Michael A Cullen

US Patent:

6357430, Mar 19, 2002

Filed:

Mar 21, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/531739

Inventors:

Michael John Cullen - Northville MI
Brent Edward Sealy - Dearborn MI
Jeffrey Allen Doering - Canton MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F02D 4100

US Classification:

123683, 123403, 123399

Abstract:

A method for updating an air flow ratio of a current engine load to a maximum engine load includes calculating an approximate air flow ratio based only on throttle position changes. The approximate air flow ratio is calculated by modifying a normal, conventionally calculated air flow ratio based on a difference between two throttle position loads. The throttle position loads are ratios between sampled throttle positions and a reference throttle position. By approximating the air flow ratio rather than conducting an exact calculation, the invention method can update the air flow ratio to reflect changes in throttle position without adding significant chronometric burden.

US Patent:

6360529, Mar 26, 2002

Filed:

Mar 17, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/528062

Inventors:

Gopichandra Surnilla - West Bloomfield MI
Michael John Cullen - Northville MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F01N 300

US Classification:

60274, 60285, 60286, 60301

Abstract:

A method and system for controlling the operation of âlean-burnâ internal combustion engines, wherein initial values for measures representing current levels of NO and SO stored in an emissions control device, such as a lean NO trap, upon vehicle start-up are determined based at least in part upon values for the measures immediately preceding engine shut-off. Such initial values obviate the need for performing a purge event immediately upon engine start-up in appropriate circumstances, such as a brief engine shut-down, whereby the fuel economy penalty associated with such an initial purge event is avoided.

US Patent:

6360530, Mar 26, 2002

Filed:

Mar 17, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/528145

Inventors:

Jerry D. Robichaux - Riverview MI
Gopichandra Surnilla - West Bloomfield MI
Jeffrey Scott Hepburn - Birmingham MI
Michael John Cullen - Northville MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F01N 300

US Classification:

60274, 60277, 60285, 60301

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of a âlean-burnâ internal combustion engine in cooperation with an exhaust gas purification system having an emissions control device capable of alternatively storing and releasing NO when exposed to exhaust gases that are lean and rich of stoichiometry, respectively, optimizes vehicle fuel economy while complying with emissions standards by prohibiting lean engine operation only when tailpipe emissions, calculated in terms of grams of an exhaust gas constituent per vehicle mile traveled, exceeds a permissible threshold value. The threshold value is preferably itself periodically determined based upon a detected or determined level of vehicle activity, such that vehicle activity characterized by greater transient engine operation prescribes a relatively lower level of permissible vehicle emissions.

US Patent:

6367447, Apr 9, 2002

Filed:

Feb 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/789881

Inventors:

Bruce John Palansky - Westland MI
Dennis Allen Light - Monroe MI
Michael John Cullen - Northville MI
Richard John Hippley - Canton MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F02D 4100

US Classification:

123361, 123399, 123435, 701110

Abstract:

A system and method for controlling a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine include determining a currently available maximum torque, determining a driver demanded torque based on a current accelerator pedal position and reference ambient conditions, and controlling the engine to deliver the lesser of the driver demanded torque corresponding to the reference ambient conditions and a calibratable percentage of the currently available maximum torque corresponding to the current ambient conditions. A similar torque is provided at high altitudes as that provided at sea level for a given low pedal position while smoothly blending into the currently available peak torque.

US Patent:

6371066, Apr 16, 2002

Filed:

Dec 15, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/737383

Inventors:

Michael John Cullen - Northville MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F01L 134

US Classification:

123 9015, 123 9016, 123 9017, 123322, 12340624

Abstract:

A torque based cam timing system and method for an engine having dual independent camshafts is disclosed that includes a first set of ROM based calibration tables containing values for intake valve closing and valve overlap that provide best fuel economy and emissions over the operating range of engine speed and engine indicated torque and a second set of ROM based calibration tables containing values for intake valve closing and valve overlap for optimal power over the operating range of engine speed. A power index value that indicates the change in driver desire from fuel economy to power, is used to interpolate over the range of values in the first set of tables to the values in the second set of tables to calculate values of intake valve closing and valve overlap that are optimal for all altitudes.

US Patent:

6379283, Apr 30, 2002

Filed:

Apr 18, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/551829

Inventors:

Michael John Cullen - Northville MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

B60K 4104

US Classification:

477110, 477107, 477109, 701 54, 701 56

Abstract:

A method is presented for correcting estimates of engine output torque and accessory load torque. Engine output torque estimates are corrected when the accessory is disengaged from the engine. Accessory load torque is learned, or corrected, when the accessory is engaged to the engine. In one example, these corrections are made when engine output torque is known to be substantially zero from torque converter speed ratio or from the timing of the overrunning clutch engagement. This information is then used to control engine output torque to improve drive feel and vehicle performance.

US Patent:

6393350, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Aug 10, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/682261

Inventors:

Dennis Allen Light - Monroe MI
Michael John Cullen - Northville MI
Richard John Hippley - Canton MI

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI

International Classification:

F16H 5970

US Classification:

701 54, 701 51, 477 62

Abstract:

A powertrain controller and a method for calculating feed-forward torque for use by the controller, including a powertrain control module that calculates current and leading indicators of engine torque. The leading indicator of engine torque is used by a multiple-ratio transmission in the powertrain to control transmission line pressure for actuating pressure-operated clutches and brakes for the gearing. The same information that is used for establishing transmission line pressure control is used for commanding an electronic throttle actuator for the engine. The electronic throttle actuator responds to an engine torque request generated by the powertrain controller to achieve a relatively instantaneous response of the engine throttle to a driver command for engine torque.

US Patent:

6393357, May 21, 2002

Filed:

Jul 17, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/617383

Inventors:

John William Holmes - Eastpointe MI
Michael John Cullen - Northville MI
Nick Alfred Wicks - Rugby, GB

Assignee:

Ford Global Technologies, Inc. - Dearborn MI
Jaguars Cars Limited - Coventry

International Classification:

F02N 1510

US Classification:

701115, 701102, 1231794

Abstract:

Systems and methods for determining engine oil temperature without an oil temperature sensor infer the oil temperature at engine start based on the calculated temperature at power down and various other parameters which may include engine coolant temperature, soak time, ambient temperature, and whether an engine block heater has been used. The invention provides a more accurate determination of engine oil temperature to allow more precise engine control particularly during cranking and during the first few minutes of engine operation.