Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Non-symmetrical knee airbag
    Patent number: 9132797
    Abstract: An exemplary knee airbag assembly may include an airbag cushion that has a first end and a second end. The airbag cushion may be inflatable from a stowed position to a deployed position in which it has a length and a thickness. The exemplary knee airbag assembly may also include an enlarged portion at at least one of the ends of the airbag cushion when the knee airbag assembly is in at least the deployed state. The enlarged portion increases the thickness of the airbag cushion along at least a portion of the length of the airbag cushion at the at least one of the ends of the airbag cushion such that the knee airbag assembly may be non-symmetrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Abramoski, Matthew B. Makowski, Jovica J. Jakovski, Djamal E. Midoun
  • Motor vehicle equipped with dynamic floor section
    Patent number: 9132777
    Abstract: A vehicle incorporates a storage area with a dynamic floor section. That dynamic floor section includes a plurality of interconnected panels that slide and fold so as to be displaceable between a home position and a shifted position. Advantageously, the movement of the panels allows better access to objects resting on the dynamic floor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ricardo Ignacio Medina Rodriguez, Francisco Javier Villanueva
  • Vehicle having key-based performance mode
    Patent number: 9133784
    Abstract: A system or method for controlling a vehicle having a normal operating mode and a performance operating mode include detecting a removable key unique to each vehicle associated with the performance operating mode, operating the vehicle in the performance operating mode in response to detecting the removable key, and operating the vehicle in the normal operating mode otherwise. Operation in performance or track mode may include adjusting valve timing using a variable cam timing device, adjusting idle speed control, adjusting torque response, and/or enhancing engine braking. Performance mode operation may also disable one or more features, such as a transmission skip shift feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Seaman, Aaron Anthony Bresky, Frank J. Desjarlais, Shawn Carney, Daniel Grube
  • ACTIVE MOTOR DAMPING CONTROL OF A HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE POWERTRAIN
    Publication number: 20150251649
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine and an electric motor both configured to generate a vehicle powertrain torque and a controller programmed to control the powertrain torque for a limited duration in anticipation of a powertrain torque variation scenario using a damping function, wherein the damping function adjusts the vehicle powertrain torque based on a difference between a measured motor speed and a desired motor speed using the electric motor to counteract a powertrain speed oscillation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Wei LIANG, Mark Steven YAMAZAKI, Rajit JOHRI, Xiaoyong WANG, Ryan Abraham MCGEE, Ming Lang KUANG
  • PARAMETER IDENTIFICATION OFFLOADING USING CLOUD COMPUTING RESOURCES
    Publication number: 20150251555
    Abstract: A vehicle may include battery cells of a battery and at least one controller configured to control the vehicle based on a state observation associated with the battery according to battery model parameters for the cells received from a computing device external to the vehicle and responsive to measurements relating to a battery model of the cells sent to the computing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: YONGHUA LI, JOHANNES GEIR KRISTINSSON, FAZAL URRAHMAN SYED
  • POLYMER PARTICLE DISPERSIONS WITH EPOXY HARDENERS
    Publication number: 20150252183
    Abstract: A process for producing a dispersion comprising: dispersing a) a core shell rubber into b) a hardener component selected from the group consisting of anhydrides, amines, phenol novolacs, and mixtures thereof in a dispersion zone under dispersion conditions wherein said dispersion zone does not contain a solvent and wherein said dispersion conditions comprise a dispersion temperature of 40° C. to 100° C., a Reynolds Number greater than 10, and a dispersion time of from 30 minutes to 80 minutes is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Rui Xie, Krishnan Karunakaran, Nikhil K. E. Verghese
  • GEOMETRIC/MECHANICAL ISOLATION OF ALUMINUM TO STEEL JOINING AT TRIM EDGES FOR CORROSION PROTECTION
    Publication number: 20150251706
    Abstract: A joint for a motor vehicle body comprises a first structural member fabricated from aluminum attached to a second structural member fabricated from steel. The second structural member has an adjoining portion that is in substantially juxtaposed abutting relation with the first structural member when the second structural member is attached to the first structural member. The second structural member has a ramp portion terminating in a bare exposed edge on the second structural member and upon which the bare exposed edge is disposed. The bare exposed edge is displaced from the first structural member to form a gap between the first structural member and the bare exposed edge to prevent corrosion of the bare exposed edge without the use of adhesives and sealants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: DRAGAN B. STOJKOVIC, COLLEEN MARIE HOFFMAN, KIMBERLY ANN LAZARZ, JACK LASHBROOK, CHRIS VERSCHAEVE
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING HYBRID VEHICLE REGENERATIVE BRAKING
    Publication number: 20150251657
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a powertrain having an electric machine configured to selectively apply regenerative braking torque to decelerate the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller programmed to control a rate of change of a regenerative braking torque limit during a transmission downshift that occurs during a regenerative braking event based on a change in speed of an output shaft of the powertrain caused by the transmission downshift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit JOHRI, Xiaoyong WANG, Francis Thomas CONNOLLY, Daniel Scott COLVIN, Mark Steven YAMAZAKI, Ming Lang KUANG
  • HIGH VOLTAGE CUTOFF FOR ELECTRIFIED VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20150255975
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide an alternative high voltage cutoff technique for disconnecting a high voltage battery from an electrical network of a vehicle in the event of a fault condition. Embodiments include a vehicle system comprising an electrical bus and a battery module coupled to the electrical bus via a contactor and a disconnector. The vehicle system further includes a controller configured to switch the contactor to an open state, upon receiving a fault condition signal, and if the contactor failed to open, activating the disconnector to break electrical connection between the battery module and the electrical bus. In some embodiments, the fault condition signal is generated upon detecting a vehicular impact. In some embodiments, the disconnector is a pyrotechnic device powered by a vehicle battery included in the vehicle system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ray C. Siciak, David Crist Gabriel, Bo Wu, Derek Hartl
  • Seat Belt System
    Publication number: 20150251626
    Abstract: A seat belt system including a seat belt secured for movement over a D-ring wherein the D-ring includes a magnet and the seat belt includes a plurality of magnetized metal filaments. As the seat belt travels through the D-ring the magnet attracts the plurality of metal filaments and counteracts at least a portion of the normal force of the webbing on the D-ring provided by gravity. The shape or configuration of the magnet may also increase the arc length or radial travel distance about the D-ring to reduce bunching and correspondingly the force necessary to wind and unwind the seat belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Board, Srinivasan Sundarajan, Edward Joseph DeSmet
  • PLUG-IN VEHICLE ECO CHARGING MODE
    Publication number: 20150251558
    Abstract: A system for controlling battery charging in a vehicle includes a traction battery and a controller. The controller is configured to charge the traction battery to a SOC that is less than a maximum SOC based on an amount of charge predicted to be received from an anticipated regenerative braking event. The regenerative braking event is anticipated to occur during the next drive cycle. The target SOC may be set such that, upon occurrence of the anticipated regenerative braking event, the traction battery achieves the maximum SOC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Elaine Y. CHEN, Jimmy KAPADIA
  • Method and System for Warning a Driver of a Motor Vehicle
    Publication number: 20150251667
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for altering the drivability of a vehicle so as to alert a driver of the vehicle of a potentially hazardous condition. The vehicle has at least one sensor configured to detect the potentially hazardous potential. Additionally, the vehicle has a control system for directing a transmission of the vehicle to perform a transmission operation that catches the driver's attention by generating an acceleration or deceleration. The transmission operation is preferably an upshift, a downshift, an unlocking of a torque converter lockup clutch or a locking of the lockup clutch. In one embodiment, the control system directs the transmission to perform more than one transmission operation, the transmission operations defining a transmission operation cycle. In a preferred embodiment, more than one transmission operation cycle is performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jianbo Lu, Zhengyu Dai, Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Dimitar Petrov Filev
  • TRIM AND FOAM ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE SEAT
    Publication number: 20150251579
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat frame disposed between an integrally formed back panel and an inner close-out panel. A cushion assembly is operably coupled to the inner close-out panel. A composite support member is substantially encompassed by the cushion assembly. The composite support member includes attachment members projecting rearwardly from inside the cushion assembly that engage with the inner close-out panel. The attachment members include snap-fit features disposed at a lower portion of the composite support member. Retaining rings are disposed at an upper portion of the composite support member. An upper trim piece extends over a top portion of the seat frame, the back panel, and the inner close-out panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Mandeep Singh Sidhu, Christian J. Hosbach
  • FLAT PANEL SPEAKER ASSEMBLY INTEGRATED WITH VEHICLE TRIM
    Publication number: 20150256912
    Abstract: A trim panel assembly for a vehicle incorporates a flat panel speaker. The trim panel defines an interior surface of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and has a speaker aperture with a peripheral edge. A diaphragm panel is disposed in the speaker aperture with a trim face and a rear face. A flexible surround joins the diaphragm panel to the aperture edge so that the diaphragm panel is movable along an axis of the speaker aperture and so that vibrations from the diaphragm panel to the trim panel are damped. An exciter receives audio signals for reproduction. The exciter has an actuator suspended in a housing. The actuator is fixed to the rear face of the diaphragm panel. A support bracket spans the speaker aperture and has first and second ends affixed to a rear side of the trim panel and an intermediate point affixed to the housing of the exciter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Marc D. Nedelman
  • VEHICLE SEATING ASSEMBLY WITH MULTI-CONTOUR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150251580
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seating surface. A plurality of polymeric mats each include a memory metal encased therein, a first side operably coupled with an underlying support structure, and a second side proximate the seating surface. An electrical source is operably coupled to the memory metal in each polymeric mat and is configured to supply energy to the plurality of memory metals in each polymeric mat. A controller is in communication with the plurality of polymeric mats and is configured to deliver a predetermined electrical input to the memory metal of each polymeric mat. The predetermined electrical input manipulates each polymeric mat to a deformed state, which operates a cushion between a multitude of comfort positions. An air bladder is disposed below the plurality of polymeric mats. The air bladder is operable between an inflated condition and a deflated condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Sachs, Johnathan Andrew Line
  • DRIVER DROWSINESS DETECTION
    Publication number: 20150251663
    Abstract: Data is collected related to a yaw-rate of a vehicle during a period of time. Based in part on the yaw-rate data, an actual trajectory and an ideal trajectory for the vehicle in the period of time are computed. A deviation of a yaw-rate associated with the actual trajectory is determined from a yaw-rate associated with the ideal trajectory. A variance of the deviation is calculated. An indication is provided of a dangerous driving condition if the variance exceeds a predetermined variance threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hsin-hsiang Yang, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante
  • VEHICLE TARGET IDENTIFICATION USING HUMAN GESTURE RECOGNITION
    Publication number: 20150251697
    Abstract: A trailer target detection system includes a camera located on a vehicle and arranged to capture video images of a trailer towed by the vehicle. The system includes an image processor processing the video images to detect a gesture by a user indicative of position of target on the trailer and identifying location of the target based on the detected gesture. A vehicle trailer backup assist system includes a camera and an image processor for processing images to detect a gesture and determine a command based on the gesture. The processor controls backing of the trailer based on the command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Erick Michael Lavoie
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRE-IGNITION CONTROL IN A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE
    Publication number: 20150252743
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing pre-ignition incidence in a variable displacement engine during reactivation from a VDE mode. During conditions when one or more deactivated cylinders are reactivated to elevated engine loads, the reactivated cylinder(s) may be temporarily and preemptively enriched to reduce the possibility of cylinder pre-ignition. The preemptive enrichment is learned and further adjusted in a closed loop fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Paul Glugla
  • CAPACITOR PRECHARGING AND CAPACITANCE/RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE DRIVE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150251542
    Abstract: An electric drive system for an electric vehicle has a DC power source and a contactor with an output coupled to a main bus and an input adapted to be connected to the DC power source. The contactor is selectably switched between an open state and a closed state. A link capacitor is coupled to the main bus. A precharge circuit is coupled between the DC power source and the link capacitor comprised of a controlled current source. The controlled current source is selectably activated with the contactor in the open state to charge the link capacitor to a predetermined voltage to before switching the contactor to the closed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Arnold K. Mensah-Brown, Hasdi R. Hashim, Bruce C. Blakemore, Allan R. Gale
  • WHEEL ASSEMBLY KINEMATIC ENHANCEMENT DEVICE
    Publication number: 20150251615
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a wedge fixed by shear connections to a structural member. Upon application of a rearward force, the wedge shears free and moves between the structural member and a wheel assembly where it rotationally displaces a vehicle tire. The rearward force also laterally displaces the body of the vehicle. The wedge is tethered to the structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Cheng, Yijung Chen, Derek Board, Xiaowei Li, Ping Chen, Mohammed Omar Faruque