Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • LASER IGNITION SYSTEM BASED DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20150198134
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using an engine laser ignition system to perform a visual inspection of an engine and diagnose various cylinder components and conditions based on engine positional measurements. Laser pulses may be emitted at a lower power level during an intake and/or exhaust stroke to illuminate a cylinder interior while a photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior. Additionally, laser pulses may be emitted at a higher power level to initiate cylinder combustion while the photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior using the light generated during cylinder combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
  • TIME SYNCRONIZATION BETWEEN BATTERY CONTROLLER MODULES FOR PARAMETER MEASUREMENTS
    Publication number: 20150198672
    Abstract: A multi-cell battery pack in an electric vehicle is monitored by multiple sensing modules. A primary controller is coupled to a first plurality of cells to measure a predetermined parameter of each cell. The primary controller determines a sampling moment recurring at a fixed frequency for sampling the predetermined parameter of each of the first plurality of cells. The primary controller generates a sync pulse at each sample moment. A secondary controller is coupled to a second plurality of cells to measure the predetermined parameter of each cell. The secondary controller receives the sync pulse to start a pulse generator operating at a frequency which is a predetermined multiple of the primary controller fixed frequency. The secondary controller counts pulses generated by the pulse generator and schedules a synchronized secondary sampling moment according to a predetermined pulse count.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ben A. Tabatowski-Bush, Ai Keramidas
  • CHARGE BALANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20150197163
    Abstract: A power system may perform charge balancing for a vehicle. The power system may include a battery including a plurality of modules, each module including a cell and associated resistive circuitry. The system may also include at least one controller configured to, in response to a cell achieving a threshold voltage and/or SOC, activate the associated resistive circuitry for the cell and reduce a charge current applied to the battery to prevent the cell from acquiring additional charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Edward Loftus, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Michael Schamber, Venkatapathi Raju Nallapa, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
  • ETHYLENE-BASED POLYMERS AND PROCESSES FOR THE SAME
    Publication number: 20150197590
    Abstract: The invention provides an ethylene-based polymer formed from reacting at least the following: ethylene and at least one asymmetrical polyene, comprising an “alpha, beta unsaturated end” and a “C—C double bond end,” and wherein the reaction takes place in the presence of at least one free-radical initiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: John O. Osby
  • SNUG-FIT ITEM HOLDER
    Publication number: 20150197201
    Abstract: An item holder for a vehicle interior includes first and second retention members which are operable between at-rest and recessed positions relative to one another. The first and second retention members have edge portions which are generally arranged in a parallel relationship and define a spacing therebetween for the insertion of an item in use. An item stored in the item holder is retained by the first and second retention members in that the first and second retention members are biased towards the at-rest position for engagement of an item therebetween. The item holder provides ready access to personal items as stored therein by a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Josh Greiner, Annette Lynn Huebner, Ryan Welch, Kristin Ann Hellman, Artur Sakarian, Scott H. Dunham
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DRIVELINE TORQUE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150198243
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a difference between estimated torque output of an active torque source in a driveline and actual torque output of the active torque source is mitigated via entering a driveline speed control mode. The methods and systems may be useful when switching between different driveline modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Wei Liang, Xiaoyong Wang, Dennis Craig Reed
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCUTCHING MATERIAL FIBERS
    Publication number: 20150197877
    Abstract: In at least one or more embodiments, a system for scutching material fibers includes first and second plates defining a first cavity to receive and discharge material fibers, the first plate including a first number teeth extending into the first cavity and movable in a first direction, the second plate including a second number of teeth extending into the first cavity and movable in a second direction different from the first direction. Teeth as present in the first number and/or the second number of teeth may be spaced apart from each. In certain instances, the material fibers may be carbon fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: HAIBO ZHAO, ANN MARIE STRACCIA, DANIEL QUINN HOUSTON
  • Power Split Hybrid Electric Vehicle Motor Torque Control Using State Estimation
    Publication number: 20150197234
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction motor coupled to a driveline. An engine and a generator are coupled to the driveline through a planetary gearset. A controller commands the traction motor torque based on a difference between a driver torque demand and an estimated powertrain torque. The estimated powertrain torque is based on an error between actual and estimated engine speed and an error between actual and estimated generator speed. The estimated powertrain torque may be further based on commanded or estimated engine torque and generator torque. The estimated powertrain torque may utilize a state estimator to calculate internal states based on the errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wei Liang, Thomas Chrostowski, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Ming Lang Kuang
  • BATTERY TESTING SYSTEM AND METHOD
    Publication number: 20150198673
    Abstract: A battery testing system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a penetrating device and an impedance meter electrically connected to the penetrating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Xiao Guang Yang, Renata Michaela Arsenault, Theodore James Miller
  • LASER IGNITION SYSTEM BASED DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20150198135
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using an engine laser ignition system to perform a visual inspection of an engine and diagnose various cylinder components and conditions based on engine positional measurements. Laser pulses may be emitted at a lower power level during an intake and/or exhaust stroke to illuminate a cylinder interior while a photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior. Additionally, laser pulses may be emitted at a higher power level to initiate cylinder combustion while the photodetector captures images of the cylinder interior using the light generated during cylinder combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller
  • Automotive Assembly Line Body Chip and Scratch Reducing Bumper
    Publication number: 20150198210
    Abstract: An automotive assembly line tool system and method utilizing a heat-shrinkable bumper disposed around a portion of an assembly line tool for absorbing kinetic energy between the portion of the tool and a work-piece on an assembly line. The bumper may be a chemically cross-linked polyolefin heat-shrinkable material having a shore D hardness of 42 or less after being heat-shrunk. The bumper may be a tubular bumper that has a continuous outer surface around its circumference and a heavy wall that is highly split-resistant. The bumper may have a life term of at least one year in an automotive assembly line environment. By protecting the tools and equipment, chips and scratches on a work-piece on the assembly line may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jocelyn Moctezuma, Zoram Florencio, Angel Alvarez
  • VEHICLE HIGH VOLTAGE INTERLOCK STARTUP
    Publication number: 20150197153
    Abstract: A vehicle high voltage system may include switches (e.g., IGBTs, contactors, relays, etc.), wires, a traction battery, electrical components with electrical properties and at least one controller. The at least one controller may be programmed to modulate a switch to provide a testing voltage for the electrical components, which is less than an operating voltage of the battery, and in response to a current flow associated with the testing voltage being less than a predetermined threshold, stop current flow between the battery and electrical components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Richard LUEDTKE, Fazal Urrahman SYED, Edward William HARAN
  • Composite Panel for Joining with a Clinch Joint and Method of Forming a Clinch Joint
    Publication number: 20150197070
    Abstract: An assembly comprising a first composite fiber reinforced part that is joined to a second part by a clinch joint. The first part includes a first layer of resin that is reinforced with fibers and a second layer of resin that is devoid of fibers and applied to one side of the first layer of fiber reinforced resin. The second part contacts the first layer of the first part. The first part and second part are joined by a clinch joint including a pressed out portion that is pressed into a clinching portion. The second layer of resin contains the fibers in the first part. An alternative assembly has fiber-free intended clinch joint forming areas that extend through the first part. A method is provided in which a first part including a first layer of resin reinforced with fibers is molded with a second layer of resin on one side of the first layer is joined by a clinch joint to a second part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Amanda Kay Freis, Aindrea McKelvey Campbell, Daniel Quinn Houston
  • ELECTRIC VEHICLE RULE-MAKER
    Publication number: 20150197162
    Abstract: A vehicle has a display interface and at least one processor that prompts a user via the display interface to construct a rule specifying circumstances in which the vehicle is to be operated in electric mode using a set of operating/environmental parameters such that the rule includes user specified logic. In response to and while sensed operating/environmental parameters satisfy the rule, the vehicle is operated in electric mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: DOUGLAS RAYMOND MARTIN, KENNETH JAMES MILLER
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE INTEGRITY OF A VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150198123
    Abstract: A method, comprising: indicating leakage on a canister side of a fuel system based on a first fuel system pressure following applying a vacuum to the fuel system with a fuel tank isolation valve closed; and indicating leakage on a fuel tank side of the fuel system based on the first fuel system pressure and a second fuel system pressure following applying a vacuum to the fuel system with the fuel tank isolation valve open. In this way, an ELCM with a single reference orifice may be used to perform a leak test with two different thresholds for leak detection. This may allow vehicles currently in production to meet future emissions standards without costly upgrades to the ELCM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Randall Pearce, Mark W. Peters, Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
  • BATTERY THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20150200427
    Abstract: A battery thermal management system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a heat spreader, a coolant channel attached to the heat spreader and a supply manifold fluidly connected with the coolant channel and configured to supply a heat transfer medium to the coolant channel. A return manifold is fluidly connected with the coolant channel and configured to expel the heat transfer medium from the coolant channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harold J. Haskins, Theodore James Miller, Xiao Guang Yang, Patrick Daniel Maguire, OuJung Kwon, James Matthew Marcicki
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE INTEGRITY OF A VEHICLE FUEL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150198103
    Abstract: A method, comprising: indicating a leak of a first diameter on a canister side of a fuel system following applying a vacuum to the fuel system with a fuel tank isolation valve closed; and indicating a leak of a second diameter on a fuel tank side of the fuel system, based on a vacuum decay in an isolated fuel tank following applying a vacuum to the fuel system with the fuel tank isolation valve open. In this way, an evaporative leak check module with a single reference orifice may be used to determine leaks of multiple sizes in multiple sectors of a fuel system. This may allow current production models to meet more stringent emissions regulations in the future.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce
  • EXPANDED BATTERY COOLING FIN
    Publication number: 20150200426
    Abstract: A battery assembly includes a plurality of battery cells and a plurality of fins arranged in an array. Each of the cells has a side portion disposed against the fins. Each fin defines a serpentine fluid channel having an inlet and an outlet, and a plurality of parallel sections extending across the cells such that lengths of the sections increase from the inlet to the outlet. The length of at least one of the sections near the outlet is greater than the width of the cells and the length of at least one of the sections near the inlet is less than the width of the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Daniel MAGUIRE, Neil Robert BURROWS
  • LOCK IN DRIVE MECHANISM FOR ASSEMBLING AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
    Publication number: 20150198236
    Abstract: A mechanism for locking a shifter of an automatic transmission, in a drive position, prior to assembly of the transmission to an automotive vehicle. The mechanism includes a shifter carried in a shifter core. A locking aperture is formed in the shifter core adjacent the drive position of a shift lever and extending across the travel path of the shift lever. The mechanism includes a locking pin having an elongated portion that fits into the locking aperture, and a gripping portion to allow manual extraction of the mechanism. When inserted into the locking aperture, the locking pin blocks the shift lever from moving out of the drive position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: RICH REJ, KAREN SILER
  • EXTENDED ELECTRIC MODE OPERATION FOR HYBRID VEHICLE IN GREEN ZONE
    Publication number: 20150197235
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a hybrid electric vehicle includes issuing an internal combustion engine start command in response to a traction battery state of charge falling below a first threshold when the engine is off. The system and method further includes inhibiting an engine start command when the battery state of charge is below the first threshold and the engine is off in response to the vehicle being within a designated geographical region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Hai YU