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).

  • Patent number: 7682285
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
  • Patent number: 7608011
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Grabowski, Arun Jaura, Walt Ortmann, Robert Natkin, Steve Szwabowski, Edward Jih, Bret Oltmans, Adam Denlinger, Jaswant-Jas Dhillon, Yin Chen, Brad Boyer
  • Publication number: 20080096722
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
  • Publication number: 20080078593
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Philip Koneda, Marvin Kraska, Thomas Megli
  • Patent number: 7350602
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Kathleen Bailey, Mark Yamazaki, Brandon Masterson
  • Patent number: 7331899
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7326149
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
  • Publication number: 20070270277
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7261671
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska
  • Patent number: 7240751
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Hoare, Walt Ortmann
  • Patent number: 7223201
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Michael Encelewski
  • Publication number: 20060249319
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Hoare, Walt Ortmann
  • Publication number: 20060174624
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Publication date: August 10, 2006
    Inventors: Tony Grabowski, Arun Jaura, Walt Ortmann, Robert Natkin, Steve Szwabowski, Edward Jih, Bret Oltmans, Adam Denlinger, Jas Dhillon, Yin Chen, Brad Boyer
  • Publication number: 20060142117
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Michael Encelewski
  • Publication number: 20060100060
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Marvin Kraska, Walt Ortmann
  • Publication number: 20060011394
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Publication date: January 19, 2006
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Kathleen Bailey, Mark Yamazaki, Brandon Masterson
  • Patent number: 6974402
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Michael Encelewski
  • Publication number: 20050181907
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Dan Colvin, Walt Ortmann, Marvin Kraska, Michael Encelewski
  • Publication number: 20050054480
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Publication date: March 10, 2005
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Walt Ortmann, Dan Colvin, Bob Fozo, Michael Encelewski, Marvin Kraska