Patents by Inventor Alex O'Connor

Alex O'Connor 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).

  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20140200794
    Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
    Patent number: 8764411
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for pressurizing a transmission hydraulic circuit including a transmission mechanical pump coupled to an engine though a gearbox. One example method comprises, during an engine start, adjusting a speed ratio between the transmission pump and the engine between a first speed ratio and a second speed ratio, the pump rotating faster relative to the engine at the first speed ratio as compared with the second speed ratio. In this way, the pump may be driven at different speed ratios relative to the engine to provide better pressurization in the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee, Yuji Fujii
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING HYBRID VEHICLE SHIFTING
    Publication number: 20140163788
    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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADAPTING OPERATION OF A HYBRID VEHICLE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKUP CLUTCH
    Publication number: 20140163787
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a transmission torque converter lockup clutch is adjusted to improve engine starting control. The approach may improve engine starting and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING HYBRID VEHICLE DRIVELINE TORQUE
    Publication number: 20140162838
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine torque estimate may be adapted in response to a torque converter impeller speed error. The methods and systems may reduce the possibility of driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, David Oshinsky, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 8738215
    Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 8738217
    Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Method for supplying power to an electrically assisted steering system
    Patent number: 8727067
    Abstract: A method for supplying power to an electrically assisted steering system is described. In one example, the method adjusts alternator field current to increase energy supplied to the electrically assisted steering system in response to an automatic engine stop request. The method may improve operation of the electrically assisted steering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Allan Roy Gale, John Anthony DeMarco, Robert Michael Grant
  • Assisted Direct Start And Active Suspension Integration Control
    Publication number: 20140129083
    Abstract: A system for controlling an internal combustion engine. The system includes engine shutdown/restart means and energy storage means configured for supplying power to an associated active vehicle suspension system when the engine is shut down. A controller is configured for controlling the shutdown/restart means responsive to an energy state of the energy storage means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey A. Doering, Jianbo Lu, Eric H. Tseng
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING CATALYST TEMPERATURE
    Publication number: 20140121060
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine exhaust after treatment device is cooled at an opportunistic time. The approach may provide improved cooling for exhaust after treatment devices and it may also improve vehicle emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Methods and systems for improved engine speed control during engine starting
    Patent number: 8710685
    Abstract: A system for improving engine starting is disclosed. In one example, an engine starting is improved by providing a variable load to the engine during engine starting. The variable load may be provided by controlling alternator field current during the engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, John Anthony DeMarco, Allan Roy Gale, Robert Michael Grant
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE LAUNCH
    Publication number: 20140106927
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a clutch is operated while a vehicle is stopped and while a vehicle brake is applied to determine a clutch torque transfer function. The approach may improve vehicle launch after an engine stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A HYBRID POWERTRAIN
    Publication number: 20140100727
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a hybrid driveline is adjusted in response to driving conditions that may cause wheel slip or a stuck vehicle. The approach may reduce driveline wear and improve vehicle drivability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Adam Nathan Banker, James William Loch McCallum, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STOPPING AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20140100082
    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: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140094343
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including a selectively shut-down engine, a torque converter and a torque converter lock-up clutch. One example method comprises, during an idle-stop engine shut-down, restricting flow of transmission fluid out of the torque converter, and adjusting engagement of the torque converter lock-up clutch to adjust a drag torque on the engine to stop the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Yuji Fujii, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Peter John Grutter
  • Methods and systems for engine starting
    Patent number: 8682565
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively deactivated during engine idle-stop conditions and selectively reactivated during engine restart conditions. One example method comprises, during an engine restart from an idle stop, performing a first combustion event in a cylinder with a piston at an engine crankshaft position that is after a crankshaft position at which said cylinder's exhaust valve opens, and before a crankshaft position at which the cylinder's intake valve closes, during a cycle of said cylinder. In this way, inaccuracies in cylinder aircharge estimation may be reduced, thereby also reducing air-fuel ratio errors and improving the quality and repeatability of engine restarts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Ross Pursifull, John D. Russell, Joseph N. Ulrey, Gopichandra Surnilla, Donald James Lewis
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140080669
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for restarting an engine in response to a driver's change-of-mind. In one embodiment, the engine is shutdown during an idle stop with the transmission in a higher gear or with the transmission tied-up to a transmission case. In response to a driver change-of-mind restart request, the transmission is downshifted, or released from the tie-up, to return driveline torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Chad Everette Griffin
  • Methods and systems for engine starting
    Patent number: 8664783
    Abstract: A system for improving engine starting is disclosed. In one example, an engine starting is improved by providing a predictable load to the engine during engine starting. The predictable load may be provided by controlling alternator field voltage during the engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, John Anthony DeMarco, Allan Roy Gale, Vincent John Boscheratto
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140057754
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Peter John Grutter, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140057756
    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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Alex O'Connor Gibson