Ford Patents Granted
Patents granted to Ford by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11928718Abstract: A method for recommending fuel filling stations based on water in fuel content is disclosed. In one example, a data structure is generated to house data from a plurality of fuel filling stations. The data structure may include data that is indicative of water in fuel. A recommendation for refilling a fuel tank may be provided according to data that is held in the data structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yun Xing, John Erik Mikael Hellstrom
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Patent number: 11927149Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting injection timing of closely spaced multiple injections via a same injector. In one example, during an inter-injection spacing between a first injection and a second injection in a set of multiple injections being lower than a threshold period, an opening time of the second injection in the set of multiple injections may be adjusted based on another opening time of another second injection in a previous set of multiple injections.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ross Pursifull, Ethan Sanborn, Joseph Thomas
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Patent number: 11927372Abstract: A heat pump includes a refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop includes a compressor, a first region of a first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger is positioned immediately downstream of an outlet of the compressor. A second heat exchanger is positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger. A vapor generator is positioned downstream of the first heat exchanger. The vapor generator is positioned upstream of the second heat exchanger in a first mode of operation. The vapor generator is positioned downstream of the second heat exchanger in a second mode of operation. A first branching point is positioned immediately downstream of the first region of the first heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2022Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rachael Shey, Jeffrey Paul Brown
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Patent number: 11919546Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a robotic system. The methods comprise: inferring, by a computing device, a first heading distribution for the object from a 3D point cloud; obtaining, by the computing device, a second heading distribution from a vector map; obtaining, by the computing device, a posterior distribution of a heading using the first and second heading distributions; defining, by the computing device, a cuboid on a 3D graph using the posterior distribution; and using the cuboid to facilitate driving-related operations of a robotic system.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2023Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Wulue Zhao, Kevin L. Wyffels, G. Peter K. Carr
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Patent number: 11919478Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for an enhanced valet mode for vehicles. An example method may include receiving a request for a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include generating a temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include displaying a request for entry of the temporary valet passcode. The example method may also include determining that an input has been received. The example method may also include determining that a mobile device is located within the vehicle or within a threshold distance from the vehicle. The example method may also include preventing the vehicle from starting based on authorization of the mobile device for a period of time subsequent to the input being received.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aaron DeLong, Eugene Karpinsky, Cameron Smyth, Timothy Thivierge, Daniel King, Kevin Hille, Farhan Ehsan, John Van Wiemeersch, Santosh Lalwani
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Patent number: 11919365Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle climate system when an ambient temperature is below a threshold temperature is provided. In response to an ambient temperature being less than a threshold temperature, a controller is adapted to operate a blower motor at a voltage that depends on whether the vehicle is in charge sustain mode or charge deplete mode. In response to an ambient temperature being greater than a threshold temperature, the controller is adapted to operate the blower motor at a voltage that does not depend on whether in the charge sustain or charge deplete modes.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jasbir Jaglan, William Stewart Johnston, Alan Douglas Wallington, Curtis Mark Jones, Chris George Oehring, Mark G. Smith
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Patent number: 11919568Abstract: A system and strategy for reducing rapid steering wheel movement at the end of an autopark maneuver. The strategy includes maintaining or ramping-out power-steering motor torque to reduce steering wheel movement that may occur due to tire windup that has occurred up to that point in the autopark maneuver. The strategy may include the stopping of an autopark maneuver at any time during the maneuver, or functioning at the end of an autopark maneuver. The autopark event may be a park-out maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Erick Michael Lavoie, Nathaniel Abram Rolfes
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Patent number: 11919361Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment. The passenger compartment includes an upper region and a lower region. The passenger compartment also includes a floor. A plurality of track assemblies are positioned on the floor and extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of track assemblies includes a first rail assembly and a second rail assembly. Ductwork is positioned between adjacent track assemblies of the plurality of track assemblies. The plurality of track assemblies and the ductwork are coupled together as a floor panel such that installation of the floor panel within the passenger compartment results in a simultaneous installation of the plurality of track assemblies and the ductwork.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Scott Culver Anderson, Clay Mastin, Justin D. Sorum, Albert Kim, Abbas Ghamlouche
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Patent number: 11922531Abstract: A provider, such as a transportation management service, can manage transport for a number of riders between various locations. A customer can request transport between different locations. The provider may analyze the request for salient information, such as information corresponding to a start and end location, and determine whether there are errors in the salient information that would prevent the provider from providing the requested service. When the provider detects errors, the provider may request additional information from the customer in order to correct the errors.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Sudipto Aich
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Patent number: 11919473Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a seatbelt buckle, a seatbelt retractor, and webbing retractably extendable from the seatbelt retractor and releasably engageable with the seatbelt buckle. The webbing is extendable from the seatbelt retractor from a fully retracted position toward an extended position. The assembly includes a vibration motor on the seatbelt buckle. The assembly includes a computer having a processor and memory including instructions executable by the processor to activate the vibration motor in response to movement of the webbing from the fully retracted position toward an extended position. The vibration motor provides haptic guidance to an occupant to engage the clip with the seatbelt buckle.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Lorena Virginia Méndez Arévalo, Manuel de Jesús Vazquez Morales, Daniel Ivan Ostria Delgadillo, Jose Ernesto Simon Gonzalez
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Patent number: 11919476Abstract: Upon detecting that a vehicle is parked, based on data from at least one of a sensor and a component in the vehicle, determine a location of the vehicle. Upon detecting that a vehicle operator has exited the vehicle, based on data from at least one of a sensor and a component in the vehicle, determine if the key fob is in the vehicle. Upon detecting that the key fob is in the vehicle, and based on the location of the vehicle, schedule a message to a user device.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Muhannad Hamdan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Mahmoud Y. Ghannam, Bradford S. Bondy, Christian Wegner
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Patent number: 11920224Abstract: A magnet structure includes columnar grains of rare earth permanent magnet phase aligned in a same direction and arranged to form bulk anisotropic rare earth alloy magnet having a boundary defined by opposite ends of the columnar grains and lacking triple junction regions, and rare earth alloy diffused onto opposite ends of the bulk anisotropic rare earth alloy magnet.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wanfeng Li, Feng Liang, Michael W. Degner
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Patent number: 11920834Abstract: A heat pump includes a refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop includes a compressor, a first region of a first heat exchanger, a first branching point, a first shutoff valve, a second shutoff valve, and a second heat exchanger. The compressor includes a low-pressure inlet, a mid-pressure inlet, and an outlet. The first heat exchanger is positioned immediately downstream of the outlet of the compressor. The first branching point is positioned immediately downstream of the first region of the first heat exchanger. The refrigerant loop splits into a first path and a second path at the first branching point. The first shutoff valve is positioned along the first path and immediately downstream of the first branching point. The second shutoff valve is positioned along the second path and immediately downstream of the first branching point. The second heat exchanger is downstream of the first heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rachael E. Shey, Jeffrey Paul Brown, Leyuan Yu, James C. Rollinson
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Patent number: 11922737Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to systems and methods for battery life cycle prediction for a preowned electrified vehicle including receiving state of charge (SOC) and mileage data associated with the preowned electrified vehicle, providing one or more driving maneuvers to be performed by a driver, providing one or more instructions to the driver to operate power-driven accessories of the preowned electrified vehicle, collecting data representing battery usage by the driver by monitoring the driving maneuvers and the operation of power-driven accessories as performed by the driver, and responsive to the collected data representing battery usage and the SOC and mileage, providing a battery life prediction for the preowned electrified vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart Salter, Pietro Buttolo, Annette Huebner, David Kennedy, Hussein Berry
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Patent number: 11919503Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle that includes an electric machine as a propulsion source. In one example, a motor stall assessment level is generated based on an amount of time that the motor is stalled and an amount of torque that is generated by the motor. Mitigating actions may be performed if the motor stall assessment level exceeds a threshold level or value.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Justin Campanaro, Carol Louise Okubo, Jonathan Butcher, Zachary March, Joshua Wilson
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Patent number: 11923738Abstract: A vehicle electric machine includes a stator core having an inner diameter defining a plurality of slots, an outer diameter, and a plurality of mounting ears disposed radially outboard of the outer diameter. At least one of the mounting ears defines a cooling channel extending in an axial direction of the stator core. A radial distance between a center of the stator core and the cooling channel is greater than a radial distance between the center and the outer diameter. The machine further includes windings having portions disposed in the slots and end windings adjacent to an end face of the stator core.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Franco Leonardi, Michael W. Degner, Prasad Dev Hanumalagutti
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Patent number: 11924353Abstract: A system includes a control computer that is programmed to perform an authentication based on an encryption key, upon being connected to a vehicle communication network. The computer is programmed to control vehicle operation including at least one of propulsion, braking, and steering, upon authentication by a vehicle computer that is physically attached to the communication network.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2017Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Talamonti, Walter Joseph Talamonti
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Patent number: 11919479Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to provide security to a vehicle. A system includes a point measurement device inside a space of a vehicle. The system identifies a threat if points that differ from a calibrated set of points are localized in an area of the space.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tarik Safir, Sam Harris, Jamie Mahmutyazicioglu, Jonathan Hannaford, Endre Hanak
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Patent number: 11924280Abstract: A system comprises a computer having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive a communication-protocol-agnostic vehicle control request for a vehicle, determine, based on the communication-protocol-agnostic vehicle control request, a vehicle control operation to be executed at the vehicle, identify, from among a plurality of candidate communication-protocol-specific communication links, a communication-protocol-specific communication link via which to send a vehicle control directive to the vehicle, and send the vehicle control directive to the vehicle via the identified communication-protocol-specific communication link to cause the vehicle to execute the vehicle control operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Elizabeth Grix, Saleh Alkirsh, Adam Salowitz, Daniel Leinbach, Michael Crimando
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Patent number: 11919543Abstract: Multi-mode personal transportation and delivery devices and methods of use are disclosed herein. A device can include a communications interface, the communications interface configured to provide vehicle-to-everything communications, a device controller comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing instructions, the processor executing the instructions to: receive a first message from a service provider that the transportation device is to relocate to a location based on user demand; and activate a redistribution mode to cause the transportation device to autonomously navigate to the location.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Edmund Pengfei He, Chelsia Ka Po Lau, James Yu-Hsin Kuo, Joseph Ian Halaszynski
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Patent number: 11923133Abstract: Permanent magnets and method of making the same are provided. The magnets include a magnetic layer having an insulation layer disposed thereon. The insulation layer is formed via additive manufacturing techniques such as laser melting such that that it has discrete phases including a magnetic phase and an insulating phase.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Wanfeng Li, Franco Leonardi, Michael W. Degner
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Patent number: 11919562Abstract: Steering assembly mounts with curved interfaces are disclosed herein. An apparatus disclosed herein includes a first bushing including a first outer diameter, a first inner diameter, and a first curved surface disposed between the first outer diameter and the first inner diameter, the first curved surface to receive a corresponding second curved surface of the first structure, a second bushing including a second outer diameter, a second inner diameter, and a third curved surface disposed between the second outer diameter and the second inner diameter, the third curved surface to receive a corresponding fourth curved surface of the first structure, and a fastener extending through the first bushing and the second bushing, the fastener to extend through a portion of the second structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Anselm Yau-Ching Lam, Matthew Lee Brimmer, Jackson E. Barry
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Patent number: 11919482Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery housing, a plurality of batteries, and a door step. The battery housing is disposed in a floor area of the vehicle. The batteries are within the battery housing. The door step is located proximate a side of the battery housing. The door step includes an upper running board with a stepping surface and a lower bottom part that is spaced apart from the upper running board and extends parallel to the upper running board to define at least one chamber therebetween. The lower bottom part includes a central weakened area which extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is configured to permit a center region of the door step to buckle upwards in response to a lateral force greater than a predetermined threshold amount of force.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marius Sawatzki, Daniel Meckenstock, Stefan Schneider, Dominik Mueller
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Patent number: 11922791Abstract: A system and method for a vehicle includes detecting within a first predetermined time period of a vehicle ignition transitioning from an OFF status to an ON status: (a) a rear door OPEN status; and (b) at least one of: (i) a stored record of rear seat occupancy; and (ii) a rear seat belt BUCKLED status; and outputting a rear seat occupancy indicator within the vehicle upon detecting the vehicle ignition transitioning from the ON status to the OFF status.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mahmoud Abdelhamid, Meisam Lois Yousif, Manibharathi Gudiyattam Gnanamurugan, Sonya Bentley, Saeed D. Barbat
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Patent number: 11922702Abstract: A plurality of subimages of an image are generated based on output from a random number generator. Each subimage is input to a machine learning program trained to output an object classified in the subimage. When a number of subimages with a same classified object exceeds a threshold, an object in the image is identified as the classified object.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Moore, Sahib Singh, Uttara Thakre
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Patent number: 11922641Abstract: A load-monitoring system includes a vehicle processor and a camera mounted in a trailer. The vehicle, via the processor, displays a first image of a trailer load, received from a trailer-mounted camera and receives selection of a monitoring point on the image, via a touch-sensitive user interface displaying the image or other selection mechanism. The vehicle also receives selection of a fixed point on the image, via the user interface. If the monitoring point moves more than a threshold amount, relative to the fixed point, for example, in subsequent images captured by the camera, the vehicle alerts the driver.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brian Gabel, Joshua Sharpe, Keith Weston, Andrew Brown
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Patent number: 11919580Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example vehicle disclosed herein includes a steering assist system, a steering wheel, and a steering controller to detect a request to move the steering wheel of the vehicle to a first rotational position, the steering wheel having a second rotational position, actuate, via the steering assist system, the steering wheel towards the first rotational position, determine, based on a relationship between a first parameter and a second parameter, a third rotational position, the third rotational position having an angular offset from the first rotational position, the first parameter corresponding to a position of the steering system, the second parameter corresponding to a load on the steering system, and in response to reaching the third rotational position, disengage the steering assist system, the disengagement causing the steering wheel to rotate to the first rotational position.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Zhongzhou Yang, Alex Parker, Zheng Tan, Bo Lin, Justin Sekula, William Bouse
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Patent number: 11919367Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive data indicating that an electric vehicle is in an enclosed space; in response to receiving the data, instruct window actuators of the electric vehicle to open windows of the electric vehicle; and in response to receiving the data, instruct a heater of the electric vehicle to generate heat.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tyler James-Ray Kaldobsky, Daniel Sullivan, George Hart Vrampas, Brendan Jenkins
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Patent number: 11921208Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a first sensing device, a sensor housing, a bracket, a second sensor, and a channel plate. The sensor housing includes a first sensor window and a top panel, and the first sensing device has a field of view through the first sensor window. The bracket is mounted on top of the top plate. The second sensor is held by the bracket and includes a second sensor window. The channel plate is fixed to the bracket. The bracket includes a first nozzle aimed at the first sensor window and a second nozzle aimed at the second sensor window. The bracket includes a channel fluidly connected to the first nozzle and the second nozzle. The channel plate covers the channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Robertson, Jr., Raghuraman Surineedi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Tyler D. Hamilton, Kunal Singh, Shibu Koyadan Chathoth
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Patent number: 11919368Abstract: A heat pump includes a refrigerant loop. The refrigerant loop includes a first heat exchanger, a first region of a second heat exchanger, a third heat exchanger, a fourth heat exchanger, a first heat exchange fluid, a compressor, a vapor generator, and a four-way valve. The compressor includes a low-pressure inlet, a mid-pressure inlet, and an outlet. The vapor generator is positioned downstream of the outlet of the compressor and upstream of both the low-pressure inlet and the mid-pressure inlet. The four-way valve is positioned immediately upstream of the first heat exchanger. At least one component chosen from the group including the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the vapor generator is free from compressor-driven flow of the first heat exchange fluid during a predetermined set of heating modes of operation of the heat pump and a predetermined set of cooling modes of operation of the heat pump.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Rachael Shey, Jeffrey Paul Brown
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Patent number: 11922320Abstract: A dual variational autoencoder-generative adversarial network (VAE-GAN) is trained to transform a real video sequence and a simulated video sequence by inputting the real video data into a real video decoder and a real video encoder and inputting the simulated video data into a synthetic video encoder and a synthetic video decoder. Real loss functions and simulated loss functions are determined based on output from a real video discriminator and a simulated video discriminator, respectively. The real loss functions are backpropagated through the real video encoder and the real video decoder to train the real video encoder and the real video decoder based on the real loss functions. The synthetic loss functions are backpropagated through the synthetic video encoder and the synthetic video decoder to train the synthetic video encoder and the synthetic video decoder based on the synthetic loss functions.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nikita Jaipuria, Eric Frankel
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Patent number: 11919373Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes a first door and a second door movable from an open position to a closed position. The assembly includes a first anchor supported by the first pillar movable along an axis to an engaged position. The assembly includes a first rod supported by the first door movable along an axis to an engaged position. The assembly includes a second rod supported by the second door movable along the axis to an engaged position. The first anchor is lockingly engaged with the first rod when first anchor is in the engaged position. The first rod is lockingly engaged with the second rod when the first rod is in the engaged position and the first anchor is in the engaged position.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Deepak Patel, Zhibing Deng, Joseph E. Abramczyk
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Patent number: 11919352Abstract: A method of optimizing a suspension system to avoid pitch resonance may include determining pitch characteristics of a vehicle for a terrain profile and speed range via a model associated with the vehicle, decoupling front and rear axles by removing pitch inertia from the model, and determining optimized damping for a main damper of a position sensitive damper over a linear range of wheel travel in a bounce control zone based on the pitch characteristics. The method may further include recoupling the front and rear axles by adding the pitch inertia back into the model, and selecting a secondary damper associated with a compression zone or a secondary damper associated with a rebound zone as a selected damper for adjustment based on which of the front and rear axles is limiting. The method may also include performing a damping adjustment to the selected damper and cyclically repeating selecting the secondary damper and performing the damping adjustment until pitch resonance is suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Erik Otten
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Patent number: 11915172Abstract: Robot-assisted package delivery with integrated curbside parking monitoring and curb operations optimization is disclosed herein. An example method includes dispatching a delivery vehicle and delivery robot to a delivery location, the delivery location including a parking location for the delivery vehicle that allows for deployment of the delivery robot on a delivery mission, determining occupancy of the parking location, the delivery vehicle parking at the parking location when the parking location is unoccupied, the delivery robot being deployed upon parking of the delivery vehicle, and instructing the delivery vehicle to remain parked during the delivery mission or to leave the parking location and return at later point in time based on an estimated time of arrival of the delivery robot after the delivery mission.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Richard Twumasi-Boakye, Mohammed Fayaj navaz, Eric Wingfield, Archak Mittal, Xiaolin Cai, James Fishelson, Andrea Broaddus, Jon Coleman, Amit Bhagwan, Dhanush Harihar
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Patent number: 11915185Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to securely deliver items to a vehicle. In particular, a delivery is authenticated before access is provided to the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Shevon Vannitamby, Chris Michael Kava
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Patent number: 11916429Abstract: A power system includes a bidirectional power transfer inverter that receives grid power and can be electrically connected with electric vehicle supply equipment, and an auxiliary battery electrically connected with the bidirectional power transfer inverter and that supplies power to the bidirectional power transfer inverter and electric vehicle supply equipment while the grid power is unavailable.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Timothy Harris, Stuart C. Salter, Ryan O'Gorman, Peter Phung, Katherine Howard-Cone
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Patent number: 11917500Abstract: A method includes identifying a broadcast set of access points from among the plurality of access points based on access point interference data associated with a plurality of access points disposed in an environment, where the access point interference data includes current radio frequency (RF) signal interference data associated with each of the plurality of access points, predicted RF signal interference data associated with each of the plurality of access points, or a combination thereof. The method includes partitioning a data packet into a plurality of data subpackets based on the broadcast set of access points and broadcasting the plurality of data subpackets to a vehicle via the broadcast set of access points.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohsen Bahrami, Navid Tafaghodi Khajavi, Amin Ariannezhad, Elnaz Tavakoli Yazdi
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Patent number: 11916250Abstract: This disclosure relates to a battery assembly of an electrified vehicle, and in particular to a battery pack with a vent gas passageway. An example battery assembly includes a battery array having a plurality of battery cells. Each of the battery cells includes a vent configured to release vent gas from a respective one of the battery cells. Further, the battery assembly includes an enclosure assembly surrounding the battery array, and a vent gas passageway within the enclosure assembly. The vent gas passageway includes a plurality of inlet ports, and each of the inlet ports is substantially aligned with a respective one of the vents.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Di Zhu, June Ren, Yafeng Wang
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Patent number: 11915858Abstract: A temperature sensor arrangement includes a housing having on opposite sides thereof a spring element and cover, and a temperature sensor lead and thermal pad such that the spring element is disposed between one of the sides and the cover, the temperature sensor lead is disposed between the other of the sides and the thermal pad, and the cover and thermal pad define opposite exterior sides of the temperature sensor arrangement. The housing carries and permits relative movement of the cover. The spring pushes the cover away from the one of the sides.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Fan Wang, Serdar Yonak
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Patent number: 11914914Abstract: A system includes a display screen positioned to display on an exterior of a host vehicle, a user interface of the host vehicle, and a computer communicatively coupled to the display screen and the user interface. The computer is programmed to, in response to detecting a target vehicle having prespecified indicia, instruct the user interface to output an instruction to an occupant of the host vehicle, and in response to detecting personnel from the target vehicle, instruct the display screen to output a message to the personnel.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Hussein H. Berry, Lucretia Williams, Monica Lam, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Clay Carpenter
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Patent number: 11916343Abstract: There is provided a current transferring device for an electric machine comprising a rotary bearing member fixed in a rotor shaft and rotating with it and a non-rotary component. The rotary bearing member includes a first compartment filled with a conducting fluid and having a first opening and a rotor positive connector that is in electrical contact with the conducting fluid therein and electrically connected to a rotor positive pole, and a second compartment filled with a conducting fluid and electrically insulated from the first compartment and having a second opening and a rotor negative connector that is in electrical contact with the conducting fluid therein and electrically connected to a rotor negative pole. The non-rotary component closes the first and second openings.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chuan Deng, Guohua Du, Yigang Yuan
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Patent number: 11913554Abstract: This disclosure details a coolant distribution module as used in a thermal management systems for thermally managing electrified vehicle components. An exemplary coolant distribution module includes a module body including a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports, a first manifold valve encompassed within the module body, and a second manifold valve encompassed within the module body. The first manifold valve includes a plurality of first valve inputs wherein each first valve input is in communication with at least one inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports, and a plurality of first valve outputs wherein each first valve output is in communication with at least one outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2023Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ravi Gopal, Daniel C. Huang
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Patent number: 11913394Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for improving operation of an engine that includes an evaporative emissions system. In one example, the methods and systems adjust an amount of fuel that is delivered to a pre-chamber of an igniter in response to purging fuel vapors and/or an indication of hydrocarbon breakthrough of a carbon filled fuel vapor storage canister.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2023Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aed Dudar, Thomas Leone
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Patent number: 11912235Abstract: While a vehicle is in a minimal power state, a first sensor is activated based on a location of the vehicle within a monitored area. The vehicle is transitioned to an on state based on detecting an object via data from the first sensor. Then the vehicle is operated to block an exit from the monitored area based on identifying the object as an unauthorized object.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Sam Harris, Tarik Safir, Donald Paul Bilger, Thomas Joseph Hermann, Todd Ansbacher
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Patent number: 11912274Abstract: A system comprises a computer having a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to access sensor data of a first sensor of a vehicle while an adaptive cruise control feature of the vehicle is active, detect, based on the sensor data of the first sensor, a stationary object located along a path of travel of the vehicle, wherein the stationary object is located outside of a range of a second sensor of the vehicle, determine a presence of an intersection within a threshold distance of the stationary object that is along the path of travel of the vehicle, and responsive to a determination that the stationary object is a stopped vehicle of the intersection, adjust, by the adaptive cruise control feature, the speed of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Timothy D. Zwicky, Jeremy Lerner, Xingping Chen, Dina Tayim, Ryan Jones, Taylor Hawley
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Patent number: 11913852Abstract: A sensor system includes a pump, a valve supplied from the pump, a sensor fixed relative to the pump, a nozzle supplied from the valve and aimed at the sensor, and a computer communicatively coupled to the pump, the valve, and the sensor. The computer is programmed to instruct the pump to operate; while the pump is operating, instruct the valve to close; receive data from the sensor while the pump is operating and the valve is instructed to be closed; and set a flag upon determining, based on the data received from the sensor, that the nozzle is outputting fluid onto the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2020Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ashwin Arunmozhi, Venkatesh Krishnan, Segundo Baldovino, Kunal Singh
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Patent number: 11915538Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable to determine a currently activatable feature on a vehicle from a plurality of features; establish negotiations between each of a plurality of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) anchors of the vehicle and at least one mobile device; select a search strategy based on the currently activatable feature; upon selecting the search strategy, during a search iteration, determine distance data to at least one mobile device from a subset of UWB anchors, and inhibit a remainder of the UWB anchors other than the subset; perform a trilateral calculation on the distance data for the mobile device; and actuate a component of the vehicle according to the currently activatable feature based on a result of the trilateral calculation.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2022Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ryan Joseph Gorski, Vivekanandh Elangovan, John Robert Van Wiemeersch
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Patent number: 11912164Abstract: This disclosure relates to an electrified vehicle with a thermal management system for a battery. A corresponding method is also disclosed. An example electrified vehicle includes a battery and a thermal management system configured to thermally condition the battery at one of a plurality of thermal conditioning levels. Each of the thermal conditioning levels corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of battery temperature thresholds. The electrified vehicle further includes a controller. The controller is configured to determine which of the plurality of battery temperature thresholds is met or exceeded based on a temperature of the battery and to command the thermal management system to thermally condition the battery at corresponding one of the plurality of thermal conditioning levels. Further, when a state of health of the battery is outside a predefined range, the controller is configured to adjust each of the plurality of battery temperature thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Xiaohong Nina Duan, Yanan Zhao, Ming Lang Kuang
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Patent number: 11916420Abstract: A charge level of a sensor battery providing power to a sensor in a vehicle is determined. A charge depletion of the sensor battery is determined based on the charge level. A recharge rate to recharge the sensor battery is determined based on a time elapsed on a previously traveled path, a current charge level, and the charge depletion. Upon activation of the vehicle, one or both of a propulsion or a vehicle battery is actuated to recharge the sensor battery at the recharge rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2021Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Stuart C. Salter, Donald Paul Bilger, Tarik Safir, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Zeljko Deljevic, Sam Harris
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Patent number: D1016682Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2022Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Soohyoung Kim, Damon G. Depeyster, William Mangan