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Ford, MI

Alan Arthur Ford, Sturgis, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140263123Adjustable Tension Rod - There is provided an improved adjustable tension rod that allows length adjustment and activation of end cap adjustment without having to move one's holding position on the rod.09-18-2014

Brian A. Ford, Blissfield, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120060820FILTER UNIT, FILTRATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air, for example, in a kitchen environment. The filter unit includes a housing having an upstream side, an downstream side, and a cavity therebetween, a heat exchanger disposed within the cavity and comprising at least two tubes, at least one entrance aperture disposed on the upstream side of the housing and defined by at least one fin, at least one baffle disposed on the downstream side of the housing so as to be oppositely disposed from the at least one entrance aperture, and at least one exit aperture disposed on the downstream side of the housing adjacent the at least one baffle. The baffle and fin define at least one flow path through the housing and around the tubes.03-15-2012
20140345461FILTER UNITS, FILTRATION METHODS, AND FILTRATION SYSTEMS - A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air. The filter unit includes a housing having upstream and downstream walls and a cavity therebetween. The upstream wall has an entrance opening aligned with a downstream wall portion, and the downstream wall has first and second exit openings aligned with first and second upstream wall portions. A heat exchanger is disposed within the cavity and includes first and second upstream conduits within the entrance opening and first and second downstream conduits within the first and second exit opening. The entrance and exit openings are arranged to define S-shaped air flow paths through the housing between the entrance and exit openings, each of which flows around a downstream side of one of the upstream conduits then around an upstream side of one of the downstream conduits before exiting through one of the exit openings.11-27-2014
20160025354FILTER UNITS, FILTRATION SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF USING - Filter units and filtration systems, as well as methods of using such units and systems to remove particulates from air, for example, within a kitchen environment. Such a filter unit includes a heat exchanger within a housing, an access opening at a lateral end of the filter unit that defines a lateral narrowed section of the filter unit. The access opening provides access to headers of the heat exchanger through openings in enclosures that partially enclose ends of the headers. If one or more filter units are combined end-to-end to form a filtration system, a closure can be provided to removably close a through-passage formed by the access openings of two adjacent units.01-28-2016

Patent applications by Brian A. Ford, Blissfield, MI US

Brian C. Ford, Mt. Clemens, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080290640Driver Side Air Bag - An air bag usable to protect the driver of the vehicle comprising: a face panel; a rear panel of generally the same shape as the face panel and secured to the face panel along its periphery; the rear panel including a centrally located opening configured to receive an air bag inflator that introduces gas into the space formed by the face and rear panels; a tether of elongated shape having first and second ends and a center region, the center region is positioned into a Z-shaped configuration and secured to the face panel proximate a geometric center of the face panel.11-27-2008
20090058052Knee Air Bag Module and Method of Assembly - An air bag module including a housing (03-05-2009

Patent applications by Brian C. Ford, Mt. Clemens, MI US

Christopher W. Ford, Holly, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080261177FORCE DISTRIBUTING DENTAL IMPLANT ASSEMBLY - A dental implant assembly (10-23-2008
20090286202POLYMERIC DENTAL IMPLANT ASSEMBLY - A dental implant assembly (11-19-2009
20100266987DENTAL IMPLANT ASSEMBLY - A dental implant assembly (10-21-2010

Patent applications by Christopher W. Ford, Holly, MI US

Daniel Ford, Ypsilanti, MI US

David H. Ford, Canton, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100107615REACTANT DELIVERY FOR ENGINE EXHAUST GAS TREATMENT - A reactant delivery system for engine exhaust gas treatment may include a tank in which a reactant is received, a pumping device, a pressure relief device, and a reactant distribution device. The pumping device may have an inlet disposed within the interior of the tank to receive the reactant, and an outlet through which the reactant is discharged. The pressure relief device may have an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the pumping device, a primary outlet to discharge the reactant under pressure to a downstream location, and a bypass outlet through which at least some of the reactant discharged from the pumping device is selectively discharged. And the reactant distribution device may be in fluid communication with the bypass outlet of the pressure relief device and have a plurality of outlets to distribute the reactant to at least two different locations within the tank.05-06-2010
20110000297FLUID TANK AND FLUID LEVEL SENDER WITH EXTERNAL SIGNALING FEATURE - A fluid level sender may include a sensing feature disposed within an internal volume of a tank, responsive to the level of liquid within the tank and including a drive member, a signaling feature disposed outside of the internal volume of the tank and including a driven member and a dividing wall. The dividing wall may be disposed between and separating the sensing feature from the signaling feature. The drive member provides a force and the driven member is responsive to the force provided from the drive member to enable the signaling feature to provide an indication of the amount of liquid within the tank.01-06-2011
20110002798FLUID TANK AND FLUID PUMP WITH EXTERIOR MOTOR - A fluid tank assembly may include a fluid tank having a wall defining an internal volume in which a fluid is received and a fluid pump. The fluid pump may have a motor including an electrically driven motor, a pumping element driven to rotate by the motor, a dividing wall disposed between and separating the motor and the pumping element, and a magnetic coupling between the motor and the pumping element and operative through the dividing wall to couple the motor with the pumping element. The motor may be located outside of the internal volume of the fluid tank and the pumping element may be located inside of the internal volume of the fluid tank.01-06-2011
20130104528REACTANT DELIVERY FOR ENGINE EXHAUST GAS TREATMENT05-02-2013

Patent applications by David H. Ford, Canton, MI US

David Martin Ford, Plymouth, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20160102726MASS DAMPER - A tuned vibration mass damper for isolating vibrations from the steering wheel or other vehicle component includes an elastically cantilever mounted lead mass and a unitary thermoplastic bracket member made from a super tough plastic material and including a first or coupling portion for coupling the tuned vibration damper to a structure of the vehicle, a second portion for coupling the unitary bracket member to the lead mass, and an intermediate bight portion. The second coupling portion includes a plurality of cylindrically shaped legs extending through holes in the lead mass and having their ends formed (in a heading operation) to couple the unitary bracket member to the lead mass and a pair of travel limiters extending beyond the mass for preventing the mass from contacting other structures once the mass damper is installed.04-14-2016

Gordon Ford, St. Joseph, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120206229TRANSFORMER ASSEMBLY USING AN INTERNAL LOAD AND METHOD FOR FORMING SAME - A transformer assembly (08-16-2012

Gordon C. Ford, St.joseph, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150125247CRUCIBLE SHUTTLE ASSEMBLY - A crucible handling shuttle includes a pair of opposed dual crucible-gripping arms mounted on a rotatable head and moves between an induction furnace pedestal and a crucible loading station, such that one pair of arms pick up a crucible loaded with a preweighed sample, the shuttle moves to the induction furnace, where the other pair of arms grip and remove a spent crucible. The shutter head then rotates to deposit the new sample-holding crucible onto the pedestal and subsequently moves out of the furnace area to a sample disposal chute positioned between the crucible loading station and the furnace, whereupon the spent crucible is dropped for disposal. The shuttle head is then rotated and moved to the loading station to pick up a new crucible.05-07-2015

Gordon C. Ford, St. Joseph, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080253870CRUCIBLE SHUTTLE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A crucible handling shuttle includes a pair of opposed dual crucible-gripping arms mounted on a rotatable head and moves between an induction furnace pedestal and a crucible loading station, such that one pair of arms pick up a crucible loaded with a preweighed sample, the shuttle moves to the induction furnace, where the other pair of arms grip and remove a spent crucible. The shutter head then rotates to deposit the new sample-holding crucible onto the pedestal and subsequently moves out of the furnace area to a sample disposal chute positioned between the crucible loading station and the furnace, whereupon the spent crucible is dropped for disposal. The shuttle head is then rotated and moved to the loading station to pick up a new crucible.10-16-2008
20110075696EASILY REMOVABLE COMBUSTION TUBE - A combustion tube mounting system releasably mounts a combustion tube to an aperture in the floor of a furnace housing. The combustion tube has a base assembly with a cam and can be manually or automatically unlocked by cam pins in the floor for selectively engaging the cam for lowering the combustion tube from the floor of the furnace. When a new combustion tube is placed on the lower seal assembly and raised, it automatically aligns and engages the upper furnace seal and engages cams on the floor of the furnace housing which lock the combustion tube in place as it is introduced into the furnace.03-31-2011
20110150609CRUCIBLE SHUTTLE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A crucible handling shuttle includes a pair of opposed dual crucible-gripping arms mounted on a rotatable head. The shuttle is removably plugged into a sliding block of a carriage to move between a furnace and a crucible loading station. The carriage includes mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic plugs or sockets which couple to mating sockets or plugs of the shuttle. A linear actuator extends between the carriage and the furnace base to raise and lower the carriage and shuttle coupled thereto.06-23-2011
20120036673COMBUSTION FURNACE AUTO CLEANER - An automatic cleaning assembly for an analytical furnace is detachable from the filter chamber above the combustion tube. The cleaning assembly includes a rotating brush which is lowered through the filter chamber and into the combustion tube while a vacuum is drawn through the lower seal of the combustion tube. This results in a higher vacuum pressure differential and improved flow rate for removing dust from the filter of the furnace and the combustion tube.02-16-2012
20120213244VACUUM CLEANING STRUCTURE FOR ELECTRODE FURNACE - An electrode for a resistance analytical furnace has a crucible-engaging surface and an end spaced from the crucible-engaging surface having a plurality of grooves formed therein. A manifold mounted on the end of the electrode defines a dust recovery plenum and includes an outlet communicating with the plenum for coupling to a vacuum source to remove debris from the electrode. The improved electrode and electrode cleaning manifold positioned on the electrode provides a turbulent airflow for removal of dust and debris from an analytical furnace.08-23-2012
20120213678SAMPLE LOADING CAROUSEL - An improved sample handling carousel is mounted to an analytical furnace at an acute angle and includes sample holding cavities which are readily visible at eye level to an operator. The rotary carousel can be easily removed from a stepwise driven drive shaft for filling the carousel at a remote location, such as a weighing station, or can be filled directly while mounted on the drive shaft. A tray is positioned below the carousel and has a slot for dropping a sample when one of the sample holding cavities aligns with the slot in the tray. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the carousel is made of aluminum or a transparent polymeric material, such as acrylic.08-23-2012
20120225000COMBUSTION TUBE - A combustion tube comprises a generally cylindrical body with an outwardly extending annular tube stop spaced from one end of the combustion tube for engaging a combustion tube mounting assembly and fixing the tube in a precise position. Near the opposite end of the tube is an enlarged opening for receiving an upper seal assembly of a combustion furnace with the outer annular shoulder of the upper end of the tube having a rolled edge to facilitate the insertion of the tube through the seal in the upper seal assembly of the furnace. The combustion tube is made of quartz glass to withstand the temperatures encountered in the furnace. The combustion tube is specifically designed and adapted to be precisely positioned in an induction furnace with an easy tube removal system for the furnace.09-06-2012
20130004277CRUCIBLE SHUTTLE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A crucible handling shuttle includes a pair of opposed dual crucible-gripping arms mounted on a rotatable head and moves between an induction furnace pedestal and a crucible loading station, such that one pair of arms pick up a crucible loaded with a preweighed sample, the shuttle moves to the induction furnace, where the other pair of arms grip and remove a spent crucible. The shutter head then rotates to deposit the new sample-holding crucible onto the pedestal and subsequently moves out of the furnace area to a sample disposal chute positioned between the crucible loading station and the furnace, whereupon the spent crucible is dropped for disposal. The shuttle head is then rotated and moved to the loading station to pick up a new crucible.01-03-2013
20130334198RESISTANCE ANALYTICAL FURNACE - A resistance furnace provides an improved upper and lower electrode construction with significantly increased coolant flow. The lower electrode has a tip design that significantly lowers the electrode tip temperature during an analysis. The upper and lower electrodes also cooperate with an improved crucible design to significantly reduce the power required to fuse a specimen contained in the crucible. The furnace uniformly heats the floor and lower side walls of a crucible, which lowers the power requirement for specimen fusion and provides higher structural benefits to provide consistent analysis and manufacturing yields. The crucible has a cylindrical body and pedestal base with an annular smoothly curved concave indentation therebetween.12-19-2013
20130337396CRUCIBLE - A graphite crucible has a cylindrical body with an upper opening for receiving a sample for analysis and a disk-shaped pedestal base. The pedestal base includes a bottom surface with a centrally formed circular indentation. An inwardly projecting concave arcuate annular indentation extends between the body and pedestal base with a smoothly curved radius of curvature. The upper and lower walls of the arcuate indentation diverge outwardly at an angle of from about 56 to about 60°. The pedestal base includes a bottom surface with a centrally formed circular indentation.12-19-2013
20150023383CYLINDRICAL COMBUSTION TUBE AND MOUNTING ASSEMBLY - A combustion tube mounting system releasably mounts a combustion tube to an aperture in the floor of a furnace housing. The combustion tube has a base assembly with a cam and can be manually or automatically unlocked by cam pins in the floor for selectively engaging the cam for lowering the combustion tube from the floor of the furnace. When a new combustion tube is placed on the lower seal assembly and raised, it automatically aligns and engages the upper furnace seal and engages cams on the floor of the furnace housing which lock the combustion tube in place as it is introduced into the furnace.01-22-2015
20150036713COMBUSTION TUBE AND SEAL ASSEMBLY - A combustion tube mounting system releasably mounts a combustion tube to an aperture in the floor of a furnace housing. The combustion tube has a base assembly with a cam and can be manually or automatically unlocked by cam pins in the floor for selectively engaging the cam for lowering the combustion tube from the floor of the furnace. When a new combustion tube is placed on the lower seal assembly and raised, it automatically aligns and engages the upper furnace seal and engages cams on the floor of the furnace housing which lock the combustion tube in place as it is introduced into the furnace.02-05-2015
20150036714FURNACE COMBUSTION TUBE AND MOUNTING ASSEMBLY - A combustion tube mounting system releasably mounts a combustion tube to an aperture in the floor of a furnace housing. The combustion tube has a base assembly with a cam and can be manually or automatically unlocked by cam pins in the floor for selectively engaging the cam for lowering the combustion tube from the floor of the furnace. When a new combustion tube is placed on the lower seal assembly and raised, it automatically aligns and engages the upper furnace seal and engages cams on the floor of the furnace housing which lock the combustion tube in place as it is introduced into the furnace.02-05-2015
20150226714ELECTRODE FOR RESISTANCE FURNACE - An electrode for a resistance analytical furnace has a central opening including a crucible-engaging surface and an annular flange spaced from the crucible-engaging surface. The flange has a lower surface with a plurality of grooves formed therein. The grooves are curved and extend from the central opening of the edge of the flange.08-13-2015
20150268181COMBUSTION TUBE - A combustion tube comprises a generally cylindrical body with an outwardly extending tube stop spaced from one end of the combustion tube for engaging a combustion tube mounting assembly and fixing the tube in a precise position. Near the opposite end of the tube is an enlarged opening for receiving an upper seal assembly of a combustion furnace with the outer annular shoulder of the upper end of the tube having a rolled edge to facilitate the insertion of the tube through the seal in the upper seal assembly of the furnace. The combustion tube is made of quartz glass to withstand the temperatures encountered in the furnace. The combustion tube is specifically designed and adapted to be precisely positioned in an induction furnace with an easy tube removal system for the furnace.09-24-2015

Patent applications by Gordon C. Ford, St. Joseph, MI US

Greg Ford, Madison Heights, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150291186METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DRIVE FOR SETBACK PLATFORM SYSTEM - Systems and methods for a shuttle platform that is configured to allow a path for one or more passengers to load or unload from a light rail transit vehicle that runs on a shared track. The shuttle platform can move in a linear plane and may be operationally engaged with a drive system comprising, a drive component and a combination position lock and drive mechanism disconnect. The drive component may comprise a transfer component. The combination position lock and drive mechanism disconnect may comprise: a drive disengage latch; a secondary lock latch selectably alternatively engagable between strikers; a manual drive receiver simultaneously operationally engagable with both the drive disengage latch and the secondary lock latch, and comprising a manual drive work output operationally engagable with the manual drive work input; and an automatic release.10-15-2015
20150291187LOADING PLATFORM THAT MITIGATES GAP FOR PASSENGERS - Systems and methods for a shuttle platform that is configured to allow a path for one or more passengers to load or unload from a light rail transit vehicle that runs on a shared track. The shuttle platform can move in a linear plane that is parallel to a ground level from a first position to a second position and/or the second position to the first position. The shuttle platform can be associated with a setback platform that provides a first path parallel to a centerline of the shared track and a second path parallel to the centerline of the shared track, wherein the first path is at a first height from the ground level, the second path is at a second height from the ground level, and the first path and the second path are adjacent to one another.10-15-2015

Irene A. Ford, Plymouth, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080222601Method and system for processing data contained within COBOL or PL/I record description entries and storage medium for storing instructions which effectuate the method - A method and system for processing data contained within COBOL or PL/I record description entries and storage medium for storing instructions which effectuate the method are provided. The method includes receiving a first COBOL or PL/I software instruction which includes a first set of criteria for a first data field of data fields of the entries and having a generic subscript/occurrence for the first data field. The method further includes automatically processing all occurrences of the first data field within the record description entries based on the first set of criteria.09-11-2008

John F. Ford, Midland, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130109872PROCESS AND ASSEMBLY FOR PRODUCING ALKYLENE OXIDES AND GLYCOL ETHERS05-02-2013

Marc Ford, Clarkston, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120185124AUTOMATED VEHICLE-WIDE DATA ACQUISITION AND ISSUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Disclosed is an automated data acquisition and issue management system which includes a server, and code which is readable by an electronic control unit data recorder. The electronic control unit data recorder is configured to receive data from at least one electronic control unit. The code is configured to provide that the electronic control unit data recorder receives data from at least one electronic control unit, collects, processes, and transmits the data to the server. The code is also preferably configured to provide that the electronic control unit data recorder identifies at least one issue with regard at least one electronic control unit and communicates data regarding said issue to the server.07-19-2012

Michael Ford, West Bloomfield, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130068810ROOF RACK CROSSBAR - A vehicle roof rack assembly comprises a pair of rails defining retention channels therein. A locking slot is disposed on an inboard surface of the rails and is in communication with the retention channels. The rook rack assembly further comprises a crossbar having a rotatable locking cam with retention tabs. The locking cam is designed to frictionally engage the locking slot during rotation and the retention tabs are adapted to extend into the retention channels, thereby securing the crossbar to the rails.03-21-2013

Robert Ford, Troy, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090189134Perceived Jack Position Drift Compensation Method and Apparatus - A controller commands a jack drive to extend and retract a jack leg relative to a jack base along a stroke having retraction and extension limits. The controller updates a perceived present leg position value in response to position change signals from a position change sensor. The controller occasionally applies compensation factors to the perceived present leg position value in the extension direction. The controller resets the perceived present leg position value whenever the jack leg reaches the retraction limit.07-30-2009
20090189558Actuator Position Homing Method and Apparatus - An electric actuator motor drives an actuator leg between inner and outer limits of an actuator stroke relative to an actuator base. A controller detects when the actuator leg is at one of the inner and outer stroke limits by monitoring and comparing actuator motor power draw to known actuator motor power draw values associated with the operation of an electric actuator when its leg has reached an actuator leg stroke limit. A position sensor senses changes in the position of a monitored actuator component and provides corresponding signals to the controller. The controller calculates the position of the monitored actuator component relative to the position that the monitored actuator component was in when the actuator leg was in a predetermined home position. The controller recognizes and records the concurrent position of the monitored actuator component as indicating that the actuator leg is in the home position whenever the leg reaches a stroke limit.07-30-2009
20140210593RV WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL - An RV wireless remote control system comprising an HMI including a GUI coupled to an HMI RF transceiver and an HMI dock connector. The HMI RF transceiver receives RV device status signals over an RF fieldbus and the HMI dock connector receives RV device status signals over an RV localbus. The HMI generates control signals in response to the status signals and/or operator input signals. The HMI transmits the control signals to the RV devices over the RF fieldbus via the HMI RF transceiver or over the RV localbus via the HMI dock connector when the HMI dock connector is connected to the RV localbus. The HMI is configured for real time distributive control of the RV devices such that the RV localbus and the RF fieldbus operate in both directions enabling closed-loop control between the HMI and the RV devices.07-31-2014

Robert M. Ford, Troy, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100001835Customer Paging and Communications System - A customer paging and communications system comprising a base unit and a plurality of pagers. The base unit may include an input interface and a base unit processor that's configured to receive pager identifiers and then generate alert signals associated with the respective pager identifiers. The base unit may also include a base unit transmitter that transmits the pager identifiers, an informational message, and an alert signal to the pagers. Each of the pagers may be identified with a corresponding one of the pager identifiers and may comprise a pager receiver and pager processor configured to receive the corresponding pager identifier, an informational message, and an alert signal from the base unit. Each pager processor may be configured to generate an alert if a received alert signal is associated with the pager identifier associated with that particular pager. Each pager may also include a display that may be configured to display the informational message received from the base unit. The base unit may be further configured to stream information to the plurality of pagers and each pager may be further configured to display the streamed information.01-07-2010
20100324441Brain-Related Chronic Pain Disorder Treatment Method and Apparatus - A method for treating brain-related chronic pain disorders in human subjects includes assessing the brain function of a subject suffering from chronic pain, diagnosing a chronic pain-related abnormal brain condition, and mitigating the abnormal brain activity by applying an electrical stimulation signal to tissues corresponding to at least one area of abnormal brain activity.12-23-2010
20110196693Apparatus and method for remote assessment and therapy management in medical devices via interface systems - A remote medical assessment and therapy management apparatus comprising a center user interface, a center computer coupleable with the center user interface. The center computer displays information via the center user interface for use in developing a therapeutic prescription and receives therapeutic control inputs from a user. A remote device includes a medical diagnostic instrument for acquiring biophysical data from a patient, a medical therapeutic instrument that provides a therapy to the patient, and a remote computer that receives diagnostic signals from the diagnostic instrument and transmits therapeutic control signals to the therapeutic instrument. A network interface is connected between the first center computer and the remote computer and transmits diagnostic signals from the remote computer to the center computer and control signals from the center computer to the therapeutic instrument via the remote computer.08-11-2011
20130304153Brain-Related Chronic Pain Disorder Treatment Method and Apparatus - A method for treating brain-related chronic pain disorders in human subjects includes assessing the brain function of a subject suffering from chronic pain, diagnosing a chronic pain-related abnormal brain condition, and mitigating the abnormal brain activity by applying an electrical stimulation signal to tissues corresponding to at least one area of abnormal brain activity.11-14-2013

Patent applications by Robert M. Ford, Troy, MI US

Roy A. Ford, Monroe, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20160115911CRANKCASE VENTILATION FOR TURBOCHARGED ENGINE - An internal combustion engine for an automotive vehicle has an intake manifold receiving fresh air via an inlet duct. The engine includes a crankcase. A turbocharger is provided having a compressor with an inlet coupled to the inlet duct and an outlet coupled to the intake manifold. A first vent line couples the crankcase with the compressor inlet. A second vent line couples the crankcase with the compressor outlet and intake manifold. The second vent line has a valve blocking air flow into the crankcase and allowing air flow out from the crankcase. The first vent line comprises a dual-acting valve having a first flow capacity into the crankcase and a second flow capacity out from the crankcase which is greater than the first flow capacity. Thus, crankcase ventilation is optimized for both engine idle and high engine load conditions.04-28-2016

Scott Aaron Ford, Plymouth, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150071727REMOVABLE BULL RING WITH ROTATING ATTACHMENT PLATE - A bull ring for a vehicle comprises a top plate coupled to a rotating plate having a tie-down. Two opposing rail flanges extend from the rotating plate and a fastener selectively couples the rotating plate in a securing position relative to the top plate. The rail flanges extend beyond an outer edge of the top plate to define a clamping region with the top plate.03-12-2015

Scott Aaron Ford, Belleville, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130068810ROOF RACK CROSSBAR - A vehicle roof rack assembly comprises a pair of rails defining retention channels therein. A locking slot is disposed on an inboard surface of the rails and is in communication with the retention channels. The rook rack assembly further comprises a crossbar having a rotatable locking cam with retention tabs. The locking cam is designed to frictionally engage the locking slot during rotation and the retention tabs are adapted to extend into the retention channels, thereby securing the crossbar to the rails.03-21-2013

Steve L. Ford, Grand Blanc, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080315050VEHICLE BLIND SPOT RADAR SENSOR MOUNT - A structure for retaining a sensor and a body fascia panel entails a bracket, framework, or solid material that defines a receptacle or pocket for a sensor, such as a radar sensor, and a dip or slot such that a body fascia panel may he securely held in place. Additionally, a body fascia panel may exhibit an auxiliary structure that retains the sensor, and a fastener retainer, such as a circular fastener retainer. The structure may be molded directly into the body fascia panel as may the fastener retainer. The slot to retain the body fascia panel may run along the entire length, such as at an upper area, of a bracket, framework or solid material to hold the panel. To protect a sensor, such as a radar sensor, from road debris, water and other elements, a sealant may surround the sensor.12-25-2008

Steven Thomas Ford, Brighton, MI US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110035135ACTIVE COAST AND CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS - An engine control system of the present disclosure comprises a target speed module and a coupling module. The target speed module determines a target speed of a vehicle based on a speed of the vehicle and at least one of an accelerator input and a speed control input. The coupling module controls coupling of an engine system and a drive system of the vehicle based on the speed and the target speed. The engine system transfers torque to the drive system when coupled and does not transfer torque to the drive system when decoupled. In other features, the engine control system further comprises a torque control module that controls torque output by the engine system based on the coupling of the engine system and the drive system, the speed, and the target speed.02-10-2011
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