Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Viscous fan clutch actuated by a heating element and ambient air
    Patent number: 6942083
    Abstract: A fan apparatus is disclosed which includes a fan coupled to a drive mechanism via a viscous clutch. The viscous clutch includes a drive chamber containing a hydraulic fluid with an amount of hydraulic fluid in the drive chamber being related to a torque transmitted from said drive mechanism to the fan; a valve coupled to the drive chamber controlling flow of hydraulic fluid into the drive chamber; a bimetallic strip coupled to the valve; and a heating element coupled to the viscous clutch close to the bimetallic strip. The bimetallic strip is located in a position open to ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jon Barnes, Diana D. Brehob, Todd Kappauf
  • Method for error proofing body shop component selection
    Patent number: 6944516
    Abstract: A method for error proofing body shop component begins by scheduling the production of a vehicle body using an assembly plant controller. A version of a sheet metal component is then selected. The version of the sheet metal component determines what body type will be produced. To insure that the proper body type is being produced, the assembly plant controller verifies the version of the sheet metal component by using a plurality of sensors. If the wrong sheet metal component is detected, then the body shop process is stopped and the wrong sheet metal part is replaced with the correct sheet metal part. Once all correct sheet metal parts are in place, they are spot welded together to produce a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Roy Collins, Steve Wendland
  • Integrated collision prediction and safety systems control for improved vehicle safety
    Patent number: 6944543
    Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle (50) has a radar or lidar system (22) used to generate a remote object signal. A vision system (26) confirms the presence of the target object in the detection zone. A controller (12) is coupled to the remote object sensor and a vehicle dynamics sensor and the brake system. The controller predicts a host vehicle trajectory in response to the host vehicle dynamic signal, determines an azimuth angle for the target object, determines an actuation value in response to the target range signal, the target relative velocity signal, the host vehicle trajectory, host vehicle brake system status and the target azimuth angle. The controller (12) activates a countermeasure in response to the actuation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kwaku O. Prakah-Asante, Manoharprasad K. Rao, Gary Steven Strumolo
  • Internal combustion engine control during cold start
    Patent number: 6941927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an internal combustion engine during a cold start operation. The engine is supplied with a substantially constant, lean air/fuel ratio immediately after the engine is started, while the engine has an idle speed that is allowed to vary as a function of the difference between a target air/fuel ratio and an actual air/fuel ratio. The invention further relates to an arrangement for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Goran Almkvist, Klaas Burgdorf, Lars Mikael Fredriksson
  • Component specific tube blanks for hydroforming body structure components
    Patent number: 6941786
    Abstract: A hydroforming system includes a dual conical tube formed from a blank. The dual conical tube has a first end, a second end and a central portion positioned between the first and the second ends. The central portion has a smaller cross sectional area than the first and the second ends. A shaping die is adapted to receive the dual conical tube, and the shaping die is subject to pressurize such that the tube substantially approximates the shape of the shaping die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Cooper, Corey Jarocki, Armando Joaquin, Carlos Perez
  • Vehicle steering system for kickback reduction
    Patent number: 6942058
    Abstract: A steering system (10) and a method of dampening the forces transmitted to a steering wheel (20) of a vehicle when a steerable wheel (22) of the vehicle collides with an obstacle using the steering system (10). The method includes steering a vehicle via a steering wheel (20) operably connected to a steerable wheel (22), with the steering wheel (20) defining an input angle. The method also includes monitoring the rate of change of a steering angle (40) as defined by the steerable wheel (22), with the ratio of the input angle to the steering angle (40) defining a steering ratio. The method further includes reducing an amount of torque transmitted to the steering wheel (20) from the steerable wheel (22) when the rate of change of the steering angle (40) exceeds a maximum rate by adjusting the steering ratio (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus Turner, Ian Hulme
  • Air scavenging for an opposed piston opposed cylinder free piston engine
    Patent number: 6941904
    Abstract: A free piston engine is configured with a pair of opposed engine cylinders located on opposite sides of a fluid pumping assembly. An inner piston assembly includes a pair of inner pistons, one each operatively located in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with a push rod connected between the inner pistons. An outer piston assembly includes a pair of pistons, one each operatively located, in a respective one of the engine cylinders, with at least one pull rod connected between the outer pistons. The pull rod extends through an outer pumping chamber in the fluid pumping assembly and forms a fluid plunger within this chamber. Each outer piston cooperates with an integrated scavenge pump in order to compress the charge air, thus significantly increasing the air charge density into the engine cylinders for each stroke of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ing. Peter Hofbauer, Lixin Peng, Adrain Tusinean, Kevin Fuqua
  • Automatic fluid draining from a hydraulic system component of an automatic transmission
    Patent number: 6944529
    Abstract: In a hydraulic system for an automatic transmission, a method for automatically draining fluid from an oil cooler and related hydraulic lines when power is off to prevent fluid leakage, escape and outflow when they are disconnected from the system. A control system includes a source of relatively high pressure when power is on, an oil cooler, fluid circuit lines for supplying transmission oil to the cooler, a source of low pressure for containing fluid, such as an oil sump, and a valve hydraulically connected to the circuit, high pressure source, and low pressure source, the valve having a first state at which a hydraulic connection through the valve between the circuit and the source of low pressure is closed when power is on, and a second state at which a hydraulic connection through the valve between the circuit and the low pressure source is open when power is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Person, Lee Becker
  • System and method for air flow and EGR flow estimation
    Patent number: 6944530
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system directs exhaust gasses from an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gasses travel from the exhaust manifold, first passing through a flow control valve and then through a measuring orifice before entering the intake manifold. Pressure upstream of the orifice is used, along with correction pressure downstream of the orifice, to measure and control exhaust gas flow. Further, manifold pressure is determined from downstream pressure and the used along with the measured exhaust gas flow to calculated a cylinder air charge amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Freeman Carter Gates
  • Starting an engine with electromechanical valves
    Patent number: 6938598
    Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing to during the start of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled in a manner to reduce engine vibration and hydrocarbon emissions during the start of an internal combustion engine. The method controls valves without an explicit four-stroke engine cycle during a start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John D. Russell, Nate Trask
  • Temperature management of catalyst system for a variable displacement engine
    Patent number: 6938410
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine having a plurality of cylinders, at least some of which may be selectively deactivated to provide variable displacement operation, including temperature management of at least one engine/vehicle component by monitoring the temperature of the component and controlling activation of at least one cylinder to control the temperature of the component. In one embodiment, the engine/vehicle component is an emission control device, such as a catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher P. Glugla, John Ottavio Michelini
  • Method and an assembly for braking a selectively moveable assembly having a controllably varying amount of self energization
    Patent number: 6938737
    Abstract: A brake assembly including a brake pad; a selectively movable rotor, a backing plate which is coupled to the brake pad, at least a first roller which is coupled to the backing plate, a caliper, at least a second roller which is coupled to the caliper, a wedge member which is positioned between and which engages the at least first and the at least second roller, and a motor which is coupled to the wedge member and which selectively moves the wedge member, effective to brake a selectively movable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dale Lee Hartsock
  • System and method of virtual flowbench simulation
    Patent number: 6941249
    Abstract: A computerized method of virtual flowbench simulation of fluid flow interaction with an object described in at least one design file includes receiving user-defined input via a user interface, the user-defined input including a specification of the at least one design file, accessing the at least one design file, and accessing a generic template describing basic geometries of the object, and modifying the basic geometries of the object with the at least one design file. Automatically, surface and volume mesh are generated in the object, and fluid flow interaction with the object is simulated. Predetermined data parameters are measured and stored during simulation. The method automatically checks the predetermined data parameter measurements to determine whether steady state has been reached and whether a predetermined maximum number of time steps has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald H. Miller, Gary S. Strumolo
  • System and method for deteching roll rate sensor fault
    Patent number: 6941205
    Abstract: A control system for an automotive vehicle having a vehicle body includes a sensor cluster having a housing oriented within the vehicle body. A roll rate sensor is positioned within the housing and generates a roll rate sensor signal corresponding to a roll angular motion of the sensor housing. A controller receives the roll rate sensor signal and generates a reference roll angle. The controller also compares the reference roll angle to the roll rate sensor signal and generates a roll rate sensor fault signal in response a fault determined in said roll rate sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Davorin David Hrovat, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Li Xu
  • Ambient air pollution trap
    Patent number: 6939396
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning ambient air of a vehicular adsorption unit (8). The vehicle includes a combustion engine (1) and a passenger ventilation system (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11). Adsorption takes place whether the engine (1) is running or not. During adsorption, a fan (11) forces ambient air from an inlet (6) to the ventilation system in a first direction, through an adsorption unit (8), and out of an outlet (10). To desorb when the engine is running, air is supplied to a heater (13). Heated air is passes through the adsorption unit (8) to release pollutants and regenerate the unit. Pollutant containing air passes through a second heater (4, 16) and then through the first heater (13) to heat the ambient air. Finally, polluted air is drawn from the heat exchanger (13) to an intake conduit (3) of the engine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Petersson, Jan Ke Karlsson
  • Computer readable storage medium for use with engine having variable valve actuator
    Patent number: 6938593
    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: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steve W. Magner, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • System and method for improved engine position sensing
    Patent number: 6938606
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine in a vehicle to facilitate determination of engine position sensor correction factors. The vehicle includes a motor, which is operatively connected to the engine, a sensor configured to detect engine position, and a controller, which is in communication with the engine, the sensor and the motor. It is determined when an engine shutdown is requested, for example, when the controller commands the vehicle to be powered by the motor. It is next determined whether engine position sensor correction factors are known. If they are, the engine control routine is stopped. If the correction factors are not known, fuel to the engine is discontinued, and the motor is employed to spin the engine at an approximately constant speed. The engine position sensor correction factors can then be determined while the engine is rotating in a defueled state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jae Doo Chung, Arthur Joseph Varady, Marsha Wendel
  • Water shield with integrated 3-D mirror seal
    Patent number: 6938944
    Abstract: A molded water shield integrated between an exterior panel assembly and a trim panel of a vehicle includes a semi-rigid barrier sheet and a seal integrally molded into the semi-rigid barrier sheet. The seal includes reliefs formed therein and is detachable from the semi-rigid barrier sheet to define an opening through the semi-rigid barrier sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignees: Foamade Industries, Inc., Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chi H. Koa, Quoc H. Nguyen
  • Engine control with fuel quality sensor
    Patent number: 6935311
    Abstract: A system is described using a fuel quality sensor for controlling various aspects of engine operation. In particular, an acoustic wave sensor is utilized to measure viscosity and density of gasoline fuels. This measurement is utilized to predict engine combustion quality during an engine start. Based on the prediction, the method adjusts engine operating parameters (such as fuel injection amount and ignition timing) to achieve improved vehicle driveability and engine combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jacobus Hendrik Visser, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Allan J. Lippa, Carina Eva Irene Bjornsson, Carol S. Smith, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, John D. Russell, Michael Howard Parsons, Philip William Husak
  • Fluid actuated engine starting system and method for a hybrid vehicle powertrain
    Patent number: 6935294
    Abstract: A pump-motor is used to move engine pistons to a position where the exhaust ports of a first cylinder are opened, and later to move the pistons to a position where the inlet ports and exhaust ports of the first cylinder are closed. Fuel is then injected into the first cylinder, and a starting motor is used to compress an air-fuel mixture in the first cylinder sufficiently to produce combustion of that mixture. A drive connection between a starting fluid-motor and the pistons is released. Fuel is injected into the second cylinder. The fuel-air mixture in the second cylinder is compressed sufficiently to produce combustion of that mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: James Kalkstein