Patents by Inventor Gregory Michael Pietron

Gregory Michael Pietron 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).

  • Method and system to coach driver of manual transmission vehicle
    Patent number: 9174573
    Abstract: A coaching system for drivers of vehicles monitors the power dissipation of a manual transmission clutch and, when the energy dissipated during an event is excessive, suggests modified driving technique. The system may monitor launch events, shift events, and steady state driving. The system may adjust the energy threshold at which a suggestion is provided based on vehicle weight or road gradient. The system may also adjust the energy threshold when an estimate of clutch temperature is elevated. The suggestion may be provided on a graphic display or may be provided verbally over a speaker. In some cases, the suggested may also be conveyed to a third party outside the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, James William Loch McCallum, Christian Meyer, Seunghoon Lee
  • METHOD OF CONTROLLING A TRANSMISSION CLUTCH
    Publication number: 20150308523
    Abstract: A hydraulically actuated clutch is controlled based on a mathematical model that predicts the position of the clutch piston based on the profile of the commanded pressure over time. During a clutch engagement, a set of delays associated with the preparatory phase of engagement are measured and compared to predicted values. Model parameters are then adaptively adjusted based on the differences between the measured and predicted delays and on an estimate of the sensitivities between model parameters and the delays. Subsequent engagements are controlled based on the updated mathematical model to reduce the delays. Changes in the measured delays following adaptation of the model parameters are utilized to update the estimate of the sensitivities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: SARAH THORNTON, DIANA YANAKIEV, DIMITAR PETROV FILEV, YAN WANG, ANURADHA ANNASWAMY, GREGORY MICHAEL PIETRON
  • Torque sensor assembly for a motor vehicle and method of measuring torque
    Patent number: 9146167
    Abstract: A torque sensor assembly is used to measure torque in a powertrain of a motor vehicle, the powertrain including a power source and a transmission. A sensor is coupled to an oil seal housing, which is coupled to the engine. Each of the sensor and the oil seal housing has a mounting hole formed therein. The sensor is coupled to the oil seal housing, and the oil seal housing to the engine, by inserting one fastener into both mounting holes. The sensor measures an amount of torque exerted on a drive plate of the transmission. The drive plate includes a central disk, made of a magnetizable material, and an outer ring coupled to the central disk. The sensor is a magnetic torque sensor, which determines an amount of torque exerted on the central disk of the drive plate by sensing a magnetic flux passing through the drive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nimrod Kapas, Gregory Jack Overla, Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yujii Fujii
  • Deceleration fuel shut off scheduling based on vehicle parameters
    Patent number: 9145969
    Abstract: A method for enacting DFSO in a motor vehicle having an engine and a transmission. The method includes, during a condition of normal engine-braking efficiency, disabling the DFSO below a higher gear of the transmission. During a condition of reduced engine-braking efficiency, by contrast, the DFSO is disabled below a lower gear of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hong Jiang, Joseph F. Kucharski
  • Sensor Packaging at Output Side of Front Wheel Drive (FWD) Transmissions
    Publication number: 20150268109
    Abstract: Various packaging designs for placement of a magnetic torque sensor at the output shaft of a front wheel drive transmission are provided. One design provides for mounting a sensor on a chain drive sprocket or integrating a sensor into a modified sprocket bearing mount. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the grounded ring gear of a final planetary drive. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the differential housing. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the output planetary carrier hub/park gear. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at a multi-piece transfer gear face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Nimrod Kapas, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Daniel Goleski, Jeffrey Edward Maurer
  • VEHICLE WITH MASS AND GRADE RESPONSIVE CRUISE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150258994
    Abstract: A vehicle controller estimates the turbine torque based on measured impeller and turbine speeds. Then, it estimates the tractive force based on gear ratios, tire sizes, and estimates of parasitic losses. The controller estimates the current grade based on a difference between an acceleration sensor reading and the derivative of a measured vehicle speed. Then, it estimates the current vehicle weight based on the tractive force, the acceleration rate, and the grade. The controller adjust a target following distance of a cruise control system based on the estimate of the weight and the grade. The cruise control system adjusts power to maintain a measured following distance equal to the target following distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Narayanan Kidambi, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING DRIVELINE DISCONNECT CLUTCH OPERATION
    Publication number: 20150251652
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque transferred via a driveline disconnect clutch is estimated based on characteristics of a torque converter to improve driveline operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Torque Sensor Assembly for a Motor Vehicle and Method of Measuring Torque
    Publication number: 20150247768
    Abstract: A torque sensor assembly is used to measure torque in a powertrain of a motor vehicle, the powertrain including a power source and a transmission. A sensor is coupled to an oil seal housing, which is coupled to the engine. Each of the sensor and the oil seal housing has a mounting hole formed therein. The sensor is coupled to the oil seal housing, and the oil seal housing to the engine, by inserting one fastener into both mounting holes. The sensor measures an amount of torque exerted on a drive plate of the transmission. The drive plate includes a central disk, made of a magnetizable material, and an outer ring coupled to the central disk. The sensor is a magnetic torque sensor, which determines an amount of torque exerted on the central disk of the drive plate by sensing a magnetic flux passing through the drive plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 3, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Nimrod Kapas, Gregory Jack Overla, Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yujii Fujii
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING HYBRID VEHICLE SHIFTING
    Publication number: 20150239462
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque converter impeller torque from beginning to end of transmission shifting is adjusted in response to variable driveline inertia. The approach may improve transmission shifting and reduce driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum
  • PENDULUM-ABSORBER BRAKE
    Publication number: 20150240913
    Abstract: A crankshaft comprising a cheek, a torsion-absorbing pendulum pivotally coupled to the cheek, and a rotational speed actuated brake to oppose motion of the pendulum relative to the cheek. The brake is configured to provide greater opposition to the motion at lower rotational speeds than at higher rotational speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Eliot Chottiner, John Edward Brevick, Matthew David Hammond, Rick L. Williams
  • Methods and systems for operating a driveline disconnect clutch
    Patent number: 9115682
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, application of a driveline disconnect clutch to start an engine is described. The approach applies the driveline disconnect clutch to rotate an engine and at least partially disengages the driveline disconnect clutch to reduce the possibility of a reduction in torque applied to vehicle wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hong Jiang, Seung-Hoon Lee, James William Loch McCallum, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii
  • Methods and systems for operating a transmission
    Patent number: 9115803
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating and interfacing to a transmission of a vehicle are presented. In one example, a human machine interface allows a driver to assign gear ratios or simulated gear ratios to gear position slots of a shifter. The assignment of gear ratios to gear position slots of a shifter may allow a driver to experience the feeling of driving a manually shifted transmission without having to operate a clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Marvin Paul Kraska, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Michael Pietron, Eric Hongtei Tseng
  • Methods and systems for operating a driveline clutch
    Patent number: 9108632
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a driveline disconnect clutch is adjusted to compensate for clutch wear and manufacturing tolerances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, James William Loch McCallum, Seung-Hoon Lee, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii
  • Methods and systems for adapting a driveline disconnect clutch transfer function
    Patent number: 9108614
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a transfer function of a driveline disconnect clutch is adapted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Yuji Fujii, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron
  • Dynamic Compensation For Clutch Control During Shift
    Publication number: 20150219212
    Abstract: When a transmission controller issues a control command, such as pressure to control clutch torque, the response may be delayed due to dynamic properties of the control system. These properties can be modeled using a dynamic response model. One potential model is a combination of a pure time delay and a first order distributed delay. Control methods may be improved in several ways by accounting for the dynamic response. First, the dynamic response model may be used to improve adaptation of a transfer function between the commanded control signal and the clutch torque. Second, the command may be adjusted based on the dynamic response model. Both the pure time delay and the time constant of the first order distributed delay may be functions of operating conditions such as temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Diana Yanakiev, Gregory Michael Pietron, Jason Meyer
  • Vehicle and method of operation providing brake pedal activated downshifts
    Patent number: 9096216
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle downshifts a transmission in response to a driver tapping a brake pedal. A brake pedal tap is distinguished from brake pedal movement associated with normal braking by the peak pedal travel and the duration. Multiple step downshifts are triggered in response to closely spaced pedal taps or slightly longer pedal taps. A user interface allows the driver to adjust various parameters, such as upper and lower peak pedal travel and duration limits. Some parameters may be determined by sampling a series of driver brake taps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A VEHICLE DRIVELINE
    Publication number: 20150210270
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operating modes may be manually selected to improve hybrid driveline operation during off road conditions. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Adam Nathan Banker, Dennis Craig Reed, Seung-Hoon Lee, James William Loch McCallum
  • Sensor packaging at output side of front wheel drive (FWD) transmissions
    Patent number: 9074953
    Abstract: Various packaging designs for placement of a magnetic torque sensor at the output shaft of a front wheel drive transmission are provided. One design provides for mounting a sensor on a chain drive sprocket or integrating a sensor into a modified sprocket bearing mount. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the grounded ring gear of a final planetary drive. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the differential housing. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at the output planetary carrier hub/park gear. Another design provides for mounting a sensor at a multi-piece transfer gear face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Nimrod Kapas, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Daniel Goleski, Jeffrey Edward Maurer
  • Pendulum-absorber brake
    Patent number: 9068617
    Abstract: A crankshaft comprising a cheek, a torsion-absorbing pendulum pivotally coupled to the cheek, and a rotational speed actuated brake to oppose motion of the pendulum relative to the cheek. The brake is configured to provide greater opposition to the motion at lower rotational speeds than at higher rotational speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Eliot Chottiner, John Edward Brevick, Matthew David Hammond, Rick L. Williams
  • Driver feedback for vehicle operation
    Patent number: 9050982
    Abstract: The following description relates to systems and methods for adjusting vehicle response parameters in response to indications of vehicle operator preferences. In one example approach, a method comprises, during a cruise control mode of operation, adjusting a vehicle response parameter from a default set-point based on an indication of vehicle operator preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hong Jiang, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski