Patents by Inventor William Charles Ruona

William Charles Ruona 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 TO ADJUST FUEL ECONOMY READINGS FOR STORED ENERGY
    Publication number: 20150302670
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for compensating an instantaneous fuel economy reading for stored energy. One method comprises, when a vehicle undergoes a sufficient change in one or more of square of vehicle speed and vehicle altitude, estimating a conversion factor for fuel due to stored vehicle energy and adjusting the instantaneous fuel economy reading by the estimated conversion factor. The adjusted instantaneous fuel economy reading may be displayed to an operator of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, William Charles Ruona
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LEAK DETECTION AT A PARTICULATE FILTER
    Publication number: 20150275738
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for correlating a pressure drop across an exhaust particulate filter with the output of an upstream exhaust oxygen sensor and a downstream exhaust oxygen sensor. The pressure drop is then used to infer leakage of the filter during conditions when an exhaust oxygen concentration across the filter is substantially constant. The diagnostic may be performed during selected entry conditions such as when a particulate level in the GPF is below a predetermined threshold, exhaust flow rate is above a threshold rate, and an absolute exhaust flow rate derivative is below a threshold derivative.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Joseph Norman Ulrey, William Charles Ruona
  • Methods and systems for emission system control
    Patent number: 9103255
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine having a turbocharger, and a particulate filter upstream of a turbocharger turbine. In one example, the method comprises, under selected boosted operating conditions, injecting a reductant upstream of the filter during an exhaust stroke to generate an exothermic reaction at the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, William Charles Ruona, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Matthew Kurtz
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE TURBOCHARGER
    Publication number: 20150113980
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine turbocharger is described. In one example, the turbocharger is rotated in different directions in response to operating conditions. The system and method may reduce engine emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens
  • Method for evaluating degradation of a particulate matter sensor after an engine start
    Patent number: 8959979
    Abstract: A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, particulate sensor degradation is indicated in response to an output of said particulate matter sensor staying below a threshold as engine temperature increases past the dewpoint temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Garry Anthony Zawacki, Robert F. Novak, Roberto Teran, Jr., Dave Charles Weber, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Michael Hopka, William Charles Ruona
  • Method and system for operating an engine turbocharger
    Patent number: 8925302
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine turbocharger is described. In one example, the turbocharger is rotated in different directions in response to operating conditions. The system and method may reduce engine emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens
  • Fixed rate EGR system
    Patent number: 8904787
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling EGR flow in turbocharged engine. The method comprises operating a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation (LP-EGR) system at a fixed EGR percentage rate of fresh airflow from mid-load down to a minimum engine load, even as load changes. In this way, errors in the delivered LP-EGR rate during transient conditions may be alleviated by providing a fixed EGR percentage of fresh airflow at all engine loads within a fixed mode range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, James Hilditch, William Charles Ruona
  • Methods for controlling nitrous oxide emissions
    Patent number: 8883102
    Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling nitrous oxide emissions are described. In one particular example, nitrous oxide formed in the exhaust system of a diesel hybrid vehicle is routed through an oxidation catalyst heated by an external source such as an electric heater. Then, the catalyst is heated from the external source to reduce nitrous oxide formation within the exhaust system by increasing the catalyst temperature above a temperature range associated with nitrous oxide generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christine Kay Lambert, William Charles Ruona
  • REDUCING ENRICHMENT DUE TO MINIMUM PULSE WIDTH CONSTRAINT
    Publication number: 20140303878
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for maintaining stoichiometry of an exhaust gas during operation of a fuel injector at a threshold pulse width. In response to operation of a fuel injector at the threshold pulse width and a rich exhaust gas air-fuel ratio, airflow is increased to the intake manifold. Engine actuators may also be adjusted to maintain torque during the increased airflow while operating the fuel injectors at the threshold pulse width.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, William Charles Ruona, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CATALYST TEMPERATURE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140196454
    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: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, William Charles Ruona, Thomas G. Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VACUUM CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140196699
    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: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Thomas G. Leone, William Charles Ruona, Gopichandra Surnilla, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, John D. Russell
  • System and method for monitoring reductant quality
    Patent number: 8769935
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a reductant delivery and storage system in an emission control system, comprising of correlating a change in a monitored operating condition with a refill event to determine whether a reductant-diluting substance has been added to the reductant storage system; and limiting vehicle operation based on the correlation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Furqan Zafar Shaikh, John Paul Bogema, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Scott Donald Cooper, Garry Anthony Zawacki, Jacobus Hendrik Visser, William Charles Ruona, Timothy Webb, Ed Kulik, David K. Chen
  • System for an engine having a particulate matter sensor
    Patent number: 8707678
    Abstract: A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, an engine controller that activates a heater of an exhaust gas sensor after an output of a particulate matter sensor exceeds a threshold value after an engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Garry Anthony Zawacki, Robert F. Novak, Roberto Teran, Jr., Dave Charles Weber, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Michael Hopka, William Charles Ruona
  • VISCOUS BRAKE FOR DRIVELINE HEATING
    Publication number: 20140100080
    Abstract: Embodiments for heating a vehicle driveline are provided. One example method for a vehicle comprises heating a fluid with kinetic vehicle energy in response to a vehicle braking request, and directing the fluid to a driveline component. In this way, kinetic vehicle energy during a vehicle braking event may be used to heat a driveline component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Gasoline particulate filter regeneration and diagnostics
    Patent number: 8683786
    Abstract: A method for operating a spark-ignition engine having a three-way catalyst and a particulate filter downstream thereof, comprising: oscillating an exhaust air-fuel ratio entering the particulate filter to generate air-fuel ratio oscillations downstream of the particulate filter, while increasing exhaust temperature; when the downstream oscillations are sufficiently dissipated, enleaning the exhaust air-fuel ratio entering the particulate filter; and reducing the enleanment when an exhaust operating parameter is beyond a threshold amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • CHARGE AIR COOLER CONDENSATION DISPERSION ELEMENT
    Publication number: 20140076289
    Abstract: Embodiments for controlling condensate in a charge air cooler are provided. In one example, a charge air cooler comprises an inlet to admit charge air, a plurality of heat exchange passages to remove heat from the charge air, an outlet configured to discharge the charge air from the heat exchange passages to an intake passage upstream of an intake manifold of an engine, and a dispersion element extending at least partially across the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Gopichandra Surnilla, David Karl Bidner
  • Methods and systems for emission system control
    Patent number: 8667780
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an emission control system, the emission control system comprising a catalyst downstream of a turbine of a boosting device and a reductant injector upstream of the turbine. In one example, the method comprises injecting reductant into exhaust upstream of the turbine, mixing the injected reductant with exhaust gas via the turbine, and delivering the mixed reductant to the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, William Charles Ruona, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Matthew Kurtz
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPERATING AN ENGINE TURBOCHARGER
    Publication number: 20140060006
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine turbocharger is described. In one example, the turbocharger is rotated in different directions in response to operating conditions. The system and method may reduce engine emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens
  • METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR IMPROVING STARTING OF A TURBOCHARGED ENGINE
    Publication number: 20140067227
    Abstract: A system and method for improving engine emissions is described. In one example, engine emissions may be improved via increasing rotational resistance of a turbocharger while a temperature of an exhaust after treatment device is less than a threshold temperature. The system and method may reduce an amount of time for the after treatment device to reach an operating temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Durand Byrd, Keith Michael Plagens, William Charles Ruona
  • Methods and systems for emission system control
    Patent number: 8656715
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a turbocharged engine including a particulate filter positioned upstream of a turbocharger turbine, a catalyst positioned downstream of the turbine, and an EGR passage coupled between an engine exhaust and engine intake. In one example, the method comprises, diverting exhaust gas from downstream of the filter to the engine intake via the EGR passage, and adjusting an amount of diverted exhaust gas based on filter operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, William Charles Ruona, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Matthew Kurtz