Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Patent number: 9187012
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback and a seat base pivotally coupled with the seatback. An upper link is pivotally coupled between an upper portion of the seatback and a rear support. A front link and a rear link are pivotally coupled between the seat base and a floor. A bottom end of the front link is moveable on the floor between a forward position and a rearward position, adjusting the seatback respectively between a reclined position and an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Sachs, Johnathan Andrew Line, Gunnar Groesbeck
  • Patent number: 9188223
    Abstract: A shift indication system for a vehicle is provided. The shift indication system includes a haptic feedback device and a controller programmed to activate the haptic feedback device in response to an engine speed traversing a predetermined threshold. The haptic feedback device is activated with a first pattern if the speed is increasing to prompt a vehicle operator to perform an upshift and a second pattern if the speed is decreasing to prompt a vehicle operator to perform a downshift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Jamel Seagraves
  • Patent number: 9187007
    Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a controller configured to estimate battery capacity in accordance with a first state of charge estimation, a charge integration, and a second state of charge estimation. The first and second state of charge estimations are in accordance with time and temperature constraints and are such that the estimated battery capacity has limited uncertainty. The controller is further configured to generate an output based on the estimated battery capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yonghua Li, Richard Dyche Anderson
  • Patent number: 9186604
    Abstract: A hydroclone (10) including a tank (12) having a fluid inlet (14), a filtered fluid outlet (16), an effluent outlet (18), a process fluid outlet (20) and an inner peripheral wall (22) positioned about an axis (X) and enclosing a plurality of aligned chambers including: i) a vortex chamber (24) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (14), a filter assembly (26) located within the vortex chamber (24) and enclosing a filtrate chamber (46), a fluid pathway (28) extending from the fluid inlet (14) and about the filter assembly (26) which is adapted to generate a vortex fluid flow about the filter assembly (26), wherein the filtrate chamber (46) is in fluid communication with the filtered fluid outlet (16) such that fluid passing through the filter assembly (26) enters the filtrate chamber (46) and may exit the tank (12) by way of the filtered fluid outlet (16), and ii) an effluent separation chamber (30) in fluid communication with the vortex chamber (24) and which is adapted for receiving unfiltered fluid th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven D. Jons, Santhosh K. Ramalingam
  • Patent number: 9187403
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a process for separating one or more aliphatic diamines from reductive amination reaction solvents and impurities, and aliphatic diamines obtained via such a process. The process for separating one or more aliphatic diamines from reductive amination reaction solvents and impurities according to the instant invention comprises the steps of: (1) feeding one or more cycloaliphatic cyanoaldehydes, hydrogen, ammonia, and optionally one or more solvents into a continuous reductive amination reactor system; (2) contacting said one or more cycloaliphatic cyanoaldehydes, hydrogen, and ammonia with each other in the presence of one or more heterogeneous metal based catalyst systems at a temperature in the range of from 80° C. to about 160° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Stacie Santhany, Patrick Ho Sing Au-Yeung, Gerald W. Dare, Shawn D. Feist, Barry B. Fish, Daniel A. Hickman, David Jean, Erich J. Molitor, Abraham D. Schuitman, Todd William Toyzan
  • Patent number: 9188053
    Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling a vehicle electric coolant pump include operating the coolant pump at a speed to provide a desired coolant flow based on a temperature difference between an engine coolant inlet temperature and an engine coolant outlet temperature. A hybrid vehicle having an engine and an electric water pump includes a controller that controls water pump speed to provide coolant flow based on a differential temperature between an engine coolant inlet and an engine coolant outlet. Pump speed may also be controlled based on engine speed and load. Control of an electric water pump based on temperature difference, engine speed, and load may result in faster engine warm up and reduce pump power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Osama Abihana
  • Patent number: 9187091
    Abstract: A collision detection system for a vehicle includes a sensor and a camera. The sensor measures a first data set of an object relative to the vehicle. The camera measures a second data set of the object relative to the vehicle and separately measures an image-based time-to-collision with the object based on scalable differences of captured images. A fusion module matches data from the sensor and the camera and estimates a collision threat based on the matched data. A plausibility module generates a signal if the measured image-based time-to-collision is less than a calculated steering-based time-to-collision and a braking-based time-to-collision with the object. A countermeasure module actuates a countermeasure device, such as an autonomous braking system, if the collision threat exceeds an actuation threshold and the signal from the plausibility module is received, thereby statistically reducing the rate of false actuations of the countermeasure device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron L. Mills
  • Patent number: 9187086
    Abstract: A selectively actuatable one-way clutch is controlled to brake or release a generator such that a powersplit hybrid powertrain enters or exits a parallel mode of operation. To brake the generator and enter the parallel mode, the clutch is activated while overrunning the generator before the generator is slowed to engage the clutch. To release the generator and exit the parallel mode, the generator is controlled to overrun the clutch before deactivating the clutch and returning the generator to a base speed control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Marvin P. Kraska, Daniel S. Colvin, Walter J. Ortmann
  • Patent number: 9188090
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with a fuel vapor recovery system are disclosed. In one example approach, a method for an engine with a fuel vapor recovery system including a multi-tubular fuel vapor canister comprises directing air through a first set of adsorbent passages in the fuel vapor canister to purge fuel vapor therefrom while not directing air through a second set of adsorbent passages in the fuel vapor canister; and directing air through the second set of adsorbent passages to purge fuel vapor therefrom while not directing air through the first set of adsorbent passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell R. Pearce, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Robert G. Ognjanovski
  • Patent number: 9188087
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for computing the flow rate at a suction port of an ejector arranged in series with an outlet of an engine system such as a fuel vapor purge system during certain conditions. In one example, the need for a sensor at an ejector suction port may be reduced by adjusting exhaust gas recirculation based on a flow rate at the ejector suction port, the flow rate based on a flow characteristic of the ejector and a flow characteristic of an engine system. The flow rate and a reductant concentration of gases from the engine system may then be used as a basis for compensation of a diluent concentration measurement taken by a gas constituent sensor arranged downstream of the ejector outlet in an engine intake passage, e.g. to improve adjustment of exhaust gas recirculation based on the compensated diluent concentration measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 9188045
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an exhaust gas sensor coupled in an engine exhaust in an engine is provided. The method includes adjusting engine operation responsive to exhaust gas sensor degradation, the degradation identified during deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO) and compensated based on whether vapor purge operation is occurring in the engine during DFSO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Michael James Ulrich, Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns
  • Patent number: 9191135
    Abstract: A media content processor system including a control unit configured to receive radio data including metadata and media content and to identify an element of the actionable content based on parsing data fields of the metadata tagged as including elements of data other than the actionable content, and a method of identifying the same. The metadata represents actionable content for presentation to a user. The method includes receiving radio data, identifying an element of the actionable content included in the metadata of the radio data, generating an option, and providing the option to the display screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Englert
  • Patent number: 9188058
    Abstract: Various methods for controlling a wastegate with an electric actuator including a bias are provided. In one example, the actuator is supplied with a first current when moving a wastegate valve toward a fully open position, and is supplied with a second current when moving a wastegate toward a fully closed position. The methods may ensure appropriate supply of boost to an engine even in the event of wastegate degradation while enabling engine downsizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Amey Y. Karnik, Yan Wang, Vladimir V. Kokotovic
  • Patent number: 9187129
    Abstract: A body frame for mounting to a base frame of a vehicle includes a body mount assembly including an aluminum, tubular cross member having an inner passage and an aluminum collar support received in the inner passage for supporting the tubular cross member once it is coupled to the base frame of the vehicle. The collar support member has a multi-hollows design including an inner and outer, cylindrically-shaped portions and a plurality of equi-angularly spaced, radially extending walls interconnecting the inner and outer portions for providing the body mount the required flexibility during assembly and the required structural support and performance during vehicle use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Dragan Stojkovic
  • Patent number: 9187611
    Abstract: A polymeric foam has a thermoplastic polymer matrix defining multiple cells, the foam characterized by: (a) the polymer matrix having greater than 50 weight-percent copolymer containing at least two different monomers at least one of which is a methacrylate monomer, each monomer having a solubility parameter lower than 20 (megaPascals)0.5 and a chemical composition where twice the mass fraction of oxygen plus the mass fraction of nitrogen, fluorine and silicon is greater than 0.2; wherein the monomers comprise at least 90 weight-percent of all monomers in the copolymer; (b) at least one of the following: (i) a nucleation site density of at least 3×1014 effective nucleation sites per cubic centimeter of foamable polymer composition; (ii) an average cell size of 300 nanometer or less; (c) a porosity percentage greater than 30%; (d) an absence of nano-sized nucleating additive; and (e) a thickness of at least one millimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Stephane Costeux, Lingbo Zhu, Hyun Jeon, Shana P. Bunker, Thomas H. Kalantar
  • Publication number: 20150325396
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described to control the use of electrical power when charging a traction battery. A vehicle module can drive the contactor coils with two set-points for controlling the power into the contactor coils, namely, a travel or vehicle “on” set point and a charging, vehicle “off” set point. In use, full power is initially applied to the coils to guarantee immediate closure of the contactor. During charging and after closing the contactor, the power is set at the charging, vehicle “off” set point. The travel or vehicle “on” set point is higher than the charging, vehicle “off” set point. Using the charging, vehicle “off” set point reduces electricity consumption. The vehicle “on” set point is at a higher electrical level as it must maintain closure under worst-case vibration and shock conditions considering mounting location, contactor orientation, as well as other characteristics of the vehicle and contactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Edward Loftus, Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush
  • Publication number: 20150323017
    Abstract: A clutch system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a thrust bearing and a load sensor positioned relative to the thrust bearing and configured to measure a load exerted against the thrust bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jon O'Neill, Anthony Osborne
  • Publication number: 20150322904
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving combustion in a highly exhaust gas diluted engine are disclosed. The methods and systems may be provided in an engine that is supplied two different types of fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, John D. Russell
  • Publication number: 20150325893
    Abstract: A traction battery assembly includes a battery stack having a first cell defining one end of the stack. An endplate is disposed proximate the first cell. An insulator body is disposed between the endplate and the first cell. The insulator body thermally insulates the first cell from the endplate to reduce dissipation of cell-generated heat and to facilitate cell stack warm up in cold conditions. The traction battery assembly may also include a heating element to provide thermal energy to the cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Robert BURROWS, Sydney BERRY, John Paul GIBEAU
  • Publication number: 20150321576
    Abstract: Hybrid and electric vehicles include a traction battery including many interconnected cells. Effective battery control, such as cell balancing, may rely on an accurate state of charge value for each of the cells. A method to reduce the computational effort of the state of charge calculation is developed. An accurate pack level state of charge calculation is implemented and represents the average cell state of charge. An average cell voltage is based on a pack voltage measurement. A state of charge difference is calculated for each cell based on a difference between a cell voltage and the average cell voltage. The state of charge difference utilizes the pack state of charge and a characteristic voltage and state of charge relationship for the cell. The cell state of charge is the sum of the pack state of charge and the state of charge difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tae-Kyung Lee