Patents by Inventor Joseph Norman Ulrey

Joseph Norman Ulrey 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).

  • Patent number: 10723380
    Abstract: Systems and methods to control steering of a vehicle are disclosed. An example system includes a first sensor to measure a tilt angle associated with a vehicle positioned on a road surface. The example system also includes a vehicle controller communicatively coupled to the first sensor to receive the tilt angle. In addition, the example system includes steering system communicatively coupled to the vehicle controller. The vehicle controller provides feedforward control data to the steering system based on the tilt angle. The steering system generates a first steering torque based on the feedforward control data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Patent number: 10711672
    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: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, William Charles Ruona, Thomas G. Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Publication number: 20200208561
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an engine system having a split exhaust system. In one example, a system may include an engine having a plurality of cylinders, each of the plurality of cylinders including first and second exhaust ports, the first and second exhaust ports arranged in a non-alternating pattern across the plurality of cylinders and along a cylinder head, a blowdown exhaust manifold coupled to the first exhaust ports and an exhaust passage, and a scavenge exhaust manifold coupled to the second exhaust ports and an intake passage of the engine. In this way, the first and second exhaust ports may be arranged to enhance turbocharger performance characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Gregory Patrick McConville, John Cornell, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Publication number: 20200208581
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, each of a first valve positioned in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage, the EGR passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of cylinder exhaust valves, and a second valve positioned in a flow passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the exhaust passage may be adjusted based on a measured pressure in the first exhaust manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Julian Barnaby Corona, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Patent number: 10683817
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, each of a first valve positioned in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage, the EGR passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of cylinder exhaust valves, and a second valve positioned in a flow passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the exhaust passage may be adjusted based on a measured pressure in the first exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Julian Barnaby Corona, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Patent number: 10677174
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing exhaust gas recirculation to a naturally aspirated internal combustion engine. In one example, exhaust gas is recirculated to an engine intake via a dedicated scavenging manifold and a scavenging exhaust valve. The exhaust gas and fresh air that has not participated in combustion may be recirculated to engine cylinders even at high engine loads since the exhaust gas and fresh air is returned to the engine air intake at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Patent number: 10677172
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for using compression heating to heat a cylinder piston before cylinder combustion is resumed. Cylinder heating is achieved using combinations of slow unfueled engine rotation where the engine cylinders are heated via compression stroke heating, and slow compressor rotation where the cylinders are heated via compression heating. One or more intake or exhaust heaters may be concurrently operated to expedite cylinder heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, John Eric Rollinger, Michael Howard Shelby, Jianwen James Yi
  • Patent number: 10641191
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling boost pressure and exhaust gas recirculation in a split exhaust system. In one example, a first portion of exhaust may be routed from a cylinder to an exhaust turbine via a first exhaust valve and a second, remaining portion of exhaust may be routed as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) via a second exhaust valve, the timing and lift of each of the first valve profile and the second valve profile adjusted based on boost error and EGR error. Further, motor torque from an electric motor may be supplied to the turbocharger to attain a desired boost pressure and a desired EGR flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tao Zeng, Eric Warren Curtis, Satheesh Makkapati, Brad Alan Boyer, Joseph Norman Ulrey, David R. Hanna, Devesh Upadhyay
  • Patent number: 10590875
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, a first set of exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold may be operated at a different timing than a second set of exhaust valves coupled to the second exhaust manifold. Further, a position of a first valve positioned in a first passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold and/or a timing of the first set of exhaust valves may be diagnosed based on an output of a pressure sensor positioned in the first exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, Julian Barnaby Corona
  • Patent number: 10590827
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for filtering particulate matter in an exhaust passage of an engine system. In one example, a method may include during a cold start condition comprising an engine temperature being less than a threshold engine temperature, directing engine exhaust gas to an exhaust particulate filter, and during a warm engine condition, directing engine exhaust gas to bypass the exhaust particulate filter, wherein the warm engine condition comprises the engine temperature being greater than or equal to the threshold engine temperature and fuel being combusted in the engine. In this way, the exhaust particulate filter may be reliably regenerated during engine shutdown events such as DFSOs while reducing filter degradation, and lowering PM emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Paul M. Laing, Michael James Uhrich
  • Patent number: 10563611
    Abstract: A method for operating a fuel delivery system for an engine is provided. The method includes sending a voltage above a threshold value to a lift pressure pump, determining a volumetric efficiency of the direct injection pump when the lower pressure fuel pump is above a threshold pressure, and controlling the lift pump based on the volumetric efficiency of the direct injection pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 10557425
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, in response to an electric motor driving an electric compressor positioned upstream of a turbocharger compressor disposed in the intake passage, a position of a valve in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold may be adjusted based on a pressure in the first exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Patent number: 10557421
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, a flow of exhaust (e.g., exhaust gas recirculation) from engine cylinders to the intake passage, upstream of a compressor, via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage and the first exhaust manifold may be adjusted by adjusting a timing of a first set of cylinder exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold. Additionally, the first set of cylinder exhaust valves open at a different time than a second set of cylinder exhaust valves coupled to the exhaust passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, James Leiby
  • Patent number: 10550773
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, one or more valves of a set of first exhaust valves coupled to the second exhaust manifold may be deactivated in response to select engine operating conditions, while maintaining active all valves of a set of second exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold. The select engine operating conditions may include one or more of a deceleration fuel shut-off condition, a part throttle condition, and a cold start condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gregory Patrick McConville, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Publication number: 20200003139
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes one or more fuel injectors are described. The systems and methods may characterize fuel injector operation during a time when injecting fuel may be useful to maintain balance of a catalyst to reduce engine emissions. Further, large or small amounts of fuel may be injected without affecting engine combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 10487782
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for carrying out on-board diagnostics of a plurality of components of an exhaust heat exchange system. In one example, degradation of one or more of a heat exchanger and a coolant system fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger may be detected based on a first temperature estimated upstream of the heat exchanger, a second temperature sensor estimated downstream of the heat exchanger, a coolant temperature, and a pressure estimated upstream of the heat exchanger. Also, degradation of a diverter valve of the heat exchange system may be detected based on inputs of a position sensor coupled to the diverter valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Evelyn Bevan, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Patent number: 10480368
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for differentiating an exhaust air leak from a catalyst monitor sensor degraded with a slow-response. In one example, a pressure proximate an exhaust system particulate filter less than a threshold pressure may indicate an exhaust air leak and responsive to the indication of the exhaust air leak, the thresholds for monitoring the catalyst monitor sensor response may be adjusted. In this way, the impact of an exhaust air leak on catalyst monitor output may be accounted for so that subsequent monitoring for threshold catalyst may continue to be performed accurately in the presence of an exhaust air leak.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mario Anthony Santillo, Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Andrew Bagnasco, Michael Casedy
  • Patent number: 10428751
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes one or more fuel injectors are described. The systems and methods may characterize fuel injector operation during a time when injecting fuel may be useful to maintain balance of a catalyst to reduce engine emissions. Further, large or small amounts of fuel may be injected without affecting engine combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20190271244
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling particulate filter temperature during non-combustion conditions. In one example, a method for an engine includes responsive to a particulate filter temperature above a threshold temperature and while operating the engine with deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO), fully closing a throttle valve configured to regulate flow of intake air to the engine, and responsive to intake manifold pressure dropping below a threshold pressure while the throttle valve is fully closed, adjusting a position of the throttle valve based on the particulate filter temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Emil G. Serban, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Publication number: 20190263384
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, the engine system may be installed in a hybrid vehicle, and, in response to a request to restart the engine while the vehicle is being propelled via motor torque only, the engine may be rotated unfueled via the motor torque at less than cranking speed while at least partially opening a valve disposed in a passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the intake passage. In another example, in response to the request to restart the engine, all exhaust valves of a second set of exhaust valves coupled to the second exhaust manifold may be deactivated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, John D. Russell, Michael Howard Shelby