Ford Patents
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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).
Patent number: 9320361
Abstract: A climate controlled seat test apparatus is provided. The test apparatus may have a pump arrangement configured to alter a pressure within a vicinity of a climate controlled portion of a vehicle seat. A controller may be programmed to detect airflow obstructions or losses within the climate controlled portion of the seat. The climate controlled portion may include a blower motor. The controller may detect airflow obstructions and/or losses based on a change in current consumed by the blower motor caused by the pump arrangement altering the pressure within the vicinity of the climate controlled portion.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 7, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
David William Gaines, Anton Crainic
Patent number: 9326092
Abstract: A mobile device comprising at least one controller in communication with one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers are capable of communication with a vehicle computing system (VCS) and a server. The at least one controller configured to establish a communication link with the server based on an accident notification received from the VCS. The controller further configured to receive a push notification from the server. The controller further configured to search for a mobile application based on the push notification and enable the mobile application that matches the push notification. The controller further configured to communicate a post-crash message to a predefined contact via the mobile application.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 23, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Thomas Nelson, David Anthony Hatton, William Donald Hass, Hussein F. Nasrallah
Patent number: 9326053
Abstract: A trim panel assembly for a vehicle incorporates a flat panel speaker. The trim panel defines an interior surface of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and has a speaker aperture with a peripheral edge. A diaphragm panel is disposed in the speaker aperture with a trim face and a rear face. A flexible surround joins the diaphragm panel to the aperture edge so that the diaphragm panel is movable along an axis of the speaker aperture and so that vibrations from the diaphragm panel to the trim panel are damped. An exciter receives audio signals for reproduction. The exciter has an actuator suspended in a housing. The actuator is fixed to the rear face of the diaphragm panel. A support bracket spans the speaker aperture and has first and second ends affixed to a rear side of the trim panel and an intermediate point affixed to the housing of the exciter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 10, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventor:
Marc D. Nedelman
Patent number: 9325650
Abstract: A system may include a message publisher and a message recipient. The message publisher may be configured to identify a message to be published to a topic of a topic tree maintained by a message broker, the topic being associated with a type of the message identified to be published and an intended recipient of the message; pack data elements into the message according to a name/value pair message schema of the system; and publish the message via the message broker to the topic.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 2, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Praveen Yalavarty, John Thomas Ellis
Patent number: 9321090
Abstract: A manufacturing method forms components having a desired shape. A contoured surface is defined for a forming tool for forming a metal blank into the desired shape, wherein respective portions of the metal blank flow over the contoured surface during forming. An intrinsic material flow pattern resulting from the contoured surface is compared to a desired flow in order to identify regions of the contoured surface having an insufficient flow that creates areas in the formed metal blank receiving less than a desired amount of metal. A surface microtexture is applied onto the contoured surface in a pattern selected to increase metal flow along the identified regions by providing a friction in the identified regions that is reduced relative to adjacent regions of the contoured surface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 7, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignees:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, THE BOEING COMPANY, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Inventors:
Zhiyong Cedric Xia, Jian Cao, Qian Wang, Rajesh Talwar, Donald J. Grzina, Tiffany Davis Ling, Pinzhi Liu
Patent number: 9321140
Abstract: A machine grinding system is provided for machine grinding the main bearing journals, pin bearing journals, the post surface, gear-fit wall surface, and the flywheel flange surfaces of a four cylinder crankshaft. The system includes three operating stations, each operating station only requiring one machine to maintain the desired production rate. The first operating station machine grinds the main bearing journals, post surface, and gear-fit wall surface; the second operating station machine grinds the pin journals; and the third operating station machine grinds the thrust bearing surfaces and the flywheel flange surfaces.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 1, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Michael A Kopmanis
Patent number: 9321395
Abstract: A vehicle puddle lamp assembly is provided and includes a plurality of light projectors located on a vehicle and configured to illuminate different lighted image patterns on a ground surface adjacent to the vehicle. The vehicle puddle lamp assembly also includes a controller for sequentially activating the plurality of light projectors to generate an animated lighted image on the ground surface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 26, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Ali Ammar, Cornel Lewis Gardner, Stuart C. Salter
Patent number: 9321320
Abstract: An active vehicle suspension system includes an active damping mechanism operatively coupled to a vehicle wheel and configured for controlling a damping force applied to the wheel responsive to a control signal. A controller is operatively coupled to the damping mechanism and configured for generating a control signal to the damping mechanism responsive to velocity of the wheel in a downward vertical direction.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 3, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Russ Lee Norton, Ben Bulat, Gregory Suter, Albert Chenouda Salib, David Michael Russell, Uwe Hoffmann, Marc Suermann
Patent number: 9321327
Abstract: A method for controlling power consumption of a compressor of an automotive vehicle climate system may include identifying an energy source providing energy to power the compressor and selecting an operating parameter of the climate system based on the identified energy source to control power consumption of the compressor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 11, 2010
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Susan Rebecca Cikanek, William David Treharne, Paul Stephen Bryan, Melinda A. Mack
Patent number: 9321440
Abstract: A vehicle comprises a speed-sensing device outputting a signal indicating a velocity of the vehicle, a brake system outputting a signal for indicating when the brake system is being commanded to a brake torque providing state, and a trailer brake controller coupled to the speed-sensing device and the brake system. The trailer brake controller utilizes the signal of the speed-sensing device to determine when the vehicle is in a zero-velocity state and utilizes the signal of the brake system to determine when the brake system is being commanded to the brake torque providing state. The trailer brake controller transitions a brake-actuating output signal thereof from a speed-dependent zero-velocity output signal value to a trailer hold zero-velocity output signal value greater than the speed-dependent zero-velocity output signal value when it is determined that the brake system is in the brake torque providing state while the vehicle is in the zero-velocity state.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 10, 2011
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies
Inventors:
Donald A. Perlick, Anthony Joseph Rendi, Thomas Salmon, Jerry Alex James
Patent number: 9321451
Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an engine that can selectively provide drive torque to propel the vehicle. An electric machine also selectively provides drive torque. A differential transfers the torque to and amongst wheels. A planetary gearset is coupled to the engine and has a ring-gear for transmitting ring-gear-torque to the differential. A continuous torque transfer member operatively couples the ring-gear and the electric machine to the differential. At least one controller is configured to alter engine output based on a ring-gear-torque-threshold. This enables a desired torque to transfer through the continuous torque transfer member to the differential.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 30, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Carol Louise Okubo, Jonathan Andrew Butcher, Ming Lang Kuang
Patent number: 9321452
Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be operated at an idle speed while a driveline disconnect clutch separating the engine from a driveline is open in response to a reduction in driver demand torque. Engine torque may be applied to the driveline by simply closing the driveline disconnect clutch.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 14, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
Patent number: 9321457
Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, application of a driveline disconnect clutch to start an engine is described. The approach applies the driveline disconnect clutch to rotate an engine and at least partially disengages the driveline disconnect clutch to reduce the possibility of a reduction in torque applied to vehicle wheels.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 24, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hong Jiang, Seung-Hoon Lee, James William Loch McCallum, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii
Patent number: 9321337
Abstract: A battery array according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a rail that supports a battery cell and a tie bracket connected to the rail and configured to limit travel of the rail.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 23, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Yongcai Wang, Rajaram Subramanian, Saravanan Paramasivam
Patent number: 9321345
Abstract: An assembly is provided that includes a front end support frame and radiator support beam. The front end support frame has an end that defines an opening that extends between two facing walls across an inside wall of the tubular structure. The radiator support beam is assembled into the opening in the end of the front end support frame and is attached to the two facing walls. The front end support frame is a hydro-formed tube and the radiator support beam is an extruded part. The radiator support beam includes at least one internal reinforcement wall and an outside wall of the front end support frame is fastened with flow drilling screws to the internal reinforcement wall.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 14, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Gerhard G. G. Lueschen, Dragan B. Stojkovic
Patent number: 9321347
Abstract: A distensible fuel tank included in a vehicle is provided. The distensible fuel tank includes a housing and a compliance structure coupled to the housing, the compliance structure including a base element coupled to a side of a structural element.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 3, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Daniel Frank Cragel, Russell Randall Pearce, Patrick Sullivan
Patent number: 9321303
Abstract: A road wheel includes an outboard surface defining an orifice and a cavity. The road wheel additionally includes an ornament having a bottom surface and a key extending from the bottom surface to interface with the cavity. The ornament also includes a post extending from the bottom surface to interface with the orifice in the outboard surface. The key may include a semi-circular profile. The cavity and key may have corresponding triangular shapes. The post may have an internally threaded portion. The cavity may have a slot oriented along a wheel radius sized to receive the key, and the orifice open in the slot.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 26, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Mark Peschiutta
Patent number: 9321403
Abstract: An overhead console assembly for a vehicle includes a plurality of interchangeable storage bin modules each defining at least receivers and a differently sized or shaped storage bin or holder. An overhead console is provided, defining a storage cavity adapted to receive the plurality of storage bin modules. The assembly further includes pins including a first end adapted to be received in the overhead console and a second end adapted to be received in one of the receivers. Each of the interchangeable storage bin module differently sized or shaped storage spaces is independently configured to hold a different item. One of the pin first ends includes a gear for interfacing with a dampener. Another of the pin first ends is associated with a biasing member adapted to apply a closing force to a one of the interchangeable storage bins held in the overhead console storage cavity.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 23, 2015
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Marc David Nedelman
Patent number: 9321402
Abstract: A vehicle storage drawer includes a frame and a housing slidably attached to the frame with a central aperture defining a receptacle. At least one container is selectively engaged with the receptacle. The at least one container is selectively removable from the receptacle when the housing is in an outward position. The container is selectively secured within the receptacle when the housing is in an inward position.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 22, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Marc David Nedelman
Patent number: 9321423
Abstract: Described herein is a rear seat airbag deployment system, a rear seat airbag of the rear seat airbag deployment system, and a method of deploying the rear seat airbag. The rear seat airbag is configured in a substantially ‘U’ shape to encompass both the front and rear sides of rear seat occupants when the rear seat airbag is deployed. It follows that the rear seat airbag provides a safety cage that surrounds rear seat passengers upon deployment. Exemplary embodiments may further include an airbag deployment tool for gathering vehicle state information, analyzing the vehicle state information, determining whether to deploy one or more airbags, and controlling the deployment of the rear seat airbag.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 29, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Dean M. Jaradi, Iskander Farooq, Mohammed Omar Faruque
Patent number: 9321419
Abstract: An air bag housing includes a chute defining an upper perimeter with a first wall extending from the upper perimeter and a cover extending over the chute integrally from the upper edge. The cover defines a tear seam extending between opposite portions of the upper perimeter remote from the first wall and a hinge area extending between the opposite portions of the upper perimeter and disposed between the first wall and the tear seam.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 17, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Kenneth J. Kwasnik, Lisandro Trevino, Sean Bayle West
Patent number: 9322347
Abstract: A method and a system for providing vacuum via an engine are described. In one example, introduction of a gaseous fuel is ceased in response to a request for the engine to provide vacuum to a vehicle vacuum system.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 17, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
Patent number: 9321891
Abstract: A cellular material. The cellular material can be the reaction product of a vegetable-based polyol made from a vegetable oil exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, wherein a free radical oxidation reaction is catalyzed by the UV light and the vegetable oil is converted into the vegetable-based polyol; and an isocyanate.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 29, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Christine Perry, Cynthia Flanigan, Deborah Mielewski
Patent number: 9325181
Abstract: An exemplary battery charge monitoring method includes, among other things, calculating expected charge data for a battery using at least a capacity of the battery and a charge rate, and comparing actual charge data to the expected charge data to identify differences between the actual charge data and the expected charge data.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 18, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Paul Theodore Momcilovich, Allan Roy Gale, Bruce Carvell Blakemore, Michael W. Degner
Patent number: 9322342
Abstract: Methods and systems for fuel system leak detection in a hybrid electric vehicle using a fuel reservoir are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, during an engine off condition, delivering fuel from a fuel tank into a reservoir while the fuel tank is vented to atmosphere, discontinuing delivering fuel into the reservoir, sealing the fuel tank from atmosphere, and following the sealing, indicating a leak based on a pressure increase in the fuel tank from a pressure when sealed from venting.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 17, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Aed M. Dudar, Mark W. Peters, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
Patent number: 9322345
Abstract: Various methods for estimating electric actuator temperature during certain operational windows are provided. In one example, a method comprises adjusting an electric motor to position a wastegate at a desired wastegate position, while during selected conditions, deviating from the desired position by at least one full half-turn of the motor and indicating motor temperature based on winding resistance averaged over the full half-turn.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 10, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Yan Wang, Baitao Xiao
Patent number: 9322340
Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock control by accounting for a drop in charge cooling efficiency of a knock control fluid at higher temperatures. In response to the prediction of an elevated temperature of a knock control fluid at a time of release from a direct injector, a pulse width of the injection is adjusted. Any knock relief deficits are compensated for using alternate engine adjustments, such as boost or spark timing adjustments.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 5, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Brad Alan VanDerWege, Michael Howard Shelby
Patent number: 9322348
Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving canister purging during the limited engine operation time in a hybrid electric vehicle. Prior to a transition into an engine-on mode, a canister heater is operated to heat the canister to an optimum temperature based on vehicle operating conditions. Upon transition into the engine-on mode, fuel vapors released from the heated canister are purged to an engine intake.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 31, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Aed M. Dudar
Patent number: 9322363
Abstract: A method for operating an engine system is described herein. The method includes moving a plurality of vanes in a variable geometry turbocharger toward a closed position in response to tip-out and after moving the plurality of vanes toward the closed position, moving an EGR valve from a fully closed position toward an open position in response to tip-in, the EGR valve in fluidic communication with an exhaust sub-system upstream of the turbine. The method further includes, after moving the EGR valve toward an open position, moving the plurality of vanes based on one or more of a driver-requested torque, engine speed, and engine temperature.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 9, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Thomas Kostrzewski
Patent number: 9322355
Abstract: A method and system for improving operation of an engine that is supplied a fuel having a low super critical temperature is presented. In one example, the method supplies fuel to cool a direct injection fuel pump and participate in combustion in an engine cylinder after the fuel is vaporized. The method also provides for injecting a liquid fuel to the engine cylinder via the direct injection fuel pump.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 19, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Ross Dykstra Pursifull
Patent number: 9322380
Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque demand of a driveline after a shift is forecast to determine if it is desirable to start the engine early so that engine torque is available after the shift. The approach may improve vehicle torque response.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 25, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Adam Nathan Banker
Patent number: 9322366
Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting a fuel system leak. While a system vacuum pump is operated to supply vacuum to a vacuum consumption device, air exhausted from the vacuum pump is routed to a fuel system to apply positive pressure thereon. A fuel system leak is identified based on a rate of decay of the pressure applied from the vacuum pump.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 5, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Ross Dykstra Pursifull
Patent number: 9322367
Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating a fuel canister purge flow based on outputs of an intake manifold oxygen sensor. For example, during boosted engine operation when exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is flowing below a threshold and purge is enabled, purge flow may be estimated based on changes in the sensor output while modulating a canister purge valve between an open and closed position. Then, during subsequent operation wherein EGR and purge flow are enabled, the output of the sensor may be adjusted based on the estimated purge flow.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 14, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Christian Winge Vigild, Julia Helen Buckland
Patent number: 9322378
Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle that includes two electric machines capable of starting an engine are presented. In one example, one of the two electric machines is selected to start the engine in response to degradation of one or more vehicle components and an engine start request.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 29, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Karin Lovett, Michael Paul Lindlbauer, Mark J. Ferrel, Paul Stephen Bryan, Marvin Paul Kraska
Patent number: 9322350
Abstract: A method for controlling differences in cylinder mixtures for a two cylinder bank engine having a turbocharger is presented. In one example, the description includes a method for adjusting valve timing to reduce cylinder mixture variation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 11, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Eric Matthew Storhok, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
Patent number: 9323546
Abstract: A system may include a configurable module having a firmware version supporting multiple functions and a configuration specifying which of the functions are utilized for a vehicle feature; and a controller configured to update the configuration of the module, based on a command published by a server to a controller-subscribed topic tree message topic, the command targeting the vehicle according to one of unique vehicle identifier and the vehicle feature.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 31, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Joseph Paul Rork, Brian Petersen, Ritesh Pandya, Praveen Yalavarty
Patent number: 9324199
Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine system heating by stagnating coolant in one of a plurality of loops in an engine cooling system. Degradation of the various valves and thermostats of the cooling system can be diagnosed by adjusting the valve and monitoring changes in one or more of coolant temperature, transmission temperature and cabin temperature. Based on engine operating conditions, the various valves may be adjusted to vary coolant temperature in different regions of the cooling system, thereby providing fuel economy benefits.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
January 24, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Robert Roy Jentz
Patent number: 9322400
Abstract: A jet pump that supplies fluid to a transmission pump includes a pump inlet, a sump, a fluid source, and a nozzle including an axial passage for carrying fluid from the sump toward the inlet, and a second passage having an arcuate periphery and including an entrance facing a lateral side of the nozzle and connected to the fluid source and an exit communicating with the pump inlet.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 2, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Lee J. Becker, Charles M. Robeck, Mark R. Dobson, Li Liu, Jason R. Ludwig
Patent number: 9322326
Abstract: A method for operating an engine system is described herein. The method includes moving a plurality of vanes in a variable geometry turbocharger toward a closed position in response to tip-out and after moving the plurality of vanes toward the closed position, moving an EGR valve from a fully closed position toward an open position in response to tip-in, the EGR valve in fluidic communication with an exhaust sub-system upstream of the turbine. The method further includes, after moving the EGR valve toward an open position, moving the plurality of vanes based on one or more of a driver-requested torque, engine speed, and engine temperature.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 27, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Thomas Jeremy Kostrzewski
Patent number: 9322289
Abstract: Embodiments for vacuum generation are provided. In one example, a method for an engine including a turbocharger having a compressor driven by a turbine comprises generating vacuum via compressor bypass flow through an ejector, and applying vacuum from the ejector to a wastegate actuator. In this way, vacuum produced via boosted engine operation may be used to actuate the wastegate valve.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 16, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Ross Dykstra Pursifull
Patent number: 9322292
Abstract: A bearing is provided which includes a first set of rolling elements, a second set of rolling elements spaced away from the first set of rollers, a race at least partially enclosing the first and second sets of rolling elements, and a pre-loading element in the race between two outer sections of the race applying pre-load forces to the first and second set of rolling elements. In this way, a simplified bearing structure is achieved while better maintaining pre-load forces.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 15, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventor:
Michael Tekletsion Berhan
Patent number: 9322852
Abstract: Gate drive faults are detected for an inverter which comprises a phase switch having an insulated gate, such as an IGBT. A complementary transistor pair is adapted to receive a supply voltage and a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal to alternately charge and discharge the insulated gate. A comparator compares the voltage at the insulated gate with a reference voltage representing a gate drive fault to generate a first logic signal. A latch samples the first logic signal when the PWM signal has a value corresponding to charging the insulated gate. A logic circuit inhibits charging of the insulated gate when the latched logic signal indicates the gate drive fault. An insulated gate voltage less than the reference voltage is indicative of an under-voltage fault as well as other device failures of the IGBT or the complementary transistors.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 15, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Lihua Chen, Dong Cao, Yan Zhou, Craig Rogers
Patent number: 9322630
Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing and checking a thread arranged in a cylinder head to receive a spark plug. However, the invention also relates to a device for checking the thread introduced into the cylinder head. By defining a starting point of the internal thread to be produced specifically in terms of position thereof within the parent hole by using spark plug parameters, the spark plug will always be aligned with its spark gap oriented toward the injector. For the purpose of checking, use is made of a plug gage, the screw-in thread of which has the parameters of the spark plug thread and with which, by using a measuring face, the position of an extension on the threaded body can be established. The extension simulates the ground electrode of the spark plug.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 23, 2013
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Peter Wilkins, Amando Jose Jose Sebastian, Timothy M. Hull, Juergen Bleyer, Reece Adams, Francis Maslar, Mike O. Thompson, Alexander M. Stoll
Patent number: 9322480
Abstract: Various methods for controlling a wastegate with an actuator having a temperature-dependent magnetic field are provided. In one example, the magnetic field is estimated based on operating conditions and other parameters, and used to apply a magnetic correction to a voltage supplied to the actuator. The methods may provide accurate wastegate control in the presence of varying magnetic fields, ensuring the proper supply of boost to an engine.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 12, 2012
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Allan Roy Gale, Vladimir V. Kokotovic, James Alfred Hilditch, Gregory Patrick McConville
Publication number: 20160107583
Abstract: A mechanism for attaching a bike rack to a vehicle including a support member located behind an exterior wall of the vehicle. An attachment assembly, including a receiver operative to move between the first, stowed position any second, use position is connected to the support member. The exterior wall includes a removable portion wherein upon removal provides access to the attachment assembly. Once the removable portion is removed, the attachment assembly, including the receiver is moved from the first, stowed position to the second, use position wherein the bike rack then connects to the receiver. Additionally, the removable portion may include a detachable license plate bracket, which upon being detached from the vehicle, can be mounted to the rear of a bike rack. Sensors are mounted on the license plate bracket to allow for a functional back-up or park assist when the bike rack is attached to rear of the vehicle.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 16, 2014
Publication date:
April 21, 2016
Applicant:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Venkatesh Krishnan, Scott Cutler, Eswar Timmavajjala, Benjamin Lee, Vikas Bhatt, Ravikumar Ranganthan, Brandon Buckhalt, Pete Christ Korovesis
Publication number: 20160107592
Abstract: A vehicle frame component for limiting the movement of the wheel of the vehicle toward the cab of a cab on frame vehicle including a base member welded to openings in the frame side rail and extending outwardly and located proximal the wheel structure. In one embodiment the vehicle frame component is located forward of the wheel and includes a tire puncture device to deflate the tire during an offset front impact and in a second embodiment the vehicle frame component is located rearward of the wheel. The vehicle frame component has particular utility during an offset front impact where the offset is less than approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the vehicle.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 29, 2015
Publication date:
April 21, 2016
Applicant:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Ajay Kumar Gupta, Narayana Venugopal, John Charles Caris, Mark Wlotkowski, Charles Ko, Leonard Anthony Shaner
Publication number: 20160107497
Abstract: A spring isolator for a wheel suspension may include a first side configured to rest on a spring plate of the suspension. The spring isolator may also include a second side, opposite the first side, configured to receive a last coil of a coil spring of the suspension to support the coil spring on the spring plate. The first side may have at least one cavity extending through a thickness of the isolator toward the second side. An elasticity of the isolator between the first and second sides may prevent the last coil from breaking contact with the second side during operation of the suspension.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 20, 2015
Publication date:
April 21, 2016
Applicant:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
Jason PAULDING, Juergen FUNKE, Jon Roland WATSON, Thorsten Dirk KRUPP, Paul GODESBERG
Publication number: 20160110493
Abstract: A method includes providing a computer aided design model including a panel model having a panel model surface and an ornamentation model having an ornamentation model surface facing the panel model surface. A respective distance in the computer aided design model is calculated between the ornamentation model surface and the panel model surface at discrete points on the ornamentation model surface. Each distance is compared to a tolerance to identify the discrete points at which the respective distance is outside of the tolerance. The ornamentation model surface at the discrete points at which the respective distance is outside of the tolerance is adjusted to bring the respective distance within the tolerance. The method includes manufacturing an ornamentation including points on a surface of the ornamentation corresponding to the discrete points on the ornamentation model surface that were adjusted to bring the respective distance within the tolerance.
Type:
Application
Filed:
October 21, 2014
Publication date:
April 21, 2016
Applicant:
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Inventors:
James F. Krizman, Jeremy Howe, Craig Daniel Scrupsky
Patent number: D754563
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 12, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Motor Company
Inventors:
Darrell Behmer, Henry Bernardo, Damon Depeyster
Patent number: D754889
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 26, 2014
Date of Patent:
April 26, 2016
Assignee:
Ford Motor Company
Inventors:
Wolfgang Gotschke, Uwe Pulver