Patents by Inventor Robert Roy

Robert Roy 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).

  • METHOD FOR VARIABLE POSITION EXHAUST TUNING VALVE DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20190120101
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting and troubleshooting an adjustable exhaust valve of a variable exhaust tuning system. In one example, a method may include comparing engine startup conditions to engine conditions of a last engine off event, adjusting a position of the adjustable exhaust valve, and providing a diagnostic summary to a vehicle operator based upon the results of the comparison and adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Sumanth Dadam, Sanyam Sharma, Robert Roy Jentz
  • HEAT EXCHANGER FOR EXHAUST TUNING SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20190120103
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a heat exchanger phase change material installed as a component of a variable exhaust tuning system. In one example, a method may include absorbing excess heat energy from exhaust gases during and after an engine-on event within a heat exchanger material, releasing heat energy stored in the heat exchanger material during and after an engine-off event, and heating an adjustable exhaust valve with the heat energy stored in the heat exchanger material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Roy Jentz, Sanyam Sharma, Sumanth Dadam
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20190039437
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for on-board diagnostics of components of an exhaust gas heat recovery (EGHR) system including engine coolant temperature sensors coupled to the system. Degradation of one or more of a first coolant temperature sensor coupled upstream of a heat exchanger of the EGHR system and a second coolant temperature sensor coupled downstream of the heat exchanger may be indicated based on a difference between a modeled coolant temperature and a measured coolant temperature, the modeled coolant temperature based on one or more of heat transfer between a heater core and vehicle cabin, and heat transfer between exhaust flowing via the heat exchanger and coolant flowing through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: Robert Roy Jentz, Vincent Martinez, Sanyam Sharma, Sitaram Rejeti, Arjun Sadahalli
  • Vehicle method for barometric pressure identification
    Patent number: 10100758
    Abstract: A vehicle method for barometric pressure identification, including adjusting engine operation responsive to barometric pressure, the barometric pressure based on a pressure change at a sector of the fuel system when the sector is sealed with the vehicle travelling. The method may utilize a pressure change at the sealed sector of the fuel system, such as a sealed fuel tank, to identify barometric pressure, even with the engine off for extended durations of vehicle travel. As such, in a hybrid-vehicle application, including during hill descents in which the engine is maintained off, barometric pressure can still be updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce, Mark W. Peters, Robert Roy Jentz, Aed M. Dudar
  • Systems and methods for on-board data processing
    Patent number: 10087891
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing of an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test dataset, and transferring parameters of a curve fit to the processed data to an off-board location. In one example, a method may include performing an evaporative emissions system diagnostic test, fitting a curve to at least a part of the data, transferring parameters of the curve fit, along with the start, and end data points to an off-board location for further processing. The on-board controller may adjust engine operating conditions based on signal received from the off-board location after off-board data reconstruction, and analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Imad Hassan Makki, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Systems and methods for engine coolant system diagnostics
    Patent number: 10060333
    Abstract: Methods are provided for engine coolant system diagnostics. In one example, engine coolant system malfunction is indicated based on an engine coolant temperature inference model, whereas in another example engine coolant system malfunction is indicated based on a time-based monitor, where the inference model is enabled at ambient temperatures above a predetermined threshold, and where the time-based monitor is enabled at ambient temperatures below the predetermined threshold. In this way, accurate engine coolant system diagnosis may be accomplished under ambient temperature conditions wherein the engine coolant temperature inference model may be compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sitaram Rejeti, Robert Roy Jentz, Aed M. Dudar, John Smiley, Joseph Lyle Thomas
  • Frictional Enhancement of Mating Surfaces of Power Cable Installed In Coiled Tubing
    Publication number: 20180202242
    Abstract: A string of coiled tubing for an electrical submersible well pump has insulated power conductors encased in an elastomeric jacket within the coiled tubing. A textured interface between the jacket and the inner side wall of the coiled tubing enhances frictional engagement between the jacket and the coiled tubing. The textured interface may be formed on the inner side wall of the coiled tubing and consist of a roughened or knurled surface. A tape may be wrapped helically around the jacket, the tape having an outer side with a textured surface in contact with the inner side wall of the coiled tubing. The textured interface may extend continuously for the length of the coiled tubing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Applicant: Baker Hughes, a GE Company, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth O'Grady, John Mack, Scott Strattan, David Robert Roy
  • VEHICLE METHOD FOR BAROMETRIC PRESSURE IDENTIFICATION
    Publication number: 20180202376
    Abstract: A vehicle method for barometric pressure identification, including adjusting engine operation responsive to barometric pressure, the barometric pressure based on a pressure change at a sector of the fuel system when the sector is sealed with the vehicle travelling. The method may utilize a pressure change at the sealed sector of the fuel system, such as a sealed fuel tank, to identify barometric pressure, even with the engine off for extended durations of vehicle travel. As such, in a hybrid-vehicle application, including during hill descents in which the engine is maintained off, barometric pressure can still be updated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    Inventors: Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce, Mark W. Peters, Robert Roy Jentz, Aed M. Dudar
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTELLIGENT VEHICLE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20180179993
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting tests for undesired evaporative emissions on a vehicle fuel system and evaporative emissions system. In one example, a method may include learning routes commonly traveled by the vehicle, including altitude changes and stop durations, and may further include diagnosing the fuel system and evaporative emissions system based on the learned altitude changes in one example, and may include diagnosing the fuel system and evaporative emissions system based on a learned stop duration in another example. By conducting tests for undesired evaporative emissions as a function of learned travel routes, completion rates for tests for undesired evaporative emissions tests may be increased, and the release of undesired evaporative emissions to atmosphere may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Douglas Raymond Martin, Robert Roy Jentz, Kevin Lucka, Mohammad R. Aghili, Donald P. Tinsley, III
  • Method and system for exhaust gas recirculation system diagnostics
    Patent number: 9976521
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for on-board diagnostics of an exhaust gas recirculation system. In one example, a method may include dynamically estimating upper and lower EGR limits based on a commanded EGR flow and estimating a ratio of accumulated difference between a measured EGR flow and one of the upper and lower EGR limits to accumulated commanded EGR flow, over a duration of time. EGR system degradation may be indicated in response to the ratio being higher than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Roy Jentz, Scott Steadmon Thompson, Pat Edward Smithberger
  • Confidence-modified exponentially weighted moving average filter for engine-off natural vacuum testing
    Patent number: 9976519
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for conducting an engine-off natural vacuum test and filtering the output of the engine-off natural vacuum (EONV) test based on a variable weighting factor. In one example, one or more EONV test entry conditions are evaluated with one or more membership functions corresponding to the indicated result of the EONV test to obtain an overall confidence value that is used to modify the weighting factor. In this way, the filtered EONV output reflects the confidence in the test results, and as such a malfunction indicator light may be more appropriately set as compared to conditions wherein filtered EONV output is not based on confidence in the test results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fling Finn Tseng, Aed M. Dudar, Imad Hassan Makki, Robert Roy Jentz
  • Systems and methods for targeted heating in an evaporative fuel vapor canister purge
    Patent number: 9970367
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an ultrasonic wave generator within a vehicle emissions control system. In one example, a frequency of ultrasonic waves may be applied to a fuel vapor canister, the frequency adjusted in response to an estimate of hydrocarbon distribution within a vapor canister received from temperature and hydrocarbon sensor outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Robert Roy Jentz, Douglas Raymond Martin
  • Vehicle method for barometric pressure identification
    Patent number: 9945309
    Abstract: A vehicle method for barometric pressure identification, including adjusting engine operation responsive to barometric pressure, the barometric pressure based on a pressure change at a sector of the fuel system when the sector is sealed with the vehicle travelling. The method may utilize a pressure change at the sealed sector of the fuel system, such as a sealed fuel tank, to identify barometric pressure, even with the engine off for extended durations of vehicle travel. As such, in a hybrid-vehicle application, including during hill descents in which the engine is maintained off, barometric pressure can still be updated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce, Mark W. Peters, Robert Roy Jentz, Aed M. Dudar
  • Fuel system diagnostics
    Patent number: 9932937
    Abstract: Methods and system are provided for distinguishing fuel tank vacuum generation due to canister purge valve degradation from vacuum generation due to canister vent valve degradation. A fuel tank vacuum level is monitored after sealing the fuel tank from the atmosphere following an engine pull-down. If there is an ensuing change in fuel tank vacuum, canister purge valve degradation is determined, else, canister vent valve degradation is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Roy Jentz, Mark W. Peters, Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce, Aed M. Dudar
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20180058391
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating an engine including an external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system are presented. In one non-limiting example, output of a differential pressure sensor and output of an intake manifold pressure sensor are used as a basis for determining whether or not EGR system degradation is present while an engine is operating at conditions other than engine idle conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Alexander O`Connor Gibson, Christopher M. Short, Robert Roy Jentz, John Eric Rollinger
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ON-BOARD DATA PROCESSING
    Publication number: 20180058386
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for processing of an on-board diagnostic (OBD) test dataset, and transferring parameters of a curve fit to the processed data to an off-board location. In one example, a method may include performing an evaporative emissions system diagnostic test, fitting a curve to at least a part of the data, transferring parameters of the curve fit, along with the start, and end data points to an off-board location for further processing. The on-board controller may adjust engine operating conditions based on signal received from the off-board location after off-board data reconstruction, and analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Imad Hassan Makki, Robert Roy Jentz
  • System and method for facilitating the purchase of products determined to be useful in the performance of a task
    Patent number: 9898771
    Abstract: A retailer computer system facilitates the purchase of products that are determined to be useful in the performance of a task by presenting to a consumer a first user interface by which the consumer may select a task from a repository of tasks, each task stored in the repository of tasks having documented instructions, such as a recipe, for performing the task, by presenting in a web page the documented instructions of the selected task, by using one or more keywords within the documented instructions of the selected task to select at least one product from an electronic product catalog, the selected at least one product being one or more of a part, such as a recipe ingredient, and a tool, such as an appliance, usable in performing the task, and by presenting to the consumer a second user interface for allowing the consumer to purchase via use of an online retail channel the selected at least one product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: SEARS BRANDS, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James Yu, Jason Ruud, Greg Franczyk, Robert Roy, Brian Jordan, Tony Liu, Kelly Wical
  • Method for reducing cylinder air-fuel ratio imbalance
    Patent number: 9885305
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for monitoring air/fuel imbalance in cylinders of an engine. Engine speed signals are sampled and then run through a notch filter set to the sampling frequency. Based on a first frequency content of the resulting filtered engine speed, cylinder imbalance is detected and addressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hassene Jammoussi, Imad Hassan Makki, Robert Roy Jentz, Michael Igor Kluzner
  • Wheel
    Patent number: D806630
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Roy McMath
  • Wheel
    Patent number: D828802
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Roy McMath