Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Power split transaxle for producing stepless reverse, forward and geared neutral speed ratios
    Patent number: 7048667
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power split drive train that includes a variable speed ratio path and a fixed speed ratio path. An epicyclic gearset, driven at two inputs, one input continually connected to the variable path, combines the power from the fixed path and variable path. A coupler driveably connects one of the gearset inputs alternately to the fixed path and the variable path. With the coupler connecting the fixed path and the gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces a stepless range of reverse speed ratios, geared neutral and a stepless range of forward speed ratios. With the coupler connecting the variable path and a gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces higher speed ratios in forward drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ernie DeVincent, Rolf Lequis
  • Selective bypass of solenoid-controlled supply to friction elements of an automatic transmission
    Patent number: 7048104
    Abstract: A hydraulic system for controlling the engagement and disengagement of a friction element includes a source of line pressure, a source of exhaust pressure, a manual valve having a forward state and a reverse state, connected to the exhaust pressure source and line pressure source and including a first outlet and a second outlet, for opening and closing communication between said outlets and said pressure sources in response to changes in the states, a friction element communicating with the line pressure source through the manual valve in the reverse state, and a control valve including a port communicating with the friction element, the control valve producing control pressure at the port when the manual valve is in the forward state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Nickerson, Lee Becker, Charles Barnes, Rodney Smith
  • Oscillating device for adjusting the displacement of a fluid pump
    Patent number: 7047867
    Abstract: A device for adjusting the displacement of a fluid pump includes a swashplate supported for pivotal movement about a first axis, and an engine having first and second cylinders. A first piston is located in the first cylinder and secured to the swashplate at a first side of the first axis. A second piston is located in the second cylinder and secured to the swashplate at a second side of the first axis opposite the first side. A plate is secured to the swashplate for pivotal movement about the first axis and is supported for rotary oscillation relative to the swashplate about a second axis. A pump includes a third cylinder and a first plunger located in the third cylinder, secured to the plate for pivotal movement about the first axis and rotary oscillation about the second axis. The plunger displaces fluid from the third cylinder as the plunger reciprocates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Kalkstein, Marko Biedermann
  • Method to improve fuel economy in lean burn engines with variable-displacement-like characteristics
    Patent number: 7047932
    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: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, John Ottavio Michelini, John M. Roth
  • Method for casting an iron alloy reinforced aluminum alloy engine block
    Patent number: 7047928
    Abstract: A method of high pressure die casting in iron alloy reinforcements for main bearing scantlings in an aluminum alloy engine block for an internal combustion engine. Prior to casting, reinforcements (1) having bores (6) for main bearing screws are placed in a die cavity (21), so that cores for main bearing screws protrude into the bores in each reinforcement on one side of the reinforcement. Then the reinforcements are fixed in the die cavity by placing a cylinder liner core (25) against a surface (27) of the reinforcement on the opposite side of the reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Staffan Rengmyr
  • Control method and system for diesel particulate filter regeneration
    Patent number: 7047729
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling regeneration in a particulate filter coupled to an internal combustion engine. The method controls hydrocarbon injection into engine exhaust upstream of an oxidation catalyst disposed upstream of the particulate filter in accordance an algebraic sum of a feedforward term and a feedback term. The feedforward term is a function of a difference between with the engine exhaust temperature upstream of the catalyst and a predetermined desired particulate filter temperature. The feedback term is a function of a temperature of the particulate filter and the predetermined desired particulate filter temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel van Nieuwstadt, Paul Tennison
  • Dual clutch automatic transaxle
    Patent number: 7044014
    Abstract: A multiple speed transaxle includes first and second input shafts, first and second output shafts, a layshaft, an idler shaft, a first set of selectable torque paths between the first input shaft and first output shaft, a second set of selectable torque paths between the second input shaft and the second output shaft, the second set including the layshaft and idler shaft, and a selectable torque path between the first input shaft and second output shaft including the layshaft and idler shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Vehicle and method for controlling brake system indicators
    Patent number: 7047120
    Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle has an anti-lock braking system and a regenerative braking system. A method is used to control the brake system indicators on the instrument panel. If it is determined that an anomalous condition exists in either the anti-lock braking system or the regenerative braking system, a first indicator is illuminated in an amber color to alert the vehicle operator of this condition. If the anti-lock braking system is active, and there is no anomalous condition detected in the anti-lock braking system, a second indicator is illuminated in green to alert the vehicle operator that the anti-lock braking system is active. Control of the first and second indicators is provided in accordance with a hierarchal structure that gives priority to an anomalous condition in the anti-lock braking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Asi Perach, Curtis Tyson, Joseph Root
  • Fresh air intake for a vehicle
    Patent number: 7044848
    Abstract: An air intake for a vehicle that facilitates air transfer from an ambient environment outside the vehicle to a vehicle space is provided. The air intake inhibits liquid transfer from the ambient environment to the vehicle space. The air intake includes a housing having an inlet for receiving air from the ambient environment, and an outlet in communication with the inlet. The outlet is disposed in an upper portion of the housing. A blocking member is disposed within the housing adjacent the inlet for preventing upward fluid flow from the inlet directly to the outlet, thereby inhibiting liquid flow through the outlet and into the vehicle space. A portion of the air intake housing is configured for attachment to a vehicle window, and the inlet is configured to be disposed along one edge of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lim Wijaya, María Heirtzler, Ranganatha Madhavan, Arthur Henke, Rachid El Aile, Michael Mandernach, Carolyn Tatge, Douglas Zhu
  • Engine shut-down for engine having adjustable valve timing
    Patent number: 7047126
    Abstract: A method for operating at least an intake and exhaust valve in a cylinder with a piston of an engine in a vehicle, comprising during conditions of an engine shut-down, maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position, and during conditions where said at least one valve is in said closed position operating with the other of the intake and exhaust valve open, then closing the other of the intake and exhaust valve, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve to generate braking torque to slow the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald J. Lewis
  • Adaptive collision load path modification system for vehicle collision compatibility
    Patent number: 7046167
    Abstract: An adaptive collision load path modification system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes multiple object detection sensors (14) that generate object detection signals. The system (10) may include a structural stiffness-adjusting device (46), which is coupled within a frame rail (58, 62) of the vehicle (12), and in addition or alternatively a tire deflation apparatus (48). A controller (18) is coupled to the object detection sensors (14) and through use of the structural stiffness-adjusting device (46) or the tire deflation apparatus (48) adjusts collision load paths of the vehicle (12) in response to the object detection signals. In so doing, the controller (18) may activate the structural stiffness-adjusting device (46) and deflate a tire (76) of the vehicle (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manoharprasad K. Rao, Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Gary S. Strumolo
  • Method of making a two-piece super-plastic formed lightweight aluminum door
    Patent number: 7043816
    Abstract: A method of making a vehicle door assembly by assembling a super-plastic formed inner door panel with a super-plastic formed outer panel. A flanging and roll hemming tool are used to form a hem flange to secure the outer door panel to the inner door panel. A room temperature curable two-part epoxy adhesive is used to lock the inner and outer door panels together. The epoxy adhesive is permitted to cure before the assembly is heated in electro-operations or paint ovens. Hinge and striker attachment areas are provided that are not substantially thinned or stretched during the super-plastic forming process so as to preserve the strength of the inner and outer door panels in such areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew John Zaluzec, Fred Goodnow, Kimberly Ann Lazarz, Rama P Koganti
  • Cargo area grocery chiller
    Patent number: 7043926
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for supplying refrigerated air to a localized volume in a vehicle, suitable for the transport of groceries and other perishables. The localized volume is created by insulated panels in the storage area of a vehicle. The chiller unit includes an air duct that contains inlet and outlet openings, an evaporator core and a fan. The evaporator core receives refrigerant fluid from a powered compressor and a condenser that are shared in common with the HVAC system that serves the passenger compartment. Although the compressor and condenser are shared, the chiller unit is separate and may be used independently of the HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Smith
  • Device and method for internal combustion engine control
    Patent number: 7043901
    Abstract: A system for an engine has an upstream emission control device with a washcoat having a predetermined amount of precious metal disassociated with NOx storage material, where the upstream emission control device in a close coupled location to an exhaust manifold of the engine. The system also includes a downstream emission control device coupled to the upstream emission control device. Further, a controller is used for operating the engine lean with retarded ignition timing to generate heat and raise temperatures of said upstream and downstream emission control devices. The controller also determines whether temperature of said upstream device has reached a predetermined value, and in response to said determination, operates the engine rich at least to reduce NOx stored in said upstream emission control device during said lean operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Thomas Goralski, Jr., Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Engine system and method for enabling cylinder deactivation
    Patent number: 7044885
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed for carrying out combustion in a fuel-cut operation in some or all of the engine cylinders of a vehicle. Further, various subsystems are considered, such as fuel vapor purging, air-fuel ratio control, engine torque control, catalyst design, and exhaust system design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Jeff Doering
  • Method and system for inferring exhaust temperature of a variable compression ratio engine
    Patent number: 7043349
    Abstract: A method for operating a variable compression ratio internal combustion engine includes the steps of determining a compression ratio operating state of the engine and inferring an exhaust temperature for the engine based at least in part on the compression ratio operating state of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael John Cullen
  • Vehicle hood
    Patent number: D520418
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gordon Platto, Michael Arbaugh, Patrick J. Schiavone
  • Automotive tailgate
    Patent number: D520426
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Henrik Fisker, John Paxton, David Woodhouse, Kris Tomasson
  • Vehicle wheel
    Patent number: D520432
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Metros, Patrick J. Schiavone, Tyler Jon Blake
  • Automotive front end
    Patent number: D520927
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Henrik Fisker, John Paxton, David Woodhouse