Patents by Inventor Brandon R. Masterson
Brandon R. 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).
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Patent number: 11241968Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, battery, electric machine, and controller. The engine is configured to propel the vehicle. The electric machine is configured to draw energy from the battery to propel the vehicle and to recharge the battery during regenerative braking. The controller is programmed to, in response to operation of the electric machine to propel the vehicle while the vehicle is in a nominal vehicle operation mode and depletion of a battery charge to a nominal value, terminate operation of the electric machine and propel the vehicle via the engine. The controller further is programmed to, in response to operation of the electric machine to propel the vehicle while the vehicle is in a reserve vehicle operation mode and depletion of the battery charge to a reserve value that is greater than the nominal value, terminate operation of the electric machine and propel the vehicle via the engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Michael Kava, Alan Robert Dona, Brandon R. Masterson
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Publication number: 20210086628Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, battery, electric machine, and controller. The engine is configured to propel the vehicle. The electric machine is configured to draw energy from the battery to propel the vehicle and to recharge the battery during regenerative braking. The controller is programmed to, in response to operation of the electric machine to propel the vehicle while the vehicle is in a nominal vehicle operation mode and depletion of a battery charge to a nominal value, terminate operation of the electric machine and propel the vehicle via the engine. The controller further is programmed to, in response to operation of the electric machine to propel the vehicle while the vehicle is in a reserve vehicle operation mode and depletion of the battery charge to a reserve value that is greater than the nominal value, terminate operation of the electric machine and propel the vehicle via the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Christopher Michael Kava, Alan Robert Dona, Brandon R. Masterson
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Patent number: 9873422Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor positioned between an engine and a driveline connected to a vehicle wheel, and a controller. The controller controls engine torque and maintains motor torque during wheel torque and driveline component torque reversals to limit a vehicle output torque rate of change through a lash region associated with a range of driveline torque ratios. A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle includes controlling engine torque to a specified profile and maintaining motor torque at a generally constant value during at least one of wheel torque and driveline component torque reversals to limit a vehicle output torque rate of change through a lash region associated with a range of driveline torque ratios.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Bernard D. Nefcy, Marvin Paul Kraska, Brandon R. Masterson
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Publication number: 20170327102Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor positioned between an engine and a driveline connected to a vehicle wheel, and a controller. The controller controls engine torque and maintains motor torque during wheel torque and driveline component torque reversals to limit a vehicle output torque rate of change through a lash region associated with a range of driveline torque ratios. A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle includes controlling engine torque to a specified profile and maintaining motor torque at a generally constant value during at least one of wheel torque and driveline component torque reversals to limit a vehicle output torque rate of change through a lash region associated with a range of driveline torque ratios.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2016Publication date: November 16, 2017Inventors: Mark Steven YAMAZAKI, Bernard D. NEFCY, Marvin Paul KRASKA, Brandon R. MASTERSON
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Patent number: 9726088Abstract: The disclosed system and method changes a traction torque request in a vehicle powertrain with a driver-controlled vehicle accelerator pedal. A desired transfer function parameter in a powertrain control module is chosen by the driver to obtain a desired functional relationship between a traction torque request or a power plant torque request and accelerator pedal position.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ming Lang Kuang, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Anthony Mark Phillips, Deepa Ramaswamy, Brandon R. Masterson
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Patent number: 9610940Abstract: A vehicle may include a transmission having an electric machine, an engine, and a controller. The engine may be selectively coupled with the transmission via a disconnect clutch. The controller may be programmed to, in response to an anticipated engine start request, command a disconnect clutch pre-stroke to couple the engine to the transmission prior to an actual engine start request while operating the vehicle in electric mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Todd McCullough, Brandon R. Masterson, Kimberly Trice
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Publication number: 20170015308Abstract: A vehicle may include a transmission having an electric machine, an engine, and a controller. The engine may be selectively coupled with the transmission via a disconnect clutch. The controller may be programmed to, in response to an anticipated engine start request, command a disconnect clutch pre-stroke to couple the engine to the transmission prior to an actual engine start request while operating the vehicle in electric mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2015Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Todd McCullough, Brandon R. Masterson, Kimberly Trice
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Patent number: 9296380Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine selectively coupled to one another via a clutch. In one mode of operation, the vehicle can be propelled by only the electric machine while the engine is off. When additional torque is required from the engine, at least one controller transmits an engine start request. In order to start the engine, the clutch can be prestroked such that it fills with pressure prior to the engine to start the engine. While the vehicle is on, at least one controller is programmed to prestroke the clutch prior to the engine start request based at least upon the electric machine and the engine generating substantially zero torque. This reduces the overall engine start time.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Francis Thomas Connolly, Todd McCullough, Brandon R. Masterson
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Publication number: 20150291144Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an engine and an electric machine selectively coupled to one another via a clutch. In one mode of operation, the vehicle can be propelled by only the electric machine while the engine is off. When additional torque is required from the engine, at least one controller transmits an engine start request. In order to start the engine, the clutch can be prestroked such that it fills with pressure prior to the engine to start the engine. While the vehicle is on, at least one controller is programmed to prestroke the clutch prior to the engine start request based at least upon the electric machine and the engine generating substantially zero torque. This increases the overall engine start time.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2014Publication date: October 15, 2015Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Walter Joseph ORTMANN, Francis Thomas CONNOLLY, Todd MCCULLOUGH, Brandon R. MASTERSON
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Patent number: 9108501Abstract: A powertrain includes a countershaft, a gearset including a sun gear, a carrier connected to an engine, a ring gear releasably held against rotation and connectable to the countershaft, and pinions supported on the carrier and meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, an electric machine connected to the sun gear and connectable to the countershaft, and a second electric machine driveably connected to the countershaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Walt J. Ortmann, Brandon R. Masterson
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Patent number: 9033075Abstract: An auto-seek operating mode for an electric vehicle adjusts the vehicle using a vehicle power steering system and a vehicle traction motor to move the vehicle toward a target connector for a utility power grid to charge a vehicle traction battery. If needed, vertical vehicle position adjustments may be made using a controllable vehicle suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2013Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Brandon R. Masterson, Marvin Paul Kraska, Daniel Scott Colvin, Steve Reeves
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Patent number: 8954215Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle has a traction motor, a driveline connected to a vehicle wheel, and a controller. The controller is configured to control motor torque through a region surrounding vehicle wheel torque reversal, control driveline input torque during torque reversal of driveline output torque to limit rate of change of driveline output torque, and control motor torque during a torque reversal of at least one driveline component to limit rate of change of the torque applied to the driveline component. A method for controlling a vehicle having a traction motor includes controlling the traction motor torque through a region surrounding a vehicle wheel torque reversal, controlling driveline input torque during torque reversal of driveline output torque to limit rate of change of output torque, and controlling traction motor torque during a torque reversal of a powertrain component to limit rate of change of the torque applied to the component.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Marvin Paul Kraska, Bernard D. Nefcy, Brandon R. Masterson
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Patent number: 8602939Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle creep includes controlling motor speed to produce the desired creep speed, if desired creep speed exceeds vehicle speed; controlling motor torque to produce the desired wheel torque, if desired wheel torque exceeds actual wheel torque; and controlling motor torque to decelerate the vehicle to creep speed, if vehicle speed is decreasing and exceeds the desired speed.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mark S. Yamazaki, Marvin P. Kraska, Dan Colvin, Fazal U. Syed, Brandon R. Masterson
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Publication number: 20130297111Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle has a traction motor, a driveline connected to a vehicle wheel, and a controller. The controller is configured to control motor torque through a region surrounding vehicle wheel torque reversal, control driveline input torque during torque reversal of driveline output torque to limit rate of change of driveline output torque, and control motor torque during a torque reversal of at least one driveline component to limit rate of change of the torque applied to the driveline component. A method for controlling a vehicle having a traction motor includes controlling the traction motor torque through a region surrounding a vehicle wheel torque reversal, controlling driveline input torque during torque reversal of driveline output torque to limit rate of change of output torque, and controlling traction motor torque during a torque reversal of a powertrain component to limit rate of change of the torque applied to the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2012Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mark Steven Yamazaki, Marvin Paul Kraska, Bernard D. Nefcy, Brandon R. Masterson
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Patent number: 8565990Abstract: A vehicle includes a motor/generator, a starter motor, a disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator, and at least one clutch disposed between the motor/generator and the vehicle drive wheels. When an engine start is requested, various parameters are controlled to ensure a smooth engine start wherein driveline torque disturbances are minimized. The starter motor is used to crank the engine upon an engine start request, thereby eliminating the need to transfer torque from the motor/generator to the engine. This helps to further reduce torque disturbances in the driveline when the engine is started.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.Inventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Daniel Scott Colvin, Brandon R. Masterson, Reid Alan Baldwin, Andrew John Silveri, Francis T. Connolly, Marvin Paul Kraska
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Patent number: 8560153Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has first and second propulsion devices. The vehicle determines a calculated decline in state of charge (SOC) for a charge depleting mode for a battery coupled to the first propulsion device. The vehicle is operated to achieve the calculated decline in SOC. The vehicle operates the second propulsion device for at least a predetermined time after the second propulsion device is turned on during the charge depleting mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bernard D. Nefcy, Ming Lang Kuang, William Paul Perkins, Brandon R. Masterson, Derek Hartl
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Patent number: 8371405Abstract: An auto-seek operating mode for an electric vehicle adjusts the vehicle in a direction transverse to a vehicle central axis using a vehicle power steering system and using a motor and a battery to advance the vehicle toward a target connector for a utility power grid for charging the battery. If needed, vertical vehicle position adjustments are made using a controllable vehicle suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2011Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Walter Joseph Ortmann, Brandon R. Masterson, Marvin Paul Kraska, Daniel Scott Colvin, Steve Reeves, IV
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Publication number: 20130012355Abstract: A method for controlling vehicle creep includes controlling motor speed to produce the desired creep speed, if desired creep speed exceeds vehicle speed; controlling motor torque to produce the desired wheel torque, if desired wheel torque exceeds actual wheel torque; and controlling motor torque to decelerate the vehicle to creep speed, if vehicle speed is decreasing and exceeds the desired speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Mark S. Yamazaki, Marvin P. Kraska, Dan Colvin, Fazal U. Syed, Brandon R. Masterson
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Publication number: 20130012347Abstract: A powertrain includes a countershaft, a gearset including a sun gear, a carrier connected to an engine, a ring gear releaseably held against rotation and connectable to the countershaft, and pinions supported on the carrier and meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, an electric machine connected to the sun gear and connectable to the countershaft, and a second electric machine driveably connected to the countershaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Walt J. Ortmann, Brandon R. Masterson
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Patent number: 8308182Abstract: A trailer connection assist system includes a towing vehicle having a hitch receiver, a trailer having a trailer hitch, a system controller, a position sensor provided on the hitch receiver and the trailer hitch and communicating with the system controller, a vehicle motor of the towing vehicle interfacing with the system controller, vehicle wheels of the towing vehicle interfacing with the vehicle motor and a steering system connected to the system controller and the vehicle wheels and adapted to steer the vehicle wheels. The system controller is adapted to operate the vehicle motor and the steering system responsive to input from the position sensor. A method of aligning a hitch with a hitch receiver provided on a towing vehicle is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Walt Joseph Ortmann, Marvin Paul Kraska, Dan Scott Colvin, Brandon R. Masterson