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).

  • Exhaust treatment system for internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 7987837
    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: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Aaron Lupescu, Daniel Joseph Styles, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Stephen B. Smith, David A. May
  • Delay compensated air/fuel control of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle
    Patent number: 7987840
    Abstract: A fuel control approach that compensates for time delays to increase exhaust gas sensor feedback response speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen William Magner, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, James Michael Kerns, Alan Robert Dona
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FUEL VAPOR CONTROL
    Publication number: 20110168140
    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: July 14, 2011
    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
  • WIRELESS DATA TRANSMISSION BY WAY OF TERATHERTZ WAVES
    Publication number: 20110142452
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the wireless data, transmission between a transmitter and a receiver, the data being modulated as signals onto an electromagnetic carrier wave in the range of 0.1 and 10 terahertz. The carrier wave emitted by the transmitter is concentrated in the direction of the receiver, the transmitter being oriented towards the receiver by means of an automatic adjusting device and the adjusting device using wireless communication between the transmitter and the receiver for said orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
    Inventors: Ralph Michaels, Hans Joachim Einsiedler, Thomas Moersdorf, Gerhard Kadel, Josef Kraus, Klaus Milczewsky, Michael Kern, Karsten Buse, Ingo Breunig, Rosita Sowade, Jens Kiessling, Bastian Knabe
  • Selectively Storing Reformate
    Publication number: 20110132289
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, James Michael Kerns
  • EXHAUST TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20110132337
    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: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 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
  • Delay Compensated Air/Fuel Control of an Internal Combustion Engine of a Vehicle
    Publication number: 20110132341
    Abstract: A fuel control approach that compensates for time delays to increase exhaust gas sensor feedback response speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen William Magner, Mrdjan J. Jankovic, James Michael Kerns, Alan Robert Dona
  • Method for Operating an Engine with Variable Charge Density
    Publication number: 20110132284
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4. The engine is operated by injecting the gaseous fuel and a second fuel to a cylinder of the engine in response to an available amount of gaseous fuel, engine speed and engine load. Further, an engine actuator may be adjusted to vary cylinder charge in response to the available amount of gaseous fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Michael H. Shelby, James Michael Kerns
  • Method for Operating an Engine with a Fuel Reformer
    Publication number: 20110132306
    Abstract: Methods for operating a flexible fuel engine with a fuel reformer which reforms a fuel into a gaseous fuel reformate are provided. Operating parameters of the fuel reformer and delivery of reformate to the engine are adjusted based on an alcohol content of the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Thomas G. Leone, Michael Howard Shelby
  • ADJUSTABLE GRILL SHUTTER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110137530
    Abstract: An adjustable grill shutter system is provided. In one embodiment, adjustment of the grill shutter system can be provided by a method of adjusting a grill shutter system for a vehicle, the method comprising adjusting opening of one or more grill shutters located at a front end opening of the vehicle in response to a non-driven vehicle condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: James Michael Kerns
  • ENERGY OPTIMIZATION METHOD
    Publication number: 20110106327
    Abstract: A method for optimizing customer utility usage in a utility network of customer sites, each having one or more utility devices, where customer site information is communicated between each of the customer sites and an optimization server having software for optimizing customer utility usage over one or more networks, including private and public networks. A customer site model for each of the customer sites is generated based upon the customer site information, and the customer utility usage is optimized based upon the customer site information and the customer site model. The optimization server can be hosted by an external source or within the customer site. In addition, the optimization processing can be partitioned between the customer site and an external source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhi Zhou, Juan Manuel de Bedout, John Michael Kern, Emrah Biyik, Ramu Sharat Chandra
  • ENERGY OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20110106328
    Abstract: A system for optimizing customer utility usage in a utility network of customer sites, each having one or more utility devices, where customer site is communicated between each of the customer sites and an optimization server having software for optimizing customer utility usage over one or more networks, including private and public networks. A customer site model for each of the customer sites is generated based upon the customer site information, and the customer utility usage is optimized based upon the customer site information and the customer site model. The optimization server can be hosted by an external source or within the customer site. In addition, the optimization processing can be partitioned between the customer site and an external source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhi Zhou, Juan Manuel de Bedout, John Michael Kern, Emrah Biyik, Ramu Sharat Chandra
  • System and method for improving fuel vapor purging for an engine having a compressor
    Patent number: 7918214
    Abstract: A system and method for storing and purging fuel vapors for an internal combustion engine comprising a compressor is presented. The system allows the canister to be purged even while the engine is operated at high engine load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Thomas G. Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • METHOD FOR REGENERATING A PARTICULATE FILTER FOR A BOOSTED DIRECT INJECTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20110072795
    Abstract: A method for regenerating a particulate filter is disclosed. In one example, oxygen is pumped from the intake system of a direct injection turobocharged gasoline engine through a cylinder and into the exhaust system by a compressor. In this way, regeneration of a particulate filter may be accomplished without an auxiliary air supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Jan Harmsen
  • METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL OF A SPARK IGNITED ENGINE WHILE REGENERATING A PARTICULATE FILTER
    Publication number: 20110073088
    Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Robert Walter McCabe, Eva Thanasiu, David Karl Bidner, James Michael Kerns, Nian Xiao, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Jeffrey Scott Hepburn
  • EXHAUST TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
    Publication number: 20110072801
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an exhaust treatment system coupled to an engine exhaust, the exhaust treatment system further coupled to an engine intake via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. One example method comprises, operating in a first mode including routing exhaust gas through the exhaust treatment system to an exhaust tailpipe; operating in a second mode including routing exhaust gas through the exhaust treatment system to an engine intake via the EGR system, and operating in a third mode including routing exhaust gas to an engine intake through the EGR system while bypassing the exhaust treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Aaron Lupescu, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Ken O. Jahr
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGENERATING A PARTICULATE FILTER
    Publication number: 20110072784
    Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, David Karl Bidner, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Robert Walter McCabe, Eva Thanasiu, James Michael Kerns, Nian Xiao
  • Hydrocarbon retaining and purging system
    Patent number: 7913672
    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: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, Jason Aaron Lupescu, Michael James Uhrich, James Michael Kerns
  • HYDROCARBON AND NOx TRAP
    Publication number: 20110061371
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon and NOx trap and related apparatus and methods for reducing cold-start NOx emissions from an engine are provided. In one embodiment a trap includes a first, topmost layer, exposed to an exhaust gas flow path of exhaust gases from an engine, the first layer comprising a zeolite, a second layer, substantially covered by the top most layer, the second layer comprising a NOx adsorbing material and a monolithic substrate, directly supporting the second layer and indirectly supporting the first layer, the substrate providing a substantially rigid structure of the trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Giovanni Cavataio, Jason Aaron Lupescu, Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich
  • Reducing fuel-vapor emissions by vortex effect
    Patent number: 7870848
    Abstract: A system for managing fuel-vapor emission from a fuel tank of a vehicle using a vortex-effect flow separator coupled in the fuel-vapor purging system of the vehicle. The warmer-flow outlet of the separator is coupled to the engine intake, and the cooler-flow outlet is coupled to the fuel tank. In this way, less fuel vapor is delivered to the engine intake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, Michael Igor Kluzner, James Michael Kerns