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).

  • EXHAUST GAS SENSOR CONTROLS ADAPTATION FOR ASYMMETRIC DEGRADATION RESPONSES
    Publication number: 20140345584
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hassene Jammoussi, Imad Hassan Makki, Michael James Uhrich, Michael Casedy
  • INTEGRATED FUEL CATALYST MONITOR
    Publication number: 20140336899
    Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring an emission device coupled to an engine. In one example approach, the method comprises: following a deceleration fuel shut-off duration, indicating degradation of the emission device based on an amount of rich products required to cause a sensor to become richer than a threshold. The amount of rich products required may be correlated to an amount of oxygen stored in the emission device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Imad Hassan Makki, Pankaj Kumar, Michael Casedy
  • Method and system for humidity sensor diagnostics
    Patent number: 8881713
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine including a humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined based on a change in intake air relative humidity as compared to a change in intake air temperature or pressure, under selected conditions. An amount of exhaust gas recirculated to an engine intake is adjusted differently based on whether the humidity sensor is degraded or functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Imad Hassan Makki, Michael James Uhrich, Timothy Joseph Clark, James Michael Kerns, Robert Roy Jentz
  • HUMIDITY SENSOR AND ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140316672
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an engine coupled temperature-based humidity sensor. Degradation of the humidity sensor may be determined while flowing gasses into an engine intake air downstream of a humidity sensor and upstream of a compressor, indicating humidity sensor degradation when relative humidity readings change by less than a threshold while temperature at the sensor changes greater than a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Yong-Wha Kim, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • HUMIDITY SENSOR AND ENGINE SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140316676
    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: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar
  • NOx control during engine idle-stop operations
    Patent number: 8862370
    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: October 14, 2014
    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
  • POSITION DETECTION FOR LOBE SWITCHING CAMSHAFT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140303873
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an active cam profile from a plurality of cam profiles is disclosed. The systems and methods may be used to determine how to operate an engine torque actuator or provide an indication of cam profile switching degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Michael James Uhrich
  • HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTIC METHOD USING CONDENSATION CLEARING HEATER
    Publication number: 20140298880
    Abstract: A diagnostic method for a capacitive humidity sensor comprising a heater, and a capacitance-sensing element that individually indentifies 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 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar, Yong-Wha Kim
  • HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20140238369
    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: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Mrdjan J. Jankovic, Timothy Joseph Clark, Imad Hassan Makki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich
  • DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN EGR VALVE AND OXYGEN SENSOR DEGRADATION
    Publication number: 20140244135
    Abstract: A diagnostic method for an engine having a valve for controlling dilution of intake air. The method comprises, during engine fueling, indicating a degradation of the valve when the valve is commanded closed but sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air. The method further comprises, absent engine fueling, indicating degradation of the sensor when the valve is commanded closed but the sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns, Timothy Joseph Clark, Robert Roy Jentz, Michael James Uhrich
  • EXHAUST GAS SENSOR DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROLS ADAPTATION
    Publication number: 20140238368
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting an anticipatory controller of an exhaust gas sensor coupled in an engine exhaust. In one embodiment, the method comprises adjusting fuel injection responsive to exhaust oxygen feedback from the anticipatory controller of the exhaust gas sensor and adjusting one or more parameters of the anticipatory controller responsive to a type of oxygen sensor degradation. In this way, the anticipatory controller may be adapted based on the type and magnitude of the degradation behavior to increase performance of the air-fuel control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Hassene Jammoussi, Imad Hassan Makki, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Adam Nathan Banker, Michael James Uhrich, Michael Casedy
  • HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20140238348
    Abstract: Embodiments for diagnosing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises, responsive to a humidity sensor test cycle, pumping air conditioning and windshield washer gas flows past a humidity sensor, and indicating humidity sensor degradation based on a response of the humidity sensor to the air conditioning and windshield washer gas flows. In this way, degradation of the humidity sensor may be indicated if the humidity sensed by the humidity sensor does not change responsive to the humidity sensor test cycle being initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar
  • HUMIDITY SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20140238370
    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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar
  • Engine catalyst diagnostics
    Patent number: 8800356
    Abstract: Embodiments for predicting catalyst function are disclosed. One example embodiment includes applying a set of parameter readings for a given sample to a support vector machine to generate a classification output, recording a plurality of classification outputs for a plurality of successive samples over a first duration, and indicating catalyst degradation if a threshold percentage of the classification outputs indicates degraded catalyst performance. In this way, catalyst degradation may be indicated using a simplified model that does not require extensive calibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, Pankaj Kumar, Adam Banker
  • Hydrocarbon retaining system configuration for combustion engine
    Patent number: 8776496
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable storage media are described in which exhaust gas is routed to a hydrocarbon retaining device during starting, and purged to the engine intake manifold. Various alternative approaches are described for controlling operation and diagnosing degradation. Further, various interrelated configurations are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • Distinguishing between EGR valve and oxygen sensor degradation
    Patent number: 8775011
    Abstract: A diagnostic method for an engine having a valve for controlling dilution of intake air. The method comprises, during engine fueling, indicating a degradation of the valve when the valve is commanded closed but sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air. The method further comprises, absent engine fueling, indicating degradation of the sensor when the valve is commanded closed but the sensor output corresponds to an oxygen level below that of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns, Timothy Joseph Clark, Robert Roy Jentz, Michael James Uhrich
  • SCR CATALYST DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20140144125
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises operating the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating rich, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating lean, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with the upstream exhaust sensor indicating rich and the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors each indicating lean, and indicating degradation of an SCR catalyst based on when the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors switch from lean to rich.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Giovanni Cavataio, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Thomas G. Leone, Joseph Robert Theis, Michael James Uhrich
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT ENGINE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140123631
    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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen B. Smith, Michael James Uhrich, James Michael Kerns, Adam Nathan Banker
  • Hydrocarbon retaining and purging system
    Patent number: 8707683
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine having a hydrocarbon retaining system and an emission control device coupled to an engine exhaust, the engine exhaust comprising a venturi. One example method comprises, during a storing condition, routing exhaust gas through the venturi without generating a venturi action, and then to the hydrocarbon retaining system, while bypassing the emission control device, to store hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon retaining system, and during a purging condition, routing exhaust gas through the venturi while generating venturi action, then to the emission control device, and then to the hydrocarbon retaining system, to purge stored hydrocarbons, wherein a flow of purged hydrocarbons is drawn back to the venturi via venturi action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, James Michael Kerns, Shane Elwart, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • NOX CONTROL DURING ENGINE IDLE-STOP OPERATIONS
    Publication number: 20140039781
    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: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: 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