Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Stablization method for vehicles
    Patent number: 9183179
    Abstract: Stabilization method and system for performing dynamic chassis control in a vehicle. An electronic stability control (ESC) includes an ESC sensor set; at least one chassis actuator; and a dynamic controller operably connected to at the least one chassis actuator. The ESC sensor set generates one or more sensor fault signals. Then, the method employs a dynamic controller to evaluate the signals corresponding to the sensor fault at least after a first fast fault signal, or a second slow fault signal. If the first fast fault signal is detected, the dynamic controller generates a signal for at least one of partially or completely temporarily switching off the at least one chassis actuator, while maintaining ESC in an active state. Conversely, if the second slow fault signal is detected, the dynamic controller generates a signal for temporarily switching off the ESC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lodewijk Wijffels, Peter Zegelaar, Oliver Nehls, Sergio Codonesu
  • Clutch torque trajectory correction to provide torque hole filling during a ratio upshift
    Patent number: 9180857
    Abstract: A multiple ratio transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft and oncoming clutch and off-going clutch for effecting ratio upshifts is provided. The transmission also includes a transmission controller configured for controlling shifts. During the torque phase of a ratio upshift, the controller increases input torque. Next, the controller estimates an oncoming clutch target torque. The controller controls a torque input to ensure the off-going clutch remains locked. The controller measures an actual transmission value for a torque transmitting element of the transmission and corrects the oncoming clutch target torque using the actual transmission value whereby an increasing torque for the oncoming friction element is achieved with minimal torque transients along the output shaft during the upshift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Wastegate control to reduce charge air cooler condensate
    Patent number: 9181859
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a wastegate in response to condensate forming conditions in a charge air cooler (CAC). In one example, a wastegate may be opened in response to an induction pressure greater than a threshold pressure when the induction pressure is greater than required to produce a manifold pressure required for a torque demand. Further, a compressor recirculation valve may be opened to further reduce the induction pressure during certain driving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Carbon fiber wrapped aluminum dual tube deflector
    Patent number: 9180829
    Abstract: A deflector for a front end assembly that includes a lower tube having a lower/front leg extending outboard from a bumper and an intermediate leg extending from a lower/outer end of the lower/front leg to a sliding plate that is not attached to a frame rail. The deflector also includes an upper tube including an upper/front leg extending outboard from the bumper and a rear leg extending from an upper/outer end of the upper tube toward that is attached to a rear sliding plate that is also not attached to the frame rail. A method of making a deflector from an aluminum tube that is bent to shape and wrapped with a carbon fiber resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Matthew John Zaluzec, Rahul Arora
  • High-density polyethylene compositions, method of making the same
    Patent number: 9181421
    Abstract: The instant invention is a high-density polyethylene composition, method of producing the same, articles made therefrom, and method of making such articles. The high-density polyethylene composition of the instant invention includes a first component, and a second component. The first component is a high molecular weight ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer having a density in the range of 0.915 to 0.940 g/cm3, and a melt index (I21.6) in the range of 0.5 to 10 g/10 minutes. The second component is a low molecular weight ethylene polymer having a density in the range of 0.965 to 0.980 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) in the range of 50 to 1500 g/10 minutes. The high-density polyethylene composition has a melt index (I2) of at least 1, a density in the range of 0.950 to 0.960 g/cm3, and g? of 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: William J. Michie, Jr., Thomas W. Kay, Stephanie M. Whited, Dale M. Elley-Bristow, David T. Gillespie, Lonnie G. Hazlitt
  • Front module for a modular hybrid transmission and a method for connecting/disconnecting the front module from a torque converter
    Patent number: 9180766
    Abstract: A front module disposed between an engine and a torque converter, and a method for coupling or decoupling the front module to the torque converter is provided. The front module has a housing that defines a cavity and has at least one access window, but preferably two access windows. The access windows may each include a notch. Disposed in the housing of the front module is a motor/generator and an engine disconnect clutch. A flexplate connects an output of the front module to the torque converter. The flexplate has a plurality of notches located on a periphery of the flexplate, and the flexplate is connected to the torque converter by a plurality of fasteners. Both the notches on the periphery of the flexplate and the plurality of fasteners are accessible through the access windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Anatole Frait, John Edward Brevick
  • Acetylated derivatives of castor oil and their blends with epoxidized fatty acid esters
    Patent number: 9181415
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to acetylated castor components and compositions including the same. The acetylated castor component may be an acetylated castor oil and/or an acetylated castor wax. The acetylated castor component may be blended with an epoxidized fatty acid ester. The present acetylated castor components and blends find advantageous application as a plasticizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Bharat I. Chaudhary, Beate Sczekalla, Michael Meerbote, Yang Cheng
  • Proximity switch assembly and method of sensing user input based on signal rate of change
    Patent number: 9184745
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. The assembly and method detects a signal associated with each proximity switch, determines a rate of change of the signal associated with the first switch and a rate of change of the signal associated with a neighboring second switch and determines whether to activate the first switch based on at least one of the first rate of signal change and second rate of signal change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Thomas Lee Goodson
  • Method and system for engine control
    Patent number: 9180861
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine in response to a driver's change-of-mind. In one embodiment, the engine is shutdown during an idle stop with the transmission in a higher gear or with the transmission tied-up to a transmission case. In response to a driver change-of-mind restart request, the transmission is downshifted, or released from the tie-up, to return driveline torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Chad Everette Griffin
  • VEHICLE DRIVE AWAY BASED ENGINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150314768
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle may include an engine and at least one controller. The controller may be programmed to, while the engine is off and during a generally constant accelerator pedal input, start the engine in response to an increase in relative acceleration of an object in front of the vehicle greater than a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: ROBERT WRIGHT
  • METHOD FOR SHIFTING A SHIFT-BY-WIRE TRANSMISSION WITHOUT ENGINE POWER
    Publication number: 20150316143
    Abstract: A vehicle according to the present disclosure includes a shift-by-wire transmission, a pressure source configured to selectively provide hydraulic pressure in the absence of engine power, an internal combustion engine, and a controller. The shift-by-wire transmission includes a hydraulic actuator, and the electric pump is in fluid communication with the actuator. The controller is configured to, in response to a driver input and the engine being off, control the pressure source to provide hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. DEURLOO, Jeffrey James TUMAVITCH, Derek KINCH, Richard Reynolds HATHAWAY, Todd Curtis SPAULDING
  • Method and Apparatus for Locating Optimal Refueling Stations
    Publication number: 20150316406
    Abstract: The illustrative embodiments classify vehicle performance by fuel providers under a variety of driving demands. Individual measured performance may be combined with collaborative crowd-sourced experiences to leverage a vast data set usable to improve statistical accuracy. The illustrative embodiments provide non-limiting examples of methods usable to save fuel costs at the pump through the use of performance forecasts based on observed historic fuel quality at known fuel providers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allan Roy Gale, David Allen Kowalski
  • MULTIPURPOSE RACK FOR PROCESSING PARTS THROUGH MULTIPLE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
    Publication number: 20150316323
    Abstract: A rack for simultaneously processing a plurality of parts includes a frame, a plurality of defined locations on the frame for receiving and holding individual parts for processing and a latching assembly for locking the parts to the frame in the defined locations. The rack further includes a security feature for indicating if the latching assembly is opened after the parts have been loaded and locked into the defined locations on the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David John Hill, Steve Sparkes
  • ESD PROTECTION FOR DYNAMIC LIGHTING
    Publication number: 20150319815
    Abstract: A lighting assembly including a circuit is disclosed. The circuit is configured to be disposed in a panel defining a cavity forming an opening. The circuit includes a light source in communication with a controller and an exposed conductive portion conductively connected to an isolation terminal. The exposed conductive portion is oriented proximate the opening and provides a path for an electrical discharge to protect the light source from the electrical discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, James J. Surman, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Steven J. Antilla, Daniel Weckstein
  • TERMINAL HOLDER FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20150318524
    Abstract: An electric vehicle battery assembly according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a battery cell, a rail securing the cell, and a terminal holder in direct contact with the rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald D. Gilland, Adam Denlinger, Tom M. Gunther, Rajaram Subramanian, Edward Popyk
  • SUBFRAME FOR VEHICLE INCLUDING LEVER FOR DETACHING SUBFRAME FROM UNDERBODY DURING FRONT IMPACT
    Publication number: 20150314807
    Abstract: A chassis assembly of a vehicle includes a frame, an underbody supported by the frame, and a subframe connected to the underbody. A connection connects the subframe and the underbody. A lever extends from the subframe to the frame. During a frontal impact of the vehicle, the lever leverages against the frame to detach the connection from the underbody. This movement of the subframe relative to the frame and the detachment of the connection from the underbody absorbs energy during the frontal impact and results in a softer pulse and a reduced Vehicle Pulse Index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Saied Nusier, Mohamed Ridha Baccouche, Saeed David Barbat, Jamel E. Belwafa
  • Methods of Integrating Aluminoxane Production Into Catalyst Production
    Publication number: 20150315308
    Abstract: Methods for integrating aluminoxane production into catalyst production are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Randall L. Force, Timothy R. Lynn, Michael D. Awe
  • HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE PREFERRED MODE
    Publication number: 20150314776
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a controller programmed to adjust operational parameters defining conditions during which the vehicle is to be operated in electric mode in response to user input selecting an electric mode intensity. A frequency and total duration with which the vehicle is operated in electric mode increases for a given drive cycle as the electric mode intensity increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: HAI YU
  • ROAD ROUGHNESS PREVIEW WITH DRIVE HISTORY
    Publication number: 20150314663
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a sensor configured to detect a first road feature, an adjustable suspension system, and a processing device. The processing device is configured to determine, using a drive history map, a location of the vehicle based on the first road feature and apply a suspension profile to the suspension system. The suspension profile is associated with a second road feature identified by the drive history map, which is at a different location from the first road feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Scott Rhode, Shane Elwart, Nanjun Liu, Thomas Edward Pilutti
  • INDUCTION ANNEALING AS A METHOD FOR EXPANDED HYDROFORMED TUBE FORMABILITY
    Publication number: 20150315666
    Abstract: A method of hydroforming a workpiece includes the steps of bending the workpiece into a first preliminary shape, pre-forming the workpiece into a second preliminary shape, induction annealing the workpiece at a temperature between 120-160° C. and hydroforming the workpiece to a desired shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nia R. Harrison, Andrey M. Ilinich, S. George Luckey, Stephen Kernosky