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).

  • Manual Transmission Clutch Control Using Driveline Measurements
    Publication number: 20160068163
    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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Alex O. Gibson, Gregory M. Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski
  • Methods and systems for a four wheel drive vehicle driveline
    Patent number: 9278692
    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: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    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 adapting operation of a hybrid vehicle transmission torque converter lockup clutch
    Patent number: 9278685
    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 by way of adjusting a transfer function based on torque supplied by an electric machine to improve engine starting control. The approach may improve engine starting and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Method for improving engine starting
    Patent number: 9261040
    Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one example, the method adjusts a port fuel injection amount in response to engine stopping position. The engine stopping position may be indicative of a fraction of injected fuel that enters a cylinder for a first combustion event since engine stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Cindy Zhou, Jianwen James Yi, John Eric Rollinger
  • Methods and systems for operating a driveline disconnect clutch responsive to engine operating conditions
    Patent number: 9260107
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Assisted direct start and active suspension integration control
    Patent number: 9256576
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey A. Doering, Jianbo Lu, Eric H. Tseng
  • Methods and systems for launching a vehicle
    Patent number: 9248829
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Manual transmission clutch control using measured torque
    Patent number: 9243706
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory M. Pietron, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski
  • Method for controlling a transmission coupled to an engine that may be automatically stopped
    Patent number: 9238457
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a transmission coupled to an engine during an engine start are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a transmission tie-up force in response to an indication of transmission slip. The method may improve vehicle launch for stop/start vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Steve Michael Cicala, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Eric Frank Banners, Hong Jiang, Donald G. Levens
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A DRIVELINE DISCONNECT CLUTCH
    Publication number: 20160009274
    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: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hong Jiang
  • Method for restarting an engine
    Patent number: 9222453
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an engine that may be automatically stopped and started are presented. In one example, a method adjusts a position of an air inlet throttle according to engine position and in response to an operator change of mind to restart an engine that is being automatically stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, De-Shiou Chen, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS PROVIDING DRIVELINE BRAKING
    Publication number: 20150353069
    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: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Seung-Hoon Lee, Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPERATING A DRIVELINE CLUTCH
    Publication number: 20150344026
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a driveline disconnect clutch is adjusted to compensate for clutch wear and manufacturing tolerances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, James William Loch McCallum, Seung-Hoon Lee, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii
  • Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
    Patent number: 9187076
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Davor David Hrovat, Alex O'Connor Gibson
  • Method and system for engine control
    Patent number: 9180861
    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: November 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Chad Everette Griffin
  • Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
    Patent number: 9175658
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: 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 providing driveline braking
    Patent number: 9174633
    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: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Seung-Hoon Lee, Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Methods and systems for a driveline disconnect clutch
    Patent number: 9156469
    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: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hong Jiang
  • Method and system for opportunistically automatically stopping an engine of a vehicle
    Patent number: 9151263
    Abstract: Methods and systems for stopping and starting an engine automatically are presented. In one example, a method inhibits automatic engine stopping in response to output of an on-board camera. The method prevents engine stopping during conditions where little fuel may be saved via automatically stopping the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Davor Hrovat, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson
  • Methods and systems for controlling catalyst temperature
    Patent number: 9145123
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a driveline disconnect clutch is based on temperature conditions of a catalyst. The driveline disconnect clutch may not be opened if catalyst temperature is greater than a threshold temperature so that the catalyst may be cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Ralph Wayne Cunningham