Patents by Inventor Stephen Michael Cicala

Stephen Michael Cicala 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: 8827060
    Abstract: A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nicholas Joseph Witte, Stephen Michael Cicala, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Nimrod Kapas, Davorin David Hrovat
  • Publication number: 20140069759
    Abstract: A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nicholas Joseph Witte, Stephen Michael Cicala, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Nimrod Kapas, Davorin David Hrovat
  • Patent number: 6577939
    Abstract: A modular electronic control system for a geared multiple-ratio transmission wherein pressure profiles for each ratio shift actuator are used to provide seamless transitions during both positive and negative engine torque conditions to improve shift feel and responsiveness to ratio change commands. The system provides shift staging for sequenced shifts between ratios as well as for so-called “change-of-mind” shifts in which a sequence shift is interrupted as a new destination gear is introduced. A constant ratio change occurs during sequenced shifts. A change-of-mind shift can be performed directly where the new destination gear is commanded immediately. Independent pressure profiles for each clutch involved in a commanded shift are used to accommodate various types of shifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Keyse, Ihab S. Soliman, Jeremy L. Russell, Kevin MacFarlane, Stephen Michael Cicala
  • Patent number: 6170506
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a solenoid-operated regulator valve wherein command current applied to a solenoid actuator establishes a defined response of a valve. Cleaning current pulses applied to the solenoid establish a response that does not interfere with the effectiveness of the valve function. The pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse direction and pulse period are determined by the degree of contamination of the valve environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Butwin, Michael J. Monaghan, Maria Eugenia Protopapas, Robert Cary Haase, Stephen Michael Cicala, Wolfgang Wickler
  • Patent number: 5808471
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting degraded operation of a solenoid. A current through the solenoid is sampled at predetermined time intervals within a predetermined time period. A maximum value of the sampled current is first detected. Next, a minimum value of the sampled current subsequent to the maximum value is detected. Finally, a predetermined increase in the sampled current from the minimum value is detected to verify operation of the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Michael Rooke, David Andrew Franchock, Stephen Michael Cicala, Myron Ihor Senyk, Kyle Shawn Williams, Roberto Anthony Rossi, Christopher David Tebbe