Patents by Inventor Russell Randall Pearce

Russell Randall Pearce 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).

  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENGINE-OFF NATURAL VACUUM LEAK TESTING
    Publication number: 20160186695
    Abstract: A method is provided, comprising terminating a pressure rise portion of an engine-off natural vacuum test based on an initial rate of change of a fuel system pressure upon sealing a fuel system; and initiating a vacuum portion of the engine-off natural vacuum test responsive to suspending the pressure rise portion. The initial rate of change may indicate a likelihood of the pressure rise portion reaching a pressure rise threshold. In this way, the vacuum portion of the test may be initiated earlier, increasing the likelihood of a conclusive result being obtained during a test time limit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Chingpo Liu, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Robert Roy Jentz, Fling Finn Tseng, Imad Hassan Makki, Russell Randall Pearce
  • Passive venturi pump for leak diagnostics and refueling
    Patent number: 9376991
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hybrid electric vehicle with a passive venturi pump are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises: during vehicle motion, passing air through a venturi coupled to the vehicle to generate vacuum; storing the generated in an accumulator; and, in response to a condition, discharging the stored vacuum to a vacuum consuming system of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Robert Roy Jentz, Russell Randall Pearce, Scott A. Bohr
  • Evaporative emission control
    Patent number: 9359966
    Abstract: A method for operating a fuel system is disclosed. The method includes sequentially purging fuel vapors from each of a plurality of regions of a canister. Purging a region includes opening an air inlet valve associated with that region and maintaining air inlet valves associated with each other region closed to direct fuel vapors to at least one purge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Randall Pearce, Niels Christopher Kragh, Scott A. Bohr, Mark Bunge, Mark W. Peters
  • Systems and methods for an externally accessible refueling request switch
    Patent number: 9340106
    Abstract: A method for a vehicle, comprising: depressurizing a fuel tank while restricting access to a fuel fill line responsive to receiving a refueling request from a refueling request module located external to a vehicle cabin; and allowing access to the fuel fill line responsive to the fuel tank pressure decreasing below a threshold. In this way, all of the steps of a refueling procedure can be carried out entirely outside of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce
  • Vehicle method for barometric pressure identification
    Patent number: 9328678
    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: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce, Mark W. Peters, Robert Roy Jentz, Aed M Dudar
  • Fuel tank wave catcher
    Patent number: 9327596
    Abstract: A fuel tank for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. In one example approach, a fuel tank for a vehicle comprises a wave catcher extending through an interior of the fuel tank and coupled to a front wall and a first side wall of the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Russell Randall Pearce
  • Compliance structure for a distensible fuel tank
    Patent number: 9321347
    Abstract: A distensible fuel tank included in a vehicle is provided. The distensible fuel tank includes a housing and a compliance structure coupled to the housing, the compliance structure including a base element coupled to a side of a structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Frank Cragel, Russell Randall Pearce, Patrick Sullivan
  • CAPLESS REFUELING SYSTEM CLEANING USING ENGINE VACUUM
    Publication number: 20160096427
    Abstract: Methods and systems for cleaning a capless refueling system in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to a leak detected following a refueling event, cleaning the capless refueling system using engine vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Robert Roy Jentz, Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce
  • Method and system for fuel vapor control
    Patent number: 9297340
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying leaks on each of a fuel tank and a canister side of a fuel system using a single leak check module. A position of a switching valve coupled in the vapor line of the fuel system is adjusted to selectively couple the leak check module to either the fuel tank or the canister. Leak is detected based on a change in pressure at a reference orifice of the leak check module following applying of vacuum from a vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Randall Pearce, Mark W. Peters, Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang
  • System and methods for canister purging with low manifold vacuum
    Patent number: 9279397
    Abstract: A method for purging fuel vapors, comprising: purging fuel tank vapors directly from a fuel tank to an engine intake, bypassing a canister, via a venturi, while drawing canister vapors via the venturi into the purged fuel tank vapors en route to the engine intake. In this way, fuel tank vapors may be used to enable purging of a fuel vapor canister, even under conditions where there is insufficient manifold vacuum to enable a canister purge routine. By increasing the frequency of purge opportunities, bleed emissions from a saturated canister may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Werner, Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce, Andrew M. Gitlin
  • FUEL VAPOR CANISTER PURGE USING REVERSIBLE VACUUM PUMP
    Publication number: 20160053725
    Abstract: A method for a fuel system, comprising: during a first condition, purging fuel vapor from a fuel vapor canister to a fuel vapor accumulator; and then during a second condition, evacuating fuel vapor from the fuel vapor accumulator to a fuel tank. The fuel vapor accumulator increases the volume of the fuel system, providing a temporary storage for desorbed fuel vapor. In this way, canister breakthrough of hydrocarbons can be mitigated, thereby reducing bleed emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce
  • Systems and methods for a two-valve non-integrated refueling canister only system
    Patent number: 9267467
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle, comprising: a tank pressure control valve coupled in a first conduit between a fuel tank and a fuel vapor canister; a refueling valve coupled in a second, different, conduit between the fuel tank and the fuel vapor canister, the second conduit in parallel to the first conduit. In this way, two smaller, less complex valves may be utilized to control fuel tank vapor purging and fuel tank depressurization during refueling. This in turn may lower system cost and increase system functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mark W. Peters, Mark Daniel Bunge, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce
  • CANISTER DESIGN FOR EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160025019
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for purging a fuel vapor canister into an engine intake. A method comprises flowing fuel vapors from a fuel tank through a full length of the fuel vapor canister from a first input to a first output on a first opposite side from the first input. The adsorbed fuel vapors may be purged from the fuel vapor canister through a full width in the fuel vapor canister from a second input to a second output on a second opposite side from the second input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: Russell Randall Pearce, Donald Ignasiak
  • Canister purge valve self-cleaning cycle
    Patent number: 9243592
    Abstract: A method for a fuel system coupled to an engine comprising: under vacuum conditions, opening the fuel vapor canister purge valve, and generating pressure pulsations in a conduit coupled to the fuel vapor canister purge valve by opening and closing a fuel vapor canister vent valve one or more times while maintaining the fuel vapor canister purge valve open. In this way, contaminants and/or debris that may prevent the canister purge valve from closing completely may be dislodged and evacuated to the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce, Mark W. Peters, Kevin William Plymale
  • Hydrocarbon storage canister
    Patent number: 9243594
    Abstract: A system for a vehicle is provided herein. The system includes a fuel vapor canister comprising a shell, a compression plate within the shell and an end cap. The end cap includes a double sided spring interface and a double sided shell sealing surface having double sided identical grooves, only one of which is sealed to the shell. The system further includes a spring coupled to the compression plate and only one spring interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Randall Pearce, Mark Edward Hipp
  • Capless refueling system cleaning using engine vacuum
    Patent number: 9217402
    Abstract: Methods and systems for cleaning a capless refueling system in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to a leak detected following a refueling event, cleaning the capless refueling system using engine vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Robert Roy Jentz, Scott A. Bohr, Russell Randall Pearce
  • SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MANAGING FUEL VAPOR CANISTER TEMPERATURE
    Publication number: 20150345435
    Abstract: A system for an engine, comprising: a fuel vapor canister coupled to a fuel tank; a thermal jacket comprising a phase-change material, the thermal jacket spatially sheathing the fuel vapor canister; and an engine coolant passage positioned to transfer thermal energy between engine coolant and the phase-change material. In this way, the phase-change material may buffer the temperature of the fuel vapor canister by absorbing heat generated during hydrocarbon adsorption, and returning the heat to the vapor canister during hydrocarbon desorption. By coupling the phase-change material to engine coolant, the thermal capacity of the thermal jacket can be increased, as heated coolant can thus transfer thermal energy to the phase-change material to replace the thermal energy transferred to the canister during hydrocarbon desorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Aed M. Dudar, Russell Randall Pearce, Shahid Ahmed Siddiqui
  • SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MANAGING FUEL TANK TEMPERATURE
    Publication number: 20150345436
    Abstract: A system for an engine, comprising: a fuel tank; a thermal regulator comprising a phase-change material, the thermal regulator coupled to the fuel tank; and an engine coolant passage positioned to transfer thermal energy between engine coolant and the phase-change material. In this way, the temperature of the fuel tank may be managed passively by the phase-change material, and actively by engine coolant, thereby allowing heat energy to be shunted away from the fuel tank, cooling the fuel within the fuel tank, and reducing fuel vapor concentration, thus enabling a fuel vapor canister with a reduced size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Aed M. Dudar, Russell Randall Pearce, Shahid Ahmed Siddiqui
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE REFUELING REQUEST SWITCH
    Publication number: 20150306953
    Abstract: A method for a vehicle, comprising: depressurizing a fuel tank while restricting access to a fuel fill line responsive to receiving a refueling request from a refueling request module located external to a vehicle cabin; and allowing access to the fuel fill line responsive to the fuel tank pressure decreasing below a threshold. In this way, all of the steps of a refueling procedure can be carried out entirely outside of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce
  • SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR A LEAK CHECK MODULE COMPRISING A REVERSIBLE VACUUM PUMP
    Publication number: 20150285171
    Abstract: A method for a fuel system, comprising: indicating a leak in a fuel tank following applying a vacuum to the fuel tank by running a vacuum pump in a first direction; then purging a fuel vapor canister to the fuel tank by running the vacuum pump in a second direction, opposite the first direction. In this way, the fuel vapor canister may be purged of its contents following a fuel system leak check. This may reduce bleed emissions while increasing the efficiency of the vehicle, as the engine does not need to be turned on in order to purge the canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: October 8, 2015
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Aed M. Dudar, Dennis Seung-Man Yang, Russell Randall Pearce