Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Method and system of cleaning a control valve
    Patent number: 9284899
    Abstract: A method and system of cleaning a turbocharger bypass control valve, the control valve being operable to vary the position of a bypass valve and thereby vary the amount of flow bypass across a turbine and/or compressor of a turbocharger for an engine. The method comprises: determining whether the control valve may require cleaning; adjusting the duty cycle of the shuttle so as to increase a flow of fluid through the control valve and clean the control valve; and adjusting a throttle position of the engine and thus the engine torque output to compensate for the adjustment in the amount of boost provided by the turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian David Eves, Shane Keilthy, Mike Acton, Tom Leroy
  • Oil-cooled cylinder block with water-cooled bridge
    Patent number: 9284875
    Abstract: Systems are provided to providing water to the bore bridges of a cylinder block that contains an oil cooling system. An oil-cooled cylinder block may be desirable to aid in rapidly increasing engine temperature during engine warm-up, but high local temperatures may exist in the bore bridges in between adjacent cylinders, thereby leading to adverse performance. To control the high local temperatures while maintaining rapid engine warm-up, systems are proposed to provide water coolant from the cylinder head into cross-drilled passages located in the bore bridges of the cylinder block while cooling the rest of the cylinder block with oil or a different coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rick L. Williams, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Method and apparatus for starting an engine of a modular hybrid transmission based upon demanded torque
    Patent number: 9283955
    Abstract: A control system including a method and apparatus for operating a hybrid vehicle. A disconnect clutch selectively separates an electric machine from a combustion engine. If a wide open throttle or high torque command is requested and the combustion engine is shut down, a 12 volt starter may be used to start the combustion engine while disconnected from the electric machine and all of the electric machine torque available may be used for traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Matthew John Shelton, Bernard D. Nefcy, Daniel Scott Colvin, Zhengyu Dai, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
  • Dispensing device for both froth and non-froth coatings
    Patent number: 9283578
    Abstract: A dispensing device (10) capable of dispensing both frothed and non-frothed liquids, the dispensing device having in order a fluid transport medium (20) defining a flow channel (25), a trigger controlled liquid flow regulator (30) defining a flow channel (35) through which fluid may flow when the trigger (37) is in one position but not when the trigger is in another position, a flow block (50) defining a flow channel (55) in fluid communication with a gas channel (65) and removably attached to the flow regulator, a flow restriction orifice (40) between the flow block and the flow regulator (30), a mixing block (70) defining a flow channel (75) containing mixing elements and optionally stabilization (80) and extension blocks each containing a flow channel (85) wherein each flow channel is in fluid communication with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignees: Dow Global Technologies LLC, Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Eung Kyu Kim, Thomas J. Parsons, Laura J. Dietsche, Michael D. Bowe, Janah C. Szewczyk
  • In-mold decorative applique with textured surface
    Patent number: 9283701
    Abstract: A plastic-molded automotive interior trim component has a curvilinear finished surface with a relatively flat portion and a relatively curved portion. A decorative film subcomponent has an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein at least the outer surface is pigmented with a desired color of the finished surface. Prior to incorporation into the plastic molded component, the decorative film subcomponent has a shape generally conforming to the curvilinear finished surface and is substantially smooth. A structural backing member is in-mold laminated with the decorative film subcomponent, wherein the structural backing member is formed by injection molding a backing material against the inner surface of the decorative film subcomponent in a mold having a film-receiving surface with a three-dimensional texture that receives the decorative film subcomponent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Linh N. Doan, James P. Holland, Kenneth S. Laird, Stacy L. Swank, Jeffrey B. Crist, Warwick J. Smith, Aileen N. Barraza
  • Silicone backbone prepolymers for flame resistant polyurethanes
    Patent number: 9284458
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for coatings that include the reaction product of at least a sodium silicate solution, at least one isocyanate reactive component having at least one of a hydroxyl and an amine functionality of between about 2 and about 4, at least one intumescent filler, at least one filler, optionally a suspension agent and at least one prepolymer having isocyanate functional groups. The prepolymer includes the reaction product of a prepolymer reaction mixture. The prepolymer reaction mixture includes at least one isocyanate, at least one polyol having an hydroxyl functionality of between about 2 and about 6, and at least one silicone surfactant having at least one isocyanate reactive moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Christian Bruchertseifer, Mark T. Anater
  • Systems and methods for stopping and starting an engine with dedicated EGR
    Patent number: 9284920
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including a DEGR system during start-stop and DFSO conditions. In one example, the DEGR cylinder may be deactivated prior to deactivating the non-DEGR cylinder group and stopping the engine, to purge EGR from the intake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Chris Paul Glugla, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Damian Czekala, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Folding pedal mount
    Patent number: 9284015
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a mount supporting a pedal and rotatably engaging a crank arm, a resilient member fixed to the mount, and a bracket fixed to the resilient member. The bracket selectively mechanically locks the mount in first and second positions relative to the crank arm. The first position of the mount locates the pedal in an operating position away from the crank arm, and the second position of the mount locates the pedal in a storage position along the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Robert George Thompson
  • Driver airbag module having multiple deployment paths
    Patent number: 9283921
    Abstract: An exemplary driver airbag module may include an inflatable cushion having a chamber that inflates up to a maximum volume. The airbag module may also have a fabric diffuser disposed within the chamber. The inflatable cushion and the fabric diffuser can be configured to deploy at least a portion of the inflatable cushion forward of a steering wheel in response to an out-of-position occupant preventing rearward expansion of the inflatable cushion up to the maximum volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff S. Vinton
  • Method of making photovoltaic devices incorporating improved pnictide semiconductor films
    Patent number: 9287435
    Abstract: The present invention uses a treatment that involves an etching treatment that forms a pnictogen-rich region on the surface of a pnictide semiconductor film The region is very thin in many modes of practice, often being on the order of only 2 to 3 nm thick in many embodiments. Previous investigators have left the region in place without appreciating the fact of its presence and/or that its presence, if known, can compromise electronic performance of resultant devices. The present invention appreciates that the formation and removal of the region advantageously renders the pnictide film surface highly smooth with reduced electronic defects. The surface is well-prepared for further device fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignees: Dow Global Technologies LLC, California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Gregory M. Kimball, Harry A. Atwater, Nathan S. Lewis, Jeffrey P. Bosco, Rebekah K. Feist
  • Magnetic sensor packaging for transmissions
    Patent number: 9285282
    Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission for volume production applications are provided. One transmission includes an output shaft and a magnetic torque sensor. The output shaft has a magnetized region. The sensor, for detecting torque of the output shaft, is mounted on friction reduction members such as bushings supporting the output shaft. In another transmission, the sensor is alternatively mounted to a transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Mark Richard Dobson, Yuji Fujii
  • Charge air cooler condensate purging cycle
    Patent number: 9284880
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for purging condensate from a charge air cooler to an engine intake. During an engine deceleration event, the vehicle is downshifted into a lower gear to increase RPM and airflow through a charge air cooler to purge stored condensate to the engine intake. By delivering condensate while an engine is not fueled, misfire events resulting from ingestion of water are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Paul Glugla
  • Engine fuel pump and method for operation thereof
    Patent number: 9284931
    Abstract: A method of pressuring fuel for a direct injection fuel system via a fuel pump in an engine is provided. The method includes, during a first mode, adjusting a magnetic solenoid valve (MSV) to control pump outlet pressure and during a second mode, deactivating the MSV and controlling pump outlet pressure via a noise-reducing valve assembly on an inlet side of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Brostrom, Vince Paul Solferino, Paul Zeng
  • Multi-speed transmission
    Patent number: 9285014
    Abstract: A transmission gearing arrangement has four simple planetary gear sets and five or six shift elements. A ring gear is fixedly held against rotation. A sun gear and a carrier are fixedly coupled to the input shaft. One embodiment has two brakes and three clutches and produces seven forward speeds by selective engagement of various combinations of two of the shift elements. Other embodiments have two brakes and four clutches and produce nine forward speeds by selective engagement of various combinations of two of the shift elements. Each embodiment may optionally include a passive one way brake that simplifies the control of certain shifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert Scott Lippert
  • Proximity switch assembly and calibration method therefor
    Patent number: 9287864
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly and calibrating the switch assembly. The assembly includes proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field to sense activation. The control circuitry generates an activation output when a differential change in the signal exceeds a threshold and distinguishes an activation from an exploration of the plurality of switches. The control circuit further determines a rate of change and generates an output when the rate of change exceeds a threshold rate to enable activation of a switch and performs a calibration of the signals to reduce effects caused by changes in condensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Matthew Majkowski, James J. Surman, James Stewart Rankin
  • Adjustable front fascia for vehicles
    Patent number: 9283907
    Abstract: An adjustable front fascia for vehicles includes a second vehicle structure that is fixed to a first vehicle structure at a location that is predefined relative to a hood of the vehicle. During assembly, the front fascia is movably supported on the second vehicle structure utilizing a temporary retaining mechanism that prevents unintended fore-aft movement of the front fascia unless a force exceeding a predefined release force is applied to the fascia. The front fascia can be fixed at a location providing a predefined gap relative to a front edge of the hood. The vertical position of the fascia relative to the hood can also be adjusted during assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Charles Edward Farrington, Dale Travis Huggan, James Francis Briggs
  • Dispenser for flexible sheets
    Patent number: 9284109
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a dispenser for dispensing flexible sheets. The dispenser includes (A) a pouch composed of at least one flexible multilayer film. The pouch includes (i) a front wall joined to a rear wall along a top seal and a bottom seal and (ii) a first sidewall and an opposing second sidewall. Each sidewall is joined to the front wall and the rear wall with a respective first side seal and a second side seal. The pouch also includes (iii) a flap above the pouch that is joined to the pouch along the top seal. The dispenser also includes (B) a roll of continuous flexible sheets in an interior of the pouch. The dispenser further includes (C) a slot along the front wall through which the flexible sheets are removed from the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Timothy James, Haley A. Lowry, Jill M. Martin
  • Flex and fold vehicle seating assembly
    Patent number: 9283873
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback and a rear bracket pivotally supporting the seatback and slidably engaging a track assembly. A seat has a four-bar linkage that includes a top link for supporting a cushion, a bottom link, a rear link pivotally coupling a rearward portion of the top link with a rearward portion of the bottom link, and a front link pivotally coupling a forward portion of the top link with a forward portion of the bottom link. A connecting member pivotally couples the bottom link with the seatback. Pivoting the seatback forward about the rear bracket causes the connecting member to collapse the linkage rearward to a stowed position. A base member pivotally couples an intermediate portion of the front link with a fixed front bracket. Sliding the seatback forward causes the seat to pivot upward about the base member to a rear access position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Dumitru Dan Nae, Curtis Stanhope, Kurt Kormos
  • Monitor system and method for stored battery
    Patent number: 9285430
    Abstract: A monitor system for an inventoried battery includes at least one battery pack; at least one embedded monitor subsystem interfacing with the battery pack, the embedded monitor system adapted to acquire sensor data from the battery pack; and at least one archival data storage system interfacing with the embedded monitor subsystem, the archival data storage system adapted to archive the sensor data. A method of monitoring a stored battery is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Edward Loftus, Ben A. Tabatowski-Bush
  • Controlling the closing force of a canister purge valve prior to executing leak diagnostic
    Patent number: 9284922
    Abstract: A method for a vehicle having a fuel vapor canister coupled between a fuel tank and an engine intake manifold via an electronically controlled purge valve, comprises initiating a vapor leak test under predetermined conditions and in response to the initiation, fully opening the purge valve from a closed position to a fully open position for a predetermined time, and then fully closing the purge valve after the predetermined time and commencing the leak test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Peters, Matthew Werner, Scott A. Bohr, Aed M. Dudar