Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • 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
  • ENGINE SHUT-DOWN FOR ENGINE HAVING ADJUSTABLE VALVE TIMING
    Publication number: 20080098980
    Abstract: A method for discontinuing combustion in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine having an intake manifold and an emission control device coupled downstream of thereof, where the cylinder has at least one valve, the method comprising during a shut-down and after a final combustion event in the cylinder, adjusting valve timing of the valve to reduce a flow of gasses from the engine to the emission control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2008
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Lewis
  • SERVICE JUMP-START DEVICE FOR HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20080100259
    Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, a traction battery, and a hybrid electric powertrain. A compact, portable, off board service jump-start device provides direct current (DC) power at a proper voltage and current to recharge the traction battery. The device includes a power supply with a high voltage output for providing the DC power. The device further includes a communication interface for receiving commands to control the recharging of the traction battery. The power supply recharges the traction battery in accordance with the received commands. Advantageously, this provides a compact, portable, off board service jump-start device that provides a controlled recharging of the traction battery of the hybrid electric vehicle and allows charging of the traction battery without the need for charging circuits on the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush
  • Humidity-based combustion control in a multiple combustion mode engine
    Patent number: 7363911
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling operation of a gasoline internal combustion engine capable of running in a spark ignition mode and a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode. The method and system implementation include determining humidity of air to be drawn into a combustion cylinder of the engine, and controlling an operating parameter of the engine that affects the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Diana D. Brehob
  • Roll stability control system for an automotive vehicle using an external environmental sensing system
    Patent number: 7366602
    Abstract: A roll stability control system for an automotive vehicle includes an external environment sensing system, such as a camera-based vision system, or a radar, lidar or sonar-based sensing system that generates image, radar, lidar, and/or sonar-based signals. A controller is coupled to the sensing system and generates dynamic vehicle characteristic signals in response to the image, radar, lidar, or sonar-based signals. The controller controls the rollover control system in response to the dynamic vehicle control signal. The dynamic vehicle characteristics may include roll related angles, angular rates, and various vehicle velocities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Liwen Xu, Samir M. Beydoun, Gerald H. Engelman, Aaron L. Mills, Jianbo Lu, Keith Glenn Mattson
  • Lean burn engine control NOpurging based on positional loading of oxidants in emission control device
    Patent number: 7363758
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a lean burn engine coupled to an emission control device that stores oxidants during lean operation, and reacts the stored oxidants during stoichiometric or rich operation, the method comprising estimating amounts of NOx stored in the device along a plurality of axial positions of the device and adjusting an operating parameter based on said estimate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Christian T. Goralski, Jr., Shane Elwart, Grant Alan Ingram
  • Method to control transitions between modes of operation of an engine
    Patent number: 7363915
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling operation of an engine coupled to an exhaust treatment catalyst. Under predetermined conditions, the method operates an engine with a first group of cylinders combusting a lean air/fuel mixture and a second group of cylinders pumping air only (i.e., without fuel injection). In addition, the engine control method also provides the following features in combination with the above-described split air/lean mode: idle speed control, sensor diagnostics, air/fuel ratio control, adaptive learning, fuel vapor purging, catalyst temperature estimation, default operation, and exhaust gas and emission control device temperature control. In addition, the engine control method also changes to combusting in all cylinders under preselected operating conditions such as fuel vapor purging, manifold vacuum control, and purging of stored oxidants in an emission control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael J. Cullen
  • Integrated exhaust gas recirculation valve and cooler system
    Patent number: 7363919
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system for an engine positioned in an engine compartment of a vehicle is provided. The system comprises an exhaust gas recirculation cooler positioned in an exhaust gas path of the engine; and an exhaust gas recirculation valve positioned upstream of the cooler in the exhaust gas path and spatially adjacent a side of the cooler that is exposed to decreased ambient temperature in the engine compartment during engine powered vehicle travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dan Styles
  • System for radially expanding a tubular member
    Patent number: 7363984
    Abstract: A apparatus and method for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member. The apparatus includes a tubular support member, an expansion device coupled to the tubular support member, a tubular expansion launcher that receives and mates with the expansion device, an expandable tubular member coupled to an end of the tubular expansion launcher; and one or more cup seals coupled to the tubular support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: David Paul Brisco, Lev Ring
  • Multi-voltage power supply system and method for operating same
    Patent number: 7365516
    Abstract: A multi-voltage power supply system, such as a 14V/42V dual-voltage system for vehicular applications, includes a battery arrangement and an intelligent switching regulator for providing at least a first output at a first potential and a second output at a second potential higher than the first potential. The battery arrangement includes a plurality of segments each providing an output substantially equal to the first potential. The switching regulator selectively conFIG. s each of the segments as a first part having a potential difference determined with respect to the first potential and a reference potential, e.g., ground, such that the power supply system provides the first and second outputs while minimizing degradation of the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Max Leyten, Lutz Gaedt
  • Temperature and moisture probe
    Patent number: 7363813
    Abstract: A probe for measuring the temperature and moisture of a gas has an aspirated flow passage with a configuration that causes the gas to have turbulent flow and, therefore, to mix. A dry bulb thermometer and a wet bulb thermometer positioned in the flow passage downstream of the configuration that causes mixing measures the temperature and moisture of the gas. A wick and a water reservoir for keeping the wet bulb thermometer wet are cleaned and refilled by a flow of water through the gas passage. The gas passage is heated to prevent condensation of any moisture in the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: FM Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gunnar Heskestad, Paul A. Croce
  • System for radially expanding a tubular member
    Patent number: 7360591
    Abstract: A system for radially expanding a tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Enventure Global Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Lev Ring
  • Thermally protected reservoir for onboard fire suppression system
    Patent number: 7360605
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body and at least one reservoir containing a fire suppressant agent. A distribution system receives the fire suppression agent from the reservoir and conducts the agent to at least one location about the vehicle's body in response to the determination by a sensor system and controller that the vehicle has been subjected to a significant impact. The reservoir is protected by a thermal protection barrier applied to the reservoir's outer surface, excluding the base of a pyrotechnic propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Thompson, Joseph Dierker, Jr.
  • Gaseous fuel injector
    Patent number: 7357338
    Abstract: A fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a fuel channel configured to receive pressurized gaseous fuel from a fuel rail, and a nozzle in fluid communication with the fuel channel. The fuel injector also includes a pintle having an opened position and a closed position, wherein pressurized gaseous fuel is delivered from the nozzle when the pintle is in the opened position and wherein introduction of the pressurized gaseous fuel is substantially blocked when the pintle is in the closed position. A support aligns the pintle with the nozzle. A pintle controller is configured to selectively move the pintle between the closed position and the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Reatherford, Carl Johnson
  • Internal combustion engine and method for performing a mode switch in said engine
    Patent number: 7357103
    Abstract: The invention relates to an internal combustion engine provided with at least one cylinder and comprising a fuel injection system, an intake air charging system for supplying air under pressure to an air intake manifold, a controller for controlling the fuel injection system, a spark ignition system and the intake air charger. The control unit is adapted to switch the engine from a first combustion mode using a higher manifold pressure to a second combustion mode using a lower manifold pressure, and further adapted to control the intake air charging system to cause a surge in the intake air, in order to evacuate the higher manifold pressure. The invention further relates to a method for controlling the internal combustion engine and a vehicle provided with such an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Lucien Koopmans
  • Unitary hydroformed roof support pillar
    Patent number: 7357448
    Abstract: A one-piece B-pillar having a front flange and a rear flange formed on an upper portion of the B-pillar. The front and rear flanges extend forwardly and rearwardly from a trapezoidal section of the B-pillar. An inner concave portion is provided in a lower portion of the B-pillar. The one-piece B-pillar is secured to the outer and upper surfaces of a roof rail and to the outer surface of a rocker to provide side impact strength. The B-pillar is hydroformed in one-piece to provide superior strength for roof crush performance. The tubular portion of the B-pillar is partially collapsed to form a trapezoidal section in the upper portion of the B-pillar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Vari-Form, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoming Chen, Omar Faruque, Thierry Guimberteau, Everett Kuo, Raj Mehta, David Wagner, Dean Gericke, Daniel Szalay
  • Vehicle rear bumper cover
    Patent number: D567725
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Spearman-Oxx, Ehab Kaoud
  • Vehicle rear bumper cover
    Patent number: D567726
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Spearman-Oxx, Ehab Kaoud
  • Method to infer engine coolant temperature in cylinder head temperature sensor equipped vehicles
    Patent number: RE40262
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of inferring the engine coolant temperature in cylinder head temperature sensor equipped vehicles including the steps of measuring the cylinder head temperature, calculating the engine coolant temperature from the measured cylinder head temperature as a function of at least one vehicle operational state, generating a signal for the calculated engine coolant temperature, and sending the generated signal to a display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John William Holmes, Randy Adam Betki, Michael John Cullen
  • Wheel lift identification for an automotive vehicle
    Patent number: RE40268
    Abstract: A system for detecting wheel lift of an automotive vehicle has a speed sensor (22) coupled to a wheel (12) of automotive vehicle (10). A torque control system (20) is coupled to wheel (12) to change the torque at the wheel. A controller (18) is coupled to the torque control system and a speed sensor. The controller (18) determines lift by changing the torque of the wheel, measuring the change in torque and indicating lift in response to change in torque which may be indicated by wheel speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Carr Meyers, Todd Allen Brown