Patents by Inventor Mark Yamazaki

Mark Yamazaki 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).

  • Patent number: 7967091
    Abstract: A control method and control system for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain with a multiple-ratio transmission is disclosed in which engine start events are separated in time from transmission ratio shift events to effect a smooth transition from an electric drive state with the engine off to a drive state in which the engine delivers driving power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Yamazaki, Marvin Kraska, Kathleen Bailey, Natarajan Sureshbabu
  • Patent number: 7605561
    Abstract: A method for controlling charging of a power source of a hybrid vehicle. The method includes determining a maximum output level of a primary power source, determining a state of charge of a secondary power source, determining a charge torque modifier value based on the maximum output torque level and the state of charge, determining a target torque level for an electrical machine based on the charge torque modifier value, and driving the electrical machine at the target torque level with the primary power source to charge the secondary power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Yamazaki, John Blankenship, Francis T. Connolly
  • Patent number: 7412310
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling activation of a power source of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes determining a vehicle speed, determining an operating state of a brake system, and controlling activation of the power source based on at least one of the vehicle speed and the operating state of the brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David Brigham, Brandon Masterson, Mark Yamazaki, Kathleen Bailey
  • Publication number: 20080119975
    Abstract: A control method and control system for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain with a multiple-ratio transmission is disclosed in which engine start events are separated in time from transmission ratio shift events to effect a smooth transition from an electric drive state with the engine off to a drive state in which the engine delivers driving power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Yamazaki, Marvin Kraska, Kathleen Bailey, Natarajan Sureshbabu
  • Patent number: 7350602
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having a primary power generating system and a secondary power generating system coupled via a power transmission assembly for delivery of tractive force for the vehicle. The method includes determining acceleration of input speed to the power transmission assembly when the primary power generating system is deactivated, and inferring activation of the primary power generating system based at least in part on the acceleration of the power transmission assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Kathleen Bailey, Mark Yamazaki, Brandon Masterson
  • Patent number: 7223203
    Abstract: A method controlling a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle includes a power transfer unit having a plurality of gear ratios and at least one power source adapted to drive the power transfer unit. The method includes calculating a speed ratio value, comparing the speed ratio value to a threshold value, and inferring a torque disturbance if the speed ratio value is greater than the threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Yamazaki, Brandon Masterson
  • Publication number: 20060061322
    Abstract: A method for controlling charging of a power source of a hybrid vehicle. The method includes determining a maximum output level of a primary power source, determining a state of charge of a secondary power source, determining a charge torque modifier value based on the maximum output torque level and the state of charge, determining a target torque level for an electrical machine based on the charge torque modifier value, and driving the electrical machine at the target torque level with the primary power source to charge the secondary power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Yamazaki, John Blankenship, Francis Connolly
  • Publication number: 20060046893
    Abstract: A method controlling a hybrid electric vehicle. The hybrid electric vehicle includes a power transfer unit having a plurality of gear ratios and at least one power source adapted to drive the power transfer unit. The method includes calculating a speed ratio value, comparing the speed ratio value to a threshold value, and inferring a torque disturbance if the speed ratio value is greater than the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Publication date: March 2, 2006
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark Yamazaki, Brandon Masterson
  • Publication number: 20060011394
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having a primary power generating system and a secondary power generating system coupled via a power transmission assembly for delivery of tractive force for the vehicle. The method includes determining acceleration of input speed to the power transmission assembly when the primary power generating system is deactivated, and inferring activation of the primary power generating system based at least in part on the acceleration of the power transmission assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Kathleen Bailey, Mark Yamazaki, Brandon Masterson
  • Publication number: 20050273225
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling activation of a power source of a hybrid electric vehicle. The method includes determining a vehicle speed, determining an operating state of a brake system, and controlling activation of the power source based on at least one of the vehicle speed and the operating state of the brake system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: David Brigham, Brandon Masterson, Mark Yamazaki, Kathleen Bailey
  • Patent number: 6941198
    Abstract: A method for controlling activation of a power source of a hybrid electric vehicle. A hybrid electric vehicle has first and second power sources connected to a motor. The motor is connected to a transmission adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The method includes comparing a vehicle speed value to first and second threshold values. If the vehicle speed value is less than the first threshold value, then the method determines whether a vehicle brake is released. If the vehicle speed value is greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the method determines whether additional acceleration is demanded. The power source is activated if additional power is demanded or if the vehicle brake has been released. The power source is deactivated if the brake is engaged or if additional power is not demanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David Brigham, Brandon Masterson, Mark Yamazaki, Kathleen Bailey
  • Publication number: 20050055140
    Abstract: A method for controlling activation of a power source of a hybrid electric vehicle. A hybrid electric vehicle has first and second power sources connected to a motor. The motor is connected to a transmission adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The method includes comparing a vehicle speed value to first and second threshold values. If the vehicle speed value is less than the first threshold value, then the method determines whether a vehicle brake is released. If the vehicle speed value is greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the method determines whether additional acceleration is demanded. The power source is activated if additional power is demanded or if the vehicle brake has been released. The power source is deactivated if the brake is engaged or if additional power is not demanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: David Brigham, Brandon Masterson, Mark Yamazaki, Kathleen Bailey