Patents by Inventor Daniel Lawrence Meyer
Daniel Lawrence Meyer 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: 8397695Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
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Publication number: 20120150415Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
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Patent number: 8176893Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include controlling at least one actuator to alter combustion within a selected cylinder such that the combustion burn rate determined by ion sense current signals associated with the at least two spark plugs of the selected cylinder approaches a desired combustion burn rate. A desired combustion burn rate is determined based on current engine/vehicle operating and ambient conditions with ion sense signals from each spark plug analyzed to determine combustion timing relative to corresponding ignition timing. Ignition timing and/or other actuators are controlled in response to provide a desired combustion burn rate.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Phil William Husak, Kelvin Lee Dobbins, Michael Damian Czekala
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Patent number: 8132556Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
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Patent number: 8060293Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include adjusting fuel delivered to a cylinder during a transient event by an amount indexed by number of combustion events after detecting the transient event. A base fueling parameter may be adjusted by an adaptive correction value indexed by combustion events after the transient event is detected, with the adaptive value determined using air/fuel ratio difference of previous combustion events during similar transient operating conditions associated with the same combustion event index number. Ionization sensor signal characteristics may be used to determine actual air/fuel ratios used to determine the air/fuel ratio difference and corresponding adaptive correction values. The adaptive values may be modified in response to a vehicle refueling event based on an amount of added fuel relative to existing fuel in the vehicle fuel tank.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Christopher Paul Glugla, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Davorin D. Hrovat
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Patent number: 7966992Abstract: A system and method for operating a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one actuator for controlling charge dilution of at least one cylinder and at least one spark plug per cylinder include attempting to improve combustion quality by modifying ignition energy of the at least one spark plug before modifying charge dilution of the cylinder, and modifying both ignition energy and charge dilution substantially simultaneously to establish combustion if an ionization sense signal associated with the cylinder indicates a misfire.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Damian Czekala, Garlan J Huberts, Daniel Lawrence Meyer
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Publication number: 20100318279Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an internal combustion engine include adjusting fuel delivered to a cylinder during a transient event by an amount indexed by number of combustion events after detecting the transient event. A base fueling parameter may be adjusted by an adaptive correction value indexed by combustion events after the transient event is detected, with the adaptive value determined using air/fuel ratio difference of previous combustion events during similar transient operating conditions associated with the same combustion event index number. Ionization sensor signal characteristics may be used to determine actual air/fuel ratios used to determine the air/fuel ratio difference and corresponding adaptive correction values. The adaptive values may be modified in response to a vehicle refueling event based on an amount of added fuel relative to existing fuel in the vehicle fuel tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Christopher Paul Glugla, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Davorin D. Hrovat
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Publication number: 20100206267Abstract: A system and method for operating a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least one actuator for controlling charge dilution of at least one cylinder and at least one spark plug per cylinder include attempting to improve combustion quality by modifying ignition energy of the at least one spark plug before modifying charge dilution of the cylinder, and modifying both ignition energy and charge dilution substantially simultaneously to establish combustion if an ionization sense signal associated with the cylinder indicates a misfire.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Damian Czekala, Garlan J. Huberts, Daniel Lawrence Meyer
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Patent number: 7677230Abstract: A system and method for operating a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include selectively isolating all but one spark plug associated with the cylinder at least during an ionization current sensing period to reduce or eliminate interference among ionization current signals flowing through more than one spark plug.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Damian Czekala, Michelle M. Hutchison, Ben Allen Strayer
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Publication number: 20100057327Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include controlling at least one actuator to alter combustion within a selected cylinder such that the combustion burn rate determined by ion sense current signals associated with the at least two spark plugs of the selected cylinder approaches a desired combustion burn rate. A desired combustion burn rate is determined based on current engine/vehicle operating and ambient conditions with ion sense signals from each spark plug analyzed to determine combustion timing relative to corresponding ignition timing. Ignition timing and/or other actuators are controlled in response to provide a desired combustion burn rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Phil William Husak, Kelvin Lee Dobbins, Michael Damian Czekala
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Publication number: 20100057324Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
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Publication number: 20090107457Abstract: A system and method for operating a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine having at least two spark plugs per cylinder include selectively isolating all but one spark plug associated with the cylinder at least during an ionization current sensing period to reduce or eliminate interference among ionization current signals flowing through more than one spark plug.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Chris Paul Glugla, Michael Damian Czekala, Michelle M. Hutchison, Ben Allen Strayer
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Publication number: 20090107441Abstract: As one example, a method is provided for controlling a relative amount of air and fuel that is provided to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The method comprises adjusting a relative amount of air and fuel provided to the combustion chamber during an engine start based on a volatility of the fuel identified during a previous engine start. As another example, a vehicle engine system is provided, comprising: an internal combustion engine including at least one combustion chamber; a fuel injector configured to provide fuel to the combustion chamber; a fuel system operatively coupled with the fuel injector including a fuel storage tank; a control system configured to vary an amount of fuel injected into the combustion chamber during an engine start based on a speed response of the engine during a previous engine run-up from rest and a change in an amount of fuel stored in the fuel storage tank before the engine start.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Philip William Husak, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Venkateswaran Nallaperumal, Mike Ryan Scannell
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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: 7069720Abstract: A method to deliver fuel during a start for an internal combustion engine is described. The method provides individual cylinder fuel control based on the number of fueled cylinder events. The method offers improved engine emissions while maintaining engine run-up performance.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Techologies, LLCInventors: Ben Allen Strayer, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Frank Gonzales, Jr., Garth Michael Meyer, Michael Smokovitz, Donald James Lewis
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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: 6931840Abstract: A method to deliver fuel during a start for an internal combustion engine is described. The method provides individual cylinder fuel control based on the number of fueled cylinder events. The method offers improved engine emissions while maintaining engine run-up performance.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ben Allen Strayer, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Frank Gonzales, Jr., Garth Michael Meyer, Michael Smokovitz, Donald James Lewis
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Publication number: 20040163629Abstract: A method to deliver fuel during a start for an internal combustion engine is described. The method provides individual cylinder fuel control based on the number of fueled cylinder events. The method offers improved engine emissions while maintaining engine run-up performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2003Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventors: Ben Allen Strayer, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Frank Gonzales, Garth Michael Meyer, Michael Smokovitz, Donald James Lewis
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Publication number: 20040069273Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 6460513Abstract: A system (12) and method for controlling the injection of fuel into a cylinder (14) of an internal combustion engine (10) are provided. The system (12) includes a fuel injector (22), a temperature sensor (48), and an electronic control unit (ECU) (50). The fuel is parsed into a plurality of components based on the boiling points of elements of the fuel. ECU (50) stores mass fraction values for each component relative to the total mass of a sample of the fuel along with vaporization rates for each component. These values are used by the ECU (50) to account for different vaporization rates among fuel elements. In accordance with the invention, ECU (50) is further configured to adjust the mass fraction values responsive to the combustion air-fuel ratio and the engine temperature to account for the different volatility characteristics of various fuels.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Lawrence Meyer, David Karl Trumpy, Soduk Lee