Patents by Inventor Daniel Joseph Styles

Daniel Joseph Styles 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 EXHAUST GAS HEAT RECOVERY
    Publication number: 20170218865
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for exhaust gas heat recovery at a split exhaust gas heat exchanger. Exhaust gas may flow in both directions through an exhaust bypass passage and the heat exchanger coupled to the bypass passage. Warm or cold EGR may be delivered from the exhaust passage to the engine intake manifold and heat from the exhaust gas may be recovered at the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Michael James Uhrich
  • Low-pressure EGR control during compressor bypass valve operation
    Patent number: 9708974
    Abstract: A turbocharged engine system including a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and an intake oxygen sensor is described, along with methods for its operation. The system includes a compressor bypass valve arranged in a passage bypassing a turbocharger compressor, and an EGR valve arranged in an EGR system which may be adjusted to adjust an amount of exhaust gas recirculated to the engine intake. In one example method, over-dilution of an engine intake charge may be reduced by reducing EGR upon opening of the compressor bypass valve, and then increasing the EGR only after measurements from an intake oxygen sensor indicate that intake air dilution has decreased below a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Alfred Hilditch, Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Method and system for exhaust gas heat recovery
    Patent number: 9689295
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for exhaust gas heat recovery at an exhaust gas heat exchanger. Exhaust gas may flow in both directions through an exhaust bypass passage and the heat exchanger coupled to the bypass passage. Hot or cold EGR may be delivered from the exhaust passage to the engine intake manifold and heat from the exhaust gas may be recovered at the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Method and system for control of an EGR valve during lean operation in a boosted engine system
    Patent number: 9683500
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing EGR estimation errors during lean engine operating conditions. During lean engine operation, EGR is disabled if the estimated exhaust air-fuel ratio becomes leaner than a lean threshold. The lean threshold is adjusted based on an upper limit of EGR errors that may be tolerated by the engine at a given engine speed and load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, James Alfred Hilditch, Timothy Joseph Clark, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Julia Helen Buckland, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Systems and methods for transient control
    Patent number: 9677510
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing torque transients experienced when a dedicated EGR cylinder is transitioned in to or out of dedicated EGR mode. During a transition, each of an intake throttle and a wastegate is adjusted in opposing directions. Throttle and wastegate adjustments are coordinated with adjustments to spark timing and intake cam timing to provide sufficient torque reserve for the transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Chris Paul Glugla, Thomas G. Leone, Gregory Patrick McConville, James Alfred Hilditch
  • Branch communication valve for a twin scroll turbocharger
    Patent number: 9677460
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Jack Adams, Keith Michael Plagens, Neal James Corey, David Born, Xiaogang Zhang
  • Condensation control in a charge air cooler by controlling charge air cooler temperature
    Patent number: 9664104
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and reducing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to charge air cooler outlet temperature, electric fan operation and grille shutter opening is adjusted. Electric fan operation and grille shutter opening may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Garlan J. Huberts, Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, David Karl Bidner
  • System and methods for operating an exhaust gas recirculation valve based on a temperature difference of the valve
    Patent number: 9664129
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining changes in a flow area of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for EGR flow estimates due to a change in temperature difference between a stem and body of the EGR valve. In one example, a method includes adjusting an EGR valve based on an estimate of EGR flow, the EGR flow estimated based on a pressure difference across the EGR valve and an adjusted valve flow area. The adjusted valve flow area may be based on the temperature difference between the stem and body of the EGR valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Alfred Hilditch, Imtiaz Ali, Yan Wang, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • Methods and systems for airflow control
    Patent number: 9650973
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for airflow control in an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator including a turbine and a turbine generator. In one example, a method may include adjusting an angle of a throttle positioned in an engine inlet passage based on a desired airflow by taking into account the effects on the throttle angle due to rotation motion of the turbine, thereby accurately controlling airflow to the engine system. The method may further include predicting an airflow to the engine system based on the position of the throttle, thereby accurately monitoring torque of the engine system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John Erik Mikael Hellstrom, Karen Elizabeth Maceroni, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Engine control coordination with grille shutter adjustment and ambient conditions
    Patent number: 9650942
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to an engine controller determining a condensate forming location within a charge air cooler, a grille shutter system is adjusted, moving the condensate region to a different location in the charge air cooler. Grille shutter orientation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions and condensate-forming weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, Kristofor Robert Norman, Chris Paul Glugla, Craig Alan Smith, Joseph Patrick Whitehead
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AIRFLOW CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170122228
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for airflow control in an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator including a turbine and a turbine generator. In one example, a method may include adjusting an angle of a throttle positioned in an engine inlet passage based on a desired airflow by taking into account the effects on the throttle angle due to rotation motion of the turbine, thereby accurately controlling airflow to the engine system. The method may further include predicting an airflow to the engine system based on the position of the throttle, thereby accurately monitoring torque of the engine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 4, 2017
    Inventors: John Erik Mikael Hellstrom, Karen Elizabeth Maceroni, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • METHOD FOR UTILIZING CONDENSATE TO IMPROVE ENGINE EFFICIENCY
    Publication number: 20170114738
    Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a vehicle engine to improve engine efficiency utilizing onboard water condensate. In one example, condensate is collected from cooling air routed into an engine, and injected into one of a plurality of locations based on engine operating conditions to keep NOx in combustion gases below desired amounts and to avoid ignition knock in said engine. In this way, condensate build-up in the CAC is advantageously utilized, engine performance and efficiency may be improved, and harmful emissions may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: John Hoard, Amin Reihani, Maneet Raj Singh, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Systems and methods for control of turbine-generator via exhaust valve timing and duration modulation in a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 9624850
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing exhaust energy delivered to a turbine of a turbine-generator coupled to a split exhaust engine system in order to reduce turbine over-speed conditions and/or to reduce a generator output. In one example, a method may include retarding a first timing of a first exhaust valve utilized to deliver a blowdown portion of exhaust energy to the turbine, and/or advancing a second timing of a second exhaust valve utilized to deliver a scavenging portion of exhaust energy to an exhaust catalyst in response to a turbine speed greater than a threshold speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Thomas G. Leone, Daniel Joseph Styles, Karen Elizabeth Maceroni
  • Method and system for charge air cooler condensate control
    Patent number: 9617909
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling a condensate level in a charge air cooler. In one example, a method may include adjusting an air flow to a membrane in response to a condensate level in the charge air cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignees: Ford Global Technologies, LLC, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, John Hoard
  • Boosted engine charge air cooler condensation reduction device
    Patent number: 9605587
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing auxiliary heat to a charge air cooler to reduce condensate formation. A coolant valve may control the delivery of heated engine coolant to the inlet side of the charge air cooler. The coolant valve may be adjusted based on condensate formation in the charge air cooler and a temperature at the charge air cooler outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Joseph Styles
  • Systems and methods for dedicated EGR cylinder valve control
    Patent number: 9599046
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving combustion in a highly exhaust gas diluted engine are disclosed. The methods and systems may be provided in an engine that includes independent control of cylinder valves with respect to other cylinder valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Michael Howard Shelby, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Alfred Hilditch, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Asymmetric exhaust gas recirculation system
    Patent number: 9587596
    Abstract: Systems and methods for a twin turbocharged engine with a single exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system are disclosed. In one example approach a system is provided comprising a first turbocharger in a first intake passage with a low-pressure EGR system fluidically coupling exhaust exiting the first turbocharger to intake air entering the first turbocharger, and a second turbocharger in a second intake passage without a low-pressure EGR system fluidically coupling exhaust exiting the second turbocharger to intake air entering the second turbocharger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, James Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLOWING A MIXTURE OF COOLANTS TO A CHARGE AIR COOLER
    Publication number: 20170009642
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for flowing a first coolant and a second coolant to a charge air cooler. In one example, a method may include flowing only a first coolant, flowing only a second coolant, or flowing a mixture of the first and the second coolants to the charge air cooler based on engine operating conditions. Further, the method may include adjusting additional engine operating parameters based on a ratio of the first coolant to second coolant flowing to the charge air cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Kurtz, Paul Joseph Tennison, Daniel Joseph Styles, Curtis Michael Bauer
  • Throttle bypass turbine with exhaust gas recirculation
    Patent number: 9541017
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for controlling the temperature of outlet gasses from a throttle bypass turbine. In one embodiment, a method of operating a throttle bypass turbine comprises controlling a temperature of outlet gas flowing out of the turbine by routing the outlet gas through an exhaust gas recirculation heat exchanger positioned in an exhaust gas recirculation passage, the turbine coupled to an intake passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Joseph Styles, Karen Elizabeth Maceroni
  • Systems and methods for EGR control
    Patent number: 9534542
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kim Hwe Ku, Daniel Joseph Styles, Brad Alan Boyer, Gregory Patrick McConville, Joseph Norman Ulrey, James Douglas Ervin