Patents by Inventor Richard John Hippley

Richard John Hippley 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: 11315368
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine following an engine idle-stop. In one example, a method may include, following a first unsuccessful engine restart attempt, prompting a driver, via a human machine interface (HMI) to apply a brake pedal and upon application of the brake pedal, carrying out one or more restart attempts. If the driver does not apply the brake pedal within the threshold duration, the driver may be prompted to manually restart the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Eric Michael Rademacher, Ahmed Awadi, Daniel Yeaw, Paul Joseph Szuszman, Richard John Hippley
  • Publication number: 20210043015
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine following an engine idle-stop. In one example, a method may include, following a first unsuccessful engine restart attempt, prompting a driver, via a human machine interface (HMI) to apply a brake pedal and upon application of the brake pedal, carrying out one or more restart attempts. If the driver does not apply the brake pedal within the threshold duration, the driver may be prompted to manually restart the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Eric Michael Rademacher, Ahmed Awadi, Daniel Yeaw, Paul Joseph Szuszman, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 10450979
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a stop/start vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine throttle position is adjusted in response to whether or not a starter engages a flywheel during engine stopping. The throttle may be adjusted to a more open position if the starter engages the flywheel or to a more closed position if the starter does not engage the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Richard John Hippley, Danny Zdravkovski, Craig Cabadas
  • Patent number: 9731698
    Abstract: A start-stop vehicle includes an engine configured to automatically stop and start during travel. The vehicle further includes a gear lever, a brake pedal, and a controller. The controller is programmed to restart the engine or inhibit restarting of the engine depending upon one or more sets of conditions of the vehicle. A method is also present for operating the vehicle based upon the one or more sets of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hafiz Shafeek Khafagy, Chad Everette Griffin, Hank L. Kwong, Ahmed Awadi, Richard John Hippley
  • Publication number: 20160363072
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a stop/start vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine throttle position is adjusted in response to whether or not a starter engages a flywheel during engine stopping. The throttle may be adjusted to a more open position if the starter engages the flywheel or to a more closed position if the starter does not engage the flywheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Alex O`Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Richard John Hippley, Danny Zdravkovski, Craig Cabadas
  • Patent number: 9447747
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a stop/start vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine throttle position is adjusted in response to whether or not a starter engages a flywheel during engine stopping. The throttle may be adjusted to a more open position if the starter engages the flywheel or to a more closed position if the starter does not engage the flywheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Richard John Hippley, Danny Zdravkovski, Craig Cabadas
  • Patent number: 9394872
    Abstract: A method of controlling the stopping and starting of an engine is disclosed in which, during an engine shut-down period, if a signal indicative of a request for restarting the engine is generated, the engine 1000 is restarted if the engine speed (N) is within a predefined speed range and the absolute pressure (MAP) in a manifold of the engine is below a predefined limit MAPlim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Howell, Anthemios Philemon Petridis, Richard John Hippley
  • Publication number: 20150066338
    Abstract: A method of controlling the stopping and starting of an engine is disclosed in which, during an engine shut-down period, if a signal indicative of a request for restarting the engine is generated, the engine 1000 is restarted if the engine speed (N) is within a predefined speed range and the absolute pressure (MAP) in a manifold of the engine is below a predefined limit MAPlim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen Howell, Anthemios Philemon Petridis, Richard John Hippley
  • Publication number: 20130297191
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a stop/start vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine throttle position is adjusted in response to whether or not a starter engages a flywheel during engine stopping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Richard John Hippley, Danny Zdravkovski, Craig Cabadas
  • Patent number: 6889132
    Abstract: Method and electronic control system using a unique driver demand (calibration) table stored in system memory to provide torque output values specific to a 4×4 mode of operation of the vehicle drive unit. For example, the torque output of the electronic control system for a 4×4 low mode of operation is controlled using a unique calibration table stored in system memory for 4×4 low mode of operation, while the torque output of the electronic control system for other modes of operation is controlled using one or more different, other calibration tables stored in system memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Dennis Allen Light, Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6600988
    Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain of a vehicle is described. The method determines a desired vehicle condition based on three driver actuated elements. In a preferred embodiment the first element can be pedal position, the second element can be a brake actuator or, more specifically, brake actuation duration, and the third element can be a gear selection lever. Further, the desired vehicle condition can be desired powertrain output, vehicle acceleration, or various other parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Da, Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Richard John Hippley
  • Publication number: 20020143455
    Abstract: Method and electronic control system using a unique driver demand (calibration) table stored in system memory to provide torque output values specific to a 4×4 mode of operation of the vehicle drive unit. For example, the torque output of the electronic control system for a 4×4 low mode of operation is controlled using a unique calibration table stored in system memory for 4×4 low mode of operation, while the torque output of the electronic control system for other modes of operation is controlled using one or more different, other calibration tables stored in system memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Dennis Allen Light, Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6393350
    Abstract: A powertrain controller and a method for calculating feed-forward torque for use by the controller, including a powertrain control module that calculates current and leading indicators of engine torque. The leading indicator of engine torque is used by a multiple-ratio transmission in the powertrain to control transmission line pressure for actuating pressure-operated clutches and brakes for the gearing. The same information that is used for establishing transmission line pressure control is used for commanding an electronic throttle actuator for the engine. The electronic throttle actuator responds to an engine torque request generated by the powertrain controller to achieve a relatively instantaneous response of the engine throttle to a driver command for engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Allen Light, Michael John Cullen, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6367447
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine include determining a currently available maximum torque, determining a driver demanded torque based on a current accelerator pedal position and reference ambient conditions, and controlling the engine to deliver the lesser of the driver demanded torque corresponding to the reference ambient conditions and a calibratable percentage of the currently available maximum torque corresponding to the current ambient conditions. A similar torque is provided at high altitudes as that provided at sea level for a given low pedal position while smoothly blending into the currently available peak torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce John Palansky, Dennis Allen Light, Michael John Cullen, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6304809
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an electronically controlled drive unit of a vehicle uses actual vehicle acceleration and a preselected vehicle acceleration. Actual acceleration is determined from any of an acceleration sensor or vehicle speed sensors. When actual acceleration is greater than the preselected acceleration, a reaction is initiated to reduce vehicle acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Cullen, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6295500
    Abstract: A method for monitoring an electronically controlled drive unit of a vehicle uses actual vehicle acceleration and a preselected vehicle acceleration. Actual acceleration is determined from any of an acceleration sensor or vehicle speed sensors. When actual acceleration is greater than the preselected acceleration, a reaction is initiated to reduce vehicle acceleration. A method for controlling vehicle acceleration is also disclosed where desired acceleration is determine from either the operator command or a cruise control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael John Cullen, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6178371
    Abstract: A speed control method for vehicles having an internal combustion engine smoothly controls engine torque to control vehicle speed. Torque is controlled via airflow in a first torque control range. Torque is controlled via a coordination of air/fuel ratio, ignition timing, and cylinder deactivation is a second torque control range. The torque range is selected based on the required airflow to deliver the required torque. If the required airflow is less than a lower allowable value, then the airflow is fixed at this lower allowable value and the second range is selected. Otherwise, the first range is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Allen Light, Michael John Cullen, Richard John Hippley
  • Patent number: 6061623
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling an internal combustion engine upon initial entry into a speed control mode and upon transitions between dynamic operating modes of a speed control system includes means for determining an actual vehicle acceleration and means for determining an actual wheel torque. A controller determines an initial desired wheel torque based on the actual vehicle acceleration and the actual wheel torque and controls the torque generated by the engine based on the initial desired wheel torque so as to smoothly control the speed of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard John Hippley, Marek Jaroslaw Jastrzebski, Kevin Joseph Rzemien