Patents by Inventor Craig Reed

Craig Reed 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 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
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • COORDINATED ENGINE START IN HYBRID VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20150298677
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle powertrain, where the powertrain includes a motor and an engine, includes providing a first motor torque in response to an engine start request. The first motor torque cranks the engine through a first compression event. The method additionally includes providing a second motor torque in response to the engine being cranked through the first compression event. The second motor torque is less than the first motor torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig REED, Jeffrey Allen DOERING, David OSHINSKY, Xiaoyong WANG, Felix NEDOREZOV, Mark Steven YAMAZAKI
  • CLUTCH STROKE ADAPTATION ON ENGINE SHUTDOWN
    Publication number: 20150274146
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, controlling a transmission system of a vehicle by positioning a disconnect clutch at its stroke point in response to a commanded engine shutdown.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Dennis Craig Reed
  • 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
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE CRANKING
    Publication number: 20150266469
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be started in one of two ways depending on operating conditions. In particular, the engine may be started via a lower power output electric machine or a higher power output electric machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Inventors: Alex O`Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Methods and systems for driveline sailing mode entry
    Patent number: 9139197
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, entry conditions for entering a driveline sailing mode are described. Driveline sailing mode may improve driveline torque response and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONDITIONALLY ENTERING A DRIVELINE SAILING MODE
    Publication number: 20150251651
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a driveline may selectively enter a sailing mode to provide quick driveline torque response with reduced impact on fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING DRIVELINE DISCONNECT CLUTCH OPERATION
    Publication number: 20150251652
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque transferred via a driveline disconnect clutch is estimated based on characteristics of a torque converter to improve driveline operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O`Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING HYBRID VEHICLE SHIFTING
    Publication number: 20150239462
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque converter impeller torque from beginning to end of transmission shifting is adjusted in response to variable driveline inertia. The approach may improve transmission shifting and reduce driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, James William Loch McCallum
  • Methods and systems for adapting a driveline disconnect clutch transfer function
    Patent number: 9108614
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a transfer function of a driveline disconnect clutch is adapted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Yuji Fujii, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron
  • Methods and systems for a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 9108638
    Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • Method and system for stopping an engine
    Patent number: 9108613
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a disconnect clutch is operated in response to an engine stop request to adjust an engine stopping position during an engine shutdown. The approach may reduce engine starting time after the engine stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING ENGINE STARTING
    Publication number: 20150217751
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is rotated to increase pressure within a fuel rail. The engine is rotated without combusting air and fuel within the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Adam Nathan Banker
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A VEHICLE DRIVELINE
    Publication number: 20150210270
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline operating modes may be manually selected to improve hybrid driveline operation during off road conditions. The approaches may improve vehicle drivability and reduce driveline degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Adam Nathan Banker, Dennis Craig Reed, Seung-Hoon Lee, James William Loch McCallum
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DRIVELINE TORQUE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150197236
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, driveline oscillations are reduced during engine air-fuel ratio modulation. The driveline oscillations may be reduced via adjusting torque of a motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Robert Wright, Daniel Colvin, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DRIVELINE TORQUE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20150198243
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a difference between estimated torque output of an active torque source in a driveline and actual torque output of the active torque source is mitigated via entering a driveline speed control mode. The methods and systems may be useful when switching between different driveline modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Rajit Johri, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Wei Liang, Xiaoyong Wang, Dennis Craig Reed
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR STOPPING AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20150183416
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a disconnect clutch is operated in response to an engine stop request to adjust an engine stopping position during an engine shutdown. The approach may reduce engine starting time after the engine stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Seung-Hoon Lee, Jeffrey A. Doering, Dennis Craig Reed