Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Regulator valve with integrated direct acting solenoid
    Patent number: 9441732
    Abstract: A control valve for an automatic transmission includes a valve body including a chamber and a control pressure port, metering edges formed in the valve body at the control pressure port, a reference surface formed in the valve body, a spool displaceable along the chamber, and a solenoid module including a pin for displacing the spool, and located in the chamber by contact with the reference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert O. Burkhart, Derek Kinch, John Butwin, Anthony G. Koenings, Hrudaya Mahapatro, Wei Zhuang
  • Selective electric mode for electric vehicle
    Patent number: 9440644
    Abstract: An example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a speed of the electric vehicle is at or below a threshold speed, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the speed of the electric vehicle is above the threshold speed. The threshold speed is an operator-adjustable threshold speed. Another example method includes operating an electric vehicle in an electric mode when a state of charge of a battery of the electric vehicle is at a threshold state of charge, and operating the electric vehicle in a hybrid mode when the state of charge of the battery is at or below the threshold state of charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Angel Fernando Porras, Bryan Michael Bolger, Christopher Adam Ochocinski, Joseph Gerald Supina
  • Engine knock signal transmissive element
    Patent number: 9442034
    Abstract: Embodiments may provide an engine knock monitoring system that may include an engine block including an engine block body and a cylinder wall defining at least a portion of a combustion chamber. A space may be defined between a top of the cylinder wall and a top of the engine block body. An engine knock sensor may be mounted to the engine block. A pressure pulse transmissive element may be disposed in the space and may be disposed in contact with an outside surface of the cylinder wall and an opposite inside surface of the engine block body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammad Ali Moetakef, James Matthew Kindree, Mathew Leonard Hintzen, Antony George Schepak
  • Photoluminescent vehicle console
    Patent number: 9440584
    Abstract: A vehicle illumination apparatus is disclosed. The vehicle illumination apparatus comprises a console rotatably connected to a portion of a seat. The console is operable to rotate from a first position to a second position. A light source is disposed proximate the console and configured to emit a first emission of light. The illumination apparatus further comprises at least one light guide configured to direct the first emission to a first photoluminescent portion disposed on the console when the console is oriented in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, James J. Surman
  • Folding vehicle
    Patent number: 9440687
    Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris P. Theodore, Christopher David Batty, Nicholas John Daiber, Aaron Matthew Hanson, Keith Albert Nagara, Gregory VanderVoord, Daniel John Kangas, Jacob Scott Lanyon
  • Method and system adjusting an exhaust heat recovery valve
    Patent number: 9441553
    Abstract: A method for adjusting an exhaust heat recovery valve is presented. In one embodiment, the method may control an amount of boost provided by a turbocharger to an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Engine system and a method of operating a direct injection engine
    Patent number: 9441569
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an engine. The system comprises a direct injection engine having a cylinder in which a piston is slidingly supported to form in combination with a cylinder head a combustion chamber; a fuel injector for the cylinder having a catalytic coated tip portion that projects into the combustion chamber; and an electronic controller to control the operation of the engine and operates the engine in a heating mode of operation if heating of the fuel injector tip is requested. Various methods for heating the fuel injector tip are proposed including operating the engine on a reduced number of cylinders and varying one or both of fuel injection timing and quantity of fuel injected and the ignition timing in order to increase the temperature of combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Skipp, Graham Hoare, Oliver Berkemeier, Nicholas Dashwood Crisp
  • STEERING SYSTEMS INCLUDING LOCKING CONTROLS FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE, AND MOTOR VEHICLES INCLUDING STEERING SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20160257338
    Abstract: A steering locking system is provided for a motor vehicle that includes a pin, a locking disc to receive the pin, an actuation device, and a control unit. The actuation device is configured to control movement of the pin. The control unit is configured to control rotation of the locking disc and movement of the pin via the actuation device. Further, the control unit is configured to permit movement of the pin into the pocket after the occurrence of a predetermined event. The steering locking system can further include a motor operatively associated with the locking disc. The control unit may be configured to control the motor at a first power level to maintain the motor in a state of readiness and to control the motor at a second power level, different from the first power level, when the locking system detects a torque applied to the steering system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Alan RAWLINGS, Oliver NEHLS, Lodewijk WIJFFELS, Joshua GUERRA
  • SEAT-BELT MOUNTING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20160257284
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mounting plate having at least one deformable opening arranged to receive a securing member. The opening is configured to deform when a load on the mounting plate exceeds a predetermined threshold. The apparatus includes a ring member connected to the mounting plate. The ring member includes an opening to receive a strap there-through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi
  • STEERING SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAME
    Publication number: 20160257339
    Abstract: A method operates a steering system of a motor vehicle having a steerable wheel controlled using a steering wheel. The method begins by ascertaining a prevailing control angle of the steering wheel of the motor vehicle. A variable steering ratio between the prevailing control angle and a steering angle of the steerable wheel is defined. A static steering ratio from the variable steering ratio to set the steering angle of the steerable wheel is then selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Frank Esser, Joerg Peter Schalz
  • Cardanol Modified Epoxy Polyol
    Publication number: 20160257848
    Abstract: A cardanol modified epoxy polyol may be used for forming a polyurethane resin system for use in applications such as coatings and composites formed by filament winding. The polyurethane resin system includes an isocyanate-reactive component that has a first cardanol component and the cardanol-modified epoxy polyol, and includes an isocyanate component that includes at least one polyisocyanate. The cardanol-modified epoxy polyol is a reaction product of an epoxy component and an epoxy-reactive component at a ratio of epoxy groups to epoxy reactive groups from 1:0.95 to 1:5, and the epoxy-reactive component includes a second cardanol component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jiang Li, Yi Zhang, Wei Li, Beilei Wang, Paolo Diena
  • A NEW POLYURETHANE/ACRYLIC HYBRID FOR ELASTOMERIC WALL COATINGS
    Publication number: 20160257847
    Abstract: A polyurethane/acrylic hybrid dispersion comprising a polyurethane dispersion, acrylic monomers and ethylenically unsaturated phosphorus containing monomers. The weight ratio of the solid content of the polyurethane dispersion to the acrylic monomers and the ethylenically unsaturated phosphorus containing monomers is from 3:7 to 7:3. A process of making the polyurethane/acrylic hybrid dispersion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicants: Dow Global Technologies LLC, Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Yuehan Hu, Jinyuan Zhang, Xiangting Dong, Yujiang Wang
  • Engine oil supply system and a method of controlling an engine oil supply system
    Patent number: 9435235
    Abstract: An engine oil supply system for a motor vehicle and a method of controlling an engine oil supply system of a motor vehicle is disclosed in which, particularly during an engine overrun period or an engine shut-down, kinetic energy from the slowing engine is used to drive an oil pump so as to store oil in an oil accumulator for later use by one or more engine components without the engine using fuel. The stored oil allows a downsized oil pump to be used thereby saving fuel by providing a supply of oil in addition to or as an alternative to the oil supplied from the oil pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Graham Pegg, Timothy James Bowman
  • Photoluminescent vehicle badge
    Patent number: 9434294
    Abstract: An emblem illumination assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination assembly comprises an external cover defining a profile shape and an optic device proximate the external cover. The optic device further includes an interior surface. A light source is located proximate the interior surface and is configured to emit a first emission into the optic device. The optic device comprises a photoluminescent material disposed between the light source and the external cover, wherein the photoluminescent material is configured to convert the first emission to emit a second emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Multiple speed transmission
    Patent number: 9435404
    Abstract: A family of transmission gearing arrangements produces nine forward and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of various combinations of three clutches or brakes. Each transmission gearing arrangement includes a front shiftable gearing arrangement configured to establish a variety of speed ratios between an intermediate shaft and an input shaft. These speed ratios include a reverse speed ratio, a zero speed ratio, two underdrive ratios, and a direct ratio. Each transmission also includes a rear shiftable gearing arrangement configured to selectively establish particular speed relationships among the input shaft, the intermediate shaft, and an output shaft. Engagement of a clutch in the rear shiftable gearing arrangement establishes an underdrive ratio between the output shaft and the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Goleski, Steven Gerald Thomas
  • System and method for determining a hitch angle offset
    Patent number: 9434414
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided for estimating an actual hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. A hitch sensor on the vehicle continuously senses a measured hitch angle and a steering sensor continuously senses a steering angle of steered wheels of the vehicle. A controller determines an offset between the measured hitch angle and the actual hitch angle when the measured hitch angle and the steering angle are substantially constant while the vehicle and trailer are reversing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Tire windup compensation
    Patent number: 9434415
    Abstract: A system for measuring and compensating for tire windup occurring in road wheels during parking events. A controller receives data comprising a steering motor current and steering system component movement, from that data determines the amount of tire windup is present, and controls the motor to turn a road wheel to an initial position that allows the tire windup to turn the road wheel to a final position. The final desired position of the road wheel may be one for the desired location of the road wheel itself, for the steering wheel, or for a combination of the two. Final desired angular positions of the steering wheel may be one such that an ignition may have greater visibility or one such that the steering wheel is not locked under load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
  • Traction battery assembly having snap-in bus bar module
    Patent number: 9437860
    Abstract: A traction battery includes a cell having a terminal defining a surface with a top and at least one sidewall. The traction battery also includes a busbar having an interior defining a top engaging with the top of the terminal, and at least one side surface engaging with the sidewall. One of the side surface and the sidewall includes a projection and the other of the side surface and the sidewall includes a receptacle for receiving the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eid Farha
  • Traction battery thermal plate manifold
    Patent number: 9437905
    Abstract: A traction battery system for a vehicle is provided. The system may include a plurality of battery cells, a thermal plate, and an inlet manifold. The thermal plate may support the battery cells and includes a heat exchange region and two lateral sides defining two planes. The inlet manifold may be positioned downstream of an inlet port and upstream of the heat exchange region. The inlet manifold may define distribution channels throughout the inlet manifold and includes an outlet to the heat exchange region having a cross-sectional area defining a third plane. The two planes and third plane define a region normal to the cross sectional area and the inlet manifold may be positioned such that the inlet port is located outside the region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bhaskara Boddakayala, Neil Robert Burrows, Saravanan Paramasivam
  • Vehicle underbody structure
    Patent number: 9434420
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle has an underbody that includes a floor panel, a pair of laterally spaced side members affixed to opposing lateral side portions of the floor panel, a plurality of cross members affixed to and spanning the pair of side members, a longitudinal member affixed to and spanning two adjacent cross members, and a mounting element affixed to the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member is configured to transfer a load from the mounting element to the adjacent cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tofiqul Islam, Behrooz Shahidi, Lawrence Walczak, Andre Thompson, John Michael McGuckin