Patents by Inventor Michael Glenn Fodor

Michael Glenn 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).

  • Patent number: 11713043
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan Sullivan, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Michael Glenn Fodor, Joseph Jay Torres
  • Publication number: 20220194378
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Jonathan Sullivan, Jose Velazquez Alcantar, Michael Glenn Fodor, Joseph Jay Torres
  • Patent number: 11198428
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Patrick J. Curran, Urs Christen
  • Patent number: 11198440
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 11174940
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Glenn Fodor, Patrick J. Curran, Matthew John Shelton, Peter Douglas Kuechler
  • Publication number: 20210107453
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Patrick J. Curran, Urs Christen
  • Patent number: 10899335
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Jason Meyer, Michael Glenn Fodor, Xiaoyong Wang
  • Publication number: 20200200259
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Glenn FODOR, Patrick J. CURRAN, Matthew John SHELTON, Peter Douglas KUECHLER
  • Patent number: 10571022
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor
  • Patent number: 10562512
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies. LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Patent number: 10513254
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Glenn Fodor, Kenneth James Miller, Kevin Ray Ruybal, Xiaoyong Wang, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Patent number: 10407053
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Michael Glenn Fodor
  • Publication number: 20190084576
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 10166989
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher John Teslak, Gregory Michael Pietron, Hongtei Eric Tseng, Yuji Fujii, Michael Glenn Fodor, Diana Yanakiev, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Publication number: 20180257631
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Glenn Fodor, Kenneth James Miller, Kevin Ray Ruybal, Xiaoyong Wang, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Publication number: 20180244260
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Michael Glenn Fodor
  • Publication number: 20180245692
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor
  • Publication number: 20180118184
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Kevin Ray Ruybal, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Jason Meyer, Michael Glenn Fodor, Xiaoyong Wang
  • Publication number: 20180119808
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Jason Meyer, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Walter Joseph Ortmann
  • Patent number: 9707963
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Matthew John Shelton, Michael Glenn Fodor, Bradley Dean Riedle, Hong Jiang