Ford Motor Patent Grants - Company Legal Profiles

Granted: April 13, 2010
Patent Number: 7695038
A ditch cover assembly, an accessory attachment clip, and an interchangeable roof accessory system for a vehicle are disclosed. An accessory attachment clip may generally include an elongated body having a first end, a second end, and a mid-portion disposed between the first and second ends, at least one securement mechanism disposed along the body for retaining an accessory, and at least one aperture disposed between the first end and the second end operable to receive a fastener to…

Method and apparatus for braking and stopping vehicles having an electric drive

Granted: April 13, 2010
Patent Number: 7698044
A method and apparatus are provided for braking and stopping a vehicle whose powertrain includes an electric drive. The electric drive is used to generate braking torque which is used to decelerate the vehicle down to a full stop. The braking torque is achieved using any of several closed loop speed control systems. The system can be used as a substitute for or as a supplement to conventional friction bakes.

Computer-implemented method and system for global purchasing

Granted: April 13, 2010
Patent Number: 7698231
A computer-implemented method for creating blanket purchase agreements in a manufacturing enterprise is disclosed. The method includes identifying one or more products or services needed for a first and second locations, identifying one or more suppliers having the capability of delivering the one or more products or services to the first and second locations, and creating a blanket purchase agreement (BPA). The first location operates in a first legal entity and the second location…

Applying rules to validating data for a machine arrangement

Granted: April 13, 2010
Patent Number: 7698245
A system and method for validating data for a machine arrangement includes a controller, such as a programmable logic controller, connected to a processor, which is configured to execute an algorithm using the data collected by the controller. The algorithm includes one or more rules that are applicable to the collected data. Each rule is applied to the data to determine if any of the data entries violate one or more of the rules. An output is generated indicating whether the data…

Method and system having ultrasonic sensor movable by translation device for ultrasonic profiling of weld samples

Granted: April 6, 2010
Patent Number: 7690260
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…

High voltage battery pack cycler for a vehicle

Granted: April 6, 2010
Patent Number: 7692401
An off-board battery cycler is used to condition an on-board battery system used in electric or hybrid electric vehicles. The battery cycler periodically discharges the vehicle's high voltage traction battery to eliminate battery “memory” that can prevent the battery from being fully charged. The cycler also recharges both the high voltage battery and an on-board low voltage battery used to power the vehicle's electrical system. High voltage AC power used in recharging the high…