Patents by Inventor Steven Wooldridge

Steven Wooldridge 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 and system for improved dilution tolerance
    Patent number: 9845751
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Method and system for knock control
    Patent number: 9840976
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Method and system for selecting a cylinder for engine starting
    Patent number: 9835110
    Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop the cylinder's position relative to the cylinder's top-dead-center compression stroke. The method also describes adjusting a number of fuel injections for a first combustion event since engine stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Steven Wooldridge, Joseph Lyle Thomas, David Oshinsky
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR KNOCK CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170241355
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Method and system for knock control
    Patent number: 9664128
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED DILUTION TOLERANCE
    Publication number: 20170138282
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Method and system for improved dilution tolerance
    Patent number: 9611792
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING A CYLINDER FOR ENGINE STARTING
    Publication number: 20170082057
    Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop the cylinder's position relative to the cylinder's top-dead-center compression stroke. The method also describes adjusting a number of fuel injections for a first combustion event since engine stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: March 23, 2017
    Inventors: Alexander O`Connor Gibson, Steven Wooldridge, Joseph Lyle Thomas, David Oshinsky
  • Method and system for selecting a cylinder for engine starting
    Patent number: 9599057
    Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop the cylinder's position relative to the cylinder's top-dead-center compression stroke. The method also describes adjusting a number of fuel injections for a first combustion event since engine stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Steven Wooldridge, Joseph Lyle Thomas, David Oshinsky
  • ENGINE COLD-START CONTROL
    Publication number: 20170037803
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine startability during cold-start conditions, when operating with gasoline fuels, alcohol fuels, or blended fuels. In one example, a method of engine cold-start control may include initiating fuel injection for cylinder combustion with manifold pressure lowered via intake throttle adjustments. The manifold pressure is lowered based on an optimization between cylinder charge reduction and improved fuel boiling at the lower pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Steven Wooldridge, Alexander O`Connor Gibson, Gary Alan Coulson, Foo Chern Ting
  • Method and system for engine starting
    Patent number: 9506413
    Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop based on intake valve closing time. The method also describes selecting the first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop based on an end of fuel injection time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Steven Wooldridge, David Bruce Reiche, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Ethan D. Sanborn
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE STARTING
    Publication number: 20160290263
    Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop based on intake valve closing time. The method also describes selecting the first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop based on an end of fuel injection time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Alexander O`Connor Gibson, Steven Wooldridge, David Bruce Reiche, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Ethan D. Sanborn
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED DILUTION TOLERANCE
    Publication number: 20160252026
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Publication date: September 1, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Fuel injector spray pattern
    Patent number: 9410521
    Abstract: A fuel injector having an injector axis, comprising a first nozzle aiming in a first radial direction; a first nozzle pair aiming in radial directions each equally angled relative to the first direction, closest to the first radial direction, and having a longest radial offset; a nozzle second pair in radial directions each equally angled relative to the first direction; and another nozzle aiming opposite the first radial direction and having a shortest radial offset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jianwen James Yi, Claudia Olivia Iyer, Steven Wooldridge, Gary Alan Coulson, David Bruce Reiche, Brad Alan VanDerWege
  • Method and system for engine starting
    Patent number: 9382864
    Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop based on intake valve closing time. The method also describes selecting the first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop based on an end of fuel injection time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Steven Wooldridge, David Bruce Reiche, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Ethan D. Sanborn
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR KNOCK CONTROL
    Publication number: 20160131053
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Method and system for improved dilution tolerance
    Patent number: 9334826
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving combustion stability, in particular during transient operations such as tip-out to lower load conditions, when EGR is being purged. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Jianwen James Yi, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Method and system for knock control
    Patent number: 9284909
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine knock tolerance, in particular when rapidly ramping in LP-EGR from low levels of EGR. Until a desired LP-EGR rate is achieved, fuel may be delivered as a split injection with at least an intake stroke injection and a compression stroke injection to compensate for the transport delay in EGR filling the intake system. Subsequently, single fuel injection may be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Wooldridge, Gopichandra Surnilla, Brad Alan Boyer, James Alfred Hilditch, Michael Howard Shelby, Chris Paul Glugla, Benjamin Richard Petersen
  • Approach for controlling exhaust gas recirculation
    Patent number: 9175616
    Abstract: Various embodiments related to controlling EGR in an engine are disclosed. In one embodiment, a first EGR amount is supplied to a cylinder at a first temperature and a first engine speed and load. Further, at the first engine speed and load, as engine temperature increases from the first temperature to a second temperature, a first fuel amount is injected after exhaust valve closing and before intake valve opening while a second EGR amount is supplied to the cylinder that is greater than the first EGR amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jianwen James Yi, Steven Wooldridge, Brad Alan VanDerWege, Shiyou Yang, Thomas A. McCarthy
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELECTING A CYLINDER FOR ENGINE STARTING
    Publication number: 20150219036
    Abstract: A method and system for improving starting of an engine is presented. In one example, the method selects a first cylinder to receive fuel since engine stop the cylinder's position relative to the cylinder's top-dead-center compression stroke. The method also describes adjusting a number of fuel injections for a first combustion event since engine stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander O'Connor Gibson, Steven Wooldridge, Joseph Lyle Thomas, David Oshinsky