Patents by Inventor Kristofor Robert Norman

Kristofor Robert 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).

  • Patent number: 11719140
    Abstract: A crankcase ventilation system is disclosed that includes a PCV valve, a spigot and a tube connector. The PCV valve is enclosed in a module housing that encloses a plunger, and a spring. The module housing defines an inlet opening, and an outlet opening and is assembled inside an engine component. The spigot is attached to an outer surface of the engine and is in fluid communication with the PCV valve through the outlet opening. The tube connector is in fluid communication with the tube connector and the PCV valve. An intake manifold of the engine provides vacuum to the PCV valve, through the tube, the tube connector and the spigot. If one of the tube, tube connector, or spigot is detached from the engine, the PCV valve is retained in the engine and is held closed by the spring biasing the plunger against the inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Palazzolo, Erzabeth J. Holcombe, Kristofor Robert Norman
  • Patent number: 11136997
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a turbocharger. In one example, a system comprises a compressor housing clamped to a bearing housing via a clamp ring. The clamp ring may be configured to at least partially detach the compressor and allow the compressor to rotate and/or shift in response to a force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shawn Kevin Carlisle, Adam Matthew Selthofer, Anthony Morelli, Kristofor Robert Norman, Rick Renwick, Daniel Lawerence Sylvester
  • Publication number: 20210025408
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a turbocharger. In one example, a system comprises a compressor housing clamped to a bearing housing via a clamp ring. The clamp ring may be configured to at least partially detach the compressor and allow the compressor to rotate and/or shift in response to a force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Shawn Kevin Carlisle, Adam Matthew Selthofer, Anthony Morelli, Kristofor Robert Norman, Rick Renwick, Daniel Lawerence Sylvester
  • Patent number: 9752495
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning out condensate stored at a charge air cooler. In response to increased condensate accumulation at a charge air cooler, airflow through the engine is increased to purge the condensate while an engine actuator is adjusted to maintain engine torque. Combustion stability issues of engine cylinders are addressed by adjusting fueling of each cylinder individually during condensate ingestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Patent number: 9650942
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to an engine controller determining a condensate forming location within a charge air cooler, a grille shutter system is adjusted, moving the condensate region to a different location in the charge air cooler. Grille shutter orientation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions and condensate-forming weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, Kristofor Robert Norman, Chris Paul Glugla, Craig Alan Smith, Joseph Patrick Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20170051658
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning out condensate stored at a charge air cooler. In response to increased condensate accumulation at a charge air cooler, airflow through the engine is increased to purge the condensate while an engine actuator is adjusted to maintain engine torque. Combustion stability issues of engine cylinders are addressed by adjusting fueling of each cylinder individually during condensate ingestion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Patent number: 9488152
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning out condensate stored at a charge air cooler. In response to increased condensate accumulation at a charge air cooler, airflow through the engine is increased to purge the condensate while an engine actuator is adjusted to maintain engine torque. Combustion stability issues of engine cylinders are addressed by adjusting fueling of each cylinder individually during condensate ingestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Patent number: 9359941
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, a method for a charge air cooler comprises, responsive to a condensate level in the charge air cooler, increasing boost pressure and maintaining a requested level of torque by routing a portion of air flow exiting the charge air cooler to an intake passage upstream of a compressor. In this way, accumulated condensate in the charge air cooler may be removed while maintaining driver-requested torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Patent number: 9222447
    Abstract: A charge air cooler, a system to control condensation within a plurality of cooling tubes of a charge air cooler, and a method are disclosed. The system includes an air flow control arrangement configured to selectively ensure a flow rate of charge air through each individual cooling tube is either essentially zero or above a predetermined minimum flow rate in accordance with predetermined operating conditions of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shuya Shark Yamada, Jim Raymond Palm, Kristofor Robert Norman
  • Patent number: 9163721
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a multiple gear downshift of a transmission gear by transiently operating in an intermediate gear. In response to air mass flow not reaching a threshold for CAC self-cleansing for a set duration, the transmission gear may be downshifted from a higher gear to an intermediate gear, and then to a requested lower gear. Downshifting through an intermediate gear may also be controlled based on the gear shift request and maximum air mass flow levels for engine misfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Patent number: 9127607
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning out condensate stored at a charge air cooler. In response to increased condensate accumulation at a charge air cooler, airflow through the engine is increased to purge the condensate while an engine actuator is adjusted to maintain engine torque. Combustion stability issues of engine cylinders are addressed by adjusting fueling of each cylinder individually during condensate ingestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada, James Matthew Kindree, Claire Steele
  • Publication number: 20150226320
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a multiple gear downshift of a transmission gear by transiently operating in an intermediate gear. In response to air mass flow not reaching a threshold for CAC self-cleansing for a set duration, the transmission gear may be downshifted from a higher gear to an intermediate gear, and then to a requested lower gear. Downshifting through an intermediate gear may also be controlled based on the gear shift request and maximum air mass flow levels for engine misfire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Patent number: 9038607
    Abstract: An air cooler line is provided. The air cooler lines includes a first air cooler having a plurality of air flow conduits, each of the air flow conduits including an inlet, and a first air flow deflector extending across peripheral portions of the inlets and fixedly coupled to the air flow conduits and a second air cooler having a plurality of air flow conduits, each of the air flow conduits including an inlet, and a second air flow deflector extending across peripheral portions of the inlets and fixedly coupled to the air flow conduits, the second air flow deflector differing in at least one of size and geometry than the first air flow deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada, Jim Raymond Palm, John R. Ladd, Michael Thomas Kramer, Jim Tyler
  • Patent number: 9017217
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a multiple gear downshift of a transmission gear by transiently operating in an intermediate gear. In response to air mass flow not reaching a threshold for CAC self-cleansing for a set duration, the transmission gear may be downshifted from a higher gear to an intermediate gear, and then to a requested lower gear. Downshifting through an intermediate gear may also be controlled based on the gear shift request and maximum air mass flow levels for engine misfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140352663
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning out condensate stored at a charge air cooler. In response to increased condensate accumulation at a charge air cooler, airflow through the engine is increased to purge the condensate while an engine actuator is adjusted to maintain engine torque. Combustion stability issues of engine cylinders are addressed by adjusting fueling of each cylinder individually during condensate ingestion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada, James Matthew Kindree, Claire Steele
  • Publication number: 20140352661
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cleaning out condensate stored at a charge air cooler. In response to increased condensate accumulation at a charge air cooler, airflow through the engine is increased to purge the condensate while an engine actuator is adjusted to maintain engine torque. Combustion stability issues of engine cylinders are addressed by adjusting fueling of each cylinder individually during condensate ingestion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140216367
    Abstract: An air cooler line is provided. The air cooler lines includes a first air cooler having a plurality of air flow conduits, each of the air flow conduits including an inlet, and a first air flow deflector extending across peripheral portions of the inlets and fixedly coupled to the air flow conduits and a second air cooler having a plurality of air flow conduits, each of the air flow conduits including an inlet, and a second air flow deflector extending across peripheral portions of the inlets and fixedly coupled to the air flow conduits, the second air flow deflector differing in at least one of size and geometry than the first air flow deflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada, Jim Raymond Palm, John R. Ladd, Michael Thomas Kramer, Jim Tyler
  • Publication number: 20140128222
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for performing a multiple gear downshift of a transmission gear by transiently operating in an intermediate gear. In response to air mass flow not reaching a threshold for CAC self-cleansing for a set duration, the transmission gear may be downshifted from a higher gear to an intermediate gear, and then to a requested lower gear. Downshifting through an intermediate gear may also be controlled based on the gear shift request and maximum air mass flow levels for engine misfire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kristofor Robert Norman, Shuya Shark Yamada
  • Publication number: 20140110488
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to a condensate forming region in a charge air cooler, a grille shutter system is adjusted, moving the condensate region to a different location in the charge air cooler. Grille shutter orientation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions and condensate-forming weather conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel Joseph Styles, Kristofor Robert Norman, Chris Paul Glugla, Craig Alan Smith, Joseph Patrick Whitehead
  • Publication number: 20140102424
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, a method for a charge air cooler comprises, responsive to a condensate level in the charge air cooler, increasing boost pressure and maintaining a requested level of torque by routing a portion of air flow exiting the charge air cooler to an intake passage upstream of a compressor. In this way, accumulated condensate in the charge air cooler may be removed while maintaining driver-requested torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Kristofor Robert Norman