Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Glenn Richard Reed

Senate Ghanim

Terry Padgett

Paul J Nicastri

Carlo Arciero

Christopher Stephen Figueira

Embodiments provide an electrical connector having the ability for a high circuit count. An example electrical connector includes a plurality of contact traces extending along a circumference of a tapered post, on a plurality of respective planes perpendicular to a post axis. The electrical connector also includes a tapered cup positioned over the tapered post, having a plurality of inward facing terminal contacts corresponding to the plurality of contact traces, wherein the terminal contacts are configured to maintain contact as the tapered cup rotates about the post axis.

High circuit count electrical connector

A vehicle is disclosed for providing increased friction between the wheels of a vehicle and the ground. An example vehicle includes an anti-lock brake system, inertial sensor, and wheels. The vehicle also includes a computing system configured to deploy aggregate to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that a vehicle traction value is below a first threshold. The computing system is also configured to, after deploying the aggregate, deploy a friction mat to an area proximate the wheels, responsive to determining that the vehicle traction value remains below a second threshold.

Road surface traction system

An electrical distribution apparatus is adapted for use in a wiring harness of an automotive electrical system. A flat flexible cable has an insulating substrate embedding a plurality of flat wires. The flat cable has a cable end wherein the wires extend as exposed blade fingers, each finger having at least one lateral fold stacking a thickness of the respective finger. A ferrule is crimped over each stacked finger. A plurality of contact bodies each has a coupler end and a crimp end. Each crimped end has a pair of legs crimped onto a respective ferrule. A carrier block has a plurality of bores each receiving a respective coupler end. The carrier block carrying the coupler ends is configured to plug into an electronic module connector in the automotive electrical system.

Automotive wiring harness flat cable end termination

Systems and apparatus are disclosed for a hinged low profile modular electrical power bar of a vehicle. An example disclosed vehicle power bar includes a connector including first and second sockets. The vehicle power bar also includes first and second pins. Additionally, the vehicle power bar includes a first busbar rotatably coupled to the connector via the first pin coupled to a first terminal of the first busbar and inserted into the first socket, and a second busbar rotatably coupled to the connector via the second pin coupled to a second terminal of the second busbar and inserted into the second socket.

Hinged low profile modular electrical power bar for a vehicle

Method, systems, and apparatus are disclosed for fused-wire cable connectors for a busbar. An example cable includes wires, insulation around the wires, and a connector extending from the wires beyond the insulation. The example connector is formed from ends of the wires that are fused together. The example connector defines an aperture that is to receive a fastener to couple the connector to a busbar.

Fused-wire cable connectors for a busbar

A camera system includes a lens that directs light onto an image sensor, an actuator that vibrates the lens, and a charge generator that charges a surface of the lens. The camera system further includes a controller that can determine a change in transparency of the lens and selectively activate the actuator based at least in part on the change in transparency. A method includes electrically charging a surface of a camera lens, determining a change in transparency of the camera lens, comparing the change in transparency to a predetermined threshold, and selectively activating an actuator to vibrate the camera lens if the change in transparency is above a predetermined threshold.

Self-cleaning camera lens

A multiple contact switch assembly is provided and may be characterized as a four-way rocker switch or as a two axis rocker switch. The switch assembly comprises a rocker body that is supported on a carrier bridge for pivotal movement about one axis. The carrier bridge and rocker body subassembly is attached to a pocket in a bezel for pivotal movement about an axis that is perpendicular to the axis about which the rocker body pivots relative to the carrier bridge. A button face of the rocker body contacts a switch contact dome when the button face is contacted in one of the four quadrants. Contacting the button face between two quadrants is ineffective to make contact with any of the switch contact domes.

Four-way rocker switch

An exhaust system hanger isolator supports exhaust system components on a vehicle in a manner to reduce noise and vibration. The isolator includes a bracket having first and second apertures formed therethrough at opposing ends of the bracket. First and second rubber grommets are received within the first and second apertures, respectively. The first and second rubber grommets have chamfered ends to facilitate push-in insertion into the apertures, and the first and second rubber grommets each have a central opening to receive headed attachment rods therein.

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Glenn Richard Reed