Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Lightweight integral corrosion-resistant front-end structure for a vehicle
    Patent number: 7374233
    Abstract: A lightweight integral corrosion-resistant front-end structure (“front-end structure”) includes a one-piece composite structure, a metal insert, and a series of washers. The one-piece composite structure is formed from a polymer-composite with a washer fluid reservoir, a tray, and/or a wheel housing. The metal insert is coated with the one-piece composite structure and isolated from corrosive substances. The metal insert is attached to a radiator support member and/or a hood pivot member. The washers offset the metal insert from the radiator support member and/or hood pivot member so as to eliminate a galvanic potential. The washers are attached to the metal insert by the one-piece composite structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Naiyi Li, Michael Maj
  • Method for assisting with heating a catalytic converter of an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7370628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating a catalytic converter which is arranged in the exhaust-gas path of an internal combustion engine with direct injection and spark ignition. In the method, a first fuel injection takes place in the intake stroke (E), whereas a second fuel injection begins in the combustion stroke after top dead center and prior to the spark ignition of the air/fuel mix. It is preferable for the second fuel injection to continue beyond the ignition instant until the pressure in the combustion chamber reaches the fuel injection pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Eves, Dirk Borrmann, Gary Peirce, Franz Brinkmann
  • Starter system for internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7370619
    Abstract: A starter system for a reciprocating internal combustion engine includes an input gear journaled for rotation upon a crankshaft in the engine, and a starter motor which applies a starting torque to an outer periphery of the input gear. A speed-sensitive clutch is interposed between the crankshaft and the input gear. The clutch selectively transmits torque between the input gear and the crankshaft by means of a series of pawls which are responsive to centrifugal force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Alvin H. Berger
  • Internal combustion engine spark timing control system
    Patent number: 7370634
    Abstract: A method for controlling spark timing in an internal combustion engine. The method includes determining, in response to a knock sensor mounted to the engine, a spark offset to the scheduled spark timing for the engine at relatively low engine speed which is applied to the scheduled spark timing at relatively high engine speeds. This offset is applied in conjunction with a time-varying spark retardation bias. The offset is removed at a rate proportional to the time varying spark retard bias. The bias increases if either a relatively large torque is demanded from the engine or the engine is at the relatively high speed and relatively high air charge condition; otherwise, the bias is decreased with time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Christman, Philip Fabien
  • Vehicle and method for controlling engine start in a vehicle
    Patent number: 7370715
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Brandon Masterson, Marvin Kraska, Andrew Silveri
  • Variable stiffness flow control valve
    Patent number: 7370645
    Abstract: A flow control valve is provided. According to one aspect of this disclosure, the flow control valve includes a valve element and a support element. The valve element is configured to deflect responsive to a change in pressure difference across the valve element. The support element cooperates with the valve element to present an effective flow-through area that changes as the valve element deflects. The amount of relative engagement between the valve element and the support element changes as the valve element deflects. External vibration causes the valve element to vibrate to reduce stiction or ice buildup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David C. Freeman, Alexander H. Slocum, Daniel Kabat
  • Control strategy to better usage of fuel in gaseous engine
    Patent number: 7367312
    Abstract: A method for operating a fueling system in a vehicle having an engine capable of burning gaseous fuel supplied from at least a first and second source to a direct fuel injector of the engine, the first source having a higher source pressure than the second source, the method comprises supplying gaseous fuel to the direct injector from at least the first source during a first engine demand; and supplying gaseous fuel to the direct injector from at least the second source during a second engine demand less than said first engine demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Boyer, William Stockhausen
  • Electromechanically actuated valve control for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7367921
    Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve operation in an internal combustion engine. Valves are controlled to improve vehicle drivability and reduce vehicle noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald J. Lewis
  • System and method for diagnostic of low pressure exhaust gas recirculation system and adapting of measurement devices
    Patent number: 7367188
    Abstract: A system for a diesel engine having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, comprises a turbocharger between the intake and exhaust manifolds; a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation system having a first valve coupled thereto for regulating flow; a high pressure exhaust gas recirculation system having a second valve coupled thereto for regulating flow; a first mass airflow sensor coupled in the engine intake manifold; and a control system configured to diagnose the degradation of the first mass airflow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Barbe, Michiel J. van Nieuwstadt, Devesh Upadhyay
  • Active night vision thermal control system using wavelength-temperature characteristic of light source
    Patent number: 7368714
    Abstract: A thermal control system (11) for a light source (46) of a vision system (10) includes a heater (63) that is thermally coupled to the light source (46). A thermal sensor (60) is thermally coupled to the tight source (46) and generates a temperature signal. A controller (50) is coupled to the heater (63) and to the thermal sensor (60). The controller (50) operates the heater (63) when the temperature signal is below a maximum temperature limit. The minimum and maximum temperature limits are obtained from the light-source wavelength-temperature characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Remillard, Kenneth Nietering
  • Automotive glazing system with deployable wind excitation suppressor
    Patent number: 7367609
    Abstract: An automotive glazing system includes a closure structure having a storage space for a moveable glazing panel which is slidably housed within the closure structure. A deployable air deflector mounted to a sash portion of the closure structure is moveable between a stowed position which the entirety of the air deflector is inboard of the glazing panel, and a deployed position in which the free end of the air deflector extends laterally outboard of the outermost part of the sash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Grudzinski, Greg Ehlert
  • Bi-directional power electronics circuit for electromechanical valve actuator of an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7367296
    Abstract: A bi-directional dual coil half bridge converter adapted to be coupled to a dual coil actuator of a cylinder valve in an internal combustion engine is described. In one example, the converter has a first and second capacitor and a voltage source, where the converter is actuated via switches to individually energizing coils in said dual coil actuator. A voltage regulator is also shown for maintaining midpoint voltage during unequal loading of different actuator coils in the converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Degner, John Grabowski
  • Vehicle control system
    Patent number: 7367316
    Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having at least one cylinder, the engine coupled to a vehicle, the engine also having an intake manifold and an outlet control device for controlling flow from the intake manifold into the cylinder, the engine further having an inlet control device for controlling flow into the intake manifold, the outlet control device including an electronic throttle, the engine also having an exhaust gas oxygen sensor, the method comprising of generating a signal representing a request from a driver, determining a desired torque based on said request in response to said signal and to improve drive feel, adjusting the outlet control device based on said desired torque, adjusting throttle position based on an operating parameter and injecting fuel into the engine based on a signal from the sensor to maintain average air/fuel at stoichiometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Method and apparatus for automatically identifying the location of pressure sensors in a tire pressure monitoring system
    Patent number: 7369043
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system (12) for a vehicle (10) has a plurality of tires (14A-D) in respective rolling locations having a respective plurality of tire transmitters (16A-D) that generate a respective plurality of transmitter identification signals. A respective plurality of initiators (20A-D) are fixedly attached to the vehicle at a respective plurality of locations. The initiators may include orthogonal coils (112, 114). A controller (22) activates the plurality of initiators using the coils (112, 114) and receives a plurality of respective sensor signals having respective tire identifications. The activations may occur with a duty cycle of less than about fifty percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. McQuade
  • Airbag restraint for automotive vehicle
    Patent number: 7367586
    Abstract: An airbag restraint for an automotive vehicle includes generally circular front and rear panels, and an inflator attached to the rear panel and acting through an inflator aperture formed in the rear panel. At least one internally tethered section extends laterally along a chord of the front panel at a position at or near the projected location of the inflator. The internally tethered section is defined and shaped by more than one laterally extending tether extending between the front and rear panels of the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Weigang Chen, Yan Fu, Baohua Xiao, Marwan Ahmad El-Bkaily
  • Stabilizer bar system for automotive vehicle
    Patent number: 7367744
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar system for an automotive vehicle includes a stabilizer bar having a circular cross section and a rigid sleeve applied to a section of the outer circumference of the stabilizer bar. The sleeve has a number of circumferentially extending grooves and lands which mate with corresponding grooves and lands formed in an inner cylindrical surface of an elastomeric bushing which is overlaid upon the sleeve. The elastomeric bushing and sleeve may be mated such that relative rotation is allowed at the interface of the bushing and sleeve. Alternatively, the bushing and sleeve may be locked so that no relative rotation may occur at the interface of the bushing and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Juergen Funke
  • Vehicle exterior
    Patent number: D568213
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Platto, David Mahoney, Xitij Mistry, Patrick Schiavone, Peter Horbury
  • Vehicle mirror
    Patent number: D568799
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Spearman-Oxx, Ehab Kaoud
  • Vehicle headlamp
    Patent number: D569017
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Ellis, Ronald Steffey
  • Vehicle grille
    Patent number: D569314
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Spearman-Oxx, Ehab Kaoud