Patents by Inventor Craig Thomas Hodorek

Craig Thomas Hodorek has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • System and method for improving vehicle performance
    Patent number: 10570839
    Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting vehicle operation in response to vehicle weight are described. In one example, an adaptive driver demand correction is adjusted in response to vehicle weight. The methods and systems may provide for more consistent powertrain response and lower vehicle emissions at lower vehicle weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Szwabowski, John Ottavio Michelini, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Craig Thomas Hodorek, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Davor Hrovat
  • Engine response adjustment
    Patent number: 9062614
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an engine output delivered in response to an operator pedal actuation based at least on a grade of vehicle travel. During uphill travel, in the presence of headwinds, and/or in the presence of a vehicle payload, the output may be increased while during downhill travel or in the presence of tailwinds, the output may be decreased. In this way, driver fatigue during travel over varying elevations, varying ambient conditions, and varying loads can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Szwabowski, Craig Thomas Hodorek
  • ENGINE RESPONSE ADJUSTMENT
    Publication number: 20150127241
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an engine output delivered in response to an operator pedal actuation based at least on a grade of vehicle travel. During uphill travel, in the presence of headwinds, and/or in the presence of a vehicle payload, the output may be increased while during downhill travel or in the presence of tailwinds, the output may be decreased. In this way, driver fatigue during travel over varying elevations, varying ambient conditions, and varying loads can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Szwabowski, Craig Thomas Hodorek
  • Engine response adjustment
    Patent number: 8935080
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an engine output delivered in response to an operator pedal actuation based at least on a grade of vehicle travel. During uphill travel, in the presence of headwinds, and/or in the presence of a vehicle payload, the output may be increased while during downhill travel or in the presence of tailwinds, the output may be decreased. In this way, driver fatigue during travel over varying elevations, varying ambient conditions, and varying loads can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Szwabowski, Craig Thomas Hodorek
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE PERFORMANCE
    Publication number: 20140149017
    Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting vehicle operation in response to vehicle weight are described. In one example, an adaptive driver demand correction is adjusted in response to vehicle weight. The methods and systems may provide for more consistent powertrain response and lower vehicle emissions at lower vehicle weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Szwabowski, John Ottavio Michelini, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Craig Thomas Hodorek, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Davor Hrovat
  • Portable pedal measurement apparatus
    Patent number: 8670896
    Abstract: A portable measurement apparatus is provided for measuring the load required to depress a foot pedal and the change in angular position of the foot pedal. A load plate is connected through at least one load cell to a pedal plate that engages a foot pedal. A linear motion driver is adjustably retained on the measurement apparatus to accommodate different types of foot pedals. A rotary encoder with an extendable cable is used to measure scrub throughout the range of movement of the foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Thomas Hodorek, Skip Frosty
  • Portable Pedal Measurement Apparatus
    Publication number: 20130253761
    Abstract: A portable measurement apparatus is provided for measuring the load required to depress a foot pedal and the change in angular position of the foot pedal. A load plate is connected through at least one load cell to a pedal plate that engages a foot pedal. A linear motion driver is adjustably retained on the measurement apparatus to accommodate different types of foot pedals. A rotary encoder with an extendable cable is used to measure scrub throughout the range of movement of the foot pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Thomas Hodorek, Skip Frosty
  • ENGINE RESPONSE ADJUSTMENT
    Publication number: 20130197775
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an engine output delivered in response to an operator pedal actuation based at least on a grade of vehicle travel. During uphill travel, in the presence of headwinds, and/or in the presence of a vehicle payload, the output may be increased while during downhill travel or in the presence of tailwinds, the output may be decreased. In this way, driver fatigue during travel over varying elevations, varying ambient conditions, and varying loads can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Joseph Szwabowski, Craig Thomas Hodorek