Patents by Inventor Cynthia C. Webb

Cynthia C. Webb 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: 8720185
    Abstract: A method and system for raising the operating temperature of an emissions control device of an automotive vehicle. A generator converts the vehicle's mechanical braking energy to electrical energy. The electrical energy is delivered, without electrical storage, to an electric heater that heats either the emissions control device or the exhaust gas at the input to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Karl J. Kreder, III
  • Patent number: 8679852
    Abstract: A particulate matter generator implemented as a “mini-burner”, and used in conjunction with a larger test system for the specific purpose of enhancing the particulate matter content of exhaust gas. The exhaust stream of the larger system is supplemented with exhaust from the mini-burner to produce exhaust with desired particulate matter characteristics. The exhaust gas may then be used for various test purposes, such as testing emissions control devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, John W. Miller
  • Publication number: 20130219861
    Abstract: A method and system for raising the operating temperature of an emissions control device of an automotive vehicle. A generator converts the vehicle's mechanical braking energy to electrical energy. The electrical energy is delivered, without electrical storage, to an electric heater that heats either the emissions control device or the exhaust gas at the input to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Karl J. Kreder, III
  • Patent number: 8425224
    Abstract: A burner-based exhaust gas generation system, having a blower for providing air into the system. The blower is controlled to compensate for variations in mass air flow into the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Jeffrey A. Mathis
  • Publication number: 20120252130
    Abstract: A particulate matter generator implemented as a “mini-burner”, and used in conjunction with a larger test system for the specific purpose of enhancing the particulate matter content of exhaust gas. The exhaust stream of the larger system is supplemented with exhaust from the mini-burner to produce exhaust with desired particulate matter characteristics. The exhaust gas may then be used for various test purposes, such as testing emissions control devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, John W. Miller
  • Patent number: 7625201
    Abstract: The present application relates in general to an apparatus and to methods for testing the performance of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions simulating those which occur in motor vehicles over extended driving conditions. The application provides a novel swirl plate and a novel fuel injector which enable the burner to run stoichiometric for extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Melvin N. Ingalls, Jr., Gordon J. Bartley, Cynthia C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7550126
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for augmenting the amount of NOX in the exhaust of an exhaust flow simulation system. These methods and system can be “combustion” or “post combustion”. A combustion embodiment injects a nitrogen-containing compound (doping agent) into the burner, so that it mixed and combusted with the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Christopher A. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20080178574
    Abstract: Various methods and systems for augmenting the amount of NOX in the exhaust of an exhaust flow simulation system. These methods and system can be “combustion” or “post combustion”. A combustion embodiment injects a nitrogen-containing compound (doping agent) into the burner, so that it mixed and combusted with the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Christopher A. Sharp
  • Patent number: 7347086
    Abstract: A method for accelerated aging of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions incorporating cold start simulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Bruce B. Bykowski, Gordon J. Bartley
  • Publication number: 20080070169
    Abstract: The present application relates in general to an apparatus and to methods for testing the performance of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions simulating those which occur in motor vehicles over extended driving conditions. The application provides a novel swirl plate and a novel fuel injector which enable the burner to run stoichiometric for extended periods of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Melvin N. Ingalls, Gordon J. Bartley, Cynthia C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7299137
    Abstract: A method for simulating at least one drive cycle of a vehicle using a non-engine based test system, the method including providing a non-engine based test system including a combustor in fluid communication with a catalytic converter from the vehicle; supplying fuel and air to said combustor at an air to fuel ratio (AFR) and under conditions effective to produce a feedstream flowpath; substantially stoichiometrically combusting at least a portion of the fuel in the feedstream flowpath under conditions effective to simulate at least one drive cycle of the vehicle and to produce a simulated drive cycle exhaust product for the vehicle, the conditions being effective to prevent substantial damage to the combustor; and, collecting and analyzing the simulated drive cycle exhaust product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Gordon J. Bartley, Andy M. Anderson, Cynthia C. Webb, Bruce B. Bykowski
  • Patent number: 7277801
    Abstract: The present application relates in general to methods for testing the performance of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions simulating those which occur in motor vehicles over extended driving conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Bruce B. Bykowski, Gordon J. Bartley
  • Patent number: 7195006
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling the temperature of recirculated exhaust gas in an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, such as those used in connection with diesel engines. An EGR loop (which may be either a high pressure loop or a low pressure loop) has a dual-leg segment with an EGR cooler on one leg and an EGR heater on the other leg. By means of a valve, the EGR gas may be diverted to either one leg or the other, thereby providing either cooled or heated EGR gas to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Magdi K. Khair, Yiqun Huang, Christopher A. Sharp, Cynthia C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7175422
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accelerated aging of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions incorporating volatilized oil consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Brent A. Shoffner, Gordon J. Bartley
  • Patent number: 7140874
    Abstract: The present application relates in general to an apparatus and to methods for testing the performance of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions simulating those which occur in motor vehicles over extended driving conditions. The application provides a novel swirl plate and a novel fuel injector which enable the burner to run stoichiometric for extended periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Melvin N. Ingalls, Jr., Gordon J. Bartley, Cynthia C. Webb
  • Patent number: 7032376
    Abstract: A burner for use in the emissions system of a lean burn internal combustion engine. The burner has a special burner head that enhances atomization of the burner fuel. Its combustion chamber is designed to be submersed in the engine exhaust line so that engine exhaust flows over the outer surface of the combustion chamber, thereby providing efficient heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Jeffrey A. Mathis
  • Patent number: 6983645
    Abstract: A method for accelerated aging of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions incorporating cold start simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Bruce B. Bykowski, Gordon J. Bartley
  • Publication number: 20040237636
    Abstract: A method for simulating at least one drive cycle of a vehicle using a non-engine based test system, the method comprising: providing a non-engine based test system comprising a combustor in fluid communication with a catalytic converter from the vehicle; supplying fuel and air to said combustor at an air to fuel ratio (AFR) and under conditions effective to produce a feedstream flowpath; substantially stoichiometrically combusting at least a portion of the fuel in the feedstream flowpath under conditions effective to simulate at least one drive cycle of the vehicle and to produce a simulated drive cycle exhaust product for the vehicle, the conditions being effective to prevent substantial damage to the combustor; and, collecting and analyzing the simulated drive cycle exhaust product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Gordon J. Bartley, Andy M. Anderson, Cynthia C. Webb, Bruce B. Bykowski
  • Patent number: 6718757
    Abstract: A method for controlling diesel engine emissions is disclosed. The diesel engine's exhaust system has a NOx oxidation catalyst, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and a lean NOx trap (LNT). The DPF is monitored to determine the need for regeneration. The LNT is monitored to determine the need for regeneration or desulfurization. A fuel injector is used to inject fuel upstream of the LNT under certain conditions, and a bypass may be used to bypass exhaust around the oxidation catalyst to provide richer or hotter exhaust to the LNT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Magdi K. Khair, Cynthia C. Webb, Gordon J. Bartley, Christopher A. Sharp
  • Publication number: 20040028588
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for accelerated aging of an automotive catalytic converter under conditions incorporating volatilized oil consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Cynthia C. Webb, Brent A. Shoffner, Gordon J. Bartley