Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Deflector-Catcher for Small Overlap Vehicle Impacts
    Publication number: 20150097394
    Abstract: A front-end assembly including a deflector and a catcher bracket. The V-shaped deflector is attached to a bumper of a vehicle, a rear leg of the deflector has a distal end disposed adjacent to the frame rail. In a collision, the distal end of the rear leg engages the catcher bracket to reduce intrusion into the passenger compartment of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bhimaraddi Venkaraddi Alavandi, Morteza Tanbakuchi
  • VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A BATTERY IN A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20150097524
    Abstract: A vehicle has a control system configured to perform, and a method for controlling a battery in a vehicle includes, the steps of modifying a state of charge of at least some battery cells in the battery, based on: a vehicle idle state, and the battery having at least a predetermined decay rate. The SOC of the at least some battery cells is modified such that the battery has less than the predetermined decay rate after the SOC is modified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chi Paik, Satish B. Chikkannanavar, Szushen Ho, Edward Vann Decker
  • COMPRESSION BOSS FOR ENGINE FRONT COVER
    Publication number: 20150096525
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided having two mating components. The mating components include an engine and an engine front cover. A fastening boss is formed on at least one of the two mating components and configured to receive a threaded fastener to join the two mating components. A compression boss extends from a first of the two mating components to contact a second of the two mating components. The compression boss is dimensioned relative to the fastening boss to create compressive loading in the compression boss when the threaded fastener is tightened to join the mating components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Reinhart, Chad Strimpel, JonCarlo Mancini
  • SYSTEM OFF CONFIGURATION FOR CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150096313
    Abstract: A system off configuration for an automotive climate control system is provided. The climate control system includes a compressor having two downstream flow paths. The two downstream flow paths may be selectively used to provide multiple modes of operation. When the compressor moves to an off condition the valves found in each flow path immediately downstream from the compressor are closed so that a refrigerant oil blend is kept in the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Franco Ragazzi
  • Plug-In Vehicle with Secondary DC-DC Converter
    Publication number: 20150097527
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery, an auxiliary battery, a charger, and two DC-DC converters. A first DC-DC converter is connected between the traction battery and the auxiliary battery through a main contactor. A second DC-DC converter is connected between the charger and the auxiliary battery. The charger is configured to charge the auxiliary battery via the second DC-DC converter when the charger is receiving power. The second DC-DC converter is configured to charge the auxiliary battery when the first DC-DC converter is disconnected from the traction battery. The second DC-DC converter can charge the auxiliary battery independent of the charger charging the traction battery. The second DC-DC converter may be configured to generally maximize power conversion efficiency in a range of power outputs associated with charging the auxiliary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Roger DeDona, Arthur M. Rutyna, Mark J. Ferrel, Bo Wu, Hilde Anne Heremans, Christopher W. Bell
  • METHOD OF OPERATING AN ELECTRIC OR HYBRID VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20150100187
    Abstract: A method of controlling a motor in a hybrid electric vehicle mitigates the risk of an incorrectly wired or incorrectly connected wiring harness. Following the connection or re-connection of a wiring harness, the vehicle responds to a torque request by limiting the magnitude of the motor torque until the proper direction of torque is confirmed. A flag is then set to record that torque direction has been confirmed so that the vehicle can respond normally to future requests. Several events may indicate that a wiring harness has been re-connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Richard Light, Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Daniel Richard Luedtke, Darko Acevski, Carlos Ayala, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar
  • Method and System for Generating Supplier Capacity Requirements
    Publication number: 20150100370
    Abstract: One or more embodiments include a computer-implemented method or system for generating part volumes necessary to assemble all vehicles of a vehicle product line for a predetermined time period. The method or system being configured to receive a product definition representing valid configurations for a product. The products may include feature families with mutually exclusive features. The method or system also receives a feature forecast rate or sales forecast rate that may be an aggregated demand. The method or system may further receive a bill of material for the product. The method or system may generate a forecasted order that is a quantity of each configuration by interacting the feature forecast rate and the product definition. The method or system may further generate a part volume necessary to assemble the product by interacting the quantity of each configuration with a product bill of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yakov M. Fradkin, Gintaras Vincent Puskorius, Ravindra Venkata Tappeta
  • Control Pilot Latch-Out Mechanism to Reduce Off-Board Energy Consumption
    Publication number: 20150097526
    Abstract: A vehicle connected to electric vehicle supply equipment is configured to wake-up an onboard charger based on a pilot signal. A controller is configured to interrupt the pilot signal to prevent the pilot signal from subsequently waking the charger to reduce power consumed by the charger while the vehicle is connected. The interruption may be triggered by a completion of a charge cycle, an extensive charge wait interval, or a charging system condition that prevents charging. The controller may discontinue interruption of the pilot signal in response to a wake-up source other than the pilot signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Roger DeDona, Arthur M. Rutyna, Mark J. Ferrel, Bo Wu, Hilde Anne Heremans, Christopher W. Bell
  • SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION CATALYST
    Publication number: 20150098870
    Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst includes a support layer. A copper-loaded chabazite (Cu/CHA) layer is supported on the support layer. A copper-loaded beta zeolite (Cu/beta) is supported on the Cu/CHA layer. The Cu/beta may be hydrothermally pre-aged prior to use of the SCR catalyst in a vehicle. The pre-aged Cu/beta is essentially free of phosphorous (P), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), CaSO4, Ca19Zn2(PO4)14, CaZn2(PO4)2, ash, and/or soot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: CHRISTINE KAY LAMBERT, JUSTIN ANTHONY URA, GIOVANNI CAVATAIO
  • VEHICLE SUN VISOR WITH ILLUMINATION POWERED BY KINETIC MOTION
    Publication number: 20150097483
    Abstract: A vehicle sun visor system and method for powering the vehicle sun visor are provided herein, and include a generator configured to produce a first current via kinetic motion. A converter is electrically coupled to the generator and configured to convert the first current into a second current. An energy storing device is electrically coupled to the converter and configured to store an electrical charge. An illumination source is electrically coupled to the energy storing device and configured to operate between an ON and an OFF state, wherein during the ON state, the electrical charge stored in the energy storing device is discharged to supply electrical power to the illumination source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David R. Huelke, Adam W. Hellar, Matthew Majkowski
  • FREEZE PREPARATION FOR A FUEL CELL SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150099200
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel cell system, and a controller configured to receive a first signal indicative of a predicted ambient temperature at a specified location, and command the fuel cell system to operate at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A method for controlling a fuel cell system includes receiving a first signal at a controller indicative of a predicted ambient temperature for a specified location, and operating the fuel cell system at a reduced relative humidity when the predicted ambient temperature is below a threshold value. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, and a controller configured to, in response to receiving a predicted freezing condition, command the fuel cell stack to operate at a lower relative humidity level for a time period preceding a predicted time for system shut down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott M. Staley, William F. Sanderson, Milos Milacic, Hasdi R. Hashim, Daniel William Forthoffer, Craig Michael Mathie
  • MONITORING AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE STEERING
    Publication number: 20150100191
    Abstract: A vehicle steering mechanism is autonomously operated. At least one first parameter for governing control of a steering mechanism is retrieved. The first parameter is applied to operation of the steering mechanism. Data is collected relating to operation of the vehicle. At least one second parameter for governing control of the steering mechanism is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Wilford Trent Yopp
  • NICKEL AND COBALT RECOVERY USING CONTINUOUS ION EXCHANGE
    Publication number: 20150096412
    Abstract: A method for recovering nickel and cobalt from a product liquor solution by processing the product liquor solution through a continuous ion exchange process including a plurality of ion exchange beds containing nickel selective ion exchange resin that pass through individual process zones as part of a nickel recovery circuit, wherein the method includes the following steps: (a) passing the product liquor solution through an ion exchange bed to load nickel onto the ion exchange resin and produce a cobalt-containing raffinate solution, (b) passing a sulfuric acid solution through the loaded ion exchange bed to strip nickel from the exchange resin and produce a nickel-containing eluate, (c) passing a rinse solution through the stripped ion exchange bed, (d) adjusting the pH of the cobalt-containing raffinate solution to a pH of at least 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Charles R. Marston, Christopher R. Eicher
  • VEHICLE BATTERY CHARGE SETPOINT CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150097512
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle traction battery charge setpoint strategy is disclosed which enables the adjustment of the maximum battery State of Charge (SOC) setpoint used for battery charging from an electric utility grid. Based on knowledge of the upcoming route and related driving behavior, the vehicle calculates a setpoint less than the maximum battery SOC charging setpoint so that when the vehicle begins operation, it can utilize regenerative braking and historical driving behavior to allow the battery charge to be maximized during the trip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yonghua Li, Johannes Geir Kristinsson, Fling Tseng
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING SWITCHING LOSS ASSOCIATED WITH SEMICONDUCTOR SWITCHING DEVICES
    Publication number: 20150098187
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a vehicle using switching loss information of a semiconductor switching device, the switching loss information derived from a conduction loss and a combined conduction and switching loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chingchi CHEN, Krishna Prasad BHAT, Michael W. DEGNER, Ke ZOU
  • COATING COMPOSITIONS
    Publication number: 20150099831
    Abstract: A curable resin composition including (I) at least one thermoset resin composition; and (II) at least one hardener; wherein the powder coating has a balance of properties including a combination of high glass transition temperature and low water absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Guillaume Metral, Bernd Hoevel, Joseph Gan, Michael J. Mullins, Robert E. Hefner, JR.
  • Exhaust system mixing device
    Patent number: 8997460
    Abstract: A mixing device comprises a circular disc of fin sections positioned so as to create openings in the inner and outer regions of the mixing device that generate oppositely rotating flows of exhaust gas. Each fin section may be identical, and may be created by a stamping process. The smooth surface of each fin section reduces creases, and thus, is less prone to urea buildup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Xiaogang Zhang
  • Catalyst heating with exhaust back-pressure
    Patent number: 8997457
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling an exhaust back-pressure valve are provided. In one example, a method for operating an engine comprises closing an exhaust back-pressure valve in response to a component temperature, and adjusting intake and/or exhaust valve operation in response to closing the exhaust back-pressure valve to reduce cylinder internal exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In this way, combustion stability may be maintained while the exhaust back-pressure valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Peter C. Moilanen
  • Rain onset detection glazing auto-close
    Patent number: 9002584
    Abstract: A vehicle system may include a plurality of exterior capacitive sensors, such as door handles, and a controller in communication with the plurality of capacitive sensors. The controller may be configured to identify a rain condition based on sensor data received from at least one of the exterior capacitive sensors of the vehicle; ensure an absence of a key fob in proximity of the at least one locked handle and an absence of a subsequent door opening occurrence when unlocked to confirm the rain condition; and initiate a closure action to a power actuator associated with an open vehicle window for a confirmed rain condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Patrick Kevin Holub
  • Low profile vehicle axle
    Patent number: 8998766
    Abstract: An axle assembly includes first and second spiral bevel gears meshing with a pinion, a gearset including a sun gear secured to the first bevel gear, a ring gear secured to the second bevel gear, and planet pinions supported on a carrier and meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, and a differential including an input secured to the carrier, and first and second outputs secured, respectively to first and second output shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Janson