Patents by Inventor David Karl Bidner

David Karl Bidner 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).

  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COOLANT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180087450
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling coolant flow through parallel branches of a coolant circuit including an AC condenser and a charge air cooler. Flow is apportioned responsive to an AC head pressure and a CAC temperature to reduce parasitic losses and improve fuel economy. The flow is apportioned via adjustments to a coolant pump output and a proportioning valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: Amey Y. Karnik, John Smiley, III, Zhaoyang Zeng, David Karl Bidner
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COOLANT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180087451
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling coolant flow through parallel branches of a coolant circuit including an AC condenser and a charge air cooler. Flow is apportioned responsive to an AC head pressure and a CAC temperature to reduce parasitic losses and improve fuel economy. The flow is apportioned via adjustments to a coolant pump output and a proportioning valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Phillip Bonkoski, James C. Rollinson, Hugh Hamilton, Sitaram Rejeti
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COOLANT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180087452
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling coolant flow through parallel branches of a coolant circuit including an AC condenser and a charge air cooler. Flow is apportioned responsive to an AC head pressure and a CAC temperature to reduce parasitic losses and improve fuel economy. The flow is apportioned via adjustments to a coolant pump output and a proportioning valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: March 29, 2018
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, James Thomas Gooden, John Smiley, III, Amey Y. Karnik
  • Humidity estimation
    Patent number: 9919582
    Abstract: A computing device determines that a first time for a first sound generated by a vehicle to reach a first sound maximum amplitude and a second time for a second sound generated by the vehicle to reach a second sound maximum amplitude are within a range. An object that reflects the second sound is identified based on an interval between receipt of the first and second sounds. A speed of sound is determined based at least in part on the time interval and a distance to the object. A humidity is determined based at least in part on the speed of sound. A vehicle subsystem is adjusted based on the humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Green, David Karl Bidner
  • DETECTION OF ONCOMING VEHICLES WITH IR LIGHT
    Publication number: 20180075741
    Abstract: Infrared light is detected in a vehicle computer via an infrared sensor from a source outside the host vehicle. The computer can further determine that the infrared light was generated from a source in a second vehicle, detect the second vehicle based at least partly on the detected infrared light and possibly also partly on input from a host vehicle collision detection sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • Direct injection of diluents or secondary fuels in gaseous fuel engines
    Patent number: 9909514
    Abstract: A method for a turbocharged engine, comprising: during high load conditions, in response to an elevated engine temperature, after port injecting a first quantity of a first gaseous fuel, direct injecting a second quantity of a second, liquid fuel at a first timing that is a function of a desired air-fuel ratio. In this way, engine power may be maximized while simultaneously decreasing the maximum combustion temperature and mitigating engine knock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Allen Dearth, David Karl Bidner, Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERMAL BATTERY CONTROL
    Publication number: 20180058769
    Abstract: Methods and system for operating a thermal storage device of a vehicle system are provided. In one example, a method comprises determining a state of charge of the thermal battery based on an accurate estimation of a melting temperature of one or more phase change materials (PCMs) at a specific aggregate pressure inside the thermal storage device. Variation in melting temperature of the PCM may be minimized by reducing pressure variation inside the thermal storage device by regulating a position of one or more pressure relief valves of the thermal storage device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Michael Levin, Phillip Bonkoski, W. Cary Cole
  • Method for controlling fuel of a spark ignited engine while regenerating a particulate filter
    Patent number: 9863348
    Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Robert Walter McCabe, Eva Thanasiu, David Karl Bidner, James Michael Kerns, Nian Xiao, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Jeffrey Scott Hepburn
  • TRACTION BASED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
    Publication number: 20170361839
    Abstract: A first vehicle includes: steering, brakes, memory, sensors, and processor(s) configured to: determine, with the sensors: the first vehicle's acceleration, a second vehicle's acceleration; compute a theoretical collision velocity (TCV) between the first vehicle and the second vehicle based on the accelerations; apply a function or generate a command based on the TCV and a selected coefficient of kinetic friction (COF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • Method for preventing condensation on vehicle windows
    Patent number: 9827827
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for preventing condensation on a windshield and other windows of a parked vehicle. One method includes following the vehicle shut down, and when a temperature of a windshield is lower than ambient dew point, transferring heat from a powertrain of the vehicle to the windshield via a coolant if a powertrain temperature is higher than the windshield temperature, and transferring heat from ambient air to the windshield via the coolant if the powertrain temperature is lower than the windshield temperature, and ambient temperature is higher than the windshield temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Amey Y. Karnik, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Direct injection of diluents or secondary fuels in gaseous fuel engines
    Patent number: 9777646
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine, comprising port injecting a first quantity of a first gaseous fuel in a cylinder cycle and direct injecting a second quantity of a secondary injectant in the cylinder cycle as a function of a desired air-to-fuel ratio (AFR), the desired AFR based on a temperature of an engine cylinder valve. The desired AFR may be outside the AFR range available during natural gas combustion alone and thus allows for cooler engine operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Mark Allen Dearth, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • CONDENSATION CONTROL IN A CHARGE AIR COOLER BY CONTROLLING CHARGE AIR COOLER TEMPERATURE
    Publication number: 20170260896
    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: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Garlan J. Huberts, Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, David Karl Bidner
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THERMAL BATTERY CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170210196
    Abstract: Methods and system for operating a thermal storage device of a vehicle system are provided. In one example, a method comprises estimating a temperature of a thermal battery after the battery and coolant included therein have reached thermal equilibrium, and determining a state of charge of the battery based on the estimated temperature and one or more chemical properties of two phase change materials included within the battery. Specifically, the thermal battery may include two phase change materials with different melting points for providing thermal energy to warm coolant in a vehicle coolant system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, W. Cary Cole, Phillip Bonkoski, Sunil Katragadda, Michael Levin
  • HUMIDITY ESTIMATION
    Publication number: 20170210201
    Abstract: A computing device determines that a first time for a first sound generated by a vehicle to reach a first sound maximum amplitude and a second time for a second sound generated by the vehicle to reach a second sound maximum amplitude are within a range. An object that reflects the second sound is identified based on an interval between receipt of the first and second sounds. A speed of sound is determined based at least in part on the time interval and a distance to the object. A humidity is determined based at least in part on the speed of sound. A vehicle subsystem is adjusted based on the humidity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alfred Green, David Karl Bidner
  • Method for preheating a powertrain
    Patent number: 9696100
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for heating a powertrain prior to an engine start. One method includes heating a coolant by circulating the coolant through a radiator and operating an electric radiator fan, and flowing the coolant across the powertrain. The coolant is heated and circulated across the powertrain when a temperature of the powertrain is lower than ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Amey Y. Karnik, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Exhaust leakage management
    Patent number: 9683483
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for exhaust leak management in an engine. The exhaust leakage management system may include a port disposed to capture leaked exhaust along a movable portion associated with a turbine. The exhaust leakage management system may also include a three-way valve at a bifurcation of the port, directing leaked exhaust either to a first passage fluidically connected to a crankcase of the engine or to a second passage fluidically connected to a downstream portion of an exhaust pipe, depending on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Jack Adams, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • REAR AXLE LUBRICATION OIL TEMPERATURE CONTROL USING EXHAUST HEAT RECOVERY AND A THERMAL BATTERY
    Publication number: 20170167595
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating the temperature of rear axle lubrication oil. In one example, a rear axle coolant system may include a coolant loop with a plurality of valves and sensors, regulating the coolant flow in heat exchange relationship with an exhaust gas heat recovery and storage system to deliver warm coolant to a rear axle heat exchanger to warm the rear axle lubrication oil. The method may regulate the components of the rear axle coolant system through a controller, receiving sensor input from the components of the coolant system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Cary Cole, Sunil Katragadda, Phillip Bonkoski, David Karl Bidner, Michael Levin, Colby Jason Buckman, Danrich Henry Demitroff, Amey Y. Karnik, Furqan Shaikh
  • 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
  • Method and system of oil delivery in a combustion engine
    Patent number: 9644506
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for an oil delivery system of an engine. In one method, oil is pumped via a lower pressure oil pump to piston cooling jets while oil is separately pumped via a higher pressure oil pump to a cylinder head, bearings, a turbocharger, or a variable valve operation system. Herein, the higher and lower pressure oil pumps each draw oil from a common, shared sump, and return oil back to the common, shared sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Vladimir V. Kokotovic
  • Methods and systems for low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation
    Patent number: 9631629
    Abstract: A method for controlling air flow through a compressor recirculation passage, comprising: during a first condition: reducing air flow through the compressor recirculation passage based on a margin, the margin based on a rate of air flow at a compressor inlet, a rate of air flow through the compressor recirculation passage, and a rate of EGR flow. In this way, the CRV recirculation flow may be controlled to be less than the amount that could potentially backflow into an air filter disposed in the air intake passage, thus preventing EGR contained in the CRV recirculation flow from fouling the air filter with soot, oil and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Julia Helen Buckland