Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Ford Motor Company Limited

Joshua Norwood

Andrew D Niedert

Kevin Stanton Giaier

Jorge Rivas

Bryce Reinert

Zachary Machinchick

Rebecca Giaier

Venkatesh Krishnan

Segundo Baldovino

Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy

Ahmed Awadi

Siraj Siddiqui

Andre Sykula

Ben Bulat

Adam Wirth

Peter Kowalow

Douglas Michael Smith

Stephanie Bartol

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a load-sensing hitch utilizing a system of strain gauges. An example apparatus includes a receiver tube, a side member, a crossbar coupled to the receiver tube and the side member, the cross including a support including a first end, a second end and a mid-portion located between the first end and the second end, the mid-portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first end or the cross-sectional area of the second end and a strain gauge disposed within the mid-portion.

Methods and apparatus for a load-sensing hitch utilizing a system of strain gauges

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a load-sensing hitch utilizing a system of strain gauges. An example apparatus includes a hitch including a first support including a first end, a second end, and a mid-portion located between the first end and the second end, the mid-portion having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the first end or the cross-sectional area of the second end, a strain gauge located at the mid-portion of the first support, a frame attachment to couple the hitch to a frame of a vehicle, the support coupled to the frame attachment, and a load manager to determine a load condition based on sensor data from the strain gauge.

A socket assembly includes a socket head, an input member, and a plurality of transfer members. The socket head is disposed about an axis and defines an aperture extending axially through the socket head and through a side of the socket head. The socket head includes external teeth. The input member is coaxial with the socket head. Each transfer member includes a first end drivingly coupled to the input member and a second end configured to engage the external teeth.

Notched line runner socket

An air spring includes a sleeve, a jounce bumper, and a bump cap. The sleeve defines a chamber. The jounce bumper is fixed relative to the sleeve in the chamber. The bump cap is moveable relative to the jounce bumper from a first position to a second position in contact with the jounce bumper. The jounce bumper includes a valve moveable by the bump cap to a closed position when the bump cap moves to the second position.

Jounce bumper including integrated valve

Methods and systems are provided for operation of a lifting mechanism coupled to a mobility service vehicle. In one example, a method may include, during an engine idle-stop, in response to a request for operation of a lifting mechanism used by mobility devices to access the vehicle, the transmission may be shifted to park, an electronic braking system may be enabled, and the engine may be restarted to provide power for operation of the lifting mechanism.

Methods and systems for operating a mobility service vehicle

A sensor system includes a base including first and second windows. The sensor system includes first and second optical sensors supported by the base and positioned to receive light through the first and second windows. The sensor system includes first and second nozzles directed at the first and second windows. The sensor system includes a manifold in fluid communication with the first and second nozzles. The sensor system includes a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the manifold. The sensor system includes an air compressor in fluid communication with the manifold.

Vehicle sensor system

Growing community of inventors

Detroit, MI, United States of America

Joshua Norwood