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).

  • Patent number: 9512766
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Michael Beaver, Christopher Oberski, David Walter Kunitz
  • Patent number: 9280856
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Peter M. Lyon
  • Patent number: 9163548
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cornelius Langston Henderson, IV, Ray Host, Michael Collareno, George I. Tapos, Christopher Oberski
  • Publication number: 20150089923
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Cornelius Langston Henderson, IV, Ray Host, Michael Collareno, George I. Tapos, Christopher Oberski
  • Publication number: 20150047323
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Michael Beaver, Christopher Oberski, David Walter Kunitz
  • Patent number: 8793984
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Peter Mitchell Lyon
  • Patent number: 8726636
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bret Alan Zimmerman, Dwayne Pollitt, John Paul Bogema, Christopher Oberski, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Patent number: 8631648
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christine Kay Lambert, Yinyan Huang, Harold Huimin Sun, Christopher Oberski
  • Patent number: 8607549
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jian Kong, Kevin Chen, Kirk Andrew Parrish, Jeff Malcolm Travis, Christopher Oberski, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Publication number: 20130276445
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Peter Mitchell Lyon
  • Patent number: 8539824
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Jian Kong, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Kirk Andrew Parrish, James Bromham
  • Patent number: 8464520
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Peter Mitchell Lyon
  • Publication number: 20130131912
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Chen, Christopher Oberski, Peter M. Lyon
  • Patent number: 8424286
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bret Alan Zimmerman, Dwayne Pollitt, John Paul Bogema, Christopher Oberski, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Patent number: 8408055
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Jian Kong, Christopher Oberski, Norman Hiam Opolsky, Kirk Andrew Parrish, Jim Bromham
  • Patent number: 8397489
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy Webb, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, John Paul Bogema, Christopher Oberski
  • Patent number: 8250866
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Christopher Oberski, Christopher Cowland, Patrick Sexton
  • Patent number: 8209961
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Oberski, Giovanni Cavataio, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Timothy Webb, William Ruona
  • Patent number: 8166943
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gopal Krishna Chamarthi, Brien Lloyd Fulton, Christopher Oberski, Peter Mitchell Lyon
  • Patent number: 8132404
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Oberski, Giovanni Cavataio, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Timothy Webb, Willilam Ruona