Patents by Inventor Christopher Ferguson

Christopher Ferguson 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).

  • Publication number: 20180208319
    Abstract: An adjustable vehicle seat includes a seat frame forming a seat back, the seat frame being configured to couple with an aerospace vehicle; a seat pan coupled to the seat frame, where one or more of the seat frame and the seat pan is configured to couple the seat pan to the seat frame in one of a plurality of positions relative to the seat frame so that an eye position of a seat occupant relative to instrumentation within the aerospace vehicle is decoupled from a size of the seat occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Michael C. McCARLEY, Kent CLARK, Melanie L. WEBER, Norman G. RING, Christopher FERGUSON
  • Publication number: 20180208334
    Abstract: A conformal seat insert for an adjustable vehicle seat, the conformal seat insert comprising an insert frame, the insert frame having one or more insert reference features for locating the insert frame on a seat frame of the vehicle seat in a predetermined position relative to the seat frame, and a contoured support surface formed in the insert frame, the contoured support surface having a crew reference point corresponding to an acromial point of a shoulder of a seat occupant of the adjustable vehicle seat, the crew reference point being a datum from which an eye position of the seat occupant is established relative to instrumentation of an aerospace vehicle in which the adjustable vehicle seat is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: Michael C. McCARLEY, Christopher FERGUSON
  • Publication number: 20180119950
    Abstract: A flare burner for burning combustible waste gases with a manifold, at least two arms, and a plurality of outlets disposed on the plurality of arms. The arms may be perpendicular to the manifold. The arms may also extend outwardly from the manifold. The arms may extend into annuli, to produce oppositely flowing exit gas. A curved dispersing surface may be disposed above the manifold. The arms may comprise a curvilinear shape, or include both a linear and a curvilinear portion. The arms are unequal in length and may curve in an opposite direction from each other. The outlets are configured and spaced such that flame is short relative to size of the flare burner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew A. Martin, Kurt E. Kraus, Christopher Ferguson, Stefano Bietto
  • Publication number: 20180003098
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing NOx sensors in an exhaust aftertreatment system includes suspending reductant dosing in an exhaust aftertreatment system; purging a reductant deposit in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system of the exhaust aftertreatment system; adjusting at least one of an ignition timing and an engine speed for an engine to adjust an engine out nitrogen oxide (NOx) amount; receiving measured SCR inlet NOx data from a SCR inlet NOx sensor and measured SCR outlet NOx data from a SCR outlet NOx sensor; determining a phase shift between the measured SCR inlet and SCR outlet NOx data; applying the determined phase shift to the SCR outlet NOx data; and determining a diagnostic feature based on the SCR inlet NOx data and the phase shifted SCR outlet NOx data regarding a state of the SCR inlet and outlet NOx sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Applicant: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Osburn, Christopher Ferguson, Tony James Hall, Brian P. Liimatta
  • Patent number: 9784166
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing NOx sensors in an exhaust aftertreatment system includes suspending reductant dosing in an exhaust aftertreatment system; purging a reductant deposit in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system of the exhaust aftertreatment system; adjusting at least one of an ignition timing and an engine speed for an engine to adjust an engine out nitrogen oxide (NOx) amount; receiving measured SCR inlet NOx data from a SCR inlet NOx sensor and measured SCR outlet NOx data from a SCR outlet NOx sensor; determining a phase shift between the measured SCR inlet and SCR outlet NOx data; applying the determined phase shift to the SCR outlet NOx data; and determining a diagnostic feature based on the SCR inlet NOx data and the phase shifted SCR outlet NOx data regarding a state of the SCR inlet and outlet NOx sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Osburn, Christopher Ferguson, Tony James Hall, Brian P. Liimatta
  • Patent number: 9776948
    Abstract: A process for production of dialkyl succinate from bio-succinic acid feedstock where solid bio-succinic acid is fed to a reactor to react with alkanol by autocatalytic esterification. Products from the reactor including unreacted succinic acid, mono alkyl ester, dialkyl ester, alkanol, water and impurities are sent to a reaction distillation column for esterification of succinic acid and further esterification of mono alkyl ester with upflowing alkanol. The bottoms products from the reaction distillation column including residual succinic acid, mono alkyl ester, dialkyl ester, impurities and alkanol are sent to a bottoms stream separation zone where di-alkyl ester is separated from alkanol, succinic acid, mono alkyl ester and impurities. The tops products from the reaction distillation column including alkanol, water and organic components are sent to a top stream distillation zone where alkanol is separated from water and organic components. The organic components are recycled to the reaction zone column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Martin Lucas Smidt, Ian Campbell, Graham Reed, Paul Gordon, Christopher Ferguson
  • Patent number: 9527796
    Abstract: A process for the production of dialkyl succinate from a bio-succinic acid feedstock commencing by feeding bio-succinic acid to a reaction distillation column to enable esterification of the succinic acid. The feedstock is passed co-currently with upflowing alkanol such that an esterification reaction occurs. An overhead vapor stream is removed from the reaction distillation column comprising di-ester, alkanol, water of esterification and organic components. The vapor stream is sent to an alkanol separation column where alkanol is separated from the water of esterification and organic components. A side draw is removed from the alkanol separation column comprising partially immiscible organic and aqueous phases. The side draw is passed to a phase separation apparatus where the partially immiscible organic and aqueous phases are separated. The organic phase is passed to a column where the dialkyl succinate is recovered from residual water and other organic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Davy Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Martin Lucas Smidt, Ian Campbell, Graham Reed, Paul Gordon, Christopher Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20160272568
    Abstract: A process for production of dialkyl succinate from bio-succinic acid feedstock where solid bio-succinic acid is fed to a reactor to react with alkanol by autocatalytic esterification. Products from the reactor including unreacted succinic acid, mono alkyl ester, dialkyl ester, alkanol, water and impurities are sent to a reaction distillation column for esterification of succinic acid and further esterification of mono alkyl ester with upflowing alkanol. The bottoms products from the reaction distillation column including residual succinic acid, mono alkyl ester, dialkyl ester, impurities and alkanol are sent to a bottoms stream separation zone where di-alkyl ester is separated from alkanol, succinic acid, mono alkyl ester and impurities. The tops products from the reaction distillation column including alkanol, water and organic components are sent to a top stream distillation zone where alkanol is separated from water and organic components. The organic components are recycled to the reaction zone column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: Martin Lucas Smidt, Ian Campbell, Graham Reed, Paul Gordon, Christopher Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20160264508
    Abstract: A process for the production of dialkyl succinate from a bio-succinic acid feedstock commencing by feeding bio-succinic acid to a reaction distillation column to enable esterification of the succinic acid. The feedstock is passed co-currently with upflowing alkanol such that an esterification reaction occurs. An overhead vapour stream is removed from the reaction distillation column comprising di-ester, alkanol, water of esterification and organic components. The vapour stream is sent to an alkanol separation column where alkanol is separated from the water of esterification and organic components. A side draw is removed from the alkanol separation column comprising partially immiscible organic and aqueous phases. The side draw is passed to a phase separation apparatus where the partially immiscible organic and aqueous phases are separated. The organic phase is passed to a column where the dialkyl succinate is recovered from residual water and other organic components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Martin Lucas Smidt, Ian Campbell, Graham Reed, Paul Gordon, Christopher Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20160186630
    Abstract: A method for diagnosing NOx sensors in an exhaust aftertreatment system includes suspending reductant dosing in an exhaust aftertreatment system; purging a reductant deposit in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system of the exhaust aftertreatment system; adjusting at least one of an ignition timing and an engine speed for an engine to adjust an engine out nitrogen oxide (NOx) amount; receiving measured SCR inlet NOx data from a SCR inlet NOx sensor and measured SCR outlet NOx data from a SCR outlet NOx sensor; determining a phase shift between the measured SCR inlet and SCR outlet NOx data; applying the determined phase shift to the SCR outlet NOx data; and determining a diagnostic feature based on the SCR inlet NOx data and the phase shifted SCR outlet NOx data regarding a state of the SCR inlet and outlet NOx sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew W. Osburn, Christopher Ferguson, Tony James Hall, Brian P. Liimatta
  • Patent number: 9267683
    Abstract: A method and a process to treat coke generated from a process application. The method includes the steps of recovering a mixture of coke particles and water or steam removed from at least one process application vessel. The mixture is directed to a cyclonic separator utilizing centrifugal force and gravity. Water is separated from the mixture in the cyclonic separator. Coke particles are separated from the mixture in the cyclonic separator and are directed to a thermal oxidizer. Coke particles are oxidized and gasified in the thermal oxidizer to produce gas and reduced particulate matter. The gas and reduced particulate matter are thereafter directed to a burner in the process application vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher Ferguson, Subhash Tiwari, Matthew Martin
  • Patent number: 9238199
    Abstract: A combined flow mixing, tempering and noise suppressing apparatus for a selective catalytic reduction system, and method of use thereof is provided. The suppressing apparatus is positioned downstream of a gas input duct of the selective catalytic reduction system in order to provide improved flow uniformity and reduced noise at the entrance to the SCR system with minimal pressure loss. The combined flow mixing, tempering and noise suppressing apparatus includes lobe depressions that extend toward a centerline axis of a gas input duct of the selective catalytic reduction system and alternating lobe protrusions leading away from the centerline axis. The combined flow mixing, tempering and noise suppressing apparatus can include a means for introducing a secondary stream, such as an air manifold or an air bustle in fluid communication with the selective catalytic reduction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Martin, Kurt Kraus, Christopher Ferguson, Brian Duck, Richard Martin
  • Patent number: 9067176
    Abstract: An ammonia injection grid covered with sound adsorption material for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that provides uniform distribution of ammonia to the SCR catalyst in NOX reduction systems and provides noise suppression for heat recovery steam generation systems, packaged boilers, simple cycle catalyst systems and fired heaters for superior operational efficiency. The ammonia injection grid covered with sound adsorption material includes an injection tube having at least one nozzle for injecting ammonia into a flow of flue gas. The ammonia injection grid also includes a corrugated turbulence enhancer covered with sound adsorption material associated with the injection tube to generate turbulent wake to enhance turbulent mixing and noise suppression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20150041014
    Abstract: An ammonia injection grid covered with sound adsorption material for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that provides uniform distribution of ammonia to the SCR catalyst in NOX reduction systems and provides noise suppression for heat recovery steam generation systems, packaged boilers, simple cycle catalyst systems and fired heaters for superior operational efficiency. The ammonia injection grid covered with sound adsorption material includes an injection tube having at least one nozzle for injecting ammonia into a flow of flue gas. The ammonia injection grid also includes a corrugated turbulence enhancer covered with sound adsorption material associated with the injection tube to generate turbulent wake to enhance turbulent mixing and noise suppression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Ferguson
  • Publication number: 20110244390
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a donor element for use with a receiver element in an imagable assemblage for light-induced transfer of material from the donor element to the receiver element. Specifically, this invention relates to such a donor element comprising a copolymer based on styrene and maleic anhydride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas C. Felder, Christopher Ferguson, Richard Paul Pankratz, Julian Neal Robinson, Debra S. Strickland
  • Patent number: 7763411
    Abstract: A donor element useful in an assemblage for imaging by exposure to light comprises a support layer, a light-to-heat conversion layer disposed adjacent the support layer containing a light absorber, and a transfer layer disposed adjacent the light-to-heat conversion layer opposite the support layer. The donor element also includes a release-modifier disposed between the support layer and the transfer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Thomas C. Felder, Robert William Eveson, Christopher Ferguson, James R. Joiner, Moira Logan, Richard Paul Pankratz, Fredrick Claus Zumsteg, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090047597
    Abstract: A donor element useful in an assemblage for imaging by exposure to radiation comprises a substrate, a transfer-assist layer disposed adjacent the substrate comprising one or more water-soluble or water-dispersible radiation-absorbing compound(s), and a transfer layer disposed adjacent the transfer-assist layer opposite the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas C. Felder, Robert William Eveson, Christopher Ferguson, James R. Joiner, Moira Logan, Richard Paul Pankratz, Frederick Claus Zumsteg, JR.
  • Patent number: D595519
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Ferguson
  • Patent number: D602294
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Ferguson
  • Patent number: D602295
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Ferguson