Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Curable compositions
    Patent number: 9120926
    Abstract: Curable compositions including an epoxy resin, a hardener, and a block copolymer having a thermoset-philic block and a thermoset-phobic block, where the block copolymer is from 20 weight percent to 80 weight percent of the curable composition are described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Radhakrishnan Karunakaran, Nikhil E. Verghese
  • Battery cover assembly
    Patent number: 9123944
    Abstract: An end-to-end cell connection system for a battery assembly uses a conductive interconnector with an inner portion welded to an end of one cell, a standoff portion contiguous with the ring portion, tabs extending from the standoff portion, with the tabs welded to an end of another cell. By placing an insulator between the interconnector and the one cell, an electrical short is prevented in the event that a longitudinally coupled cell group is jostled. At the cell connections, there is a recess. To hold the cell group in place, the housing has a tab extending into the recess. The tab is at the center so that any dimensional variations are accommodated on each side of the tab. The interconnector also may include a receptacle for a thermistor to obtain a measure of battery assembly temperature. Diverter ribs may be provided in the housing to distribute flow to all cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Daniel Maguire
  • Traction battery discharge control
    Patent number: 9120382
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery to propel the vehicle. The traction battery includes a plurality of cells that are each selectively connected to a resistor. A controller or controllers are provided that are configured to control the charging and discharging of the cells. The controller or controllers command the battery or a selected group of cells of the battery to discharge in response to a fault or triggering condition. The discharge enables the battery or the group of cells to achieve a state of charge of approximately zero or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John Paul Gibeau
  • AUTOMOTIVE DOOR STRUCTURE FOR SAIL MOUNTED MIRRORS
    Publication number: 20150239327
    Abstract: A vehicle door assembly includes a door structure having an inner panel and an outer panel defining an internal cavity that extends about a window surround above a vehicle waistline. The door assembly further defines mirror attachment holes and a plurality of collars affixed within the internal cavity. Each collar defines a bore in alignment with a mirror attachment hole of the door structure. The door assembly also includes a mirror assembly having a plurality of protruding fasteners attached to the door structure. The protruding fasteners compressively sandwich the collars within the internal cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Anthony BRANCALEONE, Matthew AMMONS, Prashant AGRAWAL
  • VEHICLE LIGHT FIXTURE HAVING INTERNAL HEATSINK FOR LED LAMP
    Publication number: 20150241018
    Abstract: A vehicle headlight includes a headlight housing including an external lens and an outer wall that define a headlight interior and a lighting element including a light-emitting diode lamp and an internal heatsink coupled to at least a portion of the lamp. The lamp is in thermal communication with the internal heatsink. The lighting element is disposed within the headlight interior and coupled to an element receptacle defined by the outer wall. The internal heatsink of the lighting element is in thermal communication with the external lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Preston Williams, Arun Kumar
  • TRACTION BATTERY THERMAL PLATE MANIFOLD
    Publication number: 20150244044
    Abstract: A traction battery system for a vehicle is provided. The system may include a plurality of battery cells, a thermal plate, and an inlet manifold. The thermal plate may support the battery cells and includes a heat exchange region and two lateral sides defining two planes. The inlet manifold may be positioned downstream of an inlet port and upstream of the heat exchange region. The inlet manifold may define distribution channels throughout the inlet manifold and includes an outlet to the heat exchange region having a cross-sectional area defining a third plane. The two planes and third plane define a region normal to the cross sectional area and the inlet manifold may be positioned such that the inlet port is located outside the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bhaskara Boddakayala, Neil Robert Burrows, Saravanan Paramasivam
  • INTEGRAL 5-LINK INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20150239314
    Abstract: A 5-link independent suspension system for a motor vehicle may include a steering knuckle and a trailing link extending along a single axis. The trailing link may be connected to the steering knuckle and be configured to attach to a frame rail of the vehicle. The suspension system may further include an integral link connected to the steering knuckle and configured to attach to the trailing link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Scott ALLEN, Steven C. HOPSON, Joe L. BUCHWITZ
  • AUTONOMOUS DRIVING SENSING SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20150241878
    Abstract: A computer in a vehicle is configured to operate the vehicle in at least one of an autonomous and a semi-autonomous mode. The computer is further configured to detect at least one condition of a roadway being traveled by the vehicle, the condition comprising at least one of a restricted lane, a restricted zone, a construction zone, and accident area, an incline, a hazardous road surface. The computer is further configured to determine at least one autonomous action based on the condition, the at least one autonomous action including at least one of altering a speed of the vehicle, controlling vehicle steering, controlling vehicle lighting, transitioning the vehicle to manual control, and controlling a distance of the vehicle from an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Thomas Edward Pilutti, Matt Y. Rupp, Roger Arnold Trombley, Andrew Waldis, Peter Francis Worrel, Wilford Trent Yopp
  • METHODS FOR DETERMINING FUEL BULK MODULUS IN A HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP
    Publication number: 20150240771
    Abstract: Methods are provided for finding the bulk modulus of a fuel used in the direct injection system of an internal combustion engine. A method is needed to continuously monitor and reliably calculate the fuel's bulk modulus during engine operation on-board the vehicle, where the fuel's bulk modulus may be used to infer the ratio of fuels in a fuel mixture or determine the density of supercritical propane when propane is used as the injected fuel. To find the fuel's bulk modulus on-board a vehicle, methods are proposed that involve monitoring and recording fuel rail pressures, high pressure pump duty cycles, and fractional liquid volume pumped values in order to find zero flow relationships.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Hao Zhang, Mark Meinhart, Joseph F. Basmaji
  • Method and Apparatus for Providing a Navigation Route Having Multiple Associated Points of Interest
    Publication number: 20150241219
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to access a map, including pre-designated destinations, each destination having a clue associated therewith. The processor is also configured to provide the clue associated with a first destination. The processor is further configured to track the progress of a user towards the first destination using GPS coordinates. Also, the processor is configured to provide a clue associated with a next destination, once the user has reached the first destination. Further, the processor is configured to repeat map access, clue provision, and tracking until the user has reached a pre-designated final destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nello Joseph Santori, Heath Williams, Jeffrey Monticello, Nicholas Thorne, Kevin F. Militello, William Lawrence Frantz, Kevin Marx
  • Method and Apparatus for Providing a Navigation Route with Recommended Charging
    Publication number: 20150241233
    Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to discover charging station locations within a predefined proximity to a route for which vehicle-charging is required to complete. The processor is also configured to determine a charging cost at each discovered station, including at least battery-damage resulting from a charge. The processor is further configured to present a plurality of charging stations, including the charging costs and an estimated total route time for each station. Also, the processor is configured to receive a station selection and present a route including a stop at the selected station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Edward Loftus, Yimin Liu, Perry Robinson MacNeille
  • Stacking Radiator Aperture Closure Panels
    Publication number: 20150239337
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for controlling air flow through a radiator. The apparatus includes a first track and a second track that receive a plurality of panels in a sliding relationship. Top and bottom engagement features of the panels engage each other to extend and retract the panels. The panels may be horizontally aligned in an intermediate or central portion of the apparatus that is disposed behind a bumper beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald Anderson
  • PYROTECHNIC FASTENER SEAT ARRANGEMENT FOR UNBELTED OCCUPANT PROTECTION
    Publication number: 20150239373
    Abstract: A seat assembly including a seat pan that drops vertically in the event of a frontal impact event to help safeguard against the head of an unbelted seat occupant striking the headliner, windshield or other components of the vehicle. The seat assembly includes a seat pan attached to a seat track. The seat track further includes an attachment bracket. A swing linkage movably connects the seat pan with the seat track by a movable fastener. A slot is formed in the bracket through which at least a part of the movable fastener passes. A pyrotechnic fastener also attaches the swing linkage to the bracket. In a frontal impact event the pyrotechnic fastener is caused to explode thus separating the pyrotechnic fastener into two parts and allowing the swing linkage and its attached seat pan to drop vertically relative to the seat track, thereby lowering the unbelted occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tzu-Chen Weng, Erika Kristin Low, Djamal Eddine Midoun, Se Kyoon Shin
  • METHOD FOR ESTIMATING CHARGE AIR COOLER CONDENSATION STORAGE WITH AN INTAKE OXYGEN SENSOR WHILE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION IS FLOWING
    Publication number: 20150240730
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating water storage in a charge air cooler (CAC). In one example, an amount of water accumulating in the CAC may be based on an output of an oxygen sensor positioned downstream of the CAC, ambient humidity, and EGR flow while EGR is flowing. Additionally, engine actuators may be adjusted to purge condensate from the CAC and/or reduce condensate formation based on the amount of water inside the CAC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Gopichandra Surnilla, James Alfred Hilditch
  • CABLE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE PARKING BRAKE
    Publication number: 20150239446
    Abstract: A parking brake assembly for use with a motor vehicle including first and second brake assemblies having a common cable. The assembly including a conduit disposed over the cable wherein one end of the conduit connects to a movable member or brake lever of one of the first and second brake assemblies. The opposite end of the conduit connects to a fixed member on the remaining brake assembly. The brake lever connected to the conduit functions as a conduit reaction bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Phillips
  • SYSTEM, METHOD AND TOOLING FOR FLEXIBLE ASSEMBLY OF CYLINDER-HEAD VALVE TRAINS
    Publication number: 20150240744
    Abstract: An assembly method is provided by orienting a cylinder-head at a first orientation. A first plurality of spring caps and a first plurality of retainer keys are installed into the cylinder-head in the first orientation by a first robot. A first plurality of valves is installed into the cylinder-head in the first orientation by a second robot, into engagement with the first plurality of retainer keys. An end effector is provided with an actuator supported upon an adapter plate. A shaft extends from the actuator with a mating surface to engage a spring cap. Porting is provided through the shaft to convey pressurized air upon a plurality of retainer keys within the spring cap. A plurality of gripper fingers extend from the distal end of the shaft to grip a valve spring while retaining a spring cap between the valve spring and the mating surface of the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicants: ABB Technology AG, Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Marrocco, Harry Kekedjian, Isaac Zolotarev, Arnold Bell, Michael Manuszak
  • SNORKEL INTAKE DIRT INERTIAL SEPARATOR FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20150240760
    Abstract: An integrated snorkel intake inertial separator is provided to removes dust and dirt contaminants from the engine intake system prior to reaching the air cleaner. The snorkel initiates a cyclonic motion at the snorkel inlet that propagates downstream in a downpipe towards the air cleaner. The cyclonic motion is initiated by radial stators mounted in one embodiment in the snorkel inlet cap or, alternatively, further down the throat of the downpipe. The contaminants in the intake flow are transported radially outwards by the cyclonic motion and are then expelled via a series of extraction ducts formed in the snorkel downpipe. The extraction vents are perpendicular to the cyclonic flow allowing dirt, dust and water particles to be extracted by means of cyclonic motion and gravity. The exit slots are located in regions of low pressure generated by the external aerodynamic airflow around the snorkel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Neil Paul Lewington, Rodrigo Mendes Oliveira
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PURGING VEHICLE FUEL VAPORS
    Publication number: 20150240756
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving fuel vapor purging for a vehicle are presented. In one example, a fuel vapor storage canister vent valve is housed in a fuel vapor storage canister for the purposes of heating contents of the fuel vapor storage canister and venting the fuel vapor storage canister to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Russell Randall Pearce, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
  • PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CHLORINATED PROPENES
    Publication number: 20150239807
    Abstract: Processes for the production of chlorinated propenes are provided. The present processes make use of 1,2-dichloropropane, a by-product in the production of chlorohydrin, as a low cost starting material, alone or in combination with 1,2,3-trichloropropane. At least one chlorination step is conducted in the gas phase. The present processes can also generate anhydrous HCI as a byproduct that can be removed from the process and used as a feedstock for other processes, providing further time and cost savings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Max M. Tirtowidjojo, John D. Myers
  • HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND METHOD OF STARTING ENGINE
    Publication number: 20150239467
    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: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoyong WANG, Wei LIANG, Rajit JOHRI, Mark Steven YAMAZAKI, Ming Lang KUANG, Ryan Abraham MCGEE