Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Three piece hidden D-ring seat belt restraint
    Patent number: 9428144
    Abstract: A seatbelt assembly includes an adjuster having a guide slidable in a first direction. The assembly also includes a cover defining upper and lower edges and coupled with the guide and first and second extension plates slidably disposed relative to the cover in the first direction so as to be extendable respectively from the upper and lower edges thereof and to be retractable behind the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Bauer, John Andrew Stakoe, Mahesh Bhattacharyya, Paul Tuomisto, Christopher Donald Schop
  • Methods and systems for operating an engine in a hybrid vehicle driveline
    Patent number: 9429084
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing hybrid driveline efficiency are disclosed. In one example, an efficient engine operating region is defined within an engine operating domain based on an engine's brake specific fuel consumption. The systems and methods may increase an amount of time a hybrid driveline operates at more efficient operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller, Stephen Li-Chun Shen
  • Multi-layered structure and a method of sealing or shaping using a multi-layered structure
    Patent number: 9427938
    Abstract: A multi-layered structure comprising an induction activation layer comprising a blend of (a) a first thermoplastic polymer, (b) a plurality of first particles, each said first particle comprising (i) a core comprising one or more magnetic materials and (ii) a shell comprising silicon dioxide; and (c) optionally a plurality of second particles, each said second particle comprising heat conducting particles; and a sealant, wherein the sealant exhibits a melting point equal to or lower than any other layer in the multi-layered structure, wherein the induction activation layer and sealant are in direct or indirect thermal contact is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Rudolf J. Koopmans, Luis G. Zalamea Bustillo, Karl Zuercher, Thomas T. Allgeuer
  • Freeze preparation for a fuel cell system
    Patent number: 9428077
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel cell system, and a controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of a predicted ambient temperature at a specified location, and command the fuel cell system to operate at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A method for controlling a fuel cell system includes receiving a first signal at a controller indicative of a predicted ambient temperature for a specified location, and operating the fuel cell system at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, and a controller configured to, in response to receiving a predicted freezing condition, command the fuel cell stack to operate at a lower relative humidity level for a time period preceding a predicted time for system shut down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Staley, William F. Sanderson, Milos Milacic, Hasdi R. Hashim, Daniel William Forthoffer, Craig Michael Mathie
  • Ethylene-based polymers and processes to make the same
    Patent number: 9428595
    Abstract: The invention provides a process to form an ethylene-based polymer, said process comprising polymerizing ethylene in the presence of at least one free-radical agent, and in the presence of a “metal alkyl-containing compound” selected from the group consisting of the following: i) at least one “Group II metal alkyl-containing compound,” ii) at least one “Group III metal alkyl-containing compound,” or iii) a combination of i) and ii). The invention also provides a composition comprising at least one ethylene-based polymer, prepared from a free-radical polymerization, and wherein the ethylene-based polymer has the following property: y>0.28567x?0.00032, wherein y=vinyl/1000C, as determined by 1H NMR, and x=mol % polymerized ?-olefin, as determined by 13C NMR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Sean W. Ewart, Teresa P. Karjala, Sarat Munjal, Mehmet Demirors
  • Process to produce enhanced melt strength ethylene/?-olefin copolymers and articles thereof
    Patent number: 9428636
    Abstract: An ethylene/?-olefin copolymer comprising units derived from ethylene; and units derived from at least one ?-olefin; wherein the ethylene/?-olefin copolymer has a density in the range of from 0.90 to 0.94 g/cc; a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.05 to 50 dg/min; an Mw/Mn of from 3 to 5; and from 300 to 500 vinyl unsaturations per 1,000,000 carbon atoms in the ethylene/?-olefin copolymer is provided. Also provided is a process for producing an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer comprising: (1) polymerizing ethylene and one or more ?-olefins in a polymerization reactor; (2) thereby producing an enhanced melt strength ethylene/?-olefin copolymer having from 300 to 500 vinyl unsaturation units per 1,000,000 carbon atoms, a density in the range of from 0.90 to 0.94 g/cc; a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.05 to 50 dg/min; and a Mw/Mn of from 3 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Effler, Teresa P. Karjala, Mehmet Demirors, Nilesh R. Savargaonkar, Selim Bensason, Zhe Zhou
  • Over-travel mechanism for easy-entry system
    Patent number: 9428086
    Abstract: A seat assembly includes an easy-entry system with a seat frame having a seatback pivotally coupled to a seat member. An external lever is operably coupled to an engagement lever disposed on the seat frame and is configured to activate the engagement lever to move the seatback into an engaged position with a sector pivotally coupled to the seat frame. A disengagement rod flexibly is coupled to a spring member disposed on the sector at a first end and further coupled to a track release lever at a second end. As such, rotation of the seatback to a release position rotates the track release lever to unlock the seat assembly from a seat track. Further rotation of the seatback from the release position to an over-travel position loads the spring member but does not further rotate the track release lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Macit Aktas
  • Fast curing adhesive useful for bonding to glass
    Patent number: 9428678
    Abstract: A composition comprising: a one part adhesive composition comprising a) one or more isocyanate functional components; b) one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate groups with active hydrogen containing groups; c) one or more fillers which do not enhance the formation of voids during curing; d) one or more fillers having basic character; and a cure accelerator comprising: e) one or more liquid carriers; f) water; and g) one or more paste forming agents. The one part adhesive composition may be used alone where ambient temperature and humidities afford reasonably rapid cure rates. The cure accelerator may be used when temperatures and/or humidities are sufficiently low such that the cure rate of the adhesive alone is not acceptable for a particular use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Huide D. Zhu, Daniel P. Sophiea, Matthew B. Feldpausch
  • System and methods for evaporative emissions leak testing
    Patent number: 9429114
    Abstract: A method for a fuel system is provided, comprising: during a first engine-off condition, coupling a fuel tank to a fuel vapor canister, and indicating degradation based on a change in pressure at the fuel vapor canister, and during a second engine-off condition, coupling the fuel vapor canister to an intake of an engine, and indicating degradation based on a change in pressure at the fuel vapor canister. The first engine-off condition may include an absolute fuel tank pressure greater than a threshold, while the second engine-off condition may include an engine spinning unfueled. In this way, a vacuum or pressure may be applied to the fuel vapor canister during an engine-off condition without requiring a dedicated vacuum pump coupled to the fuel vapor canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Robert Roy Jentz, Jason Chung
  • Rollover passenger protection
    Patent number: 9428138
    Abstract: A passenger protection device includes an airbag having a roof panel arranged to deploy to cover at least a portion of and at least one tether having a first end attached to a first attachment point on a surface of the airbag that faces a vehicle roof when the airbag is deployed, and a second end attachable to a second attachment point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Dean M. Jaradi, Mohammed Omar Faruque
  • Adaptive cruise control while towing
    Patent number: 9428190
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain, a cruise control system, and a controller. The controller, in response to a brake temperature being greater than a threshold while the cruise control system is active and the vehicle being coupled to a trailer, operates the powertrain such that a speed of the vehicle decreases to decrease the brake temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Keith Weston
  • Articulating closure mechanism for non-aligned closure panels
    Patent number: 9428944
    Abstract: A liftgate/decklid assembly for a motor vehicle includes a liftgate panel hingedly connected to the vehicle to define a liftgate swing arc. A decklid panel is hingedly connected to the liftgate panel to define a decklid swing arc. The decklid and liftgate panels are not aligned, causing the decklid swing arc to be different from the liftgate swing arc. The assembly further includes a liftgate/decklid assembly closure mechanism including an articulating member configured for translating a portion of the closure mechanism between an orientation normal to the liftgate swing arc and an orientation normal to the decklid swing arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Elia, Donald P. Iacovoni, Paul L. Heirtzler, Henry W. Hausler, John Patrick Doyle
  • Direct injection pump control
    Patent number: 9429097
    Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a solenoid spill valve of a direct injection fuel pump, wherein the solenoid spill valve is energized and de-energized according to certain conditions. An example control strategy is provided for operating the direct injection fuel pump when fuel vapor is detected at an inlet of the direct injection fuel pump. To ensure pump effectiveness during the presence of fuel vapor, the solenoid spill valve may be maintained energized for a minimum angular duration past a top-dead-center position of a piston in the direct injection fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Portable pre-filtering fuel filler device
    Patent number: 9427684
    Abstract: A portable pre-filtering fuel filler device is described herein. The portable pre-filtering fuel filler device includes a fuel inlet opening, an interior fuel conduit in fluidic communication with the fuel inlet opening, and a water chamber positioned vertically below the interior fuel conduit. The portable pre-filtering fuel filler device further includes a fuel filter in fluidic communication with the water chamber and positioned vertically above the water chamber and a fuel outlet opening in fluidic communication with the fuel filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jeremy Welch
  • Suction filter media overmolded integrally with tray
    Patent number: 9427685
    Abstract: A filter assembly includes a housing including a first cover and a second cover, a grid located in the housing including interconnected ribs and strips, and filter media integral with the grid, including a peripheral width located between the covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lev Pekarsky, John S. Kozar
  • Method and system for vacuum control
    Patent number: 9429110
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating control of a post-catalyst exhaust throttle and an EGR valve to expedite catalyst heating. By closing both valves during an engine cold start, an elevated exhaust backpressure and increased heat rejection at an EGR cooler can be synergistically used to warm each of an engine and an exhaust catalyst. The valves may also be controlled to vary an amount of exhaust flowing through an exhaust venturi so as to meet engine vacuum needs while providing a desired amount of engine EGR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Thomas G. Leone, William Charles Ruona, Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, John D. Russell
  • Hands free vehicle charging system
    Patent number: 9428070
    Abstract: A vehicle charging system may include a charge receptacle and an alignment pin mounted to a vehicle and a ground station. The ground station may include a guide having a locating region configured to receive the alignment pin and in response to the alignment pin contacting the locating region translate along a track. An electrical connector may be configured to engage the charge receptacle. The electrical connector may be disposed within a housing associated with the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher W. Bell, Frank Kallio, John Paul Gibeau, James A. Lathrop
  • Cathode channel shutoff in a fuel cell
    Patent number: 9431667
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a fuel cell comprising a cathode flow field and a strip is provided. The cathode flow field plate defines a plurality of cathode channels for receiving a first fluid from a cathode source when the fuel cell is in an operational state. The strip includes a flexible first portion positioned about the plurality of cathode channels, the flexible first portion for moving toward the plurality of cathode channels to prevent a flow of the first fluid therein when the fuel cell is in an inoperative state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Milos Milacic
  • Method for preventing wheel spin on stopped vehicles
    Patent number: 9428193
    Abstract: A method comprising: applying a brake force to all four wheels of a motor vehicle to stop the vehicle while torque continues to be applied to its driven wheels; and preventing wheel slippage of the driven wheels by reducing the applied torque when the vehicle is stopped or nearly stopped from moving in a forward direction. In this way, unintentional lateral movement of the vehicle due to creep torque applied to the driven wheels on slippery surfaces can be prevented or corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Woven carpet coating compounds, associated methods of use, and articles made therefrom
    Patent number: 9428857
    Abstract: A method of preparing a woven carpet comprising applying a coating compound as an adhesive layer to the woven carpet to form a coated woven carpet, wherein the coating compound comprises an aqueous dispersion comprising a base polymer, a stabilizing agent, and a liquid medium, wherein the base polymer comprises a polyolefin-based polymer; and a wetting agent. A woven carpet comprising a woven substrate; and an adhesive layer comprising a dehydration product of a coating compound comprising an aqueous dispersion comprising a base polymer, a stabilizing agent, and a liquid medium, wherein the base polymer comprises a polyolefin-based polymer; and a wetting agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Hans De Vos