Patents by Inventor Joseph Norman

Joseph Norman 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).

  • EXTRUSION LIMITING RING FOR WELLBORE ISOLATION DEVICES
    Publication number: 20180313184
    Abstract: A wellbore isolation device includes an elongate mandrel, a sealing element carried by the mandrel, and a slip wedge positioned about the mandrel axially adjacent the sealing element and providing an outer radial surface. A set of slip segments is circumferentially disposed about the mandrel and at least a portion of the slip wedge. An extrusion limiting ring has an annular body that provides a first axial end, a second axial end, and a scarf cut extending at least partially between the first and second axial ends. The extrusion limiting ring is movable between a contracted state, where the extrusion limiting ring is disposed about the sealing element, and an expanded state, where the extrusion limiting ring is disposed about the outer radial surface of the lower slip wedge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2016
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew James MERRON, Tyler Joseph NORMAN
  • 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
  • Method for cooling a direct injection pump
    Patent number: 10077749
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cooling a high pressure fuel pump. One method includes, when a spill valve is in a pass-through state, circulating fuel from a compression chamber of the high pressure fuel pump to a step room of the high pressure fuel pump. The fuel circulation through the step room may provide for a reduction in fuel temperature in the step room, and thus, the high pressure fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Systems and methods for operating a lift pump
    Patent number: 10077733
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Trzeciak, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PORT FUEL INJECTION
    Publication number: 20180258875
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling fuel injection via a port fuel injector. At low load conditions, a lift pump coupled to a port injector may be deactivated, allowing fuel rail pressure to drop to fuel vapor pressure. Fuel may be delivered to engine cylinders while fuel rail pressure remains at fuel vapor pressure, with the lift pump still deactivated, for a duration until the accumulated amount of fuel delivered via port injection exceeds a threshold. Thereafter, the lift pump may be reactivated, allowing the fuel pump to be maintained disabled for longer periods of time, and providing fuel economy benefits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich
  • Method and system for port fuel injection
    Patent number: 10072600
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling fuel injection via a port fuel injector. At low load conditions, a lift pump coupled to a port injector may be deactivated, allowing fuel rail pressure to drop to fuel vapor pressure. Fuel may be delivered to engine cylinders while fuel rail pressure remains at fuel vapor pressure, with the lift pump still deactivated, for a duration until the accumulated amount of fuel delivered via port injection exceeds a threshold. Thereafter, the lift pump may be reactivated, allowing the fuel pump to be maintained disabled for longer periods of time, and providing fuel economy benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO CONTROL STEERING OF A VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20180244310
    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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: August 30, 2018
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10060371
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR INJECTING WATER AT DIFFERENT GROUPS OF CYLINDERS OF AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20180238255
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an amount of water injected upstream of a group of cylinders based on a determined maldistribution of water among cylinders during a water injection event. In one example, a method may include injecting a first amount of water upstream of a first group of cylinders and a different, second amount of water upstream of a second group of cylinders based on operating conditions of the respective cylinder groups. Further, the method may include adjusting water injection and engine operating parameters in response the evaporated and/or condensed portion of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 23, 2018
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Gopichandra Surnilla, Christopher House, Michael Howard Shelby, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Methods and system for water injection control
    Patent number: 10054036
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohannad Hakeem, Gopichandra Surnilla, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Methods and systems for controlling a vehicle air conditioner using a pressure sensor located within a compressor
    Patent number: 10041552
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting operation of an automotive air conditioning system including a pressure sensor positioned within a compression chamber. In one example, a method may include adjusting operation of the air conditioning system based on one or more parameters of a compressor operation including a compressor inlet pressure, a compressor outlet pressure, and a compressor speed, that are determined based on output from the pressure sensor positioned within the compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10024255
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer, Chris John Piper
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXHAUST HEAT EXCHANGER DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20180195470
    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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Karen Evelyn Bevan, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10018123
    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, all intake valves of an engine cylinder may be deactivated, in response to engine load below a threshold, while operating a first exhaust valve coupled to the first exhaust manifold and a second exhaust valve coupled to the second exhaust manifold at different timings. As a result, intake air may be routed from the intake passage, through an exhaust gas recirculation passage coupled between the intake passage and the first exhaust manifold, and into the engine cylinder via the first exhaust valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Brad Alan Boyer, Daniel Paul Madison
  • Systems and methods for a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 10012159
    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: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Daniel Paul Madison, Brad Alan Boyer