Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Liquid phase injection tip icing prevention
    Patent number: 9175640
    Abstract: A fuel injector assembly is provided herein. The fuel injector assembly includes an insulated delivery conduit in fluidic communication with a fuel pump and a conductive enclosure at least partially surrounding the insulated delivery conduit. The fuel injector assembly further includes a seal positioned between the insulated delivery conduit, conductive enclosure, and the fuel injector outlet with radial and axial forces against an exterior surface of the insulated delivery conduit, interior surface of the conductive enclosure, and the exterior surface of fuel injector outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Raymond Ryan, Brendan John Butcher
  • Electrochemical device including amorphous metal oxide
    Patent number: 9178219
    Abstract: In one or more embodiments, an electrochemical device includes a substrate having a substrate surface; an amorphous metal oxide layer supported on the substrate surface; and a noble metal catalyst supported on the amorphous metal oxide layer to form a catalyst layer. The amorphous metal oxide layer may contact only 25 to 75 percent of the substrate surface. The amorphous metal oxide layer may include less than 10 weight percent of crystalline metal oxide. In certain instances, the amorphous metal oxide layer is substantially free of crystalline metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jun Yang, Patrick Pietrasz, Chunchuan Xu, Richard E. Soltis, Mark S. Sulek, Robert F. Novak
  • Approach for controlling exhaust gas recirculation
    Patent number: 9175616
    Abstract: Various embodiments related to controlling EGR in an engine are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first EGR amount is supplied to a cylinder at a first temperature and a first engine speed and load. Further, at the first engine speed and load, as engine temperature increases from the first temperature to a second temperature, a first fuel amount is injected after exhaust valve closing and before intake valve opening while a second EGR amount is supplied to the cylinder that is greater than the first EGR amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jianwen James Yi, Steven Wooldridge, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Shiyou Yang, Thomas A. McCarthy
  • Formation in hollow extruded vehicle frame component for subassembly attachment and method of forming the same
    Patent number: 9174680
    Abstract: A frame component of a vehicle, such as a header beam that couples between the A-pillars of a vehicle frame, includes an extruded hollow member having top and bottom exterior walls and side walls that together enclose an elongated internal volume of the hollow member. A pair of interior walls extends along the internal volume separating outer load sections adjacent to the side walls from a central attachment section. The outer load sections are void of apertures for supporting continuous load paths. A formation on the bottom exterior wall protrudes into the internal volume in the central attachment section. The formation includes an inset surface angled, located, and otherwise configured for attaching a subassembly to the frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Joyce, Christopher John May, Jack Lashbrook
  • Method and system for engine control
    Patent number: 9175615
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing exhaust temperatures during high engine load conditions in engine systems configured to operate with multiple fuels. Stoichiometric cylinder operation is provided via injection of a gaseous fuel such as CNG. In response to elevated exhaust temperatures, the cylinder is enriched by injecting a liquid fuel, such as gasoline, while maintaining the injection of CNG and while maintaining spark timing at MBT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Badillo, Samuel Guido, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Dev Saberwal
  • Beverage container holder
    Patent number: 9174799
    Abstract: A beverage container holder having a receptacle, gripping members, and a membrane is disclosed. The membrane is disposed in openings located between a sidewall of the receptacle and the gripping members. Living hinges are integrated into the gripping members, which allow the gripping members to flex and provide a gripping force on a beverage container that has been placed into the beverage container holder in order to provide a more stable and secure placement of the container. The receptacle and gripping members are manufactured in one step process, preferably an injection molding process, and are composed of a material having a low coefficient of friction, preferably a hard plastic, which allows for the easy placement or retrieval of a beverage container. The membrane is overmolded onto the receptacle and gripping members and is preferably composed of a flexible material such as a soft plastic or rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Esteban Virgen
  • Driver prompting braking system and method
    Patent number: 9174575
    Abstract: A driver prompting braking system includes a detection device adapted to sense at least one object in front of the vehicle; a detection system interfacing with the detection device, the detection system adapted to detect the at least one object; and a brake coaching system interfacing with the detection system, the brake coaching system adapted to determine a brake application timing for an operator of the vehicle to avoid the object and optimize fuel economy of the vehicle. A driver prompting braking method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Mitts, Aaron L. Mills, Dale Scott Crombez, Daniel A. Gabor
  • Method and apparatus for sharp flanging and trimming sheet metal panels
    Patent number: 9174259
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming flanges on a panel. The flanges may be weld flanges or hem flanges. The flanges stretch to reduce spring back and may be trimmed. The trimming operation is performed after the flange area is formed on the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Sergey Fedorovich Golovashchenko
  • Glow plug heater control
    Patent number: 9175661
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a glow plug are disclosed. In one example, current supplied to a glow plug can be controlled to promote combustion stability of a cylinder after an engine start. Engine feedgas hydrocarbons may be reduced during conditions where combustion stability may be otherwise reduced to reduce tailpipe emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Paul Joseph Tennison, David A. May
  • Transmission clutch assemblies with squawk reduction techniques
    Patent number: 9175733
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a vehicle transmission clutch assembly with squawk reduction techniques, having: a clutch component configured to rotate with respect to a transmission shaft; and a plurality of multi-directional mass dampers coupled to the clutch component, configured to alter a mode of vibration for the clutch component during clutch engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jim Chern, Carl Garbacik, Tony Ge, Jau-Wen Tseng
  • Methods and systems for torque control
    Patent number: 9174637
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving surge control. When surge conditions are approached, a reference governor reduces engine airflow at a slower rate and to a higher level than the engine airflow required to meet the reduced torque demand. The excess torque resulting from the extra airflow is offset by applying a negative torque on the driveshaft via an electric machine coupled to the engine or via alternate engine actuator adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Julia Helen Buckland, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Uros Vojko Kalabic, Matthew John Gerhart, Tobias John Pallett, Ilya Kolmanovsky, Suzanne Kay Wait
  • Hydrocarbon trap and method for manufacture
    Patent number: 9174163
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon (HC) trap positioned in an intake conduit of an engine is provided. The HC trap includes a stack of consecutively layered polymeric sheets with at least a portion of the sheets impregnated with a HC vapor adsorption/desorption material, the stack of sheets extending from a first exterior surface to a second exterior surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew George Bellis, Roger Khami, David S. Moyer, Erik Henry Hermann
  • Vehicle driver-model controller with energy economy rating adjustments
    Patent number: 9174647
    Abstract: A controller with energy economy rating (EER) calibration logic is configured to adjust a look-ahead time and feed-forward mapping window for vehicle controls according to EER.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Rose, Benjamin L. Pence, Poyu Tsou, Judy H. Che
  • Ethylene-based polymer compositions, methods of making the same, and articles prepared from the same
    Patent number: 9175111
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a blend, which comprises a high molecular weight ethylene-based polymer, and a low molecular weight ethylene-based polymer, and wherein the high molecular weight ethylene-based polymer has a density less than, or equal to, 0.955 g/cm3, and wherein the blend has a high load melt index (I21) greater than, or equal to, 15 g/10 min, and wherein the blend has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) greater than, or equal to, 15. The invention also provides a composition comprising a blend, which comprises a high molecular weight ethylene-based polymer and a low molecular weight ethylene-based polymer, and wherein the high molecular weight ethylene-based polymer component has a density less than, or equal to, 0.945 g/cm3, and a melt index (I2) less than, or equal to, 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Mridula (Babli) Kapur, Robert J. Jorgensen, Burkhard E. Wagner, William J. Michie, Jr.
  • Vehicle impact energy absorber
    Patent number: 9174600
    Abstract: An impact absorbing device includes a plate and a panel having a panel thickness. An intermediate portion has a portion thickness and extends between the plate and the panel. The intermediate portion defines a chamber between the plate and the panel. A port is in communication with the chamber. The portion thickness is less than the panel thickness. The impact absorbing device is movable to a deployed position to contact an occupant during a collision. Since the portion thickness is less than the panel thickness, the intermediate portion expands more quickly, providing an impact surface for the occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Robert William McCoy, James Chih Cheng
  • Method and Apparatus for Vehicle and Mobile Device Coordination
    Publication number: 20150308396
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive vehicle GPS coordinates. The processor is also configured to compare the received GPS coordinates to known device coordinates. Further, the processor is configured to page a vehicle computing system, requesting connection, if the vehicle coordinates and the known device coordinates are within a predetermined proximity and connect to the vehicle upon receipt of a response message from the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hadi Elzein, Jeffrey Raymond Ostrowski
  • SHARED VEHICLE SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20150310379
    Abstract: A map indicating respective locations of a plurality of vehicles included in a ride-sharing service is generated. A vehicle is identified in the plurality of vehicles that is in need of relocation. A user is identified in a vicinity of the identified vehicle for an offer to use the identified vehicle. The offer is transmitted, via a network, to the user for use of the identified vehicle in a manner to support the relocation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Will Farrelly, Richard Brown
  • PASSENGER AIRBAG WITH EXTENDED BASE
    Publication number: 20150307056
    Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle includes an inflator disposed behind an instrument panel and an airbag arrangement. The airbag arrangement includes a cushion section configured to receive an occupant during impact and a balloon section disposed proximate a base of the cushion section and adjacent the instrument panel such that, upon inflation, the balloon section contacts and pushes against the instrument panel. This forms a swell on the cushion section adjacent to the balloon section configured to hinder movement of the occupant toward the balloon section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Chih CHENG, Jaeho CHO, Jamel E. BELWAFA, Mohammed Omar FARUQUE
  • DRIVABLE COMPRESSION CLIP
    Publication number: 20150307019
    Abstract: A lamp assembly is provided for installation in an opening of a vehicle body. The lamp assembly includes a lamp container having first and second sides, each of the first and second sides integrally including first and second stops, and at least one clip assembly including a clip, a threaded bolt, and a nut. The clip has a connecting wall with respective first and second side walls extending from the connecting wall, and first and second tabs extending inwardly respectively from the first and second side walls, the threaded bolt being inserted through an opening in the connecting wall of the clip, and the nut being threaded onto the bolt. When the lamp assembly is in a pre-compressed position, the nut is spaced away from the stops, and, when the lamp assembly is in a compressed position, at least one of the nut and the connecting wall contacts the stops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Urban Kowalczyk, Albert Ekladyous, Gary Edward Henige, Sleiman N. Abdelnour, Kelley Maria Adams-Campos
  • ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE NEUTRAL ENGINE START
    Publication number: 20150307079
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling an electrified vehicle by engaging a parking brake if a battery state of charge is depleted below a predefined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert David Hancasky, Bader M. Badreddine