Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Active bolster with in-mold assembly of bladder and trim panel
    Patent number: 9193325
    Abstract: An active bolster for an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle has a plastic-molded outer trim panel with a closed-loop bonding section 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 bonding flange along an peripheral edge, and a baffle section between the central attachment section and the bonding flange. The closed-loop bonding section and the bonding flange are configured to define a substantially closed toroidal region therebetween. An attachment body is molded in-situ to substantially fill the toroidal region. As a result of the in-situ molding of the attachment body in the toroidal region, the trim panel and bladder member become bonded via the attachment body resulting in a high bonding strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stacey H. Raines, Sean B. West
  • Proximity switch having differential contact surface
    Patent number: 9197206
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for activating a proximity switch is provided. The assembly includes a proximity sensor generating a signal, and a contact surface proximate to the proximity sensor and having a differential elevation change feature. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry processing the signal to detect a differential increase in the activation signal indicative of a hard press on the contact surface. The control circuitry detects activation of the switch based on the differential increase exceeding a differential threshold. Activation can further be determined based on a stable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner
  • Method of adaptive control for engine transient mitigation in a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9193350
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle and method of control are provided. An engine raw power command is quantized. The quantized power command is set to one of a plurality of quantized power steps. A step size between the quantized power steps varies based on the raw power command. The engine of the hybrid vehicle is operated based on the set quantized power command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Qing Wang, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Battery parameter estimation
    Patent number: 9197078
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery pack and at least one controller programmed to implement a model of the battery pack. The model includes parameters representing an internal resistance and charge transfer impedance of the battery pack, and identified from an extended Kalman filter having an augmented state vector. The augmented state vector is at least partially defined by a time constant associated with the charge transfer impedance and a variable representing a proportionality between the internal resistance and a resistance term of the charge transfer impedance to reduce observed variability of the parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tae-Kyung Lee
  • Real-time fuel consumption estimation
    Patent number: 9193351
    Abstract: An engine, electric machine and battery of a vehicle are operated, in certain examples, such that a state of charge of the battery is generally maintained while the real-time fuel consumption is estimated and minimized by the use of route segmentation and a predictive average power calculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yanan Zhao, Ming Lang Kuang, Anthony Mark Phillips
  • Thermostat with locking arms for coolant filling
    Patent number: 9194279
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a control valve for a medium circuit of an internal combustion engine, in particular to a thermostat of a coolant circuit of the internal combustion engine. The control valve includes a valve housing, an expansible material element arranged in a valve body, an energy accumulator having an abutment element, a valve seat, and at least one locking element arranged on the abutment element, each locking element having a counter-latching face. The control valve has a first position wherein the counter-latching face of each locking element is in a non-positive connection with a corresponding latching face of the valve housing in order to force the control valve into a mechanically blocked, forced-open position, the latching face being formed by means of an opening edge in the valve housing. This position may enable a quick and reliable initial filling or refilling of the coolant circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kay Hohenboeken, Bert Pingen, Michael Tobergte, Stefan Quiring, Richard Fritsche
  • Engine control method and system
    Patent number: 9194311
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for heating a catalyst during engine cold-start conditions. One example embodiment uses positive valve overlap to drive a boosted blow-through airflow through the cylinders of an engine. Fuel is injected with the blow-through airflow during the valve overlap, and also injected into engine cylinders outside the valve overlap. The catalyst is heated by the resulting exothermic reaction of the blow-through airflow with the combustion products and the injected fuel in the exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Daniel Shane, James David Pakko, Paul M. Laing
  • Photovoltaic device and method
    Patent number: 9196756
    Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved photovoltaic device (“PVD”) and method of use, more particularly to an improved photovoltaic device with an integral locator and electrical terminal mechanism for transferring current to or from the improved photovoltaic device and the use as a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cleereman, Michael J. Lesniak, James R. Keenihan, Joe A. Langmaid, Ryan Gaston, Gerald K. Eurich, Michelle L. Boven
  • Applied-ignition internal combustion engine with catalytically coated injection device, and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type
    Patent number: 9194280
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing coking residues on an injection device of an applied-ignition, direct injection engine. An example system comprises an injection device; an electric heating device integrated with the injection device; a catalytic coating on a surface of the injection device; and a controller suitable to initiate a cleaning mode of the injection device wherein the electric heating device raises the temperature of the injection device. Heating the injection device allows coking residues on the injection device to oxidize in the presence of the catalytic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Berkemeier, Klemens Grieser, Kay Hohenboeken, Jens Wojahn
  • Vehicle reading lamp with low intensity light setting
    Patent number: 9193301
    Abstract: A vehicle reading lamp is provided and includes an outer lens and a light source for illuminating an outer lens. A controller is included for prompting the light source to generate a low intensity light to assist a vehicle occupant in visually locating the reading lamp in dark conditions, wherein when the occupant desires task lighting and subsequently activates the light source, the controller prompts the light source to switch from the low intensity light to a high intensity light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Jeffrey Singer, Matthew Majkowski, Khaled Omar
  • ROTARY-DRAW BENDING MANDREL WITH GALLING-RESISTIVE INSERTS
    Publication number: 20150328671
    Abstract: A galling-resistive insert is positioned on an outer surface of a mandrel assembly. The insert is secured at the outer surface of the mandrel assembly and functions to reduce galling of an inner surface of a tubular blank during a rotary-draw bending operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrey M. Ilinich, S. George Luckey, JR., Stephen Kernosky, Feng Ren
  • FLAME RETARDANT FOAM FORMULATIONS
    Publication number: 20150329691
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a flame retardant foam formulation. As an example, the flame retardant formulation can include a mono-phosphonate having a hydroxyl group, a polyisocyanate having a functionality in a range from 2.0 to 10.0, wherein the polyisocyanate is present in an amount to provide for an isocyanate index of from 100 to 320, a compound having active hydrogen groups capable of reacting with the polyisocyanate, a blowing agent, and a catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Skowronski, Jayaraman Krishnamoorthy, David E. Snider, Hector Perez
  • ELECTRIC PROPULSION CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150329172
    Abstract: A bicycle includes at least one pedal and a flywheel. The flywheel rotates in accordance with movement of the pedal. A motor is configured to rotate a wheel. A battery powers the motor, and a throttle controls how much power is provided from the battery to the motor. Power from the battery is only provided to the motor while the flywheel is rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald L. Anderson
  • POWERED LATCH SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE DOORS AND CONTROL SYSTEM THEREFOR
    Publication number: 20150330114
    Abstract: A latch system for vehicle doors includes a powered latch including a powered actuator that is configured to unlatch the powered latch. An interior unlatch input feature such as an unlatch switch can be actuated by a user to provide an unlatch request. The system may include a controller that is operably connected to the powered actuator of the powered latch. The controller is configured such that it does not unlatch the powered latch if a vehicle speed is greater than a predefined value unless the interior latch feature is actuated at least two times according to predefined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: H. Paul Tsvi Linden, Daniel Carl Bejune, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Robert Bruce Kleve, John Thomas Ricks, Kosta Papanikolaou, Noah Barlow Mass, Lisa Therese Boran, Ronald Patrick Brombach, Jim Michael Weinfurther
  • USE OF PVE LUBRICANTS WITH SUBSTITUTE REFRIGERANTS IN A MOBILE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150329758
    Abstract: A heat transfer composition for use in a mobile air-conditioning system in a vehicle, includes a first component comprised of a hydrofluoroolefin refrigerant. A second component of the composition includes a polyvinylether lubricant. The heat transfer composition is compatible for use in a mobile air-conditioning system when the mobile air-conditioning system is powered by a mechanically driven compressor, and is also compatible for use in the mobile air-conditioning system when the mobile air-conditioning system is powered by an electrically driven compressor built-in to the mobile air-conditioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Angelo Patti, Manfred Koberstein, Steven L. Lambert, Edward Sakowicz, William Stewart Johnston
  • TRACTION BATTERY LEAKAGE DETECTION SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20150333378
    Abstract: A leakage detection system for a battery pack of a vehicle may include detection circuitry having a first side connecting a positive terminal of the pack to ground and a second side connecting a negative terminal of the pack to ground, and including no more than one switch among the sides. The system may also include measurement circuitry configured to measure a voltage across a resistor of one of the sides when the switch is open and closed, and a controller programmed to output a leakage associated with the battery pack based on the voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoguang CHANG, Xu WANG, Chuan HE
  • VEHICLE HEATING SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20150330351
    Abstract: Methods and system for providing heat to a vehicle are presented. In one example, a heat pump supplies thermal energy to an engine to reduce engine emissions during engine starting. Further, heating the engine via the heat pump may also reduce engine friction at colder ambient temperatures where oil viscosity may be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Franco Ragazzi, Thomas G. Leone
  • DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR PREVENTING MISALIGNMENT IN VEHICLE BRAKE ASSEMBLIES
    Publication number: 20150331442
    Abstract: An alignment device may include a saddle element configured to sit on a pedal arm of a brake assembly. The saddle element may include first and second U-shaped ends configured to receive the pedal arm. The first and second U-shaped ends may be spaced apart from one another by an opening defined by first and second lateral wing elements. The first and second lateral wing elements may form a catchment area configured to guide and position a push rod of a brake booster into alignment with the pedal arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Snehasis GANGULY, Curtis HARGITT`, Brian Marvin LEMMER
  • Apparatus and Method for Joining a Hydro-Formed Tube to an Extrusion
    Publication number: 20150328977
    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: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard G.G. Lueschen, Dragan B. Stojkovic
  • ADJUSTMENTS FOR ENGINE SPARK USING REMOTE DATA
    Publication number: 20150330320
    Abstract: External data from a second computer external to a vehicle is received in an in-vehicle computer comprising a processor and a memory. At least one derived datum is generated from at least some of the external data. The at least one derived datum is used to make an adjustment to engine performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth J. Jackson