Patents by Inventor Ross Dykstra Pursifull

Ross Dykstra Pursifull 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).

  • System and method for improving canister purging
    Patent number: 10006387
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling a purging operation of a fuel vapor canister in a boosted engine. One method comprises purging stored fuel vapors from the fuel vapor canister to an inlet of the compressor via an ejector while bypassing a canister purge valve, the ejector being fluidically coupled to the fuel vapor canister by a distinct passage coupled upstream of the canister purge valve, where motive flow through the ejector may be regulated by a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve may be adjusted based on whether or not the engine is boosted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Direct injection fuel pump
    Patent number: 10006426
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a direct injection fuel pump. The methods and system control pressure within a compression chamber so as to improve fuel pump lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Robin Ivo Lawther, Paul Zeng
  • Methods and systems for engine fuel and torque control
    Patent number: 9995234
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for accurately estimating intake aircharge based on the output of an intake oxygen sensor while flowing EGR, purge, or PCV hydrocarbons to the engine. The unadjusted aircharge estimate is used for engine fuel control while the hydrocarbon adjusted aircharge estimate is used for engine torque control. A controller is configured to sample the oxygen sensor at even increments in a time domain, stamp the sampled data in a crank angle domain, store the sampled data in a buffer, and then select one or more data samples corresponding to a last firing period from the buffer for estimating the intake aircharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, James Alfred Hilditch, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael McQuillen, Martin Brown, Imtiaz Ali, Naginder Gogna
  • Systems and methods for operating a lift pump
    Patent number: 9995237
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a lift pump of an engine fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise limiting a lift pump voltage to a lower first level when powering on a lift pump from off. The method may further comprise maintaining the lift pump voltage at the lower first level for a duration before increasing the lift pump voltage above the first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Justin Trzeciak, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • IDENTIFYING IN-RANGE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR ERROR
    Publication number: 20180148037
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an in-range error of a pressure sensor arranged downstream of a lift pump in a fuel system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include performing feedback control of the lift pump based on output of the pressure sensor, monitoring the pressure sensor output for flattening during the application of the voltage pulses, and adjusting operation of the fuel system depending on whether the pressure sensor output flattens for at least a threshold duration, which is indicative of an in-range error. The method may further include dynamically learning a setpoint pressure of a pressure relief valve of the fuel system and a fuel vapor pressure within the fuel system by monitoring pressure sensor output while adjusting the duty cycle of voltage pulses applied to the lift pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Christopher Arnold Woodring
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FUEL INJECTION CONTROL
    Publication number: 20180149107
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for continuously estimating a direct injector tip temperature based on heat transfer to the injector from the cylinder due to combustion conditions, and heat transfer to the injector due to flow of cool fuel from the fuel rail. Variations in the injector tip temperature from a steady-state temperature are monitored when the direct injector is deactivated. Upon reactivation, a fuel pulse width commanded to the direct injector is updated to account for a temperature-induced change in fuel density, thereby reducing the occurrence of air-fuel ratio errors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Nathan Morris, Mark Richard Skilling, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • IDENTIFYING IN-RANGE FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR ERROR
    Publication number: 20180148038
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an in-range error of a pressure sensor arranged downstream of a lift pump in a fuel system of a vehicle. In one example, a method may include performing feedback control of the lift pump based on output of the pressure sensor, monitoring the pressure sensor output for flattening during the application of the voltage pulses, and adjusting operation of the fuel system depending on whether the pressure sensor output flattens for at least a threshold duration, which is indicative of an in-range error. The method may further include dynamically learning a setpoint pressure of a pressure relief valve of the fuel system and a fuel vapor pressure within the fuel system by monitoring pressure sensor output while adjusting the duty cycle of voltage pulses applied to the lift pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Christopher Arnold Woodring
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A LIFT PUMP
    Publication number: 20180135551
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a lift pump of an engine fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise predicting when a fuel rail pressure will decrease below a threshold assuming that a lift pump remains off. The method may further comprise powering on the lift pump before the fuel rail pressure decreases below to the threshold to prevent fuel rail pressure from decreasing below the threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Justin Trzeciak, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING A LIFT PUMP
    Publication number: 20180135550
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a lift pump of an engine fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise limiting a lift pump voltage to a lower first level when powering on a lift pump from off. The method may further comprise maintaining the lift pump voltage at the lower first level for a duration before increasing the lift pump voltage above the first level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Justin Trzeciak, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN EXHAUST DIVERTER VALVE
    Publication number: 20180128145
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for diagnosing an exhaust diverter valve in an engine system and adjusting the diverter valve position to regulate vehicle exhaust noise so that the same exhaust diverter valve can be used to reduce emissions and expedite engine heating during a cold-start as well as regulate exhaust noise. In one example, a method for diverter valve diagnostics may include determining diverter valve degradation during an engine cold-start, when the diverter valve is closed, based on the change in the temperature upstream of the diverter valve from the temperature at engine start. In another example, a method for exhaust noise adjustment may include adjusting the diverter valve position to provide a target exhaust backpressure that produces a desired change in vehicle exhaust noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • VEHICLE ROLL-AWAY PREVENTION
    Publication number: 20180128371
    Abstract: A brake interlock feature prevents release of the park mechanism unless a driver is depressing the brake pedal. This is intended to prevent the vehicle from rolling following park release. An enhanced brake interlock feature also checks to ensure that adequate brake boost is available to prevent vehicle roll before releasing the park mechanism. The feature may directly measure brake boost or may measure a quantity indirectly related to the availability of brake boost such as engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Direct injection pump control
    Patent number: 9957935
    Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling a solenoid spill valve of a direct injection fuel pump, wherein the solenoid spill valve is energized and de-energized according to certain conditions. An example control strategy is provided for operating the direct injection fuel pump when fuel vapor is detected at an inlet of the direct injection fuel pump. To ensure pump effectiveness during the presence of fuel vapor, the solenoid spill valve may be maintained energized for a minimum angular duration past a top-dead-center position of a piston in the direct injection fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Direct injection of diluents or secondary fuels in gaseous fuel engines
    Patent number: 9909514
    Abstract: A method for a turbocharged engine, comprising: during high load conditions, in response to an elevated engine temperature, after port injecting a first quantity of a first gaseous fuel, direct injecting a second quantity of a second, liquid fuel at a first timing that is a function of a desired air-fuel ratio. In this way, engine power may be maximized while simultaneously decreasing the maximum combustion temperature and mitigating engine knock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Allen Dearth, David Karl Bidner, Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Method and system for exhaust heat exchanger diagnostics
    Patent number: 9909541
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for carrying out on-board diagnostics of a plurality of components of an exhaust heat exchange system. In one example, degradation of one or more of a heat exchanger and a coolant system fluidically coupled to the heat exchanger may be detected based on a first temperature estimated upstream of the heat exchanger, a second temperature sensor estimated downstream of the heat exchanger, a coolant temperature, and a pressure estimated upstream of the heat exchanger. Also, degradation of a diverter valve of the heat exchange system may be detected based on inputs of a position sensor coupled to the diverter valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Evelyn Bevan, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • FILTER DIAGNOSTICS AND PROGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20180058280
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for a lubricant filter. In one example, a method for a lubricant filter comprises indicating a condition of the filter based on a difference between a measured pressure differential and an expected pressure differential during select conditions in which all lubricant pumped by a pump upstream of the filter flows into the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Method and system for reducing vacuum consumption in a vehicle
    Patent number: 9902386
    Abstract: A system and method for conserving vacuum within a vehicle is described. In one example, vacuum is conserved via limiting volume expansion of a brake booster working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CLEARING THROTTLE OBSTRUCTION
    Publication number: 20180051635
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting throttle obstructions in a vehicle. In one example, after engine start up, throttle icing condition resulting from the throttle capturing ice fragments originally formed within a charge air cooler or an intake passage upstream of throttle, may be detected. Responsive to detecting the throttle icing condition, the throttle may be adjusted to a fully open position independent of accelerator pedal position, and maintained at the fully open position for a threshold duration while maintaining a desired torque, to release the captured ice fragments from the throttle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Gianluca Mantovano, Dev Saberwal, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FUEL VAPOR MANAGEMENT
    Publication number: 20180045128
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving the efficiency of canister purge completion. Based on engine operating conditions, a canister is purged to a compressor inlet or a throttle outlet. During purging conditions, as canister loads change, a purge flow through the canister is varied so that a fixed preselected portion of total engine fueling is delivered as fuel vapors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Niels Christopher Kragh
  • System and methods for fuel pressure control
    Patent number: 9885310
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a lift pump of an engine fuel system. In one example, a method may comprise closed loop operating a lift pump of a fuel system based on a difference between a desired fuel rail pressure and an estimated fuel rail pressure, and open loop operating the lift pump to the desired fuel rail pressure in response to a fuel flow rate in a direction of a fuel rail through a check valve positioned between the lift pump and the fuel rail decreasing to a threshold. Thus, outputs from a fuel rail pressure sensor may not be used to adjust lift pump operation when an amount of fuel flowing to the fuel rail decreases to a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Justin Trzeciak, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20180030908
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing engine vacuum production and catalyst heating of a hybrid powertrain are described. In one example, a motor/generator rotates an engine at idle speed while the engine combusts air and fuel without providing torque sufficient to rotate the engine so that spark timing may be advanced or retarded from minimum spark timing for best torque to heat a catalyst and generate vacuum for vacuum consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Ralph Wayne Cunningham