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).

  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED DILUTION TOLERANCE
    Publication number: 20160252026
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Twin scroll turbocharger in a variable displacement engine
    Patent number: 9399969
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine with variable displacement engine (VDE) operation coupled to a twin scroll turbocharger. One method comprises directing exhaust from a first outer cylinder and a first inner cylinder of four cylinders to a first scroll of the twin scroll turbocharger, directing exhaust from a second outer cylinder and a second inner cylinder of the four cylinders to a second scroll of the twin scroll turbocharger, and during a first condition, firing all four cylinders with uneven firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Gregory Patrick McConville, Kim Hwe Ku, James Douglas Ervin
  • EXHAUST CONTROL VALVE BRANCH COMMUNICATION AND WASTEGATE
    Publication number: 20160208680
    Abstract: Methods and systems for adjusting a branch communication and wastegate valve in a dual scroll turbocharger system are provided. In one example, a method may include adjusting the branch communication and wastegate valve in a passage connecting a first scroll, a second scroll, and a wastegate passage may control an amount of exhaust flow to a turbine during certain engine operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Patrick McConville, Daniel Joseph Styles, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Method and system for binary flow turbine control
    Patent number: 9376972
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Julia Helen Buckland, Brad Alan Boyer
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BINARY FLOW TURBINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160169131
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Julia Helen Buckland, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Method and system for exhaust gas recirculation
    Patent number: 9366178
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a first turbocharger having a first compressor and a second turbocharger having a second compressor. An EGR differential between the first compressor and the second compressor may be increased under a condensation condition, and decreased under a surge condition. The EGR differential may also be decreased when a compressor outlet temperature exceeds an outlet temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Brad Alan Boyer, Satheesh Makkapati
  • Method and system for binary flow turbine control
    Patent number: 9341109
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Julia Helen Buckland, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Barbara Westrate, Stephen Lee Cooper, Keith Michael Plagens
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR KNOCK CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160131053
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Method and system for improved dilution tolerance
    Patent number: 9334826
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BINARY FLOW TURBINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160115885
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Amey Y. Karnik, Julia Helen Buckland, Brad Alan Boyer, Stephen Lee Cooper
  • METHOD FOR CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE
    Publication number: 20160102616
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Gregory Patrick McConville, Brad Alan Boyer, James Douglas Ervin, Kim Hwe Ku
  • METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VIBRATIONS DURING TRANSITIONS IN A VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE
    Publication number: 20160102620
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling vibrations during transitions between engine operating modes in a four-cylinder engine. One method includes timing a transition in engine operation between two-cylinder, three-cylinder, and four-cylinder modes with a sequence of firing events such that successive firing events are separated by at least 120 crank angle degree intervals. Vibrations resulting from transitions may be countered by adjusting active mounts, the active mounts being adjusted in synchronization with a valvetrain switching solenoid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: James Douglas Ervin, Brad Alan Boyer, Gregory Patrick McConville, Kim Hwe Ku
  • Method and system for binary flow turbine control
    Patent number: 9284898
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Julia Helen Buckland, Stephen Lee Cooper, Brad Alan Boyer, Amey Y. Karnik, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Method and system for knock control
    Patent number: 9284909
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Devices and methods for exhaust gas recirculation operation of an engine
    Patent number: 9279393
    Abstract: An engine is provided that includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) conduit in fluidic communication with a first exhaust valve in a cylinder and an intake system, an exhaust conduit in fluidic communication with a second exhaust valve in the cylinder and an emission control device. During operation with the first valve active and the second valve deactivated, a fixed EGR level can be provided. However, during operation with the first valve deactivated and the second valve active, increased engine output can be achieved with reduced EGR without requiring additional exhaust throttling or switching valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Eric Warren Curtis, Kim Hwe Ku, Gregory Patrick McConville, James Douglas Ervin, Daniel Joseph Styles, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Michael Howard Shelby
  • Method and system for binary flow turbine control
    Patent number: 9267450
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Allen Doering, Julia Helen Buckland, Brad Alan Boyer
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A MODIFIED CYLINDER FIRING INTERVAL IN A DEDICATED EGR ENGINE
    Publication number: 20160047341
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating exhaust valves of an engine to create more even exhaust pulses to a turbine. More specifically, the engine may include one or more dedicated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cylinders routing exhaust to an engine intake and one or more non-dedicated EGR cylinder routing exhaust to the turbine. In one example, a method may include operating a first set of exhaust valves of a group of non-dedicated EGR cylinders to have no exhaust valve opening overlap and operating an exhaust valve of a dedicated EGR cylinder so that opening of the second exhaust valve overlaps with opening of exhaust valves of two cylinders of the group of non-dedicated EGR cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Brad Alan Boyer, Gregory Patrick McConville
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EGR CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160040607
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for varying a location and rate of EGR delivered to an engine from a dedicated EGR cylinder. The dedicated EGR cylinder is configured with a plurality of exhaust valves controlled via a cam profile switching mechanism that allows the time and duration of opening of each exhaust valve to be varied. By selectively opening one exhaust valve at a time, exhaust from the dedicated EGR cylinder can be delivered to a pre-compressor location, a post-compressor location, or to the exhaust manifold, while bypassing all engine cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kim Hwe Ku, Daniel Joseph Styles, Brad Alan Boyer, Gregory Patrick McConville, Joseph Norman Ulrey, James Douglas Ervin
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGONAL BLOW-THROUGH EXHAUST GAS SCAVENGING
    Publication number: 20160032843
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine in a two-valve diagonal blow-through mode during which a majority of blow-through is directed via a first intake valve positioned diagonally across a first exhaust valve in order to increase a distance of flow path from the intake valve to the exhaust valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Brad Alan Boyer
  • VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160032846
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling engine operation. One method comprises during a first condition, operating the engine with a single cylinder deactivated and remaining cylinders activated with a first intake duration, and during a second condition, operating the engine with the single cylinder deactivated and the remaining cylinders activated with a second intake duration. The method further comprises during a third condition, operating the engine with all cylinders activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Gregory Patrick McConville, James Douglas Ervin, Kim Hwe Ku