Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Roof panel to body side tether
    Patent number: 9327768
    Abstract: A vehicle having a roof panel connectedly extending inwardly from a body structure and a tether connectedly extending between the roof panel and body structure. The vehicle may be a pickup truck having a side body structure with an aluminum alloy internal panel and roof panel connected together to make up a portion of a passenger compartment of a cab. The tether assembly may have a mounting component adhesively connected to the roof panel and a tether rope connected to the mounting component and to the internal panel. The mounting component of the tether assembly may be taped to the roof panel. The mounting component may have a heat curing adhesive. The connector of the tether assembly may be fastened to the side body structure using a threaded fastener. The heat curing adhesive may be activated with an oven to secure the mounting component to the roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Edgar Edward Donabedian, Darrin Neil Wagner, Mark Keller, Bruno M. Barthelemy, Ali Jammoul
  • Methods and systems for an intake oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 9328684
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a reference voltage for an intake manifold oxygen sensor based on ingestion of hydrocarbons from a fuel system canister and/or an engine crankcase. During conditions when purge or crankcase ventilation hydrocarbons are ingested in the intake aircharge, the intake oxygen sensor is transitioned from operating at a lower reference voltage to a higher reference voltage where the effects of the ingested hydrocarbons on the sensor output are nullified. An EGR dilution of the intake aircharge is estimated based on the output of the sensor at the higher reference voltage while an amount of hydrocarbons ingested is estimated based on a difference between sensor outputs at the higher and lower reference voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel A. Makled, Richard E. Soltis, Stephen B. Smith
  • Bias mitigation for air-fuel ratio sensor degradation
    Patent number: 9328687
    Abstract: Various embodiments relating to air-fuel ratio control are described herein. In one embodiment a method includes adjusting fuel injection to an engine responsive to air-fuel ratio sensor feedback with a first control structure, and in response to an air-fuel ratio sensor asymmetric degradation, adjusting fuel injection to the engine responsive to air-fuel ratio sensor feedback with a second, different, control structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Stephen William Magner
  • Clutch housing and assembly
    Patent number: 9328779
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes first, second and third clutches, a housing including a first projection to which the first clutch selectively produces a connection, a second projection to which the second and third clutches selectively produce connections, clutch-apply circuits each circuit corresponding to one of the clutches, and a balance volume circuit for supplying fluid to each of the clutches, and a shaft rotatably supporting the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory D. Goleski, Jeffrey E. Maurer, Steven G. Thomas
  • Photoluminescent lift gate lamp
    Patent number: 9327643
    Abstract: An illumination apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The illumination device comprises a photoluminescent portion disposed on a moveable vehicle closure. The photoluminescent portion is operable to be directed in a substantially downward direction. The device further comprises a light source disposed proximate the photoluminescent portion and configured to emit light at a first wavelength. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate a surface beneath the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart C. Salter
  • Methods and systems for a vehicle driveline power take off
    Patent number: 9327728
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a power take off are presented. In one example, the power take off may be rotated in two different directions. The approaches may improve operation of a power take off device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum
  • Methods and systems for an oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 9328679
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately learning the zero point of an intake gas oxygen sensor during selected engine no-fueling conditions. The learned zero point is used to infer EGR flow and accordingly adjust EGR valve control. In addition, EGR valve leakage is diagnosed based on the zero point learned during a DFSO adaptation relative to a zero point learned during an idle adaptation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Joseph Clark, Gopichandra Surnilla, Matthew John Gerhart, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Increasing the number of cylinders in an internal combustion engine in a virtual fashion
    Patent number: 9330655
    Abstract: A device to generate an engine noise and a method to generate the engine noise at a time period between two directly successive ignition events of an internal combustion engine wherein the engine noise increases the number of cylinders of the internal combustion engine in a virtual fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Martin Wirth
  • Fuel tank wave catcher
    Patent number: 9327596
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. In one example approach, a fuel tank for a vehicle comprises a wave catcher extending through an interior of the fuel tank and coupled to a front wall and a first side wall of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Russell Randall Pearce
  • Temporary seat covers
    Patent number: 9327629
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat and a seatback pivotally coupled with the seat. A seatcover assembly is disposed below the seat. The seatcover assembly is operable between a stored position and a deployed position. A spring-biased spindle is coupled with an attachment end of the seatcover assembly. A seatcover is configured to be wrapped around the spindle in the stored position and withdrawn from the spring-biased spindle in the deployed position. An engagement rod is coupled with an intermediate portion of the seatcover and is configured to securely engage a biteline disposed between the seat and the seatback. A plurality of engagement features removably secure side edges of the seatcover with the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Annette Lynn Huebner, Kristin Ann Hellman, Johnathan Andrew Line, Matthew B. Rutman, Lisa E. Petrauskas, Christian J. Hosbach, Ryan Welch, Josh Greiner, Artur Sakarian
  • Systems and methods for improving engine starting
    Patent number: 9327706
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is rotated to increase pressure within a fuel rail. The engine is rotated without combusting air and fuel within the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Humidity sensor diagnostic method using condensation clearing heater
    Patent number: 9329160
    Abstract: A diagnostic method for a capacitive humidity sensor comprising a heater, and a capacitance-sensing element that individually identifies heater, temperature-sensing element, or capacitance-sensing element degradation. By this method, individual elements of the sensor may be replaced or compensated for to allow for further operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar, Yong-Wha Kim
  • Turn indicator switch with electromagnetic latching device
    Patent number: 9327635
    Abstract: A switch for activating the turn signals (blinkers) of a vehicle is actuated by a lever movable from a central position in opposite first and second directions to respective first and second switching positions. A first electromagnet is located such that movement of the lever to the first switching position brings a portion of the lever closer thereto. A second electromagnet is located such that movement of the lever to the second switching position brings the portion of the lever closer thereto. A control unit controls energization of the first and second electromagnets in a manner to attract and/or repel the lever to alternatively: a) hold the lever in the first switching position; b) hold the lever in the second switching position; and c) release the lever to return to the central position from the first switching position and from the second switching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Scheck, Thomas Oeltjebruns
  • Methods and systems for starting an engine while a vehicle is creeping
    Patent number: 9327721
    Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle that is in a creep mode are presented. In one example, a torque converter lockup clutch is released and vehicle speed is closed loop controlled in response to a request to start an engine. The vehicle speed is controlled so that a torque disturbance related to closing a driveline disconnect clutch may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Xiaoyong Wang, Scott James Thompson, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Vehicle torque control
    Patent number: 9327722
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine operatively coupled to a transmission and selectively coupled to an engine, and a controller. The controller, while operating the powertrain in an electric mode and in response to an accelerator pedal position initiating a transmission ratio change that results in a request to operate the powertrain in a hybrid mode and an engine start fault, outputs a cancellation request to cancel the transmission ratio change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin
  • Synergistic combination of a chlorotoluron compound and OIT for dry film protection
    Patent number: 9326518
    Abstract: A synergistic antimicrobial composition containing chlorotoluron and 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one is provided. Also provided is a method of inhibiting the growth of or controlling the growth of microorganisms in a building material by adding such a synergistic antimicrobial composition. Also provided is a coating composition containing such a synergistic antimicrobial composition, and a dry film made from such a coating composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignees: Rohm and Haas Company, Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Donnelly, Pierre Marie Lenoir, Lukas Thomas Johannes Villiger
  • Adaptive energy absorber for a vehicle
    Patent number: 9327663
    Abstract: An energy absorption system comprises a vehicle bumper, an energy absorption member attached to the vehicle bumper, and a plurality of ribs having respective first ends that are hingedly attached to the energy absorption member. The ribs extend between the energy absorption member and the bumper. The ribs may be actuated based on the speed information from the onboard vehicle communication network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque, Sudip Sankar Bhattacharjee, James Chih Cheng, Srinivasan Sundararajan
  • Corrugated weld seam for active bolster
    Patent number: 9327668
    Abstract: An active bolster is provided for an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle. A plastic-molded outer trim panel has a welding track on an inside surface. A plastic-molded expandable bladder member has a central attachment section configured to attach to a support structure of the vehicle, a welding flange along a peripheral edge with a first surface facing the trim panel inside surface and a second opposed surface, and a pleated region between the central attachment section and the welding flange. The welding track and the welding flange are joined by a closed-loop hot weld seam to form a sealed chamber. The welding track and welding flange comprise complementary surfaces having a plurality of corrugations making the weld seam at least partially shaped as an undulating ribbon. As a result, a majority of the forces on the weld seam during inflation are in shear instead of peel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Raj S. Roychoudhury
  • Method and system for engine speed control
    Patent number: 9328680
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately determining cylinder fueling errors during an automatic engine restart. Fueling errors may be learned during a preceding engine restart on a cylinder-specific and combustion event-specific basis. The learned fueling errors may then be applied during a subsequent engine restart on the same cylinder-specific and combustion event-specific basis to better anticipate and compensate for engine cranking air-to-fuel ratio deviations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Hashemi, Payam Naghshtabrizi
  • Internal combustion engine with selective catalytic converter for the reduction of nitrogen oxides and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
    Patent number: 9328642
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a turbocharger wherein a bypass line in an exhaust gas discharge system delivers an aqueous urea reductant to an at least one SCR catalyst and a method to maintain the reductant at a desired temperature to maximize its conversion to ammonia and optimize the reduction of NOx in the SCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Yasser Mohamed sayed Yacoub