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).

  • Reservoir volume sensing
    Patent number: 10245378
    Abstract: Reservoir volume of implantable infusion devices may be determined using a volume sensor that provides a signal representative of a distance between the volume sensor and a movable wall of the reservoir. The volume sensor may be a light-based or sound-based sensor, and may be located outside of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: MEDTRONIC, INC.
    Inventors: Naresh Lakshman Raman, Alex O. Espe, Nicholas R. Whitehead, Timothy J. Denison, Venkat R. Gaddam, Scott A. Sarkinen, Erik J. Peterson, Jacob A. Otterstetter
  • Safety device
    Patent number: 10086894
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system for providing vehicle indicator lights, such as brake lights for a bicycle or motorcycle. The system may include at least one indicator light, a gyroscopic sensor, an accelerometer, a power supply, and a signal processing unit that receives inputs from the gyroscopic sensor and the accelerometer and activates an indicator light based on inputs from the sensors. Various algorithmic functions and other features may also be included in the system to make detection more robust and the make the system useable for a variety of different vehicle applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Alex O. Arkhangelskiy
  • Methods and systems for a four wheel drive vehicle driveline
    Patent number: 10086836
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operation may be adjusted in response to operating the hybrid vehicle in a four wheel drivel low gear range. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Yuji Fujii
  • Method and system for engine starting control
    Patent number: 10066573
    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: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Lyle Thomas, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Xiaoying Zhang, Robert Sarow Baskins
  • RESERVOIR VOLUME SENSING
    Publication number: 20180214635
    Abstract: Reservoir volume of implantable infusion devices may be determined using a volume sensor that provides a signal representative of a distance between the volume sensor and a movable wall of the reservoir. The volume sensor may be a light-based or sound-based sensor, and may be located outside of the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: August 2, 2018
    Inventors: Naresh Lakshman Raman, Alex O. Espe, Nicholas R. Whitehead, Timothy J. Denison, Venkat R. Gaddam, Scott A. Sarkinen, Erik J. Peterson, Jacob A. Otterstetter
  • Method and system for improving hybrid vehicle shifting
    Patent number: 10011263
    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: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: 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 engine control
    Patent number: 10006376
    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: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Alex O'Connor Gibson
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE STARTING CONTROL
    Publication number: 20180106209
    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: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Lyle Thomas, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Xiaoying Zhang, Robert Sarow Baskins
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPROVING TRANSMISSION SHIFTING
    Publication number: 20180093657
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is couple to a transmission in response to a transmission upshift to reduce transmission output shaft torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Method and system for reducing driveline NVH
    Patent number: 9925972
    Abstract: A method and a system for reducing driveline speed oscillations related to a driveline resonance frequency are described. Driveline speed oscillations may be reduced via slipping a driveline clutch or adjusting torque of a driveline motor/generator. The method and system may be activated during select vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Yuji Fujii, Felix Nedorezov, Marvin Paul Kraska
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ASSISTED DIRECT START CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170341637
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively shut-down during engine idle-stop conditions, the vehicle system further including a hydraulically actuated transmission component. One example method comprises, during an idle-stop engine shut-down, adjusting a hydraulic actuation of the transmission component to adjust drag torque on the engine to stop the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: Alex O`Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Peter John Grutter, Felix Nedorezov, Rodney Lewis Lopez
  • Methods and systems for improving transmission shifting
    Patent number: 9827975
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is couple to a transmission in response to a transmission upshift to reduce transmission output shaft torque disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Manual transmission clutch control using driveline measurements
    Patent number: 9815473
    Abstract: A method for controlling a manual transmission includes using a controller to determine a desired torque transmitted through an input clutch 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; inferring torque in the vehicle drive assembly; using inferred torque to determine clutch torque; and using the controller to automatically adjust a clutch actuator such that a difference between the desired torque and the inferred torque is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Alex O. Gibson, Gregory M. Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski
  • Methods and systems for engine stopping
    Patent number: 9789868
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is stopped to a desired position via slipping a driveline disconnect clutch so that engine starting may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A DRIVELINE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL
    Publication number: 20170291599
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation is provided for a dual mass flywheel positioned in a vehicle driveline. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, David Oshinsky
  • Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
    Patent number: 9764726
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle system including an engine that is selectively shut-down during engine idle-stop conditions, the vehicle system further including a hydraulically actuated transmission component. One example method comprises, during an idle-stop engine shut-down, adjusting a hydraulic actuation of the transmission component to adjust drag torque on the engine to stop the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Peter John Grutter, Felix Nedorezov, Rodney Lewis Lopez
  • Methods and systems for engine cranking
    Patent number: 9758160
    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: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Methods and systems providing driveline braking
    Patent number: 9738267
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline braking may transition from regenerative braking to engine braking to reduce the possibility of battery degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Seung-Hoon Lee, Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING CATALYST TEMPERATURE
    Publication number: 20170232955
    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: May 1, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Alex O`Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING CYLINDER AIR CHARGE
    Publication number: 20170225674
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of an engine are presented. In one example, a position of a throttle is adjusted along with other actuators to improve engine starting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky