Abstract: In an apparatus having an internal combustion engine and a catalytic device for treating NOx emissions from the internal combustion engine, a method of operating the engine comprising operating the engine for a first interval in such a manner as to store and reduce NOx emissions in the catalytic device thereby accumulating stored sulfur in the catalytic device, and operating the engine for a second interval in such a manner as to remove a portion of the stored sulfur from the catalytic device and to leave a substantial portion of stored sulfur in the catalytic device.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
April 27, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 5, 2008
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies LLC
Inventors:
Paul Laing, Yisun Chang, Robert Hammerle
Abstract: An independent rear suspension system is provided that has a trailing arm connected between a frame rail and a wheel support knuckle. A lower control arm is connected between a frame cross member and the knuckle. The suspension system also includes an upper link that extends between the frame rail and the knuckle. The toe link and upper link are generally vertically aligned. A stabilizer bar extends between the toe link and upper link and is connected to the lower control arm outboard of the shock and spring to reduce space requirements for the suspension system forward of the wheel support knuckle. The lower control arm is elongated and attached to the frame cross member inboard of the frame rails to improve the ratio of wheel travel to shock travel.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 11, 2005
Date of Patent:
February 5, 2008
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Steve Allen, Tony Adamo, Peter Jargowsky, Chris Allard, Brian Miller
Abstract: A door sash header for an automotive vehicle includes a glazing seal retainer, an external trim retention portion, and a multi-channel weatherstrip retention structure which utilizes upwardly and downwardly opening channels cooperating with the door sash to retain a weatherstrip upon the header without the need for additional fastening devices such as mechanical fasteners or adhesives.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 25, 2005
Date of Patent:
February 5, 2008
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
Robert Brancaleone, Ronald Machin, Greg Dobieralski, Michael Kozak
Abstract: A system and method to control valve timing and valve lift of an engine is described. The intake valve timing can be retarded while the valve is in a low lift or high lift mode. The method can lower engine friction and reduce fuel consumption, at least under some conditions.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 2, 2006
Date of Patent:
February 5, 2008
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies, LLC
Inventors:
James Leiby, Robert Stein, Tom Leone, Lester Ryder
Abstract: A converterless, multiple-ratio transmission and shift control method wherein smoothness of power-on upshifts and downshifts and power-off upshifts and downshifts is achieved by closed loop control of slip speed and friction element actuating pressure for an oncoming friction element, the data used during the closed loop control including speed sensor information for multiple friction elements during upshift and downshifts events.
Abstract: A method is for controlling a rate of flow of cooling oil to a friction launch clutch and electric motor in a hybrid electric vehicle powertrain. The rate of flow is determined by changes in clutch temperature and motor temperature. Cooling oil flow in excess of the flow required to maintain a desired temperature is avoided.
Abstract: A control system (18) for an automotive vehicle (10) has a first roll condition detector (64A), a second roll condition detector (64B), a third roll condition detector (64C), and a controller (26) that uses the roll condition generated by the roll condition detectors (64A-C) to determine a wheel lift condition. Other roll condition detectors may also be used in the wheel lift determination. The wheel lift conditions may be active or passive or both.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 31, 2006
Date of Patent:
January 29, 2008
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies LLC
Inventors:
Jianbo Lu, Michael Edward Brewer, Todd Allen Brown, Joseph Carr Meyers
Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, where an exhaust gas recirculation path with a valve is provided between said intake and exhaust manifold, and the engine has a turbocharger; the method comprising during at least one decreased engine output condition, increasing opening of the exhaust gas recirculation valve and adjusting exhaust expansion through a turbine of the turbocharger to decrease expansion through the turbocharger and thereby reduce a likelihood of turbocharger surge.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 28, 2005
Date of Patent:
January 29, 2008
Assignee:
Ford Global Technologies LLC
Inventors:
Harold Sun, Richard Baker, John Vanderslice, Jeffrey B. Schneyer, William Ruona
Abstract: New algorithms for real-time estimation of the engine friction torque are developed. Engine friction torque can be estimated in a fuel cut-off state and at engine idle. New recursive and computationally efficient data-driven algorithms are developed for adaptation of the look-up tables. The algorithms make it possible to avoid driveability problems that could result from errors in estimating engine friction torque.