Patents Assigned to Global Technologies LLC
  • Method for controlling airbag deployment
    Patent number: 6764095
    Abstract: A method of deploying a passenger side airbag as a function of the actual mass of the occupant on the passenger seat. This is accomplished by providing force sensors at one or more of the anchor pieces at which a seat belt is connected to the vehicle. The sensors may be strain gauges that measure the deflection of bolts connecting the ends of the seat belt to the anchor pieces. By sizing the nominal resistance of strain gauges at two anchor pieces, the two resistors can be put in a series circuit such that only the sum of the two resistances need be measured. The measurements obtained are then used to obtain the vertical components of force due to the seat belt. This value is then be subtracted from the total vertical force measured by a seat cushion weight sensor to determine the mass of the seat occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Hammann Stephan, Mark Anthony Cuddihy, Steven Yellin Schondorf
  • Flow-sensing device and method for fabrication
    Patent number: 6763712
    Abstract: A gaseous flow sensor that utilizes non-platinum resistive sensing elements and a method for fabricating such sensor are disclosed. The gaseous flow sensor is constructed by an insulating substrate; a reference resistor formed on the substrate and disposed in the gaseous flow at an ambient temperature without heating; a flow-sensing resistor formed on the substrate disposed in the gaseous flow that is heated to a temperature higher than the ambient temperature; and an electrical circuit in electrical communication with the reference resistor and the flow-sensing resistor for feeding a current into the flow-sensing resistor in order to keep the two resistors at the same temperature during the operation of the gaseous flow sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Mark Crosbie, Russell James Haeberle, Randall Roy Hume
  • Method and apparatus for optimizing purge fuel for purging emissions control device
    Patent number: 6763656
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a “lean-burn” internal combustion engine in cooperation with an exhaust gas purification system having an emissions control device capable of alternatively storing and releasing NOx when exposed to exhaust gases that are lean and rich of stoichiometry, respectively, determines a performance impact, such as a fuel-economy benefit, of operating the engine at a selected lean or rich operating condition. The method and apparatus then enable the selected operating condition as long as such enabled operation provides further performance benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Diagnosing proper operability of a cylinder charge motion control device
    Patent number: 6763800
    Abstract: A method for detecting improper operation of a charge motion control device (CMC) based on exhaust temperature is disclosed. It has been found that when the charge motion control device is switched between two positions, the exhaust temperature changes by as much as 100 degrees C. The expected exhaust temperature, based on commanded charge motion control device position and current engine operating condition, and the measured exhaust temperature are compared to determine whether the charge motion control device has failed to attain the desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jing Sun, Julia Helen Buckland, Diana Dawn Brehob
  • Electromagnetic actuator with permanent magnet
    Patent number: 6763789
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing force density of a valve actuator particularly suited for use in actuation of intake and/or exhaust valves of an internal combustion engine include at least one electromagnet having a coil wound about a core, and an armature fixed to an armature shaft extending axially through the coil and the core, and axially movable relative thereto. The actuator includes a flux generator, such as at least one permanent magnet positioned between the coil and the armature, oriented so that magnetic flux of the generator travels in a direction opposite to magnetic flux produced by the coil through the core during coil energization to reduce saturation of the core, but in the same direction as the magnetic flux produced by the coil through the armature, to increase an attractive force between the armature and the electromagnet, resulting in an actuator with an increased force density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Feng Liang, Michael W. Degner
  • Convertible ladder and load platform for a vehicle articulating roof rack system
    Patent number: 6761296
    Abstract: The present invention provides a convertible ladder and load platform including a vehicle articulating roof rack system having a selectively removable portion operable between a stowed roof mounted position and a slideably and pivotally repositionable back end mounted position, a stationary bottom portion received by the selectively removable portion of the articulating roof rack system, a removable top portion received by the stationary bottom portion, a frame received by the stationary bottom portion, and a plurality of rotatable steps operable between a vertically oriented ladder position and a horizontally oriented load platform position received by the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Ford, Noah Barlow Mass, Noel Ranka, Travis Steven Garland
  • Controlled engine shutdown for a hybrid electric vehicle
    Patent number: 6763298
    Abstract: A method and system to control engine shutdown for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is provided. Tailpipe emissions are reduced during the many engine shutdowns and subsequent restarts during the course of an HEV drive cycle, and evaporative emissions are reduced during an HEV “soak” (inactive) period. The engine shutdown routine can ramp off fuel injectors, control engine torque (via electronic throttle control), control engine speed, stop spark delivery by disabling the ignition system, stop purge vapor flow by closing a vapor management valve (VMV), stop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow by closing an EGR valve, and flush the intake manifold of residual fuel (vapor and puddles) into the combustion chamber to be combusted chamber to be combusted. The resulting exhaust gas byproducts are then converted in the catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Lee Boggs, Jerry D. Robichaux, Mark William Peters, Stephen John Kotre
  • Engine air amount prediction based on a change in speed
    Patent number: 6761153
    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 a difference in engine speed. This method is 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: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, John D. Russell
  • Crankshaft for an internal combustion engine disposed in a motor vehicle
    Patent number: 6761484
    Abstract: The invention relates to a crankshaft bearing for a motor vehicle, in which a crankshaft 1 produced from ADI (austempered ductile iron, DIN EN 1564) is supported on an engine block 2 produced from aluminum without the interposition of other components. There is very little difference between the thermal expansion coefficients between ADI and aluminum materials, ensuring that the bearing operates reliably even when there are fluctuations in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kai Martin Mayer
  • Method of integrating computer visualization for the design of a vehicle
    Patent number: 6760693
    Abstract: A method of integrating computer visualization for the design of a vehicle includes the steps of determining a low-level geometric model of the vehicle and determining a modifiable parameter to modify the model of the vehicle. The method also includes the steps of morphing the model of the vehicle into a morphed model of the vehicle including the modifiable parameter using a computer visualization, and analyzing the morphed model of the vehicle using a computer aided engineering (CAE) analysis. The method further includes the steps of determining if the CAE analysis of the morphed model of the vehicle meets a predetermined criteria and using the morphed vehicle model in the design of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hatesh K. Singh, Devang Desai, Mehran Chirehdast
  • Method to improve fuel economy in lean burn engines with variable-displacement-like characteristics
    Patent number: 6758185
    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: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, John Ottavio Michelini, John M. Roth
  • Vehicle communication system implemented reusing existing vehicle components
    Patent number: 6759942
    Abstract: A communication system is provided for an automotive vehicle (10) that uses existing vehicle components with only slight modifications that can be implemented in readily changeable software. The system includes a vehicle bus (14) and a vehicle information source coupled to the vehicle bus. The vehicle information source (28) couples vehicle information to the vehicle bus (14). The transmitter (16) transmits a first communication having a first transmitter identification code and first vehicle information. A receiver (22) is coupled to the vehicle bus. The receiver (22) couples a second communication word having second vehicle information to the vehicle bus. The automotive vehicle (10) also has a safety system and a safety system controller (34) coupled to the bus. The safety system controller (34) actuates the safety system (36) in response to the second vehicle information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gurminder Singh Bedi, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Ronald Hugh Miller, Scott Howard Gaboury, Steven Yellin Schondorf
  • Crystal based fringe generator system
    Patent number: 6760113
    Abstract: A measurement system (10) for accurately measuring the surface geometry of a part (32) in three dimensions includes a laser (12) for emitting a laser beam (14). The laser beam (14) is transmitted to a birefringent crystal (16) which splits the laser beam (14) into a pair of beams (18,20). The pair of beams (18,20) are then subjected to a phase shift by a liquid crystal system (24) as controlled by a computer (26). The pair of beams (18,20) are then expanded in order to form a fringe pattern (30) on the surface of the part (32) to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fang Frank Chen, James Stewart Rankin, II, Mumin Song, Paul Joseph Stewart
  • Automotive vehicle with enhanced lateral collision intrusion resistance
    Patent number: 6758516
    Abstract: An automobile includes a door, inner and outer rocker panels, and a floor pan joined to the inner rocker panel. A structural frame extends under the body. A frame standoff member is mounted to the inner rocker panel and extends inboard to a frame rail. The frame standoff member is separated from the frame rail by a clearance gap. Once the gap is closed due to lateral deformation of the door, rocker panels, and floor pan, the frame standoff member will resist further deformation of the door and rocker panels without dynamically coupling the door or rocker panels to the frame rail during normal operation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Edward Abramczyk, Karthik Chitoor, Paul Culbertson, Zheng James Peng, Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Eric Layton Stratten, Herbert Yang
  • Control method for engine
    Patent number: 6758202
    Abstract: A control method adjusts fuel injection into an engine having a variable compression ratio. The method determines the cylinder air amount based on various sensors and the current compression ratio. The disclosed fuel injection method can perform both open loop and closed loop control. A method is also disclosed for putting the compression ratio to a base value during engine shutdown so that subsequent engine starts occur with a consistent compression ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Russell, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • Silicon-doped amorphous carbon coating for paint bell atomizers
    Patent number: 6755985
    Abstract: A wear resistance coated bell atomizer (32) and method for making same. The coating applied to the outer surface of a bell cup (36) of the bell atomizer (32) is preferably a silicon-doped amorphous carbon coating. This silicon-doped amorphous carbon coating significantly increases the usable life of a bell cup (36) in a bell atomizer paint system (10) by limiting the effects of abrasive materials on the wearable surfaces of the bell cup (36), including the top serrated edges (46), which may negatively affect the performance of uncoated bell atomizer spray equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Fiala, Jeffrey Petty, Timothy Jay Potter
  • Adaptive control for engine with electronically adjustable valve operation
    Patent number: 6755182
    Abstract: A method is described for estimating cylinder airflow in engines that operate with manifold pressure near atmospheric pressure to compensate for degraded sensor response at such conditions. The method uses an adaptive approach that is updated under preselected engine operating conditions to thereby allow improved accuracy across a variety of engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ilya V. Kolmanovsky, John Ottavio Michelini
  • Exterior of vehicle front bumper
    Patent number: D492627
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Metros, Patrick J. Schiavone, Tyler Jon Blake
  • Vehicle head lamp
    Patent number: D492801
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Metros, Jeffrey M. Nowak, Patrick J. Schiavone, Tyler Jon Blake
  • Head lamp
    Patent number: D493239
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rolph Kneefel, Steve Park