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
    Publication number: 20180170353
    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: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, John D. Russell, Michael Howard Shelby
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171904
    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, during a cold start, a method may include adjusting a position of a first valve disposed in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage based on an engine operating condition, the EGR passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold coupled to a first set of exhaust valves and the intake passage, upstream of a compressor. As one example, the engine operating condition may include an engine temperature or a temperature of a catalyst disposed in the exhaust passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Michael Howard Shelby, Kim Hwe Ku, Brad Alan Boyer
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171897
    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, exhaust from a first set of exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold may be selectively routed to the intake passage via each of a first EGR passage coupled to the intake passage upstream of a compressor driven by a turbine and a second EGR passage coupled downstream of an outlet of the compressor. A decision of whether to route exhaust gas to the intake passage via the first EGR passage, second EGR passage, or both passages may be based on engine operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Corey Weaver
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171917
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171883
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, James Leiby
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171908
    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: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison, Julian Barnaby Corona
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING EGR TO AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20180171885
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING ENGINE WATER INJECTION
    Publication number: 20180171936
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for water injection at an intake port of an engine toward or away from intake valves in response to engine operating conditions. In one example, a method may include port injecting water away from an intake valve in response to engine knock and port injecting water towards an intake valve in response to engine dilution demand. Further, the method may include adjusting an amount of water injected based on one or more of a change in manifold temperature and a change in exhaust oxygen level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Michael McQuillen, Daniel A. Makled, Mohannad Hakeem, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Michael Howard Shelby
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171906
    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: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer, Chris John Piper
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171898
    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: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Julian Barnaby Corona, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171914
    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: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventor: Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171907
    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 intake throttle being at least partially closed, intake air may be routed from the intake passage to the first exhaust manifold via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage where the intake air may be heated via an EGR cooler. The heated intake air may then be routed to an intake manifold, downstream of the intake throttle, via a flow passage coupled between the first exhaust manifold and the intake manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171868
    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 flowing the exhaust gas recirculation and blowthrough air from the first exhaust manifold to the intake passage via a first set of exhaust valves, a first set of swirl valves coupled upstream of a first set of intake valves may be adjusted to at least partially block intake air flow to the first set of intake valves. Each engine cylinder may include two intake valves including one of the first set of intake valves and two exhaust valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171887
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Gregory Patrick McConville, Brad Alan Boyer
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR WATER INJECTION CONTROL
    Publication number: 20180171864
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a location for water injection during a water injection event based on ambient temperature and humidity, as well as engine operating conditions. In one example, a method may include injecting water upstream of a charge air cooler in response to operating the cooler in heater mode and injecting water downstream of the cooler in response to operating the cooler in cooler mode. Further, the method may include operating the cooler in heater mode based on dry, cold ambient conditions and a dilution demand and operating the cooler in cooler mode based on engine boost conditions and engine knock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171899
    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, while both a first exhaust valve and second exhaust valve of a cylinder are open, intake air may be routed through a flow passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold, the first exhaust manifold coupled to the first exhaust valve. The intake air may be further routed through the first exhaust valve, into the cylinder, and out of the second exhaust valve to the second exhaust manifold coupled to the exhaust passage including a turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Corey Weaver
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20180171911
    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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Donald Lewis
  • Systems and methods for operating a lift pump
    Patent number: 9995237
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a lift pump of an engine fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise limiting a lift pump voltage to a lower first level when powering on a lift pump from off. The method may further comprise maintaining the lift pump voltage at the lower first level for a duration before increasing the lift pump voltage above the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Trzeciak, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • IDENTIFYING IN-RANGE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR ERROR
    Publication number: 20180148038
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an in-range error of a pressure sensor arranged downstream of a lift pump in a fuel system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include performing feedback control of the lift pump based on output of the pressure sensor, monitoring the pressure sensor output for flattening during the application of the voltage pulses, and adjusting operation of the fuel system depending on whether the pressure sensor output flattens for at least a threshold duration, which is indicative of an in-range error. The method may further include dynamically learning a setpoint pressure of a pressure relief valve of the fuel system and a fuel vapor pressure within the fuel system by monitoring pressure sensor output while adjusting the duty cycle of voltage pulses applied to the lift pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Christopher Arnold Woodring
  • Method and system for an aspirator for a brake booster
    Patent number: 9981643
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing vacuum to a brake booster via an aspirator system. In one example, a system may include an aspirator system fluidly coupled with a brake booster with no intervening components located therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Xiaogang Zhang, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Joseph Norman Ulrey