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).
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Publication number: 20210104003Abstract: A usage rule specifies a number of tokens to access a vehicle. Authorization of a request to access the vehicle is based on receiving the number of tokens specified by the usage rule. The request is stored to an electronic ledger. Actuation of the vehicle is based on the request being authorized. An allocation rule specifies the number of tokens allocated to each of an entity and the vehicle based on the request. Allocation of tokens to the entity and the vehicle is based on the allocation rule.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Pramita Mitra, Amanuel Zeryihun, James Fishelson, Eric H. Wingfield, Yifan Chen, Abhishek Sharma
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Publication number: 20210105152Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive, from each of a plurality of vehicles, a request to exchange data, each request including metadata about the request; sort the vehicles into a plurality of priority sets determined from the metadata; determine a first set of data transfer lines available for vehicles in a first one of the priority sets; select a first optimal data transfer line from the first set of data transfer lines for a first one of the vehicles in the first priority set; and assign the first optimal data transfer line to the first one of the vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mohammed-Javed Padinhakara, Navid Tafaghodi Khajavi
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Publication number: 20210103050Abstract: A system includes a computer including a processor and a memory. The memory includes instructions such that the processor is programmed to: receive, from a radar sensor of a vehicle, radar data indicative of a stationary object proximate to the radar sensor; receive, from a non-radar sensor of the vehicle, vehicle state data indicative of a vehicle state, the vehicle state data indicative of at least a longitudinal velocity and a yaw rate of the vehicle; determine an orientation estimate and an offset estimate of the radar sensor based on the radar data and the vehicle state data; and determine whether to actuate a vehicle system based on at least one of the orientation estimate or the offset estimate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Douglas James McEwan, Timothy Stolzenfeld
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Publication number: 20210105321Abstract: A system includes a computer. The computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive locally stored identifiers from each of a plurality of control modules of a vehicle; transmit a current list of the received locally stored identifiers to a remote server; receive a master list of compatible identifiers from the remote server, wherein each compatible identifier corresponds to a respective one of the control modules, and the master list includes file-verification data; prevent the vehicle from operating autonomously upon determining that one of the locally stored identifiers is different from the respective compatible identifier or upon determining that the file-verification data is incorrect; and permit the vehicle to operate autonomously upon determining that each locally stored identifier is the same as the respective compatible identifier and that the file-verification data is correct.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John P. Joyce, Scott J. Lauffer
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Publication number: 20210103745Abstract: A computer, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to generate two or more stereo pairs of synthetic images and generate two or more stereo pairs of real images based on the two or more stereo pairs of synthetic images using a generative adversarial network (GAN), wherein the GAN is trained using a six-axis degree of freedom (DoF) pose determined based on the two or more pairs of real images. The instructions can further include instructions to train a deep neural network based on a sequence of real images and operate a vehicle using the deep neural network to process a sequence of video images acquired by a vehicle sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Punarjay Chakravarty, Praveen Narayanan, Nikita Jaipuria, Gaurav Pandey
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Publication number: 20210101606Abstract: Respective planned reference velocities of a reference vehicle are received for each of a plurality of time steps including a current time step. Respective sensed velocities of a subject vehicle for each of the time steps are determined from sensor data. Respective distances between the reference vehicle and the subject vehicle are determined for each of the plurality of time steps. A number of intervening vehicles between the reference vehicle and the subject vehicle is determined. Based on the planned reference velocities of the reference vehicle, the sensed velocities of the subject vehicle, the distance, and the number of intervening vehicles, a future velocity of the subject vehicle is predicted at a time step that is after the current time step.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Linjun Zhang, Helen Elizabeth Kourous-Harrigan
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Publication number: 20210101438Abstract: A multi-zone climate control system for vehicles includes a front HVAC unit, a powered blower, and a heater core. The front HVAC unit is adapted to condition air provided to first and second front zones. The front HVAC unit further includes a cold air outlet connected to the powered blower. Cold air from the cold air outlet of the front HVAC unit passes through the powered blower and enters the heater core. The heater core is configured to control a temperature of conditioned air supplied to at least one rear zone of the passenger compartment.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Louis Hayes, John Azar, Trent Greear Sutherland
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Publication number: 20210104905Abstract: A power system for a vehicle comprises a first power supply network configured to operate at a first voltage. The first power supply network comprises a first alternator, a starter motor, and a battery conductively connected to the first alternator and the starter motor. The system further comprises a second power supply network configured to operate at a second voltage. The second power supply network comprises a second alternator, a power supply receptacle configured to output power to an external accessory, and a capacitive energy storage device conductively connected to the second alternator and the power supply receptacle. A directional conduction device interconnects the first power supply network and the second power supply network.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Hanyang B. Chen, Michael Irby, Jason Baker, Gabriel Jim, Anthony Thomas Spoto
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Publication number: 20210101439Abstract: A multi-zone climate control system for vehicles includes a front HVAC unit and one or more additional units that can be configured to provide conditioned air to one or more rear climate zones. The front HVAC unit is adapted to condition air provided to at least one front climate zone. The front HVAC unit may include a cold air outlet that supplies cold air to an electrically-powered heater positioned in a console of the vehicle. The electrically-powered heater includes an electricity-to-air heat exchanger to control a temperature of conditioned air supplied to at least one rear zone of the passenger compartment. The system may include an auxiliary climate control system having an auxiliary heater core and an auxiliary evaporator positioned in a rear portion of the vehicle to provide conditioned air to one or more rear climate zones.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Robert Louis Hayes, John Azar, Trent Greear Sutherland
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Publication number: 20210103800Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that include calculating one or more lower bound state-action values based on a corrupted observation and a predetermined perturbation parameter; and selecting an action corresponding to a lower bound state-action value having the highest value.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicants: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, MIT Technology Licensing OfficeInventors: Bjoern Malte Luetjens, Michael F. Everett, Jonathan P. How, Arpan Kusari
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Publication number: 20210102316Abstract: A seatbelt webbing includes an auxetic portion elongated along an axis. The auxetic portion includes a plurality of segments rotatably connected to each other at hinges. The hinges are spaced along the axis and are transverse to the axis. The auxetic portion includes a plurality of strands. Each strand is embedded in at least two of the hinges. When tensile force above a predetermined level is applied to the auxetic portion by a vehicle occupant, e.g., the chest of the vehicle occupant, the auxetic portion both stretches along the axis and widens transverse to the axis, i.e., has a negative Poisson ratio.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mangala A. Jayasuriya, Robert William McCoy, Mark Allan Lippman
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Publication number: 20210101557Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle includes interior component and a panel rotatably connected to the interior component. The assembly includes an actuator designed to rotate the panel relative to the interior component. A sheet extends from the interior component to the panel. An airbag is supported by the interior component and is inflatable to an inflated position adjacent the sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Srinivas Reddy Malapati, Mangesh Kadam
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Publication number: 20210103036Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a sensor having a field of view, a sensor window through which the field of view extends; an air nozzle positioned to direct airflow across the sensor window; a surface fixed relative to the sensor window, the surface including a plurality of heat-dissipation fins; and a cover extending over the fins and including an inlet. The inlet is positioned at an opposite edge of the sensor window from the air nozzle. The air nozzle is aimed at the inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Robertson, JR., Tyler D. Hamilton, Ashwin Arunmozhi, Raghu Raman Surineedi
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Publication number: 20210101588Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to assign each of a plurality of targets to a classification based on respective motions of the targets at an initiation of a turn by a host vehicle, determine a distance threshold for each target associated with the classification, and perform a threat assessment on each of the plurality of targets having a respective distance from the host vehicle that is below a distance threshold and a respective time to collision below a time threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Pontisakos, Yuhao Liu, Steven J. Szwabowski, Alex Maurice Miller
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Publication number: 20210101556Abstract: A vehicle includes a front bulkhead. The vehicle includes an airbag inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position adjacent the bulkhead. The vehicle includes a track fixed relative to the bulkhead. The vehicle includes a slider fixed to the airbag and slidable along the track between a first position when the airbag is in the uninflated position and a second position when the airbag is in the inflated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dean M. Jaradi, S.M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque, Anil Kalra
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Publication number: 20210101558Abstract: A restraint system includes an A pillar, a dash extending in a cross-vehicle direction from the A pillar, a door extending in a vehicle-rearward direction from the A pillar, and an airbag mounted to the A pillar and inflatable to an inflated position. The airbag includes a side chamber and a front chamber. The side chamber is elongated along the door when the airbag is in the inflated position, and the front chamber is elongated along the dash when the airbag is in the inflated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dean M. Jaradi, S.M. Iskander Farooq, Mohammad Omar Faruque
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Publication number: 20210101553Abstract: An assembly includes an interior component. The assembly includes a deployable panel having an upper panel and a lower panel supported by the interior component, the deployable panel being movable relative to the interior component from a retracted position to an extended position. The assembly includes a hinge between the upper panel and the lower panel. The assembly includes an airbag inflatable to an inflated position in which the airbag is positioned to abut the upper panel in the extended position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Srinivas Reddy Malapati, Mangesh Kadam, Yuqin Zhao, Leonard Anthony Shaner, Zhibing Deng
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Publication number: 20210101586Abstract: A parking space can be identified. A lateral clearance can be identified when a vehicle is parked in the parking space based on identifying a first door of the vehicle to be provided the lateral clearance when the vehicle is parked. A parking position of the vehicle in the parking space can be determined, including a parking bias angle ? between a vehicle longitudinal axis and a parking space longitudinal center axis, and a lateral offset of the vehicle with respect to the parking space longitudinal center axis, based on dimensions of the parking space and the lateral clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jason Joseph Woo, Jae Hyung Lim, Jeremy Lerner
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Publication number: 20210101601Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to detect a potential hydroplaning area of a roadway based on topographic data and based on vehicle sensor data, and to actuate a component of a vehicle based on a location of the potential hydroplaning area.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Somak Datta Gupta, Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Brian Bennie
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Publication number: 20210101452Abstract: A vehicle register assembly includes a register duct that has an end opening and the register duct directs air. A housing is coupled to the register duct proximate the end opening. A barrel is disposed within the housing and defines an upstream aperture and a downstream aperture. A plurality of vanes includes individual vanes and the individual vanes extend in a first direction between first opposing sides of the barrel. A linking vane is coupled to each of the individual vanes and extends between second opposing sides of the barrel. The linking vane includes a guide body that extends upstream from the plurality of vanes.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: José Fernando Ovando Sánchez, Jason William Nisbett, Michael Murphy McElroy, Zachary Orion Baker
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Publication number: 20210101267Abstract: Pliers for releasing a line plug connection, formed by a line plug connector between a first line section and a second line section of a line in a region of a drive train of a motor vehicle includes two pliers legs. The pliers legs are connected together via a joint in order to open and close the pliers and together form a pliers head and a handling region. The pliers legs each have at the pliers head a part-sleeve, which, with the pliers closed, together form a sleeve for engaging around the line in the region of the second line section and for interacting with the line plug connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2020Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ruben Boese, Thomas Rother, Olaf Denkel, Alex F. Blesgen
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Publication number: 20210101510Abstract: A seat back frame assembly may include first and second brackets coupled with and extending outwardly from the seat back frame assembly. The first and second brackets may define first and second recesses, respectively. A cushion assembly may include first and second sides. The first and second sides may be disposed within the first and second recesses, respectively. An upper hood comprising first and second ends may be coupled with first and second brackets, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin Mozurkewich, Kevin Wayne Preuss, Ryan Welch, Johnathan Andrew Line
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Publication number: 20210101511Abstract: A seatback assembly includes a front carrier module having a mounting portion with an inverted U-shaped outer perimeter edge. A plurality of doors includes individual doors that are hingedly coupled to the outer perimeter edge of the front carrier module. Each door of the plurality of doors is operable between open and closed positions. An airbag carrier module includes an inverted U-shaped raceway with an open front portion. The airbag carrier module is operably coupled to the front carrier module, such that the doors of the front carrier module selectively open and close the open front portion of the raceway of the airbag carrier module.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: S.M. Akbar Berry, Johnathan Andrew Line, Alan George Dry, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Benjamin Yilma
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Publication number: 20210101546Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for adjusting vehicle features based on user preferences and physical dimensions. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may more particularly relate to the automated adjustment of vehicle features such as, for example, seat positioning and mirror positioning, without requiring input from a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brendan Diamond, Erik J. Christen
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Publication number: 20210101539Abstract: An assembly includes a liftgate and an autonomous navigation sensor assembly supported by the liftgate. The autonomous navigation sensor assembly has a plurality of sensors and a vent facing across a field-of-view of one of the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2019Publication date: April 8, 2021Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Venkatesh Krishnan, Anthony Michael Regalbuto, Rashaun Phinisee, Tamika Donaldson
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Patent number: 10966535Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a cushion and a seating surface. A thermally conductive tape includes at least two branches, the two branches coming together at a junction and extending in a direction parallel with the seating surface. The thermally conductive tape includes a plurality of thermoelectric devices and a lower conductor and an upper conductor in thermal contact with the plurality of thermoelectric devices. The thermoelectric devices are secured to the lower conductor and the upper conductor with the thermally conductive adhesive. The thermoelectric devices are configured to change temperature when a voltage is applied to the thermoelectric devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alan George Dry, Johnathan Andrew Line
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Patent number: 10967754Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a controller and contactor arranged to close responsive to current magnitude through a coil thereof exceeding a first threshold. The controller, following a request to open the contactor, applies current to the coil at a magnitude less than the first threshold for a duration, and responsive to peak current through the contactor during the duration being less than a second threshold, prevents start of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Benjamin A. Tabatowski-Bush, Wesley Edward Burkman, Baojin Wang, John Paul Gibeau
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Patent number: 10967715Abstract: An integrated window regulator carrier for a door of a vehicle comprising: a side; a vertical channel recessed into the side, with a first channel wall and a second channel wall defining lateral edges of the vertical channel; a first receiver disposed to a first side of the vertical channel, and projecting outward from the side; and a second receiver disposed to a second side of the vertical channel and projecting outward from the side, and opposing the first receiver. Each of the first receiver and the second receiver comprises: a bottom retaining surface; a first retaining surface extending at least approximately orthogonally upward from the bottom retaining surface; and a second retaining surface opposing the first retaining surface, the second retaining surface extending at least approximately orthogonally upward from the bottom retaining surface. Each of the first receiver and the second receiver can include a snap-fit receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Eric Bowman
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Patent number: 10967453Abstract: A method for the connection of components or component regions and a non-releasable connection produced in this manner. Two connection faces are partially welded to each other with an adhesive layer being incorporated between the two connection faces. The method including the following steps: arranging a welding base on a connection face, applying the adhesive layer to a connection face, moving the connection faces toward each other in such a manner that the welding base is applied against the other connection face, introducing welding current in the region of the applied welding base. A spacer is arranged between the connection faces before the connection faces are moved toward each other. The connection faces are spaced apart from each other in the region of the welding base by the extent that the welding base projects above the spacer.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Michael Oelscher
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Patent number: 10967743Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an electric machine coupled with a first inverter, a traction battery and a second inverter. The traction battery is coupled between a neutral terminal of the electric machine and a negative terminal of the first inverter. The second inverter is coupled in parallel with the first inverter with respect to a direct current (DC) bus, and configured to drive a second electric machine.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Baoming Ge, Lihua Chen, Yan Zhou, Shuitao Yang, Fan Xu
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Patent number: 10967848Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle powertrain, where the driveline includes an electric machine downstream of a dual clutch transmission, which is downstream of an engine. In one example, a method comprises communicating from a transmission, a torque to accelerate transmission components from a first speed to a second speed with first and second clutches of a dual transmission open, the communicating performed while an electric machine coupled to the dual clutch transmission at a location downstream of the dual clutch transmission is providing torque to propel a vehicle. In this way, wheel speed may remain substantially constant while the transmission is shifted and the engine is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Jason Meyer
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Patent number: 10967720Abstract: A body-on-frame vehicle includes a left frame rail, a right frame rail, a plate, a plurality of cross-members, a plurality of power storage modules, and a first electric motor. The plate is attached to both frame rails. The plurality of cross-members are attached to both frame rails. Adjacent cross-members cooperate with the plate and frame rails to define compartments. The plurality of power storage modules are disposed within a plurality of the compartments. The first electric motor is supported by a section of the frame rails forward or rearward of the power storage modules.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ari Caliskan, Arnold Kadiu
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Patent number: 10967764Abstract: A seating assembly is attached to the floor and includes a seat that is rotationally operable relative to a seatback. A retention device is attached to the seat. When the seat is pivoted upright to a stadium position, the retention device is selectively deployable from a stored position to a cargo storage position that defines an enclosure at least partially defined by the seat and the floor.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: James Hugh Fowler, Marcos Silva Kondrad, Kevin Wayne Preuss
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Patent number: 10967765Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback with a frame assembly having first and second portions. A primary structure extends between the first and second portions and defines a seating surface. A secondary structure extends between the first and second portions. A retractor mechanism is disposed on one of the first and second portions and is selectively positionable in an unlocked, a locked, or a pre-tensioned position.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Spencer Robert Hoernke, Johnathan Andrew Line, Scott Holmes Dunham, Jimmy Moua
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Patent number: 10967703Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a vehicle cabin heating system, based on particulate filter (PF) regeneration prediction. In one example, a method includes predicting an amount of exhaust heat that may be recovered via an exhaust heat exchanger during an upcoming PF regeneration event, and prior to the PF regeneration event, adjusting an amount of electric power supplied to an electric heater of the cabin heating system. The amount of adjustment may be based on the predicted amount of exhaust heat that may be recovered.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Errick, Manfred Koberstein
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Patent number: 10967788Abstract: An example locating assembly includes, among other things, a display within an electrified vehicle, a vehicle symbol presented on the display, and a charge port symbol presented on the display. The charge port symbol is positioned relative to the vehicle symbol to indicate a position of a charge port. An example locating method includes displaying a vehicle symbol and a charge port symbol on a display of an electrified vehicle. The charge port symbol is positioned relative to the vehicle symbol to indicate a position of a charge port.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Richard Isaacs, Debra Lynn Ross
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Patent number: 10967853Abstract: A computer includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to, upon determining that a yaw rate for a host vehicle is below a threshold, identify a front corner point of a target, and to suppress threat mitigation when a time to collision between the host vehicle and front corner point of the target exceeds a time threshold.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Purushothaman Rayalsamy, Christopher Pontisakos, Alex Maurice Miller
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Patent number: 10967819Abstract: A vehicle includes power outlets configured to receive power from an inverter. The vehicle includes power sources configured to supply power to the inverter and a plurality of electrical systems. A controller is programmed to, responsive to detecting a load connected to one of the power outlets, change a maximum power limit of the electrical systems by an amount associated with the one of the power outlets.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark J. Ferrel, Mateusz Zadrozny
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Patent number: 10967705Abstract: An air purge method in a vehicle is provided. The air purge method comprises starting a vehicle ventilation device in response to ventilation instruction; determining a current air purge status based on an operation time of the ventilation device; and indicating the current air purge status via an air purge indication device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Kevin Shen, Wei Xu, Xuezhi Jin, Hogan Jiang
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Patent number: 10967883Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting vehicle noises to notify the vehicle operator of speed changes in human-in-the-loop cruise control and semi-autonomous vehicle operation. In one example, a method for drive unit of a vehicle may include responsive to a vehicle speed meeting a predefined condition relative to a threshold vehicle speed, adjusting one or more drive unit actuators to modulate engine noise while maintaining desired wheel torque within a threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kenneth Miller, Thomas Leone, Aed Dudar
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Patent number: 10967714Abstract: A discloses latch module assembly includes a channel and a bracket supported on the channel. The bracket supports a handle assembly and is movable between a collapsed position and an installed position to enable assembly through small openings within a door. A method of installing a door latch module assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chester Stanislaus Walawender, Eric Rinke, Andrew Cusator, Sheri Reck
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Patent number: 10967851Abstract: A vehicle system includes a camera, a sensor, and processors for detecting an unoccupied parking spot while the vehicle traverses a detection path. The processors define a variable virtual boundary based on at least one object detected on a side of the detection path excluding the unoccupied parking spot and generates at least one parking maneuver based on the unoccupied parking spot and the variable virtual boundary.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Markus Krekel, Ahmed Benmimoun, Andrew Ochmanski, Thomas Gerlitz, Nadja Wysietzki, Cinderella Matuk, Li Xu, Kyle Simmons
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Patent number: 10968853Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for learning fuel injector error for cylinder groups during a deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO), where all cylinders of an engine are deactivated, sequentially firing each cylinder of a cylinder group, each cylinder fueled via consecutive first and second fuel pulses of differing fuel pulse width from an injector. Based on a lambda deviation between the first and second pulses, a fuel error for the injector and an air-fuel ratio imbalance for each cylinder is learned. Alternatively or additionally, a difference in crankshaft acceleration between the first and second pulses relative to the expected deviation may be used to learn torque error, and adjust fuel injector error and air-ratio imbalance for each cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Imad Hassan Makki, Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Hassene Jammoussi, Robert Roy Jentz, Michael Igor Kluzner, Stephen B. Smith
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Patent number: 10967865Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes an engine and an electric machine are described. In one example, electric machine torque is adjusted according to a wheel torque in a wheel torque creep mode where an engine provides torque to vehicle wheels. Operating the electric machine in this way may allow the electric machine to emulate wheel creep torque that is generated via an engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yanan Zhao, Jason Meyer, Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering
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Patent number: 10967913Abstract: An apparatus, according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a bracket having a first attachment feature configured for attachment to a quarter panel and a second attachment feature configured for attachment to a body inner structure. A BLIS module attaches to the body inner structure without covering the first attachment feature. A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, attaching a quarter panel to a bracket via a first attachment feature, attaching the quarter panel with the bracket to a body inner structure, attaching the bracket to the body inner structure via a second attachment feature, and attaching a BLIS module to the body inner structure without covering the first attachment feature.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jack Marchlewski, Darrin Neil Wagner, Robert Reiners
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Patent number: 10969011Abstract: A vehicle includes a transmission having an electric machine, a park ring fixedly coupled to the electric machine, and a parking pawl engageable with the park ring to hold the park ring stationary when the transmission is in PARK. A vehicle is programmed to, responsive to a request to shift from PARK, command disengagement of the parking pawl and concurrently command a torque to the electric machine to counteract driveline torque on the park ring.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kenneth Frederick, Robert Hurley
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Patent number: 10968846Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing engine stall incidence during canister purging. A fuel vapor canister is purged at a higher purge ramp rate to an engine with one or more cylinders selectively deactivated. In response to an indication of potential or partial engine stall, the deactivated cylinders are reactivated and the canister purge ramp rate is lowered.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Aed Dudar
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Patent number: 10968852Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a fuel system of a vehicle to diagnose whether a fuel filter is functioning as desired. In one example, a method may include, in response to a fuel rail pressure decreasing below a threshold pressure while an engine of the vehicle is running, diagnosing whether degradation of fuel injectors or a fuel pressure regulator of the vehicle has occurred while the engine is not running. Then, only if degradation of the fuel injectors and fuel pressure regulator has not occurred, a fuel filter cleaning routine is performed.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Aed Dudar, Thomas Leone, Kenneth Miller
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Patent number: 10968795Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a lubricant detection device. In one example, a system comprises one or more sensors arranged in an oil flow path for detecting if a particle is in an oil flow. Engine operating parameters are adjusted in response to sensing the particle, wherein the engine operating parameter adjustments are different in response to only a first sensor detecting the particle or to both the first sensor and a second sensor detecting the particle.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2019Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Reid Worthen
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Patent number: 10969478Abstract: A system includes a base having a sensor opening. An object-detection sensor is aligned with the sensor opening. A motor and a guide are each supported by the base and are spaced from each other. A continuous band is flexible relative to and engaged with the motor and the guide. At least a portion of the continuous band is transparent and extends between the sensor and the sensor opening. If a contaminant, e.g., dirt, water, snow, etc., is on the continuous band at the sensor opening, the motor moves the continuous band to locate a clean section of the continuous band at the opening.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2018Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dhaval P. Vaishnav, Yi-Hsin Yen, Syed K. Ali, Andre Sykula, Venkatesh Krishnan