Patents by Inventor Allan J. Kotwicki
Allan J. Kotwicki 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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Patent number: 10253706Abstract: Methods, devices, estimators, controllers and algorithms are described for estimating working chamber air charge during engine operations. The described approaches and devices are well suited for use in dynamic firing level modulation controlled engines. Manifold pressure is estimated for a time corresponding to an induction event associated with a selected working cycle. The manifold pressure estimate accounts for impacts from one or more intervening potential induction events that will occur between the time that the manifold pressure is estimated and the time that the induction event associated with the selected working cycle occurs. The estimated manifold pressure is used in the estimation of the air charge for the selected working cycle. The described approach may be used to individually calculate the air charge for each induction event at any time that the engine is operating in a mode that can benefit from the individual cylinder air charge estimations.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Allan J. Kotwicki, Joel D. Van Ess, Mark A. Wilcutts
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Publication number: 20180156692Abstract: A variety of methods, diagnostic modules and other arrangements for detecting air induction faults during operation of an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored with the intake pressure being read for each induction opportunity. Induction faults may be detected based at least in part on a comparison of the manifold pressure readings for sequential induction opportunities. In some embodiments, an induction fault is identified when the difference between the manifold pressure associated with an induction opportunity and the immediately preceding induction opportunity exceeds an induction fault threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2018Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Shikui Kevin CHEN, Allan J. KOTWICKI, Joel D. VAN ESS, Robert S. BAILEY, Mohammad R. PIRJABERI
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Patent number: 9945313Abstract: In one aspect, an engine controller for an engine including multiple working chambers is described. The engine controller includes a mass air charge determining unit that estimates a mass air charge or amount of air to be delivered to a working chamber. Firing decisions made for a firing window of one or more firing opportunities are used to help determine the mass air charge. The engine controller also includes a firing controller, which is arranged to direct firings to deliver a desired output. Fuel is delivered to a working chamber based on the estimated mass air charge.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Allan J. Kotwicki, Joel D. Van Ess
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Patent number: 9891137Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting failure of the commanded air induction in an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored. An air induction event generates a fluctuation in the intake manifold pressure, which is recorded. The signal is processed through a diagnostic filter to help determine whether the actual induction matched the commanded induction. In other embodiments, measured crankshaft acceleration is compared with estimated crankshaft acceleration. If the two quantities differ by a threshold amount an induction fault is detected. The two detection methods may also be combined. The describe approaches are particularly well suited for use in engines operating in a skip fire mode with cylinder deactivation and/or a dynamic firing level modulation mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2017Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shikui Kevin Chen, Allan J. Kotwicki, Joel D. Van Ess, Robert S. Bailey, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi
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Publication number: 20170370310Abstract: Methods, devices, estimators, controllers and algorithms are described for estimating working chamber air charge during engine operations. The described approaches and devices are well suited for use in dynamic firing level modulation controlled engines. Manifold pressure is estimated for a time corresponding to an induction event associated with a selected working cycle. The manifold pressure estimate accounts for impacts from one or more intervening potential induction events that will occur between the time that the manifold pressure is estimated and the time that the induction event associated with the selected working cycle occurs. The estimated manifold pressure is used in the estimation of the air charge for the selected working cycle. The described approach may be used to individually calculate the air charge for each induction event at any time that the engine is operating in a mode that can benefit from the individual cylinder air charge estimations.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Allan J. KOTWICKI, Joel D. VAN ESS, Mark A. WILCUTTS
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Patent number: 9835522Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting failure of the commanded air induction in an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored. An air induction event generates a fluctuation in the intake manifold pressure, which is recorded. The signal is processed through a diagnostic filter to help determine whether the actual induction matched the commanded induction. In other embodiments, measured crankshaft acceleration is compared with estimated crankshaft acceleration. If the two quantities differ by a threshold amount an induction fault is detected. The two detection methods may also be combined. The describe approaches are particularly well suited for use in engines operating in a skip fire mode with cylinder deactivation and/or a dynamic firing level modulation mode.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Tula Technology, Inc.Inventors: Shikui Kevin Chen, Allan J. Kotwicki, Joel D. Van Ess, Robert S. Bailey, Mohammad R. Pirjaberi
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Publication number: 20170299466Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting failure of the commanded air induction in an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored. An air induction event generates a fluctuation in the intake manifold pressure, which is recorded. The signal is processed through a diagnostic filter to help determine whether the actual induction matched the commanded induction. In other embodiments, measured crankshaft acceleration is compared with estimated crankshaft acceleration. If the two quantities differ by a threshold amount an induction fault is detected. The two detection methods may also be combined. The describe approaches are particularly well suited for use in engines operating in a skip fire mode with cylinder deactivation and/or a dynamic firing level modulation mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Shikui Kevin CHEN, Allan J. KOTWICKI, Joel D. VAN ESS, Robert S. BAILEY, Mohammad R. PIRJABERI
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Publication number: 20160116371Abstract: A variety of methods and arrangements for detecting failure of the commanded air induction in an internal combustion engine are described. In some embodiments, the intake manifold pressure is monitored. An air induction event generates a fluctuation in the intake manifold pressure, which is recorded. The signal is processed through a diagnostic filter to help determine whether the actual induction matched the commanded induction. In other embodiments, measured crankshaft acceleration is compared with estimated crankshaft acceleration. If the two quantities differ by a threshold amount an induction fault is detected. The two detection methods may also be combined. The describe approaches are particularly well suited for use in engines operating in a skip fire mode with cylinder deactivation and/or a dynamic firing level modulation mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Shikui Kevin CHEN, Allan J. KOTWICKI, Joel D. VAN ESS, Robert S. BAILEY, Mohammad R. PIRJABERI
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Publication number: 20140251282Abstract: In one aspect, an engine controller for an engine including multiple working chambers is described. The engine controller includes a mass air charge determining unit that estimates a mass air charge or amount of air to be delivered to a working chamber. Firing decisions made for a firing window of one or more firing opportunities are used to help determine the mass air charge. The engine controller also includes a firing controller, which is arranged to direct firings to deliver a desired output. Fuel is delivered to a working chamber based on the estimated mass air charge.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2013Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: TULA TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Allan J. KOTWICKI, Joel D. VAN ESS
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Patent number: 8671909Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine via an outlet control device of an intake manifold, such as via variable valve lift operation. The engine may further include an inlet control device, such as an electronic throttle, as well as coordination between the inlet and outlet control devices for controlling airflow in the engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2013Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 8495874Abstract: A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle comprises delivering compressed fresh air and EGR to the engine via first and second throttle valves coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. During a higher engine-load condition, an EGR exhaust flow is cooled in a heat exchanger and the cooled EGR exhaust flow is admitting to the intake manifold. During a lower engine-load condition, fresh air is warmed in the heat exchanger, and the warmed fresh air is admitted to the intake manifold.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2011Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Allan J. Lippa, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Allan J. Kotwicki
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Publication number: 20130152897Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine via an outlet control device of an intake manifold, such as via variable valve lift operation. The engine may further include an inlet control device, such as an electronic throttle, as well as coordination between the inlet and outlet control devices for controlling airflow in the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 8371264Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine via an outlet control device of an intake manifold, such as via variable valve lift operation. The engine may further include an inlet control device, such as an electronic throttle, as well as coordination between the inlet and outlet control devices for controlling airflow in the engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Publication number: 20120317977Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine having an intake manifold and an outlet control device coupled to the manifold for controlling flow exiting the manifold and entering at least one cylinder of the engine. The engine further includes an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold. The method includes providing an engine command; calculating a desired cylinder charge based on said command; and adjusting the outlet control device to provide said desired cylinder charge. The engine command may be, for example, a driver command, such as a driver torque command. Further, the outlet control device may be implement in with a variety of mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment the outlet control device is a valve of the engine having a variable lift. In one embodiment the outlet device is a valve having variable timing. Likewise, the inlet device may be adjusted in response to a variety of parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 8251044Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine via an outlet control device of an intake manifold, such as via variable valve lift operation. The engine may further include an inlet control device, such as an electronic throttle, as well as coordination between the inlet and outlet control devices for controlling airflow in the engine.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Publication number: 20120060498Abstract: A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle comprises delivering compressed fresh air and EGR to the engine via first and second throttle valves coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. During a higher engine-load condition, an EGR exhaust flow is cooled in a heat exchanger and the cooled EGR exhaust flow is admitting to the intake manifold. During a lower engine-load condition, fresh air is warmed in the heat exchanger, and the warmed fresh air is admitted to the intake manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Allan J. Lippa, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Allan J. Kotwicki
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Patent number: 8056339Abstract: A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle comprises delivering compressed fresh air and EGR to the engine via first and second throttle valves coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. During a higher engine-load condition, an EGR exhaust flow is cooled in a heat exchanger and the cooled EGR exhaust flow is admitting to the intake manifold. During a lower engine-load condition, fresh air is warmed in the heat exchanger, and the warmed fresh air is admitted to the intake manifold.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Allan J. Lippa, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Allan J. Kotwicki
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Publication number: 20110132334Abstract: A method for providing intake air to an engine in a vehicle comprises delivering compressed fresh air and EGR to the engine via first and second throttle valves coupled to an intake manifold of the engine. During a higher engine-load condition, an EGR exhaust flow is cooled in a heat exchanger and the cooled EGR exhaust flow is admitting to the intake manifold. During a lower engine-load condition, fresh air is warmed in the heat exchanger, and the warmed fresh air is admitted to the intake manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Allan J. Lippa, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Allan J. Kotwicki
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Publication number: 20100204906Abstract: A method is provided for controlling an engine via an outlet control device of an intake manifold, such as via variable valve lift operation. The engine may further include an inlet control device, such as an electronic throttle, as well as coordination between the inlet and outlet control devices for controlling airflow in the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 7703439Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having an intake manifold and an outlet control device coupled to the manifold for controlling flow exiting the manifold and entering at least one cylinder of the engine, the engine further having an inlet control device for controlling flow entering the manifold, the method comprising determining a driver torque command; calculating a desired cylinder charge based on said driver torque command; adjusting the outlet control device to provide said desired cylinder charge; and adjusting the inlet control device based on intake manifold pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John D. Russell, Allan J. Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski