Patents by Inventor Adam Nathan

Adam Nathan 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).

  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADAPTING OPERATION OF A HYBRID VEHICLE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER LOCKUP CLUTCH
    Publication number: 20140163787
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a transmission torque converter lockup clutch is adjusted to improve engine starting control. The approach may improve engine starting and vehicle drivability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING HYBRID VEHICLE DRIVELINE TORQUE
    Publication number: 20140162838
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine torque estimate may be adapted in response to a torque converter impeller speed error. The methods and systems may reduce the possibility of driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, David Oshinsky, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 8738215
    Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Mark Steven Yamazaki, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 8738217
    Abstract: Systems and methods for learning torque estimate errors and updating torque estimation models are presented. In one example, torque errors are learned during an engine shut-down, after a disconnect clutch coupled between an engine and an electric machine has been released. An updated torque estimation model is then used to control torque during subsequent engine operation to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Dennis Craig Reed, Mark Steven Yamazaki
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140123631
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen B. Smith, Michael James Uhrich, James Michael Kerns, Adam Nathan Banker
  • METHOD FOR PURGING CONDENSATE FROM A CHARGE AIR COOLER
    Publication number: 20140109568
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a pro-active condensate clean-out of a charge air cooler. In response to condensate in a charge air cooler and engine operating conditions, airflow is increased to the intake manifold, purging condensate from the cooler. Engine actuators may also be adjusted to maintain torque demand during the clean-out procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Adam Nathan Banker, Qiuping Qu
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING VEHICLE LAUNCH
    Publication number: 20140106927
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a clutch is operated while a vehicle is stopped and while a vehicle brake is applied to determine a clutch torque transfer function. The approach may improve vehicle launch after an engine stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, David Oshinsky, Dennis Craig Reed, Adam Nathan Banker
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A HYBRID POWERTRAIN
    Publication number: 20140100727
    Abstract: A method and a system for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, operation of a hybrid driveline is adjusted in response to driving conditions that may cause wheel slip or a stuck vehicle. The approach may reduce driveline wear and improve vehicle drivability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Seung-Hoon Lee, Adam Nathan Banker, James William Loch McCallum, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • NON-INTRUSIVE EXHAUST GAS SENSOR MONITORING BASED ON FUEL VAPOR PURGE OPERATON
    Publication number: 20140067235
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an exhaust gas sensor coupled in an engine exhaust in an engine is provided. The method includes adjusting engine operation responsive to exhaust gas sensor degradation, the degradation identified during deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO) and compensated based on whether vapor purge operation is occurring in the engine during DFSO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Michael James Ulrich, Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REGENERATING A PARTICULATE FILTER
    Publication number: 20140041362
    Abstract: An engine system and method for operating an engine that includes a particulate filter is described. In one example, spark delivery to one or more engine cylinders is ceased while fuel is continued to be injected to the one or more cylinders to improve particulate filter regeneration. The system and method may be particularly beneficial for direct injection turbocharged engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Adam Nathan Banker, William Charles Ruona, Henry W. Patterson
  • NOX CONTROL DURING CYLINDER DEACTIVATION
    Publication number: 20140039778
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Joseph Robert Theis, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Michael James Uhrich, Adam Nathan Banker, Stephen B. Smith
  • VARIABLE VALVE TIMING FOR EGR CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140026872
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting cylinder valve timings to enable a group of cylinders to operate and combust while another group of cylinders on a second are selectively deactivated. Valve timing may be adjusted to allow flow of air through the inactive cylinders to be reduced, lowering catalyst regeneration requirements upon reactivation. The valve timing may alternatively be adjusted to enable exhaust gas to be recirculated to the active cylinders via the inactive cylinders, providing cooled EGR benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Stephen B. Smith, Adam Nathan Banker, Michael James Uhrich
  • VARIABLE VALVE TIMING FOR CYLINDER DEACTIVATION
    Publication number: 20140032083
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting cylinder valve timings to enable a group of cylinders to operate and combust while another group of cylinders on a second are selectively deactivated. Valve timing may be adjusted to allow flow of air through the inactive cylinders to be reduced, lowering catalyst regeneration requirements upon reactivation. The valve timing may alternatively be adjusted to enable exhaust gas to be recirculated to the active cylinders via the inactive cylinders, providing cooled EGR benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Stephen B. Smith, Adam Nathan Banker, Michael James Uhrich
  • Methods and systems for variable displacement engine control
    Patent number: 8631646
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen B. Smith, Michael James Uhrich, James Michael Kerns, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Methods and systems for variable displacement engine control
    Patent number: 8607544
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Adam Nathan Banker, James Michael Kerns, Stephen B. Smith
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ENGINE STARTING DURING A SHIFT
    Publication number: 20130291830
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque demand of a driveline after a shift is forecast to determine if it is desirable to start the engine early so that engine torque is available after the shift. The approach may improve vehicle torque response.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Dennis Craig Reed, Gregory Michael Pietron, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Adam Nathan Banker
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN BRAKING MODES
    Publication number: 20130296130
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a method for transitioning between driveline braking and wheel brakes is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum, David Oshinsky
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXTENDING REGENERATIVE BRAKING
    Publication number: 20130296102
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an electrical load may be automatically activated to consume electrical energy produced during driveline braking so that driveline braking may be extended. The electrical load may be a windscreen heater or other device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, James William Loch McCallum, David Oshinsky
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR LAUNCHING A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20130297118
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, an engine is started and idled before engine torque is required so that driveline torque response may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONDITIONALLY ENTERING A DRIVELINE SAILING MODE
    Publication number: 20130296119
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, a driveline may selectively enter a sailing mode to provide quick driveline torque response with reduced impact on fuel economy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Craig Reed, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Adam Nathan Banker, Seung-Hoon Lee