Patents by Inventor Bradley Riedle

Bradley Riedle 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).

  • Patent number: 9528601
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a control module, an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members, a plurality of torque transmitting devices, and at least one speed sensor assembly. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The control module includes a control logic sequence for assuring engagement of torque transmitting mechanisms for achieving specific gear ratios between the input and output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: GL GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Joel H. Gunderson, Rich Hathaway, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20160003350
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a control module, an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members, a plurality of torque transmitting devices, and at least one speed sensor assembly. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes. The control module includes a control logic sequence for assuring engagement of torque transmitting mechanisms for achieving specific gear ratios between the input and output members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: JOEL H. GUNDERSON, RICH HATHAWAY, BRADLEY RIEDLE
  • Patent number: 7527578
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20080026911
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Patent number: 7282012
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Patent number: 7216025
    Abstract: An adaptive pressure control method for synchronous downshifts in an automatic transmission that uses pressure actuated friction elements. The method uses characteristic parameters that determine downshift quality for both power-on downshifts and power-off downshifts. Selected measured variables are monitored to detect changes in the parameters. Adjustments for the friction elements are made in response to changes in the measured variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ihab Soliman, Charles Suter, Kurt Nickerson, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20060287158
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Patent number: 7115069
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Patent number: 7089102
    Abstract: An automatic transmission ratio shift control system and method for a powertrain having an engine and multiple-ratio gearing controlled by friction elements actuated by hydraulic pressure, an electronic controller for establishing torque transitions among the friction elements as the gear ratio changes, the engine speed being controlled by an electronic throttle control. The strategy employs an electronic throttle and closed loop engine speed control and uses fuel and air as an energy source to increase engine speed during a power-off downshift. The engine speed is boosted to a level close to the synchronous speed in conjunction with release of the off-going friction element. The on-coming friction element is then applied as the engine speed approaches a desired speed. The engine speed increase is timed to lead an increase in torque converter speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Slayton, Bradley Riedle, Pramod Jain, Balaram Sankpal, Steven Meisner, David Bidner, Armand Giannamore
  • Publication number: 20060135316
    Abstract: A gear ratio shift control and control method controls gear ratio upshifts in a multiple-ratio transmission for an automotive vehicle. Pressure actuated friction elements establish torque flow paths in transmission gearing as they are selectively engaged and released. A net torque reduction at a transmission torque output shaft during an upshift event is reduced by increasing transmission input torque prior to the start of the inertia phase of the upshift event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yuji Fujii, Marvin Kraska, Gregory Pietron, William Tobler, Walter Ortmann, Bradley Riedle, Ronald Cowan, Davorin Hrovat
  • Patent number: 7014592
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic transmission in a vehicle is provided. The method selectively provides automatic engine braking for the vehicle. When it is determined that automatic engine braking is desired, the upshift schedule is increased, such that a higher vehicle speed is required to upshift for any given accelerator pedal position. The transmission is automatically downshifted to a lower gear to provide engine braking for the vehicle, when a vehicle acceleration threshold is exceeded. The automatic downshifting of the transmission can occur when the brake pedal is engaged, and when the brake pedal is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Wiethe, Charles Suter, Ken Sovel, Kurt Nickerson, Bruce Palansky, Bradley Riedle
  • Patent number: 6994647
    Abstract: An adaptive shift control method for a geared multiple ratio transmission having friction elements for clutches and brakes to establish and disestablish gear ratio changes wherein at least one ratio change involves engagement of one friction element in synchronism with disengagement of another friction element. Operating parameters are adapted throughout the life of the transmission to reduce synchronous errors by developing and learning pressure and time adjustments for the friction elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Cicala, Brian Keyse, Ihab Soliman, Charles Suter, Kurt Nickerson, Bradley Riedle
  • Patent number: 6961646
    Abstract: A control system and control method for an automotive vehicle having a multiple-ratio automatic transmission having two gearsets arranged in series relationship for delivering vehicle engine power to vehicle traction wheels, each gearset being controlled using friction elements that establish multiple torque flow paths, each gearset being characterized by at least two ratios, which define an overall transmission ratio, synchronous shifting of the gearsets effecting at least one swap-upshift and at least one swap-downshift in the overall transmission ratio, the control system compensating during a swap-shift progression for dynamic interaction between the gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20050107212
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20050107201
    Abstract: An adaptive shift control method for a geared multiple ratio transmission having friction elements for clutches and brakes to establish and disestablish gear ratio changes wherein at least one ratio change involves engagement of one friction element in synchronism with disengagement of another friction element. Operating parameters are adapted throughout the life of the transmission to reduce synchronous errors by developing and learning pressure and time adjustments for the friction elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicants: Ford Motor Company, Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steve Cicala, Brian Keyse, Ihab Soliman, Charles Suter, Kurt Nickerson, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20050107936
    Abstract: An adaptive pressure control method for synchronous downshifts in an automatic transmission that uses pressure actuated friction elements. The method uses characteristic parameters that determine downshift quality for both power-on downshifts and power-off downshifts. Selected measured variables are monitored to detect changes in the parameters. Adjustments for the friction elements are made in response to changes in the measured variables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ihab Soliman, Charles Suter, Kurt Nickerson, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20050101437
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic transmission in a vehicle is provided. The method selectively provides automatic engine braking for the vehicle. When it is determined that automatic engine braking is desired, the upshift schedule is increased, such that a higher vehicle speed is required to upshift for any given accelerator pedal position. The transmission is automatically downshifted to a lower gear to provide engine braking for the vehicle, when a vehicle acceleration threshold is exceeded. The automatic downshifting of the transmission can occur when the brake pedal is engaged, and when the brake pedal is disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Wiethe, Charles Suter, Ken Sovel, Kurt Nickerson, Bruce Palansky, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20050096820
    Abstract: A control system and control method for an automotive vehicle having a multiple-ratio automatic transmission having two gearsets arranged in series relationship for delivering vehicle engine power to vehicle traction wheels, each gearset being controlled using friction elements that establish multiple torque flow paths, each gearset being characterized by at least two ratios, which define an overall transmission ratio, synchronous shifting of the gearsets effecting at least one swap-upshift and at least one swap-downshift in the overall transmission ratio, the control system compensating during a swap-shift progression for dynamic interaction between the gearsets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company and then to Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20050060077
    Abstract: An automatic transmission ratio shift control system and method for a powertrain having an engine and multiple-ratio gearing controlled by friction elements actuated by hydraulic pressure, an electronic controller for establishing torque transitions among the friction elements as the gear ratio changes, the engine speed being controlled by an electronic throttle control. The strategy employs an electronic throttle and closed loop engine speed control and uses fuel and air as an energy source to increase engine speed during a power-off downshift. The engine speed is boosted to a level close to the synchronous speed in conjunction with release of the off-going friction element. The on-coming friction element is then applied as the engine speed approaches a desired speed. The engine speed increase is timed to lead an increase in torque converter speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph Slayton, Bradley Riedle, Pramod Jain, Balaram Sankpal, Steven Meisner, David Bidner, Armand Giannamore