Patents by Inventor Roberta J. Nichols

Roberta J. Nichols 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).

  • Control system for engine operation using two fuels of different volumetric energy content
    Patent number: 4706629
    Abstract: A method for controlling the amount of fuel mixture, including a first and a second fuel of different volumetric energy content, to be supplied to an internal combustion engine determines a desired air fuel ratio for the fuel mixture. The percentage of the first fuel in the fuel mixture is sensed and the desired air fuel ratios for the first and second fuels are determined. The desired air fuel ratio for the fuel mixture is determined as a function of the desired air fuel ratios for the first and second fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Wineland, Roberta J. Nichols, Eric L. Clinton
  • Control system for engine operation using two fuels of different volatility
    Patent number: 4706630
    Abstract: A method for controlling the amount of fuel mixture, including a first and second fuel of different volatility, to be supplied to an internal combustion engine includes calculating a base amount of fuel mixture needed to achieve a desired air to fuel ratio at a predetermined engine operating condition. Such a base amount of fuel mixture is modified as a function of the temperature of the internal combustion engine and is a function of the percentage of the first fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Wineland, Roberta J. Nichols, Eric L. Clinton
  • Spark timing control of multiple fuel engine
    Patent number: 4703732
    Abstract: A method for controlling the amount of spark advance for an internal combustion engine using a fuel mixture having a first and a second fuel of different volatility and volumetric energy content. The percentage of the first fuel in the fuel mixture is sensed and a desired base spark advance is determined. The desired base spark advance is adjusted as a function of the percentage of the first fuel to achieve a desired engine operating condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1987
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Wineland, Roberta J. Nichols, Eric L. Clinton