Patents by Inventor Marvin Kraska

Marvin Kraska 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: 7896114
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Brandon Masterson, Marvin Kraska, Andrew Silveri
  • Patent number: 7682285
    Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and ratio shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshift events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
  • Publication number: 20080182722
    Abstract: A vehicle and a method for starting an engine in a vehicle are provided. The vehicle has a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Brandon Masterson, Marvin Kraska, Andrew Silveri
  • 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: 7370715
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Brandon Masterson, Marvin Kraska, Andrew Silveri
  • Publication number: 20080096722
    Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and ratio shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshift events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
  • Publication number: 20080078593
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid propulsion system of a vehicle, where the hybrid propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine and an alternate torque source configured to provide motive power to the vehicle. While the engine is turned off, initial cranking of the engine is performed to initiate an engine start. During initial cranking, a cylinder valve is operated in a startup timing mode so as to reduce pumping work required to move a piston during initial cranking. Subsequent to initial cranking, the valve is operated with a different timing than that employed during the startup timing mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Philip Koneda, Marvin Kraska, Thomas Megli
  • 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: 7331899
    Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7326149
    Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshifts events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
  • Patent number: 7322903
    Abstract: A method is for controlling a rate of flow of cooling oil to a friction launch clutch and electric motor in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. The rate of flow is determined by changes in clutch temperature and motor temperature. Cooling oil flow in excess of the flow required to maintain a desired temperature is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Ortmann, Marvin Kraska
  • Publication number: 20070270277
    Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Publication number: 20070202989
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a rate of flow of cooling oil to a friction launch clutch and electric motor in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. The rate of flow is determined by changes in clutch temperature and motor temperature. Cooling oil flow in excess of the flow required to maintain a desired temperature is avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Walter Ortmann, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7261671
    Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Publication number: 20070032340
    Abstract: In one example, a method for controlling powertrain operation in a vehicle is provided, the powertrain having an engine and an automatic transmission, the engine having at least an electrically actuated cylinder valve. The method includes changing gears from a first discreet gear ratio to a second discreet gear ratio of the transmission; and increasing engine torque during a torque phase of said gear change by changing operation of the electrically actuated cylinder valve, and decreasing engine torque during an inertia phase of said gear change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Davor Hrovat, Alex Gibson, Ilya Kolmanovsky, James McCallum, Marvin Kraska
  • Publication number: 20060137921
    Abstract: A vehicle and a method for starting an engine in a vehicle are provided. The vehicle has a motor/generator, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and a transmission disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. The transmission includes an input clutch which is selectively engagable for facilitating torque transfer between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, the motor/generator is operated, and a start mode for the engine is determined based on a number of vehicle parameters. The transmission input clutch is partially disengaged to at least partially isolate the vehicle drive wheels from engine torque disturbances when the engine is started. The disconnect clutch is engaged, and the engine is fueled, thereby facilitating torque production by the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Brandon Masterson, Marvin Kraska, Andrew Silveri
  • Publication number: 20060135316
    Abstract: A gear ratio shift control and control method controls gear ratio upshifts in a multiple-ratio transmission for an automotive vehicle. Pressure actuated friction elements establish torque flow paths in transmission gearing as they are selectively engaged and released. A net torque reduction at a transmission torque output shaft during an upshift event is reduced by increasing transmission input torque prior to the start of the inertia phase of the upshift event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Marvin Kraska, Gregory Pietron, William Tobler, Walter Ortmann, Bradley Riedle, Ronald Cowan, Davorin Hrovat
  • Publication number: 20060100060
    Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshifts events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
  • Patent number: 6991585
    Abstract: An automotive vehicle driveline includes an internal combustion engine for transmitting input torque to a hydraulically-actuated input clutch, and having a throttle controlled by a displaceable accelerator pedal. A transmission produces multiple gear ratios between the clutch and an output. A method for controlling operation of the clutch includes determining a magnitude of clutch pressure that would produce a torque capacity of the input clutch equal to the current magnitude of input torque; if no transient condition occurs, pressurizing the clutch at a magnitude of pressure that produces a predetermined slip of the input clutch at the current magnitude of input torque; and if a transient condition occurs, holding and/or reducing the determined input clutch pressure such that slip occurs at the input clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Marvin Kraska