Patents by Inventor Matthew John Gerhart

Matthew John Gerhart 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: 20140352669
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a suitable engine torque response during a transient condition is presented. In one example, when a desired inlet manifold pressure is greater than a throttle inlet pressure of a first throttle, a second throttle positioned upstream from the first throttle is opened to increase the throttle inlet pressure. The method may provide an appropriate torque response while minimizing impact on fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Matthew John Gerhart, Julia Helen Buckland, Suzanne Kay Wait, Michael Howard Shelby, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, John Eric Rollinger, Gopichandra Surnilla, Naginder Gogna
  • Publication number: 20140316675
    Abstract: A method to avoid over-dilution of an intake-air charge of an engine includes, during a first condition, applying at least some feedback control to the opening and closure of a valve that adjustably admits exhaust to the intake-air charge. During a second condition predictive of compressor surge, no feedback control is applied to the opening or the closure of the valve. Rather, feedforward control is applied to the closure of the valve so that stability in the engine is maintained even during surge conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Julia Helen Buckland, Matthew John Gerhart, Suzanne Kay Wait, Timothy Joseph Clark, Gopichandra Surnilla, James Alfred Hilditch, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • Publication number: 20140251285
    Abstract: A method may comprise correcting an intake oxygen concentration based on fuel canister vapor purge only during boosted conditions, and adjusting exhaust gas recirculation responsive to the intake oxygen concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Lynn Aimee Chesney, Mark W. Peters, Timothy Joseph Clark, Matthew John Gerhart
  • Patent number: 8439796
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine, the engine including a turbocharger and a transmission. One example method comprises, operating the transmission at a first lower gear with a first boost level, increasing the boost from the first boost level before completing a shift from the first lower gear to a second higher gear, and after completing the shift, operating the transmission at the second higher gear with the increased boost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, De-Shiou Chen, Julia Helen Buckland, Suzanne Kay Wait, Matthew John Gerhart, Peter Douglas Kuechler
  • Publication number: 20120309589
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine, the engine including a turbocharger and a transmission. One example method comprises, operating the transmission at a first lower gear with a first boost level, increasing the boost from the first boost level before completing a shift from the first lower gear to a second higher gear, and after completing the shift, operating the transmission at the second higher gear with the increased boost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, De-Shiou Chen, Julia Helen Buckland, Suzanne Kay Wait, Matthew John Gerhart, Peter Douglas Kuechler
  • Patent number: 8241177
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine, the engine including a turbocharger and a transmission. One example method comprises, operating the transmission at a first lower gear with a first boost level, increasing the boost from the first boost level before completing a shift from the first lower gear to a second higher gear, and after completing the shift, operating the transmission at the second higher gear with the increased boost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, De-Shiou Chen, Julia Helen Buckland, Suzanne Kay Wait, Matthew John Gerhart, Peter Douglas Kuechler
  • Publication number: 20110045948
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine, the engine including a turbocharger and a transmission. One example method comprises, operating the transmission at a first lower gear with a first boost level, increasing the boost from the first boost level before completing a shift from the first lower gear to a second higher gear, and after completing the shift, operating the transmission at the second higher gear with the increased boost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, John Eric Rollinger, De-Shiou Chen, Julia Helen Buckland, Suzanne Kay Wait, Matthew John Gerhart, Peter Douglas Kuechler
  • Patent number: 7293406
    Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, James Michael Kerns, Matthew John Gerhart, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7185487
    Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, James Michael Kerns, Matthew John Gerhart, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20040088969
    Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, James Michael Kerns, Matthew John Gerhart, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6715280
    Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, James Michael Kerns, Matthew John Gerhart, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20040006972
    Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, James Michael Kerns, Matthew John Gerhart, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6666021
    Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, James Michael Kerns, Matthew John Gerhart, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 6640539
    Abstract: A method for rapidly heating an emission control device in an engine exhaust uses excess air added to the exhaust via an air introduction device. After an engine cold start, the engine is operated to raise exhaust manifold temperature to a first predetermined value by operating the engine with a lean air-fuel ratio and retarded ignition timing. Once the exhaust manifold reaches the predetermined temperature value, the engine is switched to operate rich and air is added via the air introduction device. The added air and rich exhaust gas burn in the exhaust, thereby generating heat and raising catalyst temperature even more rapidly. The rich operation and excess air are continued until either engine airflow increases beyond a pre-selected value, or the emission control device reaches a desired temperature value. After the emission control device reaches the desired temperature, the engine is operated substantially around stoichiometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald James Lewis, James Michael Kerns, Matthew John Gerhart, Ralph Wayne Cunningham