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: 20130125368
    Abstract: A vanity mirror and light assembly is provided for use on a vehicle visor. The vanity assembly includes a clear frame molded to a reflective film to define a reflector portion and a partially transmissive portion. The assembly also includes a lighting device located behind the partially transmissive portion of the reflective film to provide a vanity light passing through the partially transmissive portion. A method of forming the vanity assembly in a mold is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130131900
    Abstract: A method for a hybrid vehicle includes outputting from an engine at least an elevated engine power while a driver demand power is greater than the elevated engine power. The method further includes outputting just the elevated engine power from the engine while the driver demand power is less than the elevated engine power and transferring from the engine to a traction battery an extra engine power between the elevated engine power and the driver demand power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130118154
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling operation of exhaust of an engine including a particulate filter are described. One example method includes generating compressed air during engine operation, and storing the compressed air. The method further includes, during or after engine shutdown, pushing the compressed air through the particulate filter using a pressure of the compressed air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130118425
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for heating a liquid supplied to an engine of a motor vehicle by a pump when the temperature of the liquid is low, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of the engine. The method comprises inefficient operation of the pump by constricting flow to create heat that is transferrable to the liquid. Inefficient operation of the pump is enacted when service brakes are applied and the vehicle is decelerating to minimize negative impact on fuel economy and overall engine efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130118148
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas sampler is adapted to couple into an exhaust conduit and to sample a constituent of an engine exhaust flowing therein. The sampler comprises an envelope having upstream and downstream surfaces joined by a curved side surface. The upstream and downstream surfaces are each tangent to a plane substantially normal to a central axis of the exhaust conduit. A series of inlets are formed in the upstream surface, and an outlet is formed in the curved side surface. A sensor responsive to a level of the constituent in the exhaust is coupled in the envelope, at the peripheral region of the conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130123064
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for preventing driveaway or roll away of a plug-in electric vehicle when it is being charged or is coupled to an external power supply cord. When it is detected based on at least one of the following conditions: a current is flowing to the battery charger, a voltage source is coupled to the battery charger, an access door allowing access to the receptacle on board the vehicle is open and/or a plug detect switch indicates that a plug is coupled with the receptacle, a mechanical restraint on the driveline is prevented from being released. The mechanical restraint may be a parking brake. Alternatively, the mechanical restraint may include preventing the gear shift selector from being moved out of the park position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130120158
    Abstract: A collision warning apparatus includes sensors, output devices, memory locations, a GPS device, and a processor. The processor may receive information from the sensors. The processor may also process the information to identify a detected object as a present potential collision object. The processor may compare present GPS coordinates of the vehicle with stored vehicle GPS coordinates saved in memory, to determine whether or not the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object. If the present GPS coordinates correspond to stored vehicle GPS coordinates associated with a previously identified potential collision object, the processor is operable to suppress a potential collision warning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130117065
    Abstract: A computer system and computer-implemented method for message or “chaser” management in a distributed legal workflow environment is provided. Embodiments provide central administration of legal workflow conducted by a plurality of distributed participants. A plurality of workflow chasers associated with a plurality of workflow records are created and defined based on a plurality of attributes (e.g. associated record identification, action identification, target user, display date, etc.). New and existing chasers are compared to one another to identify any redundancies (e.g. duplicate chasers, unnecessary chasers, etc.). Redundant chasers are deleted or otherwise de-activated. Remaining chasers are implemented within the distributed legal workflow environment, as appropriate (i.e. displayed to their target user on the associated target display date. Chasers may be created automatically as required for conformance to workflow policies, procedures or applicable laws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130116924
    Abstract: Various embodiments may include a method and system for testing data defining one or more navigation routes. A starting location may be input at a computer remote from the starting location. A destination location may also be input. Map data including GPS information based on the starting location input and the destination location input may be received. Route data may also be received. Based on the map data and the route data, data defining one or more navigation instructions may be generated for one or more routes. The one or more navigation instructions may be executed at the computer and compared to the map data. Based on the comparison, an accuracy of the navigation instructions may be determined. The data defining the navigation instructions may be corrected if the data is determined to be inaccurate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130116090
    Abstract: A load sensor assembly for measuring an amount of torque transmitted through a torque establishing element includes a core mounted on a transmission housing and a load sensor mounted on the core. The load sensor is positioned against a portion of the torque establishing element whereby a portion of the amount of torque transmitted through the torque establishing element travels through the load sensor and is measured. A cable is connected to the load sensor for transmitting a signal representative of the amount of torque to a transmission controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130109354
    Abstract: A vehicle-based computing apparatus includes a computer processor in communication with persistent and non-persistent memory. The apparatus also includes a local wireless transceiver in communication with the computer processor and configured to communicate wirelessly with a wireless device located at the vehicle. The processor is operable to receive, through the wireless transceiver, a connection request sent from a nomadic wireless device, the connection request including at least a name of an application seeking to communicate with the processor. The processor is further operable to receive at least one secondary communication from the nomadic device, once the connection request has been processed. The secondary communication is at least one of a speak alert command, a display text command, a create phrase command, and a prompt and listen command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130110321
    Abstract: A method for remotely controlling one or more vehicle components includes receiving over a telecommunications network signals originating from a remote terminal. The signals include remote operation instructions for remotely operating a vehicle entertainment system component. The remote operation instructions are executed. Operation status identifiers transmitted over a vehicle data bus are received from the vehicle entertainment system component. Based on the operation status identifiers, an operating status of the vehicle entertainment system component is determined. A return signal including an operation status message and an instruction for displaying the operation status message at the remote terminal is generated. The signal is transmitted to the remote terminal for display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130098031
    Abstract: Embodiments for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder, at least one exhaust line for discharging combustion gases via an exhaust-gas discharge system, and at least one intake line for supplying charge air via an intake system are provided. In one example, an internal combustion engine comprises an exhaust-gas recirculation arrangement which comprises a recirculation line which branches off from the exhaust-gas discharge system and which opens into the intake system, an exhaust-gas turbocharger comprising a compressor arranged in the intake system and a turbine arranged in the exhaust-gas discharge system, a throttle element which is arranged in the intake line downstream of the compressor, a bypass line which branches off from the intake line upstream of the throttle element and which opens into the intake line again downstream of the throttle element, and an expansion machine for gaining additional energy arranged in the bypass line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130101471
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system for an internal combustion engine, having an exhaust line and having provided therein a filter arrangement which comprises a first particle filter element and a second particle filter element, wherein the first particle filter element is equipped with an active regeneration device for restoring its filtration performance. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method for operating an exhaust-gas aftertreatment system of said type and to the use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130098000
    Abstract: A method for controlling valve actuation in an engine is provided. The method includes initiating combustion operation in a first cylinder, opening, via a first cam, a first exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a first opening duration. The method further includes opening, via a second cam, a second exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a second opening duration not equivalent to the first opening duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130101485
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for controlling an injection device for feeding an ammonia-releasing reducing agent into an exhaust-gas purification system of an internal combustion engine for the purpose of reducing the nitrogen oxide emissions, wherein the exhaust-gas purification system comprises at least one SCR catalytic converter with n cells which are arranged in series in the exhaust-gas throughflow direction and in which ammonia can be stored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130092108
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for expediting warm up of an internal combustion engine cylinder block and engine oil utilizing an existing oil coolant circuit. A method for warming up an internal combustion engine with at least one cylinder, a cylinder block which is formed by an upper crankcase half mounted to a lower crankcase half, said lower crankcase half containing an oil sump which is fed, via a supply line, by a coolant jacket, an inlet side of said coolant jacket supplied in turn with oil via the oil sump by an oil pump, the method comprising: releasing oil from the coolant jacket via gravity to reduce a cooling capacity of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130096789
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle driveline having a power source and a transmission clutch includes using a difference between two spaced locations in the subject vehicle driveline to determine driveline twist speed due to applied torque, using a product of driveline twist speed and a sampling interval to produce an estimated driveline twist from the sum of incremental changes in driveline twist that are between predetermined upper and lower magnitudes, producing, in response to a demanded wheel torque, a first signal that controls torque transmitted from the power source to the clutch during a lash crossing using the estimated driveline twist and the current driveline torque; and producing a second signal that controls clutch torque capacity such that clutch slip is produced during the lash crossing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130092118
    Abstract: A lubrication system in an internal combustion engine is provided. The lubrication system includes a crankshaft bearing supporting a crankshaft, a supply line including an outlet flowing oil to the crankshaft bearing and an inlet receiving oil from an oil gallery, and thermal insulation at least partially surrounding at least a portion of an inner wall of the supply line and/or the oil gallery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130093205
    Abstract: A unit for storing items in a motor vehicle interior includes a main storage compartment and a docking station for a portable electronic device such as a smart phone or a navigation device. A main cover is movably attached to the storage compartment to enclose the main storage compartment, and a docking cover encloses a sub-portion of the storage compartment. The docking cover is movable to an in-service position wherein its underside is exposed. A device holder is attached to the underside of the docking cover for holding a mobile electronic device in an access position when in the docking cover is in the in-service position. The docking cover and the portion are inset relative to a perimeter of the storage compartment, so that the docking station forms a portion of a main perimeter of the storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC