Patents by Inventor Ford Global Technologies LLC

Ford Global Technologies LLC has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20130210573
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a vehicle powertrain includes a planetary gearset including an input and an output, for producing a speed reduction of the output relative to the input, a sprocket secured to the input, a differential housing secured to the output, a casing, a first bearing for supporting the sprocket for rotation on the casing, and a second bearing for supporting the differential housing for rotation relative to the sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130202855
    Abstract: A method of preparing a mycelium component, including growing live mycelium from a fungal inoculum and a liquid aggregate. The live mycelium is cured to terminate further mycelium growth and form a mycelium structure. Moisture is applied to the mycelium structure such that the mycelium structure is nearly fully saturated. The mycelium structure is dried to form a hardened mycelium structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130199466
    Abstract: A system for an engine comprising: a crankshaft with four crank throws, wherein, the first and the second crank throw are arranged offset by 180° CA from the third and the fourth crank throws; four cylinders corresponding to the four crank throws, the four cylinders arranged in two cylinder groups, the first cylinder group comprising the first and second cylinder, and the second cylinder group comprising the third and fourth cylinder; an exhaust manifold, wherein, exhaust lines within each of the two cylinder groups merge forming two component exhaust lines, and the two component exhaust lines merge into an overall exhaust line; and an ignition sequence such that each ignition is offset by 180° CA, and ignition of cylinders within the two cylinder groups is offset by 360° CA. In this way exhaust lines within the exhaust manifold can remain short and backpressure from sequential, adjacent cylinder ignition is minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130204510
    Abstract: A method for reducing the thermal load of an internal combustion engine without substantially reducing its power output is described. The method includes adjusting an engine air-fuel ratio responsive to one or more of a charge air over-temperature, a coolant over-temperature and an engine efficiency parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130199018
    Abstract: A fixture for positioning a component in a desired location in a first plane for assembly, machining, or other processing related to manufacturing. The fixture includes a holder establishing a reference position within a second plane parallel with the first plane, and a pin retained by the holder for movement relative thereto in the second plane within a range of coarse alignment about the reference position. The pin and holder are movable together normal to the second plane to engage the pin with the locating feature. A fixing element is movable, when the pin is engaged with the feature, to urge the pin to the reference position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130199490
    Abstract: A block for an internal combustion engine having at least one coated cylinder bore, which has a chamfer at a sealing surface with respect to a cylinder head, wherein the chamfer is a curved chamfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130197750
    Abstract: A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130197751
    Abstract: A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130189600
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle including a fuel cell system and an energy storage unit includes, if the fuel cell system is charging the energy storage unit, determining an average ratio of (i) a change in energy stored in the energy storage unit and (ii) a mass of hydrogen consumed by the fuel cell system to generate the change in energy stored in the energy storage unit. The method also includes, if the fuel cell system is not charging the energy storage unit, selecting a target operating power for the fuel cell system based on vehicle power demand and the determined ratio that sufficiently minimizes drive cycle hydrogen consumption by the fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130190976
    Abstract: A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130186351
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine cylinder head has a coolant jacket with a first supply opening and a first discharge opening. A cylinder block coolant jacket has a second supply opening and a second discharge opening. A coolant circuit connects the discharge openings to the supply openings via a recirculation line and a heat exchanger. A control unit has an inlet connected to a pump outlet, a first outlet connected to the first supply opening, a second outlet connected to the second supply opening, and a single setting element. The setting element has a first working position that opens up the first outlet and blocks the second outlet such that the coolant circuit is activated through the cylinder head and is deactivated through the cylinder block. The setting element has a second working position that opens up both the first outlet and the second outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130190975
    Abstract: A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130184898
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to remote operator assistance for one or more user commands at a vehicle. The operator assistance may occur via a vehicle computing system. One or more instances of an unsuccessful attempt to perform a user command may be received by the vehicle computing system. After detection of a predetermined number of instances, a connection may be established, via the vehicle computing system, with a remotely located system. The remotely-located system may be operated by a human operator in order to assist with performance of the user command. An information exchange may be facilitated between the vehicle and the remotely located system operated by the human operator. The information exchange may relate to the user command. The user command may be performed in the vehicle based on information obtained from the remotely-located system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130174536
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for protecting a DPF in the exhaust section of an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle from unintentional combustion of soot in the DPF. According to the invention, the motor vehicle is a hybrid vehicle having at least one electric machine and is able to be driven exclusively by one or more electric machine(s) for some time. The vehicle is operated in a DPF protection mode if the system detects that unintentional combustion of soot is taking place or threatening to take place in the DPF, initiating an automatic decoupling of the combustion engine from the wheel drive train, forward propulsion demands by the driver are met exclusively with the aid of the one or more electric machine(s), and the combustion engine is switched off completely or is operated with stable stoichiometric combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130174546
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a cylinder and an exhaust-gas turbocharger comprising a compressor arranged in an intake system and a turbine arranged in an exhaust-gas discharge system. Various lines are provided for conducting gases including 1) a bypass line branching off from the inlet system downstream of the compressor so as to form an inlet-side junction, and 2) a recirculation line branching off from the exhaust-gas discharge system upstream of the turbine so as to form an outlet-side junction which opens into the bypass line. A first control element at the outlet-side junction adjusts an exhaust-gas quantity conducted through the recirculation line. A second control element at the inlet-side junction has a first position that separates the bypass line from the cylinder and connects the intake line to the cylinder, and a second position that separates the intake line from the cylinder and connects the bypass line to the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130175124
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a brake device, in particular of a motor vehicle, wherein the brake device comprises a service brake and a mechanical parking brake, wherein the parking brake can be actuated by means of a mechanical actuating element, comprising at least the steps of establishing that the actuating element has been moved from an idle position into a position of use, simultaneously controlling a pressure-increasing element, so that a hydraulic pressure is generated, which hydraulic pressure acts on a brake element that is common with the holding element, blocking the common brake element of the service brake and the parking brake with a mechanical block of the mechanical parking brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130178318
    Abstract: A drive system includes a differential for transmitting power between a power source and first axles; a clutch including a first member driveably connected to the power source and a second member secured to a power transfer shaft; and a servo including a cylinder connected to a pressure source, a piston displaceable in the cylinder for mutually disconnecting the first and second members and allowing mutual engagement of the first and second members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130174547
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and an observer for determining the exhaust manifold temperature in a turbocharged engine upstream of the turbine. In one example, a method for determining an exhaust manifold temperature in a turbocharged engine, said engine including a turbocharger and a turbine and said exhaust manifold temperature including a temperature upstream of the turbine, said method comprises estimating a value of the exhaust manifold temperature based on a model, measuring a temperature downstream of the turbine, and correcting the value of the exhaust manifold temperature based on said measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130179049
    Abstract: The application relates to a method for operating a lubricating system of a combustion engine in a motor vehicle, the engine having a variably controllable oil pump and a plurality of piston cooling jets. The oil pressure may be adjusted based on operating conditions to activate and de-activate the piston cooling jets when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130167784
    Abstract: A method for operating a liquid coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine is described in which the coolant circuit contains an integrated EGR cooler such that the cooling system has a single circuit with two operational modes. The method includes a controller that can switch between operational modes to enable delivery of coolant to the EGR cooler when the flow of coolant through the block cooling circuit is blocked. In the second operational mode, the method also includes using an auxiliary pump to pass coolant to the EGR cooler while bypassing the main coolant pump, which can occur by adjusting the flow of coolant through the circuit so the flow through a bypass line is reversed relative to the inherent forward direction of flow in the bypass line during the first operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC