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).
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Publication number: 20120145122Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Eric Kurtz, Douglas Kuhel
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Publication number: 20120138033Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Eric Kurtz, Paul Joseph Tennison, David A. May
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Publication number: 20120085315Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Eric Kurtz, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Thomas Alan Brewbaker, Michael Hopka, Douglas Kuhel, David Joseph Dronzkowski
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Publication number: 20120031381Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
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Publication number: 20110288751Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Eric Kurtz
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Patent number: 8051829Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric Kurtz, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Thomas Alan Brewbaker, Michael Hopka, Douglas Kuhel, David Joseph Dronzkowski
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Publication number: 20110270511Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Eric Kurtz
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Patent number: 8042527Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
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Patent number: 8046153Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric Kurtz, Diana D. Brehob, Christian Winge Vigild, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Jonathan James Pilbeam, James Eric Anderson
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Patent number: 8036812Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 3, 2010Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Christian Winge Vigild, Daniel Roettger, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
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Publication number: 20110168129Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Eric Kurtz, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Thomas Alan Brewbaker, Michael Hopka, Douglas Kuhel, David Joseph Dronzkowski
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Publication number: 20110166767Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Eric Kurtz, Diana D. Brehob, Christian Winge Vigild, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Jonathan James Pilbeam, James Eric Anderson
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Publication number: 20110162628Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Eric Kurtz, Douglas Glen Kuhel, Jianwen James Yi, Christian Winge Vigild
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Publication number: 20110162626Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
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Publication number: 20110035133Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Christian Winge Vigild, Daniel Roettger, David Joseph Dronzkowski, Eric Kurtz
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Patent number: 7533518Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric Kurtz, Daniel Roettger, Evangelos Karvounis
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Patent number: 7284366Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 28, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Eric Kurtz
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Patent number: D659265Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Lumicor, Inc.Inventor: Eric Kurtz
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Patent number: D659857Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Lumicor, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Schober, Eric Kurtz, Todd Darrow
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Patent number: D663441Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2011Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Lumicor, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Schober, Eric Kurtz, Todd Darrow