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 a range extender engine of a hybrid electric vehicle
    Patent number: 10570872
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving the operating range of an electric vehicle having an engine wherein waste heat generated during motor operation is transferred to pre-heat the engine. Engine starting is predicted based on the electrical torque demand of the vehicle relative to the actual and predicted electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle. Prior to starting the engine to charge a battery of the motor, various engine components are pre-heated in an order that improves vehicle range while also optimizing fuel economy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth Miller, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Thomas Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Methods and system for a common aspirator valve
    Patent number: 10570829
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling air flow through at least two aspirators coupled across an intake throttle. In one example, a method includes, during a first condition, opening a common aspirator shut-off valve to direct intake air through a first aspirator and a second aspirator each coupled across an intake throttle, and supplying vacuum generated by the first aspirator and the second aspirator to respective vacuum consumption devices as demanded. The method also includes, responsive to a second condition, closing the common aspirator shut-off valve and supplying intake manifold vacuum to the respective vacuum consumption devices as demanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Powertrain lash management
    Patent number: 10569780
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting powertrain torque in a vehicle based on driver intent. Driver intent is inferred based on foot motion inside a foot well monitored via a foot well region sensor and changes in clearance outside the vehicle monitored via a range sensor. By adjusting powertrain torque based on operator foot motion and traffic movements outside the vehicle, frequency of lash transitions can be reduced and lash transition initiation can be adjusted based on expected changes in torque demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Fuel delivery system and method for operation of a fuel delivery system
    Patent number: 10563611
    Abstract: A method for operating a fuel delivery system for an engine is provided. The method includes sending a voltage above a threshold value to a lift pressure pump, determining a volumetric efficiency of the direct injection pump when the lower pressure fuel pump is above a threshold pressure, and controlling the lift pump based on the volumetric efficiency of the direct injection pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Vehicle exterior illumination
    Patent number: 10549683
    Abstract: A vehicle may include a window including an outer layer, perovskite adjacent to and inboard from the outer layer, and a UV blocking layer inboard from the perovskite; and a UV laser mounted on a vehicle exterior and directed toward the window. The vehicle may also include an exterior body panel having an outer layer of clearcoat, an adjacent layer of perovskite inboard from the clearcoat and a layer of basecoat inboard from and adjacent to the perovskite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stuart C. Salter, Paul Kenneth Dellock, Annette Lynn Huebner, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, David Brian Glickman
  • System and method for generating vacuum via an engine
    Patent number: 10543842
    Abstract: Methods and systems for improving vacuum generation for an engine that may be operated at higher altitudes are presented. In one non-limiting example, a transmission that is mechanically coupled to the engine may be shifted from a gear to neutral in response to an actual total number of times a vehicle brake pedal is applied and partially released while the vehicle is stopped and the brake pedal is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Russ William Ferguson, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Electric vehicle charging station parking spot monitoring system
    Patent number: 10525845
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for electric vehicle charging station parking spot monitoring system. An example electric vehicle charging station includes a communication module, sensors, and a charge controller. The communication module communicatively couples to a vehicle parked in a parking spot associated with the charging station. The sensors monitor the parking spot. The charge controller receives identifying information and battery information from the vehicle parked in the parking spot, and when the vehicle is not eligible for charging, sends the identifying information of the vehicle to a parking enforcement authority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Daniel A. Makled, Mohannad Hakeem, Michael McQuillen
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING A PORT FUEL INJECTOR
    Publication number: 20200003139
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes one or more fuel injectors are described. The systems and methods may characterize fuel injector operation during a time when injecting fuel may be useful to maintain balance of a catalyst to reduce engine emissions. Further, large or small amounts of fuel may be injected without affecting engine combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Methods and system for operating a vehicle
    Patent number: 10518780
    Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing perception of transitions from shifting a transmission from neutral to drive are described. In one example, the transmission is shifted from neutral to drive in response to brake pedal motion before the brake pedal is fully released so that timing of pressurizing clutches and engaging a forward gear is advanced to occur while the brake pedal is still applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Zhengyu Dai, Yang Xu, Sathish Atluri, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Methods and apparatus for assessing tire health
    Patent number: 10514322
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing tire health are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a vehicle speed sensor, and a processor. The processor of the of the example apparatus to obtain load data for a wheel of a vehicle, obtain speed data for the vehicle, determine a power associated with heating a tire coupled to the wheel based on the load data and the speed data, and determining a condition of the tire based on the power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOW POWER CONSUMPTION FUEL LEVEL INDICATION
    Publication number: 20190376826
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a fuel level of a fuel tank. In one example, a method may include transiently powering a fuel level sensor responsive to a fuel tank refilling event to obtain a fuel level measurement, maintaining the fuel level sensor unpowered after obtaining the fuel level measurement, and, while maintaining the fuel level sensor unpowered, inferring the fuel level based the obtained fuel tank fuel level measurement and an amount of fuel consumed since the obtained fuel level measurement. In this way, electrical power consumption by the fuel level sensor is reduced while a fuel level indication is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael Uhrich
  • METHODS AND APPARATUS TO DETECT WARPED ROTORS BASED ON BRAKE PRESSURE
    Publication number: 20190367002
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed that detect warped rotors. An example apparatus includes a controller configured to receive a brake pressure and one or more wheel parameters of a vehicle associated with a first braking event, determine a presence of a warped rotor based on a comparison of the brake pressure to a threshold pressure, and identify a wheel of the vehicle associated with the warped rotor based on the brake pressure and the one or more wheel parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Method and system for exhaust heat exchanger diagnostics
    Patent number: 10487782
    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: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Karen Evelyn Bevan, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Humidity sensor diagnostics
    Patent number: 10480443
    Abstract: Embodiments for diagnosing a humidity sensor are provided. One example method comprises adjusting an engine operating parameter based on humidity of a first gas flow measured by a humidity sensor, and indicating degradation of the humidity sensor if a humidity of a second gas flow measured by the humidity sensor is different than an expected humidity. In this way, degradation of the humidity sensor may be indicated if the humidity of the second gas flow measured by the humidity sensor is different than expected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Imad Hassan Makki, Timothy Joseph Clark, Michael James Uhrich, Pankaj Kumar
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS OF A HYBRID VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20190344774
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a hybrid electric vehicle. In one example, a method may include delaying an electric-only operation of the hybrid vehicle in response to a powertrain temperature being less than a threshold powertrain temperature and an electric-only range being less than a distance between a current location and a recharging location. The electric-only operation may be initiated in response to one or more of the powertrain temperature exceeding the threshold powertrain temperature and the electric-only range being equal to the distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Thomas Leone
  • Method and system for fuel system control
    Patent number: 10450994
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for enforcing a minimum fuel lift pump commanded voltage that is determined as a function of commanded lift pump pressure and fuel flow rate. The minimum fuel lift pump voltage is applied when the commanded voltage is lower than the minimum voltage. The approach reduces engine stalls induced by ingestion of fuel vapors at an injection pump coupled downstream of the lift pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Method for operating a dual lift pump system
    Patent number: 10451013
    Abstract: Methods and systems are described for a fuel system in an engine comprising two lift pumps. One example method comprises deactivating one of a first lift pump and a second lift pump if fuel fill level in a common reservoir decreases below a threshold fill level, wherein the first lift pump and the second lift pump are positioned in the common reservoir. By deactivating one of the two lift pumps, the two lift pumps may be protected from degradation due to fuel starvation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Lyle Thomas
  • Method and system for characterizing a port fuel injector
    Patent number: 10428751
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes one or more fuel injectors are described. The systems and methods may characterize fuel injector operation during a time when injecting fuel may be useful to maintain balance of a catalyst to reduce engine emissions. Further, large or small amounts of fuel may be injected without affecting engine combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael James Uhrich, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • METHOD FOR DETERMINING A DILUTION OF RECIRCULATED GASES IN A SPLIT EXHAUST ENGINE
    Publication number: 20190293010
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for determining a dilution of recirculated gases, including blowthrough air, combusted exhaust gas, and fuel vapor, in a split exhaust engine. In one example, the dilution rate may be calculated using a steady state model based on temperature measurements from an intake region of the engine. The steady state model may be further used in combination with a feedforward model adapted to estimate engine dilution during engine transients as a correction factor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Publication date: September 26, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel Madison, Joseph Ulrey, Gopichandra Surnilla, Mohannad Hakeem, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR COMPRESSION HEATED AIR
    Publication number: 20190285016
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for compression heating of air. In one example, a method may include, during an engine start and prior to a first combustion event, deactivating cylinder exhaust valves while spinning the engine electrically and unfueled until a threshold intake air temperature is reached, and alternately activating and deactivating the exhaust valves of one or more cylinders to maintain the intake air temperature above the threshold temperature after the first combustion event. In this way, a temperature of an air charge may be increased, resulting in increased fuel economy and decreased vehicle emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull