Patents by Inventor Aed M. Dudar

Aed M. Dudar 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).

  • Powertrain fault management
    Patent number: 10464564
    Abstract: A computer is programmed to determine an occupancy status of a vehicle based on received sensor data; and adjust a parameter of a powertrain of the vehicle in response to data indicating a critical condition of the powertrain based on the occupancy status. The parameter may be one of engine speed, cylinder deactivation, transmission-shift time, and shift schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Thomas G. Leone, Aed M. Dudar
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A VEHICLE COLD-START EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS TEST DIAGNOSTIC
    Publication number: 20190331062
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test diagnostic on a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions control system during engine-on conditions. In one example, a first fuel vapor storage device is separated from a second fuel vapor storage device by a one-way check valve, thus preventing loading of the first fuel vapor storage device during conditions such as refueling operations, diurnal temperature fluctuations, or from running-loss vapors from a vehicle fuel tank. In this way, the evaporative emissions test diagnostic may be conducted during a cold-start event where an exhaust catalyst is below a predetermined threshold temperature required for catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons in the engine exhaust, without increasing undesired exhaust emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2019
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Mark W. Peters
  • Systems and methods for diagnosing components in a vehicle evaporative emissions system
    Patent number: 10451010
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting a canister purging operation and for rationalizing components of a vehicle evaporative emission system. In one example, after completion of a refueling event, a first fuel vapor canister purge operation is conducted to desorb hydrocarbon light ends from the fuel vapor canister, and subsequently the canister is heated to desorb hydrocarbon heavy ends from the canister, which are routed to a hydrocarbon sensor to rationalize the hydrocarbon sensor, before being purged to engine intake in a second purging operation. In this way, a fuel vapor storage canister may be thoroughly cleaned of hydrocarbon light ends and hydrocarbon heavy ends, while additionally indicating whether a canister heating element, and a hydrocarbon sensor positioned between the canister and atmosphere, are functioning as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Vehicle running board operation
    Patent number: 10444767
    Abstract: A first fuel economy value of a vehicle is determined upon extension of a running board. The running board is determined to be operational when the first fuel economy value is below an estimated vehicle fuel economy value by at least a first predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Systems and methods for diagnosing a vehicle engine intake manifold and exhaust system
    Patent number: 10436138
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for indicating a presence or absence of a source of degradation stemming from one of an intake manifold, exhaust system, or engine of an engine system. In one example, a method comprises rotating the engine unfueled and indicating the source of degradation based on both an intake air flow and an exhaust flow, as compared to baseline intake air flow and baseline exhaust flow. In this way, a source of degradation may be pinpointed, which may increase a lifetime of a vehicle engine system, reduce undesired emissions, and which may increase customer satisfaction resulting from shorter time spent on diagnosing such a source of degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Vehicle repositioning for evaporative emission reduction
    Patent number: 10436152
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an evaporative emission control system. A position of the vehicle is determined. A position of the sun relative to the vehicle is determined. Areas of shade within a predetermined range of the vehicle are identified. One of the areas of shade is selected as a target area. The vehicle is directed to the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Engine oil dilution control in a hybrid vehicle
    Patent number: 10427668
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine and a controller programmed to, responsive to an estimated oil dilution level of the engine exceeding a first threshold, issue commands such that regenerative braking is inhibited to increase a temperature of the engine, and responsive to the estimated oil dilution level falling below the first threshold, discontinue issuing the commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond Martin, Kenneth James Miller, Ted Haladyna, Aed M. Dudar, Robert David Hancasky
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PARTICULATE FILTER REGENERATION
    Publication number: 20190292959
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regenerating an exhaust particulate filter during an engine non-combusting condition. In one example, a method may include, responsive to a higher than first threshold soot load on the PF and a higher than threshold PF temperature, regenerating the PF by flowing compressed air through the PF via operation of an electric booster coupled to the intake manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REDUCING VEHICLE EMISSIONS
    Publication number: 20190293031
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for taking mitigating action where a canister purge valve configured to control an amount of fuel vapors inducted into the engine during purging operations of a fuel vapor storage canister, is indicated as being degraded. In one example, a method comprises controlling an amount of pressure directed to a fuel tank and the fuel vapor storage canister via a pump positioned downstream of the fuel tank and canister to actively route fuel vapors to the canister during a refueling event. In this way, fuel vapors may be prevented from being routed to engine intake under conditions of a degraded canister purge valve, which may reduce opportunity for vehicle stall, improve driveability, and which may reduce release of undesired evaporative emissions to atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Windshield barrier
    Patent number: 10421344
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a windshield, a barrier, a barrier actuator drivably coupled to the barrier, and a computer in communication with the barrier actuator. The barrier is movable between a retracted position exposing the windshield and an expanded position extending along a portion of the windshield. The computer is programmed to, upon determining that a risk of objects striking the windshield exceeds a threshold while the vehicle is traveling, instruct the barrier actuator to move the barrier from the retracted position to the expanded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, Swadad A. Carremm, Aed M. Dudar
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LIMITED EMISSIONS REFUELING
    Publication number: 20190277211
    Abstract: A method is presented, comprising, during a first condition, including an active refueling event, receiving an indication of hydrocarbon breakthrough from the fuel vapor canister; and restricting flow of fuel vapor through a fuel vapor canister vent pathway responsive to the indication of hydrocarbon breakthrough. Restricting the fuel vapor canister vent pathway will cause fuel tank pressure to increase, thus triggering an automatic shutoff of a refueling dispenser. In this way, the refueling event may be terminated without releasing significant quantities of hydrocarbons into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Fuel injector diagnostics in a variable displacement engine
    Patent number: 10408154
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing a degraded fuel injector delivering undesired additional fuel in a variable displacement engine. In one example, a method includes, responsive to an indication of a cylinder air-fuel imbalance, deactivating a subset of cylinders of a multi-cylinder engine, performing a power balance test to determine an output of each cylinder after a duration of deactivation, and indicating that a deactivated cylinder has a degraded fuel injector responsive to the output being lower than a threshold output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Monitoring of anti-sway bar chains of trailer hitch systems
    Patent number: 10406877
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for monitoring of anti-sway bar chains of trailer hitch systems. An example disclosed trailer hitch system includes a hitch including a hitch ball to receive a trailer, an anti-sway bar extending from the hitch, anti-sway chains to couple the anti-sway bar to the trailer, sensors, and a controller. The controller is to emit an alert responsive to detecting, via the sensors, that at least one of the anti-sway chains is decoupled from at least one of the anti-sway bar and the trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud Yousef Ghannam, David James Tippy, Aed M. Dudar
  • Systems and methods for evaporative emissions leak testing
    Patent number: 10406912
    Abstract: A method for a fuel system is provided, comprising adjusting a volume of a sealed fuel tank while maintaining spatial compartmentalization of bulk fuel within the sealed fuel tank, and indicating degradation of the sealed fuel tank based on a change in fuel tank pressure. In this way, the fuel tank may be tested for leaks without being unsealed, and without engaging the fuel pump or other elements of the fuel delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce
  • VEHICLE ON-BOARD MULTI-PHASE POWER GENERATION
    Publication number: 20190270387
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for vehicle on-board multiphase power generation. An example vehicle includes an engine and a generator electrically coupled to the engine. The example vehicle also includes a phase converter electrically coupled to an input connector and the generator and an output connector electrically coupled to the phase converter. The phase converter provides multi-phase power to the output connector using power from the generator and power from a secondary source connected to the input connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Thomas G. Leone, Kenneth James Miller
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INFERRING FUEL VAPOR CANISTER LOADING RATE
    Publication number: 20190271273
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for indicating a restriction in a fuel system vapor recovery line. Responsive to such an indication, methods and systems are provided for taking mitigating actions such that an entirety of a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions system, including a fuel filler system, may be diagnosed as to a presence or absence of undesired evaporative emissions, even with the restriction in the vapor recovery line present. In this way, undesired evaporative emissions may be reduced or avoided, completion rates for such tests may be increased, and customer satisfaction may be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Russell Randall Pearce, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
  • Powertrain fault management
    Patent number: 10401853
    Abstract: A computer is programmed to modify a first route for a vehicle to a second route in response to data indicating a critical condition of a powertrain of the vehicle, such as a temperature of the powertrain exceeding a temperature threshold. A predicted energy consumption by the powertrain is lower for the second route than for the first route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Thomas G. Leone, Aed M. Dudar
  • Camera and washer spray diagnostic
    Patent number: 10399106
    Abstract: A system including a computer programmed to actuate a spray device on a first vehicle and to receive an image, from a second vehicle, of the actuated spray device. The computer determines whether a spray device fault exists based at least on the image of the actuated spray device, and transmits the spray device fault via a first vehicle communications network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Aed M. Dudar
  • Systems and methods for a vehicle cold-start evaporative emissions test diagnostic
    Patent number: 10393071
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an evaporative emissions test diagnostic on a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions control system during engine-on conditions. In one example, a first fuel vapor storage device is separated from a second fuel vapor storage device by a one-way check valve, thus preventing loading of the first fuel vapor storage device during conditions such as refueling operations, diurnal temperature fluctuations, or from running-loss vapors from a vehicle fuel tank. In this way, the evaporative emissions test diagnostic may be conducted during a cold-start event where an exhaust catalyst is below a predetermined threshold temperature required for catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons in the engine exhaust, without increasing undesired exhaust emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Mark W. Peters
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS TO ENSURE GROUNDING BETWEEN VEHICLES DURING VEHICLE-TO-VEHICLE REFUELING OPERATIONS
    Publication number: 20190256343
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to ensure grounding between vehicles during a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation are described herein. An example vehicle described herein is to receive fuel from a refueling vehicle via a vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation. The example vehicle includes a fuel tank having a vent passageway, a valve coupled to the vent passageway, and a controller to close the valve if the vehicle and the refueling vehicle are not electrically coupled during the vehicle-to-vehicle refueling operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Heather L. Knechtges