Patents by Inventor Alex O'Connor Gibson

Alex O'Connor Gibson 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 FOR ENGINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150219020
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine system with a variable cam timing device. In one example, the variable cam timing device is operated to adjust engine valve timing differently at engine stop based on whether the engine stop is in response to an operator request or in response to an automatic controller initiated engine stop without an operator request.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Alex O`Connor Gibson
  • MANUAL TRANSMISSION CLUTCH CONTROL USING MEASURED TORQUE
    Publication number: 20150211625
    Abstract: A method for controlling a manual transmission includes using a controller to determine a desired torque transmitted through an input clutch and a desired clutch slip for the desired gear after a shift lever is moved to a desired gear position and while a clutch pedal is being released for engaging the clutch; measuring torque in the vehicle drive assembly; using measured torque to determine actual clutch torque transmitted through the clutch; and reducing torque error using the controller to adjust a clutch actuator such that a difference between the desired torque and the actual torque is reduced. Slip error may also be reduced by adjusting the clutch actuator to reduce the difference between the desired slip and measured slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory M. Pietron, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150211433
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine when a high pressure fuel pump is degraded. In response to an indication of high pressure fuel pump degradation, fuel may be injected during an intake stroke, rather than a compression stroke, for a selected number of combustion events since the engine restart. By shifting to an intake stroke injection, the engine may be started even when sufficient fuel rail pressures are not available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph Lyle Thomas, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Xiaoying Zhang, Robert Sarow Baskins
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STOPPING AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20150183416
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a disconnect clutch is operated in response to an engine stop request to adjust an engine stopping position during an engine shutdown. The approach may reduce engine starting time after the engine stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey A. Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Methods and systems for engine cranking
    Patent number: 9068546
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be started in one of two ways depending on operating conditions. In particular, the engine may be started via a lower power output electric machine or a higher power output electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Method and system for engine control
    Patent number: 9057351
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine when a high pressure fuel pump is degraded. In response to an indication of high pressure fuel pump degradation, fuel may be injected during an intake stroke, rather than a compression stroke, for a selected number of combustion events since the engine restart. By shifting to an intake stroke injection, the engine may be started even when sufficient fuel rail pressures are not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lyle Thomas, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Xiaoying Zhang, Robert Sarow Baskins
  • METHOD FOR OPERATING A VEHICLE POWERTRAIN
    Publication number: 20150151763
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a vehicle powertrain that may be automatically stopped and started are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a position of a transmission clutch in response to battery current during engine cranking The method may reduce clutch wear and improve vehicle launch from a stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Matthew John Shelton, Roger Lyle Huffmaster
  • Methods and systems for extending regenerative braking
    Patent number: 9039568
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an electrical load may be automatically activated to consume electrical energy produced during driveline braking so that driveline braking may be extended. The electrical load may be a windscreen heater or other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum, David Oshinsky
  • Method and system for engine control
    Patent number: 9039571
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine system with a variable cam timing device. In one example, the variable cam timing device is operated to adjust engine valve timing differently at engine stop based on whether the engine stop is in response to an operator request or in response to an automatic controller initiated engine stop without an operator request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Alex O'Connor Gibson
  • Methods and systems for adjusting driveline disconnect clutch operation
    Patent number: 9039570
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRIVELINE MODE TRANSITIONS
    Publication number: 20150141197
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between regenerative braking and providing positive torque to a driveline is presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN DRIVELINE BRAKING MODES
    Publication number: 20150133264
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between regenerative braking and engine braking is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky
  • Method and system for improving hybrid vehicle shifting
    Patent number: 9031722
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN BRAKING MODES
    Publication number: 20150126328
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between driveline braking and wheel brakes is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum, David Oshinsky
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LAUNCHING A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20150105216
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is started and idled before engine torque is required so that driveline torque response may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Methods and systems for conditionally entering a driveline sailing mode
    Patent number: 9005075
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a driveline may selectively enter a sailing mode to provide quick driveline torque response with reduced impact on fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Boost reservoir control
    Patent number: 8997484
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing turbo lag in a boosted engine. A boost reservoir coupled to the engine may be charged with compressed intake air and/or combusted exhaust gas. The pressurized charge may then be discharged during a tip-in to either the intake or the exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Bell, Julia Helen Buckland
  • Methods and systems for engine shut-down control
    Patent number: 9002600
    Abstract: An example method of operation comprises, selectively shutting down engine operation responsive to operating conditions and without receiving an engine shutdown request from the operator, maintaining the automatic transmission in gear during the shutdown, and during an engine restart from the shutdown condition, and with the transmission in gear, transmitting reduced torque to the transmission. For example, slippage of a forward clutch of the transmission may be used to enable the transmission to remain in gear, yet reduce torque transmitted to the vehicle wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Peter John Grutter, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Felix Nedorezov
  • Skip-shift operations for automatic transmission systems
    Patent number: 8996262
    Abstract: Method and system providing manual skip-shift for operating the automatic transmission of a vehicle. The method includes accepting the input of gear states by operating a selector mechanism to select a value. The system accepts input of a selected sequence of gear states from a plurality of available gear states, the selected sequence including fewer gear states than the number of available gear states. The system then operates a selector mechanism to select the gear state from the selected sequence. The system also includes an electronic control module, a selector mechanism, and a power train control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Davor Hrovat, Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F Kucharski, Diana Yanakiev, James Dottavio
  • Methods and systems for engine control
    Patent number: 8986163
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for restarting an engine that can be selectively deactivated during idle-stop conditions. In one embodiment, the engine is restarted with torque reduction over an interval of the restart, for example, by upshifting the transmission. In response to a vehicle launch request, the torque reduction is decreased, for example, by downshifting the transmission, to expedite return of driveline torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Alex O'Connor Gibson