Patents by Inventor Donald J. Lewis

Donald J. Lewis 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).

  • System and method for engine starting
    Patent number: 7159568
    Abstract: A system for an engine of a vehicle, comprising of a cylinder of the engine, a first injector configured to inject a first fuel to said cylinder, a second injector configured to inject a second fuel to said cylinder, and a controller configured to, during a first operating condition, commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder from only said first injector during a first start, and during a second operating condition, to commence combustion in the engine by injecting fuel into said cylinder from only said second injector during a second start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, Allan J. Lippa, John D. Russell
  • Exhaust reductant generation in a direct injection engine with cylinder deactivation
    Patent number: 7143727
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine having at least a first and second cylinder, comprising during at least one operating condition, operating the first cylinder to receive directly injected fuel, mix said fuel with fresh air inducted past an intake valve of the first cylinder, combust said mixture, and exhaust at least a portion of said mixture past an exhaust valve of the first cylinder, and concurrent with said operation of the first cylinder, operating the second cylinder to hold an intake valve of the second cylinder closed for at least a cycle of said second cylinder, receive directly injected fuel, and then exhaust at least a portion of said fuel past an exhaust valve of the second cylinder to generate unburned reductants in an exhaust of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vince Winstead, Donald J. Lewis
  • Valve control to reduce modal frequencies that may cause vibration
    Patent number: 7140355
    Abstract: A method to reduce chassis vibration in an engine with valves that may be deactivated. Valves are controlled to avoid exciting modal frequencies of mechanical components and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John O. Michelini, Donald J. Lewis
  • Electromechanically actuated valve control based on a vehicle electrical system
    Patent number: 7128043
    Abstract: A method to control electromechanical valves in an internal combustion engine is presented. Electromechanical valves are controlled to improve the possibility starting an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John O. Michelini
  • Electromechanically actuated valve control for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7128687
    Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve operation in an internal combustion engine. Valves are controlled to improve vehicle drivability and reduce vehicle noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald J. Lewis
  • Cylinder and valve mode control for an engine with valves that may be deactivated
    Patent number: 7121262
    Abstract: A method to select cylinder and valve operational modes in an internal combustion engine with valves that may be deactivated. A simplified method to select cylinder and valve modes is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John O. Michelini, Donald J. Lewis
  • Engine control to compensate for fueling dynamics
    Patent number: 7111593
    Abstract: A method for calculating transient fuel wall wetting characteristics of an operating engine is described. The method accounts for cylinder valve deactivation of cylinders in the engine in calculating the dynamic fueling compensation. In one example, fuel vaporization effects from fuel puddles in deactivated cylinders is considered when calculating the fueling compensation for active cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gang Song, Ilya V. Kolmanovsky, John Ottavio Michelini, Donald J. Lewis
  • Cylinder and valve mode control for an engine with valves that may be deactivated
    Patent number: 7111612
    Abstract: A method to select cylinder and valve operational modes in an internal combustion engine with valves that may be deactivated. A simplified method to select cylinder and valve modes is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John O. Michelini, Donald J. Lewis
  • Multi-stroke cylinder operation in an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7107947
    Abstract: A method to control valves during multi-stroke cylinder operation. Valves are controlled to improve emissions and engine torque resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John D. Russell, John O. Michelini
  • Electromechanically actuated valve control for an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7107946
    Abstract: A method is presented to control engine valve selection of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are selected in a manner to reduce fuel consumption and improve engine drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John O. Michelini
  • Valve control for an engine with electromechanically actuated valves
    Patent number: 7079935
    Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled to improve engine fuel economy. Further, the method can adjust valve operation to provide air-fuel charge motion and increase combustion stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John O. Michelini, Nate Trask, Gang Song
  • Cylinder and valve mode control for an engine with valves that may be deactivated
    Patent number: 7066121
    Abstract: A method to select cylinder and valve operational modes in an internal combustion engine with valves that may be deactivated. A simplified method to select cylinder and valve modes is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John O. Michelini, Donald J. Lewis
  • Valve selection for an engine operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode
    Patent number: 7063062
    Abstract: A method to control valve patterns in a cylinder operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode. Valves are controlled to improve drivability and emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John D. Russell, John O. Michelini
  • Quick starting engine with electromechanical valves
    Patent number: 7055483
    Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing so that an internal combustion engine may be quickly started. Electromechanical valves are controlled to allow an engine to start with reduced cranking time. The method controls intake and exhaust valves without an explicit four-stroke engine cycle during a start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John D. Russell, Nate Trask
  • Engine shut-down for engine having adjustable valve timing
    Patent number: 7047126
    Abstract: A method for operating at least an intake and exhaust valve in a cylinder with a piston of an engine in a vehicle, comprising during conditions of an engine shut-down, maintaining at least one of the intake and exhaust valves in a closed position, and during conditions where said at least one valve is in said closed position operating with the other of the intake and exhaust valve open, then closing the other of the intake and exhaust valve, and then opening the other of the intake and exhaust valve to generate braking torque to slow the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald J. Lewis
  • Multi-stroke cylinder operation in an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7032545
    Abstract: A method to control valves that may be deactivated during multi-stroke cylinder operation. Valves are controlled to improve drivability and reduce valve degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John D. Russell, John O. Michelini
  • Electromechanical valve operating conditions by control method
    Patent number: 7028650
    Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled in a manner to increase fuel economy. Further, the method can adjust valve operation to regulate valve temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John D. Russell, John O. Michelini, Michael J. Cullen
  • Electromagnetic valve control in an internal combustion engine with an asymmetric exhaust system design
    Patent number: 7031821
    Abstract: A system and method to control engine valves of an internal combustion engine is shown. Electromechanical valves are controlled in a manner to reduce hydrocarbon emissions of an internal combustion engine. Further, the method can adjust valve operation to account for vehicle exhaust system design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John O. Michelini, Michael J. Cullen, John D. Russell
  • Reducing engine emissions on an engine with electromechanical valves
    Patent number: 7021289
    Abstract: A system and method to control engine valve timing to improve the start of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled in a manner to reduce hydrocarbon emissions during the start of an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John D. Russell, Vince Winstead
  • Engine breathing in an engine with mechanical and electromechanical valves
    Patent number: 7017539
    Abstract: A system to control valves of an internal combustion engine. Electromechanical valves are controlled in a manner to reduce hydrocarbon emissions of an internal combustion engine. Further, the system may contain both mechanical and electromechanical valves to reduce cost and increase performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Donald J. Lewis, John O. Michelini, Michael J. Cullen, John D. Russell