Patents by Inventor Joseph F. Kucharski
Joseph F. Kucharski 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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Publication number: 20140274556Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle powertrain having a transmission to improve shift quality to detect the start of a torque phase of the shift based on a measured transmission input shaft torque. A torque sensor provides a signal to a controller that monitors initial rise time of the measured transmission input shaft torque. The torque sensor may be implemented by a strain gauge, a piezoelectric load cell, or a magneto-elastic torque sensor. The system may include a vehicle powertrain having an engine, a transmission coupled to the engine via a torque converter and a controller configured to initiate torque phase control when the slope of the transmission input shaft torque exceeds a predetermined threshold after initiation of the shift preparatory phase.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Yuji Fujii, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Bradley Dean Riedle, Seung-Hoon Lee, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
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Publication number: 20140274555Abstract: A system and method for minimizing torque disturbances during a shift event for an automatic transmission control actual transmission input shaft torque using a transmission input shaft signal produced by an input shaft torque sensor. The torque sensor provides a signal to a controller that monitors the measured transmission input torque. The torque sensor may be implemented by a strain gauge, a piezoelectric load cell, or a magneto-elastic torque sensor. The system may include a vehicle powertrain having an engine, a transmission coupled to the engine via a torque converter, an input torque sensor coupled to the input shaft of the transmission and a controller configured to control engine torque to cause the measured transmission input shaft torque to achieve a target transmission input shaft torque during the shift event.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
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Patent number: 8827060Abstract: A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nicholas Joseph Witte, Stephen Michael Cicala, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Nimrod Kapas, Davorin David Hrovat
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Publication number: 20140244120Abstract: A vehicle having a drivetrain is controlled based on a difference between a torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating. The drivetrain torque may be measured by a drivetrain torque sensor. The effective vehicle mass is computed from the torque difference. The computed mass of the vehicle is used to adjust the activation of a collision warning system or a collision avoidance system. A method of operating a vehicle where the activation of a collision avoidance system is adjusted based on a difference between a torque transmitted by a drivetrain when the vehicle has constant non-zero speed and the torque transmitted by the drivetrain when the vehicle is accelerating is disclosed. The torque difference is used to compute a vehicle mass that is used to adjust a collision warning distance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Yuji Fujii, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Diana Yanakiev, Eric Hongtei Tseng, Jianbo Lu, Gregory Michael Pietron
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Publication number: 20140230570Abstract: Designs to package a magneto-elastic torque sensor in an automotive transmission for volume production applications are provided. One transmission includes an output shaft and a magnetic torque sensor. The output shaft has a magnetized region. The sensor, for detecting torque of the output shaft, is mounted on friction reduction members such as bushings supporting the output shaft. In another transmission, the sensor is alternatively mounted to a transmission case.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Mark Richard Dobson, Yuji Fujii
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Patent number: 8798889Abstract: A method for an automatic transmission includes measuring torque of a component of the transmission using a torque sensor in communication with the component. The torque of the component is estimated from information other than the measured torque. The measured torque is rejected from being used in a control operation of the transmission if the difference between the measured torque and the estimated torque is greater than a selected threshold.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yuji Fujii, Bradley Dean Riedle, Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski, Diana Yanakiev, Richard Reynolds Hathaway
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Patent number: 8788166Abstract: A downshift control method during a coasting drive condition includes computing changes in output torque and input speed from initial output torque and initial input speed; reducing offgoing element pressure, provided a change in input speed exceeds a reference input speed change; using closed loop control based on output torque and a change in measured output torque to adjust oncoming element pressure such that output torque remains between predetermined maximum and minimum torques; and fully engaging the oncoming element.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev
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Publication number: 20140200789Abstract: The following description relates to systems and methods for adjusting vehicle response parameters in response to indications of vehicle operator preferences. In one example approach, a method comprises, during a cruise control mode of operation, adjusting a vehicle response parameter from a default set-point based on an indication of vehicle operator preference.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hong Jiang, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski
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Publication number: 20140148304Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a target where a magnitude of a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a desired noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee
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Patent number: 8738249Abstract: A synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, an on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yuji Fujii, Bradley Dean Riedle, Seung Hoon Lee, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas, Hongtei Eric Tseng
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Patent number: 8738254Abstract: A non-synchronous automatic transmission up-shift control utilizes input torque measurements. The input torque is measured during an up-shift having preparatory, torque, and inertia phases. Target input torque profiles for the torque and inertia phases are determined based on the input torque during the preparatory phase. During the torque phase, an engine torque is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the torque phase. During the inertia phase, the on-coming clutch is controlled to cause the input torque to achieve the target profile for the inertia phase.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Seung Hoon Lee, Yuji Fujii, Bradley Dean Riedle, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev, Joseph F. Kucharski, Hongtei Eric Tseng
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Patent number: 8706369Abstract: A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Eric Tseng, Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F Kucharski
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Publication number: 20140080668Abstract: A method for enacting DFSO in a motor vehicle having an engine and a transmission. The method includes, during a condition of normal engine-braking efficiency, disabling the DFSO below a higher gear of the transmission. During a condition of reduced engine-braking efficiency, by contrast, the DFSO is disabled below a lower gear of the transmission.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hong Jiang, Joseph F. Kucharski
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Publication number: 20140081541Abstract: A method of controlling a line pressure in a transmission is provided. Line pressure in a transmission is set to a pressure value including a first term that is proportional to an input torque value. The first term has a coefficient of proportionality that is increased in response to a signal indicating clutch slippage. The input torque value is a measured input torque value in a steady-state condition. The input torque value may be a maximum of the measured input torque value and a driver demand torque value in a transient condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Diana Yanakiev, Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Stefano Di Cairano, Joseph F. Kucharski, Bradley Dean Riedle
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Publication number: 20140069759Abstract: A transmission and control method are disclosed which ensure proper stroke pressure and minimize torque transients during a shift event. The transmission includes a clutch having a torque capacity based on a fluid pressure, a torque sensor adapted to measure a torque value that varies in relationship to the torque capacity, and a controller. The method includes varying the fluid pressure around a predetermined value, measuring a resulting torque difference with the torque sensor, and adjusting a clutch control parameter if the resulting torque difference is less than a threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Yuji Fujii, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nicholas Joseph Witte, Stephen Michael Cicala, Bradley Dean Riedle, Diana Yanakiev, Nimrod Kapas, Davorin David Hrovat
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Publication number: 20140046557Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle powertrain includes a controller that is operative to automatically control at least one powertrain function other than engine torque based on a measured torque and a predetermined torque range. The predetermined torque range is based on a first engine torque estimate. The measured torque is related to actual engine torque, and can be measured directly at the engine crankshaft, or in another location in the powertrain and then transferred to the engine space.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Joseph F. Kucharski, Yuji Fujii, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Nimrod Kapas, Gregory Michael Pietron, Diana Yanakiev
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Publication number: 20130345022Abstract: A control system for a vehicle transmission includes a controller configured to output a first torque estimate defined in terms of one nonlinear function of a transmission parameter for a particular value of the transmission parameter. The controller also receives a measured torque of the transmission at the particular value of the transmission parameter, and outputs a modified torque estimate for the particular value of the transmission parameter based on the measured torque.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Joseph F. Kucharski, Nimrod Kapas
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Publication number: 20130311057Abstract: A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Eric Tseng, Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F. Kucharski
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Publication number: 20130263654Abstract: A transmission includes sensors positioned adjacent respective pairs of magnetized bands on a shaft of the transmission for detecting magnetic flux emanating from the bands in response to torque on the shaft. The transmission further includes an electronics interface assembly configured to respectively provide drive signals to the sensors and to receive from the sensors, in response to the drive signals, output signals indicative of the torque on the shaft as detected by the sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Nimrod Kapas, Joseph F. Kucharski, Steven Adam Hermann, Christopher Gregory Garbacz, Yuji Fujii, Diana Yanakiev, Roberto Teran, Jr.
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Patent number: 8510003Abstract: A closed loop shift control apparatus and method based on estimated torque in friction elements controls a torque transfer phase when shifting from a low gear configuration to a high gear configuration for an automatic transmission system. When pressure actuated friction elements are selectively engaged and released to establish torque flow paths in the transmission, estimates of torsional load exerted on the off-going friction element are used to predict the optimal off-going friction element release timing for achieving a consistent shift feel. The estimated torque is preferably calculated by using estimated torque signals generated as a function of speed measurements represented either the engine speed and turbine output speed or transmission output speed and wheel speed under dynamically changing conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Diana Yanakiev, Yuji Fujii, Eric Tseng, Gregory Michael Pietron, Joseph F Kucharski