Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Method and system for fuel vapor control
    Patent number: 9353708
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring a fuel vapor recovery system including a fuel tank isolation valve coupled between a fuel tank and a canister. During selected conditions, the valve is modulated and pressure pulsations in the fuel vapor recovery system are monitored. Valve degradation is identified based on correlations between the valve modulation and the resultant pressure pulsations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed Mohammad Dudar, Robert Roy Jentz, Timothy DeBastos, James Michael Kerns, Michael Igor Kluzner
  • Compositions of ethylene/?-olefin multi-block interpolymer suitable for films
    Patent number: 9352537
    Abstract: Compositions suitable for film comprise at least one ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer, wherein the ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer may have, for example, a Mw/Mn from about 1.7 to about 3.5, at least one melting point, Tm, in degrees Celsius, and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the numerical values of Tm and d correspond to the relationship: Tm>?2002.9+4538.5(d)?2422.2(d)2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: David W. Fuchs, Pradeep Jain, Mehmet Demirors, Pak-Meng Cham, Yunwa W. Cheung
  • Method and system for operating a hybrid powertrain
    Patent number: 9352737
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a hybrid driveline is adjusted in response to driving conditions that may cause wheel slip or a stuck vehicle. The approach may reduce driveline wear and improve vehicle drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Adam Nathan Banker, James William Loch McCallum, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Hybrid vehicle braking limit determination system and method
    Patent number: 9352744
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to selectively apply regenerative torque to cause deceleration in response to braking demand; the powertrain further including a torque converter configured to decouple the electric machine from wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle is also provided with a controller programmed to, during a regenerative braking event, receive a signal defining a regenerative torque limit, and in response to a fault condition associated with the regenerative torque limit, generate a replacement regenerative torque limit based upon a torque converter open speed to decrease roughness during transitions into and out of regenerative braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Francis Thomas Connolly, Zhengyu Dai, Ming Lang Kuang, Bernard D. Nefcy
  • Methods and systems for configuring of a trailer maneuvering system
    Patent number: 9352777
    Abstract: A system for configuring a trailer model for a trailer maneuvering system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller having a memory and being operable to communicate with the trailer maneuvering system. The controller is configured to receive trailer dimensional data from a mobile device. The trailer dimensional data may then be stored in the memory as a first trailer profile. The controller is operable to access the trailer dimensional data in the first trailer profile to determine at least one vehicle operation configured to maneuver the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Bruce Frederick Pierce
  • Temperature based electric machine control
    Patent number: 9352656
    Abstract: A vehicle having at least one electric machine capable of propelling the vehicle is provided. An oil circulation path is provided that circulates oil through the electric machines. A controller commands the electric machines to fulfill torque demands. The controller utilizes the oil temperature in the oil circulation path in order to control the commanded torque output by the electric machines. In the event of a failure or fault in the oil temperature sensors, the controller estimates the oil temperature from the temperature of coils within the electric machine. The estimated oil temperature is utilized instead of the sensed oil temperature to control the torque outputs to maintain torque demands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Balakrishna Rao, Rimma Isayeva, Daniel Luedtke
  • Traffic density sensitivity selector
    Patent number: 9352683
    Abstract: Data is collected related one or more objects proximate to a first vehicle, the one or more objects including a second vehicle. The collected data is used to generate a virtual map of the one or more objects including the second vehicle. It is determined that the second vehicle is likely to pass within a predetermined distance of the first vehicle, thereby identifying a threat of a collision. An action is initiated based on the threat. The predetermined distance is determined by comparing a current traffic density to a predetermined traffic density threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan Ignaczak, Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Randy Michael Freiburger
  • Molded encapsulated retainer
    Patent number: 9353779
    Abstract: An encapsulated retainer comprises a barrel that defines a fastener-securing void. The barrel has a flange that extends about its periphery. The encapsulated retainer further comprises an outer shell that has a top wall with a fastener-receiving aperture and a bottom wall that has a barrel-receiving aperture. The barrel extends into the barrel-receiving aperture. The encapsulated retainer further comprises first and second side walls which connect the top wall with the bottom wall. A connecter connects the outer shell with the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Pierre Hendrix, Giriraj Srinivasan, Brian F. Vander Haagen, David Thomas McNarney
  • PROCESS FOR THE REGENERATION OF A SUPPORTED NOBLE METAL CATALYST
    Publication number: 20160144353
    Abstract: A process for the regeneration of a supported noble metal catalyst comprising contacting the catalyst with a liquid aqueous system at a temperature in the range of from 90 to 160° C., wherein the pH of the aqueous system is outside the range of from 6 to 8, separating the aqueous system from catalyst; and subjecting the catalyst to calcination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicants: BASF SE, DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas HEIDEMANN, Barbara BECKER
  • REACTIVE CHROMATOGRAPHY PROCESS FOR EQUILIBRIUM-LIMITED REACTIONS
    Publication number: 20160145167
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a process for an equilibrium limited reaction using reactive chromatography unit (RCU) in which a first organic donor reactant (FODR) and a second organic acceptor reactant (SOAR) react to form a product mixture of a first acceptor product (FAP) and a second donor co-product (SDCP). The equilibrium-limited reaction does not produce water. The RCU has separation media to separate the product mixture into a raffmate and an extract. The FODR is in a stoichiometric deficit relative to the SOAR for the equilibrium limited reaction, so that the SOAR acts as the eluent for both the raffmate and the extract, and so as not to produce an azeotrope of FODR and the SDCP in the extract.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy C. FRANK, Megan E. DONALDSON
  • ANTI-SKATE DEVICE FOR APPLYING DAMPING TORQUE TO AN AXLE
    Publication number: 20160144684
    Abstract: An anti-skate device for a drive axle of a motor vehicle may include a free-spinning body having an axis of rotation that is generally perpendicular to the drive axle of the vehicle. The free-spinning body may be coupled to the drive axle by a rotational damper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Rein DE VLUGT, Lauri Mikael OHRA-AHO, Simon JOHNSON
  • SUSPENSION SYSTEMS FOR LATERALLY TILTABLE MULTITRACK VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20160144680
    Abstract: A laterally tiltable, multitrack vehicle suspension may include first and second steering knuckles. The suspension may also include a first set of control arms connected to the first steering knuckle and a second set of control arms connected to the second steering knuckle. Each of the first and second sets of control arms may include upper and lower control arms. The suspension may further include a spring/damper element acting between the first and second sets of control arms and a balancer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marc SIMON, Robert SPAHL, Thomas GERHARDS
  • VEHICLE UNDERSIDE IMPACT AVOIDANCE
    Publication number: 20160144847
    Abstract: A camera is configured to be mounted facing a front of a vehicle. A computer is programmed to receive first and second images from the camera, determine a height of an obstacle located to the front of the vehicle using at least the first and second images, and, based at least in part on the height of the obstacle, send an instruction via a communications bus to a component controller to control a speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron L. Mills
  • Flush and sub-flush protective shields to reduce exhaust soot and condensate deposition
    Patent number: 9346350
    Abstract: An exhaust assembly that includes an exhaust pipe extending rearward from a vehicle into an exhaust passage, and a fascia coupled to the vehicle defining the exhaust passage. The exhaust assembly further includes a bezel defining an exhaust opening substantially aligned with the pipe, and a sleeve configured within the exhaust opening, which may define an exhaust plane. The sleeve extends rearward, flush or sub-flush, with the rearmost portion of the exhaust opening or exhaust plane, and substantially parallel to an exit portion of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erich James Nowka, Yahong Zhang
  • Vehicle lamps with uniform apparent brightness
    Patent number: 9347825
    Abstract: A Parabolic-Type reflector has a uniform Apparent Brightness over the reflector surface. A model of the reflector is divided into a plurality of elements arrayed radially around the reflector focus. Each element has a length li measured radially from the focus and perpendicular to an optical axis of the reflector, and an initial depth d-initi measured parallel to the optical axis. For each element, a light-angle ?i is calculated, the angle of light from the light source subtended by the element. An Apparent Brightness is found for each element, ABi??i/li. The element emin with the lowest Apparent Brightness ABmin is identified. For each element other than emin a required light-angle is found, the required light-angle ?-corri=ABmin×li. While maintaining li, the initial depth d-initi of the element is reduced to a corrected depth d-corri necessary to achieve ?-corri.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Arun Kumar, Matthew Cross, Steven Darrell Miller, Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake
  • Cup holder and storage bin assembly
    Patent number: 9346387
    Abstract: A cup holder assembly includes a housing having a track member, wherein an insert, having first and second sides, is adjustably received on the track member in a vertical manner. The insert is adapted to be positioned within the housing in either an upright or inverted position. The insert thereby provides first and second storage configurations relative to the upright and inverted configuration of the insert within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Rifel, Scott Simon
  • All-wheel-drive system interaction with fuel savings operation of a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 9346460
    Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle powertrain operation includes activating all-wheel-drive or 4×4-operation provided one of an environmental condition, vehicle use condition and vehicle electrical condition exceeds a corresponding reference, deactivating fuel saving operation provided all-wheel-drive or 4×4-operation is activated, activating fuel saving operation provided none of said conditions indicates need for AWD/4×4-operation, deactivating all-wheel-drive or 4×4-operation provided fuel saving operation is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William N. Mansur, Mark D. Malone, Tuan A. Be, Ahmed Awadi
  • Plastic part with reduced read-through
    Patent number: 9346201
    Abstract: A vehicle interior panel includes a substrate having an interior surface and an exterior surface. An attachment structure extends integrally from the interior surface of the substrate. The attachment structure defines a first wall spaced apart from the substrate and having an attachment opening therethrough. The attachment structure further defines a supporting wall segment adjacent the substrate that has a plurality of holes therein, the holes extending in a first direction generally parallel with the interior surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Norman Bazinski, Warwick J. Smith
  • Method and system for engine control
    Patent number: 9346451
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for slowly rotating an engine, unfueled, via a motor prior to an imminent engine restart to heat the engine. By rotating the engine so that heat generated in the compression stroke of a cylinder can be transferred to cylinder walls, thereby expediting engine warm-up. By warming the engine before a restart, particulate emissions generated during an engine cold-start due to direct injection of fuel can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Jianwen James Yi, Michael Howard Shelby, John Eric Rollinger
  • Method and system for fuel vapor management
    Patent number: 9347368
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for shared handling of fuel vapor purge and crankcase ventilation in an engine system. Fuel vapors from each of a canister and a crankcase are drawn into an intake manifold in a common direction during both boosted and non-boosted engine operating conditions using vacuum drawn at various aspirators. Compressor bypass flow through a first aspirator is used to enhance vacuum produced during boosted conditions while throttle bypass flow through a second aspirator is used to enhance vacuum produced during non-boosted conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull