Patents by Inventor Walt Ortmann
Walt Ortmann 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: 7682285Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and ratio shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshift events.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
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Patent number: 7608011Abstract: A hydrogen-powered hybrid powertrain system includes a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine operating at a lean air/fuel mixture, and a supercharger for boosting a primary drive torque produced by the engine primarily over a high operating speed range. An electric motor/generator generates a secondary drive torque for the vehicle, such that the secondary drive torque complements the boosted primary drive torque over at least a low operating speed range of the powertrain. A disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator engages and disengages the engine from the motor/generator, and serves to transfer the boosted primary driver torque through the motor/generator and to a power transmission system. The input at the power transmission is thus a combination of the boosted primary drive torque and the secondary drive torque having an enhanced torque characteristic over at least the low operating speed range.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2003Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tony Grabowski, Arun Jaura, Walt Ortmann, Robert Natkin, Steve Szwabowski, Edward Jih, Bret Oltmans, Adam Denlinger, Jaswant-Jas Dhillon, Yin Chen, Brad Boyer
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Publication number: 20080096722Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and ratio shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshift events.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
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Publication number: 20080078593Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid propulsion system of a vehicle, where the hybrid propulsion system includes an internal combustion engine and an alternate torque source configured to provide motive power to the vehicle. While the engine is turned off, initial cranking of the engine is performed to initiate an engine start. During initial cranking, a cylinder valve is operated in a startup timing mode so as to reduce pumping work required to move a piston during initial cranking. Subsequent to initial cranking, the valve is operated with a different timing than that employed during the startup timing mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Philip Koneda, Marvin Kraska, Thomas Megli
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Patent number: 7350602Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having a primary power generating system and a secondary power generating system coupled via a power transmission assembly for delivery of tractive force for the vehicle. The method includes determining acceleration of input speed to the power transmission assembly when the primary power generating system is deactivated, and inferring activation of the primary power generating system based at least in part on the acceleration of the power transmission assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Kathleen Bailey, Mark Yamazaki, Brandon Masterson
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Patent number: 7331899Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
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Patent number: 7326149Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshifts events.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
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Publication number: 20070270277Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
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Patent number: 7261671Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
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Patent number: 7240751Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain has an engine and a motor at the torque input side of a power transmission. The motor has a single stator and dual rotors. A selectively engageable rotor clutch connects the rotors together for torque delivery during a driving mode. During a key start and a rolling start of the engine, the rotor clutches are selectively engaged and released.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Graham Hoare, Walt Ortmann
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Patent number: 7223201Abstract: A method for controlling engagement and release of friction clutches in a multiple-ratio transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain uses electric motor torque to augment engine torque as a power-on downshift is commanded. Near the end of a downshift event, total powertrain torque is modulated or reduced to reduce torque disturbances.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Michael Encelewski
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Publication number: 20060249319Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain has an engine and a motor at the torque input side of a power transmission. The motor has a single stator and dual rotors. A selectively engageable rotor clutch connects the rotors together for torque delivery during a driving mode. During a key start and a rolling start of the engine, the rotor clutches are selectively engaged and released.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2005Publication date: November 9, 2006Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Graham Hoare, Walt Ortmann
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Publication number: 20060174624Abstract: A hydrogen-powered hybrid powertrain system includes a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine operating at a lean air/fuel mixture, and a supercharger for boosting a primary drive torque produced by the engine primarily over a high operating speed range. An electric motor/generator generates a secondary drive torque for the vehicle, such that the secondary drive torque complements the boosted primary drive torque over at least a low operating speed range of the powertrain. A disconnect clutch disposed between the engine and the motor/generator engages and disengages the engine from the motor/generator, and serves to transfer the boosted primary driver torque through the motor/generator and to a power transmission system. The input at the power transmission is thus a combination of the boosted primary drive torque and the secondary drive torque having an enhanced torque characteristic over at least the low operating speed range.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2003Publication date: August 10, 2006Inventors: Tony Grabowski, Arun Jaura, Walt Ortmann, Robert Natkin, Steve Szwabowski, Edward Jih, Bret Oltmans, Adam Denlinger, Jas Dhillon, Yin Chen, Brad Boyer
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Publication number: 20060142117Abstract: A method for controlling engagement and release of friction clutches in a multiple-ratio transmission for a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain uses electric motor torque to augment engine torque as a power-on downshift is commanded. Near the end of a downshift event, total powertrain torque is modulated or reduced to reduce torque disturbances.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2004Publication date: June 29, 2006Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Michael Encelewski
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Publication number: 20060100060Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshifts events.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2004Publication date: May 11, 2006Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
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Publication number: 20060011394Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid vehicle having a primary power generating system and a secondary power generating system coupled via a power transmission assembly for delivery of tractive force for the vehicle. The method includes determining acceleration of input speed to the power transmission assembly when the primary power generating system is deactivated, and inferring activation of the primary power generating system based at least in part on the acceleration of the power transmission assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2004Publication date: January 19, 2006Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Kathleen Bailey, Mark Yamazaki, Brandon Masterson
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Patent number: 6974402Abstract: A powertrain assembly for an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine, transmission, electric induction motor, a clutch for connecting and releasing the engine and transmission, and a controller for controlling the state of engagement and disengagement of the clutch and the torque produced by the motor during the launch. The engine increases torque produced by the induction motor during a vehicle launch condition, permitting the engine to be turned off when the vehicle is at rest. The torque multiplication that would normally be available from a hydrokinetic torque converter is replaced with auxiliary launch torque supplied by the induction motor.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2004Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Michael Encelewski
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Publication number: 20050181907Abstract: A powertrain assembly for an automotive vehicle having an internal combustion engine, transmission, electric induction motor, a clutch for connecting and releasing the engine and transmission, and a controller for controlling the state of engagement and disengagement of the clutch and the torque produced by the motor during the launch. The engine increases torque produced by the induction motor during a vehicle launch condition, permitting the engine to be turned off when the vehicle is at rest. The torque multiplication that would normally be available from a hydrokinetic torque converter is replaced with auxiliary launch torque supplied by the induction motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2004Publication date: August 18, 2005Inventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Michael Encelewski
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Publication number: 20050054480Abstract: A control method and system for a hybrid vehicle powertrain with an electric motor in a power flow path between an internal combustion engine and a multiple-ratio geared transmission. Motor torque, which is added to engine torque to obtain an effective transmission input torque, is modulated to achieve smooth power-on upshifts and coasting downshifts.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2004Publication date: March 10, 2005Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska