Patents by Inventor Dennis Craig

Dennis Craig 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: 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
  • Publication number: 20160062054
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector preloaded with an adhesive is provided. The optical connector includes a body having a passage with a first section extending inwardly from a first face of the body, a second section extending inwardly from a second face from the body, and a transition section located between the first section and the second section. The first section of the passage has a first width and the second section of the passage has a second width that is less than the first width. An adhesive composition is located within the transition section of the passage and is configured to bind an optical fiber to an inner surface of the second section following melting and solidification of the adhesive composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Danley, Robert Bruce Elkins, II, Darrin Max Miller, Dennis Craig Morrison
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20150301292
    Abstract: A method of terminating an optical fiber involves providing a ferrule having a front end, a rear end, a ferrule bore extending between the front and rear ends, and a bonding agent disposed in at least a portion of the ferrule bore. The method also involves applying energy to heat the bonding agent. An end section of an optical fiber is inserted into the ferrule bore and through the bonding agent when the bonding agent is heated. The end section of the optical fiber includes a primary coating prior to insertion into the ferrule bore. During insertion of the end section of the optical fiber through the bonding agent, the heated bonding agent thermally removes at least a portion of the primary coating during so that the optical fiber can be secured in the ferrule bore with the bonding agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Danley, Robert Bruce Elkins, II, Darrin Max Miller, Dennis Craig Morrison, Kipp David Yeakel
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9151895
    Abstract: Thermal removal of optical fiber coatings by insertion through heated ferrules to form ferrule assemblies for fiber optic connectors, and related assemblies are disclosed. An optical fiber includes a glass fiber, having a cladding and core, surrounded by a protective coating. By removing the coating at an end portion of the optical fiber, the end portion may be precisely positioned and secured within a ferrule to enable reliable optical communications. The coating may be thermally removed, or substantially thermally removed, by inserting the optical fiber through a rear opening of the ferrule which has been heated above a temperature sufficient to change the coating to a non-solid state. In this manner, the coating may be efficiently removed from the end portion of the optical fiber while being inserted into the ferrule bore of the ferrule to enable efficient forming of a ferrule assembly for a fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Darrin Max Miller, Dennis Craig Morrison, Kipp David Yeakel
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9128254
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a ferrule configured to receive an optical fiber. The ferrule has a fiber bore and a storage location interior to the ferrule and adjacent to the fiber bore. The storage location comprises a funnel-shaped portion that is directed toward the fiber bore. An adhesive material is positioned in the storage location of the ferrule. The adhesive material is a dry and solid material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Dean Danley, Robert Bruce Elkins, II, Darrin Max Miller, Dennis Craig Morrison
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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