Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
-
Patent number: 9371066Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a predefined target where a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a specified noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee
-
Patent number: 9371766Abstract: A method to control a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) having a compression ignition engine includes operating the engine based on an engine-on request and performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. An HEV is provided with a compression ignition engine with an aftertreatment system, and a controller. The controller is configured to: (i) operate the engine based on an engine-on request, and (ii) perform an exhaust aftertreatment procedure for the vehicle based on a completion time for the aftertreatment procedure compared to a predicted engine-on time determined using a driving pattern. A computer readable medium having stored data representing instructions executable by a controller to control a vehicle is provided with instructions for operating the engine based on an engine-on request, and instructions for performing an exhaust aftertreatment procedure.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Qing Wang, Hai Yu, Ryan Abraham McGee, Fling Tseng
-
Patent number: 9371783Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting purging of LP-EGR from an air intake system during conditions of decreasing engine load. During a tip-out, an EGR valve is closed while the engine is shifted to a VDE mode of operation to improve engine tolerance to EGR at lower engine loads and until the EGR is sufficiently purged. A non-VDE mode is resumed if higher engine loads are restored, else, a deceleration fuel shut-off mode is selected if the tip-out continues to zero load.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, James Alfred Hilditch, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Daniel Joseph Styles
-
Patent number: 9370811Abstract: A method and tool for calibrating an extruded tube for use in a manufacturing operation. According to the method, the tube is stretched while in a clamping tool by approximately 3%. The tool encloses the tube while a stretching mechanism is clamped to opposite longitudinal ends of the tube and applies a stretching force to opposite ends of the tube. The tool includes a clamping mechanism that clamps the tube into a cavity and a stretching mechanism with clamps that are attached to opposite longitudinal ends of the tube to calibrate the tube by longitudinally stretching the tube.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: S. George Luckey, Jr., Andrey M. Ilinich, John Joyce
-
Patent number: 9374135Abstract: Method and apparatus for alerting a user to presence within a vehicle of an item having an active near-field communication device (NFCD) associated therewith, such as a smartphone. A passive NFCD is located adjacent to a storage compartment within a vehicle. When the active NFCD-equipped item is placed in the compartment, communication is established between the active and passive NFCDs. A controller device is communicatively connected to the vehicle to detect a journey completion event and send a wireless message (via Bluetooth, for example) to the item. The message instructs the item to output an alert if the active and passive NFCDs are in communication with one another. Journey completion events may be turning off of a vehicle ignition, opening of a vehicle door, or a vehicle seat becoming unoccupied.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stephen David Fleming, Robert Spahl
-
Patent number: 9371497Abstract: A method for marking a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel. The method comprises adding to a petroleum hydrocarbon or a liquid biologically derived fuel at least one compound having formula (I), wherein R is C1-C12 alkyl, C3-C12 alkenyl or C7-C12 aralkyl; wherein each compound having formula (I) is present at a level from 0.01 ppm to 50 ppm.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventor: Raymond J. Swedo
-
Patent number: 9371044Abstract: An emblem assembly for a vehicle having a number of attachment features such as two locating-pins, two opposing force clips, an orthogonal force clip, and an adhesive. A body panel having an embossed emblem-mating surface defining a number of attachment features such as a 2-way locating-slot, a 4-way locating-hole, a central void with opposing substantially parallel edges, a clip retention slot with an orthogonal edge, and a panel surface area for adhesive contact. The emblem assembly and the emblem-mating surface features combine to provide an effective support for an emblem on a body panel of a vehicle. The emblem may be located on a tailgate of a pickup with an aluminum body panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Hossein Jacob Sadri, Geoffrey John Cooper, Paul Kenneth Dellock
-
Patent number: 9371004Abstract: A nomadic device may connect to a vehicle computing system (VCS) and be configured to identify data element parameter information associated with a gauge to be displayed, capture, using a data bridge adapter connected to a vehicle network, an element of vehicle data according to the data element parameter information, and display, via the VCS, the gauge including the element of vehicle data formatted according to the data element parameter information. A VCS may be configured to receive filtered vehicle data from a telematics gateway configured to provide a subset of vehicle data provided over a vehicle network, receive vehicle data from a nomadic device in communication with a data bridge adapter configured to capture vehicle data provided over the vehicle network, and utilize the vehicle data to provide information via the VCS unavailable via the filtered vehicle data.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Edward Wehrman, Julius Marchwicki, Steven Bandy, Mark Wilson
-
Patent number: 9371035Abstract: A lighted vehicle bin assembly that activates a light source based on motion and recalibrates a sensor is provided. The lighted vehicle bin assembly includes a vehicle storage bin, a light source arranged to illuminate the bin, and a proximity sensor for sensing an object in the bin based on a sensor signal relative to a threshold. The lighted vehicle bin assembly also includes a controller that activates the light source when the sensor signal exceeds a threshold and recalibrates the sensor when the sensor signal exceeds the threshold for a time period.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark A. Cuddihy, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Carla Ann Gale, Hubert Szawarski
-
Patent number: 9374562Abstract: A system and method for calculating a horizontal camera to target distance is provided. A camera on board a vehicle is configured to image a target on a trailer that is aligned with the vehicle. A controller is in communication with the camera and is supplied a user-obtained measurement. The controller is configured to calculate a first horizontal distance and a second horizontal distance, and to sum the first and second horizontal distances to calculate a horizontal camera to target distance.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Roger Arnold Trombley, Christopher Scott Nave, Erick Michael Lavoie, Bradley G. Hockrein, Don Jacob Mattern
-
Patent number: 9371441Abstract: The instant invention provides a polyethylene blend-composition suitable for blown films, and films made therefrom. The polyethylene blend-composition suitable for blown films according to the present invention comprises the melt blending product of: (a) from 0.5 to 6 percent by weight of a bimodal linear low density polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.935 to 0.970 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.3 to 5 g/10 minutes; (b) 90 percent or greater by weight of a monomodal linear low density polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.910 to 0.950 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.1 to less than or equal to 5 g/10 minutes; (c) optionally from 0.5 to 4 percent by weight of a low density polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.915 to 0.935 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of from greater than 0.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLCInventors: Jian Wang, Nilesh R. Savargaonkar, Mehmet Demirors, John W. Garnett, IV, Ayush A. Bafna
-
Patent number: 9371903Abstract: A vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a shift-by-wire transmission, a pressure source configured to selectively provide hydraulic pressure in the absence of engine power, an internal combustion engine, and a controller. The shift-by-wire transmission includes a hydraulic actuator, and the electric pump is in fluid communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to a driver input and the engine being off, control the pressure source to provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brian J. Deurloo, Jeffrey James Tumavitch, Derek Kinch, Richard Reynolds Hathaway, Todd Curtis Spaulding
-
Patent number: 9371050Abstract: A sensing and injury mitigation system for a vehicle to identify an object in an impact event is disclosed. The system includes an impact sensing unit comprising an impact sensor and a pressure sensing unit. The impact sensor has fluid-filled first and second tube portions. The pressure sensing unit has a housing and first and second pressure sensors located within the housing. The first tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the first pressure sensor and the second tube portion of the impact sensor is attached to the second pressure sensor. The pressure sensing unit senses changes in fluid pressure within the tubes. In one embodiment, the tube portions of the impact sensor define a loop. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the first tube portion and at least a portion of the second tube portion share a common axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Steven Yellin Schondorf
-
Patent number: 9371043Abstract: A vehicle trim panel is provided including a body. The body has a storage compartment, a first access opening to the storage compartment biased in a first direction and a second access opening to the storage compartment biased in a second direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kathleen M. Parlow, Anthony Michael Zingalie
-
Patent number: 9371790Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for controlling fuel injection to an engine. In one example, fuel injection timing of a cylinder of the engine is adjusted during a hot engine restart such that a fuel injector is open only when the cylinder pressure is greater than a threshold cylinder pressure. The threshold cylinder pressure may be adjusted responsive to a fuel rail pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: William Charles Ruona, Fred Howard Trinker
-
Patent number: 9371048Abstract: An energy absorbing member for a bumper assembly of a vehicle includes an open-celled foam. A magnetorheological fluid is disposed in the open-celled foam. A magnetic field source selectively controls a magnetic field in the open-celled foam. The open-celled foam includes cell walls and the magnetorheological fluid coats the cell walls and defines open cells unfilled by magnetorheological fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Dean M. Jaradi
-
Patent number: 9371033Abstract: A sunshade assembly for a vehicle is provided herein. The sunshade assembly includes a housing and a light-producing assembly coupled to the housing. The housing includes a plurality of light sources and a photoluminescent structure configured to be excited by light emitted from the plurality of light sources such that at least a portion of the housing exhibits a luminescent appearance.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Noah Barlow Mass
-
Patent number: 9370759Abstract: Embodiments include a reactor and feed distribution assembly. The reactor and feed distribution assembly can include a reactor vessel, a gaseous feed conduit, a catalyst feed conduit, a catalyst feed conduit housing, and a catalyst backflow diverter.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLCInventors: Matthew Pretz, Don F. Shaw, Richard E. Walter, Mark Stewart
-
Patent number: 9373044Abstract: A lane departure warning system has a trailer detector for detecting that a trailer is attached to a vehicle, a lane boundary detector for detecting a position of a lane boundary on a roadway over which the vehicle is travelling, and an information processor including a calibrator for generating calibration parameters used in determining an unintended lane departure event with respect to the lane boundary. The information processor initiates a process for allowing an operator to provide trailer width information when the trailer detector indicates that the vehicle is towing a trailer. The lane departure warning system also includes a sensor for detecting a hitch angle between the vehicle and the trailer. A controller determines a lateral offset of the trailer relative to the vehicle based on the hitch angle and a length of the trailer for generating a warning signal when the lateral offset crosses the lane boundary.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Wallat, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Steven Yellin Schondorf, Brian Bennie, Timothy Prodin, Brian Wolski
-
Patent number: 9372234Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods detect a current sensor error in an FOC electric machine system. A voltage command is monitored to detect the presence of an ac component that indicates that an error has occurred at a current sensor. For example, a sensor fault detection module can be configured to determine the deviation between an actual voltage command and an ideal voltage command to provide a complex deviation vector. By transforming the deviation vector to a reference frame rotating at the fundamental frequency of the command voltage, a dc component of the positive and negative sequences can be filtered, and their amplitudes determined. Error detection can be based on the total amplitude of the fundamental component, determined by positive and negative component amplitudes. Sensor error detection enables an FOC system to operate with two current sensors, rather than three, and provides a dedicated fault diagnostic for a current sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLcInventors: Chang-jiang Wang, Michael Degner, Rimma Isayeva, Liwen Xu, Daniel R. Luedtke