Patents by Inventor Keith Michael Plagens
Keith Michael Plagens 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).
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Publication number: 20220325660Abstract: An engine system includes an engine having first and second exhaust manifolds each having outlet ports and a bypass runner. A first turbocharger is in fluid communication with the outlet port of the first manifold, and a second turbocharger in fluid communication with the outlet port of the second manifold. An exhaust aftertreatment device is in fluid communication with the first and second turbochargers. A turbocharger bypass circuit includes a valve assembly having an inlet side connected in fluid communication with the bypass runners of the first and second manifolds, an outlet side in fluid communication with the aftertreatment device, and a valve having an open position in which the inlet and outlet sides are in fluid communication and a closed position in which the inlet and outlet sides are not in fluid communication.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2021Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Keith Michael Plagens, Bradley Alan Boyer, Gregory Patrick McConville, Xiaogang Zhang, Thomas Polley, Eric Warren Curtis
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Patent number: 11454163Abstract: An engine system includes an engine having first and second exhaust manifolds each having outlet ports and a bypass runner. A first turbocharger is in fluid communication with the outlet port of the first manifold, and a second turbocharger in fluid communication with the outlet port of the second manifold. An exhaust aftertreatment device is in fluid communication with the first and second turbochargers. A turbocharger bypass circuit includes a valve assembly having an inlet side connected in fluid communication with the bypass runners of the first and second manifolds, an outlet side in fluid communication with the aftertreatment device, and a valve having an open position in which the inlet and outlet sides are in fluid communication and a closed position in which the inlet and outlet sides are not in fluid communication.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 27, 2022Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Keith Michael Plagens, Bradley Alan Boyer, Gregory Patrick McConville, Xiaogang Zhang, Thomas Polley, Eric Warren Curtis
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Patent number: 11187145Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2018Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Jack Adams, Keith Michael Plagens, Neal James Corey, David Born, Xiaogang Zhang
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Publication number: 20190048790Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2018Publication date: February 14, 2019Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Jack Adams, Keith Michael Plagens, Neal James Corey, David Born, Xiaogang Zhang
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Patent number: 10125669Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Jack Adams, Keith Michael Plagens, Neal James Corey, David Born, Xiaogang Zhang
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Publication number: 20170276062Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Jack Adams, Keith Michael Plagens, Neal James Corey, David Born, Xiaogang Zhang
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Patent number: 9714618Abstract: A system and method for improving engine emissions is described. In one example, engine emissions may be improved via increasing rotational resistance of a turbocharger while a temperature of an exhaust after treatment device is less than a threshold temperature. The system and method may reduce an amount of time for the after treatment device to reach an operating temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2012Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens, William Charles Ruona
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Patent number: 9708972Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Julia Helen Buckland, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Barbara Westrate, Stephen Lee Cooper, Keith Michael Plagens
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Patent number: 9677460Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Jack Adams, Keith Michael Plagens, Neal James Corey, David Born, Xiaogang Zhang
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Patent number: 9441533Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Julia Helen Buckland, Stephen Lee Cooper, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Barbara Westrate, Keith Michael Plagens
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Publication number: 20160258350Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2016Publication date: September 8, 2016Inventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Julia Helen Buckland, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Barbara Westrate, Stephen Lee Cooper, Keith Michael Plagens
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Patent number: 9416724Abstract: Embodiments for controlling boost pressure are provided. In one example, a method of controlling a turbocharger of an engine via a multi-staged wastegate comprises during a first condition, actuating a first stage of the wastegate based on boost pressure generated by the turbocharger, and actuating a second stage of the wastegate based on a temperature of a catalyst downstream of the turbocharger. In this way, catalyst heating and boost control may be provided by a common wastegate.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens, William Charles Ruona
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Patent number: 9404415Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine turbocharger is described. In one example, the turbocharger is rotated in different directions in response to operating conditions. The system and method may reduce engine emissions.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: William Charles Ruona, Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens
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Patent number: 9341109Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting the opening of a scroll valve of a binary flow turbine. Scroll valve adjustments are used at different engine operating conditions to improve engine performance and boost response. Scroll valve adjustments are coordinated with wastegate and EGR valve adjustments for improved engine control.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Brad Alan Boyer, Julia Helen Buckland, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Barbara Westrate, Stephen Lee Cooper, Keith Michael Plagens
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Patent number: 9303650Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for injecting exhaust gases from an exhaust gas recirculation system proximate to a trailing edge of a compressor wheel of a compressor. In one example, a compressor of a turbocharger may include an exhaust gas recirculation inlet volute within a casting of the compressor. The exhaust gas recirculation inlet volute may include an injection port positioned downstream of the trailing edge of the compressor wheel for injecting exhaust gases into intake air flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Keith Michael Plagens, Gregory Patrick McConville, Daniel Joseph Styles
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Publication number: 20150310451Abstract: Various structures and methods are described herein to track driving of a restricted driver. In an example, an additional criterion is also tracked, which can be an authorized driving supervisor in the vehicle. This criterion is separate from the driving data and is used to meet the requirements of a licensing agency. The criterion can be the presence of a licensed driver in the vehicle, e.g., in the front passenger seat, with the restricted driver. The vehicle can use its onboard sensors and computing system to determine that a licensed driver is supervising the driving of the restricted driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2014Publication date: October 29, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Keith Michael PLAGENS, James Michael LENOX, Laurie Elizabeth WOJAN
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Publication number: 20150260085Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Jack Adams, Keith Michael Plagens, Neal James Corey, David Born, Xiaogang Zhang
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Patent number: 9068501Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a branch communication valve in a twin turbocharger system. A branch communication valve may be positioned adjacent to a dividing wall separating a first scroll and a second scroll of the twin turbocharger. In an open position, the branch communication valve increases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll and in a closed position, the branch communication valve decreases fluid communication between the first scroll and the second scroll.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Jack Adams, Keith Michael Plagens, Neal James Corey, David Born, Xiaogang Zhang
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Publication number: 20150113980Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine turbocharger is described. In one example, the turbocharger is rotated in different directions in response to operating conditions. The system and method may reduce engine emissions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2015Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens
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Patent number: 8960166Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for providing auxiliary heat to a pre-compressor duct wall to reduce condensate formation. A coolant valve may control the delivery of heated engine coolant to the pre-compressor duct wall. The coolant valve may be adjusted based on condensate formation at the pre-compressor duct wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, James Alfred Hilditch, Lynn Aimee Chesney, Karen Elizabeth Maceroni, Keith Michael Plagens