Patents by Inventor Michael Kern

Michael Kern 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).

  • HYDROCARBON RETAINING AND PURGING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120204544
    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: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, James Michael Kerns, Shane Elwart, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • Selectively storing reformate
    Patent number: 8230826
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively storing gaseous reformate output by a fuel reformer for fueling an engine. Carbon monoxide produced by a fuel reformer may be continuously combusted in the engine and/or engine exhaust rather than being stored. In one example, reformate components produced by a fuel reformer, e.g., H2 and CH4, may be stored and buffered for use by an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, James Michael Kerns
  • Methods and compositions for selecting corn plants resistant to diplodia ear rot
    Patent number: 8222481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding corn plants containing quantitative trait loci that are associated with diplodia ear rot (DER), a fungal disease associated with Stenocarpella spp. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring resistance for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program for resistance to DER.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Johannes Daniel Rossouw, Heyder Diniz Silva, Gilberto Pozar, Michael Kerns, Humberto Gutierrez, Justino Mario
  • Method and system for fuel vapor control
    Patent number: 8215291
    Abstract: A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy DeBastos, Russell Randall Pearce, Scott Bohr, Patrick Sullivan, Christopher Kragh, Michael Igor Kluzner, Robert Roy Jentz, William Euliss, Aed Dudar, James Michael Kerns, Russ William Ferguson, Daniel Gabor
  • COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR SPECIFYING A PROCESSING OPERATION
    Publication number: 20120162265
    Abstract: The disclosed subject matter provides for specifying a processing operation by means of a gesture by way of a first and second database, tables, organizational graphs, organizational nodes, KPI-values (including aggregated KPI values, O-aggregated KPI-values), and an application where the application displays the O-aggregated KPI values retrieved from the first database or received from the second database in an organization view of the GUI, the organization view displaying the current organization node and its direct child organization nodes, the organization view enabling the user to navigate within the organization graph, whereby a selection of one of the displayed organization nodes triggers a re-execution wherein the selected organization node is used as the current organization node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: SOVANTA AG
    Inventors: Claus Heinrich, Michael Kern
  • Hydrocarbon Retaining System Configuration for Combustion Engine
    Publication number: 20120137659
    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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • Exhaust treatment system for internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 8166957
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating an engine exhaust system. In one example, a system comprises a first valve, and a second valve coupled to the first valve via a shaft. A first position of the shaft situates the first valve closed and the second valve open, a second position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a first amount, and a third position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a second, larger amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Aaron Lupescu, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, David A. May
  • Hydrocarbon retaining and purging system
    Patent number: 8161733
    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: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, James Michael Kerns, Shane Elwart, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • Approach for determining exhaust gas sensor degradation
    Patent number: 8145409
    Abstract: A method for determining degradation of an exhaust gas sensor positioned in an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is provided. The method includes sensor response durations to rich-to-lean and lean-to-rich transitions, as well as the symmetry of sensor response durations and delays to such transitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Timothy Joseph Clark
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FUEL VAPOR CONTROL
    Publication number: 20120055452
    Abstract: A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy DeBastos, Russell Randall Pearce, Scott Bohr, Patrick Sullivan, Christopher Kragh, Michael Igor Kluzner, Robert Roy Jentz, William Euliss, Aed Dudar, James Michael Kerns, Russ William Ferguson, Daniel Gabor
  • Hydrocarbon retaining system configuration for combustion engine
    Patent number: 8112985
    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: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • Control and diagnostic approach for emission control device
    Patent number: 8099947
    Abstract: A system and method for engine control and diagnostics are described. In one example, a catalyst is modeled as a non-linear integrator. The method may improve engine air-fuel diagnostics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Imad Hassan Makki, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Michael Igor Kluzner
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FUEL VAPOR CONTROL
    Publication number: 20110295482
    Abstract: A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Randall Pearce, Scott Bohr, Christopher Kragh, Timothy DeBastos, Patrick Sullivan, James Michael Kerns, Chad Michael Olson
  • Method and system for fuel vapor control
    Patent number: 8056540
    Abstract: A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy DeBastos, Russell Randall Pearce, Scott Bohr, Patrick Sullivan, Christopher Kragh, Michael Igor Kluzner, Robert Roy Jentz, William Euliss, Aed Dudar, James Michael Kerns, Russ William Ferguson, Daniel Gabor
  • Methods and Systems for Variable Displacement Engine Control
    Publication number: 20110265453
    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: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Adam Nathan Banker, James Michael Kerns, Stephen B. Smith
  • Method and System for Fuel Vapor Control
    Publication number: 20110265768
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a fuel vapor recovery system having a fuel tank isolation valve coupled between a fuel tank and a canister. Fuel vapors are purged from the fuel tank to a canister buffer over a plurality of purge pulses. The pulses are adjusted based on the buffer capacity, a purge flow rate, and a fuel tank pressure to improve control of canister loading and reduce air-to-fuel ratio disturbances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Chris Kragh, Dennis Yang, Timothy DeBastos, Russell Randall Pearce, Scott Bohr, Michael G. Heim
  • Methods and Systems for Variable Displacement Engine Control
    Publication number: 20110265771
    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: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Nathan Banker, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith
  • Methods and Systems for Variable Displacement Engine Control
    Publication number: 20110265454
    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: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen B. Smith, Michael James Uhrich, James Michael Kerns, Adam Nathan Banker
  • EXHAUST TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20110252794
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating an engine exhaust system. In one example, a system comprises a first valve, and a second valve coupled to the first valve via a shaft. A first position of the shaft situates the first valve closed and the second valve open, a second position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a first amount, and a third position situates the second valve closed and the first valve open by a second, larger amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Aaron Lupescu, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, David A. May
  • METHOD FOR CONTROL OF ELECTROMAGNETIC TERAHERTZ CARRIER WAVES
    Publication number: 20110187975
    Abstract: A method for influencing electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range between 0.1 and 10 terahertz includes providing a planar modulator having a matrix of at least 10×10 individual, active planar elements. Each planar element has a diameter between 5 ?m and 100 ?m. The planar elements are individually controlled using a central control unit such that each planar element assumes a respective one of at least two states in accordance with the control so as to influence the radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
    Inventors: Ralph Michaels, Hans Joachim Einsiedler, Gerhard Kadel, Josef Kraus, Klaus Milczewsky, Michael Kern, Karsten Buse, Ingo Breunig, Rosita Sowade, Jens Kiessling, Bastian Knabe