Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Patent number: 9403427
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine in a hybrid vehicle in response to fuel and water dilution of engine lubricating oil. An engine oil dilution counter may be adjusted based on a number of engine hot starts and duration of engine operation above a threshold temperature. In addition, the counter may be adjusted if the engine is started to deplete stale fuel in the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ted Haladyna, Douglas Raymond Martin, Paul Stephen Bryan
  • Patent number: 9403157
    Abstract: A three-way catalyst including a mixture of nickel and copper is provided for reducing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon emissions, and nitrogen oxides from vehicle engine exhausts. The catalyst is impregnated onto a carrier substrate which is non-reactive with nickel and copper. When used in a vehicle exhaust gas treatment system, the nickel-copper catalyst provides improved efficiency in reducing CO, HC, and NOx emissions over the use of conventional three-way-catalysts and provides enhanced oxygen storage capacity (OSC) and water-gas-shift (WGS) functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hungwen Jen, Eva Thanasiu, Jeffrey Scott Hepburn
  • Patent number: 9403460
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a vehicle seat having a body. The body includes a center portion and four corner portions. A breathable coverstock covers a seating surface of the body. A plenum chamber is disposed below the body and is configured to receive and store a fluid. A cupped nozzle is disposed at each of the center portion and four corner portions. Each cupped nozzle includes a tapered base and a wide mouth proximate the coverstock. Fluid passageways extend through the body and connect the plenum chamber with the tapered base of each of the cupped nozzles. Pressurized fluid from the plenum chamber flows through the passageways to the cupped nozzles to deliver targeted airflow to a seated passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Prescott Hickey, Joseph August Himmel, IV
  • Patent number: 9403759
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for making a polycarbamate by feeding a) a urea in fluid form into a reaction medium containing b) an alkyd polyol, such as a short or med oil alkyd polyol to form a reaction mixture and then carbamylating the alkyd polyol by heating the reaction mixture while feeding water in to the reaction mixture, preferably, in the presence of one or more c) carbamylation catalysts. The polycarbamate of the present invention when combined with a polyaldehyde or an acetal or hemiacetal thereof as a second component makes a multicomponent composition that is substantially isocyanate-free, and cures at a temperature of from 0° C. to less than 80° C. to form a crosslinked polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jeff R. Anderson, Daryoosh Beigzadeh, Yiyong He, Congcong Lu
  • Patent number: 9403933
    Abstract: A composition comprising a) one or more isocyanate functional components, one or more oligomers or prepolymers containing isocyanate functional groups and alkoxysilane groups, or prepolymers having a flexible backbone and silane moieties capable of silanol condensation: b) one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate moieties with active hydrogen atom containing groups or for silanol condensation; c) one or more compounds comprising a dihydrocarbyl hydroxyl amine, an alicyclic hydroxyl amine, a nitrile oxide of a dihydrocarbyl hydroxyl amine or a nitrile oxide of an alicyclic hydroxyl amine in a sufficient amount to enhance the ultraviolet stability of the composition in a cured state; and d) a pigment that does not have reinforcing properties or the composition contains one of one or more oligomers or prepolymers containing isocyanate functional groups and alkoxysilane groups, or prepolymers having a flexible backbone and silane moieties capable of silanol condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Toni Ristoski, Gary L Jialanella, Michael Frishcosy
  • Patent number: 9406984
    Abstract: A high voltage battery module comprises a plurality of battery cells stacked in an array. The array is covered on its ends by a pair of opposing end plates, and is covered on its sides by a pair of opposing sidewalls. The sidewalls partially cover upper surfaces of the battery cells. Internal channels provide gaps between the sides of the battery cells and the interior surfaces of the sidewalls. An external channel is vertically spaced from the internal channel and is defined by the exterior surfaces of the sidewalls. Brackets secure the end plates to the sidewalls by at least partially extending into the external channels of the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saravanan Paramasivam, LeeAnn Wang
  • Patent number: 9403556
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a wedge fixed by shear connections to a structural member. Upon application of a rearward force, the wedge shears free and moves between the structural member and a wheel assembly where it rotationally displaces a vehicle tire. The rearward force also laterally displaces the body of the vehicle. The wedge is tethered to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Cheng, Yijung Chen, Derek Board, Xiaowei Li, Ping Chen, Mohammed Omar Faruque
  • Patent number: 9403319
    Abstract: A structural joint assembly for a vehicle is provided with a first thermoplastic composite member having a protrusion containing fibrous material. A reinforcement member is provided with a receptacle for mating engagement with the protrusion. A second thermoplastic member is mounted to the first thermoplastic member over the protrusion such that the reinforcement member is provided between the first thermoplastic member and the second thermoplastic member but not adhesively bonded or overmolded therebetween. A method of manufacturing a structural joint assembly and a structural joint assembly manufactured by a method are disclosed. The methods include molding a first thermoplastic member with a protrusion with fibrous material and a second thermoplastic member. A reinforcement member has a receptacle and is mounted to the first thermoplastic member. The receptacle is retained by the protrusion without adhesive bonding or overmolding. The second thermoplastic member is joined to the first thermoplastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Jaranson, Kedzie Davis Fernholz, Richard Howard Wykoff
  • Patent number: 9403443
    Abstract: A power system may perform charge balancing for a vehicle. The power system may include a battery including a plurality of modules, each module including a cell and associated resistive circuitry. The system may also include at least one controller configured to, in response to a cell achieving a threshold voltage and/or SOC, activate the associated resistive circuitry for the cell and reduce a charge current applied to the battery to prevent the cell from acquiring additional charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Edward Loftus, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Michael Schamber, Venkatapathi Raju Nallapa, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
  • Patent number: 9403455
    Abstract: An adjustable armrest device is provided for securing in a cup holder of a vehicle. The device includes a pedestal, an armrest and a connecting structure for adjustably securing the armrest to the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jay Robert Degenkolb
  • Patent number: 9403524
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving emissions and drivability of a hybrid vehicle that includes a motor/generator and an engine are presented. The systems and methods may allow vehicle emissions regulations to be met while at the same time providing driveline torque that matches driver demand torque so that vehicle drivability may be maintained or improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Alan Lear, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Larry Wroza
  • Patent number: 9404402
    Abstract: Methods for achieving efficient vehicle component heating are provided. One example method for controlling the warming of powertrain lubricants during engine warm-up from a cold start, the engine having an output crankshaft, includes selectively driving a lubricant heating device with the crankshaft during the cold start based on lubricant temperature. The method further includes directing the powertrain lubricants to the lubricant heating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 9405944
    Abstract: A system may include at least one antenna and a controller in communication with the antenna. The controller may be configured to establish a pattern for transmitting low frequency challenges; and instruct the first antenna to transmit the low frequency challenges based on the established pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Kevin Thomas Hille
  • Patent number: 9406932
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a lithium-ion battery is provided comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an electrolyte, and a separator situated between the electrodes. At least one of the electrodes may include a proton absorbing material. The proton absorbing material may be an atomic intermetallic material including a proton absorbed state. The proton absorbing material may react with protons in the electrolyte to reduce moisture formation and cathode degradation in the battery. The proton absorbing material may absorb at least 0.5 wt. % hydrogen and may be present in the anode and/or cathode in an amount from 0.01 to 5 wt. %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Feng Li, Chi Paik, Jun Yang
  • Patent number: 9404407
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for addressing pre-ignition occurring while operating with blow-though air delivery. A variable cam timing device used to provide positive intake to exhaust valve overlap is adjusted in response to an indication of pre-ignition to transiently reduce valve overlap. Pre-ignition mitigating load limiting and enrichment applied during a blow-through mode is adjusted differently from those applied when blow-through air is not being delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Robert Sarow Baskins, James Matthew Kindree, Paul A. Pietrzyk, Mark Paul Guerrier, Rama Sanghvi
  • Patent number: 9404571
    Abstract: A method of downshifting an automotive transmission. An on-coming transmission element is stroked while pressure for an off-going element is reduced. Pressure for the stroked on-coming element is increased to be sufficient to carry torque. Pressure for the off-going element is reduced below a torque transmitting amount once the stroked on-coming element has a sufficient torque carrying capacity. Torque capacities for the elements are determined from transmission output torque and acceleration and transmission input torque and acceleration. Feed forward or feedback terms for off-going and on-coming element torque capacities may be calculated using the transmission output torque, transmission input acceleration, and transmission input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory M. Pietron, Kevin D. Macfarlane, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Bradley D. Riedle, Stephen M. Cicala, Yuji Fujii
  • Publication number: 20160214512
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback. A head restraint is operably coupled with the seatback by first and second support posts. The head restraint is operable between a stowed position and a use position. A lower brace is operably coupled with a lower portion of the head restraint. An upper brace is operably coupled with an upper portion of the head restraint. A latching mechanism is coupled with the seatback and operably coupled with the upper brace and the lower brace. The latching mechanism is operable between a first position corresponding to the stowed position of the head restraint, and a second position corresponding to the use position of the head restraint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph S. Talamonti, Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Yalie Yan-rush, Steven Carnago, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • Publication number: 20160214450
    Abstract: A trailer hitch includes a cross-vehicle beam and a receiver welded to the cross-vehicle beam. The cross-vehicle beam extends from a first end to a second end. The cross-vehicle beam includes a middle section, a first round section, and a second round section. The middle section includes a flat. The first round section is integral with the middle section and extends from the middle section to the first end. The second round section is integral with the middle section and extends from the middle section to the second end. The receiver is welded directly to the flat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Michael McGuckin, Sampath Rengarajan
  • Publication number: 20160214555
    Abstract: A vehicle system includes a sensor that outputs an impact signal and a processing device that is programmed to calculate an acceleration envelope from the impact signal, determine a number of times the impact signal crosses a predetermined threshold, and determine whether the impact signal represents a pedestrian impact. Whether the impact is a pedestrian impact is based at least in part on the acceleration envelope and the number of times the impact signal crosses the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jialiang Le, Hubert Szawarski, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Yeruva Satya Reddy
  • Patent number: 9399196
    Abstract: A method for making a composite polyamide membrane comprising the steps of applying a polyfunctional amine monomer and polyfunctional acyl halide monomer to a surface of the porous support and interfacially polymerizing the monomers to form a thin film polyamide layer, wherein the method is includes at least one of the following steps: i) conducting the interfacial polymerization in the presence of a monomer comprising at least one phosphorous-containing functional group or salt thereof and an at least one amine-reactive functional group; and/or ii) applying such a monomer to the thin film polyamide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Chunming Zhang, Aman A. Desai, Steven D. Jons, Mou Paul, Steven Rosenberg, Abhishek Roy, XiaoHua S. Qiu