Patents by Inventor Ken Sovel

Ken Sovel 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: 7527578
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20080026911
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Patent number: 7282012
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20060287158
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Patent number: 7115069
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Patent number: 7107135
    Abstract: A target command generator for use in a control system for an automatic transmission having a simple planetary gearset in series with a multiple-ratio gearset, the target command generator providing input for a controller for the simple planetary gearset to achieve synchronized control of pressure operated friction elements of the gearsets to effect smooth swap-shifts during an overall transmission ratio change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter
  • Patent number: 7014592
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic transmission in a vehicle is provided. The method selectively provides automatic engine braking for the vehicle. When it is determined that automatic engine braking is desired, the upshift schedule is increased, such that a higher vehicle speed is required to upshift for any given accelerator pedal position. The transmission is automatically downshifted to a lower gear to provide engine braking for the vehicle, when a vehicle acceleration threshold is exceeded. The automatic downshifting of the transmission can occur when the brake pedal is engaged, and when the brake pedal is disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Wiethe, Charles Suter, Ken Sovel, Kurt Nickerson, Bruce Palansky, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20050107212
    Abstract: A control system and control method for a swap-shift transmission having auxiliary and main gearsets wherein precise synchronization control of ratio changes of each gearset at the start and at the end of a swap-upshift progression is achieved using an adaptive control to adjust friction element pressure values and slip times for friction elements of each gearset, whereby shift synchronization is achieved throughout the operating life of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Steve Cicala, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20050101437
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automatic transmission in a vehicle is provided. The method selectively provides automatic engine braking for the vehicle. When it is determined that automatic engine braking is desired, the upshift schedule is increased, such that a higher vehicle speed is required to upshift for any given accelerator pedal position. The transmission is automatically downshifted to a lower gear to provide engine braking for the vehicle, when a vehicle acceleration threshold is exceeded. The automatic downshifting of the transmission can occur when the brake pedal is engaged, and when the brake pedal is disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 12, 2005
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Wiethe, Charles Suter, Ken Sovel, Kurt Nickerson, Bruce Palansky, Bradley Riedle
  • Publication number: 20050096823
    Abstract: A target command generator for use in a control system for an automatic transmission having a simple planetary gearset in series with a multiple-ratio gearset, the target command generator providing input for a controller for the simple planetary gearset to achieve synchronized control of pressure operated friction elements of the gearsets to effect smooth swap-shifts during an overall transmission ratio change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Applicant: Ford Motor Company and then to Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ihab Soliman, Brian Keyse, Ken Sovel, Charles Suter