Patents by Inventor Eric Kurtz

Eric Kurtz 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).

  • Publication number: 20120145122
    Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a plurality of fuel injections supplied to a cylinder during a cycle of the cylinder are described. In one example, fuel amounts are moved between fuel injections in response to combustion phase. Engine feedgas hydrocarbons and/or carbonaceous particulate matter may be reduced when cetane of combusted fuel changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Douglas Kuhel
  • Publication number: 20120138033
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a glow plug are disclosed. In one example, current supplied to a glow plug can be controlled to promote combustion stability of a cylinder after an engine start. Engine feedgas hydrocarbons may be reduced during conditions where combustion stability may be otherwise reduced in order to reduce tailpipe emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Paul Joseph Tennison, David A. May
  • Publication number: 20120085315
    Abstract: A method for adjusting fuel injection of an engine is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection timing is adjusted to account for fuels having different cetane numbers. Operation of the engine may be improved especially during conditions where combustion phase may vary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Thomas Alan Brewbaker, Michael Hopka, Douglas Kuhel, David Joseph Dronzkowski
  • Publication number: 20120031381
    Abstract: A method for charging an intake manifold of an engine comprises adjusting an LP EGR flow rate and an uncooled HP EGR flow rate within first limits to maintain a target dilution level in the intake manifold at steady-state. The method further comprises adjusting the LP EGR and uncooled HP EGR rates within second limits, different from the first, to maintain the target dilution level in the intake manifold during transient conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20110288751
    Abstract: A fuel injection system including injectors for two different fuels is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection is adjusted to compensate for changes in engine intake air amount. Combustion stability during transient conditions may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Kurtz
  • Patent number: 8051829
    Abstract: A method for adjusting fuel injection of an engine is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection timing is adjusted to account for fuels having different cetane numbers. Operation of the engine may be improved especially during conditions where combustion phase may vary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Thomas Alan Brewbaker, Michael Hopka, Douglas Kuhel, David Joseph Dronzkowski
  • Publication number: 20110270511
    Abstract: An engine starting method is disclosed. In one example, engine operation is adjusted to reduce catalyst light off time. Exhaust temperatures may be increased until a threshold engine temperature is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Kurtz
  • Patent number: 8042527
    Abstract: A method for charging an intake manifold of an engine comprises adjusting an LP EGR flow rate and an uncooled HP EGR flow rate within first limits to maintain a target dilution level in the intake manifold at steady-state. The method further comprises adjusting the LP EGR and uncooled HP EGR rates within second limits, different from the first, to maintain the target dilution level in the intake manifold during transient conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
  • Patent number: 8046153
    Abstract: A fuel compensation factor (FCF) is determined to account for the amount of oxygenated fuel blended in diesel fuel. In one embodiment, the FCF is based on an expected exhaust gas oxygen concentration compared to an actual exhaust gas oxygen concentration. The FCF is used to estimate an amount of oxygenated fuel in the blend. Such estimate can be used to adjust the exhaust temperature model, which is used at least in determining the temperature in aftertreatment devices, the fuel dilution model which affects oil change recommendations, and the diesel particulate filter loading model which affects regenerations. Biodiesels are more prone to waxing at lower temperatures. The estimated amount of biodiesel and the temperature in the injection system are used to prevent and/or delay starting when it is predicted that too much wax exists in the fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Diana D. Brehob, Christian Winge Vigild, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Jonathan James Pilbeam, James Eric Anderson
  • Patent number: 8036812
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling an internal combustion engine in which actual concentration of combusted gas in the intake is compared with desired concentration of combusted gas in the intake. When a difference is detected, at least one of start of injection timing and quantity of fuel injected is adjusted in accordance with the difference. The actual concentration of combusted gas in the intake is estimated based on engine sensors such as an oxygen sensor coupled to an engine intake. The adjustment of injection timing and/or quantity of fuel is performed, according to some embodiments, during a transition between a low temperature combustion mode and a standard diesel combustion mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Winge Vigild, Daniel Roettger, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20110168129
    Abstract: An engine with a high flow capacity brake booster is disclosed. In one example, an actuator is adjusted in response to a flow between the brake booster and an engine intake manifold. Operation of the engine and vehicle brakes may be improved especially when the engine is turbocharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Thomas Alan Brewbaker, Michael Hopka, Douglas Kuhel, David Joseph Dronzkowski
  • Publication number: 20110166767
    Abstract: A fuel compensation factor (FCF) is determined to account for the amount of oxygenated fuel blended in diesel fuel. In one embodiment, the FCF is based on an expected exhaust gas oxygen concentration compared to an actual exhaust gas oxygen concentration. The FCF is used to estimate an amount of oxygenated fuel in the blend. Such estimate can be used to adjust the exhaust temperature model, which is used at least in determining the temperature in aftertreatment devices, the fuel dilution model which affects oil change recommendations, and the diesel particulate filter loading model which affects regenerations. Biodiesels are more prone to waxing at lower temperatures. The estimated amount of biodiesel and the temperature in the injection system are used to prevent and/or delay starting when it is predicted that too much wax exists in the fuel system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Diana D. Brehob, Christian Winge Vigild, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Jonathan James Pilbeam, James Eric Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110162628
    Abstract: To partially supplant the use of fossil fuels in diesel engines, oxygen-containing fuels, such as biodiesels, are proposed as blending agents in diesel fuel. Engine calibration coefficients to control EGR rate, timings and quantities of fuel injection pulses, turbocharger boost, etc, can be determined to compensate for the lower energy content of such oxygenate blends compared to diesel fuels. According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the fuel quantity of each of multiple injection pulses is increased proportionally to compensate for the impact of oxygenates. An adjustment in the fuel injection quantity is performed in response to a new tank of fuel and the adjustment is applied for that tank of fuel. A fuel compensation factor (FCF) can be determined based on the actual amount of fuel injected compared to the expected amount of diesel fuel at the present operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Douglas Glen Kuhel, Jianwen James Yi, Christian Winge Vigild
  • Publication number: 20110162626
    Abstract: A method for charging an intake manifold of an engine comprises adjusting an LP EGR flow rate and an uncooled HP EGR flow rate within first limits to maintain a target dilution level in the intake manifold at steady-state. The method further comprises adjusting the LP EGR and uncooled HP EGR rates within second limits, different from the first, to maintain the target dilution level in the intake manifold during transient conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20110035133
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for controlling an internal combustion engine in which actual concentration of combusted gas in the intake is compared with desired concentration of combusted gas in the intake. When a difference is detected, at least one of start of injection timing and quantity of fuel injected is adjusted in accordance with the difference. The actual concentration of combusted gas in the intake is estimated based on engine sensors such as an oxygen sensor coupled to an engine intake. The adjustment of injection timing and/or quantity of fuel is performed, according to some embodiments, during a transition between a low temperature combustion mode and a standard diesel combustion mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christian Winge Vigild, Daniel Roettger, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
  • Patent number: 7533518
    Abstract: A method of operating a diesel engine in a mechanical apparatus is disclosed, wherein the diesel engine includes a combustion chamber, and wherein the mechanical apparatus also including a catalyst configured to treat NOx emissions from the diesel engine. The method includes performing at least one early homogenization combustion in the combustion chamber, determining a temperature of the catalyst, and if the temperature of the catalyst is equal to or below a preselected temperature threshold, then performing at least one late homogenization combustion or diffusion combustion in the combustion chamber to raise a temperature of exhaust provided to the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Kurtz, Daniel Roettger, Evangelos Karvounis
  • Patent number: 7284366
    Abstract: In an apparatus having an internal combustion engine, a compressor for compressing engine intake gases, a particulate filter for filtering particulate matter from engine exhaust, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for recirculating exhaust gases from a location downstream of the particulate filter to a location upstream of the compressor, and a particulate filter function detector configured to detect a failure of the particulate filter, a method of operating the engine, including receiving a signal from the particulate filter function detector, comparing the signal from the particulate filter function detector to a predetermined signal threshold, determining if the signal received from the particulate filter function detector meets a predetermined condition relative to the predetermined signal threshold; and reducing a flow of exhaust gas through the EGR system if the signal meets the predetermined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Kurtz
  • Patent number: D659265
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Lumicor, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric Kurtz
  • Patent number: D659857
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Lumicor, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Schober, Eric Kurtz, Todd Darrow
  • Patent number: D663441
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Lumicor, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Schober, Eric Kurtz, Todd Darrow