Patents by Inventor Glenn A. Fodor
Glenn A. Fodor 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: 11713043Abstract: A vehicle includes a first axle having a first electric machine, a second axle having a second electric machine and a controller. The controller is programmed to, in a user-selected four-wheel drive mode, command a first torque to the first electric machine based on a driver-demanded torque and a speed of the second axle, and command a second torque to the second electric machine based on a comparison of the driver-demanded torque and the first torque and further based on a speed of the first axle.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jonathan Sullivan, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Michael Glenn Fodor, Joseph Jay Torres
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Publication number: 20220194378Abstract: A vehicle includes a first axle have a first electric machine, a second axle having a second electric machine and a controller. The controller is programmed to, in a user-selected four-wheel drive mode, command a first torque to the first electric machine based on a driver-demanded torque and a speed of the second axle, and command a second torque to the second electric machine based on a comparison of the driver-demanded torque and the first torque and further based on a speed of the first axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2020Publication date: June 23, 2022Inventors: Jonathan Sullivan, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Michael Glenn Fodor, Joseph Jay Torres
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Patent number: 11198440Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated fiction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. Measured torque values are used during a torque phase of the upshift to correct an estimated oncoming friction element target torque so that transient torque disturbances at an oncoming clutch are avoided and torque transients at the output shaft are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 11198428Abstract: A vehicle system and method for remote start operation in the vehicle system are provided. The method includes responsive to receiving a remote start request and while the vehicle is stationary, automatically engaging a wheel-arresting device coupled to a wheel in the vehicle. The method also includes when an electronically actuated clutch is automatically disengaged and subsequent to the automatic engagement of the wheel-arresting device, implementing remote start operation in an engine, where the wheel-arresting device is distinct from a secondary vehicle brake.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Patrick J. Curran, Urs Christen
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Patent number: 11174940Abstract: A vehicle includes an powerplant, a manual transmission, and a clutch. A vehicle controller is programmed to automatically control operation of the clutch allowing the driver to shift gears by just operating the gear shifter. The vehicle also includes an input allowing the driver to override the controller and operate the clutch. The input is located on the gear shifter and is in electric communication with the controller. The controller is programmed to, inter alia, command the clutch to reduce clutch capacity responsive to receiving a signal from the sensor indicating grasping of the shifter.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Glenn Fodor, Patrick J. Curran, Matthew John Shelton, Peter Douglas Kuechler
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Publication number: 20210107453Abstract: A vehicle system and method for remote start operation in the vehicle system are provided. The method includes responsive to receiving a remote start request and while the vehicle is stationary, automatically engaging a wheel-arresting device coupled to a wheel in the vehicle. The method also includes when an electronically actuated clutch is automatically disengaged and subsequent to the automatic engagement of the wheel-arresting device, implementing remote start operation in an engine, where the wheel-arresting device is distinct from a secondary vehicle brake.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2019Publication date: April 15, 2021Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Patrick J. Curran, Urs Christen
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Patent number: 10899335Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission are described. In one example, the engine is started and coupled to the driveline via closing a clutch of a dual clutch transmission. Speed of the engine and clutch pressure are controlled to reduce driveline torque disturbances and provide a desired wheel torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Jason Meyer, Michael Glenn Fodor, Xiaoyong Wang
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Publication number: 20200200259Abstract: A vehicle includes an powerplant, a manual transmission, and a clutch. A vehicle controller is programmed to automatically control operation of the clutch allowing the driver to shift gears by just operating the gear shifter. The vehicle also includes an input allowing the driver to override the controller and operate the clutch. The input is located on the gear shifter and is in electric communication with the controller. The controller is programmed to, inter alia, command the clutch to reduce clutch capacity responsive to receiving a signal from the sensor indicating grasping of the shifter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Michael Glenn FODOR, Patrick J. CURRAN, Matthew John SHELTON, Peter Douglas KUECHLER
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Patent number: 10571022Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adapting a pressure to torque transfer function of a clutch of a dual clutch transmission. In one example, a method includes operating a first clutch of the dual clutch transmission at a selected capacity to change a speed of a first transmission input shaft to a desired speed, adjusting values of a torque transfer function of the first clutch based on a rate of the speed change, and maintaining driver demanded wheel torque during the adjusting via controlling torque output of an electric motor positioned in the driveline. In this way, the method may be used to adapt both positive and negative torque transfer functions.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor
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Patent number: 10562512Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting clutch pressures and electric machine torques as a function of a stability metric threshold(s) in order to balance performance and charging of an onboard energy storage device. In one example, a method includes during an upshift of a transmission from a first gear to a second gear, adjusting a clutch pressure of the transmission to adjust slippage of a clutch in response to a vehicle stability control parameter exceeding a threshold. In this way, torque delivered to a transmission output shaft may be reduced, which may increase vehicle stability.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies. LLCInventors: Kenneth James Miller, Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Walter Joseph Ortmann
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Patent number: 10513254Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission are described. In one example, torque output from the engine and the electric machine is adjusted to provide controlled vehicle side slip during cornering by a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael Glenn Fodor, Kenneth James Miller, Kevin Ray Ruybal, Xiaoyong Wang, Jeffrey Allen Doering
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Patent number: 10407053Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle driveline where the vehicle driveline does not include a torque converter. In one example, a method comprises controlling a capacity of a clutch configured to transmit torque between an engine and a transmission, and an output of an electric motor positioned in a driveline of the hybrid vehicle during a vehicle launch to emulate a performance of a torque converter positioned in the driveline of the vehicle. In this way, vehicle launch maneuvers may be conducted for vehicles that are equipped with a clutch and an electric motor, such that said launch maneuvers mimic those of a vehicle with a torque converter, which may improve customer satisfaction and improve engine efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Michael Glenn Fodor
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Publication number: 20190084576Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated fiction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. Measured torque values are used during a torque phase of the upshift to correct an estimated oncoming friction element target torque so that transient torque disturbances at an oncoming clutch are avoided and torque transients at the output shaft are reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 10166989Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a multiple gear ratio automatic transmission in a powertrain for an automatic transmission having pressure activated friction torque elements to effect gear ratio upshifts. The friction torque elements are synchronously engaged and released during a torque phase of an upshift event as torque from a torque source is increased while allowing the off-going friction elements to slip, followed by an inertia phase during which torque from a torque source is modulated. A perceptible transmission output torque reduction during an upshift is avoided. Measured torque values are used during a torque phase of the upshift to correct an estimated oncoming friction element target torque so that transient torque disturbances at an oncoming clutch are avoided and torque transients at the output shaft are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Publication number: 20180257631Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission are described. In one example, torque output from the engine and the electric machine is adjusted to provide controlled vehicle side slip during cornering by a vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2017Publication date: September 13, 2018Inventors: Michael Glenn Fodor, Kenneth James Miller, Kevin Ray Ruybal, Xiaoyong Wang, Jeffrey Allen Doering
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Publication number: 20180244260Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a vehicle driveline where the vehicle driveline does not include a torque converter. In one example, a method comprises controlling a capacity of a clutch configured to transmit torque between an engine and a transmission, and an output of an electric motor positioned in a driveline of the hybrid vehicle during a vehicle launch to emulate a performance of a torque converter positioned in the driveline of the vehicle. In this way, vehicle launch maneuvers may be conducted for vehicles that are equipped with a clutch and an electric motor, such that said launch maneuvers mimic those of a vehicle with a torque converter, which may improve customer satisfaction and improve engine efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Michael Glenn Fodor
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Publication number: 20180245692Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adapting a pressure to torque transfer function of a clutch of a dual clutch transmission. In one example, a method includes operating a first clutch of the dual clutch transmission at a selected capacity to change a speed of a first transmission input shaft to a desired speed, adjusting values of a torque transfer function of the first clutch based on a rate of the speed change, and maintaining driver demanded wheel torque during the adjusting via controlling torque output of an electric motor positioned in the driveline. In this way, the method may be used to adapt both positive and negative torque transfer functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2018Publication date: August 30, 2018Inventors: Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor
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Publication number: 20180118184Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a driveline of a hybrid vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, an electric machine, and a transmission are described. In one example, the engine is started and coupled to the driveline via closing a clutch of a dual clutch transmission. Speed of the engine and clutch pressure are controlled to reduce driveline torque disturbances and provide a desired wheel torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Jason Meyer, Michael Glenn Fodor, Xiaoyong Wang
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Publication number: 20180119808Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting clutch pressures and electric machine torques as a function of a stability metric threshold(s) in order to balance performance and charging of an onboard energy storage device. In one example, a method comprises during an upshift of a transmission from a first gear to a second gear, adjusting a clutch pressure of the transmission to adjust slippage of a clutch in response to a vehicle stability control parameter exceeding a threshold. In this way, torque delivered to a transmission output shaft may be reduced, which may increase vehicle stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Walter Joseph Ortmann
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Patent number: 9707963Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a vehicle that includes a manual transmission are presented. In one example, a clutch actuator that responds to a position of a manual operated clutch pedal is adjusted to operate a clutch so that the vehicle may be stopped, while the engine is running or not, without the driver applying the clutch pedal.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Bradley Dean Riedle, Hong Jiang