Patents by Inventor Thomas G. Leone

Thomas G. Leone 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).

  • NOx control during engine idle-stop operations
    Patent number: 9518287
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Robert Theis, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Giovanni Cavataio, Thomas G. Leone, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • Systems and methods for control of turbine-generator via valve deactivation in a split exhaust engine system
    Patent number: 9518506
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing exhaust energy delivered to a turbine of a turbine-generator coupled to a split exhaust engine system in order to reduce turbine over-speed conditions and/or to reduce a generator output. In one example, a method may include deactivating a blowdown exhaust valve utilized to deliver a blowdown portion of exhaust energy to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Joseph Norman Ulrey
  • Method and system for improving engine starting
    Patent number: 9512797
    Abstract: An engine system and method for improving engine starting are disclosed. In one example, engine port throttles are adjusted to improve fuel vaporization of a fuel that includes alcohol. The system and method may improve engine starting and emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Donald J. Lewis
  • HYBRID VEHICLE AND METHOD OF HEATING ENGINE COOLANT
    Publication number: 20160332520
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes an engine, an electric machine, an electric heater, and a controller. The electric machine is configured to recharge a battery through regenerative braking. The electric heater is configured to heat an engine coolant. The controller is programmed to redirect regenerative braking power to the electric heater in response to the engine coolant temperature being below a threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth James MILLER, Douglas Raymond MARTIN, Thomas G. LEONE
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PISTON COOLING
    Publication number: 20160305364
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for supplying cooling oil to a piston of an engine cylinder. In one example, a method may include repeatedly activating an oil supply only during a part of a cylinder cycle synchronous with a reciprocating motion of the piston. In particular, supply of cooling oil may be initiated by displacing a poppet valve arranged within a piston cooling assembly via a reciprocating motion of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone
  • AUTO STOP PARAMETER THRESHOLD ADJUSTMENT
    Publication number: 20160305388
    Abstract: A vehicle controller may initiate an auto stop of an engine in response to a value of an auto stop parameter falling within a specified range and alter the specified range based on learned information derived from vehicle data to change a frequency or duration of auto stops of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Thomas G. Leone
  • Hybrid Vehicle Split Exhaust System with Exhaust Driven Electric Machine and A/C Compressor
    Publication number: 20160303946
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an exhaust turbine disposed in an exhaust path coupled to an electric machine and a compressor for an air-conditioning system. The vehicle includes a controller that controls the electric machine based on a difference between the power demand of the compressor and the power generated by the exhaust turbine. The electric machine may operate as a motor or a generator based on the difference. The vehicle may include a first clutch coupled to the electric machine and the compressor. The vehicle may include a second clutch coupled between the exhaust turbine and the electric machine. The controller may control the clutches based on the power demand and the power generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth James Miller, Thomas G. Leone
  • SYSTEM FOR PISTON COOLING
    Publication number: 20160305363
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for cooling a piston arranged within a cylinder of an engine. Oil received from a connecting rod bearing and crank journal interface may be transferred via an internal conduit in a connecting rod coupled to the piston wherein the internal conduit is formed within a hollow flange of the connecting rod. The oil may then be sprayed via an external nozzle to an underside of the piston enabling continuous piston cooling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Jeffrey Eliot Chottiner, Rick L. Williams
  • Coordination of secondary air and blow-through air delivery
    Patent number: 9470183
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating secondary air injection and blow-through to reduce turbo lag. By utilizing secondary air injection prior to providing blow-through, and deactivating the secondary air pump when a desired boost pressure for blow-through is achieved, turbine spin-up to a desired speed may be expedited and initial torque output may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone
  • Systems and methods for separation of liquid and gaseous fuel for injection
    Patent number: 9464596
    Abstract: A method for an engine may comprise, on board a vehicle, supplying fuel from a fuel tank to a fuel separator, wherein the fuel comprises a gaseous fuel solubilized in a liquid fuel, desolubilizing the gaseous fuel from the liquid fuel in the fuel separator, and separating the gaseous fuel from the liquid fuel in the fuel separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Mark Allen Dearth
  • Method and system for adjusting engine throttles
    Patent number: 9453469
    Abstract: An engine system and method for operating an engine including a central throttle and a port throttle is disclosed. In one example, the central throttle and port throttle are adjusted to improve transitions between throttle control modes. The approach may be particularly beneficial for turbocharged engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Thomas G. Leone
  • VEHICLE LOCATION ACCURACY
    Publication number: 20160272196
    Abstract: A controller may maintain a last-known vehicle location, and, when satellite-positioning data is unavailable from a satellite-based positioning-system module, utilize compass data and stability control data to estimate a current vehicle location from the last-known vehicle location. The controller may avoid use of the compass data to estimate the current vehicle location when the vehicle is accelerating or decelerating in East or West headings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Christopher James HOCKING, Kenneth James MILLER, Douglas Raymond MARTIN, William Paul PERKINS, Thomas G. LEONE
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING KINETIC ENERGY IN A HYBRID VEHICLE BEFORE AND DURING A CHANGE IN ROAD GRADE
    Publication number: 20160257295
    Abstract: A method of controlling a hybrid vehicle includes automatically varying a current vehicle speed away from a target vehicle speed. The automatic variation of vehicle speed is response to an adaptive cruise control system being active with a target vehicle speed being selected, and in response to an anticipated change in power demand for maintaining the target vehicle speed. The anticipated change in power demand is based on a detected upcoming change in road grade, and the automatica variation in current vehicle speed away from the target vehicle speed is performed prior to arriving at the change in road grade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Kenneth James MILLER, Thomas G. LEONE
  • Methods and systems for controlling airflow through a throttle turbine generator
    Patent number: 9435271
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator having a turbine which drives an auxiliary generator and disposed in a throttle bypass are described. In some examples, a throttle bypass valve is controlled to adjust airflow through the throttle bypass responsive to airflow to cylinders of the engine. In other examples, an operating parameter such as throttle position is controlled based on transient operating conditions of the engine. In still other examples, charging of a battery is coordinated between the auxiliary generator and a primary generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, John D. Russell
  • Methods and systems for an engine
    Patent number: 9435270
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for an engine system which includes a throttle turbine generator having a turbine which drives an auxiliary generator and disposed in a throttle bypass are described. In some examples, a throttle bypass valve is controlled to adjust airflow through the throttle bypass responsive to airflow to cylinders of the engine. In other examples, an operating parameter such as throttle position is controlled based on transient operating conditions of the engine. In still other examples, charging of a battery is coordinated between the auxiliary generator and a primary generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, John Anthony DeMarco
  • Method and system for vacuum control
    Patent number: 9429110
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling and coordinating control of a post-catalyst exhaust throttle and an EGR valve to expedite catalyst heating. By closing both valves during an engine cold start, an elevated exhaust backpressure and increased heat rejection at an EGR cooler can be synergistically used to warm each of an engine and an exhaust catalyst. The valves may also be controlled to vary an amount of exhaust flowing through an exhaust venturi so as to meet engine vacuum needs while providing a desired amount of engine EGR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Thomas G. Leone, William Charles Ruona, Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, John D. Russell
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING TORQUE RESPONSE OF AN ENGINE
    Publication number: 20160245192
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving engine torque response are presented. In one example, engine idle speed is increased to shorten engine torque response based on engine operating conditions. The methods and systems may be useful for operating an engine that is supplied a gaseous fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone
  • PTWA COATING ON PISTONS AND/OR CYLINDER HEADS AND/OR CYLINDER BORES
    Publication number: 20160245224
    Abstract: A surface of a piston and/or a cylinder head and/or a cylinder bore of an internal combustion cylinder with selectively applied plasma transferred wire arc coating which acts as a thermal barrier improving fuel efficiency and reducing fuel emissions and a method of producing the plasma transferred wire arc coating on a surface of a piston and/or cylinder head and/or a cylinder bore of a compression ignition and/or spark ignition engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: WILLIAM CHARLES RUONA, RICK L. WILLIAMS, THOMAS G. LEONE, CLIFFORD E. MAKI
  • Methods and systems for operating an engine
    Patent number: 9422873
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of an engine are presented. In one example, a threshold torque at which deactivated engine cylinders are reactivated is adjusted in response to a varying engine compression ratio. In other examples, the torque threshold is adjusted in response to a rate of change in engine torque and engine compression ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Jeffrey Allen Doering
  • Octane separation system and operating method
    Patent number: 9382854
    Abstract: An engine system, comprising an externally filled fuel tank with an external fill port; a separator for separation of fuel based on octane level, the separator having a high octane outlet and a low octane outlet; a secondary fuel tank with an amount of fuel located therein and a return line, the secondary fuel tank fluidically coupled to the low octane outlet of the separator and the return line fluidically coupling the externally filled fuel tank to the high octane outlet of the separator or the secondary fuel tank fluidically coupled to the high octane outlet of the separator and the return line fluidically coupling the externally filled fuel tank to the low octane outlet of the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas G. Leone