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).

  • System and method for monitoring reductant quality
    Patent number: 8141346
    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: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    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: 8136343
    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: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    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
  • PRE-DELIVERY STRATEGY FOR DIESEL- ENGINE VEHICLES
    Publication number: 20120029791
    Abstract: A method to supply fuel to an engine of a vehicle is provided. The method includes adjusting a direct injection of fuel into a cylinder of the engine based on whether the vehicle is in a pre-delivery state. In one example, the method includes reducing an amount of fuel in a post injection to reduce cylinder bore wetting effects and lubricant dilution during the engine cold start. After pre-delivery, a normal post injection schedule may be used to reduce emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John William Hoard, William Charles Ruona
  • FIXED RATE EGR SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20120023937
    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: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, James Hilditch, William Charles Ruona
  • Methods and systems for emission system control
    Patent number: 8096125
    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: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, William Charles Ruona, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Matthew Kurtz
  • Composition and Method for Controlling Excessive Exhaust Gas Temperatures
    Publication number: 20110283683
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a reductant delivery and storage system in an emission control system is disclosed. The method includes an approach for reducing thermal damage to aftertreatment devices in an exhaust system by reducing excessive exhaust gas temperatures created during particulate filter regeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: William Charles Ruona
  • Pre-delivery strategy for diesel-engine vehicles
    Patent number: 8050844
    Abstract: A method to supply fuel to an engine of a vehicle is provided. The method includes adjusting a direct injection of fuel into a cylinder of the engine based on whether the vehicle is in a pre-delivery state. In one example, the method includes reducing an amount of fuel in a post injection to reduce cylinder bore wetting effects and lubricant dilution during the engine cold start. After pre-delivery, a normal post injection schedule may be used to reduce emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John William Hoard, William Charles Ruona
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXHAUST GAS MIXING
    Publication number: 20110259305
    Abstract: A method of operating an engine system is described in which a back-pressure valve of a low pressure EGR system can be modulated at a lower frequency during an EGR operation, and at a higher frequency when additional exhaust gas sensing is requested. Back-pressure valve modulation can therefore be used to promote exhaust gas mixing while providing EGR. Exhaust gas constituents in the mixed exhaust gas can then be sensed with higher accuracy by downstream exhaust gas sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, William Charles Ruona, Paul Joseph Tennison, Michael Hopka
  • Composition and method for controlling excessive exhaust gas temperatures
    Patent number: 7987662
    Abstract: A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a reductant delivery and storage system in an emission control system is disclosed. The method includes an approach for reducing thermal damage to aftertreatment devices in an exhaust system by reducing excessive exhaust gas temperatures created during particulate filter regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: William Charles Ruona
  • Synergistic SCR / DOC Configurations for Lowering Diesel Emissions
    Publication number: 20110162347
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle engine system comprises a first DOC configured to receive exhaust from an engine and an SCR device coupled downstream of the first DOC in a flow direction of the exhaust. The system further comprises a second DOC coupled downstream of the SCR device. The system takes advantage of hydrocarbon sorption in the SCR catalyst that is a function of temperature to enable reduced hydrocarbon emissions via oxidation at the second DOC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Santhoji Rao Katare, Giovanni Cavataio, Douglas Allen Dobson, Gang Guo, Paul M. Laing, William Charles Ruona, Paul Joseph Tennison
  • Multi-stage regeneration of particulate filter
    Patent number: 7966812
    Abstract: A method of regenerating a particulate filter utilizes two temperature levels, with the first, lower, level removing stored hydrocarbons and urea from an SCR catalyst. The second, higher, level then follows for filter regeneration. Because the regeneration occurs after the SCR catalyst has been purged of hydrocarbons and urea, for example, the temperature experienced by the SCR catalyst during regeneration is reduced. In this way, SCR degradation may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lifeng Xu, William Lewis Henderson Watkins, William Charles Ruona, George Wade Graham, Robert Walter McCabe
  • Methods and Systems for Emission System Control
    Publication number: 20110146268
    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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, William Charles Ruona, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Matthew Kurtz
  • Methods and Systems for Emission System Control
    Publication number: 20110146269
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating an engine including an SCR catalyst downstream of an exhaust turbine and a particulate filter upstream of the turbine. In one example, the method comprises, adjusting a turbine wastegate to adjust a catalyst temperature to a desired catalyst temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, William Charles Ruona, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Matthew Kurtz
  • Methods and Systems for Emission System Control
    Publication number: 20110146267
    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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, William Charles Ruona, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Matthew Kurtz
  • Methods and Systems for Emission System Control
    Publication number: 20110131957
    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: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, William Charles Ruona, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Gopichandra Surnilla, Eric Matthew Kurtz
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR EXHAUST GAS MIXING
    Publication number: 20110137542
    Abstract: A method of operating an engine system is described in which a back-pressure valve of a low pressure EGR system can be modulated at a lower frequency during an EGR operation, and at a higher frequency when additional exhaust gas sensing is requested. Back-pressure valve modulation can therefore be used to promote exhaust gas mixing while providing EGR. Exhaust gas constituents in the mixed exhaust gas can then be sensed with higher accuracy by downstream exhaust gas sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, William Charles Ruona, Paul Joseph Tennison, Michael Hopka
  • Methods and systems for exhaust gas mixing
    Patent number: 7945377
    Abstract: A method of operating an engine system is described in which a back-pressure valve of a low pressure EGR system can be modulated at a lower frequency during an EGR operation, and at a higher frequency when additional exhaust gas sensing is requested. Back-pressure valve modulation can therefore be used to promote exhaust gas mixing while providing EGR. Exhaust gas constituents in the mixed exhaust gas can then be sensed with higher accuracy by downstream exhaust gas sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, William Charles Ruona, Paul Joseph Tennison, Michael Hopka
  • GASOLINE PARTICULATE FILTER REGENERATION AND DIAGNOSTICS
    Publication number: 20110072788
    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: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: William Charles Ruona, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • SYSTEM FOR AN ENGINE HAVING A PARTICULATE MATTER SENSOR
    Publication number: 20110047985
    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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: 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 FOR EVALUATING DEGRADATION OF A PARTICULATE MATTER SENSOR
    Publication number: 20110047978
    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, degradation of a particulate matter sensor is indicated after a temperature of a substrate of the particulate matter sensor exceeds a threshold temperature and an output of the particulate matter sensor is below a threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: 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