Patents by Inventor Michael John Cullen
Michael John Cullen 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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Patent number: 8397695Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2012Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
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Patent number: 8323149Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2011Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
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Patent number: 8315776Abstract: Modeling catalyst exotherm due to blowthrough is provided. The method of advantageously utilizes catalyst temperature based on an amount of blowthrough air and a combustion air-fuel ratio generating a catalyst exotherm.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Amey Y. Karnik, Michael John Cullen
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Publication number: 20120159933Abstract: Modeling catalyst exotherm due to blowthrough is provided. The method of advantageously utilizes catalyst temperature based on an amount of blowthrough air and a combustion air-fuel ratio generating a catalyst exotherm.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Amey Y. Karnik, Michael John Cullen
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Publication number: 20120150415Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2012Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
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Patent number: 8151567Abstract: A method of operation for an engine system having a variable geometry turbocharger with a vane is disclosed. In one example, an EGR valve is closed while vane position is adjusted. The method can reduce vane positioning errors during engine operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Eric Rollinger, David Bell, Michael John Cullen, Brien Lloyd Fulton
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Patent number: 8132556Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
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Patent number: 8135535Abstract: Modeling catalyst exotherm due to blowthrough is provided. The method of advantageously utilizes catalyst temperature based on an amount of blowthrough air and a combustion air-fuel ratio generating a catalyst exotherm.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Amey Y. Karnik, Michael John Cullen
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Publication number: 20110287892Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
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Patent number: 8006670Abstract: A system or method for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine operable in a reduced displacement mode with at least one valve or cylinder selectively deactivated include controlling the engine in response to detecting opening of an exhaust valve after deactivation based measured or inferred exhaust pressure changes after deactivation. In one embodiment, controlling the engine includes reactivating one or more deactivated cylinders/valves, inhibiting subsequent deactivation, and/or storing a diagnostic code in a computer readable storage medium in response to detecting valve opening after deactivation.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: John Eric Rollinger, Michael John Cullen, Jeffrey Allen Doering
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Patent number: 7972242Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
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Publication number: 20110144888Abstract: A system or method for controlling a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine operable in a reduced displacement mode with at least one valve or cylinder selectively deactivated include controlling the engine in response to detecting opening of an exhaust valve after deactivation based measured or inferred exhaust pressure changes after deactivation. In one embodiment, controlling the engine includes reactivating one or more deactivated cylinders/valves, inhibiting subsequent deactivation, and/or storing a diagnostic code in a computer readable storage medium in response to detecting valve opening after deactivation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2010Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: John Eric Rollinger, Michael John Cullen, Jeffrey Allen Doering
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Patent number: 7854682Abstract: A method for operating an engine and transmission in a vehicle is described. The method comprises up-shifting the transmission based on whether engine knock limits spark advance at engine conditions after the up-shift. Further, the method may include accounting for differences in fuel types, and their effects on engine knock in future gears.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeff Allen Doering, Michael John Cullen
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Publication number: 20100317487Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a throttle plate to adjust airflow to the engine are provided. A transmission having an input speed and an output speed and including a clutch and a driver-selectable transmission lever is controlled to adjust engine speed to a synchronous speed in a future gear ratio in response to driver foot pedal positions and driver-selectable transmission lever positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
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Publication number: 20100312451Abstract: Modeling catalyst exotherm due to blowthrough is provided. The method of calculating a temperature of exhaust from an internal combustion engine having a catalyst may include determining a temperature of the exhaust, determining a catalyst exotherm based on an amount of blowthrough air and a combustion air-fuel ratio, and adjusting the determined temperature of the exhaust based on the determined catalyst exotherm.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: December 9, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Amey Y. Karnik, Michael John Cullen
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Publication number: 20100274455Abstract: A method for operating an engine and transmission in a vehicle is described. The method comprises up-shifting the transmission based on whether engine knock limits spark advance at engine conditions after the up-shift. Further, the method may include accounting for differences in fuel types, and their effects on engine knock in future gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2010Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jeff Allen Doering, Michael John Cullen
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Patent number: 7762924Abstract: A method for operating an engine and transmission in a vehicle is described. The method comprises up-shifting the transmission based on whether engine knock limits spark advance at engine conditions after the up-shift. Further, the method may include accounting for differences in fuel types, and their effects on engine knock in future gears.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jeff Allen Doering, Michael John Cullen
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Publication number: 20100057324Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
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Publication number: 20090192684Abstract: A method for controlling an engine coupled to a transmission is described. The method is suited for a transmission having at least one gear in which an over-running clutch is present. The invention describes a method for adjusting an engine operating parameter to maintain transmission input speed at or below a synchronous transmission input speed when the transmission is in the gear with the over-running clutch. The synchronous transmission input speed is based on transmission state and transmission output speed. Alternatively, vehicle speed can be used in place of transmission output speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Michael John Cullen, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
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Publication number: 20090118092Abstract: A method for operating an engine and transmission in a vehicle is described. The method comprises up-shifting the transmission based on whether engine knock limits spark advance at engine conditions after the up-shift. Further, the method may include accounting for differences in fuel types, and their effects on engine knock in future gears.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jeff Allen Doering, Michael John Cullen