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).

  • EMISSIONS CONTROL DURING AN AUTOMATIC ENGINE RESTART
    Publication number: 20140121951
    Abstract: Embodiments for performing an automatic stop-start operation are provided. In one example, a method for an engine comprises during an automatic stop, injecting a water-containing fluid onto a closed intake valve of a cylinder while the engine is at rest, and on a subsequent restart, fueling the cylinder after at least one intake stroke and subsequent exhaust stroke are performed in the cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Mark Allen Dearth
  • CONDENSATION CONTROL IN A CHARGE AIR COOLER BY CONTROLLING CHARGE AIR COOLER TEMPERATURE
    Publication number: 20140120820
    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: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Garlan J. Huberts, Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, David Karl Bidner
  • CHARGE AIR COOLER CONDENSATION DISPERSION ELEMENT
    Publication number: 20140076289
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, a charge air cooler comprises an inlet to admit charge air, a plurality of heat exchange passages to remove heat from the charge air, an outlet configured to discharge the charge air from the heat exchange passages to an intake passage upstream of an intake manifold of an engine, and a dispersion element extending at least partially across the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Gopichandra Surnilla, David Karl Bidner
  • Method and system for engine control
    Patent number: 8567370
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting a fuel injection into an engine cylinder from a plurality of fuel injectors based on the fuel type of the injected fuel and further based on the soot load of the engine. Soot generated from direct fuel injection is reduced by decreasing an amount of direct injection into a cylinder as the engine soot load increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Stephen G. Russ, James Hilditch, John Eric Rollinger
  • Transmission scheduling for multi-stroke engine
    Patent number: 8517893
    Abstract: A multi-mode internal combustion engine is described. As one example, the engine may be transitioned between a two stroke mode and a four stroke mode in coordination with a transmission shift by adjusting a number of strokes performed by the engine per combustion cycle while shifting the transmission between different gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, David Karl Bidner
  • OIL PRESSURE SCHEDULING BASED ON ENGINE ACCELERATION
    Publication number: 20130192557
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for adjusting oil pressure supplied to engine components. In one example approach, a method for controlling oil flow in an engine comprises adjusting oil pressure supplied to the engine based on engine acceleration. For example, engine acceleration may be used to predict future engine lubrication requirements so that oil pressure adjustments may be scheduled accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Ben Xuehai Ni, David Karl Bidner
  • VARIABLE OIL PUMP DIAGNOSTIC
    Publication number: 20130192545
    Abstract: Embodiments for indicating degradation of a piston-cooling jet system are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises indicating degradation of a piston-cooling jet system in response to a relationship between engine speed and oil pressure at maximum oil pump displacement conditions. In this way, engine operation may be adjusted in response to an indicated degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, John Eric Rollinger, John Smiley, Ed Badillo
  • OIL PRESSURE MODIFICATION FOR VARIABLE CAM TIMING
    Publication number: 20130180480
    Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying oil pressure for a variable cam timing system are provided. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to an operating condition, adjusting a valve coupled to a hydraulic variable camshaft timing actuator to initiate camshaft phasing and adjusting an oil pressure supplied to the valve based on a camshaft phaser position. If a camshaft phaser locking pin is in a home position, the method may further comprise reducing the oil pressure supplied to the valve for a predetermined time interval to a threshold amount to unlock the locking pin but not move the camshaft phaser and then increasing the oil pressure supplied to the valve to move the camshaft phaser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Eric Rollinger, Mohammad Farid, David Karl Bidner
  • Trap for exhaust system
    Patent number: 8464524
    Abstract: A system for trapping liquid exhaust during a cold start of an internal combustion engine is provided. As one example, a system includes, an exhaust inlet, an exchange area fluidly coupled downstream of said exhaust inlet, a trap coupled to said exchange area having a liquid exhaust chamber for collection of liquid exhaust, and a catalytic converter fluidly coupled downstream to said exchange area. In another example, a method includes condensing, at least partly, exhaust from the engine in an exchange area in an exhaust system into liquid exhaust, collecting liquid exhaust into a trap disposed in the exchange area, and evaporating the liquid exhaust into the exchange area after an evaporation temperature is reached in the trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, John M. Roth, Ken O. Jahr, Gopichandra Surnilla, James Michael Kerns, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • Particulate filter regeneration in an engine
    Patent number: 8438840
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter downstream of an engine having a plurality of cylinders are provided. One exemplary method includes, during first conditions, spinning down the engine to non-combusting engine rest, and regenerating the particulate filter at least during engine rest. The method also includes, during second conditions, regenerating the particulate filter during combustion of at least one cylinder of the engine. By regenerating the particulate filter during engine shutdown and/or engine rest in some conditions, it is possible to reduce engine running regeneration, which can thereby lead to reduced engine running emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Particulate filter regeneration in an engine
    Patent number: 8438841
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter positioned downstream of an engine in a vehicle are provided herein. One exemplary method includes, during combusting engine conditions, directing exhaust from the engine to a three-way catalyst and then to the particulate filter, and during non-combusting engine conditions and while the vehicle is in motion, directing fresh ram-air to between the particulate filter and the catalyst to regenerate the particulate filter. Thus, vehicle motion may be used to introduce the ram-air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Particulate filter regeneration during engine shutdown
    Patent number: 8424295
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter downstream of an engine in a vehicle are provided herein. One exemplary method includes, during first engine shutdown conditions, increasing excess oxygen to the particulate filter, and regenerating the particulate filter at least during a portion of engine shutdown. The method further includes during second engine shutdown conditions, decreasing the excess oxygen to the particulate filter at least during a portion of engine shutdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Particulate filter regeneration in an engine coupled to an energy conversion device
    Patent number: 8407988
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter downstream of an engine coupled to an energy conversion device are provided herein. One exemplary method includes, during first engine shutdown conditions, increasing excess oxygen to the particulate filter by spinning the engine with the energy conversion device, and regenerating the particulate filter. The method also includes, during second engine shutdown conditions, decreasing the excess oxygen to the particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Particulate filter regeneration in an engine
    Patent number: 8402751
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling regeneration of a particulate filter downstream of an engine in a vehicle are provided herein. One exemplary method includes, during an engine shutdown, increasing a throttle opening and regenerating a particulate filter downstream of a three-way catalyst. The method also includes, during an engine start following an engine shutdown, setting one or more engine parameters based on whether the particulate filter was regenerated during a last engine shutdown before the engine start.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20130013172
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting a fuel injection into an engine cylinder from a plurality of fuel injectors based on the fuel type of the injected fuel and further based on the soot load of the engine. Soot generated from direct fuel injection is reduced by decreasing an amount of direct injection into a cylinder as the engine soot load increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Stephen G. Russ, James Hilditch, John Eric Rollinger
  • Fuel-based injection control
    Patent number: 8352166
    Abstract: Systems and methods of operating an engine, the engine including an injector configured to directly inject fuel into an engine cylinder. One example method comprises, during an engine cold start, performing compression direct fuel injection, and retarding a timing of the compression injection as a fuel alcohol content of the fuel increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, David Karl Bidner, Peter Charles Moilanen
  • Fuel based engine operation control
    Patent number: 8352159
    Abstract: Methods are provided for operating an engine with a variable fuel blend in a cylinder, where the variable fuel blend varies a peak achievable engine torque for a given operating condition. One example method comprises selectively operating an engine actuator that affects engine torque and engine fuel economy at the given operating condition, and extending operation of the actuator to higher engine torques as a peak engine torque for the given operating condition increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Thomas G. Leone, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Engine exhaust system having a thermoelectric conversion device and a heat pipe
    Patent number: 8341950
    Abstract: Systems and methods for converting engine heat energy to electricity using a thermoelectric conversion device are provided herein. One example system may include an engine heat source, a thermoelectric conversion device for converting heat into electricity, and a heat pipe. The heat pipe is positioned so that when the temperature of the engine exhaust is too high, the excess heat may be transferred away from the thermoelectric conversion device to the heat sink via the heat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Karl Bidner, Robert Jay Natkin, Shane Elwart, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • System and method for regenerating a particulate filter
    Patent number: 8341947
    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 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, David Karl Bidner, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Robert Walter McCabe, Eva Thanasiu, James Michael Kerns, Nian Xiao
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LUBRICATING A FUEL PUMP
    Publication number: 20120328452
    Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing and operating an engine with a fuel pump that supplies fuel to a fuel injector that may be temporarily deactivated are described. In one example, injection of fuel may commence in response to a level of lubrication of a fuel pump. The system and methods may extend fuel pump life in systems where fuel injection may be deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Basmaji, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Larry Dean Elie, Richard E. Soltis, David Karl Bidner