Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Methods and systems for controlling airflow through a throttle turbine generator
    Patent number: 9435271
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator having a turbine which drives an auxiliary generator and disposed in a throttle bypass are described. In some examples, a throttle bypass valve is controlled to adjust airflow through the throttle bypass responsive to airflow to cylinders of the engine. In other examples, an operating parameter such as throttle position is controlled based on transient operating conditions of the engine. In still other examples, charging of a battery is coordinated between the auxiliary generator and a primary generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, John D. Russell
  • Supercharged internal combustion engine, and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
    Patent number: 9435254
    Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine having at least two exhaust-gas turbochargers is provided. The engine includes a first exhaust manifold and a second exhaust manifold which are permanently connected to one another upstream of the two turbines of the turbochargers via at least one connecting duct which cannot be closed off. In this way, overflow of exhaust from the one exhaust manifold may be transferred to the other exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kai Sebastian Kuhlbach, Norbert Andreas Schorn, Rainer Friedfeldt, Guenter Bartsch
  • Tray system for a truck
    Patent number: 9434292
    Abstract: A system for accommodating a variety of modular components on a truck bed tray that is assembled to a truck frame. A plurality of first engagement features are provided to secure a heavier attachment to the bed. Each of the first engagement features includes a first receptacle and a first plug that may be inserted in the first receptacle. A plurality of second engagement features are provided to secure a relatively lighter weight attachment to the bed. Each of the second engagement features includes a second receptacle and a second plug that may be inserted in the second receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Jeremy Welch
  • Apparatus for radiating light from a virtual source
    Patent number: 9435504
    Abstract: A lighting assembly that includes an LED source that generates a light cone (solid angle); and a transparent near field lens having a front surface, a collimating surface, and an aspherical groove. The collimating surface collimates the light cone into a beam that reflects off of the front surface toward the aspherical groove, and the aspherical groove directs the beam away from the lens as an exit cone from a virtual focal point, positive virtual focal ring or a negative virtual focal ring. The exit cone may be evenly distributed, substantially forward or substantially rearward from the virtual focal point or virtual focal ring. Parabolic or aparabolic reflectors can be employed with lighting assemblies having a virtual focal point or virtual focal ring, respectively, to reflect the exit cone in a vehicular exterior lighting pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Durand
  • Illuminated vehicle compartment
    Patent number: 9434304
    Abstract: An illuminated engine compartment disposed within a vehicle is provided herein. The illuminated engine compartment includes a light-producing assembly. A first luminescent portion is disposed on the light-producing assembly and is configured to luminesce in response to excitation by the light-producing assembly. A second luminescent portion is disposed on a feature within the vehicle engine compartment and is configured to luminesce in response to light emitted from the light-producing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner, James J. Surman, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Method for estimating charge air cooler condensation storage and/or release with an intake oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 9435251
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating water storage in a charge air cooler (CAC). In one example, an amount of water in charge air exiting the CAC may be based on an output of an oxygen sensor positioned downstream of the CAC. Further, engine actuators may be adjusted to increase combustion stability and/or reduce condensate formation based on the amount of water exiting the CAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Dan A. Makled, Richard E. Soltis
  • Method for inferring barometric pressure at low throttle angles
    Patent number: 9435283
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating barometric pressure based on a reference barometric pressure and manifold pressures at two different altitudes. In one example, a method may include adjusting an operating condition of the engine based on barometric pressure during engine operation at throttle angles less than a threshold, the barometric pressure based on a current manifold pressure relative to a reference manifold pressure at a current throttle angle and reference barometric pressure. Further, the method may include adjusting a manifold pressure sensor output based on an offset of the manifold pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rommel Racelis, John Eric Rollinger, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Method and system for vacuum generation
    Patent number: 9435300
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling motive flow through an ejector using a pneumatically controlled valve. A valve coupled upstream of an intake ejector may be adjusted based on boost pressure to control motive flow into the ejector from upstream of a compressor. This allows motive flow through the ejector to be controlled based on vacuum needs at low component cost without loss of boost pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Seat belt height adjuster system and method
    Patent number: 9434349
    Abstract: A system includes a seat belt height adjuster, a seat belt retractor includes a payout sensor, and a seat. The seat includes a seat position sensor and a weight sensor configured to measure a weight of an occupant of the seat. The system includes a control module in communication with the payout sensor, the seat position sensor, and the weight sensor. The control module is programmed to calculate a size of the occupant based at least on the payout and the seat position. The control module is programmed to adjust a position of the seat belt height adjuster based at least on the size and weight of the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Paul Perkins, Kenneth James Miller
  • Cable device to restrict headlamp motion in frontal low speed impacts
    Patent number: 9434296
    Abstract: A motor vehicle headlamp assembly mounted to a front corner of a motor vehicle between a side fender panel and a front body panel has a front portion and a rear portion, a forward mount attached to a front structure of the motor vehicle, and a rearward mount attached to a rear structure of the motor vehicle situated rearward of the front structure. An anchor cable has a first end attached to the rear portion of the headlamp assembly and a second end attached to the motor vehicle proximate the rear structure, whereby the rear portion of the headlamp assembly is substantially restrained from rearward, upward, and outward movement during a low velocity impact event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi, Rajarathinam Jayachandran, Erika Kristin Low, Matt Alan Niesluchowski
  • Vehicle step system
    Patent number: 9434317
    Abstract: A vehicle step system and method incorporating an end of a vehicle bumper. The step system includes an end of the bumper movable between a first, closed position and a second, open position. When placed in the second, open position the end of the bumper includes a step surface. One example of the vehicle step system and method includes positioning the step surface below the top of the bumper. The end of the bumper may be pivotally connected at the bottom wherein an actuator operates to move the end of the bumper between the first, closed position and the second, open position. In an additional example, a latch operates to prevent movement of the end of the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Adrian Nania
  • Personal electronic device dock
    Patent number: 9434319
    Abstract: A portable electronic device dock includes a storage unit and a lid, wherein the lid is adapted to clamp a portable electronic device between a portion of the lid and a portion of the storage unit to retain the portable electronic device in a user-accessible display position. The device dock includes a slide assembly adapted to bias the lid to an open position and a clutch assembly adapted to retain the lid in a clamped position on the portable electronic device. A spring member retains the clutch assembly in a released condition as the lid opens. The slide assembly includes a release tab configured to act on the spring member to allow the clutch assembly to convert to an engaged condition once the lid has reached a fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond Anthony Oldani
  • Electrical connector for a laminated window
    Patent number: 9439245
    Abstract: A laminated window is disclosed having a window heater unit which is connected to an external source of electrical power by means of an electrically conductive strip. At least a part of each of the electrically conductive strips is bonded on all sides to one or more laminating interlayer interposed between and bonding together two panes of glass. The bonding of the laminating interlayer to the electrically conductive strips during manufacture of the laminated window produces a water impervious seal between the laminating interlayer and the respective electrically conductive strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nigel Philip Harold Fawcett, Tom Boettger, Oliver Sterzenbach, Larry Agius
  • Photoluminescent bin lamp
    Patent number: 9434302
    Abstract: An illuminated vehicle storage apparatus is disclosed. The storage apparatus comprises a bin rotatably connected to a console and configured to be oriented in an open position and a closed position. The storage apparatus further includes a light source configured to emit a first emission disposed in the console. A photoluminescent portion is disposed proximate the bin such that the first emission is directed toward the photoluminescent portion when the bin is oriented in the open position to illuminate the photoluminescent portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies,LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Purge assembly for a fuel cell system
    Patent number: 9437890
    Abstract: A fuel cell purge apparatus for a fuel cell system has a separator defining a chamber for receiving a recirculated fuel stream including a fluid and impurities. The apparatus has a drain conduit with an outer passage connected to the chamber. The outer passage forms a fluid trap to collect the fluid. The drain conduit also has an inner passage nested within the outer passage through the fluid trap for delivering the impurities to a purge valve. The inner passage has a free end extending into the chamber of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Milos Milacic, Kurt David Osborne
  • Methods and systems for an engine
    Patent number: 9435270
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator having a turbine which drives an auxiliary generator and disposed in a throttle bypass are described. In some examples, a throttle bypass valve is controlled to adjust airflow through the throttle bypass responsive to airflow to cylinders of the engine. In other examples, an operating parameter such as throttle position is controlled based on transient operating conditions of the engine. In still other examples, charging of a battery is coordinated between the auxiliary generator and a primary generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, John Anthony DeMarco
  • Boundary detection system
    Patent number: 9437111
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for tracking objects around a vehicle, analyzing the potential threat of the tracked objects, and implementing a threat response based on the analysis in order to keep occupants of the vehicle safe. Embodiments include a boundary detection system comprising a memory configured to store threat identification information, and a sensor unit configured to sense the object outside the vehicle and obtain sensor information based on the sensed object. The boundary detection system further includes a processor in communication with the memory and sensor unit, the controller configured to receive the sensor information, and control a threat response based on the sensor information and the threat identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Ignaczak, Cynthia M. Neubecker, Brian Bennie, Thomas Lee Miller, Randy Michael Freiburger, Eric L Reed, Scott Alan Watkins
  • Photoluminescent vehicle graphics
    Patent number: 9434297
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination apparatus comprises a trim portion affixed to a surface comprising a first photoluminescent portion and at least one light source. The light source may be configured to emit a first emission at a first wavelength. The first emission may be configured to excite the first photoluminescent portion in a back-lit configuration. The trim portion is configured to mask the first photoluminescent portion from external light sources to prevent excitation of the first photoluminescent portion in the presence of external light sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Paul Kenneth Dellock
  • Geometric/mechanical isolation of aluminum to steel joining at trim edges for corrosion protection
    Patent number: 9434422
    Abstract: A joint for a motor vehicle body comprises a first structural member fabricated from aluminum attached to a second structural member fabricated from steel. The second structural member has an adjoining portion that is in substantially juxtaposed abutting relation with the first structural member when the second structural member is attached to the first structural member. The second structural member has a ramp portion terminating in a bare exposed edge on the second structural member and upon which the bare exposed edge is disposed. The bare exposed edge is displaced from the first structural member to form a gap between the first structural member and the bare exposed edge to prevent corrosion of the bare exposed edge without the use of adhesives and sealants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Colleen Marie Hoffman, Kimberly Ann Lazarz, Jack Lashbrook, Chris Verschaeve
  • Method for fuel injection control
    Patent number: 9435287
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for controlling fuel injection in an engine equipped with a dual injector system including a port injector and a direct injector. A ratio of port injected fuel to direct injected fuel is adjusted based at least on intake valve temperature. The proportion of fuel port injected into a cylinder is increased as the intake valve temperature for the given cylinder increases to improve fuel vaporization in the intake port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Krengel, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Michael Howard Shelby