Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Lear

Christopher A. Lear 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).

  • Methods and system activating a vehicle
    Patent number: 10857993
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain or driveline that includes an engine and an integrated starter/generator are described. In one example, the integrated starter/generator may rotate a torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time exceeds a threshold. The integrated starter/generator may not rotate the torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time is less than the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kendrick Morrison, Andrew E. Burt, Christopher A. Lear
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM ACTIVATING A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20200079350
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid powertrain or driveline that includes an engine and an integrated starter/generator are described. In one example, the integrated starter/generator may rotate a torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time exceeds a threshold. The integrated starter/generator may not rotate the torque converter during a vehicle activation process if a vehicle soak time is less than the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Kendrick Morrison, Andrew E. Burt, Christopher A. Lear
  • Method and system for initiating starting of an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle
    Patent number: 8346421
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for initiating starting of an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) for a first time since a vehicle drive start request. Based on a predetermined fluid temperature and a powertrain fluid temperature from at least one of the powertrain elements in the HEV, it is determined whether energy from the engine is demanded. When the energy from the engine is demanded, the engine is started to provide energy for at least one of heating of a cabin compartment in the HEV and lubrication of a portion of powertrain elements in the HEV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Paul S. Bryan, Christopher A. Lear, Mike P. Lindlbauer, Linda K. Ringlein, William David Treharne
  • Method And System For Initiating Starting Of An Engine In A Hybrid Electric Vehicle
    Publication number: 20100250039
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for initiating starting of an engine in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) for a first time since a vehicle drive start request. Based on a predetermined fluid temperature and a powertrain fluid temperature from at least one of the powertrain elements in the HEV, it is determined whether energy from the engine is demanded. When the energy from the engine is demanded, the engine is started to provide energy for at least one of heating of a cabin compartment in the HEV and lubrication of a portion of powertrain elements in the HEV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Paul S. Bryan, Christopher A. Lear, Mike P. Lindlbauer, Linda K. Ringlein, William David Treharne