Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Vacuum-actuated wastegate
    Patent number: 9322289
    Abstract: Embodiments for vacuum generation are provided. In one example, a method for an engine including a turbocharger having a compressor driven by a turbine comprises generating vacuum via compressor bypass flow through an ejector, and applying vacuum from the ejector to a wastegate actuator. In this way, vacuum produced via boosted engine operation may be used to actuate the wastegate valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Compliance structure for a distensible fuel tank
    Patent number: 9321347
    Abstract: A distensible fuel tank included in a vehicle is provided. The distensible fuel tank includes a housing and a compliance structure coupled to the housing, the compliance structure including a base element coupled to a side of a structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Frank Cragel, Russell Randall Pearce, Patrick Sullivan
  • System and method for reducing vane sticking in a variable geometry turbocharger
    Patent number: 9322326
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine system is described herein. The method includes moving a plurality of vanes in a variable geometry turbocharger toward a closed position in response to tip-out and after moving the plurality of vanes toward the closed position, moving an EGR valve from a fully closed position toward an open position in response to tip-in, the EGR valve in fluidic communication with an exhaust sub-system upstream of the turbine. The method further includes, after moving the EGR valve toward an open position, moving the plurality of vanes based on one or more of a driver-requested torque, engine speed, and engine temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Jeremy Kostrzewski
  • System and method for reducing vane sticking in a variable geometry turbocharger
    Patent number: 9322363
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine system is described herein. The method includes moving a plurality of vanes in a variable geometry turbocharger toward a closed position in response to tip-out and after moving the plurality of vanes toward the closed position, moving an EGR valve from a fully closed position toward an open position in response to tip-in, the EGR valve in fluidic communication with an exhaust sub-system upstream of the turbine. The method further includes, after moving the EGR valve toward an open position, moving the plurality of vanes based on one or more of a driver-requested torque, engine speed, and engine temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Kostrzewski
  • Methods and systems for engine starting during a shift
    Patent number: 9322380
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque demand of a driveline after a shift is forecast to determine if it is desirable to start the engine early so that engine torque is available after the shift. The approach may improve vehicle torque response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Method and system for controlling an engine cooling system
    Patent number: 9324199
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine system heating by stagnating coolant in one of a plurality of loops in an engine cooling system. Degradation of the various valves and thermostats of the cooling system can be diagnosed by adjusting the valve and monitoring changes in one or more of coolant temperature, transmission temperature and cabin temperature. Based on engine operating conditions, the various valves may be adjusted to vary coolant temperature in different regions of the cooling system, thereby providing fuel economy benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Battery array rail assembly with tie bracket
    Patent number: 9321337
    Abstract: A battery array according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rail that supports a battery cell and a tie bracket connected to the rail and configured to limit travel of the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yongcai Wang, Rajaram Subramanian, Saravanan Paramasivam
  • Overhead console incorporating an interchangeable drop down storage bin
    Patent number: 9321403
    Abstract: An overhead console assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of interchangeable storage bin modules each defining at least receivers and a differently sized or shaped storage bin or holder. An overhead console is provided, defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the plurality of storage bin modules. The assembly further includes pins including a first end adapted to be received in the overhead console and a second end adapted to be received in one of the receivers. Each of the interchangeable storage bin module differently sized or shaped storage spaces is independently configured to hold a different item. One of the pin first ends includes a gear for interfacing with a dampener. Another of the pin first ends is associated with a biasing member adapted to apply a closing force to a one of the interchangeable storage bins held in the overhead console storage cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marc David Nedelman
  • Method and system for increasing vacuum generation by an engine
    Patent number: 9322347
    Abstract: A method and a system for providing vacuum via an engine are described. In one example, introduction of a gaseous fuel is ceased in response to a request for the engine to provide vacuum to a vehicle vacuum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Apparatus and method for testing a climate controlled vehicle seat
    Patent number: 9320361
    Abstract: A climate controlled seat test apparatus is provided. The test apparatus may have a pump arrangement configured to alter a pressure within a vicinity of a climate controlled portion of a vehicle seat. A controller may be programmed to detect airflow obstructions or losses within the climate controlled portion of the seat. The climate controlled portion may include a blower motor. The controller may detect airflow obstructions and/or losses based on a change in current consumed by the blower motor caused by the pump arrangement altering the pressure within the vicinity of the climate controlled portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David William Gaines, Anton Crainic
  • Ride performance optimization in an active suspension system
    Patent number: 9321320
    Abstract: An active vehicle suspension system includes an active damping mechanism operatively coupled to a vehicle wheel and configured for controlling a damping force applied to the wheel responsive to a control signal. A controller is operatively coupled to the damping mechanism and configured for generating a control signal to the damping mechanism responsive to velocity of the wheel in a downward vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Russ Lee Norton, Ben Bulat, Gregory Suter, Albert Chenouda Salib, David Michael Russell, Uwe Hoffmann, Marc Suermann
  • Automotive vehicle and method for controlling power consumption of a compressor therein
    Patent number: 9321327
    Abstract: A method for controlling power consumption of a compressor of an automotive vehicle climate system may include identifying an energy source providing energy to power the compressor and selecting an operating parameter of the climate system based on the identified energy source to control power consumption of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Susan Rebecca Cikanek, William David Treharne, Paul Stephen Bryan, Melinda A. Mack
  • Methods and systems for fuel canister purge flow estimation with an intake oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 9322367
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating a fuel canister purge flow based on outputs of an intake manifold oxygen sensor. For example, during boosted engine operation when exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is flowing below a threshold and purge is enabled, purge flow may be estimated based on changes in the sensor output while modulating a canister purge valve between an open and closed position. Then, during subsequent operation wherein EGR and purge flow are enabled, the output of the sensor may be adjusted based on the estimated purge flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Winge Vigild, Julia Helen Buckland
  • Microbial composition
    Patent number: 9320271
    Abstract: A synergistic microbicidal composition containing a phenolic compound selected from the class consisting of chlorinated phenols, monosubstituted phenols, fused bicyclic phenols, isopropyl methyl catechols, and monosubstituted catechols and an antimicrobial alcohol selected from the class of menthadiene alcohols and other antimicrobial alcohols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Cornmell, Megan A. Diehl, Stephen Golding, John R. Harp, Ian P. Stott, Katherine M. Thompson, Carol L. Truslow
  • System and method for improving operation of an engine combusting liquefied petroleum gas
    Patent number: 9322355
    Abstract: A method and system for improving operation of an engine that is supplied a fuel having a low super critical temperature is presented. In one example, the method supplies fuel to cool a direct injection fuel pump and participate in combustion in an engine cylinder after the fuel is vaporized. The method also provides for injecting a liquid fuel to the engine cylinder via the direct injection fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Vehicle telematics data exchange
    Patent number: 9325650
    Abstract: A system may include a message publisher and a message recipient. The message publisher may be configured to identify a message to be published to a topic of a topic tree maintained by a message broker, the topic being associated with a type of the message identified to be published and an intended recipient of the message; pack data elements into the message according to a name/value pair message schema of the system; and publish the message via the message broker to the topic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Praveen Yalavarty, John Thomas Ellis
  • Apparatus and method for joining a hydro-formed tube to an extrusion
    Patent number: 9321345
    Abstract: An assembly is provided that includes a front end support frame and radiator support beam. The front end support frame has an end that defines an opening that extends between two facing walls across an inside wall of the tubular structure. The radiator support beam is assembled into the opening in the end of the front end support frame and is attached to the two facing walls. The front end support frame is a hydro-formed tube and the radiator support beam is an extruded part. The radiator support beam includes at least one internal reinforcement wall and an outside wall of the front end support frame is fastened with flow drilling screws to the internal reinforcement wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard G. G. Lueschen, Dragan B. Stojkovic
  • Flat panel speaker assembly integrated with vehicle trim
    Patent number: 9326053
    Abstract: A trim panel assembly for a vehicle incorporates a flat panel speaker. The trim panel defines an interior surface of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and has a speaker aperture with a peripheral edge. A diaphragm panel is disposed in the speaker aperture with a trim face and a rear face. A flexible surround joins the diaphragm panel to the aperture edge so that the diaphragm panel is movable along an axis of the speaker aperture and so that vibrations from the diaphragm panel to the trim panel are damped. An exciter receives audio signals for reproduction. The exciter has an actuator suspended in a housing. The actuator is fixed to the rear face of the diaphragm panel. A support bracket spans the speaker aperture and has first and second ends affixed to a rear side of the trim panel and an intermediate point affixed to the housing of the exciter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Marc D. Nedelman
  • Forming tools having textured surfaces
    Patent number: 9321090
    Abstract: A manufacturing method forms components having a desired shape. A contoured surface is defined for a forming tool for forming a metal blank into the desired shape, wherein respective portions of the metal blank flow over the contoured surface during forming. An intrinsic material flow pattern resulting from the contoured surface is compared to a desired flow in order to identify regions of the contoured surface having an insufficient flow that creates areas in the formed metal blank receiving less than a desired amount of metal. A surface microtexture is applied onto the contoured surface in a pattern selected to increase metal flow along the identified regions by providing a friction in the identified regions that is reduced relative to adjacent regions of the contoured surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignees: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, THE BOEING COMPANY, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhiyong Cedric Xia, Jian Cao, Qian Wang, Rajesh Talwar, Donald J. Grzina, Tiffany Davis Ling, Pinzhi Liu
  • Method and system for knock control
    Patent number: 9322340
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock control by accounting for a drop in charge cooling efficiency of a knock control fluid at higher temperatures. In response to the prediction of an elevated temperature of a knock control fluid at a time of release from a direct injector, a pulse width of the injection is adjusted. Any knock relief deficits are compensated for using alternate engine adjustments, such as boost or spark timing adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan VanDerWege, Michael Howard Shelby