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).

  • Publication number: 20040079332
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Allan Joseph Kotwicki
  • Publication number: 20040069273
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20040065303
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: John D. Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Freeman Carter Gates
  • Patent number: 6712041
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6705284
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6687600
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation systems 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: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Freeman Carter Gates
  • Patent number: 6651620
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6651623
    Abstract: A method and system for computing fuel-to-air ratio for a hydrogen-fueled engine is disclosed. The fuel-to-air ratio is determined based on a signal from an exhaust gas temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaoguo Tang, Siamak Hashemi, Allan Joseph Kotwicki
  • Patent number: 6640793
    Abstract: 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 increasing a flow of gases through the passage between the crankcase and the intake manifold when a temperature of the gases is below a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Michael Kabat, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Bryan Christopher Stoll, Furqan Zafar Shaikh, Rodney John Tabaczynski
  • Patent number: 6634328
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6626147
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki
  • Patent number: 6609058
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation systems 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John D. Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Freeman Carter Gates
  • Patent number: 6601395
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Allan Joseph Kotwicki, George Blaha, Gerhard A. Dage, John David Russell, Michael John Cullen
  • Publication number: 20030084872
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 6560523
    Abstract: A vehicle and engine control system controls engine torque to maintain positive torque at a transmission input to minimize the transmission gears from separating. By maintaining a positive engine torque, operation of the transmission in or through the zero torque, or lash, zone, is minimized. This minimizes poor vehicle driveability that would otherwise result from operation in the lash zone. The control systems uses closed loop control based on a desired and actual turbine speed ratio, or slip ratio, to provide positive torque to the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Joseph Kotwicki, John D. Russell
  • Patent number: 6553817
    Abstract: A monitor 10 is provided of the type which is deployed upon a vehicle 13 having an engine 17, an exhaust system 27 which includes a catalytic converter 12. Catalytic converter 12 is operatively and communicatively connected to inlet portion or pipe 14 and outlet portion or pipe 16. Monitor assembly 10 employs sensors 24-26 which are electrically and communicatively connected to controller 28 to operatively determine whether the catalytic converter 12 is operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Tech., Inc.
    Inventors: Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20030075127
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Publication number: 20030066512
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki, Brian D. Rutkowski
  • Publication number: 20030051708
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: John David Russell, Allan Joseph Kotwicki
  • Patent number: 6510746
    Abstract: A method for approximating compressible flow is described that is applicable across any pressure range of interest uses upstream and downstream pressure. The approximation minimizes variance with respect to a true flow equation. A flow control system is given using the new method that achieves accurate control with minimum complexities. The control system is application to various systems, including internal combustion engine airflow control, internal combustion engine exhaust gas recirculation control, internal combustion engine alternative fuel flow control, and many other compressible flow control problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Allan Joseph Kotwicki