Patents by Inventor Patrick Smithberger

Patrick Smithberger 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).

  • Patent number: 11378028
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining degradation of a cylinder deactivation mechanism are described. In one example, engine data generated while an engine is operation with all of its cylinders active is used to correct engine data generated while one or more engine cylinders are deactivated to improve detection of a degraded cylinder deactivation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Adam Krach, Michael Casedy, Rommel Racelis, Patrick Smithberger
  • Publication number: 20220112851
    Abstract: Systems and methods for determining degradation of a cylinder deactivation mechanism are described. In one example, engine data generated while an engine is operation with all of its cylinders active is used to correct engine data generated while one or more engine cylinders are deactivated to improve detection of a degraded cylinder deactivation mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Adam Krach, Michael Casedy, Rommel Racelis, Patrick Smithberger
  • Patent number: 6970780
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a device in an internal combustion engine such as a spark plug, a camshaft actuator, an EGR valve actuator, etc. The method and system are designed to compensate for changes in environmental operating conditions of the engine not accounted for in control variable scheduling. A parameter value is determined responsive to one or more engine operating conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, engine oil temperature, etc.). Potential values for the parameter are divided into predetermined value ranges. A schedule of control values for the device is then selected from among a plurality of control value schedules for the device responsive to the parameter value. Each control value schedule in the plurality of control value schedules corresponds to one of the aforementioned value ranges for the parameter. The device is then controlled responsive to a control value obtained from the selected control value schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Smithberger, Stephen Cooper
  • Publication number: 20050182552
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for controlling a device in an internal combustion engine such as a spark plug, a camshaft actuator, an EGR valve actuator, etc. The method and system are designed to compensate for changes in environmental operating conditions of the engine not accounted for in control variable scheduling. A parameter value is determined responsive to one or more engine operating conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, engine oil temperature, etc.). Potential values for the parameter are divided into predetermined value ranges. A schedule of control values for the device is then selected from among a plurality of control value schedules for the device responsive to the parameter value. Each control value schedule in the plurality of control value schedules corresponds to one of the aforementioned value ranges for the parameter. The device is then controlled responsive to a control value obtained from the selected control value schedule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: PATRICK SMITHBERGER, STEPHEN COOPER