Patents by Inventor Sunil Katragadda
Sunil Katragadda 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: 20180219237Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack, a coolant loop and a thermal battery. The coolant loop is configured to flow a coolant liquid therethrough. The thermal battery includes a phase change material configured to absorb heat generated by the fuel cell stack or coolant liquid and to latently store the heat during a first mode of operation the fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2017Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Furgan Zafar Shaikh, Sunil Katragadda, Andreas R. Schamel, Brian Gillespey, William Frederick Sanderson, JR., Craig Michael Mathie, Matthew Riley, Virgo W. Edwards
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Patent number: 9920828Abstract: A system for regulating lubricant temperature within a vehicle axle is provided. A differential housing has a primary chamber that contains the differential, and a secondary chamber separated from the primary chamber. A sump is in the primary chamber for collecting lubricant. An inlet to the secondary chamber allows the lubricant to flow from the primary chamber into the secondary chamber. An outlet to the secondary chamber allows the lubricant stored therein to be purged into the sump. When the lubricant is below a certain threshold temperature, a temperature-responsive valve is configured to close to inhibit the fluid to travel through the outlet. When the temperature of the lubricant rises to exceed the threshold, the valve is configured to open and permit the fluid to travel through the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mathew John Fast, Sunil Katragadda, Danrich Henry Demitroff, W. Cary Cole, Michael Levin, Furqan Zafar Shaikh
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Patent number: 9920846Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating fluid flow through a three-way valve assembly, including a three-way split conduit coupled to a movable rotary ring with plurality of openings. In one example, a three-way split conduit may include one fluid inlet conduit splitting into two outlet conduits with an included angle of less than 90 degrees between the two splitting outlet conduits. A movable rotary ring coupled to the three-way split conduit may be rotated by an actuator to open or block the three way split conduits, regulating the fluid flow passages along the three-way valve assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Danrich Henry Demitroff, Cary Cole, Sunil Katragadda, Lawrence Marshall, Furqan Shaikh Zafar
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Patent number: 9856779Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a phase change material (PCM) integrated radiator. In one example, a method may include adjusting a radiator control valve into a first position to flow coolant only through a first zone of a radiator containing phase change material (PCM) and not through a second zone of the radiator not containing phase change material. The method may further include adjusting the radiator control valve into a second position to flow coolant only through the second zone of the radiator and not the first zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sunil Katragadda, Cary Cole, Michael Levin, Danrich Henry Demitroff, Mathew John Fast, Furqan Zafar Shaikh
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Publication number: 20170370465Abstract: A system for regulating lubricant temperature within a vehicle axle is provided. A differential housing has a primary chamber that contains the differential, and a secondary chamber separated from the primary chamber. A sump is in the primary chamber for collecting lubricant. An inlet to the secondary chamber allows the lubricant to flow from the primary chamber into the secondary chamber. An outlet to the secondary chamber allows the lubricant stored therein to be purged into the sump. When the lubricant is below a certain threshold temperature, a temperature-responsive valve is configured to close to inhibit the fluid to travel through the outlet. When the temperature of the lubricant rises to exceed the threshold, the valve is configured to open and permit the fluid to travel through the outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2016Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Mathew John FAST, Sunil KATRAGADDA, Danrich Henry DEMITROFF, W. Cary COLE, Michael LEVIN, Furqan Zafar SHAIKH
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Patent number: 9810134Abstract: An engine has a cylinder block defining a cooling circuit with an inlet passage adjacent to a first end of the block and fluidly connected to a continuous open channel positioned between a side wall of the block and a plurality of in-line cylinders. The channel intersects a block deck face and extends alongside each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders. The channel is configured to direct coolant to a cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Clifford E. Maki, Sunil Katragadda, Ravi Gopal, Jody Michael Slike
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Patent number: 9784175Abstract: An engine cylinder block forms a cooling jacket adjacent to a cylinder and that intersects a deck face adapted to mate with a cylinder head. The cooling jacket has an inlet passage intersecting a mounting face adapted to mate with a coolant pump housing. The block forms a vent passage extending from the cooling jacket to the mounting face. The pump housing forms a volute adapted to receive an impeller. The housing forms a discharge passage that fluidly connects to the inlet passage of the block. The pump housing also forms a vent passage the fluidly connects with the vent passage of the block. The vent passages of the block and pump housing are positioned between the deck face of the block and the inlet and discharge passages when the pump housing is connected to the engine block.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Peter Kanefsky, Sunil Katragadda, Ravi Gopal, Clifford E. Maki, Lloyd E. Stanley
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Patent number: 9772026Abstract: A differential is provided. The differential includes a housing that has a sump, an input shaft, a ring gear, a carrier that is affixed to the ring gear, and a diverter. The sump is configured to collect lubricating fluid. The ring gear is configured to transfer lubricating fluid out of the sump. The diverter is configured to direct the lubricating fluid to the input shaft and carrier.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2015Date of Patent: September 26, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Mathew John Fast, Danrich Henry Demitroff, Sunil Katragadda, Lawrence Marshall, W. Cary Cole, Michael Levin, Furqan Zafar Shaikh
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Publication number: 20170263954Abstract: Fuel-cell thermal management systems and control schemes therefore are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system may include a fuel-cell stack, a heat-exchanger, a thermal battery including a material having a melting temperature of 50-120° C., a first coolant loop including the fuel-cell stack and the thermal battery and excluding the heat-exchanger, and a second coolant loop including the fuel-cell stack, the thermal battery, and the heat-exchanger. The first and second coolant loops may be configured to heat and cool the fuel-cell stack, respectively. The system may include a controller or processor configured to direct coolant to transfer heat from the thermal battery to the fuel-cell stack based on a negative heat rejection status of the fuel-cell stack and to transfer heat from the fuel-cell stack to the thermal battery based on a positive heat rejection status of the fuel-cell stack when the thermal battery is below a target temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2016Publication date: September 14, 2017Inventors: FURQAN ZAFAR SHAIKH, SUNIL KATRAGADDA, W. CARY COLE, COLBY JASON BUCKMAN, PHILLIP BONKOSKI
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Publication number: 20170210196Abstract: Methods and system for operating a thermal storage device of a vehicle system are provided. In one example, a method comprises estimating a temperature of a thermal battery after the battery and coolant included therein have reached thermal equilibrium, and determining a state of charge of the battery based on the estimated temperature and one or more chemical properties of two phase change materials included within the battery. Specifically, the thermal battery may include two phase change materials with different melting points for providing thermal energy to warm coolant in a vehicle coolant system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2016Publication date: July 27, 2017Inventors: David Karl Bidner, W. Cary Cole, Phillip Bonkoski, Sunil Katragadda, Michael Levin
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Patent number: 9683649Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a power source, at least one wheel, a gearbox. The gearbox includes a housing, gearing disposed in the housing, and an insulator disposed between the gearing and the housing. The gearing is configured to couple the power source to the at least one wheel. The insulator is configured to reduce thermal energy losses of a fluid that lubricates the gearing.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Danrich Henry Demitroff, Mathew John Fast, Michael Levin, Sunil Katragadda, Furqan Zafar Shaikh, W. Cary Cole
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Patent number: 9682685Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing condensate accumulation at a charge air cooler (CAC) during cold ambient conditions. During defrosting conditions, an air conditioner may be operated to dehumidify a cabin space while heat is rejected into a cooling circuit. Warm coolant may be directed to a CAC bypassing a radiator to expedite CAC heating.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ravi Gopal, Sunil Katragadda
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Publication number: 20170167595Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating the temperature of rear axle lubrication oil. In one example, a rear axle coolant system may include a coolant loop with a plurality of valves and sensors, regulating the coolant flow in heat exchange relationship with an exhaust gas heat recovery and storage system to deliver warm coolant to a rear axle heat exchanger to warm the rear axle lubrication oil. The method may regulate the components of the rear axle coolant system through a controller, receiving sensor input from the components of the coolant system.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2015Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Cary Cole, Sunil Katragadda, Phillip Bonkoski, David Karl Bidner, Michael Levin, Colby Jason Buckman, Danrich Henry Demitroff, Amey Y. Karnik, Furqan Shaikh
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Publication number: 20170130849Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating fluid flow through a three-way valve assembly, including a three-way split conduit coupled to a movable rotary ring with plurality of openings. In one example, a three-way split conduit may include one fluid inlet conduit splitting into two outlet conduits with an included angle of less than 90 degrees between the two splitting outlet conduits. A movable rotary ring coupled to the three-way split conduit may be rotated by an actuator to open or block the three way split conduits, regulating the fluid flow passages along the three-way valve assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2015Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Danrich Henry Demitroff, Cary Cole, Sunil Katragadda, Lawrence Marshall, Furqan Shaikh Zafar
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Publication number: 20170114700Abstract: An engine cooling system is provided with an internal combustion engine defining a head cooling jacket and a block cooling jacket in a split flow configuration. A first thermostat is positioned at an outlet of the block cooling jacket and configured to control coolant flow therethrough. A second thermostat is positioned to receive coolant flow from the first thermostat and the head cooling jacket. The first and second thermostats are in a thermostat assembly within a housing. In response to coolant temperature being below a first threshold, a first and a second thermostat downstream of the engine in a thermostat assembly are closed such that coolant flows through a head jacket and the thermostat assembly to a pump, and such that coolant in the head jacket entrains a trickle flow of coolant from a block jacket through an interbore cooling passage, thereby cooling an interbore region.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2015Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Clifford E. MAKI, Sunil KATRAGADDA, Ravi GOPAL, Peter KANEFSKY, Jeffrey A. MULLINS, Lloyd E. STANLEY, JR.
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Publication number: 20170044967Abstract: An engine has a cylinder block defining a cooling circuit with an inlet passage adjacent to a first end of the block and fluidly connected to a continuous open channel positioned between a side wall of the block and a plurality of in-line cylinders. The channel intersects a block deck face and extends alongside each cylinder of the plurality of cylinders. The channel is configured to direct coolant to a cylinder head.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2015Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Clifford E. Maki, Sunil Katragadda, Ravi Gopal, Jody Michael Slike
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Patent number: 9562604Abstract: An axle includes a differential, a cover, and a heat absorber. The differential has a ring gear disposed within a housing. The ring gear is configured to pump a lubricating fluid. The cover is attached to the housing. The heat absorber is attached to the cover within a pump path of the ring gear. The heat absorber has a phase-change material disposed within the heat absorber configured to absorb heat from the lubricating fluid. A method to control fluid temperature in a vehicle axle is also included.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Sunil Katragadda, W. Cary Cole, Michael Levin, Furqan Zafar Shaikh, Danrich Henry Demitroff, Mathew John Fast
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Publication number: 20160377164Abstract: A differential is provided. The differential includes a housing that has a sump, an input shaft, a ring gear, a carrier that is affixed to the ring gear, and a diverter. The sump is configured to collect lubricating fluid. The ring gear is configured to transfer lubricating fluid out of the sump. The diverter is configured to direct the lubricating fluid to the input shaft and carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Mathew John FAST, Danrich Henry DEMITROFF, Sunil KATRAGADDA, Lawrence MARSHALL, W. Cary COLE, Michael LEVIN, Furqan Zafar SHAIKH
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Publication number: 20160348568Abstract: An engine cylinder block forms a cooling jacket adjacent to a cylinder and that intersects a deck face adapted to mate with a cylinder head. The cooling jacket has an inlet passage intersecting a mounting face adapted to mate with a coolant pump housing. The block forms a vent passage extending from the cooling jacket to the mounting face. The pump housing forms a volute adapted to receive an impeller. The housing forms a discharge passage that fluidly connects to the inlet passage of the block. The pump housing also forms a vent passage the fluidly connects with the vent passage of the block. The vent passages of the block and pump housing are positioned between the deck face of the block and the inlet and discharge passages when the pump housing is connected to the engine block.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2015Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventors: Peter KANEFSKY, Sunil KATRAGADDA, Ravi GOPAL, Clifford E. MAKI, Lloyd E. STANLEY
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Publication number: 20160312878Abstract: An axle includes a differential, a cover, and a heat absorber. The differential has a ring gear disposed within a housing. The ring gear is configured to pump a lubricating fluid. The cover is attached to the housing. The heat absorber is attached to the cover within a pump path of the ring gear. The heat absorber has a phase-change material disposed within the heat absorber configured to absorb heat from the lubricating fluid. A method to control fluid temperature in a vehicle axle is also included.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2015Publication date: October 27, 2016Inventors: Sunil KATRAGADDA, W. Cary COLE, Michael LEVIN, Furqan Zafar SHAIKH, Danrich Henry DEMITROFF, Mathew John FAST