| FORD MOTOR COMPANY Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120105623 | System for Detecting Surface Variations on Engine Cylinder Head Valve Seats - A machine vision inspection system that detects defects on machined valve seats that may be caused by a broken cutting tool insert. The system also measures the valve seat width to detect a missing cutting tool insert and monitor reactions to cutting tool forces and tool wear. The system uses high resolution cameras and stable LED light sources. A method is disclosed for manufacturing cylinder heads that are 100% inspected inline for valve seat surface defects. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120094200 | Freeze Start Method for Fuel Cells - A method for starting operation of a solid polymer fuel cell from a temperature below 0° C. is disclosed that prevents certain problems with ice formation as the fuel cell thaws. During startup, the method involves providing the oxidant flow at a rate less than half of its maximum when the coolant temperature is near 0° C. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120068658 | System And Method For Setting Machine Limits - A system and method for setting machine limits include setting a limit for a machine parameter, setting a temporal operating range for the machine, and setting a temporal step. The machine is operated over the operating range and the machine parameter is measured. A first new limit for the machine parameter is set based at least in part on the measurements over the operating range. The operating range is advanced by the temporal step, and the machine parameter continues to be measured. Another new limit for the machine parameter is set based at least in part on the measurements over the operating range after the operating range has been advanced. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120041884 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSMITTING DIGITAL MEDIA BETWEEN REMOTE LOCATIONS - A method and system for processing an automotive warranty claim include capturing at least one digital image of a vehicle-related customer concern with a digital camera device. A barcode identifying the vehicle is scanned with a barcode scanning device. Upon establishing operable communication between a first computer and the digital camera device and the barcode scanning device, respectively, the at least one digital image and the barcode information are automatically downloaded into the first computer. Dialog is input into the first computer requesting warranty coverage for the customer concern. A claimset comprising the digital images, barcode and request for warranty coverage is transmitted to a second computer via a communication network. The claimset is reviewed at the second computer to decide whether warranty coverage will be provided. The claimset is updated with the decision and transmitted back to the first computer via the communication network. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120030512 | PROVISIONING OF DATA TO A VEHICLE INFOTAINMENT COMPUTING SYSTEM - Various embodiments include a software provisioning system and method for a vehicle infotainment computer. Software provisioning of the vehicle infotainment computer may occur during vehicle assembly. A software provisioning request may be received for custom installing software to the vehicle infotainment computer. The custom install may be based on a customization schedule which may include a location identifier (such as uniform resource identifiers or file paths) for locating the software. In response to the request, the software may be located on a provisioning server or a portable memory device based on the customization schedule. The software may be transmitted to memory of the vehicle infotainment computer and custom installed on the vehicle infotainment computer. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120001744 | VEHICLE STATISTICAL MEASUREMENT GAME - A vehicle communication system is operable to calculate and compare vehicle statistics based on information received from a vehicle sensor. This statistic information can be used by the vehicle communication system to execute a plurality of statistic based games. Additionally, relevant statistic information may be transmitted to a remote network for the purpose of playing games against other drivers. The vehicle communication system can report statistical changes to a driver, thus appraising the driver of the driver's success in achieving statistical game goals. Network rankings may also be provided to the driver in a real-time basis by the vehicle communication system. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20110318662 | PLATINUM PHOSPHIDE AS A CATHODE CATALYST FOR PEMFCS AND PHOSPHOROUS TREATMENT OF CATALYSTS FOR FUEL CELL - The present disclosure relates to a catalyst including platinum phosphide having a cubic structure, a method of making the catalyst, and a fuel cell utilizing the catalyst. The present disclosure also relates to method of making electrical power utilizing a PEMFC incorporating the catalyst. Also disclosed herein is a catalyst including a platinum complex wherein platinum is complexed with a nonmetal or metalloid. The catalyst with the platinum complex can exhibit good electro-chemically active properties. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110269057 | REVERSAL TOLERANT MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR A FUEL CELL - Ruthenium or a Ruthenium compound is applied to an anode structure according to a predetermined pattern, with only part of the anode active area containing Ru. The parts of the MEA that do not contain Ru are not expected to suffer degradation from Ru cross-over, so that overall degradation of the cell will be diminished. Having less precious metals will also translate into less cost. | 11-03-2011 |
| 20110256466 | MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A CATALYST MIGRATION BARRIER LAYER - A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed, which comprises at least one porous ionomer containing layer disposed at the interface between the cathode electrocatalyst material and the ion exchange membrane of the fuel cell. The porous ionomer containing layer comprises a catalyst migration impeding compound. The membrane electrode assembly exhibits improved stability against Pt dissolution and Pt-band formation within the ion exchange membrane, hence having improved durability and lifetime performance. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110247194 | VEHICLE MOUNTING AND ALIGNMENT BRACKET - A bracket for attaching and aligning a forward-looking radar (FLR) having a front face is disclosed according to one embodiment. The bracket includes a bracket frame having an attachment feature for attaching the FLR to the bracket frame. The bracket also includes a first mounting feature extending from the bracket frame for coupling the bracket face and the first mounting surface of the conveyance to define a first mounting surface angle. The bracket also includes a bracket member extending from the bracket frame. The bracket member includes an end portion disposed proximate to the bracket face and a distal end portion, which includes a second mounting feature for coupling the bracket member and the second mounting surface thereby defining a second mounting surface angle and aligning the FLR front face to an alignment angle. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110238237 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UPDATING VEHICLE COMPUTING PLATFORM CONFIGURATION INFORMATION - A vehicle includes a computing platform configured with first configuration information, an identification module that receives driver identification information and determines whether to enable the computing platform based on the identification information, and a communication module that establishes communications between the computing platform and an off-vehicle information store storing second configuration information if the computing platform is enabled. The vehicle also includes an update module that updates the computing platform with the second configuration information if the second configuration information is different than the first configuration information. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110165492 | FUEL CELL HEADER WEDGE - A fuel cell system may include a fuel cell stack having a header and active area in fluid communication with the header. The fuel cell system may also include a wedge disposed within the header and configured to alter the cross-sectional area of the header along the length of the stack such that, during operation of the stack, a flow velocity of gas through the active area is generally constant. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110143221 | Method of Chemical Treatment of Fuel Cell Plate Surface to Modify Wettability of Flow Field Channels - A method of surface treating a separator plate of a fuel cell comprises reacting the separator plate with an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide comprises one or more salts of one or more transition metals. The one or more transition metals have variable oxidation states. This method makes the surface of the separator plate hydrophilic (˜35 deg contact angle of water) and improves its electrical conductivity. The method of surface treating a separator plate (e.g., a graphite and/or graphite composite plate) of a fuel cell can further comprise a method of modifying wettability of the separator plate comprising treating the separator plate with a solution comprising one or more silanes. In another embodiment, a method of modifying wettability of a separator plate (e.g., a stainless steel separator plate) of a fuel cell comprises treating the separator plate with a solution comprising one or more silanes without a surface treating step prior to treating the separator plate with the solution comprising one or more silanes. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110111321 | COMPOSITE PROTON CONDUCTING MEMBRANE WITH LOW DEGRADATION AND MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FOR FUEL CELLS - A small molecule or polymer additive can be used in preparation of a membrane electrode assembly to improve its durability and performance under low relative humidity in a fuel cell. Specifically, a method of forming a membrane electrode assembly comprising a proton exchange membrane, comprises providing an additive comprising at least two nitrogen atoms to the membrane electrode assembly. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110106666 | REMANUFACTURED PART CORE RETURN PROCESS AND SYSTEM - One aspect of the present invention is a computer-implemented method for processing remanufactured part cores. The method includes receiving manufactured part core inventory information. The inventory information can include an inventory forecast and an inventory level for a number of parts. The method further includes receiving a part number of a part to be processed. The part to be processed is a member of the number of parts. The method further includes receiving one or more business rules for processing the part to be processed. A part disposition for the part to be processed is determined based on the remanufactured part core inventory information, the one or more business rules and the part number. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110098016 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EMERGENCY CALL PLACEMENT - A vehicle communication system includes a computer processor in communication with persistent and non-persistent memory, at least a portion of one memory storing vehicle emergency event data. The system also includes a local wireless transceiver in communication with the computer processor and configured to communicate wirelessly with a cellular telephone located in proximity to the vehicle. Upon detection of an emergency event, the computer processor may initiate a connection to an emergency communication system. The processor may also send spoken communication to the emergency communication system and present a plurality of spoken options to an emergency operator. The processor may detect the selection of an option, and, in response to the selection of an option, output the vehicle emergency event data corresponding to the selected option. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110093107 | Computer-Implemented Method and System for Determining a Material Utilization for Part Assemblies - Various embodiments may include determining a material utilization for one or more assemblies having a plurality of parts. Offal data for one or more parts comprising one or more part assemblies and a blank material utilization status for each of the one or more part assemblies may be received. The blank material utilization status for the one or more part assemblies may be based on a blank material utilization status for each of the one or more parts. The offal data may be standardized to obtain standardized offal data. One or more offal utilization assignments for the part assemblies having a plurality of parts may be determined based on the standardized offal data and the blank material utilization status for the part assemblies. The offal utilization assignments may then be transmitted for assignment to the one or more part assemblies. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110093105 | COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECOMMENDING PART MATERIALS - A computer-implemented method for recommending one or more materials used in designing and manufacturing parts may include receiving data from at least three data sources. The data sources may include a sourcing, manufacturing, and design data source. The data source data may be standardized to obtain a collection of data including a dataset of materials for consideration in recommending one or more materials for use in one or more parts. The method may also include receiving optimization metrics and constraints for the dataset of materials. Optimization values for each material based on the dataset of materials and the one or more optimization metrics may be determined. An optimization algorithm on each material may be performed based at least on the optimization values and the constraints to obtain one or more recommended materials from the dataset of materials for use in a design of one or more parts. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110085864 | TOOL HOLDER ASSEMBLY - A tool holder assembly including a cutting tool and a tool holder. The cutting tool includes at least one fluid passage. The tool holder includes a conduit and a bore adapted to receive the cutting tool. An adapter or adapter portion may be provided that provides a fluid to one or more fluid passages in the cutting tool. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110070511 | COOLING SUBSYSTEM FOR AN ELECTROCHEMICAL FUEL CELL SYSTEM - Improvements in startup time for an electrochemical fuel cell system from freezing and sub-freezing temperatures may be observed by minimizing the coolant volume in the coolant subsystem. In particular, this may be accomplished by having a two pump—dual loop cooling subsystem. During startup, one pump directs coolant through a startup coolant loop and after either the fuel cell stack or the coolant temperature reaches a predetermined threshold value, coolant from a main or standard coolant loop is then directed to the fuel cell stack. In an embodiment, coolant from the standard loop mixes with coolant in the startup loop after the predetermined threshold temperature is reached. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110066665 | On-Line Invention Disclosure System And Docket System - An on-line invention disclosure system includes a user computer, a server and a database coupled to the server. The server provides user screens to the user to prompt the users to provide disclosure information to the server. The server receives the disclosure information from the users and stores the information in the database while allowing access to the database after storing the information on the database. The server prompts the first inventor to provide an approval and upon approval assigns a docket number from a docket number database. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110065026 | FUEL CELL WITH CATALYST LAYER SUPPORTED ON FLOW FIELD PLATE - A fuel cell includes a plate system including a porous media having a surface that defines a plurality of channels configured to distribute gas throughout the plate system, and a catalyst layer in contact with the porous media. The porous media is configured to permit the gas to move from the channels, through the porous media, and to the catalyst layer. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110027669 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HYDRATING A PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL - A fuel cell hydration system comprising a first reservoir is provided. The first reservoir is positioned between a cathode supply and a fuel cell stack. The first reservoir includes corrugated regions positioned axially along the first reservoir to accumulate water discharged from a first fluid stream. The first fluid stream absorbs the accumulated water when an amount of water within the first fluid stream is below a water level to hydrate the fuel cell stack. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110014538 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell includes a catalyst layer, a corrugated plate forming a plurality of channels that define a flow field in fluid communication with the catalyst layer, and a coating on at least one of the channels. The plate and coating are configured such that, if a gas flows through the channels, an obstruction blocking the at least one of the channels causes a pressure gradient between the channels that drives convection of the gas through the coating and around the obstruction. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110014537 | FUEL CELL - A fuel cell includes a plate having a plurality of channels formed therein that define a flow field. The plate is configured such that, if a gas flows through the channels, an obstruction blocking a particular channel causes a pressure gradient between the channels that drives convection of the gas through the plate and between at least some of the channels. The fuel cell also includes a catalyst layer in fluid communication with the flow field. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110008693 | HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIALS CONTAINING AMMONIA BORANE - According to at least one aspect of the present invention, an ammonia borane containing hydrogen storage material is provided to be present with substantially reduced formation of borazine or diborane. In at least one embodiment, the hydrogen storage material includes at least one ammonia borane (NH | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110008689 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HUMIDIFYING A MASTER FUEL CELL STACK WITH A SLAVE FUEL CELL STACK - A system and method for humidifying a fuel cell stack system is provided. The system includes a slave stack, a master stack and at least one valve. The slave stack generates power to drive a load in response to at least one fluid stream and discharges at least one recirculated fluid stream having water content therein. The master stack receives the at least recirculated fluid stream to humidify the master stack with the water content. The valve delivers the at least one recirculated fluid stream from the slave stack to the master stack based on a power request amount by the load. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20100330389 | SKIN PASS FOR CLADDING THIN METAL SHEETS - According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for cladding a thin metal sheet for enhanced formability and manufacturability thereof. In at least one embodiment, the method includes contacting at least one metal cladding layer with the thin metal sheet to form a thin metal sandwich having an original thickness, wherein the metal cladding layer may be a thin metal foil or a plated or deposited thin metal film, and then subjecting the thin metal sandwich to four Skin-Pass steps at an incremental thickness reduction ratio of 25 percent of the total thickness Reduction Ratio per step in four alternating directions. The method provides Skin-Pass processed clad sheet metals with reduced uniaxial pre-strain, improved uniformity in microstructure and material properties along the longitudinal and transversal directions, and enhanced formability and manufacturability. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100326168 | Sled Buck Testing System - A sled carriage is configured to move in a direction of an axis. A platform is attached with the sled carriage and a sled buck is attached with the platform. Upon acceleration of the sled carriage, the sled buck and platform move relative to the sled carriage. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100293022 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTRONICALLY SCHEDULING A VEHICLE ORDER - A method and system for scheduling an electronic vehicle order. The method includes receiving an electronic vehicle order, which has a plurality of associated vehicle-option inputs, from a customer; expanding the order by associating each vehicle option with a plurality of part codes to generate a subset of part codes; applying a first set of rules that has non-deterministic criteria to the subset of part codes for conflict determination; resolving any conflict(s) between part codes by applying a second rule set, which has deterministic criteria; and scheduling a vehicle build order based at least in part on the part code subset. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100261087 | FUEL CELL HAVING PERFORATED FLOW FIELD - A fuel cell system includes a bipolar plate having a flow field formed therein. The flow field is partially defined by at least two adjacent channel portions separated by a wall portion. The wall portion includes a surface at least partially defining a passageway between the channel portions. The passageway may be sized so as to create a pressure difference between the channel portions. The pressure difference may draw at least a portion of a liquid droplet obstructing one of the channel portions toward and into the passageway. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100227582 | Method and System for Emergency Call Handling - A vehicle communication system includes a computer processor in communication with persistent and non-persistent memory. The system also includes a local wireless transceiver in communication with the computer processor and configured to communicate wirelessly with a cellular telephone located at the vehicle. The system further includes a backup power circuit comprising a charge storage device such as a local battery or capacitor having enough charge to power the computer processor and local wireless transceiver long enough to send an emergency call signal to the cellular telephone, and an emergency call command signal is sent from the local wireless transceiver to the cellular telephone in the event a vehicle emergency is detected at the computer processor and vehicle power is lost. The signal causes the cellular telephone to place or continue an emergency call to an emergency responder or agency over the cellular telephone network. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100214089 | Vehicle Statistical Measurement Game - A vehicle communication system is operable to calculate and compare vehicle statistics based on information received from a vehicle sensor. This statistic information can be used by the vehicle communication system to execute a plurality of statistic based games. Additionally, relevant statistic information may be transmitted to a remote network for the purpose of playing games against other drivers. The vehicle communication system can report statistical changes to a driver, thus appraising the driver of the driver's success in achieving statistical game goals. Network rankings may also be provided to the driver in a real-time basis by the vehicle communication system. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100206887 | FUEL STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A GAS PRESSURE THEREIN - A fuel storage system includes a storage vessel including a dielectric liner, a voltage sensor formed by a pair of plates disposed on opposing surfaces of the liner, and a controller configured to determine a gas pressure in the storage vessel based on voltages measured by the sensor. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100205111 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FINANCING ACQUISITION OF VEHICLES - In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for financing acquisition of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a future interest in a vehicle in consideration for a future interest price upon transfer of a legal title in the vehicle in consideration for a legal title price. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100198647 | TECHNICAL HOTLINE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A technical hotline resource management method and system provides a business solution for contact centers which receive contacts both through telephone-based inquiries and web-based inquiries. The disclosed method and system provides, among other things, intelligent calculation of projected resource requirements, a common schedule template for all groups engaged in providing technical assistance, simple input and maintenance screens, a readily-viewed calendar of employee schedules, detailed employee profiles (which identify employee skills), and options for scheduling different work types during given increments of time. Having such information readily available the technical hotline resource manager can thus readily review lists of available employees, groups, and technical requests and can route the inquiries efficiently and quickly. Using the disclosed method and system the resource manager is able to schedule different work types over the contact information, thus enabling employees to be assigned to various work types, including responsibility for different types of inquiries (telephone-based and web-based) as well as for training and meetings, avoiding unnecessary work beyond standard work schedules. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198430 | METHOD FOR MONITORING HYDROGEN VEHICLES - A system and method for remotely monitoring the status of a hydrogen vehicle includes a data acquisition/communication module configured to receive a plurality of signals representing one or more status conditions associated with the vehicle. The data acquisition/communication module is further configured to report one or more of the status conditions to a computer remote from the vehicle. The system is further configured to receive one or more signals from the remote computer in response to the reported status condition wherein the received signal represents an action to be taken in response to the one or more status conditions. The data acquisition/communication module is also configured to initiate the action to be taken. A computer remote from the vehicle is configured to monitor the one or more status conditions reported by the data acquisition/communication module and determine if an action must be taken. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100197406 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VEHICULAR AD-HOC GAMING NETWORKING - A game is provided which can be played over a vehicular ad hoc network. Because vehicles may rapidly change locations, the game is capable of switching to new instances of the same game with relatively seamless transitions. Players who are no longer in a new instance, but were in the previous instance, may be replaced by computer controlled players to add to the seamlessness of the transition. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100183936 | MODULAR FUEL CELL POWER SYSTEM - A modular fuel cell power system includes a coolant source, a reactant source and a plurality of fuel cell modules. Each of the fuel cell modules includes a fuel cell stack and a fluid distribution plant in fluid communication with the reactant source, coolant source and fuel cell stack. The fluid distribution plant controls the flow of reactant between the reactant source and fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stacks are configured to be selectively electrically connected. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100180983 | FUELING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fuel storage system includes a fuel tank, a fueling receptacle in fluid communication with the tank, and a coil adjacent the fueling receptacle. The system also includes a controller configured to determine information about a state of fuel in the tank, and to cause a modulated current to be driven into the coil to generate an electromagnetic field. The modulated current represents the information about the state of fuel in the tank. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100180427 | TEXTURING OF THIN METAL SHEETS/FOILS FOR ENHANCED FORMABILITY AND MANUFACTURABILITY - According to at least one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for enhancing formability and manufacturability of a thin metal sheet/foil. In at least one embodiment, the method includes texturing a thin metal sheet/foil to accumulate additional metal materials in the areas to be formed, and providing a textured thin metal sheet/foil with a wavy topography of various peak-to-valley amplitudes and peak-to-peak wave lengths, depending on part design complexity and forming difficulties. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100178578 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING A FUEL CELL ANODE GAS COMPOSITION - In at least one embodiment, a purge system for a fuel cell stack is provided. The system comprises a blower, a differential pressure sensor and a purge valve. The blower delivers a recirculated gas back to the stack at varying electrical power levels and blower speeds. The differential pressure sensor senses pressure of the recirculated gas across the blower. The purge valve purges the recirculated gas based on at least one of a blower power level, a blower speed, and the pressure of the recirculated gas. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100062289 | Apparatus and Method for Managing Fluids in a Fuel Cell Stack - A plurality of flow field plate assemblies forms a fuel cell stack. Each flow field plate assembly has a first flow field plate positionable on an anode side of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) of a first fuel cell, a second flow field plate positionable on a cathode side of an MEA of a second fuel cell, adjacent the first fuel cell. At least one back-feed channel is interposed between the first and second flow field plates. At least a portion of the back-feed channel or a reactant manifold opening formed by the first and second flow field plates has a geometry that forms regions of high and low capillary forces, promoting liquid migration toward regions substantially isolated from a flow of reactants, to prevent water collection and ice formation. The migrated liquid being is purged during a purge of the fuel cell stack after operation. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100036709 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF MEASURING CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH PURCHASED VEHICLE - A method of measuring customer satisfaction with a product. The method may assess customer satisfaction from information collected after purchasing the product. This post-purchase information may be collected, for example, by monitoring customer expressions made while interacting with the product. Optionally, the settings and operating conditions of the product may be separately monitored and cross-referenced with the customer expressions to tie the expressions with specific characteristics of the product. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100030615 | Computer-implemented method and system for collecting and communicating inspection information for a mechanism - A method for collecting and communicating inspection information for a vehicle is provided. The method comprises electrically transmitting repair order information from an original electronic repair order to initiate a repair on the vehicle. The repair order information designates a technician to perform the repair. The method further comprises electronically receiving a notification to indicate that the technician received the repair order information and electronically generating an electronic inspection form including a questionnaire for the technician to input inspection information in response to the notification. The method further comprises electronically receiving into the electronic inspection form the inspection information and determining that the electronic inspection form is complete based on whether at least one of the electronic inspection form has been generated and the inspection information is received. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100022182 | SATTELLITE RADIO SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ACTIVATING SAME - A satellite radio system may include at least one computing device configured to receive a transaction date associated with a vehicle, to determine a preactivation duration based on the date, and to determine whether the preactivation duration exceeds a predetermined time period. The at least one computing device may be further configured to initiate the transmission of deactivation information for a satellite radio module in the vehicle if the preactivation duration exceeds the predetermined time period to disable the module from playing satellite broadcast signals. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100010879 | PRODUCTIVITY OPERATIONS SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY FOR IMPROVING MANUFACTURING PRODUCTIVITY - A method for improving productivity operations may include receiving elements of a first and second array which produces a productivity matrix. Further included may be receiving matrix events having an input, an output, and an activity step, receiving the input and activity step, and outputting the output. The input, activity step, and output may enable standardization of productivity improvement. A method may also include supplying elements of the first and second array to produce a productivity matrix and generating matrix events which include an input, output, and activity step. A system for improving productivity operations may include a computer configured to receive elements of the first and second arrays which produces a productivity matrix. The computer may receive matrix events having an input, output, and activity step, receive the input and activity step, and output an output all of which together may enable standardization of productivity improvement. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20090325000 | AUTOMOTIVE ROTATABLE POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A rotating power transfer system for an automotive fuel cell vehicle includes one of an impeller and turbine in fluid communication with a fuel cell stack, an electric machine and a shaft operatively associated with the one of impeller and turbine. The system also includes a heating element disposed within the shaft. The heating element is configured to be selectively electrically coupled with a stator coil of the electric machine. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090322120 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A CLOSURE - A system and method for assembling a closure for a vehicle. The system includes first, second and third closure manipulators adapted to engage different areas of the closure, a first hinge manipulator configured to receive and fasten a first hinge to the closure, and a nab pin manipulator configured to position and secure a nab pin in a fixed position relative to the door and the hinge. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090313072 | COMPUTER-BASED VEHICLE ORDER TRACKING SYSTEM - A computer-implemented system for receiving a delivery estimated time of arrival (ETA) of an expected vehicle at a customer location is provided. The system comprises at least one customer system for receiving the ETA of the expected vehicle at the customer location from at least one tracking tool. The at least one tracking tool is configured to receive historical vehicle order average information which corresponds to known ETAs of one or more delivered vehicles over a predetermined time frame. The at least one tracking tool is further configured to generate at least one linear regression model in response to the historical vehicle order average information to determine the ETA of the expected vehicle at the customer location. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090299944 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR APPLICATION SUPPORT KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER BETWEEN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ORGANIZATIONS - A computer network system for implementing a knowledge transfer process includes one or more local computers. The processors of the computers may access a knowledge database stored in local computer memory. The system also includes remote computers. The processors of the remote computers may access the knowledge database stored in local computer memory. The processors in at least one local and/or remote computer may automatically score individual and/or team performance, and may detect triggering events establishing that a predetermined milestone has been met. The processors in at least one local and/or remote computer may also determine that a knowledge transfer process should continue to a next phase, based at least on scoring of performances and completion of one or more predetermined milestones. The processors in at least one local and/or remote computer may automatically notify one or more process participants that the process should continue to the next phase. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299790 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INTERACTIVELY OPTIMIZING SHIPPING DENSITY FOR A CONTAINER - A system and method for interactively optimizing shipping density of racked parts by a user is provided. The system includes a user computer system, a communications network, a remotely located computer system, a data storage device a computer-generated model of a component part; a computer-generated model of a container for transporting the component part and an executable shipping density optimization software program. The methodology includes the steps of the user selecting the component part model and container. The methodology also includes the steps of analyzing the shipping density of component parts within the container. The methodology further includes the steps of identifying a bottleneck feature and modifying the bottleneck feature and determining the optimized density of the modified component parts in the container. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090292416 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY TESTING MULTIPLE COMMUNICATION CHANNEL INPUTS TO A VEHICLE COMPUTER - An embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for remotely testing a plurality of communication channel inputs to an automobile computer. The apparatus may include a microprocessor electrically connected to a persistent memory. The memory may have stored therein communication channel test messages corresponding to each of two or more communication channel inputs to an automobile computer. At least one of the communication channels is a wireless communication channel. The microprocessor may be configured to output a test message over a selected communication channel to the automobile computer. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090281780 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING CONFIGURATION CONSTRAINTS FOR COMPUTER MODELS - A bill of material and a design layout are aligned to generate a configuration for a virtual vehicle. The bill of material includes a part number and usage associated with a part. The design layout includes a CAD model of the part. CAD models in vehicle position are generated from the design layout. Logical positions are identified based on the usage and the CAD models in vehicle position are associated with the logical positions. Feature conditions are applied to the CAD models in vehicle position representing content and position configuration. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090281651 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING AN ASSEMBLY CONFIGURATION - A bill of material and a design layout are aligned to generate a configuration for a virtual vehicle. The bill of material includes a part number and usage associated with a part. The design layout includes a CAD model of the part. CAD models in vehicle position are generated from the design layout. Logical positions are identified based on the usage and the CAD models in vehicle position are associated with the logical positions. Feature conditions are applied to the CAD models in vehicle position representing content and position configuration. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090278500 | AUTOMOTIVE POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - A battery control module monitors discharge voltages associated with a traction battery of an automotive vehicle. The battery control module cycles the traction battery at a discharge-voltage dependent charge/discharge profile to generate heat within the traction battery. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090255326 | ANODE LEAK TEST IMPLEMENTATION - A system and method is provided for detecting an anode leak of an anode stream in a fuel cell stack. The system comprises a controller that stores at least one first predetermined control value that corresponds to a first pre-selected pressure level. The controller generates at least one first operational control value. The controller controls a pressure regulator device to adjust the pressure of the anode stream to reach the first pre-selected pressure level with the at least one first operational control value. The controller compares the at least one first operational control value to the at least one first predetermined control value. The controller determines the presence of an anode leak in the anode stream based on the comparison of the at least one first operational control value to the at least one first predetermined control value. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090255323 | PROTON EXCHANGE MEMBRANE FUEL CELL HUMIDITY SENSOR - A humidity sensing device for determining the amount of humidity in at least one primary fluid stream that is passed to a fuel cell stack is provided. The sensing device includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing is positioned within at least one conduit such that the outer housing and the conduit coact with each other to generate at least one secondary fluid stream from the primary fluid stream. The inner housing is positioned within the outer housing such that the inner housing is configured to receive the secondary fluid stream and to measure an amount of water present in the secondary fluid stream to determine the amount of humidity in the primary fluid stream. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090252998 | AUTOMOTIVE FUEL CELL WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME - Actuators are attached with plates of a fuel cell stack. Electrical power is provided to the actuators to drive the actuators to mechanically excite the plates to agitate liquid water restricting or blocking flow fields formed in the plates. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090208789 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PURGING WATER FROM A FUEL CELL STACK - A system for delivering an input fuel stream to a fuel cell stack to generate electrical current and to discharge an unused fuel stream is provided. A supply produces a supply fuel stream. An ejector combines a purged fuel stream and the supply fuel stream and controls the flow of the input fuel stream to the fuel cell stack. A purging arrangement receives the unused fuel stream which includes impurities and purges the impurities from the unused fuel stream to generate the purged fuel stream. A bypass valve is capable of delivering the purged fuel stream to the ejector. A blower is capable of delivering the purged fuel stream to the ejector. A controller controls one of the bypass valve and the blower for delivering the purged fuel stream to the ejector based on the amount of electrical current generated by the fuel cell stack. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090192660 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A MOTIVE POWER SYSTEM OF AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE - Environment conditions expected to be encountered by a vehicle are used as inputs in determining operating modes of a motive power system of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. A vehicle operating in charge depleting mode may transition to operate in charge sustaining mode if the vehicle is expected to encounter circumstances where it is desirable to allow the vehicle to more quickly respond to sudden requests for torque. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090191805 | VENTILATION SYSTEM FOR AN AUTOMOTIVE FUEL CELL STACK ENCLOSURE - A fuel cell stack is housed within a fuel cell stack enclosure. Air is used to ventilate the fuel cell stack enclosure. The air may be pulled from an air stream used to cool a high voltage battery. The air may also be pulled from a vehicle compartment such as a vehicle trunk or vehicle cabin. Filters are used to remove particulate matter from the air. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090183355 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE - A system and method for assembling a vehicle body structure. The system includes first and second end effectors for positioning first and second body structure components. The second end effector engages the first end effector to position the second body structure component relative to the first body structure component. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090142644 | HYDROGEN RECIRCULATION SYSTEM USING INTEGRATED MOTOR GENERATOR ENERGY - A system for delivering a supply fluid stream to a fuel cell stack that discharges an unused fluid stream is provided. A fuel supply is adapted to provide a pressurized supply fluid stream. An expander is in fluid communication with the fuel supply and is configured to receive the pressurized supply fluid stream to reduce the pressure of the pressurized supply fluid stream and to generate mechanical energy in response to reducing the pressure of the pressurized supply fluid stream. An electric machine is operably coupled to the expander and for selectively converting the mechanical energy generated by the expander into electrical energy. A compressor/blower is capable of being driven by at least one of the mechanical energy and the electrical energy to control the flow of the unused fluid stream to the fuel cell stack for recirculating the unused fluid stream back to the fuel cell stack. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090074968 | WET-ON-WET TWO-TONE PAINTING - In at least one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and system of painting an article having two or more base coats, and to articles prepared in accordance therewith. In at least one embodiment, the method comprises applying a primer composition to a first and second area of the article; applying a first base composition to the first area of the article; curing the primer composition and the first base composition to form a primer and a first base coat; masking at least a portion of the first base coat; applying a second base composition to the second area of the article; removing the masking; applying a clear coat composition to the first and second area of the article; and curing the second base and the clear coat compositions. In at least one embodiment, the article is a vehicle and the compositions are applied via automated spray equipment. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090055310 | Computer System for Financing Ownership of a Vehicle - A computer system for financing ownership of a vehicle is disclosed. The computer system includes a computer application for implementing the following steps on a computer: calculating an amount financed of a RIC or loan for financing the purchase and ownership of a first vehicle at or before inception of the purchase; at or before inception of the purchase, determining a first payment amount for each of a plurality of first payments to occur before a decision point and a second payment amount for each of a plurality of second payments to occur after the decision point, the first payment amount being a predetermined percent lower than the second payment amount; and prompting contact of the customer based on the decision point to promote trade-in of the first vehicle. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090049879 | Rotary Fill Member for a Die Assembly - A rotary fill slide assembly for a sheet metal forming die that has a working element that performs an operation on a portion of a sheet metal blank. The rotary fill slide assembly has a motor that is controlled based upon a press cycle timing mechanism. The rotary fill slide is assembled to the die to fill a space adjacent to a portion of the blank when the blank is in position for the working element to perform the operation on the blank. A linkage connects the motor to the rotary fill slide. The motor drives the linkage in synchronization with the press cycle to fill the space during the period of time that the working element performs the operation on the blank. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090047552 | HUMIDITY GAS CONDITIONER - A system and method for conditioning the temperature of at least one fluid stream that is passed through a fuel cell stack is provided. The system comprises a system module, at least one inlet and a conditioning device. The system module is operable to humidify the fluid stream to a reach a predetermined humidity level that corresponds to a predetermined temperature. The one inlet of the fuel cell stack receives the fluid stream at a first temperature that is different from the predetermined temperature. The fuel cell stack includes at least one outlet operable to present coolant having a temperature that is different from the first temperature of the fluid stream. The conditioning device is operable to receive the fluid stream and the coolant and present the fluid stream to the coolant to change the first temperature of the fluid stream to be equal to the predetermined temperature. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090035618 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECIRCULATING UNUSED FUEL IN FUEL CELL APPLICATION - A system and method for delivering an input fluid stream through a fuel cell stack and discharge an unused fluid stream is provided. An inlet of the fuel cell stack is adapted to receive the fluid stream. An ejector is configured to combine the supply fluid stream and the unused fluid stream to generate the input fluid stream and control the flow of the input fluid stream to the fuel cell stack. A blower is configured to control the flow of the unused fluid stream to the ejector. A bypass valve is configured to control the flow of the unused fluid stream to the blower and to the ejector. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090023040 | OXYGEN REMOVAL SYSTEMS DURING FUEL CELL SHUTDOWN - A purging system for removing oxygen from a fuel cell system during a shutdown period for the fuel cell system. The purging system includes a separator having an inlet and an outlet; a first exhaust line for communicating a first exhaust gas stream from an outlet of the fuel cell system to the separator inlet during the shutdown period of the fuel cell system; and a second exhaust line for communicating a second exhaust gas stream to an inlet of the fuel cell system for delivering the second exhaust gas stream to the fuel cell system during the shutdown period. The separator removes oxygen from the first exhaust gas stream such that the first stream nitrogen molar volume is lower than the second steam nitrogen molar volume and the first stream oxygen molar volume is higher than the second stream oxygen molar volume. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090023013 | SPRAY FORMED THIN LAYERS HAVING FINE FEATURES - According to one embodiment, a composite mold for use in molding a part having a textured surface is disclosed. The composite mold includes a mold base that forms the base of the composite mold. The mold base includes a mold base surface. The composite mold also includes a spray formed thin layer including a first surface having one or more fine features and a second surface opposing the first surface. The second surface is coupled to the mold base to form the composite mold having the first surface as the molding surface. The composite mold is capable of forming a molded part having a textured surface including surface features representing a reciprocal facsimile of the one or more fine features on the molding surface. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090002145 | Method And System For Emergency Notification - Method and apparatus for notifying an emergency responder of a vehicle emergency. Communication is established with a cellular telephone located within the vehicle. The communication link is monitored and the vehicle occupant is notified of link loss. The apparatus monitors vehicle safety systems for detection of an emergency condition. Upon detection, the occupant is notified that an emergency call will be made. If no cancellation is received, vehicle location information is obtained from a global position system, synthesized into voice signals, and communicated to an emergency responder using the cellular telephone. A plurality of occupant and vehicle emergency information may also be provided. Emergency responders may be provided with a touch tone menu to select among the available information. Vehicle and occupant information may be communicated to the apparatus from external sources, such as a web server database via cellular telephone connection, or removable memory. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20080319670 | FEATURE TARGET SELECTION FOR COUNTERMEASURE PERFORMANCE WITHIN A VEHICLE - A target selection system ( | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080312788 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFYING OCCUPANTS OF VEHICLES - Signals indicative of the identity and location of vehicle occupants are broadcast and received. Received signals are inspected for identity information. Indications are made as to whether received identity information matches stored identity information. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080311438 | FUEL CELL HUMIDITY CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A control system for controlling the amount of water in at least one fluid stream that is passed through a fuel cell stack comprises a humidifier arrangement, a sensor and a controller. The humidifier arrangement is operable to humidify the fluid stream. The sensor is disposed downstream of the humidifier arrangement and configured to measure at least one characteristic of the fluid stream. The at least one characteristic of fluid stream is indicative of the amount of water in the fluid stream. The controller is configured to receive a signal from the sensor and to use the signal to determine a difference between an amount of water in the fluid stream and a target amount of water. The controller is operable to control the humidifier arrangement to control the amount of water in the fluid stream based on the difference. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080275990 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING, IN A VEHICLE, AN ACTIVE PREFERENCE GROUP - An occupant of a vehicle is presented with discussion groups of interest to the occupant. The discussion groups are selected based on the degree to which interests of friends of the occupant coincide with the interests of the occupant. Once a discussion group is chosen, a telematics gateway connects the occupant to the discussion group. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080275644 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ROUTE INFORMATION TO A DRIVER OF A VEHICLE - A system and method for providing route information to a driver of a vehicle given a predetermined destination having more than one route available to reach the predetermined destination includes receiving a driver input indicating a vehicle operating preference. Operating characteristics for the vehicle, such as a predicted time to reach the predetermined destination, are determined for at least some of the routes. One of the routes is selected based at least in part on the determined operating characteristics and the vehicle operating preference. An informational output is provided to the driver indicating the selected route. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080271537 | METHOD AND SYSTEM HAVING ULTRASONIC SENSOR MOVABLE BY TRANSLATION DEVICE FOR ULTRASONIC PROFILING OF WELD SAMPLES - A system for ultrasonic profiling of a weld sample includes a carriage movable in opposite first and second directions. An ultrasonic sensor is coupled to the carriage to move over the sample as the carriage moves. An encoder determines the position of the carriage to determine the position of the sensor. A spring is connected at one end of the carriage. Upon the carriage being moved in the first direction toward the spring such that the carriage and the sensor are at a beginning position and the spring is compressed the spring decompresses to push the carriage back along the second direction to move the carriage and the sensor from the beginning position to an ending position. The encoder triggers the sensor to take the ultrasonic measurements of the sample when the sensor is at predetermined positions while the sensor moves over the sample between the beginning and positions. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080270016 | Navigation System for a Vehicle - A navigation system and method provides travel routes for a vehicle The method includes receiving an origin ( | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080269979 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UPDATING VEHICLE COMPUTING PLATFORM CONFIGURATION INFORMATION - A configurable vehicle computer is enabled based on identification information associated with a driver. Updates to the configurable vehicle computer are stored at a remote location. The updates are downloaded upon an authorized vehicle start-up. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20080262725 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OBTAINING, IN A VEHICLE, INFORMATION CONCERNING POINTS OF INTEREST - To obtain point of interest information in a vicinity of a vehicle, the vehicle selects a reference point away from the current location of the vehicle. A region is formed, including the current location of the vehicle, based on the reference point. Points of interest falling within the region are communicated to the vehicle. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080234929 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DETERMINE, IN A VEHICLE, LOCATIONS OF INTEREST - An occupant of a vehicle requests locations of interest from a remote provider. Locations of interest are identified based on the current location of the vehicle and a social network of the occupant. The locations of interest are provided to the vehicle via a network. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234926 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A VEHICLE TRAFFIC ROUTE - Coordinate based vehicle navigation services are provided using text based traffic route information and associated coordinate data received from an off-vehicle source. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080234888 | Computer System and Method For Monitoring Hydrogen Vehicles - A system and method for remotely monitoring the status of a hydrogen vehicle includes a data acquisition/communication module configured to receive a plurality of signals representing one or more status conditions associated with the vehicle. The data acquisition/communication module is further configured to report one or more of the status conditions to a computer remote from the vehicle. The system is further configured to receive one or more signals from the remote computer in response to the reported status condition wherein the received signal represents an action to be taken in response to the one or more status conditions. The data acquisition/communication module is also configured to initiate the action to be taken. A computer remote from the vehicle is configured to monitor the one or more status conditions reported by the data acquisition/communication module and determine if an action must be taken. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080203768 | VEHICLE FRAMING METHOD AND FRAME - A method is provided for assembling a vehicle frame from hydro-formed tubular metal components. Each hydro-formed component has a surface feature that is complementary to a surface feature on an adjacent component. The complementary surface features allow the hydro-formed components to be interlocked together. The components are permanently joined by a plurality of welds. A front hoop, a rear hoop and right and left side hoops may be assembled and joined together to form the passenger compartment portion of the vehicle frame. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080201952 | METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A VEHICLE - A method of manufacturing a vehicle. A set of vehicle body structure components is assembled with interlocking mating features. | 08-28-2008 |
