Ford Patents

Ford Motor Company is a a global automotive manufacturer and distributor of Ford and Lincoln branded vehicles.

Ford Patents by Type
  • Ford Patents Granted: Ford patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Ford Patent Applications: Ford patent applications that are pending before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Publication number: 20240051479
    Abstract: A high-voltage module, such as a traction battery, a traction inverter, or a DC/DC converter of a traction powertrain of an electrified vehicle (EV), includes an enclosure, an electronics assembly for performing electrical power operations, and a fuse box for providing a power distribution and fuse protection arrangement to the electronics assembly. The enclosure includes a main enclosure portion and a secondary enclosure portion integrated together. The electronics assembly is housed within the main enclosure portion and the fuse box is housed within the secondary enclosure portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Michael Baydoun, Senate Ghanim, David A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20240051142
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method of assembling a plurality of rotor cores for an electric converter. The method includes providing a core robotic system employing force control feedback and an insert assembly robotic (IAR) system; placing a rotor core of the plurality of rotor cores on a mandrel by the core robotic system employing force control feedback, wherein each rotor core from the plurality of rotor cores includes a plurality of cavities; and placing a plurality of magnetizable inserts into the plurality of cavities in the rotor core by the insert assembly robotic (IAR) system employing force control feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, ABB Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Briscoe, Nick Sochacki, Al Marrocco, Arnold Bell, James Jozwiak
  • Publication number: 20240051359
    Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a computer that includes a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions executable by the processor to acquire a first image with a sensor, wherein the sensor is calibrated with a fiducial marker to determine a real world location of a reference plane. An image of an object is acquired with the sensor to determine that the object is located on the reference plane by determining object feature points. A location of the object is determined in real world coordinates including depth based on the object feature points. The system is operated based on the location of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Kunle Olutomilayo
  • Publication number: 20240051523
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive sensor data indicating an obstacle, formulate a control barrier function for a vehicle based on the sensor data, determine a control input based on the control barrier function, and actuate a component of the vehicle according to the control input. The control barrier function is defined with respect to a reference point that is spaced from a centroid of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohit Srinivasan, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Michael Hafner, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Abhishek Sharma, Erol Dogan Sumer, Alexander Jaeckel, Aakar Mehra
  • Publication number: 20240053487
    Abstract: Systems and methods for transforming autonomous aerial vehicle sensor data between platforms are disclosed herein. An example method can include receiving, by an UAV, vehicle radar data and radar calibration data from a vehicle, as well as location information for a location of the vehicle, determining a simulated UAV at the location, establishing an orientation for a simulated radar on a bottom of the simulated UAV, determining a height for the simulated UAV to match a field of view of the simulated radar, performing a geometrical transformation to convert the vehicle radar data set into a UAV perspective, converting the vehicle radar data into a vehicle coordinate frame using the radar calibration using vehicle global positioning system (GPS) coordinates, converting the vehicle coordinate frame from a global frame into a UAV coordinate frame using UAV GPS coordinates, and converting the UAV coordinate frame into simulated radar sensor frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Chao, Ganesh Kumar, Apurbaa Mallik
  • Publication number: 20240051749
    Abstract: Automated package translation apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus can include a grid having a plurality of tiles, each of the plurality of tiles including translation members that are controlled by translation motors, the translation members providing movement of a bin in at least two directions, as well as gates that allow or prevent the bin from translating across a tile to an adjacent tile. The gates can be controlled by gate motors. A controller having a processor and memory, the processor executes instructions stored in the memory to activate the translation motors and the gate motors in a predetermined sequence to move the bin from a first tile to a second tile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Michael Lundeen, John Randolf Vincent, Timothy Mark Feldkamp, Yifan Chen, Justen Fry
  • Publication number: 20240053747
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive operation data generated by first components of a vehicle; determine that the vehicle is being operated autonomously by an on-board autonomous-operation module based on the operation data without using output from the on-board autonomous-operation module; and upon determining that the vehicle is being operated autonomously, actuate a second component of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Michael Herman, Alexander George Shanku, Yashanshu Jain
  • Publication number: 20240051369
    Abstract: A method for defogging a window of a vehicle includes steps of automatically selecting a climate control system operating mode and determining a risk of window fogging. The climate control system operating mode is selected from an outside air mode, an air-conditioning mode, and a defrost mode. A controller determines the risk of window fogging according to one or more inputs, and the same or a different controller may automatically select the climate control system operating mode. The controller is configured to increase a climate control system blower speed to increase a rate of airflow provided by the currently-actuated climate control system operating mode. The controller may sequentially advance the climate control system operating mode through the outside air mode, air-conditioning mode, and defrost mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Gutowski, Manfred Koberstein, William Stewart Johnston
  • Publication number: 20240055212
    Abstract: A high-voltage module, such as a traction battery, a traction inverter, or a DC/DC converter of a traction powertrain of an electrified vehicle (EV), includes an enclosure and a fuse box. An electronics assembly for performing electrical power operations is housed within the enclosure. The enclosure has a socket. The fuse box is removably insertable into the socket of the enclosure. The fuse box connects to the electronics assembly while the fuse box is inserted into the socket of the enclosure for the fuse box to provide a power distribution and fuse protection arrangement to the electronics assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohammed Michael Baydoun, Senate Ghanim, Darko Acevski, Douglas G. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20240054673
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to receive an image frame from a camera, the image frame showing a vehicle, determine a two-dimensional bounding box around the vehicle in the image frame, determine a first three-dimensional point that is an intersection between (a) a ray extending from the camera through a center of the two-dimensional bounding box and (b) a first plane that is parallel to a ground plane, determine a second three-dimensional point on the vehicle, and determine an orientation of the vehicle based on the first three-dimensional point, the second three-dimensional point, and the ground plane. The ground plane represents a surface on which the vehicle sits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shubham Shrivastava, Bhushan Ghadge, Punarjay Chakravarty
  • Patent number: 11897320
    Abstract: A vehicle door includes a belt structure and a rigid handle having a rigid base and a rigid outer grip portion. The rigid outer grip portion includes a portion that is spaced apart from the base to form a gap. The base of the handle is rigidly connected to the belt structure whereby the outer grip portion of the handle does not move relative to the belt structure. The vehicle door may include a powered door opening mechanism that moves a portion of the door away from a vehicle body when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chester Stanislaus Walawender, Francis Raymond Gillis, Rajesh K. Patel, Thomas Michael Herline
  • Patent number: 11897389
    Abstract: A mold assembly, for an overhead console button carrier having a unitary body, includes a cavity side and a core side. The core side includes at least one zero draft core insert, a first buried retractor mechanism and a first slide mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Satyanarayana Raju Vemulapati, Todd Jared Konet, Derren Woods, Wei Xu, Alex Lince
  • Patent number: 11897476
    Abstract: Systems and methods for performing closed-in-bore diagnostics for a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, select operating conditions may be evaluated before closed-in-bore diagnostics may be initiated. In addition, charging of one or more batteries may be reduced to ensure that an engine throttle may operate with a small opening amount to evaluate the presence or absence of sludge in the engine throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Panhans, Minku Lee, Fazal U. Syed, Alec Bolthouse, Francis Thomas Connolly, Josh Holland
  • Patent number: 11897313
    Abstract: A method for defogging a window of a vehicle includes steps of automatically selecting a climate control system operating mode and determining a risk of window fogging. The climate control system operating mode is selected from an outside air mode, an air-conditioning mode, and a defrost mode. A controller determines the risk of window fogging according to one or more inputs, and the same or a different controller may automatically select the climate control system operating mode. The controller is configured to increase a climate control system blower speed to increase a rate of airflow provided by the currently-actuated climate control system operating mode. The controller may sequentially advance the climate control system operating mode through the outside air mode, air-conditioning mode, and defrost mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Gutowski, Manfred Koberstein, William Stewart Johnston
  • Patent number: 11898935
    Abstract: A test apparatus for simulating road conditions for a motor vehicle. The test apparatus includes a platform, a pair of roller assemblies, and a driveshaft. The pair of roller assemblies are coupled to the platform. Each pair of roller assemblies being configured to receive a pair of wheels of the motor vehicle. The driveshaft is secured between the pair of roller assemblies and is configured to transmit rotary power from one of the pair of roller assemblies to the other of the pair of roller assemblies. An orientation of the platform is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Pistole, Mark Thomas Weston
  • Patent number: 11897334
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a vehicle body, a plurality of RF signal receivers located at a plurality of locations within the vehicle, a portable pet bowl configured to be transported in the vehicle body, the pet bowl including a container for holding content such as water, an RF signal transmitter located on the pet bowl for transmitting an RF signal, and a controller for processing the RF signal received by each of the plurality of RF signal receivers and determining a location of the pet bowl based on the received RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Annette Lynn Huebner, Marguerite Lynn Kimball, Hussein Berry, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Pietro Buttolo
  • Patent number: 11899750
    Abstract: A computer, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to train a quantile neural network to input an image and output a lower quantile (LQ) prediction, a median quantile (MQ) prediction and an upper quantile (UQ) prediction corresponding to an object in the image, wherein an LQ loss, an MQ loss and a UQ loss are determined for the LQ prediction, the MQ prediction and the UQ prediction respectively and wherein the LQ loss, the MQ loss and the UQ loss are combined to form a base layer loss and output the quantile neural network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Venkatesh Sriram
  • Patent number: 11900309
    Abstract: A system for delivering items or packages to an unattended vehicle after receiving an order for delivery of an item or package to a vehicle is disclosed. The system determines identifying information for the vehicle, where the identifying information includes a wireless identifier of the vehicle. The system determines a delivery location of the vehicle. The system transmits a request to dispatch a delivery vehicle to deliver a package to the vehicle, wherein the request comprises the identifying information and the delivery location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aysha Habbaba, John Weizhong Luo, Lynn Valerie Keiser, Hyung Min Baek, Sudipto Aich, Simon Murtha Smith, Alexander Silvio Muller, Jennifer L. Brace
  • Patent number: 11897427
    Abstract: A cargo space cover for a vehicle, the cargo space cover comprising a body comprising a first panel, a second panel, a tote bottom, a first tote wing, and a second tote wing; and at least one coupling portion. The cargo space cover operates in a cover configuration and a tote configuration. While the at least one coupling portion of each the first edge of the first panel and the second edge of the second panel each couple to an a first side wall of the interior of the vehicle and a second side wall of the interior of the vehicle, the cargo space cover is held in the cover configuration. While two of the first panel, the second panel, and the tote bottom operably couple to each of the first tote wing and the second tote wing the cargo space cover is held in the tote configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alejandro Rosas Vazquez, Maria Fernanda Medina Luna
  • Patent number: 11897403
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for supporting and executing automated control of adjustable components of a vehicle based on occupant classification in a group identity database. Methods and systems for generating and employing the group identity database are also disclosed. Occupancy information may be utilized to determine how the group identity database is employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Alfred Ostrowski, Leopoldo Urbina, Akshay Dirisala, Elizabeth Anne Manwell, Austin Kirchner
  • Patent number: 11898687
    Abstract: An apparatus that has a conduit and an impact absorber assembly. The impact absorber assembly includes a core and a frame, where the core has an aperture configured to receive the conduit and the frame includes a cavity sized and shaped to receive the core. The frame also has a first side wall and a second side wall that are spaced apart to define, at least in part, a cavity. The first and second side walls also include an intermediate portion that includes a waveform shape. The waveform shape includes at least a pair of ridges and a trough between the ridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ernesto Garduño Ramírez
  • Patent number: 11898657
    Abstract: An exemplary thermal management system includes, among other things, a valve, a radiator loop configured to be connected to the valve, a power electronics loop configured to be connected to the valve, a heater loop configured to be connected to the valve, and a battery loop configured to be connected to the valve. The valve is configured to connect one or more of the radiator, power electronics, heater, and battery loops together and the valve is configured to isolate at least one of the radiator, power electronics, heater, and battery loops from any remaining loops of the radiator, power electronics, heater, and battery loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Brent Schoeneman, Michael Joseph Giunta
  • Patent number: 11898527
    Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting and scheduling which of a plurality of engine starting devices starts an internal combustion engine of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a scheduled start of the internal combustion engine via a driveline disconnect clutch is withdrawn during conditions when both a transmission gear shift is requested or in process and when a driver urgency level is greater than a threshold level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Maruthi Ravichandran, Akshay Bichkar, Marin Assaliyski, Corey James Blue
  • Patent number: 11896857
    Abstract: A respirator includes a head unit configured to be received on a human head and a purifying unit configured to provide purified air to the head unit. The purifying unit includes a first housing portion having an interior side defining a blower cavity, an exterior side defining a partial filter chamber with a filter sealing surface, and an inlet hole circumscribed by the sealing surface and extending between the interior and exterior sides. A second housing portion has an interior side defining a blower cavity. The first and second housings are attached to each other to form a housing such that the blower cavities are opposite each other to define a blower chamber within the housing. A blower is disposed in the blower chamber. A filter covers over the inlet hole and is disposed against the sealing surface such that air entering the hole passes through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Manfred Koberstein, Clay Wesley Maranville, William Stewart Johnston, Jennifer A. Herr-Rathke, Nicholas Andrew Mazzocchi
  • Patent number: 11897425
    Abstract: A fluid storage system for a vehicle cargo area is provided that includes a container that includes a first container portion and a second container portion orthogonal to the first container portion. The fluid storage system further includes an attachment assembly that includes a container attachment affixed to the container and a vehicle attachment affixed to a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cesar Adolfo Prieto Sanchez, Francisco Edgar Guizar
  • Patent number: 11897426
    Abstract: A damper for a vehicle cargo panel includes an adaptor body that has an attachment surface and an engagement surface. A plurality of flexures outwardly extend from the engagement surface of the adaptor body and has a planar extension that is coupled to the engagement surface and a curved end. The plurality of flexures is operable between an extended condition and a compressed condition. A coupling member is disposed on the adaptor body and is configured to couple the adaptor body to said vehicle cargo panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diego Fabricio Villacrés Mesías, Jose Nicolas Juarez Espinoza, Humberto Memetla Martinez
  • Patent number: 11901769
    Abstract: A stator includes a plurality of same laminations each defining a piloting tab on a perimeter thereof, and stacked to form a stator body and such that the piloting tabs define at least two axially extending serrated edge portions spaced apart from one another around a perimeter of the stator body or at least two sets of axially aligned housing contact pads spaced apart from one another around the perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Franco Leonardi, Brian Christian Orr, Joel Hetrick
  • Patent number: 11897461
    Abstract: A method includes identifying an object that is invading a lane that an autonomous vehicle is occupying, and generating a constraint about a point of crossing, where the constraint has a direction and a length, and the point of crossing represents a location of where the object and the autonomous vehicle will collide if the object maintains its current trajectory and the autonomous vehicle maintains its current trajectory. The method includes applying the constraint to a motion plan associated with the autonomous vehicle, and issuing one or more commands to adjust movement of the autonomous vehicle in response to encountering the constraint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ramadev Burigsay Hukkeri, Zhongkui Wang
  • Patent number: 11898512
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cold starting an internal combustion engine are described. In one example, fuel is delivered in four equal amounts into a cylinder during a cycle of the cylinder. The fuel is injected so as to reduce cylinder wall wetting, raise combustion stability, and increase exhaust system heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaogang Zhang, Steven Wooldridge, Gary Coulson, David Bruce Reiche
  • Patent number: 11898515
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a vehicle engine fuel system. In one embodiment the method comprises indicating degradation of each of a low-pressure fuel pump and a fuel filter based on a comparison of a pressure differential between a high-pressure pump pressure setting to an actual pressure and a demanded fuel flow to an engine, the indication distinguishing between pump ageing and filter degradation. The method may include adjusting operation of the low-pressure fuel pump in response to the comparison of the high-pressure pump pressure setting and pressure of fuel entering a high-pressure pump. In one example, the fuel filter may be positioned to filter fuel drawn from a fuel tank before entering the low-pressure fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yun Xing, John Erik Mikael Hellstrom, Natalie Remisoski
  • Patent number: 11897370
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a passenger compartment. A wall is positioned within the passenger compartment. A support structure is positioned on the wall. The support structure defines a series of slots. A seating assembly engages at least one of the slots of the series of slots such that the seating assembly is suspended above a floor of the passenger compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Robert Allen Bastuba, Jr., Collin Joshua Smith, Robert Charles Shipley, Francisco Edgar Guizar, Scott Culver Anderson
  • Patent number: 11898382
    Abstract: A vehicle having powered door access is provided including a powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, at least one sensor for sensing a first user approaching the vehicle, and a transceiver for communicating with another vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller determining a distance of the first user from the vehicle and communicating with the other vehicle which determines a second user from the other vehicle, wherein the controller prioritizes which of the vehicle and the other vehicle is granted permission to open a door based on the distances of the first user and the second user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Kristopher Karl Brown, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Hussein H. Berry
  • Patent number: 11897546
    Abstract: A delivery system for delivery items includes sidewalls that define a cargo space. A retention assembly is operably coupled to the sidewalls. The retention assembly includes a housing and a retention feature that is operably coupled to the housing. The retention feature has an attachment portion and a control unit that is operably coupled with the retention feature. A controller is communicatively coupled to the control unit of the retention assembly, and a memory storage is communicatively coupled with the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Young-Chae Hong, Kurt Michael Lundeen
  • Patent number: 11897437
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for heat sanitizing a vehicle. In one example, a method may include, responsive to receiving a request for sanitization of a vehicle interior, activating an ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system and operating a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system to heat the vehicle interior above an upper threshold temperature for a threshold duration. In this way, the HVAC system may be advantageously used to expose the vehicle interior to temperatures that kill or inactive microbes while the UVGI system may supplement the heat sanitizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alan Gutowski, Curtis Jones, Fred Koberstein, Stephen White, Peter Mitchell Lyon, John Rollinger, Scott Thompson, M. Scott Christensen, David Hancock, Adam Richards, Steve Skikun, Frank Fusco
  • Patent number: 11897318
    Abstract: An air sanitizing apparatus for a vehicle comprising: an ozone generator; a negative ion generator; and an ultraviolet radiation source. The air sanitizing apparatus further includes a rotating feature and a motor operably connected to the rotating feature, the rotating feature configured to move the air sanitizing apparatus along a track system. The air sanitizing apparatus can includes a first end portion; a second end portion; a middle portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion, the middle portion rotatable relative to the first end portion and the second end portion about an axis that extends through both the first end portion and the second end portion. The ozone generator, the negative ion generator, and the ultraviolet radiation source are all disposed at the middle portion. The air sanitizing apparatus is disposed in an interior of a vehicle below but adjacent to a ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Michael Kolich, Daniel Ferretti, Scott H. Dunham
  • Patent number: 11897423
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a running board for a motor vehicle, and in particular relates to a linkage assembly for the running board and a corresponding method of using the same. An example running board assembly includes a deck and a linkage assembly configured to guide movement of the deck. The linkage assembly includes a first link and a second link further from the deck than the first link. The second link is curved such that the second link exhibits a concave contour from a perspective of the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Kipley, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Stuart C. Salter, Peter Simeon Lazarevski, David Brian Glickman
  • Patent number: 11897447
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes generating initial state of charge and vehicle velocity profiles for a travel route, for each initial velocity setpoint defining the vehicle velocity profile, generating a plurality of updated state of charge setpoints, for each of the initial velocity setpoints, selecting one of the updated state of charge setpoints to define an updated state of charge profile, for each of the updated state of charge setpoints that defines the updated state of charge profile, generating a plurality of updated velocity setpoints, for each of the updated state of charge setpoints that defines the updated state of charge profile, selecting one of the updated velocity setpoints to define an updated velocity profile, and controlling operation of an electric machine and engine according to the updated state of charge profile and updated velocity profile over the travel route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ming Cheng, Bokai Chen, Yousaf Rahman, Ming Lang Kuang
  • Patent number: 11897428
    Abstract: An interior system for a vehicle includes a seating assembly that is coupled to the vehicle. An armrest corresponding with and in a spaced-relationship with the seating assembly is operable to translate in a seating assembly-lateral direction from a first position to a second position. In the first position of the armrest, the armrest is a first distance from the seating assembly. In the second position of the armrest, the armrest is a second distance from the seating assembly. The first distance is greater than the second distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jesse Rene Diephuis, Michael John Harmon, Andrew Brand, Ryan Wayne Warner, Andrew Smith
  • Patent number: 11902763
    Abstract: An apparatus includes, among other things, a support configured to be connected to a power source and at least one rigid panel attached to the support. The at least one rigid panel is moveable between a deployed position and a stowed position. At least one exciter is supported on the at least one rigid panel and is configured to selectively generate sound when powered by the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Hussein Berry, Ryan O'Gorman, Gabriella Jacobsen, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Annette Lynn Huebner
  • Patent number: 11897441
    Abstract: A method for controlling an activation state of a braking-torque assistance system for reducing intake of braking energy in a service-brake system of a vehicle includes capturing and evaluating a plurality of demand indications for a startup of the braking-torque assistance system. If the evaluation of the captured plurality of demand indications reveals a demand for the startup of the braking-torque assistance system, a plurality of operating conditions of the service-brake system are captures and evaluated over a monitoring period. If, in turn, the evaluation of the captured plurality of operating conditions reveals that an overheating of the service-brake system is imminent, the braking-torque assistance system is actuated and one or more deactivation conditions of the braking-torque assistance system are checked. If the deactivation conditions are satisfied, the braking-torque assistance system is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Wilwers, Thomas Svensson, Eugen Weber, Lowell Kubik
  • Patent number: 11897384
    Abstract: A vehicle lighting-based roadway obstacle notification for a motor vehicle has a vehicle headlamp system with a controllable light distribution. A camera is aligned parallel to a forward driving direction records a part of the roadway surface lying in front of the motor vehicle which includes a multiplicity of roadway detection paths. Camera data are individually evaluated in relation to ranges and at least one quantity from among a magnitude of a vertical dimension hi of the roadway, a magnitude of a gradient gradx;i of the roadway, and an instantaneous speed vmom of the motor vehicle, with respect to the roadway detection paths. When at least one predetermined condition in respect of at least one of these quantities is complied with, the vehicle headlamp system is controlled in order to illuminate a part of the width of the roadway in which a roadway anomaly has been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Georg J. Maurer, Cyril Coerman, Uwe D. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 11897468
    Abstract: While operating a host vehicle in an area, a target vehicle is identified in a sub-area based on detecting a visual cue from the target vehicle. A future location of the target vehicle is predicted to intersect a path of the host vehicle. A stop position of the host vehicle is determined based on the future location of the target vehicle. At least one of the target vehicle is determined to have moved or the path of the host vehicle is updated. Then, the host vehicle is operated to the stop position or along the updated path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Luke Niewiadomski, Li Xu, Kyle Simmons
  • Publication number: 20240042483
    Abstract: A system for thermally treating components includes an indirect-fired oven, the indirect-fired oven having an internal chamber configured to house the components and an air intake in fluid communication with the internal chamber. A source of heat is disposed external to the internal chamber of the indirect-fired oven, and a combustion source is disposed external to the internal chamber of the indirect-fired oven and is configured to generate gas combustion products. An exhaust line is in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the indirect-fired oven, and the gas combustion products are introduced into the internal chamber of the indirect-fired oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Mark Clinton Melvin
  • Publication number: 20240046563
    Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores instructions executable by the processor to jointly train a geometric NeRF multilayer perceptron (MLP) and a color NeRF MLP to model a scene using an occupancy grid map, camera data of the scene from a camera, and lidar data of the scene from a lidar; supervise the geometric NeRF MLP with the lidar data during the joint training; and supervise the color NeRF MLP with the camera data during the joint training. The geometric NeRF MLP is a neural radiance field modeling a geometry of the scene, and the color NeRF MLP is a neural radiance field modeling colors of the scene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
    Inventors: Alexandra Carlson, Nikita Jaipuria, Punarjay Chakravarty, Manikandasriram Srinivasan Ramanagopal, Ramanarayan Vasudevan, Katherine Skinner
  • Publication number: 20240048674
    Abstract: A projector arrangement for a vehicle includes an attachment mechanism that selectively couples with a rear door of the vehicle. The projector arrangement further includes a video projector coupled with the attachment mechanism. The video projector is configured to project image data in a direction toward the vehicle when the rear door is in an open position. A portable container selectively houses the attachment mechanism and the video projector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: María Fernanda Mohar Castillo, Ligia Olivares Espinosa, Emiliano Reyes Pardo, Gabriel Pérez Trueba
  • Publication number: 20240043067
    Abstract: A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle pillar and a unitized reinforcement bracket. The unitized reinforcement bracket is mounted to the vehicle pillar and includes a reinforcement body and one or more stanchions. The reinforcement body extends along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle pillar. The stanchions are located at an inboard side of the vehicle pillar and are configured for mounting a vehicle component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Freeman, Nicholas Stone Nace
  • Publication number: 20240042904
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly convertible between a use position and a non-use position. The vehicle seat assembly includes a seat with a seat cushion support, a seatback, a base that connects to a vehicle, a front pivot linkage supported by the base by a first joint and pivotally connected to the seat cushion support by a second joint, and a rear foot pivotally supported by the base by a third joint. A pivoting movement of the rear foot about the third joint is lockable. The rear foot is connected to the seatback by a fourth joint. The vehicle seat also includes a fifth joint that connects the seatback to the seat cushion support, wherein the fourth joint is a latch and the fifth joint provides a free pivot, and wherein the fourth joint is latched when the seat moves from the use position to a boarding non-use position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt Leon Kormos, Rabindranath Persad, Thomas J. Susko, Frank Glenn Walega
  • Patent number: D1014356
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Sims, Cary Ochen Diehl
  • Patent number: D1014542
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Luke Niewiadomski, Roger Trombley, Seyed Armin Raeis Hosseiny, Bo Bao, Katherine Rouen, Benjamin Dion, Clay Cundiff
  • Patent number: D1014834
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kemal Curic, Earl Lucas, Shawn Wehrly, Viet Nguyen