Patents by Inventor Karen Willard

Karen Willard 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: 20170356369
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with a plurality of deactivating valves for deactivating engine cylinders are presented. In one example, a plurality of different cylinder operating modes may be available to operate the engine. Engine fuel consumption in each of the plurality of different cylinder operating modes is estimated and the engine may be operated in the cylinder mode that provides greatest fuel efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, Karen Willard, Brett Dryer
  • Publication number: 20170356370
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine with deactivating and non-deactivating valves are presented. In one example, a position of one or more volumetric efficiency control devices is changed in response to a request to deactivate one or more engine cylinders while at the same time the engine central throttle is adjusted. Spark timing may also be adjusted if engine air flow deviates from a desired engine air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, Karen Willard, Robert Michael Grant
  • Patent number: 9828644
    Abstract: A method for measuring the proliferation status of a cell present in a biological sample, comprising the step of measuring in the said cell the loss of BACH2 by Fluorescence after In Situ Hybridization (FISH) analysis and mRNA quantification or by Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) and corresponding kit and applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
    Inventors: Karen Willard-Gallo, Catherine Sibille
  • Publication number: 20170268411
    Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on echo times of an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. Engine power is limited differently based on distinct coolant level states determined based on a change in level of coolant in the reservoir over a duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Karen Willard, Michael Joseph Giunta, Robert Andrew Wade, Samer Ibrahim, Casey Dietrich, Matt Gerow
  • Patent number: 9719409
    Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on echo times of an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. Engine power is limited differently based on distinct coolant level states determined based on a change in level of coolant in the reservoir over a duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Karen Willard, Michael Joseph Giunta, Robert Andrew Wade, Samer Ibrahim, Casey Dietrich, Matt Gerow
  • Patent number: 9702294
    Abstract: A method comprising in response to coolant loss in a turbocharged engine, deactivating one or more engine cylinders while limiting engine load of one or more active cylinders based on an engine speed, and a cylinder head temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Willard, John Eric Rollinger, Vincent Edward Mariucci
  • Patent number: 9657611
    Abstract: Methods are provided for improved control of valve activation/deactivation mechanisms. One example method comprises, adjusting an electromechanical actuator to actuate cylinder valve deactivation/activation mechanisms. The actuator is operated at multiple levels based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, Danny Zdravkovski, Karen Willard
  • Publication number: 20160186648
    Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving engine coolant level estimation to reduce engine overheating. The level of fluid in a coolant overflow reservoir is inferred based on the fluid level in a hollow vertical standpipe fluidically coupled to the reservoir at top and bottom locations, while the fluid level in the standpipe is estimated based on echo times of an ultrasonic signal transmitted by a sensor positioned in a recess at the bottom of the vertical standpipe. Engine power is limited differently based on distinct coolant level states determined based on a change in level of coolant in the reservoir over a duration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Karen Willard, Michael Joseph Giunta, Robert Andrew Wade, Samer Ibrahim, Casey Dietrich, Matt Gerow
  • Publication number: 20160108794
    Abstract: A method comprising in response to coolant loss in a turbocharged engine, deactivating one or more engine cylinders while limiting engine load of one or more active cylinders based on an engine speed, and a cylinder head temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Karen Willard, John Eric Rollinger, Vincent Edward Mariucci
  • Patent number: 9217379
    Abstract: A method comprising in response to coolant loss in a turbocharged engine, deactivating one or more engine cylinders while limiting engine load of one or more active cylinders based on an engine speed, and a cylinder head temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Willard, John Eric Rollinger, Vincent Edward Mariucci
  • Publication number: 20150122207
    Abstract: Methods are provided for improved control of valve activation/deactivation mechanisms. One example method comprises, adjusting an electromechanical actuator to actuate cylinder valve deactivation/activation mechanisms. The actuator is operated at multiple levels based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, Danny Zdravkovski, Karen Willard
  • Patent number: 8931443
    Abstract: Methods are provided for improved control of valve activation/deactivation mechanisms. One example method comprises, adjusting an electromechanical actuator to actuate cylinder valve deactivation/activation mechanisms. The actuator is operated at multiple levels based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, Danny Zdravkovski, Karen Willard
  • Publication number: 20140261315
    Abstract: A method comprising in response to coolant loss in a turbocharged engine, deactivating one or more engine cylinders while limiting engine load of one or more active cylinders based on an engine speed, and a cylinder head temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Willard, John Eric Rollinger, Vincent Edward Mariucci
  • Publication number: 20140158073
    Abstract: Methods are provided for improved control of valve activation/deactivation mechanisms. One example method comprises, adjusting an electromechanical actuator to actuate cylinder valve deactivation/activation mechanisms. The actuator is operated at multiple levels based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, Danny Zdravkovski, Karen Willard
  • Publication number: 20130338023
    Abstract: A method for measuring the proliferation status of a cell present in a biological sample, comprising the step of measuring in the said cell the loss of BACH2 by Fluorescence after In Situ Hybridization (FISH) analysis and mRNA quantification or by Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) and corresponding kit and applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LIBRE DE BRUXELLES
    Inventors: Karen Willard-Gallo, Catherine Sibille
  • Patent number: 8447502
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Chris Paul Glugla, Robert Roy Jentz, Robert Sarow Baskins, Karen Willard
  • Publication number: 20120330536
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Chris Paul Glugla, Robert Roy Jentz, Robert Sarow Baskins, Karen Willard
  • Publication number: 20120289418
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a gene set, a kit and a method for diagnosis of lymphocytic variant hypereosinophilic syndrome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE CATHOLIQUE DE LOUVAIN
    Inventors: Karen Willard-Gallo, Marie Ravoet, Florence Roufosse, Catherine Sibille
  • Patent number: 8265859
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Robert Roy Jentz, Robert Sarow Baskins, Chris Paul Glugla, Karen Willard
  • Patent number: 8260530
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mitigating engine pre-ignition based on a feed-forward likelihood of pre-ignition and feedback from a pre-ignition event. In response to an indication of pre-ignition, a cylinder may be enriched while an engine load is limited. The enrichment may be followed by an enleanment to restore exhaust catalyst feed-gas oxygen levels. The mitigating steps may be adjusted based on engine operating conditions, a pre-ignition count, as well as the nature of the pre-ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Chris Paul Glugla, Robert Roy Jentz, Robert Sarow Baskins, Karen Willard