Patents by Inventor Dennis Craig Reed

Dennis 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 vehicle driveline
    Patent number: 9358972
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is accelerated to a speed of a driveline integrated starter/generator before the engine is coupled to the driveline integrated starter/generator. Further, a driveline disconnect clutch application force is adjusted in response to torque of the driveline integrated starter/generator and a torque converter torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Method and system for adjusting hybrid vehicle driveline torque
    Patent number: 9358974
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine torque estimate may be adapted in response to a torque converter impeller speed error. The methods and systems may reduce the possibility of driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, David Oshinsky, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for providing uniform driveline braking
    Patent number: 9327717
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, negative torque of an electric machine is adjusted to mimic negative torque of an engine during engine braking so that the vehicle may transition from regenerative braking to engine braking in a seamless manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Gregory Michael Pietron
  • Systems and methods for improving engine starting
    Patent number: 9327706
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for engine starting during a shift
    Patent number: 9322380
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque demand of a driveline after a shift is forecast to determine if it is desirable to start the engine early so that engine torque is available after the shift. The approach may improve vehicle torque response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for adjusting driveline operation during an accelerator tip-out
    Patent number: 9321452
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine may be operated at an idle speed while a driveline disconnect clutch separating the engine from a driveline is open in response to a reduction in driver demand torque. Engine torque may be applied to the driveline by simply closing the driveline disconnect clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 26, 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 for driveline torque control
    Patent number: 9315188
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Robert Wright, Daniel Colvin, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Methods and systems for transitioning between driveline braking modes
    Patent number: 9296387
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between regenerative braking and engine braking is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING HYBRID TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFTING
    Publication number: 20160069318
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving transmission gear shifting of a hybrid vehicle are presented. The systems and methods may allow transmission input shaft torque to be lowered to levels where driveline torque disturbances may be reduced even though the driveline has a larger inertia. In one example, driveline torque may be reduced via retarding spark timing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Michael Glenn Fodor, Adam Nathan Banker, Dennis Craig Reed
  • Method and system for adapting operation of a hybrid vehicle transmission torque converter lockup clutch
    Patent number: 9278685
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a transmission torque converter lockup clutch is adjusted by way of adjusting a transfer function based on torque supplied by an electric machine to improve engine starting control. The approach may improve engine starting and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • 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 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