The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 19, 2013
Filed:
Sep. 10, 2008
Timothy Webb, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
John Paul Bogema, Flat Rock, MI (US);
Christopher Oberski, Plymouth, MI (US);
Timothy Webb, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
John Paul Bogema, Flat Rock, MI (US);
Christopher Oberski, Plymouth, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
Systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle. One example method includes, after a threshold duration of engine idling, continuing engine idle operation when an exhaust NOx sensor indicates a NOx level below a NOx threshold, and stopping engine idle and shutting down the engine when the exhaust NOx sensor indicates the NOx level is above the NOx threshold. In this way, when the exhaust emissions are below the NOx threshold, it is possible to prolong engine idling operation using the exhaust NOx sensor.