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).

  • Method for starting an engine
    Patent number: 9416742
    Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method controls a transition from split fuel injection timing during an engine start to single event fuel injection during idle speed or engine torque control modes. The method better manages vehicle launch performance when the engine is restarted while coupled to an automatic transmission that is in gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Joseph Norman Ulrey, John Eric Rollinger, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Method and system for engine starting
    Patent number: 9404461
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of an automatically started engine are described. In one example, engine speed is adjusted to a sole run-up speed and, held at the desired engine run-up speed for a desired period, before being ramped to an idle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Michael M. S. Simon, Felix Nedorezov
  • Methods and systems for vehicle driveline torque estimation
    Patent number: 9399457
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving hybrid vehicle torque control are presented. The system and methods included may estimate driveline torque via springs of a dual mass flywheel. The estimated driveline torque may provide feedback for adjusting operation of a driveline disconnect clutch and/or engine torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Seung-Hoon Lee, Yuji Fujii, James William Loch McCallum, William Russell Goodwin
  • Methods and systems for driveline mode transitions
    Patent number: 9393951
    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. In particular, an electric machine of the hybrid vehicle may be operated in a speed control mode to reduce the possibility of gear lash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Method and system for stopping an engine
    Patent number: 9393949
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey A. Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Methods and systems for engine stopping
    Patent number: 9393954
    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: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Boost reservoir and throttle coordination
    Patent number: 9382838
    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: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Adam J. Richards, Robert Andrew Wade, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Bell
  • Methods and systems for transitioning between braking modes
    Patent number: 9381909
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum, David Oshinsky
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE DRIVELINE
    Publication number: 20160185338
    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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum, Yuji Fujii
  • Method and system for adjusting hybrid vehicle driveline torque
    Patent number: 9358974
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, David Oshinsky, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for operating a vehicle driveline
    Patent number: 9358972
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is accelerated to a speed of a driveline integrated starter/generator before the engine is coupled to the driveline integrated starter/generator. Further, a driveline disconnect clutch application force is adjusted in response to torque of the driveline integrated starter/generator and a torque converter torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Methods and systems for a vehicle driveline control during varying driving conditions
    Patent number: 9358980
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operating modes may be adjusted in response to driving surface conditions. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, James William Loch McCallum, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Method and system for operating a hybrid powertrain
    Patent number: 9352737
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: 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
  • Methods and systems for a driveline disconnect clutch
    Patent number: 9340203
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation for a driveline disconnect clutch is provided. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hong Jiang
  • Methods and systems for providing uniform driveline braking
    Patent number: 9327717
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, negative torque of an electric machine is adjusted to mimic negative torque of an engine during engine braking so that the vehicle may transition from regenerative braking to engine braking in a seamless manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Gregory Michael Pietron
  • Methods and systems for a vehicle driveline power take off
    Patent number: 9327728
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a power take off are presented. In one example, the power take off may be rotated in two different directions. The approaches may improve operation of a power take off device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum
  • Methods and systems for engine starting during a shift
    Patent number: 9322380
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for adjusting driveline operation during an accelerator tip-out
    Patent number: 9321452
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be operated at an idle speed while a driveline disconnect clutch separating the engine from a driveline is open in response to a reduction in driver demand torque. Engine torque may be applied to the driveline by simply closing the driveline disconnect clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
    Patent number: 9316198
    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: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee, Yuji Fujii
  • Methods and systems for transitioning between driveline braking modes
    Patent number: 9296387
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky