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).

  • Publication number: 20140057755
    Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one example, the method adjusts a desired engine speed to at least two levels during engine speed run-up from cranking to engine idle speed. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Seung-Hoon Lee, Yuji Fujii, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Publication number: 20140055102
    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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, John Anthony DeMarco, Allan Roy Gale, Robert Michael Grant
  • Publication number: 20140045650
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing audible clunks and objectionable drive feel in vehicles including start/stop systems. In one example, a vehicle engine is shutdown during vehicle coasting. The vehicle engine is then restarted, while the vehicle is moving with a torque converter clutch disengaged. A transmission clutch pressure is then adjusted during the restart based on a torque converter output speed relative to a torque converter input speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Davor David Hrovat, Alex O'Connor Gibson
  • Publication number: 20140035291
    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: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, John Anthony DeMarco, Allan Roy Gale, Vincent John Boscheratto
  • Publication number: 20140011635
    Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission actuator in response to engine combustion during an engine start. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Ihab S. Soliman
  • Patent number: 8626752
    Abstract: A system that associates audio and/or video data with one or more calls for action, and manages, queries and displays the audio and video associated with a call for action based on defined or predefined criteria related to the audio and video data. The system selectively updates media files and Metadata from Meta tags, or Metadata feeds. The system spiders the Metadata or Metadata feeds for new Metadata to automate the submission and programming the audio and video data over a network. The system provides users with other call to action options including click to call, literature, order forms, and/or applications. The system optionally schedules audio and video media to target users by time of day, location, device, and other parameters to offer a call to action to different user audiences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Peach Wiz, Inc.
    Inventor: Alex O. Fiero
  • Patent number: 8626425
    Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one example, fuel injection timing is selectively adjusted based on engine stop position and amount of time the engine is stopped. The method may improve engine starting and lower engine noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger
  • Patent number: 8612113
    Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a transmission actuator in response to engine combustion during an engine start. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, John Anthony DeMarco, Robert Michael Grant, Allan Roy Gale
  • Patent number: 8597159
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Yuji Fujii, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Peter John Grutter
  • Patent number: 8591379
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Chad Everette Griffin
  • Publication number: 20130305718
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for raising an exhaust temperature to spin a turbocharger turbine and reduce turbo-lag. Pressurized air is discharged from a boost reservoir into an intake manifold while spark retard is increased to expedite exhaust heating while also increasing a net combustion torque. By expediting turbine spin-up in response to a tip-in, turbo-lag is reduced and engine performance is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Julia Helen Buckland, Robert Andrew Wade
  • Publication number: 20130305716
    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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Robert Andrew Wade, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Bell
  • Publication number: 20130305709
    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: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Bell, Julia Helen Buckland
  • Publication number: 20130296102
    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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum, David Oshinsky
  • Publication number: 20130296130
    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: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum, David Oshinsky
  • Publication number: 20130296126
    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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Publication number: 20130291830
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque demand of a driveline after a shift is forecast to determine if it is desirable to start the engine early so that engine torque is available after the shift. The approach may improve vehicle torque response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Publication number: 20130297115
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a driveline disconnect clutch transfer function may be adapted in response to engine operating conditions during closing of the driveline disconnect clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20130297118
    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: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20130297123
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline gear lash gear tooth to gear tooth impact may be reduce via adjusting operation of an electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum