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).

  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10161332
    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, an air-fuel control method for the engine system may include flowing air from the intake manifold through a plurality of engine cylinders to a junction of the exhaust passage and a bypass passage in response to a condition, the junction positioned along the exhaust passage between first and second emission control devices. The method may further include flowing exhaust gas to the first emission control device while flowing the air to the junction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Donald Lewis
  • Adjusting pump volume commands for direct injection fuel pumps
    Patent number: 10161346
    Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a direct injection fuel pump, wherein a solenoid spill valve is energized and de-energized according to certain conditions. A control strategy is needed to operate the direct injection fuel pump outside regions where pump operation may be variable and inaccurate, where the regions may be characterized by smaller pump commands as well as smaller displacement volumes. To maintain a suitable range of pump commands and displacements while operating outside the low accuracy regions, a method is proposed that involves clipping calculated pump commands when the calculated pump commands lie within the low accuracy regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180363577
    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: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, Julian Barnaby Corona
  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10145315
    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, an intake valve timing, exhaust valve timing of a first set of exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold, and a position of an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve in an EGR passage may be adjusted in coordination with one another in response to a condition at a compressor. The EGR passage may be coupled between the intake passage, upstream of the compressor, and the first exhaust manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer, James Leiby
  • Methods and systems for boost and EGR control
    Patent number: 10145320
    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: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Tao Zeng, Eric Warren Curtis, Satheesh Makkapati, Brad Alan Boyer, Joseph Norman Ulrey, David R. Hanna, Devesh Upadhyay
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180340482
    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 a request to shut down the split exhaust engine system, an intake throttle may be closed and a first valve disposed in a secondary flow passage coupled between the intake manifold, downstream of the intake throttle, and a first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of exhaust valves, may be opened. As a result, unburned hydrocarbons may be routed to a catalyst disposed in the exhaust passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10138822
    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: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, James Leiby
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A LIFT PUMP
    Publication number: 20180334981
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a lift pump of an engine fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise predicting when a fuel rail pressure will decrease below a threshold assuming that a lift pump remains off. The method may further comprise powering on the lift pump before the fuel rail pressure decreases below to the threshold to prevent fuel rail pressure from decreasing below the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: Justin Trzeciak, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10132235
    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 split exhaust engine system may include a first set of exhaust valves fluidly coupled to the exhaust passage, upstream of a turbocharger turbine, a first emission control device (ECD), and a second ECD disposed within the exhaust passage, the second ECD positioned downstream of the first ECD. The system may further include a second set of exhaust valves fluidly coupled to the intake passage and the exhaust passage, between the first ECD and the second ECD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR CENTRAL FUEL INJECTION
    Publication number: 20180320626
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine operating conditions for reduction of NOx emissions. In one example, immediately after a fuel shut-off event, in response to an oxygen content of an exhaust catalyst being higher than a threshold, manifold charge cooling may be increased by increasing the portion of fuel delivered to the engine via manifold injection relative to the portion to fuel delivered via one or more of port and direct injection. By increasing manifold cooling, NOx production may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Mohannad Hakeem, Calvin Trescott, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Peter C. Moilanen
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180320613
    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 method may include decreasing gas flow from the first exhaust manifold to the intake passage, upstream of a compressor, where a first set of exhaust valves are exclusively coupled to the first exhaust manifold, in response to a condition of the compressor. Further, the method may include increasing gas flow from the first exhaust manifold to an exhaust passage coupled to a second exhaust manifold coupled to a second set of exhaust valves, in response to the decreasing gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer, Chris John Piper
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR CENTRAL FUEL INJECTION
    Publication number: 20180320625
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine operating conditions for mitigation of pre-ignition in one or more engine cylinder. In one example, a method may include, in response to indication of pre-ignition, manifold charge cooling may be increased by increasing the portion of fuel delivered to the engine via manifold injection relative to the portion to fuel delivered via one or more of port and direct injection, while maintaining engine operation at or around a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Mohannad Hakeem, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Calvin Trescott
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180320612
    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: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
  • Methods and systems for central fuel injection
    Patent number: 10119490
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting engine operating conditions for mitigation of pre-ignition in one or more engine cylinder. In one example, a method may include, in response to indication of pre-ignition, manifold charge cooling may be increased by increasing the portion of fuel delivered to the engine via manifold injection relative to the portion to fuel delivered via one or more of port and direct injection, while maintaining engine operation at or around a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Adithya Pravarun Re Ranga, Mohannad Hakeem, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Calvin Trescott
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING A PORT FUEL INJECTOR
    Publication number: 20180306134
    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: April 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10107220
    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, an amount of opening overlap between a plurality of intake valves and a first set of exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold may be adjusted responsive to a transition from an estimated combustion air-fuel content to a leaner air-fuel content of the blowthrough air on a cylinder to cylinder basis. As one example, the transition may be determined from an output of an oxygen sensor positioned within the first exhaust manifold or an exhaust runner of each of the first set of exhaust valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR GASEOUS AND LIQUID PROPANE INJECTION
    Publication number: 20180298848
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fueling an engine with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In one example, a method may comprise pumping (LPG) from a fuel tank to a direct injection rail and not to a port injection rail. The method may further comprise supplying LPG from the direct injection rail to a port injection rail without returning the LPG to the fuel tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2017
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Optimizing intermittent fuel pump control
    Patent number: 10094319
    Abstract: Various methods are provided for operating a fuel pump. In one example, a method of operating a fuel pump comprises iteratively reducing an on-duration of a low pressure fuel pump pulse, until a peak outlet pressure of the fuel pump decreases from a peak outlet pressure corresponding to a previous pulse, to identify a minimum pulse duration, and applying a pulse having the minimum pulse duration to the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10094310
    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: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, Julian Barnaby Corona
  • Method and system for an exhaust catalyst
    Patent number: 10087803
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine exhaust aftertreatment system to increase the efficiency of an exhaust underbody catalyst and reduce engine emissions. In one example, a bypass passage may be coupled to a main exhaust passage and during conditions which may adversely affect functionality of the underbody catalyst, exhaust may be opportunistically routed via the bypass passage avoiding the underbody catalyst. Exhaust heat may be recovered via a heat exchanger coupled to the bypass passage, and the heat may be used for engine heating, and passenger cabin heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey