Patents by Inventor Brad Alan Boyer
Brad Alan Boyer 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: 11585301Abstract: A dual turbocharger system for an engine is provided. In one example, the dual turbocharger system may include two variable geometry turbines (VGTs), with each turbine being of the same size and operating in parallel, and with each compressor of the turbocharger operating in series, the first compressor of the first turbocharger being larger than the second compressor of the second turbocharger.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Keith Plagens, Gregory McConville, Michael Shelby
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Patent number: 10907558Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, each of a first valve positioned in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage, the EGR passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of cylinder exhaust valves, and a second valve positioned in a flow passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the exhaust passage may be adjusted based on a measured pressure in the first exhaust manifold.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Julian Barnaby Corona, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
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Patent number: 10871104Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to an intake passage via a ported scavenge manifold. In one example, the ported scavenge manifold includes a first scavenge manifold coupled to a plurality of exhaust runners and a second scavenge manifold coupled to the plurality of exhaust runners via ports. The location of the ports on the exhaust runners combined with adjustments to a bypass valve coupled between the first scavenge manifold and an exhaust passage and an EGR valve coupled between the second scavenge manifold and the intake passage enables exhaust gas to be preferentially flowed to the exhaust passage and blowthrough air to be preferentially flowed to the intake passage under select operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2017Date of Patent: December 22, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
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Patent number: 10731573Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, an intake valve timing, exhaust valve timing of a first set of exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold, and a position of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve in an EGR passage may be adjusted in coordination with one another in response to a condition at a compressor. The EGR passage may be coupled between the intake passage, upstream of the compressor, and the first exhaust manifold.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer, James Leiby
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Publication number: 20200208581Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, each of a first valve positioned in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage, the EGR passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of cylinder exhaust valves, and a second valve positioned in a flow passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the exhaust passage may be adjusted based on a measured pressure in the first exhaust manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Julian Barnaby Corona, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
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Patent number: 10683817Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, each of a first valve positioned in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage, the EGR passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of cylinder exhaust valves, and a second valve positioned in a flow passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the exhaust passage may be adjusted based on a measured pressure in the first exhaust manifold.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Julian Barnaby Corona, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
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Patent number: 10641191Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling boost pressure and exhaust gas recirculation in a split exhaust system. In one example, a first portion of exhaust may be routed from a cylinder to an exhaust turbine via a first exhaust valve and a second, remaining portion of exhaust may be routed as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) via a second exhaust valve, the timing and lift of each of the first valve profile and the second valve profile adjusted based on boost error and EGR error. Further, motor torque from an electric motor may be supplied to the turbocharger to attain a desired boost pressure and a desired EGR flow.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Tao Zeng, Eric Warren Curtis, Satheesh Makkapati, Brad Alan Boyer, Joseph Norman Ulrey, David R. Hanna, Devesh Upadhyay
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Patent number: 10590875Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, a first set of exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold may be operated at a different timing than a second set of exhaust valves coupled to the second exhaust manifold. Further, a position of a first valve positioned in a first passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold and/or a timing of the first set of exhaust valves may be diagnosed based on an output of a pressure sensor positioned in the first exhaust manifold.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, Julian Barnaby Corona
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Patent number: 10557421Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, a flow of exhaust (e.g., exhaust gas recirculation) from engine cylinders to the intake passage, upstream of a compressor, via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage and the first exhaust manifold may be adjusted by adjusting a timing of a first set of cylinder exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold. Additionally, the first set of cylinder exhaust valves open at a different time than a second set of cylinder exhaust valves coupled to the exhaust passage.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2018Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, James Leiby
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Patent number: 10557425Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, in response to an electric motor driving an electric compressor positioned upstream of a turbocharger compressor disposed in the intake passage, a position of a valve in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold may be adjusted based on a pressure in the first exhaust manifold.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2018Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
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Patent number: 10550773Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, one or more valves of a set of first exhaust valves coupled to the second exhaust manifold may be deactivated in response to select engine operating conditions, while maintaining active all valves of a set of second exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold. The select engine operating conditions may include one or more of a deceleration fuel shut-off condition, a part throttle condition, and a cold start condition.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gregory Patrick McConville, Brad Alan Boyer
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Patent number: 10393041Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a second exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a first exhaust manifold. In one example, in response to an intake throttle being at least partially closed, intake air may be routed from the intake passage to the second exhaust manifold via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage where the intake air may be heated via an EGR cooler. The heated intake air may then be routed to an intake manifold, downstream of the intake throttle, via a flow passage coupled between the second exhaust manifold and the intake manifold.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
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Publication number: 20190234327Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, during a cold start, a method may include adjusting a position of a first valve disposed in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage based on an engine operating condition, the EGR passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of exhaust valves and the intake passage, upstream of a compressor. As one example, the engine operating condition may include an engine temperature or a temperature of a catalyst disposed in the exhaust passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2019Publication date: August 1, 2019Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Michael Howard Shelby, Kim Hwe Ku, Brad Alan Boyer
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Patent number: 10337425Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, exhaust from a first set of exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold may be selectively routed to the intake passage via each of a first EGR passage coupled to the intake passage upstream of a compressor driven by a turbine and a second EGR passage coupled downstream of an outlet of the compressor. A decision of whether to route exhaust gas to the intake passage via the first EGR passage, second EGR passage, or both passages may be based on engine operating conditions.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 2, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Corey Weaver
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Patent number: 10330001Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, in response to flowing the exhaust gas recirculation and blowthrough air from the first exhaust manifold to the intake passage via a first set of exhaust valves, a first set of swirl valves coupled upstream of a first set of intake valves may be adjusted to at least partially block intake air flow to the first set of intake valves. Each engine cylinder may include two intake valves including one of the first set of intake valves and two exhaust valves.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Leone, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer
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Patent number: 10316771Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, during a cold start, a method may include adjusting a position of a first valve disposed in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage based on an engine operating condition, the EGR passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of exhaust valves and the intake passage, upstream of a compressor. As one example, the engine operating condition may include an engine temperature or a temperature of a catalyst disposed in the exhaust passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Michael Howard Shelby, Kim Hwe Ku, Brad Alan Boyer
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Publication number: 20190120146Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, one or more valves of a set of first exhaust valves coupled to the second exhaust manifold may be deactivated in response to select engine operating conditions, while maintaining active all valves of a set of second exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold. The select engine operating conditions may include one or more of a deceleration fuel shut-off condition, a part throttle condition, and a cold start condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gregory Patrick McConville, Brad Alan Boyer
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Patent number: 10267222Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling transitions between engine operating modes in a four-cylinder engine. One method includes transitioning engine operation between two-cylinder, three-cylinder, and four-cylinder modes wherein the transitioning includes a sequence of firing events such that successive firing events are separated by at least 120 crank angle degree intervals.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gregory Patrick McConville, Brad Alan Boyer, James Douglas Ervin, Kim Hwe Ku
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Publication number: 20190063351Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling boost pressure and exhaust gas recirculation in a split exhaust system. In one example, a first portion of exhaust may be routed from a cylinder to an exhaust turbine via a first exhaust valve and a second, remaining portion of exhaust may be routed as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) via a second exhaust valve, the timing and lift of each of the first valve profile and the second valve profile adjusted based on boost error and EGR error. Further, motor torque from an electric motor may be supplied to the turbocharger to attain a desired boost pressure and a desired EGR flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2018Publication date: February 28, 2019Inventors: Tao Zeng, Eric Warren Curtis, Satheesh Makkapati, Brad Alan Boyer, Joseph Norman Ulrey, David R. Hanna, Devesh Upadhyay
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Publication number: 20190055891Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, a flow of exhaust (e.g., exhaust gas recirculation) from engine cylinders to the intake passage, upstream of a compressor, via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage and the first exhaust manifold may be adjusted by adjusting a timing of a first set of cylinder exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold. Additionally, the first set of cylinder exhaust valves open at a different time than a second set of cylinder exhaust valves coupled to the exhaust passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2018Publication date: February 21, 2019Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, James Leiby