Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Tuttle
  • System and method to operate fuel cell in the exhaust of an internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8192877
    Abstract: An exhaust emission reduction system of a vehicle having an internal combustion engine with an at least one cylinder coupled to an exhaust system comprises a NOx reduction catalyst disposed in the exhaust system downstream of the engine exhaust system; and a fuel cell disposed in the exhaust system downstream of the NOx reduction catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, James Kerns, Gopichandra Surnilla, David Bidner
  • Ignition control for reformate engine
    Patent number: 8191514
    Abstract: During operation of a spark ignition engine, an ignition system produces an output (e.g., breakdown voltage, peak secondary coil current, and spark duration) used to combust a charge (e.g., mixture of air and fuel) in an engine cylinder. Ignition output is important to consider in engines including a second fuel with high ignitability, for example in engines with a fuel reformer system. Example methods, devices and systems are included for adjusting ignition output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Damian Czekala, Thomas G. Leone
  • Multi-path evaporative purge system for fuel combusting engine
    Patent number: 8191536
    Abstract: A method of operating the evaporative purge system for an engine of a vehicle propulsion system is provided. In one example, the method provides for charging and purging two fuel vapor canisters independently or at the same time. The method may provide for improved fuel vapor processing under some conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Eugene Devries, Mark William Peters
  • Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
    Patent number: 8192328
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing driveline unwinding during successive engine shutdown and restart operations. In one example, during an engine shutdown, torsion is maintained in a transmission gear-train until an engine restart is requested by engaging one or more transmission clutches while applying wheel brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Nedorezov, Hong Jiang, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • System for improving gas distribution in an intake manifold
    Patent number: 8191525
    Abstract: A system for improving distribution of gases within an intake manifold of an engine is presented. The system may be used to improve engine air-fuel control. In one example, turbulence of gases entering an intake manifold is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Born, Nolan Dickey
  • Resonator for a dual-flow exhaust system
    Patent number: 8191676
    Abstract: A resonator for a dual-flow exhaust system of an engine is provided. The resonator includes a housing defining an enclosure and a baffle spanning the housing and separating a first and second expansion chamber of the enclosure, the baffle including at least one opening. The resonator further includes a first and a second exhaust conduit extending through the baffle and housing, each conduit in fluidic communication with a separate cylinder bank and including a perforated portion fluidly coupled to the enclosure, each perforated portion positioned in separate expansion chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kerry Timothy Havener, Timothy F. Kilroy
  • Fuel based engine operation control
    Patent number: 8195377
    Abstract: Methods are provided for operating an engine with a variable fuel blend in a cylinder, where the variable fuel blend varies a peak achievable engine torque for a given operating condition. One example method comprises selectively operating an engine actuator that affects engine torque and engine fuel economy at the given operating condition, and extending operation of the actuator to higher engine torques as a peak engine torque for the given operating condition increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Thomas G. Leone, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Sleeve hydrocarbon trap
    Patent number: 8191535
    Abstract: A sleeve hydrocarbon trap is provided. In some examples, the sleeve hydrocarbon trap includes a hydrocarbon adsorbing sleeve, the sleeve adapted to be positioned in a sensor bore and the sleeve including one or more hydrocarbon adsorbing layers, and a cage adapted to retain the hydrocarbon adsorbing sleeve in the sensor bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew George Bellis, Scott Rollins
  • Method to reduce engine emissions for an engine capable of multi-stroke operation and having a catalyst
    Patent number: 8191355
    Abstract: A method to control valves in a cylinder operating in a multi-stroke cylinder mode. Valves are controlled to improve engine emissions as operating conditions vary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Donald Lewis
  • Fuel delivery system diagnostics after shut-down
    Patent number: 8191533
    Abstract: A method for operation of an engine fuel system includes initiating a mitigating action based on a fuel rail pressure response, the fuel rail pressure response occurring after an engine shut-down. The mitigating action includes disabling vehicle operation if fuel rail pressure drops below a threshold value after activation of one of the higher or lower pressure pumps, the activation occurring before a subsequent engine start. In this way, a distinction can be made between internal and external leaks, allowing the mitigating action taken to be adjusted accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Diana D. Brehob
  • System and method to control hydraulic pump to provide steering and braking assist
    Patent number: 8191974
    Abstract: A method to control a hydraulic pump of a vehicle, the pump coupled to at least a power steering system and a power braking system is provided. The method comprises measuring steering and braking information using a brake sensor and a steering sensor; and adjusting output of said hydraulic pump based on measured information from said sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Offerle, Brian D. Rutkowski, Mujeeb Ijaz, Ken Jackson
  • Methods and systems for assisted direct start control
    Patent number: 8192327
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a vehicle engine coupled to a stepped-gear-ratio transmission. One example method comprises, in response to a first vehicle moving condition, shutting down the engine and at least partially disengaging the transmission while the vehicle is moving; and during a subsequent restart, while the vehicle is moving, starting the engine using starter motor assistance and adjusting a degree of engagement of a transmission clutch to adjust a torque transmitted to a wheel of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Roger Lyle Huffmaster, Peter John Grutter, Yuji Fujii, Gregory Michael Pietron, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • Fire training system
    Patent number: 8192202
    Abstract: A fire training system with improved ability to be handled and with the possibility of generating different flame aspects is provided. The fire training system has at least one liquid reservoir (1) and a regulating and control unit (2). The regulating and control unit (2) is connected to at least one distributor unit (5) via at least one electric line (3). The liquid gas reservoir (1) is connected to the at least one distributor unit (5) via at least one liquid gas line. (4). Each distribution unit (5) is provided with control valves that can be actuated for dispensing the liquid to downstream liquid gas discharge nozzles (6) and to an associated pilot burner (7), and with at least one sensor (8) for detecting the success of extinguishing. The liquid gas discharge nozzles (6) are arranged at a fire-resistant surface (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Volker Schütte, Martin Reichel
  • Method for starting an engine
    Patent number: 8195380
    Abstract: A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one embodiment, the method disengages a starter in response to a first predicted combustion in a cylinder of the engine. The method may reduce one-way clutch degradation of a starter. Further, the method may reduce current consumption during engine starting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Henry W. Patterson, Alex O'Connor Gibson, David Oshinsky, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Xiangying Liu
  • Reception unit comprising a receiver coil for the contactless transfer of electric energy and method for the production thereof
    Patent number: 8193886
    Abstract: A reception unit is provided including a receiver coil for the contactless transfer of electric energy. The receiver coil includes a plurality of flux guiding elements (16a, 16b) that are made of a highly permeable material and that are designed to concentrate the field lines. The flux guiding elements (16a, 16b) form a continuous molded part that is embodied in a base body (18) and that is combined with the base body to form a component that can be completely prefabricated. The molded part is produced by casting and the base body (18) is used as a casting mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Transrapid GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hahn, Qinghua Zheng, Andreas Diekmann
  • Longitudinal adjuster with at least one end stop
    Patent number: 8191850
    Abstract: A longitudinal adjuster, in particular for a vehicle seat, has at least one first seat rail (2) and, at least one second seat rail (3) which is arranged in a manner such that it can be displaced in a sliding manner relative to the first seat rail (2), and at least one end stop (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) which is attached to the first seat rail (2) and limits the relative displaceability of the two seat rails (2, 3) to each other by means of interaction with a second end stop (3a) which is formed by the second seat rail (3) or is attached to same. The first seat rail (2) is provided with at least two apertures (2e) through each of which protrudes a region of the end stop (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) serving to limit the seat rail movement in the longitudinal direction of the seat rails (2, 3), and the region is formed by a respective tab (11a, 21a, 31a, 41a, 51a); formed integrally with the end stop (11, 21, 31, 41, 51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Wetzig, Hans Dropmann, Philipp Giesecke
  • Method and aftertreatment configuration to reduce engine cold-start NOx emissions
    Patent number: 8191354
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing NOx emissions using a branched exhaust system with a first and second turbine including an emission-control device containing a zeolite, are described. In one example approach, a method comprises: during a first duration when exhaust temperature is below a first temperature threshold, directing exhaust gas through the second turbine and the emission-control device, and adjusting the second turbine to control intake boost; and during a second duration following the first, directing exhaust gas through the first turbine, and adjusting the first turbine to control intake boost. In this way, the first and second turbines may provide a greater degree of boost control in order to reduce boost fluctuations while enabling storing cold start NOx emissions for later reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Giovanni Cavataio, Jeong Yeol Kim, Michael Goebelbecker, Paul M Laing, Christine Kay Lambert
  • Wound hydrocarbon trap
    Patent number: 8191539
    Abstract: An air induction system hydrocarbon trap is provided. In one example, the hydrocarbon trap includes an adsorber roll including an adsorbing material and a corrugate support, where the corrugate support is rolled with the adsorbing material to form a wound adsorber roll. A housing is further provided to retain the adsorber roll. A housing cap may be coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew George Bellis
  • extract-containing product and method for improving the storage stability of the same
    Patent number: 8187641
    Abstract: A chlorella extract-containing product of excellent safety and storage stability is provided without using a benzoate, which is a common preservative. A chlorella extract-containing product containing a capsicum extract at 0.020-1.63% by weight on a dry weight basis relative to a chlorella extract in an aqueous liquid for drinking having the chlorella extract as an principal ingredient. This chlorella extract-containing product is to be used as a chlorella-containing beverage or a chlorella-containing food additive. A method for improving the storage stability of a chlorella extract-containing product, comprising adding a capsicum extract to a chlorella extract at 0.020-1.63% by weight on a dry weight basis in an aqueous liquid for drinking having the chlorella extract as an principal ingredient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Sun Chlorella Corp.
    Inventors: Yoshio Nakajima, Yoko Kondo
  • Propulsion system
    Patent number: 8188692
    Abstract: A propulsion system is provided. The system includes: a first propulsion vehicle unit including a first tractive bank having at least one traction motor; a second propulsion vehicle unit including: a second tractive bank having at least one traction motor, a contactor electrically coupling the first propulsion vehicle unit and the second propulsion vehicle unit, and an electrical power modulation device coupled between the first tractive bank and the second tractive bank, the electrical power modulation device having an electrical current threshold that causes the electrical power modulation device to transition to an open state to reduce or prevent transfer of electrical power between the first propulsion unit and the second propulsion unit in response to an electrical current at the electrical power modulation device being above the electrical current threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar