Patents by Inventor Christopher Oberski
Christopher Oberski 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).
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Patent number: 9512766Abstract: An exhaust system is described including an exhaust manifold having different length runners, with an emission control device housing a plurality of catalyst bricks, at least one of which having a multi-cell density. In this way, uneven exhaust mixing may be addressed without modifying packaging of the exhaust system.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Michael Beaver, Christopher Oberski, David Walter Kunitz
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Patent number: 9280856Abstract: A method generates a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in an engine. Initially, a quantity of use of an engine and a time of use of the engine are measured. A useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in the engine is generated based upon a first relationship between the quantity of use of an engine and the time of use of the engine when an operating characteristic is at or below a predetermined amount, such as the average speed of a vehicle containing the engine. The useful life indication of the lubricating fluid in the engine is generated based upon a second relationship between the quantity of use of an engine and the time of use of the engine when the operating characteristic is above the predetermined amount.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Peter M. Lyon
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Patent number: 9163548Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine is provided herein. The exhaust system includes an emission control device and an exhaust manifold having a plurality of runners merging at a confluence section positioned upstream of the emission control device. The exhaust system further includes a mixer plate positioned in the confluence section, the mixer plate including a central opening and a plurality of louvered vents positioned axially around the central opening, the louvered vents having angled openings facing a common rotational direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Cornelius Langston Henderson, IV, Ray Host, Michael Collareno, George I. Tapos, Christopher Oberski
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Publication number: 20150089923Abstract: An exhaust system for an engine is provided herein. The exhaust system includes an emission control device and an exhaust manifold having a plurality of runners merging at a confluence section positioned upstream of the emission control device. The exhaust system further includes a mixer plate positioned in the confluence section, the mixer plate including a central opening and a plurality of louvered vents positioned axially around the central opening, the louvered vents having angled openings facing a common rotational direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Cornelius Langston Henderson, IV, Ray Host, Michael Collareno, George I. Tapos, Christopher Oberski
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Publication number: 20150047323Abstract: An exhaust system is described including an exhaust manifold having different length runners, with an emission control device housing a plurality of catalyst bricks, at least one of which having a multi-cell density. In this way, uneven exhaust mixing may be addressed without modifying packaging of the exhaust system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven Michael Beaver, Christopher Oberski, David Walter Kunitz
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Patent number: 8793984Abstract: Termination of regeneration of a particulate filter may be based on a variable percent threshold of stored particulate, where the percent threshold of stored particulate depends on a current soot burn rate. In one example approach, a method for controlling regeneration of a diesel particulate filter comprises: terminating regeneration based on a particulate burning rate; wherein the particulate burning rate is based on operating conditions of the diesel particulate filter; the operating conditions including an amount of stored particulate in the diesel particulate filter and a temperature of the diesel particulate filter.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Peter Mitchell Lyon
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Patent number: 8726636Abstract: Modification of reductant (e.g., diesel exhaust fluid, DEF) tank location, for example during vehicle up-fitting may result in less than optimal operation of the DEF system due to inaccurate DEF system calibration. In one example approach, the above issue can be at least partially addressed by adjusting control system parameters for system control and diagnostics based on an input indicative of, or any modification to, the DEF tank location. In this way, DEF tank location flexibility is maintained, while also maintaining emission control and diagnostic accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bret Alan Zimmerman, Dwayne Pollitt, John Paul Bogema, Christopher Oberski, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
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Patent number: 8631648Abstract: A system for treating exhaust gases from an engine is described. The system includes, the exhaust gases routed from the engine to atmosphere through an exhaust passage, the system comprising: an injector directing a spray of reductant into the exhaust gases routed from the engine to atmosphere; an exhaust separation passage that separates an exhaust gas flow received from the engine into a plurality of separate exhaust gas flows; a plurality of oxidation catalysts, each of which receives one of the plurality of separate exhaust gas flows; a flow combining passage that receives the plurality of separate exhaust gas flows and combines them into a re-combined exhaust gas flow; a turbocharger that receives the re-combined exhaust gas flow from the flow combining passage; and a selective catalytic reduction catalyst positioned downstream of the turbocharger.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christine Kay Lambert, Yinyan Huang, Harold Huimin Sun, Christopher Oberski
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Patent number: 8607549Abstract: In one approach a method for operating an engine including a DPF is provided. The method includes adjusting a post fuel injection amount based on a rate of change of engine torque during DPF regeneration. As one example, the adjusting includes reducing the amount when the rate of change is positive, and increasing the amount when the rate of change is negative. Furthermore, the method may also include delivering exhaust gas to a turbocharger turbine, to an oxidation catalyst, and then a DPF, the adjusting of the post fuel injection further based on thermal inertia of the turbocharger.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jian Kong, Kevin Chen, Kirk Andrew Parrish, Jeff Malcolm Travis, Christopher Oberski, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
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Publication number: 20130276445Abstract: Termination of regeneration of a particulate filter may be based on a variable percent threshold of stored particulate, where the percent threshold of stored particulate depends on a current soot burn rate. In one example approach, a method for controlling regeneration of a diesel particulate filter comprises: terminating regeneration based on a particulate burning rate; wherein the particulate burning rate is based on operating conditions of the diesel particulate filter; the operating conditions including an amount of stored particulate in the diesel particulate filter and a temperature of the diesel particulate filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Peter Mitchell Lyon
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Patent number: 8539824Abstract: Methods for monitoring and detecting undesired exotherms which may occur in an exhaust aftertreatment system coupled to a lean burning combustion engine are described. In one particular approach, an undesired exotherm may be indicated based on an expected oxygen depletion along a length of an exhaust aftertreatment system in the direction of exhaust gas flow of exhaust gas. For example, during DPF regeneration, a certain amount of oxygen is expected to be utilized for removing soot. If less oxygen is actually found in the exhaust downstream of the exhaust system, then an undesired exotherm may be present, as unintended reductant may be present in the exhaust and reacting exothermically with oxygen. Various mitigation actions may then be initiated in response to the indication of an undesired exotherm.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Jian Kong, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Kirk Andrew Parrish, James Bromham
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Patent number: 8464520Abstract: Termination of regeneration of a particulate filter may be based on a variable percent threshold of stored particulate, where the percent threshold of stored particulate depends on a current soot burn rate. In one example approach, a method for controlling regeneration of a diesel particulate filter comprises: terminating regeneration based on a particulate burning rate; wherein the particulate burning rate is based on operating conditions of the diesel particulate filter; the operating conditions including an amount of stored particulate in the diesel particulate filter and a temperature of the diesel particulate filter.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Peter Mitchell Lyon
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Publication number: 20130131912Abstract: A method generates a useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in an engine. Initially, a quantity of use of an engine and a time of use of the engine are measured. A useful life indication of a lubricating fluid in the engine is generated based upon a first relationship between the quantity of use of an engine and the time of use of the engine when an operating characteristic is at or below a predetermined amount, such as the average speed of a vehicle containing the engine. The useful life indication of the lubricating fluid in the engine is generated based upon a second relationship between the quantity of use of an engine and the time of use of the engine when the operating characteristic is above the predetermined amount.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Peter M. Lyon
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Patent number: 8424286Abstract: Modification of reductant (e.g., diesel exhaust fluid, DEF) tank location, for example during vehicle up-fitting may result in less than optimal operation of the DEF system due to inaccurate DEF system calibration. In one example approach, the above issue can be at least partially addressed by adjusting control system parameters for system control and diagnostics based on an input indicative of, or any modification to, the DEF tank location. In this way, DEF tank location flexibility is maintained, while also maintaining emission control and diagnostic accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Bret Alan Zimmerman, Dwayne Pollitt, John Paul Bogema, Christopher Oberski, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
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Patent number: 8408055Abstract: Methods for monitoring and detecting undesired exotherms which may occur in an exhaust aftertreatment system coupled to a lean burning combustion engine are described. In one particular approach, an undesired exotherm may be indicated based on an expected oxygen depletion along a length of an exhaust aftertreatment system in the direction of exhaust gas flow of exhaust gas. For example, during DPF regeneration, a certain amount of oxygen is expected to be utilized for removing soot. If less oxygen is actually found in the exhaust downstream of the exhaust system, then an undesired exotherm may be present, as unintended reductant may be present in the exhaust and reacting exothermically with oxygen. Various mitigation actions may then be initiated in response to the indication of an undesired exotherm.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Jian Kong, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Kirk Andrew Parrish, Jim Bromham
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Patent number: 8397489Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Timothy Webb, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, John Paul Bogema, Christopher Oberski
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Patent number: 8250866Abstract: A turbocharged, diesel engine has a small catalyst provided upstream of the turbocharger with EGR collected from the exhaust stream downstream of the catalyst and upstream of the turbocharger. By making the catalyst small, it packages into a pipe coupling the manifold to the turbocharger, readily reaches lightoff, and absorbs little exhaust energy, thereby providing acceptable conversion of hydrocarbons and CO, but still allowing fast turbocharger response. In one embodiment, the engine has two cylinder banks, two exhaust manifolds, and two pre-turbo catalysts installed upstream of the turbine.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Christopher Oberski, Christopher Cowland, Patrick Sexton
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Patent number: 8209961Abstract: A method of managing vapors generated from an ammonia-containing reductant delivery system for a vehicle is described. The method may include storing ammonia containing vapors generated in the reductant delivery system during engine-off and then purging said stored ammonia into an exhaust of the engine to react in a catalyst in the exhaust flow during engine operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Oberski, Giovanni Cavataio, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Timothy Webb, William Ruona
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Patent number: 8166943Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a fuel system in an engine, the fuel system including a supply pump for delivering fuel to the fuel system and pressurizing fuel received from a feed pump, a fuel tank, a fuel filter for filtering fuel, a fuel rail, and a fuel injector. One example method comprises, during an engine cold-start, operating the supply pump, and adjusting a supply pump operation mode between at least a pressure-controlled mode and a volume-controlled mode based on a fuel temperature and pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gopal Krishna Chamarthi, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Christopher Oberski, Peter Mitchell Lyon
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Patent number: 8132404Abstract: A method is provided for managing vapor generation in a reductant storage and delivery system. In one example, urea vapors generated from liquid in a storage device are temporarily stored and later purged to the exhaust system of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher Oberski, Giovanni Cavataio, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Timothy Webb, Willilam Ruona