Other

Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Kevin Murphy

Michiel Jacques Van Nieuwstadt

Peter Mitchell Lyon

James William Phillips

Christopher Oberski

Ognyan N Yanakiev

John Paul Bogema

Timothy Webb

Jason Ronald Smith

Kevin Chen

Michael Goebelbecker

Jeffrey B Schneyer

Darrin Blaine Luke

Gregory P Basque

Janice Murphy

John Anthony Mangion

Eddie M Atkinson

Methods and systems are described for an engine with a SCR system including NOx sensors upstream and downstream of catalyst. One method includes monitoring SCR performance via calculating SCR conversion efficiency at different catalyst temperatures. Further, feedgas NOx levels are artificially increased when SCR device temperature is above a threshold to obtain more reliable readings from NOx sensors.

Method to diagnose SCR catalyst

A plant hanger with a watering system includes a weighted base adapted for stable placement on a ground surface and an upwardly-extending support post. A plurality of adjustable hanger arms extends perpendicularly outward from a central hub affixed to the post. A watering system is connected to an existing water source, which delivers water to an inline plant food reservoir for introducing plant food into the water. The water is distributed to each arm through a water distributing manifold attached to an upper end of the post and in fluid communication with the water source.

Plant hanger with watering system

A method for operating an internal combustion engine Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system that includes producing an EGR valve position signal to decrease the amount of exhaust gas passed to the EGR cooler when a processor determines the EGR cooler efficiency is less than the predetermined level and producing an EGR coolant valve position signal to decrease the amount of coolant passed to the EGR cooler when such processor determines the EGR cooler efficiency is less than the predetermined level. The processor produced EGR valve and the EGR coolant valve position signals result in regeneration within the cooler, returning the effectiveness of the cooler to a near 'clean' condition.

Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system

A method for improving engine control during a regeneration of an exhaust gas after treatment device is described. According to one aspect of the description, engine air amount and engine fuel amount may be adjusted based on data from a previously executed regeneration of an exhaust gas after treatment device.

Method for controlling an internal combustion engine during regeneration of an emission after-treatment device

A method is described for controlling the exhaust temperature of an emission controlling device in the exhaust using both a higher heat loss path and a lower heat loss path along with parallel/sequential turbocharging. The exhaust path is adjusted based on a rate of change of temperature control error.

Parallel-sequential turbocharging for improved exhaust temperature control

A system for assisting physically challenged users in operating at least one device comprising a frame, at least one user operable switch lever mounted to the frame and having a generally large activation region, and at least one switch operatively connected between the at least one switch lever and the at least one device, and for energizing the at least one device. A tensioning device applies tension to the at least one switch lever, for holding the at least one switch lever under tension in a first position, but allowing the at least one switch lever to be moved by the user into a second position to energize the at least one device upon the user applying a force to the at least one switch lever in an opposite direction of the tension that exceeds the tension applied by the tensioning device, and for returning the at least one switch lever to the first position. Also included is a switch range adjuster for adjusting the at least one switch lever's range of motion between the first position and the second position.

Switch lever systems for physically challenged individuals

A keycap is used to display a plurality of indicia, such as Braille, pictures, etc., for use with a keyboard that interacts with an electronic device, such as a computer. The keycap includes at least one engagement member, for removably engaging with at least one activation key on a keyboard, and at least a first support structure for displaying the indicia. The first support structure is larger in at least one direction than the activation key and allows the keycap to display the indicia in a sufficiently large size to allow the keycap to display, for example, phrases, sentences, musical notation, mathematical expressions, etc. This feature allows the keycap to be compatible with a large number of software programs used to teach, for example, disabled individuals. The keycap preferably is used with a removable overlay containing the plurality of indicia that allows the keycap to be easily configured to the user's needs or the requirements of the software program. The keycap includes at least one attachment member to removably attach the overlay to the keycap. The attachment member preferably comprises two channels disposed on opposite ends of the first support structure and a second support structure which is adapted to slidably engage with the two channels to hold the overlay immobile between the first and second support structures.

Keycap for displaying a plurality of indicia

A method and system for determining whether a desired amount of hydrocarbon is actually injected into an engine exhaust to react with NOx in such engine exhaust. The reaction is facilitated with a catalyst downstream of the hydrocarbon injection. The method and system measure a first temperature difference across the catalyst during the reaction. The first temperature difference is compared with an expected temperature difference across the catalyst during the reaction. The difference in exotherm is used to adjust the injected HC quantity, and diagnose injector failures.

Method and apparatus for controlling reactant injection into an active lean NOx catalyst

A configurable touch sensitive keyboard system is used to adjust or control the interface to a computer or other electronic device, particularly, for disabled individuals. The configurable touch sensitive keyboard system includes a touch sensitive keyboard having touch sensitive regions and a keyboard overlay having symbols corresponding to the touch sensitive regions. The symbols can be visually recognizable symbols or tactually recognizable symbols, such as Braille characters. A keyguard template is disposed on the keyboard over the overlay and includes keyboard access regions spatially separated on the keyguard. The keyboard access regions on the keyguard help disabled individuals to locate the touch sensitive regions for activation. Keyboard access cover members are used to selectively cover the keyboard access regions and the symbols and corresponding touch sensitive regions. By selectively covering the keyboard access regions using the cover members, the keyboard can be adjusted to suit the needs of a particular individual to improve the learning process and overall interaction with the computer or other electronic device.

Configurable keyguard for use with touch sensitive keyboard

The problem solving skills development system is used, for example, as a puzzle or game, to develop problem solving or analytical skills in visually impaired individuals. The system includes a supporting board having sliding pieces arranged in a grid, for example, a 4 by 4 grid of 15 sliding pieces and one empty position. The sliding pieces include tactilly recognizable regions that are arranged into a predetermined pattern by sliding and shifting the appropriate pieces. The tactilly recognizable regions can include characters, such as letters that can be arranged to form words or phrases, numbers that can be arranged in numerical order, or any other symbols. Some of the tactilly recognizable regions can also include blank surfaces to make the puzzle easier for individuals at lower ages or abilities. The system preferably includes tactile recognition blocks that have the tactilly recognizable regions and that can be removably engaged with the sliding pieces. The tactile recognition blocks can thereby be used to adapt the system to be used as different types of puzzles with different degrees of difficulty.

Problem solving skills development system using tactile recognition

A block retaining slate for engaging blocks, such as tactile recognition (e.g. Braille) blocks, so that the blocks can be arranged and aligned in a pattern. The block retaining slate includes a base portion and block engaging members extending from the base portion. The block engaging members include a rounded block receiving region, for receiving and engaging with an engaging region, such as a cavity, in the block. The block engaging members are arranged in a predefined pattern forming groups of block engaging members including rows and columns of block engaging members so that the blocks are aligned in rows and columns on the block retaining slate on a group of block engaging members. The block retaining slate further includes spaced regions and/or ridge portions between the rows and columns of block engaging members to facilitate the alignment of the blocks on the block retaining slate.

Block retaining slate for facilitating engagement and alignment of blocks

A symbolic language teaching and communication system is disclosed which includes at least one block having a pattern of raised protrusions with rounded top surfaces for tactile discrimination. Each pattern represents an alpha-numeric character for recognition by a visually impaired individual, and the block has indicia on one of the sides corresponding to the alpha-numeric character for recognition by a non-visually impaired individual. Each block also has a curved region on one of the corners of the block to provide for the proper orientation of the block on a block retaining slate when forming words or sentences with a plurality of blocks. The block retaining slate also has a rounded corner to provide for the proper orientation of the block retaining slate when forming or reading words or sentences on the block retaining slate. The blocks are removably engaged with the block retaining slate by protrusions which are frictionally engaged with protrusions on the block retaining slate. The block retaining slate has a triangular portion between the engaging members to provide for proper alignment and spacing of the blocks on the retaining slate. The triangular portion can be formed as columns or as rows on the block retaining slate depending upon the language which is being used. The back side of the block retaining slate may be adapted to be placed proximate another surface or removably attached to another surface by providing either a felt region, a rubber region, a magnetic region or a hook/pile coupling region.

Symbolic language teaching and communications system utilizing tactile

A bicycle rack (10) comprises a pedestal mountable on lug bolts (25) of an exterior spare-tire mount including spokes (14a, b and c) which extend axially to the lug bolts. A main support arm (18) extending laterally to the spokes is attachable to outer ends of the spokes by means of an outer hub (16) and has mounted on it a bicycle support arm (20) for supporting a bicycle laterally of the spare-tire mount. First and second angularly-adjustable mounting mechanisms (34 and 42) allow the angular positions of the main support arm relative to the outer hub and the bicycle support arm relative to the main support arm to be adjusted respectively.

Growing community of inventors

Plaistow, NH, United States of America

Kevin Murphy