Patents by Inventor Harendra S. Gandhi
Harendra S. Gandhi 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: 9376949Abstract: Embodiments are described to improve the durability of a lean NOx aftertreatment system. According to one embodiment of the present invention an air injection system is used to inject air continuously into the exhaust system between the upstream three-way catalyst and the downstream selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst when the engine is operating at stoichiometric or rich air/fuel ratios and the exhaust temperatures are above a calibratable level (e.g., 700° C.). In another embodiment, an oxidation catalyst is positioned downstream of the air injection point to prevent exothermic reactions from occurring on the SCR. In another embodiment, the reductant for the SCR is generated in-situ. In yet another embodiment, a diverter valve with a reduction catalyst in a bypass arm is utilized to bypass the SCR during high load conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Harendra S. Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Joseph Robert Theis
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Publication number: 20140311126Abstract: Embodiments are described to improve the durability of a lean NOx aftertreatment system. According to one embodiment of the present invention an air injection system is used to inject air continuously into the exhaust system between the upstream three-way catalyst and the downstream selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst when the engine is operating at stoichiometric or rich air/fuel ratios and the exhaust temperatures are above a calibratable level (e.g., 700° C.). In another embodiment, an oxidation catalyst is positioned downstream of the air injection point to prevent exothermic reactions from occurring on the SCR. In another embodiment, the reductant for the SCR is generated in-situ. In yet another embodiment, a diverter valve with a reduction catalyst in a bypass arm is utilized to bypass the SCR during high load conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Harendra S. Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Joseph Robert` Theis
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Patent number: 8844274Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust treatment system and method is provided which utilizes a diesel particulate filter positioned in the exhaust gas stream of a vehicle which includes an SCR catalyst, an ammonia oxidation catalyst, and/or a diesel oxidation catalyst. The system is capable of performing multiple functions including converting NOx to N2, converting HC and CO to H2O and CO2, trapping particulates, and minimizing ammonia emissions. The system is more compact and efficient than prior systems utilizing separate catalyst units, and minimizes backpressure while maximizing catalyst performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christine Kay Lambert, Yinyan Huang, Douglas A. Dobson, Harendra S. Gandhi
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Patent number: 8776498Abstract: Embodiments are described to improve the durability of a lean NOx aftertreatment system. According to one embodiment of the present invention an air injection system is used to inject air continuously into the exhaust system between the upstream three-way catalyst and the downstream selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst when the engine is operating at stoichiometric or rich air/fuel ratios and the exhaust temperatures are above a calibratible level (e.g., 700° C.). In another embodiment, an oxidation catalyst is positioned downstream of the air injection point to prevent exothermic reactions from occurring on the SCR. In another embodiment, the reductant for the SCR is generated in-situ. In yet another embodiment, a diverter valve with a reduction catalyst in a bypass arm is utilized to bypass the SCR during high load conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Harendra S Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Joseph Robert Theis
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Patent number: 8506893Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention a selective reduction catalyst system with a broad temperature window for lean-burn gasoline and diesel engines is disclosed. The system includes a first and second zone, wherein the first zone is composed of an iron SCR catalyst and a second zone is composed of a copper SCR catalyst, and wherein the second zone is positioned downstream of the first zone. In another embodiment, a small copper SCR catalyst is placed in front of a second zone composed of an iron SCR catalyst and a third zone composed of a copper SCR catalyst, wherein the volume of the first copper SCR catalyst is a fraction of the volume of the second copper SCR catalyst. In yet another embodiment, a diverter valve would be included in the system to eliminate any NOx penalty produced by the front Cu SCR catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Harendra S Gandhi, Joseph Robert Theis
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Patent number: 8375701Abstract: Method and systems are provided for operating an engine having a hydrocarbon retaining system coupled to an engine exhaust and an engine intake. During an engine cold start, routing exhaust gas to the hydrocarbon retaining system to store hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon retaining system. Then, depending on temperature, the hydrocarbons are purged with varying amounts of exhaust gas and fresh air in order to maintain proper temperature control.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Jason Aaron Lupescu, Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Harendra S. Gandhi
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Patent number: 8261531Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable storage media are described in which exhaust gas is routed to a hydrocarbon retaining device during starting, and purged to the engine intake manifold. Various alternative approaches are described for controlling operation and diagnosing degradation. Further, various interrelated configurations are described.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Harendra S. Gandhi, Michael James Uhrich, Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns, Jason Aaron Lupescu
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Patent number: 8062618Abstract: A diesel exhaust aftertreatment system and method are provided. The system includes a lean NOx trap for reducing NOx and a transition metal-exchanged zeolite booster catalyst positioned downstream from the lean NOx trap for further reducing NOx. The lean NOx trap includes a NOx adsorbent material and one or more platinum group metals, and has a platinum group metal loading of less than about 90 g/ft3. The aftertreatment system provides high NOx conversion over a broad temperature range without the use of ammonia as a major reductant.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Lifeng Xu, Harendra S Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Clifford Norman Montreuil
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Publication number: 20100266471Abstract: A diesel exhaust aftertreatment system and method are provided. The system includes a lean NOx trap for reducing NOx and a transition metal-exchanged zeolite booster catalyst positioned downstream from the lean NOx trap for further reducing NOx. The lean NOx trap includes a NOx adsorbent material and one or more platinum group metals, and has a platinum group metal loading of less than about 90 g/ft3. The aftertreatment system provides high NOx conversion over a broad temperature range without the use of ammonia as a major reductant.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Lifeng Xu, Harendra S. Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Clifford Norman Montreuil
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Publication number: 20100175372Abstract: A diesel engine exhaust treatment system and method is provided which utilizes a diesel particulate filter positioned in the exhaust gas stream of a vehicle which includes an SCR catalyst, an ammonia oxidation catalyst, and/or a diesel oxidation catalyst. The system is capable of performing multiple functions including converting NOx to N2, converting HC and CO to H2O and CO2, trapping particulates, and minimizing ammonia emissions. The system is more compact and efficient than prior systems utilizing separate catalyst units, and minimizes backpressure while maximizing catalyst performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2009Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventors: Christine Kay Lambert, Yinyan Huang, Douglas A. Dobson, Harendra S. Gandhi
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Publication number: 20100024396Abstract: Method and systems are provided for operating an engine having a hydrocarbon retaining system coupled to an engine exhaust and an engine intake. One example method comprises, during an engine cold start, routing exhaust gas to the hydrocarbon retaining system to store hydrocarbons in the hydrocarbon retaining system. The method further comprises, during a first purging condition where the exhaust gas is at a first temperature, purging the hydrocarbon retaining system with at least exhaust gas, and during a second purging condition where the exhaust gas is at a second temperature, said second temperature being higher than said first temperature, mixing the exhaust gas with an amount of fresh air to form a purging gas mixture, and purging the hydrocarbon retaining system with said purging gas mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jason Aaron Lupescu, Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Harendra S. Gandhi
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Publication number: 20090266063Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention a selective reduction catalyst system with a broad temperature window for lean-burn gasoline and diesel engines is disclosed. The system includes a first and second zone, wherein the first zone is composed of an iron SCR catalyst and a second zone is composed of a copper SCR catalyst, and wherein the second zone is positioned downstream of the first zone. In another embodiment, a small copper SCR catalyst is placed in front of a second zone composed of an iron SCR catalyst and a third zone composed of a copper SCR catalyst, wherein the volume of the first copper SCR catalyst is a fraction of the volume of the second copper SCR catalyst. In yet another embodiment, a diverter valve would be included in the system to eliminate any NOx penalty produced by the front Cu SCR catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: October 29, 2009Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Harendra S. GANDHI, Joseph Robert THEIS
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Publication number: 20090260349Abstract: Embodiments are described to improve the durability of a lean NOx aftertreatment system. According to one embodiment of the present invention an air injection system is used to inject air continuously into the exhaust system between the upstream three-way catalyst and the downstream selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst when the engine is operating at stoichiometric or rich air/fuel ratios and the exhaust temperatures are above a calibratible level (e.g., 700° C.). In another embodiment, an oxidation catalyst is positioned downstream of the air injection point to prevent exothermic reactions from occurring on the SCR. In another embodiment, the reductant for the SCR is generated in-situ. In yet another embodiment, a diverter valve with a reduction catalyst in a bypass arm is utilized to bypass the SCR during high load conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Harendra S. Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Joseph Robert Theis
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Publication number: 20090120071Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable storage media are described in which exhaust gas is routed to a hydrocarbon retaining device during starting, and purged to the engine intake manifold. Various alternative approaches are described for controlling operation and diagnosing degradation. Further, various interrelated configurations are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.Inventors: Harendra S. Gandhi, Michael James Uhrich, Shane Elwart, James Michael Kerns, Jason Aaron Lupescu
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Patent number: 7284368Abstract: A system is described for improving engine and vehicle performance by considering the effects of exhaust conditions on catalyst particle growth. Specifically, engine operation is adjusted to reduce operating in such conditions, and a diagnostic routine is described for determining the effects of any operation that can cause such particle growth. Further, routines are described for controlling various vehicle conditions, such as deceleration fuel shut-off, to reduce effects of the particle growth on emission performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLCInventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Harendra S. Gandhi, Christian T. Goralski, Jr., Robert W. McCabe, George Graham, Hungwen Jen
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Patent number: 7263433Abstract: A system is described for improving engine and vehicle performance by considering the effects of exhaust conditions on catalyst particle growth. Specifically, engine operation is adjusted to reduce operating in such conditions, and a diagnostic routine is described for determining the effects of any operation that can cause such particle growth. Further, routines are described for controlling various vehicle conditions, such as deceleration fuel shut-off, to reduce effects of the particle growth on emission performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Harendra S. Gandhi, Christian T. Goralski, Jr., Robert W. McCabe, George Graham, Hungwen Jen
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Patent number: 7181905Abstract: A system is described for improving engine and vehicle performance by considering the effects of exhaust conditions on catalyst particle growth. Specifically, engine operation is adjusted to reduce operating in such conditions, and a diagnostic routine is described for determining the effects of any operation that can cause such particle growth. Further, routines are described for controlling various vehicle conditions, such as deceleration fuel shut-off, to reduce effects of the particle growth on emission performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Gopichandra Surnilla, Harendra S. Gandhi, Christian T. Goralski, Jr., Robert W. McCabe, George Graham, Hungwen Jen
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Patent number: 5597772Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a rhodium containing phase of a catalyst system useful to treat the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. The method comprises hydrothermally pre-treating the alumina prior to its impregnation with a preferably low loading of rhodium. Preferably the alumina is .alpha.-alumina.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Robert W. McCabe, Rengin K. Usmen, Harendra S. Gandhi
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Patent number: 5307627Abstract: An apparatus and method for oxidizing hydrocarbons in gases exhausted from an internal combustion engine 10. The method comprises passing exhaust gases, during initial operation of the engine, through a hydrocarbon trap 24, where the hydrocarbons in the exhaust gases are adsorbed before the gases are exhausted into the atmosphere. After a catalyst 16 is heated to the light-off temperature for hydrocarbons, the gases are prevented from passing through the hydrocarbon trap 24 and are passed through the catalyst 16 before being exhausted into the atmosphere. When the engine 10 speed is at steady state, such that the oxidation of hydrocarbons by the catalyst 16 is at peak efficiency, a portion of the gases exiting the catalyst 16 is diverted to pass through and flush hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon trap 24 while the remaining gas is exhausted into the atmosphere. The diverted gases containing the flushed hydrocarbons desorbed from the hydrocarbon trap 24 are then passed through the catalyst 16.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Louis R. Christensen, Matthew J. Gladd, Harendra S. Gandhi
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Patent number: 4808441Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of particularly defined epoxy-amine compositions as a protective coating on metals which are exposed to a high temperature, corrosive environment. The metal may be that employed in motor vehicle exhaust system components, such as mufflers and tailpipes. The epoxy-amine compositions comprises epoxy resin component, aromatic amine component, optionally, acid component selected from polycarboxylic acid and anhydrides thereof and optionally, polyol component.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1987Date of Patent: February 28, 1989Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Mohinder S. Chattha, Harendra S. Gandhi