Patents by Inventor Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt

Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt 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).

  • METHODS FOR AN EXHAUST FLUID SENSOR
    Publication number: 20130327118
    Abstract: Various methods are provided for diagnosing an exhaust fluid sensor disposed in an exhaust fluid passage. By monitoring the sensor during conditions when it is in contact with the exhaust fluid and when it is not in contact with the exhaust fluid, an expected change in the sensor output can be monitored to identify whether the sensor is generating sufficiently accurate readings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bret Alan Zimmerman, John Paul Bogema, Timothy L. Jenkins, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • METHOD FOR ESTIMATING INTAKE AIR HUMIDITY
    Publication number: 20130275030
    Abstract: Embodiments for estimating intake air humidity in an engine are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises adjusting an engine parameter in response to intake air humidity estimated based on a concentration of one or more engine-out emissions. In this way, one or more exhaust emission sensors may be used to estimate intake air humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Yong-Wha Kim, In Kwang Yoo, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Brien Lloyd Fulton
  • METHOD, SYSTEMS AND SENSOR FOR DETECTING HUMIDITY
    Publication number: 20130269322
    Abstract: Methods systems and device for detecting humidity in air through use of an ammonia sensor included in the exhaust of an engine, such as a diesel engine are provided. In one example, a method for an engine having an exhaust with an ammonia sensor includes adjusting an operating parameter in response to ambient humidity, the ambient humidity based on a first ammonia sensor reading at a first exhaust air-fuel-ratio and a second ammonia sensor reading at a second exhaust air-fuel-ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Dave Charles Weber
  • METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING OPERATION OF A PARTICULATE MATTER SENSOR
    Publication number: 20130263578
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a particulate matter sensor is described. In one example, a liquid is purposefully injected into the exhaust system to verify operation of the particulate matter sensor. Reliability of particulate matter diagnostics may be improved by way of the approach, at least during some conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Hopka, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • METHOD FOR EVALUATING DEGRADATION OF A PARTICULATE MATTER SENSOR AFTER AN ENGINE START
    Publication number: 20130255353
    Abstract: A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, particulate sensor degradation is indicated in response to an output of said particulate matter sensor staying below a threshold as engine temperature increases past the dewpoint temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Garry Anthony Zawacki, Robert F. Novak, Roberto Teran, Jr., Dave Charles Weber, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Michael Hopka, William Charles Ruona
  • Method to detect and mitigate unsolicited exotherms in a diesel aftertreatment system
    Patent number: 8539824
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring and detecting undesired exotherms which may occur in an exhaust aftertreatment system coupled to a lean burning combustion engine are described. In one particular approach, an undesired exotherm may be indicated based on an expected oxygen depletion along a length of an exhaust aftertreatment system in the direction of exhaust gas flow of exhaust gas. For example, during DPF regeneration, a certain amount of oxygen is expected to be utilized for removing soot. If less oxygen is actually found in the exhaust downstream of the exhaust system, then an undesired exotherm may be present, as unintended reductant may be present in the exhaust and reacting exothermically with oxygen. Various mitigation actions may then be initiated in response to the indication of an undesired exotherm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Jian Kong, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Kirk Andrew Parrish, James Bromham
  • Transient compressor surge response for a turbocharged engine
    Patent number: 8516815
    Abstract: A method for responding to an existing or incipient surge condition of a turbocharger coupled to an engine of a motor vehicle is provided. The method comprises receiving a signal responsive to an operating condition of the turbocharger and adjusting one or more operating parameters of the motor vehicle when a power of the signal, integrated over a pre-selected range of non-zero frequencies, exceeds a pre-selected threshold. Other embodiments provide related systems for responding to an existing or incipient surge condition of a turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yong Shu, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Frank M. Korpics, Harold Huimin Sun
  • Control of exhaust flow in an engine including a particulate filter
    Patent number: 8516797
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling operation of exhaust of an engine including a particulate filter are provided. One example method includes generating vacuum during engine operation, and storing the vacuum. The method further includes, during or after engine shutdown, drawing ambient air through the particulate filter via the vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Methods for an exhaust fluid sensor
    Patent number: 8505371
    Abstract: Various methods are provided for diagnosing an exhaust fluid sensor disposed in an exhaust fluid passage. By monitoring the sensor during conditions when it is in contact with the exhaust fluid and when it is not in contact with the exhaust fluid, an expected change in the sensor output can be monitored to identify whether the sensor is generating sufficiently accurate readings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bret Alan Zimmerman, John Paul Bogema, Timothy L. Jenkins, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Controlling of a vehicle responsive to reductant conditions
    Patent number: 8510020
    Abstract: Controlling a vehicle responsive to reductant conditions is provided. The method for controlling a vehicle having an engine with an exhaust, the exhaust having a reductant injection system including a reductant storage vessel, the engine further having a fuel system including a fuel storage vessel, may include under degraded reductant conditions, restricting vehicle motion in response to a fuel refill of the fuel storage vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Paul Bogema, Bret Alan Zimmerman, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Ed Kulik, James Edwin Blatchford
  • Method for diagnosing operation of a particulate matter sensor
    Patent number: 8490476
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing a particulate matter sensor is described. In one example, a liquid is purposefully injected into the exhaust system to verify operation of the particulate matter sensor. Reliability of particulate matter diagnostics may be improved by way of the approach, at least during some conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Hopka, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Method, systems and sensor for detecting humidity
    Patent number: 8459243
    Abstract: Methods systems and device for detecting humidity in air through use of an ammonia sensor included in the exhaust of an engine, such as a diesel engine are provided. In one example, a method for an engine having an exhaust with an ammonia sensor includes adjusting an operating parameter in response to ambient humidity, the ambient humidity based on a first ammonia sensor reading at a first exhaust air-fuel-ratio and a second ammonia sensor reading at a second exhaust air-fuel-ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Dave Charles Weber
  • Method for diagnosing fuel injectors
    Patent number: 8459105
    Abstract: A fuel injector diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, the diagnostic can determine if that amount of fuel injected or the timing of start of injection is degraded. Thus, the fuel injector diagnostic method can distinguish between different types of injector degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Yong-Wha Kim, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, In Kwang Yoo
  • METHODS FOR AN EXHAUST FLUID SENSOR
    Publication number: 20130133309
    Abstract: Various methods are provided for diagnosing an exhaust fluid sensor disposed in an exhaust fluid passage. By monitoring the sensor during conditions when it is in contact with the exhaust fluid and when it is not in contact with the exhaust fluid, an expected change in the sensor output can be monitored to identify whether the sensor is generating sufficiently accurate readings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bret Alan Zimmerman, John Paul Bogema, Timothy L. Jenkins, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Method for evaluating degradation of a particulate matter sensor after an engine start
    Patent number: 8448511
    Abstract: A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, particulate sensor degradation is indicated in response to an output of said particulate matter sensor staying below a threshold as engine temperature increases past the dewpoint temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Garry Anthony Zawacki, Robert F. Novak, Roberto Teran, Jr., Dave Charles Weber, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Michael Hopka, William Charles Ruona
  • SMART VEHICLE SENSOR
    Publication number: 20130131958
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling operation of a motor vehicle based on a sensor. One example method comprises receiving sensed parameter data from the sensor, receiving calibration data from the sensor, and adjusting a vehicle operating parameter in response to the sensed parameter data and the calibration data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dave Charles Weber, David John Kubinski, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • NOx FEEDBACK FOR COMBUSTION CONTROL
    Publication number: 20130118461
    Abstract: A method for controlling combustion in an engine is provided. The method comprises under a first condition, adjusting an EGR amount of a total cylinder charge in response to engine out NOx levels being below a first threshold. In this way, NOx levels may be used as feedback to control combustion stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Mitchell, Chris Riffle, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Frank M. Korpics, Jeff Reich, Dean Pennala
  • Method for evaluating degradation of a particulate matter sensor
    Patent number: 8438899
    Abstract: A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, degradation of a particulate matter sensor is indicated after a temperature of a substrate of the particulate matter sensor exceeds a threshold temperature and an output of the particulate matter sensor is below a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Garry Anthony Zawacki, Robert F. Novak, Roberto Teran, Jr., Dave Charles Weber, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Michael Hopka, William Charles Ruona
  • Vehicle relocatable exhaust system components
    Patent number: 8424286
    Abstract: Modification of reductant (e.g., diesel exhaust fluid, DEF) tank location, for example during vehicle up-fitting may result in less than optimal operation of the DEF system due to inaccurate DEF system calibration. In one example approach, the above issue can be at least partially addressed by adjusting control system parameters for system control and diagnostics based on an input indicative of, or any modification to, the DEF tank location. In this way, DEF tank location flexibility is maintained, while also maintaining emission control and diagnostic accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bret Alan Zimmerman, Dwayne Pollitt, John Paul Bogema, Christopher Oberski, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Method to detect and mitigate unsolicited exotherms in a diesel aftertreatment system
    Patent number: 8408055
    Abstract: Methods for monitoring and detecting undesired exotherms which may occur in an exhaust aftertreatment system coupled to a lean burning combustion engine are described. In one particular approach, an undesired exotherm may be indicated based on an expected oxygen depletion along a length of an exhaust aftertreatment system in the direction of exhaust gas flow of exhaust gas. For example, during DPF regeneration, a certain amount of oxygen is expected to be utilized for removing soot. If less oxygen is actually found in the exhaust downstream of the exhaust system, then an undesired exotherm may be present, as unintended reductant may be present in the exhaust and reacting exothermically with oxygen. Various mitigation actions may then be initiated in response to the indication of an undesired exotherm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Jian Kong, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Kirk Andrew Parrish, Jim Bromham