Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Engine with external cam lubrication
    Patent number: 9458744
    Abstract: An engine, such as a variable displacement engine, has a camshaft retainer. The camshaft retainer has a cap adapted to cooperate with a carrier to support first and second overhead camshafts for rotation. The retainer cap forms a housing for a camshaft journal bearing. The retainer cap also forms a retainer land defining an open channel adapted to provide a jet of lubricating fluid from the bearing housing to externally lubricate a cam. The retainer land is adapted to mate with a sealing land of the carrier to enclose the open channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Theodore Beyer, Forest Heggie, Jonathan Denis Crowe, Ramon Michael Lee, Murray Griffin
  • Method and apparatus for a battery saver utilizing a sleep and vacation strategy
    Patent number: 9462545
    Abstract: A cellular communication module utilized within a battery-powered vehicle comprising a processor configured to activate an extended power mode, wherein the extended power mode allows the cellular communication module to establish a data session with a cellular communication network for a first time period. The process if further configured to activate a low power mode, wherein the low power mode allows the cellular communication module to maintain a registered cellular connection with the cellular communication network for a second time period, and activate a sleep mode, wherein the sleep mode maintains a registered cellular connection with the cellular communication network during a reoccurring wake-up cycle or is disconnected from the cellular communication network for a third time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Kleve, Ritesh Pandya
  • Towing device
    Patent number: 9457630
    Abstract: A device comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is rotatably supported at least partly in an interior of the outer sleeve. A hollow axle is located in an interior of the inner sleeve, and a skewer is supported within an inner region of the hollow axle. The skewer is slidable along an axis of hollow axle. First and second slots are located on the hollow axle. A lever that is rotatable about the axis of the hollow axle includes a mechanism for causing the rod to slide along the axis to change respective widths of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald L. Anderson
  • Adaptive initial estimation and dynamic determination and update of distance until charge of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
    Patent number: 9459110
    Abstract: An electric vehicle such as a PHEV or a BEV and a method of control includes receiving from a user of the vehicle, at an interface of the vehicle, a distance until charge (DUC) value indicative of the distance from a current position that the vehicle is intended to be driven before the vehicle is recharged. Battery usage of the vehicle is controlled as a function of the DUC value. An initial estimate of the DUC value may be made by obtaining historical distance between charges (DBC) values indicative of the distance the vehicle has been driven between each of one or more pairs of consecutive charges of the vehicle. The estimated DUC value is based on the DBC values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johannes G. Kristinsson, Hai Yu, Ryan A. McGee
  • Vehicle with power management
    Patent number: 9457805
    Abstract: An electronic control unit may include input channels configured to receive signals indicative of a power to a steering system and signals indicative of an operating mode of the vehicle, and output channels configured to provide a command to redistribute current from an electrical load to the steering system. The electronic control unit may further include control logic configured to, in response to the power falling below a threshold value and the operating mode being of a pre-defined type, generate the command to increase the power to the steering system to meet the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Patrick Brombach, James Michael Weinfurther, David J. Dainelis, Michael J. Irby
  • Pre-molding article from thermoset polymer dispersions
    Patent number: 9458352
    Abstract: The invention is directed at new process and systems for preparing composite materials that include a polymer phase and a fiber phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Manesh N. Sekharan, Daniel L. Dermody, Michael E. Hus, David H. Bank, Peter Cate, Liang Hong, Scott T. Burr, David L. Malotky, Timothy J. Young, Matthew J. Kalinowski
  • Methods for correcting spill valve timing error of a high pressure pump
    Patent number: 9458806
    Abstract: Methods are provided for correct spill valve timing of a high pressure pump coupled to the direct injection system of an internal combustion engine. A method is needed to monitor and adjust spill valve timing on-board the vehicle, where spill valve timing error may result from sensors error and/or time between command signal and actuation response of the spill valve. To self-correct spill valve timing error on-board a vehicle, methods are proposed that involve monitoring and recording fuel rail pressures, high pressure pump duty cycles, and fractional liquid volume pumped values in order to find zero flow relationships.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hao Zhang, Gopichandra Surnilla, Mark Meinhart, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph F. Basmaji
  • Method and system for ignition energy control
    Patent number: 9458773
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving spark robustness. Spark ignition dwell commands are adjusted based on the fuel fraction delivered via direct injection relative to port injection. The approach allows ignition output to better match the ignition requirement of the given fuel combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Garlan J. Huberts
  • Method and system to manage driveline oscillations with motor torque adjustment
    Patent number: 9457787
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle having an electric traction motor coupled to a transmission by a clutch include modifying traction motor torque in response to the difference between rotational speed of a driveline component and the filtered rotational speed of the driveline component to reduce driveline oscillation when the clutch is locked. The traction motor torque may be modified in response to a vehicle event that may otherwise induce driveline oscillations, such as a transmission ratio change or regenerative braking, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Marvin Paul Kraska, Daniel Scott Colvin, Christopher Alan Lear
  • Methods and apparatus for estimating power usage
    Patent number: 9459111
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes establishing a road network model on which a plurality of simulated vehicles may be run. The method also includes setting up a plurality of scenarios under which vehicle driving conditions vary to be run on the road network model. The illustrative method includes receiving energy usage related data for a plurality of simulated vehicles run in at least one of the plurality of scenarios on the road network model. The method further includes calculating a total energy consumption for each of the vehicles. The method additionally includes repeating the receiving and calculating steps to determine how various elements of the road network model and scenarios effect vehicle energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Perry Robinson MacNeille, Edward Andrew Pleet, Mark John Jennings, Oleg Yurievitch Gusikhin, Brian Petersen
  • Vehicle sun visor providing luminescent lighting
    Patent number: 9457712
    Abstract: A sun visor is provided herein. The sun visor includes a visor body and a lid coupled to the visor body. The lid is moveable between a closed and an open position. A photoluminescent structure is coupled to the lid and a light source is configured to emit light based on the position of the lid. The photoluminescent structure luminesces in response to excitation by light emitted from the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Controlling access to an in-vehicle human-machine interface
    Patent number: 9457816
    Abstract: An in-vehicle computer is programmed to determine that a driver's hands are at least one predetermined location in the vehicle, the at least one predetermine location including a location on a steering wheel, determine that a vehicle passenger is in a safe position with respect to a human-machine interface; and provide passenger access to the human-machine interface such that the passenger may access operations of the computer that are inaccessible to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Leonard Van Wiemeersch, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
  • Fuel system leak check based on fuel reid vapor pressure
    Patent number: 9458801
    Abstract: A method for an evaporative emissions leak test, comprising: adjusting a pressure threshold based on a fuel volatility of a fuel contained in a fuel tank; and performing the evaporative emissions leak test based on the adjusted pressure threshold. By determining fuel volatility and adjusting a pressure threshold based on the fuel volatility, a more robust and accurate evaporative emissions leak test may be employed without adding additional components to a fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Rob Ognjanovski, Jr.
  • Hybrid vehicle engine start
    Patent number: 9458811
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, a transmission having an input, and an electric machine mechanically coupled to the transmission input. The vehicle further includes a clutch configured to mechanically couple the electric machine and engine crankshaft, and at least one controller. The at least one controller, in response to an engine start condition and subsequent partial engagement of the clutch, outputs a torque command for the electric machine to increase the speed of the crankshaft to a speed of the electric machine before commanding fuel injection of the engine. The torque command is based on driver demanded torque and a change in speed of the crankshaft caused by changes in pressure to the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Ming Lang Kuang, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • Pressure controlled driveline mechanical coupling
    Patent number: 9458900
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a motive power source, a transmission, and a clutch system. The vehicle further includes a controller that causes the clutch system to generate a generally constant clutch pressure to mechanically couple the motive power source and transmission as a line pressure associated with the transmission varies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Scott Colvin, Bernard D. Nefcy, Marvin Paul Kraska, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Method and system for engine cooling system control
    Patent number: 9458759
    Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on output from an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. Sensor power usage is optimized based on the ratio of first order and higher order harmonic echo times in the raw data set generated by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, William Russell Goodwin, Casey Dietrich, Matt Gerow, Scott Steadmon Thompson
  • Method of recuperating energy from a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 9458790
    Abstract: A system and method for recuperating energy from a motor vehicle is described in which during an engine overrun period kinetic energy from the slowing motor vehicle is used to drive a high pressure fuel pump at a high demand level so as to store fuel at high pressure in a fuel accumulator for later use by an engine of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donatus Andreas Josephine Kees, Stuart Alexander Lane
  • VEHICLE HOOD STIFFENER
    Publication number: 20160280277
    Abstract: A vehicle hood includes an inner panel, an outer panel coupled to the inner panel, and an insert disposed between the outer panel and the inner panel. The insert is formed of a material that is brittle relative to a material of the outer panel. The insert includes a plurality of strips connected to each other. Each strip is elongated along and disposed adjacent to the outer panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sushil Shastry, Randall R. Frank, Laike Misikir, Luis Jesus Chavela Guerra, Kevin Greene
  • VEHICLE STRUCTURAL REINFORCING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20160280273
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a pair of rails spaced from each other. A beam is disposed between the pair of rails and defines a cavity. The beam includes walls and hinges connected in alternating arrangement about the cavity. Each hinge is connected to two of the walls. A wedge is disposed between one of the rails and the beam adjacent the cavity for driving the walls and hinges toward an expanded position during a side impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, James Chih Cheng, Jamel E. Belwafa
  • SELF-SEALING ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20160285197
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a housing, a plurality of pins disposed on the housing, a pin chamber disposed on the housing, and a cap disposed on the chamber. The cap has a plurality of holes for receiving the pins. The pins are aligned with the holes when the cap is in an operating position and the pins are offset from the holes when the cap is in a storage position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: September 29, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Swadad A. Carremm, Joel Allen Pittenger, Aed M. Dudar