A first photoluminescent structure is disposed on the diaphragm. A second photoluminescent structure is also disposed on the diaphragm. The inputted light emitted from the light source is converted to outputted light by the first and second photoluminescent structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Bhavani Thota, Linh Doan
  • System and method for measuring switching loss associated with semiconductor switching devices
    Patent number: 9465074
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle using switching loss information of a semiconductor switching device, the switching loss information derived from a conduction loss and a combined conduction and switching loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chingchi Chen, Krishna Prasad Bhat, Michael W. Degner, Ke Zou
  • SEATBELT PAYOUT MEASURING DEVICE AND SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160288766
    Abstract: A seatbelt payout measuring device with a rewind spring having a first end connected to a center spool and a second end connected to a rewind spring housing. A dielectric material layered immediately adjacent to the rewind spring forming a first layer and an electrolytic coil with dielectric material layered on both sides forming a second layer, isolating the rewind spring from the electrolytic coil. A capacitive measuring device having a first lead connected to the first end of the rewind spring and a second lead connected to a first end of the electrolytic coil. The capacitive measuring device measuring capacitance with belt pullout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Mark A. Cuddihy, Mark Allan Lippman, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • VEHICLE IMPACT ABSORBING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160288761
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an instrument panel, a front airbag, a first side curtain airbag, and a second side curtain airbag and two front seats. The front seats are disposed between the first side curtain airbag and the second side curtain airbag. The vehicle includes a roof, and the front airbag is supported by the roof. The front airbag extends from the first side curtain airbag to the second side curtain airbag between the instrument panel and the front seats to absorb energy from occupants during an impact event to reduce the likelihood of head injury and to urge the occupants to remain seated in an upright position to reduce chest loading by seat belts. The front airbag may protect an unbelted occupant ejecting out of the vehicle through a windshield in a crash event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Robert William McCoy, James Chih Cheng
  • VEHICLE SIDE AIRBAG WITH SECONDARY CHAMBER
    Publication number: 20160288762
    Abstract: A side curtain airbag that has a rear chamber, a front chamber and a secondary chamber affixed to said front chamber. The side curtain air bag has tear stitching and permanent stitching connecting the secondary chamber to an inboard panel of the air curtain such that, in a deployed state, the secondary chamber occupies a gap between a driver airbag and the curtain airbag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Zhibing Deng, Luis Enrique Castillo jaime, Srinivas Reddy Malapati, Nial James Wykes
  • A Non-Aqueous Crosslinkable Composition a Method to Produce same and Coatings and Articles Comprising the same
    Publication number: 20160289385
    Abstract: A non-aqueous crosslinkable composition comprising a polyurea having a functionality of equal to or greater than 2; an aldehyde or acetal or hemiacetal thereof; and optionally one or more organic solvents is provided. Further provided is a crosslinked composition, a coating, articles including the coating and a method of making a non-aqueous crosslinkable composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Paul Foley, John N. Argyropoulos, Yiyong He
  • ARTICULATING SUPPORT IN A VEHICLE SEAT
    Publication number: 20160288752
    Abstract: A plurality of pads are configured to be arranged in a vehicle seat. A plurality of passive movement devices are provided to be respectively arranged behind, and to cause movement of, the plurality of pads. The passive movement devices are configured to be actuated independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Cortney Stancato, Robert William McCoy, Jaeho Cho
  • VEHICLE WHEEL
    Publication number: 20160288565
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel rim with a center arranged between a rim shoulder on the outside of the rim and a rim shoulder on the inside of the rim. The rim shoulders spaced apart from one another in the axial direction, each ending in a rim flange at the axially outer or inner edge of the rim. Each delimited axially on the inside or outside by a hump on the outside of the rim and a hump on the inside of the rim. The center offset radially inwards and has a radially inner, low profile section and an elevated profile section offset radially to the outside of the inner, low profile section. A steep wall section extending between the elevated profile section and the rim shoulder on the inside of the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Bassam Noweihed
  • FOB CASE FOR REDUCED TRANSMISSION INTERFERENCE
    Publication number: 20160294049
    Abstract: A fob includes a case, an antenna, at least one input device, and a positioning element. The case has an interface portion and a handle portion. The antenna is disposed at the interface portion of the case. The input device is disposed on the interface portion of the case. The finger positioner orients a user's hand on the handle portion of the case away from the antenna.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, John Locke, Lawrence Banasky, JR., Mark Wisnewski
  • DEPLOYABLE THIGH SUPPORT IN A VEHICLE SEAT
    Publication number: 20160288668
    Abstract: First and second pads are configured to be arranged at a front of a vehicle seat. First and second passive movement devices are provided to be respectively arranged under, and to cause movement of, the first and second pads. The first and second passive movement devices are configured to be actuated independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stancato Cortney, Robert William McCoy, Jaeho Cho
  • ARTICULATING SUPPORT IN A VEHICLE SEAT
    Publication number: 20160288751
    Abstract: A first pad and a second pad are configured to be arranged in a vehicle seat. A plurality of passive movement devices are provided to be respectively arranged behind, and to cause movement of, the pads. The passive movement devices are configured to be actuated independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cortney Stancato, Robert William McCoy, Agnes S. Kim, Jaeho Cho
  • KEY FOB TRANSMISSION COMPENSATION
    Publication number: 20160295523
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a power setting of a key fob includes receiving an input signal from a sensor by a processor. The processor determines, based at least in part on the input from the sensor, that a person is holding the key fob. Based on the determination that the person is holding the key fob, the processor adjusts an initial power setting of the key fob by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Hermann, Tye Arthur Winkel, John Locke, Lawrence Banasky, JR., Mark Wisnewski
  • Twist-lock battery pack attachment device
    Patent number: 9461286
    Abstract: An exemplary attachment device includes a twist-lock rotatable from a first position to a second position. The twist-lock in the first position permits movement of a battery array to and from an installed position within a battery pack. The twist-lock in the second position secures the battery array in the installed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajaram Subramanian, Patrick Daniel Maguire, Rohit Gunna, Steve Droste
  • Energy absorbers for roof system and other vehicle structures
    Patent number: 9457738
    Abstract: An energy absorber for an overhead system in a vehicle, wherein the energy absorber comprises a sound absorption device. To improve the sound absorption, it is provided that the sound absorption device comprises at least one acoustic membrane formed within a protrusion formed in an energy absorbing panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas Bock, Robert Wagschal, Thomas Keller