Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Multiple speed transmission and method of operation
    Patent number: 9151364
    Abstract: A family of transmissions has four planetary gear sets, five controllable clutches and brake, and a passive one way brake. Selective engagement of the brakes and clutches in combinations of three produces eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The passive one way brake is engaged in the first forward speed ratio and overruns in the second through fifth forward speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Goleski, Steven Gerald Thomas, Reid Alan Baldwin
  • Inflatable protection mechanisms for vehicle instrument panel
    Patent number: 9150180
    Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second cover segments adjacent one another and collectively defining a surface of an instrument panel for a vehicle in an installed position of the first cover segment and a support member spaced away from the first cover segment opposite the surface. The apparatus further includes a sidewall body extending between the first cover segment and the support member and enclosing a first volume therein and an inflator fluidly coupled to the first volume. When the inflator expands the first volume, the sidewall body extends away from the support member and respectively displaces the first cover segment to a deployed position away from the second cover segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Omar Faruque, James Chih Cheng, Robert William McCoy, Jamel E. Belwafa, Jaeho Cho
  • Ethylene-based polymers and processes for the same
    Patent number: 9150681
    Abstract: The invention provides an ethylene-based polymer formed from at least the following: ethylene and a “monomeric chain transfer agent (monomeric CTA),” comprising a “copolymerization end” and a “chain transfer end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: John O. Osby, Mehmet Demirors
  • Polyurethane foam composition
    Patent number: 9150764
    Abstract: Single component compositions for making a moisture-cured polyurethane foam are disclosed. Foam produced from the compositions of the present invention produce very low foaming pressure due to their 60-95 percent open-cell content. After these compositions are applied and cure, they form a permanent seal around the perimeter of installed fenestration products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Braun, Jess M. Garcia, Deborah A. Schutter
  • Thin film solar cell processing and testing method and equipment
    Patent number: 9153503
    Abstract: A method of providing a plurality of classified photovoltaic articles, including the steps of providing a first photovoltaic element that includes a plurality of photovoltaic articles on a continuous flexible substrate, forming a electrically insulating material on the first photovoltaic element at one or more predetermined locations, separating adjacent photovoltaic articles from each other, determining an efficiency of each photovoltaic article by measuring its current-voltage characteristics, and classifying each photovoltaic article according to its efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Marty W. Degroot, Narayan Ramesh, Stephen J. Marinella, Zachary J. Marinella, David J. Perkon, Jeffrey P. Wilkinson
  • Vehicle comfort system with efficient coordination of complementary thermal units
    Patent number: 9150132
    Abstract: An HVAC comfort system operates in a cabin of a vehicle. A plurality of vehicle status parameters are measured including a cabin temperature and a seat occupancy configuration. The method detects whether the vehicle status parameters correspond to a predetermined override state. When the vehicle status parameters correspond to the predetermined override state, then a respective mandated setting is automatically activated. Unless prevented by the mandated setting, one of a plurality of HVAC modes is automatically selected in response to the cabin temperature and other inputs, wherein the HVAC modes include an extremity heating mode and a panel circulation mode. The extremity heating mode is comprised of automatic activation of a touchpoint heated surface and other outputs in response to the seat occupancy configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Paul B. Hoke, Johnathan A. Line, Gary A. Dage, Robert S. Sawyer
  • Vehicle body structure and method for assembling same
    Patent number: 9150258
    Abstract: A modular body structure and a method for assembling a body structure in a vehicle includes fitting a pillar having first and second ends between a roof rail and a lower support such that the first end is disposed below a top of the roof rail. The pillar is fastened to the roof rail and the lower support with first threaded fasteners by friction drilling holes through the pillar and the roof rail and the lower support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John May, Vincent Chimento, Darrin Neil Wagner
  • Methods and systems for surge control
    Patent number: 9151219
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving a margin to surge. A compressor recirculation valve is held at a semi-open position during steady-state boosted engine operation and operation in a soft surge region. The valve is fully opened to reduce hard surge, or fully closed to meet a transient increase in boost demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Patrick McConville, Julia Helen Buckland
  • Transitioning from autonomous vehicle control to to driver control to responding to driver control
    Patent number: 9150224
    Abstract: Instructions are provided to at least one vehicle control for autonomous operation of a vehicle. A change in position is detected of at the least one vehicle control. A determination is made whether to modify operation of the vehicle at least in part according to the change in position of the at least one vehicle control. The autonomous operation of the vehicle is modified according to the change in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Wilford Trent Yopp
  • Seatbelt restraint system for reversible vehicle seat
    Patent number: 9150178
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a back and a cushion. A mounting assembly supports the cushion and includes a first mounting arm coupled with the back and rotatable with respect to the cushion such that the back is translatable over the cushion. The vehicle seat further includes a first restraint arm coupled with the seat back and operatively coupled with the first mounting arm such that translation of the seat back drives corresponding rotation of the first restraint arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Manoharprasad K. Rao
  • Coating composition with trisamine functionalized dispersant
    Patent number: 9150752
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and a dispersant adsorbed onto the surfaces of TiO2 particles, wherein the dispersant is a water-soluble polymer functionalized with structural units of a carboxylic acid ester and tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane. The composition of the present invention is particularly useful for achieving high hiding for paints containing associative thickeners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Sudhakar Balijepalli, Lidaris San Miguel Rivera, Shubhangi Hemant Nair
  • System and method to mask incoming calls for a communication device connected to an automotive telematics system
    Patent number: 9150154
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for masking an in-coming call from a portable communication device (PCD) in a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a controller that is configured to receive a driver status signal indicative of a driver being one of a primary driver and a secondary driver. The controller is further configured to transmit a first signal to a PCD to block a notification of an incoming call in the event the driver status signal indicates that the driver is the secondary driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Lee Miller, Brian Bennie, Scott Alan Watkins, Doron M. Elliott, Stephanie Lynne Janczak
  • Method and control system for opening the drivetrain of a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 9150210
    Abstract: A system and method for selectively opening a drivetrain of a vehicle is described. In one example, an electrically operated clutch is opened during selected driving conditions to conserve kinetic energy of the vehicle. The method may reduce fuel consumption during selected conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Edward Pedlar, Urs Christen, Rainer Busch, Chris Connelly, Ingo Lenz, Harry Cho
  • Methods and systems for variable displacement engine control
    Patent number: 9151216
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith
  • Ducting system for feeding air and exhaust gases to an internal combustion engine and for discharging the exhaust gases produced by the internal combustion engine from the internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 9151196
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a ducting system comprises a feed duct for feeding air and exhaust gases to an internal combustion engine, a discharge duct for discharging the exhaust gases produced by the internal combustion engine from the internal combustion engine, in which one or more exhaust gas aftertreatment units are arranged for aftertreatment of the exhaust gases, and a heating device arranged in the feed duct. The heating device is configured to perform a heating process for preheating the air that is fed to the internal combustion engine. A duration of the heating process and/or heat output given off by the heating device is controlled as a function of a variable approximately representing a state of ageing of at least one of the one or more exhaust gas treatment units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Winge Vigild, Yasser Mohamed sayed Yacoub, Daniel Roettger
  • Twin turbocharger wastegate control
    Patent number: 9151217
    Abstract: An engine system comprises a first turbocharger including a first wastegate, first wastegate actuator, and first turbocharger sensor, a second turbocharger including a second wastegate, second wastegate actuator, and second turbocharger sensor, and a controller configured to adjust the first wastegate actuator so that a parameter of the first turbocharger matches a parameter of the second turbocharger, based on output from the first and second turbocharger sensors. In this way, turbocharger output between the two turbochargers may be balanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Alfred Hilditch, Julia Helen Buckland, Robert Andrew Wade
  • Hybrid electric vehicle and method of starting engine
    Patent number: 9150219
    Abstract: Two methods may be used to start the engine of a hybrid electric vehicle while the vehicle is moving under electric power. When smoothness is most important, a disconnect clutch is partially engaged to initiate engine rotation and then released as the engine accelerates under its own power toward a motor speed. When rapid starting is most important, the disconnect clutch torque capacity is controlled to decrease the time required for the engine to accelerates to the motor speed. A torque converter bypass clutch is disengaged during the engine restart under either method. Also, the motor torque is adjusted under either method to compensate for the torque provided to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyong Wang, Wei Liang, Rajit Johri, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Ming Lang Kuang, Ryan Abraham McGee
  • Method and system for fuel vapor control
    Patent number: 9151235
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing fuel vapor generation from a fuel tank in a hybrid vehicle. A layer of gel-foam fire retardant is layered over the surface of fuel in the fuel tank. In response to the layer being below a fuel level in the fuel tank, fuel pump operation may be automatically disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kevin Aguilar, Alessandra Martin
  • Secondary air introduction system and method for system operation
    Patent number: 9151200
    Abstract: A vehicle system operation method is provided. The method comprises, during a first operating condition, increasing back pressure in a first exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a turbine and downstream of a first emission control device and during a second operating condition, reducing back pressure in the first exhaust conduit and flowing boosted air from downstream of a compressor into a second exhaust conduit positioned upstream of a second emission control device and downstream of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaogang Zhang, Jianwen James Yi, Wen Dai, Paul M. Laing, John Hedges, Julia Helen Buckland, Harold Huimin Sun
  • Method and apparatus for changing an autonomously travelling motor vehicle to a safe state
    Patent number: 9150200
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for changing a motor vehicle in an autonomous travel mode to a safe state when the driver of the motor vehicle is not able to monitor the autonomous travel mode and to assume control of the motor vehicle. The vehicle driver is warned using warning signals of increasing intensity; other road users in the area surrounding the motor vehicle are warned using optical and/or acoustic signals; the motor vehicle is braked and/or accelerated repeatedly such that parts of the body of the vehicle driver noticeably move in the direction of travel owing to inertia (the braking and/or acceleration being so brief that the travel speed of the motor vehicle changes relatively little); and the motor vehicle is brought to a standstill or is kept at a standstill by automatic braking in order to change the vehicle to a safe state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Andreas Urhahne