Patents by Inventor Brandon Masterson

Brandon Masterson 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: 6941198
    Abstract: A method for controlling activation of a power source of a hybrid electric vehicle. A hybrid electric vehicle has first and second power sources connected to a motor. The motor is connected to a transmission adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The method includes comparing a vehicle speed value to first and second threshold values. If the vehicle speed value is less than the first threshold value, then the method determines whether a vehicle brake is released. If the vehicle speed value is greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the method determines whether additional acceleration is demanded. The power source is activated if additional power is demanded or if the vehicle brake has been released. The power source is deactivated if the brake is engaged or if additional power is not demanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David Brigham, Brandon Masterson, Mark Yamazaki, Kathleen Bailey
  • Publication number: 20050055140
    Abstract: A method for controlling activation of a power source of a hybrid electric vehicle. A hybrid electric vehicle has first and second power sources connected to a motor. The motor is connected to a transmission adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The method includes comparing a vehicle speed value to first and second threshold values. If the vehicle speed value is less than the first threshold value, then the method determines whether a vehicle brake is released. If the vehicle speed value is greater than the first threshold value and less than the second threshold value, the method determines whether additional acceleration is demanded. The power source is activated if additional power is demanded or if the vehicle brake has been released. The power source is deactivated if the brake is engaged or if additional power is not demanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Applicant: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: David Brigham, Brandon Masterson, Mark Yamazaki, Kathleen Bailey
  • Publication number: 20050051371
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle when starting a power source. The method includes initiating a start sequence that includes driving the power source at a target speed, determining a speed adjustment value based on an amount of vehicle acceleration requested by the driver, adjusting the target speed, and modifying output of the electrical machine to maintain the target speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Brandon Masterson
  • Publication number: 20050054479
    Abstract: A method for controlling a wheel drive system of a hybrid electric vehicle when starting a power source. The hybrid electric vehicle includes first and second power sources, a motor, and a power transfer unit adapted to drive a vehicle wheel. The method includes determining whether the first power source is to be started, determining whether a level of torque requested by a vehicle operator is greater than a threshold value, maintaining a current gear ratio if the threshold value is exceeded, and providing a target level of torque to the power transfer unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Masterson, Dan Colvin