Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Computer readable storage medium for use with engine having variable valve actuator during degradation
    Patent number: 6994061
    Abstract: Piston to valve interference in an internal combustion engine is detected and alleviated by adjusting valve timing, valve lift, and/or compression ratio. Specifically, based on actuator motion, an actuator is selected to reduce potential interference. Further, potential sensor and hardware degradation are considered in controlling actuators to reduce potential interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steve W. Magner, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • Advanced rollover seat belt system for a vehicle
    Patent number: 6994375
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle seat belt system having a shoulder belt portion and a lap belt portion including a relay device adapted to receive a predetermined signal from a vehicle sensor, a buckle operatively attached to the relay device, a locking tongue detachably received by the buckle in operative communication with the buckle when the buckle and locking tongue are attached, a housing portion in operative communication with the buckle via the locking tongue portion with a trigger mechanism adapted to be activated in response to the predetermined signal received by the relay device, a locking structure having a belt length received therethrough actuatably engaged by the trigger mechanism, and wherein the locking structure is adapted to lock the belt length in place when the trigger mechanism is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert McCoy
  • Paint spray particle trajectory analysis method and system
    Patent number: 6996509
    Abstract: A system and method of analyzing paint spray particle trajectory on a vehicle with a computer aided design (CAD) model representative of the vehicle. The method includes the steps of preparing a CAD model of a desired portion of the vehicle and placing a paint spray gun at a desired location with respect to the desired portion of the vehicle. The method also includes the steps of specifying a set of particle information describing particles to be sprayed from the paint spray gun and computing a trajectory for a particle stream emanating from the paint spray gun. The method further includes the steps of displaying the trajectory relative to the desired portion of the vehicle on a display to permit visual observation thereof and relocating the paint spray gun if necessary to achieve a desired trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary S. Strumolo, Ronald H. Miller, Viswanathan Babu
  • System and method for controlling catalyst storage capacity
    Patent number: 6993899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a new method and system for optimizing the efficiency of an automotive catalytic converter by adjusting the engine air/fuel ratio based on estimates of the actual amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst. The oxidant storage capacity of the catalyst is adjusted by controlling engine spark in response to an estimate of a current amount of oxidants stored in the catalyst and an estimate of the total available oxidant storage capacity of the catalyst. To maintain engine speed in spite of adjustments to the engine spark, the engine air mass is also adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, Kevin Ronald Carlstrom, Stanley Larue Bower, Jr., Stephen L. Hahn
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDUCING NOx EMISSIONS AFTER FUEL CUT-OFF EVENTS
    Publication number: 20060021326
    Abstract: A method of controlling exhaust emission oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from an internal combustion engine (ICE) includes the steps of determining when an engine speed is below a first predetermined level, and controlling an oxygen displacement valve (ODV) such that at least a portion of exhaust gas generated by the ICE is directed into an intake air flow of the ICE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Shawn Midlam-Mohler
  • SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING NOx EMISSIONS DURING RESTARTS OF HYBRID AND CONVENTIONAL VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20060021330
    Abstract: A system for controlling exhaust emission oxides of nitrogen (NOx) during restarts of an internal combustion engine (ICE). The system includes a first sensor for determining a first level of exhaust gas oxygen at a location upstream of a catalytic converter, a second sensor for determining a second level of exhaust gas oxygen at a location mid-bed of the catalytic, and a controller for performing at least one process to reduce NOx emissions when a difference between the first level of exhaust gas oxygen and the second level of exhaust gas oxygen exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Midlam-Mohler, Brandon Masterson
  • VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE IN A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20060025904
    Abstract: A vehicle and method are provided that determine a misfire torque limit for an engine in the vehicle. The vehicle includes an electric machine operable to provide torque to the engine. The method includes commanding the engine to operate at a predetermined torque and a predetermined speed, thereby putting the engine in an idle state. An output torque of the engine is then determined while the engine is in the idle state. A torque offset, defined as the difference between the torque command and the determined engine output torque, is also determined. The misfire torque limit for the engine is then determined based at least in part on the torque offset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan McGee, Chris Kapolnek, Paul Gartner, Carol Okubo, Paul Niessen, Waheed Alashe
  • VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE IN A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20060021807
    Abstract: A method for selectively adjusting an amount of fuel to an engine in a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an electric machine operatively connected to the engine and capable of controlling a speed of the engine. The method includes providing an amount of fuel to the engine based at least in part on a desired output of the engine, which is based at least in part on a driver input. The electric machine is commanded to control the engine speed based at least in part on the driver input. An output error of the engine is determined based at least in part on the command to the electric machine. The amount of fuel provided to the engine is adjusted when at least one predetermined condition is met, including the output error of the engine being greater than a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Erik Andersen, Chris Kapolnek, David Liller
  • Diesel aftertreatment systems
    Patent number: 6990800
    Abstract: An accurate thermodynamic model of an Active Lean NOx (ALNC) Catalyst is presented. The model takes into account hydrocarbon storage and release mechanisms of the ALNC, as well as the degradation in the ALNC hydrocarbon conversion efficiency due to ageing, and thus provides a more accurate estimate of an exotherm generated by hydrocarbon combustion in the ALNC. The estimated exotherm can them be used to detect system degradation and identify components responsible for the degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel van Nieuwstadt, Michele Reichenbach, Fumin Yuan
  • Method of determining emission control system operability
    Patent number: 6990799
    Abstract: An engine diagnostic system for use with an internal combustion engine coupled to a lean NOx trap with a sensor coupled downstream of the trap. The sensor provides two output signals, one indicative of an air-fuel ratio and the second indicative of a NOx concentration. Construction of the sensor insists that proper indication of NOx concentration is dependent upon proper operation of the first output signal. Degradation of the NOx concentration signal is determined when the first output signal has degraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Gopichandra Sumilla
  • Control of powertrain smoothness using output torque sensing and input torque control
    Patent number: 6991584
    Abstract: An automatic transmission ratio shift and shift feel control system and method for a powertrain having an engine, multiple-ratio gearing controlled by friction elements actuated by hydraulic pressure, an output shaft torque sensor producing a signal representing the magnitude of current output torque, an electronic controller for controlling the target output torque based on the current output torque, increasing the torque capacity of the oncoming friction element and decreasing the torque capacity of the offgoing friction element after a gear ratio change is initiated. During the inertia phase of the ratio change, the controller controls the engine speed to follow a predetermined rate of change of input speed. The strategy employs an electronic throttle and closed loop engine torque control and closed loop engine speed control at various phases of the gear shift, to improve shift feel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald Cowan
  • Torsional isolation of a convertless automatic transmission through slip control of friction clutch
    Patent number: 6991585
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle driveline includes an internal combustion engine for transmitting input torque to a hydraulically-actuated input clutch, and having a throttle controlled by a displaceable accelerator pedal. A transmission produces multiple gear ratios between the clutch and an output. A method for controlling operation of the clutch includes determining a magnitude of clutch pressure that would produce a torque capacity of the input clutch equal to the current magnitude of input torque; if no transient condition occurs, pressurizing the clutch at a magnitude of pressure that produces a predetermined slip of the input clutch at the current magnitude of input torque; and if a transient condition occurs, holding and/or reducing the determined input clutch pressure such that slip occurs at the input clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Marvin Kraska
  • Vehicle and fresh air intake for a vehicle
    Patent number: 6991531
    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: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lim Wijaya, Maria Heirtzler, Ranganatha Madhavan, Arthur Henke, Rachid El Aile, Michael Mandernach, Carolyn Tatge, Douglas Zhu
  • Engine air amount prediction based on engine position
    Patent number: 6990960
    Abstract: A system and method to predict engine air amount for an internal combustion engine is described. Included is a method to predict a change in engine air amount based on engine position. This method especially suited to engine starts, where engine air amount is difficult to predict due to low engine speed and limited sensor information. The system and method provides the prediction of engine air amount without extensive models or calibration. Fuel is supplied based on the predicted engine air amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, John D. Russell
  • Closed-loop power control for hybrid electric vehicles
    Patent number: 6991053
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain having an engine, an electric motor and an electric generator with gearing for effecting split power distribution from separate power sources. Power delivery to vehicle traction wheels is coordinated to meet a driver's demand for power as much as possible without violating predefined maximum and minimum powertrain limits, including the limits of the battery subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ming Lang Kuang, David Estes Smith, Fazal Urrahman Syed
  • System and method for detection of degradation of vacuum brake booster sensor
    Patent number: 6990858
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting degradation of a sensor in a vacuum brake booster coupled to a manifold of an internal combustion engine include measuring an engine or vehicle operating parameter to detect operating or control conditions and detecting degradation of the sensor based on the engine or vehicle operating parameter. In one embodiment the operating parameter is a measured or estimated manifold pressure. A pressure drop across a check valve disposed between the brake booster and the intake manifold may also be considered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, John D. Russell
  • Side airbag for a vehicle
    Patent number: 6991257
    Abstract: A side airbag (14) for a supplemental restraint system (12) of a vehicle (10) includes an inflatable bag comprised of a shoulder-receiving portion (24) and a thorax-receiving portion (26) that extends from the shoulder-receiving portion (24). This airbag (14) is moveable between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. In the inflated configuration, the thorax-receiving portion (26) is sized thinner than the shoulder-receiving portion (24) in a lateral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Zhao, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Nial James Wykes
  • Active lean NOx catalyst diagnostics
    Patent number: 6990854
    Abstract: An accurate thermodynamic model of an Active Lean NOx (ALNC) Catalyst is presented. The model takes into account hydrocarbon storage and release mechanisms of the ALNC, as well as the degradation in the ALNC hydrocarbon conversion efficiency due to ageing, and thus provides a more accurate estimate of an exotherm generated by hydrocarbon combustion in the ALNC. The estimated exotherm can them be used to detect system degradation and identify components responsible for the degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel van Nieuwstadt, Michele Reichenbach, Fumin Yuan
  • Control of transmission shift points for hybrid vehicle having primary and secondary power sources
    Patent number: 6988976
    Abstract: A method, used in a powertrain of a motor vehicle having an engine, a secondary power source, and a step-change automatic transmission for driving a load, controls an upshift from a current gear to a next gear and includes the steps of establishing first shift points of a demanded engine output and a corresponding vehicle speed, at which the upshift would occur if the engine were the only power source. The length of a first period in which energy is available to the secondary power source is determined. The length of a second period for the current vehicle speed to increase to a target vehicle speed of a first shift point whose corresponding demanded engine output is equal to a combined current demanded output of the engine and secondary power source is determined. The upshift is produced if the length of the second period is equal to or greater than the length of the first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James Potter
  • Vehicle running board
    Patent number: D513725
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Metros, Patrick J. Schiavone, Tyler Jon Blake, Jeffery Nowak