Patents by Inventor Michael James Uhrich

Michael James Uhrich 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).

  • NOx control during engine idle-stop operations
    Patent number: 9518287
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Robert Theis, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Giovanni Cavataio, Thomas G. Leone, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • Humidity sensor diagnostics
    Patent number: 9482172
    Abstract: Embodiments for diagnosing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises adjusting an engine operating parameter based on humidity of a first gas flow measured by a humidity sensor, and indicating degradation of the humidity sensor if a humidity of a second gas flow measured by the humidity sensor is different than an expected humidity. In this way, degradation of the humidity sensor may be indicated if the humidity of the second gas flow measured by the humidity sensor is different than expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar
  • HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20160312729
    Abstract: Embodiments for testing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises indicating degradation of a humidity sensor based on a humidity sensor output and output from an intake gas composition sensor. In this way, output from the intake gas composition sensor may be used to determine if the humidity sensor is degraded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2016
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Timothy Joseph Clark, Imad Hassan Makki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich
  • Fuel shift monitor
    Patent number: 9447744
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for evaluating presence of fuel shifts in an engine. In one example, a method comprises indicating a fuel shift based on a time delay of an exhaust gas sensor during an entry into and an exit out of deceleration fuel shut off (DFSO).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hassene Jammoussi, Imad Hassan Makki, Michael James Uhrich, Michael Casedy, Kenneth John Behr
  • HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC METHOD USING CONDENSATION CLEARING HEATER
    Publication number: 20160245240
    Abstract: A diagnostic method for a capacitive humidity sensor comprising a heater, and a capacitance-sensing element that individually identifies heater, temperature-sensing element, or capacitance-sensing element degradation. By this method, individual elements of the sensor may be replaced or compensated for to allow for further operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar, Yong-Wha Kim
  • Non-intrusive exhaust gas sensor monitoring
    Patent number: 9416714
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring an exhaust gas sensor coupled in an engine exhaust are provided. In one example approach, a method comprises indicating exhaust gas sensor degradation based on a downstream exhaust gas sensor responding before the upstream exhaust gas sensor during a commanded change in air-fuel ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Adam Nathan Banker, James Michael Kerns, Imad Hassan Makki, Hassene Jammoussi
  • Humidity sensor and engine system
    Patent number: 9389198
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine coupled capacitance-based humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined based on humidity readings while flowing gasses into an engine intake air downstream of the humidity sensor and upstream of a compressor change by less than a first threshold while pressure at the sensor changes greater then a second threshold. The variation in pressure can be changed by adjusting a throttle upstream and downstream of the compressor based on whether the humidity sensor is degraded or functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar
  • Humidity Sensor Diagnostics
    Patent number: 9382861
    Abstract: Embodiments for testing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises indicating degradation of a humidity sensor based on a humidity sensor output and output from an intake gas composition sensor. In this way, output from the intake gas composition sensor may be used to determine if the humidity sensor is degraded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Timothy Joseph Clark, Imad Hassan Makki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DIAGNOSING AN INTAKE OXYGEN SENSOR BASED ON PRESSURE
    Publication number: 20160177847
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an intake oxygen sensor. In one example, a method may include indicating degradation of an intake oxygen sensor based on a first time constant of an output of the intake oxygen sensor and a second time constant of an output of a throttle inlet pressure sensor. The method may further include adjusting EGR flow based on the output of the intake oxygen sensor and the output of the throttle inlet pressure sensor when the intake oxygen sensor is not degraded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Yong-Wha Kim, Michael James Uhrich, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION ESTIMATION WITH TWO INTAKE OXYGEN SENSORS
    Publication number: 20160177853
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for estimating exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow based on outputs of two different intake oxygen sensors arranged in an engine intake system. In one example, a method may include, when the engine is boosted, adjusting exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) based on a first output of a first oxygen sensor positioned in an intake passage and exposed to EGR gases and a second output of a second oxygen sensor not exposed to EGR gases and exposed to positive crankcase ventilation and purge flow gases. For example, EGR flow may be estimated based on a difference between the first output and the second output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Imtiaz Ali, Timothy Joseph Clark, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Method for identification of a threshold-level catalyst
    Patent number: 9359967
    Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating catalyst transfer function gain are disclosed. In one example, an air-fuel ratio forcing function is applied to a catalyst. Air-fuel ratios upstream and downstream of the catalyst are manipulated to determine a transfer function gain of the catalyst. The transfer function gain may be a basis for indicating the presence or absence of catalyst degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mario Anthony Santillo, Steve William Magner, Michael James Uhrich, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • Humidity sensor diagnostic method using condensation clearing heater
    Patent number: 9329160
    Abstract: A diagnostic method for a capacitive humidity sensor comprising a heater, and a capacitance-sensing element that individually identifies heater, temperature-sensing element, or capacitance-sensing element degradation. By this method, individual elements of the sensor may be replaced or compensated for to allow for further operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar, Yong-Wha Kim
  • Methods and systems for variable displacement engine control
    Patent number: 9297348
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for selecting a group of cylinders for selective deactivation, in a variable displacement engine system, based at least on a regeneration state of an exhaust catalyst. The position of one or more valves and throttles may be adjusted based on the selective deactivation to reduce back-flow through the disabled cylinders while also maintaining conditions of a downstream exhaust catalyst. Pre-ignition and knock detection windows and thresholds may also be adjusted based on the deactivation to improve the efficiency of knock and pre-ignition detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, Adam Nathan Banker
  • METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF A THRESHOLD-LEVEL CATALYST
    Publication number: 20160061131
    Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating catalyst transfer function gain are disclosed. In one example, an air-fuel ratio forcing function is applied to a catalyst. Air-fuel ratios upstream and downstream of the catalyst are manipulated to determine a transfer function gain of the catalyst. The transfer function gain may be a basis for indicating the presence or absence of catalyst degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Mario Anthony Santillo, Steve William Magner, Michael James Uhrich, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • NON-INTRUSIVE EXHAUST GAS SENSOR MONITORING BASED ON FUEL VAPOR PURGE OPERATION
    Publication number: 20160032854
    Abstract: A method of monitoring an exhaust gas sensor coupled in an engine exhaust in an engine is provided. The method includes adjusting engine operation responsive to exhaust gas sensor degradation, the degradation identified during deceleration fuel shut-off (DFSO) and compensated based on whether vapor purge operation is occurring in the engine during DFSO.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, Michael James Uhrich, Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns
  • Exhaust gas sensor controls adaptation for asymmetric degradation responses
    Patent number: 9249751
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting an asymmetric degradation response of an exhaust gas sensor to a more symmetric degradation response. In one example, a method includes adjusting fuel injection responsive to a modified exhaust oxygen feedback signal from an exhaust gas sensor, the modified exhaust oxygen feedback signal modified by transforming an asymmetric response of the exhaust gas sensor to a more symmetric response. Further, the method may include adjusting one or more parameters of an anticipatory controller of the exhaust gas sensor based on the modified symmetric response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hassene Jammoussi, Imad Hassan Makki, Michael James Uhrich, Michael Casedy
  • DUAL HEGO METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION AND MITIGATION OF AIR-FUEL IMBALANCE FAULTS
    Publication number: 20160018291
    Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying and mitigating air-fuel imbalance faults specific to an engine cylinder are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises indicating a cylinder imbalance by comparing time-aligned readings from exhaust gas oxygen sensors, the exhaust gas oxygen sensors positioned symmetrically opposite each other within an exhaust passage downstream of a catalyst. In this way, an air-fuel imbalance fault may be accurately detected in a non-uniform exhaust flow so that mitigating actions can be taken, resulting in reduced tailpipe emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Mario Anthony Santillo, Stephen William Magner, Mrdjan J. Jankovic
  • FUEL SHIFT MONITOR
    Publication number: 20160017827
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for evaluating presence of fuel shifts in an engine. In one example, a method comprises indicating a fuel shift based on a time delay of an exhaust gas sensor during an entry into and an exit out of deceleration fuel shut off (DFSO).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Hassene Jammoussi, Imad Hassan Makki, Michael James Uhrich, Michael Casedy, Kenneth John Behr
  • NOx control during cylinder deactivation
    Patent number: 9222420
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Joseph Robert Theis, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Michael James Uhrich, Adam Nathan Banker, Stephen B. Smith
  • IDENTIFICATION AND REJECTION OF ASYMMETRIC FAULTS
    Publication number: 20150354485
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying and rejecting asymmetric faults that cause engine emissions to be biased rich or lean. In one example, a method for an engine system comprises generating a UEGO sensor feedback set-point adjustment based on slower and faster time components within an outer loop of a catalyst control system; generating an inner-loop bias-offset correction from the slower time component; and indicating degradation of the engine system based on a comparison of the bias-offset correction to a degradation threshold. In this way, the total outer-loop control authority is increased while maintaining drivability and noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) constraints and meeting emission standards in the presence of an air-to-fuel ratio biasing fault.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Mario Anthony Santillo, Stephen William Magner, Michael James Uhrich, Mrdjan J. Jankovic