Patents by Inventor Allan Joseph Kotwicki
Allan Joseph 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: 7869933Abstract: A method of operation for an engine including an electrically actuated engine valve in a cylinder head, with at least an actuator coupled to the valve, the method including applying a potential to generate a current indicative of temperature in the actuator at least partially during a substantially non-moving condition of the actuator and adjusting a timing of the application of the potential based on valve location in the cylinder head.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Yan Wang, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Vladimir V. Kokotovic, Allan Roy Gale, Philip Thomas Koneda, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Marvin Paul Kraska
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Publication number: 20090241872Abstract: A method of operation for an engine including an electrically actuated engine valve in a cylinder head, with at least an actuator coupled to the valve, the method including applying a potential to generate a current indicative of temperature in the actuator at least partially during a substantially non-moving condition of the actuator and adjusting a timing of the application of the potential based on valve location in the cylinder head.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Yan Wang, Alex O'Connor Gibson, Vladimir V. Kokotovic, Allan Roy Gale, Philip Thomas Koneda, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Marvin Paul Kraska
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Patent number: 7424882Abstract: A method for controlling an engine airflow, the engine having at least one cylinder, the engine also having an intake manifold and an outlet control device for controlling flow from the intake manifold into the cylinder, comprising of generating a desired engine torque, generating a desired cylinder air charge amount based on said desired engine torque and changing the outlet control device to provide said desired cylinder air charge amount and thereby provide said desired engine torque.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 7311083Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 7228827Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki
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Patent number: 7210455Abstract: A system is described using a fuel quality sensor for controlling various aspects of engine operation. In particular, an acoustic wave sensor is utilized to measure viscosity and density of gasoline fuels. This measurement is utilized to predict engine combustion quality during an engine start. Based on the prediction, the method adjusts engine operating parameters (such as fuel injection amount and ignition timing) to achieve improved vehicle driveability and engine combustion.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jacobus Hendrik Visser, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Allan J. Lippa, Carina Eva Irene Bjornsson, Carol S. Smith, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, John D. Russell, Michael John Cullen, Michael Howard Parsons, Philip William Husak
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Patent number: 7152579Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 7017360Abstract: A method for controlling cycling of an air conditioning compressor coupled to an internal combustion engine interrupts normal cycling based on operation conditions. In addition, normal engaged and disengaged cycling durations are adaptively estimated in real-time. The method of the present invention achieves improved fuel economy and improved drive feel. As an example, improved fuel economy is achieved by engaging the compressor during braking or when the engine is being driven by the vehicle. As another example, improved drive feel is achieved by engaging the compressor during transient conditions when drive feel is unaffected.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Allan Joseph Kotwicki, George Blaha, Gerhard A. Dage, John David Russell, Michael John Cullen
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Patent number: 7000588Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2004Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 6978764Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having at least one cylinder is provided. The engine includes an intake manifold and an outlet control device for controlling flow from the intake manifold into the cylinder. The method includes generating an operator command. The method further includes controlling flow into the cylinder by changing the outlet control device to control flow into the cylinder based on the operator command.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki
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Patent number: 6944530Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation system directs exhaust gasses from an exhaust manifold to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The exhaust gasses travel from the exhaust manifold, first passing through a flow control valve and then through a measuring orifice before entering the intake manifold. Pressure upstream of the orifice is used, along with correction pressure downstream of the orifice, to measure and control exhaust gas flow. Further, manifold pressure is determined from downstream pressure and the used along with the measured exhaust gas flow to calculated a cylinder air charge amount.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John D. Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Freeman Carter Gates
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Patent number: 6935311Abstract: A system is described using a fuel quality sensor for controlling various aspects of engine operation. In particular, an acoustic wave sensor is utilized to measure viscosity and density of gasoline fuels. This measurement is utilized to predict engine combustion quality during an engine start. Based on the prediction, the method adjusts engine operating parameters (such as fuel injection amount and ignition timing) to achieve improved vehicle driveability and engine combustion.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jacobus Hendrik Visser, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Allan J. Lippa, Carina Eva Irene Bjornsson, Carol S. Smith, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, John D. Russell, Michael Howard Parsons, Philip William Husak
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Patent number: 6845753Abstract: A system and method for controlling ignition timing of an engine is provided. The method includes determining a change in a combustion temperature rise within an engine based on a change in at least one engine operating parameter. The method further includes adjusting the ignition timing of the engine based on the change of combustion temperature rise.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Allan Joseph Kotwicki
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Publication number: 20040216473Abstract: A method for controlling cycling of an air conditioning compressor coupled to an internal combustion engine interrupts normal cycling based on operation conditions. In addition, normal engaged and disengaged cycling durations are adaptively estimated in real-time. The method of the present invention achieves improved fuel economy and improved drive feel. As an example, improved fuel economy is achieved by engaging the compressor during braking or when the engine is being driven by the vehicle. As another example, improved drive feel is achieved by engaging the compressor during transient conditions when drive feel is unaffected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Allan Joseph Kotwicki, George Blaha, Gerhard A. Dage, John David Russell, Michael John Cullen
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Patent number: 6807958Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling flow of gases through a passage between an engine crankcase and an engine intake manifold is provided. The method includes decreasing a flow of gases through the passage between the crankcase and the intake manifold when a temperature of the gases is greater than a predetermined temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Michael Kabat, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Bryan Christopher Stoll, Furqan Zafar Shaikh, Rodney John Tabaczynski
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Publication number: 20040182376Abstract: A method for controlling an engine having both an electronically controlled inlet device, such as an electronic throttle unite, and an electronically controlled outlet device, such as a variable cam timing system is disclosed. The method of the present invention achieves cylinder air charge control that is faster than possible by using an inlet device alone. In other words, the method of the present invention controls cylinder air charge faster than manifold dynamics by coordination of the inlet and outlet device. This improved control is used to improve various engine control functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
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Patent number: 6755032Abstract: A method for controlling cycling of an air conditioning compressor coupled to an internal combustion engine interrupts normal cycling based on operation conditions. In addition, normal engaged and disengaged cycling durations are adaptively estimated in real-time. The method of the present invention achieves improved fuel economy and improved drive feel. As an example, improved fuel economy is achieved by engaging the compressor during braking or when the engine is being driven by the vehicle. As another example, improved drive feel is achieved by engaging the compressor during transient conditions when drive feel is unaffected.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Allan Joseph Kotwicki, George Blaha, Gerhard A. Dage, John David Russell, Michael John Cullen
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Patent number: 6754573Abstract: An engine control system controls engine torque to transition through the transmission lash zone. The transmission lash zone is determined using speed ratio across the torque converter. When near the transmission lash zone, engine torque is adjusted at a predetermined rate until the system passes through the transmission lash zone. By limiting the change of torque in this way, driveability is improved and it is possible to quickly and reliably provide negative engine torque for braking.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki
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Publication number: 20040101031Abstract: A temperature sensor comprises a temperature sensing element (10) having a coating (30) thereon with a high thermal diffusivity thereon to improve response time of the sensor to changes in temperature. The coating can include a plastic resin matrix containing thermally conductive particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Allan Joseph Kotwicki
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Publication number: 20040089264Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling flow of gases through a passage between an engine crankcase and an engine intake manifold is provided. The method includes decreasing a flow of gases through the passage between the crankcase and the intake manifold when a temperature of the gases is greater than a predetermined temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Michael Kabat, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Bryan Christopher Stoll, Furgan Zafar Shaikh, Rodney John Tabaczynski