Patents by Inventor Gopichandra Surnilla

Gopichandra Surnilla 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).

  • SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR OPERATING AN EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE BASED ON A TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE OF THE VALVE
    Publication number: 20170260919
    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: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Alfred Hilditch, Imtiaz Ali, Yan Wang, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • 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
  • Vehicle emergency broadcast and relay
    Patent number: 9759574
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a communication system. The communication system includes at least one controller and may include an RF transceiver. The controller is configured to receive a distress signal including emergency information and a relay count. The controller is configured to respond, when the relay count is less than a predetermined number and a location of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined distance away from a transmission location and an origination location of the distress signal, by causing the emergency information to be transmitted with an incremented relay count. The controller may be further configured to respond to the location of the vehicle being between the origination location and at least one transmission location by inhibiting the transmitting of the emergency information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologes, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael Mcquillen
  • Methods and systems for fixed and variable pressure fuel injection
    Patent number: 9752530
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a high pressure injection pump to provide each of high fixed fuel pressure at a port injection fuel rail and high variable fuel pressure at a direct injection fuel rail. Port injection fuel rail pressure can be raised above a pressure provided with a lift pump via a fuel system configuration that includes various check valves, pressure relief valves, and a spill valve positioned between an inlet of the high pressure injection pump and the port injection fuel rail. High pressure port injection may be advantageously used to provide fuel at high pressure during conditions when fuel delivery via high pressure direct injection is limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph F. Basmaji, Mark Meinhart, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING ENGINE AIRFLOW BASED ON OUTPUT FROM AN OXYGEN SENSOR
    Publication number: 20170248089
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a throttle based on an intake oxygen sensor output. In one example, a method may include adjusting a position of a throttle based on a dilution threshold and a total aircharge dilution level, the total dilution aircharge level based on an output of an intake oxygen sensor. Additionally, spark timing may be adjusted based on the total aircharge dilution level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael Howard Shelby, James Alfred Hilditch, Jason Williams
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR KNOCK CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170241355
    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: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • ZERO FLOW LUBRICATION FOR A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP
    Publication number: 20170226954
    Abstract: Methods and systems are providing for improving zero flow lubrication (ZFL) of a high pressure fuel pump coupled to direct fuel injectors via a direct injection fuel rail. A ZFL transfer function for the fuel pump is learned while fuel is at non-nominal fuel bulk modulus conditions and corrected for variations from a nominal fuel bulk modulus estimate. When zero flow lubrication of the pump is requested, the pump is operated with a duty cycle based on the learned transfer function and an instantaneous estimate of the fuel bulk modulus to compensate for differences in fuel condition from the nominal fuel bulk modulus estimate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Hao Zhang, Mark Meinhart
  • Method for adjusting a grille shutter opening
    Patent number: 9726067
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a grille shutter opening based on an estimated amount of fuel in oil dilution. In one example, a method may include adjusting a grille shutter opening to a closed position in response to an oil dilution amount above a threshold, the position determined based on the oil dilution amount in addition to each of engine coolant temperature and acceleration/deceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Shuya Shark Yamada, Patrick Shearer, Joseph Patrick Whitehead, Eric Krengel, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Methods and systems for high pressure port fuel injection
    Patent number: 9726106
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving fuel injection of an engine that includes a cylinder receiving fuel from two different fuel injectors is disclosed. In one example, fuel is supplied to port fuel injectors and direct fuel injectors via a same high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure port fuel injection is activated at times where direct fuel injection would supply less fuel than is desired or an inconsistent amount of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Mark Meinhart, Joseph F. Basmaji, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Method and system for vacuum control
    Patent number: 9719391
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating control of a post-catalyst exhaust throttle and an EGR valve to expedite catalyst heating. By closing both valves during an engine cold start, an elevated exhaust backpressure and increased heat rejection at an EGR cooler can be synergistically used to warm each of an engine and an exhaust catalyst. The valves may also be controlled to vary an amount of exhaust flowing through an exhaust venturi so as to meet engine vacuum needs while providing a desired amount of engine EGR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Thomas G. Leone, William Charles Ruona, Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, John D. Russell
  • Methods and systems for adjusting heater power of an oxygen sensor to reduce degradation from water
    Patent number: 9719448
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting heater power of an oxygen sensor. In one example, a method for an engine includes adjusting heater power of a heating element of the oxygen sensor when the heater power increases by a threshold amount. The method includes subsequently increasing heater power back to a baseline power level responsive to a temperature of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael McQuillen, Daniel A. Makled, Richard E. Soltis, Stephen B. Smith
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ESTIMATING AN AIR-FUEL RATIO WITH A VARIABLE VOLTAGE OXYGEN SENSOR
    Publication number: 20170211495
    Abstract: A method for an engine may comprise, responsive to a first condition comprising a reference voltage of a first exhaust oxygen sensor operating in variable voltage mode increasing above a threshold voltage, determining a change in an output of the first exhaust oxygen sensor corresponding to the increase in the reference voltage, correcting the output of the first oxygen sensor based on the output change, and adjusting engine operation based on the corrected output. In this way, the accuracy of air-fuel estimates based on the exhaust gas sensor can be preserved, and closed loop fuel control of the engine can be maintained even when the exhaust oxygen sensor is operating VVS mode, thereby reducing engine emissions, increasing fuel economy, and increasing vehicle drivability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2016
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Lyth Alobiedat, Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel A. Makled, Mohannad Hakeem, Richard E. Soltis, Michael McQuillen, Stephen B. Smith
  • Methods and systems for indicating water at an oxygen sensor based on sensor heater power consumption
    Patent number: 9714619
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for indicating water at an oxygen sensor based on power consumption of a heating element of the oxygen sensor. In one example, water may be indicated at an oxygen sensor positioned in an intake of an engine responsive to power consumption of the heating element of the oxygen sensor increasing above a baseline level. Engine operating parameters may then be adjusted based on the water indication and the power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Dan A. Makled, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • OXYGEN SENSOR ELEMENT BLACKENING DETECTION
    Publication number: 20170205314
    Abstract: The present description relates generally to methods and systems for detecting thermal aging and blackening in oxygen sensors. Thermal aging and blackening effects may be differentiated based on a monitored change in impedance in each of a pump cell and a Nernst cell of the oxygen sensor following application of an alternating voltage. In response to detection of thermal aging and/or blackening in the oxygen sensor corrective measures may be taken to ensure accurate oxygen estimation using the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Michael McQuillen, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Daniel A. Makled, John Joseph Virga
  • Methods and systems for humidity determination via an oxygen sensor
    Patent number: 9709482
    Abstract: Methods are provided for determining ambient humidity based on outputs from an intake air or exhaust gas sensor. In one example, an oxygen sensor may be operated as a variable voltage sensor, between a lower first voltage and a higher second voltage, to determine a dry air oxygen reading. Ambient humidity may then be determined based on the dry air oxygen reading and a third output of the oxygen sensor when operated at the lower first voltage and not in variable voltage mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel A. Makled, Richard E. Soltis
  • Method and system for engine control
    Patent number: 9708999
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling exhaust emissions by adjusting an injection profile for different fuels injected into an engine cylinder from different fuel injectors during engine start and crank. By splitting fuel injection during start and cranking so that fuel of lower alcohol content is port injected and fuel of higher alcohol content is direct injected as one or multiple injections, the soot load of the engine can be reduced and fuel economy can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Steven Schwochert, Peter C. Moilanen, Eric Krengel, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • 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 for controlling fuel pressure for a LPG engine
    Patent number: 9702307
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting a phase of gaseous fuel delivered to fuel injectors of a fuel delivery system. In one example, a method may include adjusting a fuel pressure in a fuel delivery system to deliver fuel in each of a liquid and a gaseous phase during different engine operating conditions. The fuel pressure may be based on a temperature, composition, and desired phase of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Warren Curtis, John Hedges, Mark Allen Dearth
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ESTIMATING AN AIR-FUEL RATIO WITH A VARIABLE VOLTAGE OXYGEN SENSOR
    Publication number: 20170191436
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating an exhaust air/fuel ratio based on outputs from an exhaust oxygen sensor. In one example, a method may include adjusting engine operation based on an air-fuel ratio estimated based on an output of the exhaust oxygen sensor and a learned correction factor. For example, the oxygen sensor may operate in a variable voltage mode in which a reference voltage of the oxygen sensor may be adjusted between a lower first voltage and a higher second voltage, and the learned correction factor is based on the second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel A. Makled, Gopichandra Surnilla, Richard E. Soltis, Kenneth John Behr
  • Methods and systems for adjusting a direct fuel injector
    Patent number: 9689342
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving fuel injection of an engine that includes a cylinder receiving fuel from a direct fuel injector are disclosed. In one example, a transfer function or gain of a direct fuel injector is adjusted in response to an exhaust lambda value and a first pulse width of two pulse widths provided to an injector of a cylinder during a cylinder cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Gopichandra Surnilla, Mark Meinhart, Joseph Lyle Thomas, Hao Zhang