Patents by Inventor Joseph Robert Theis
Joseph Robert Theis 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: 10954835Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a low temperature NOx adsorber (LTNA). In one example, a method includes initiating a desulfation of an LTNA responsive to an estimated sulfur exposure exceeding a threshold, the desulfation including heating the LTNA to a first threshold temperature while maintaining an exhaust oxygen level above a threshold level throughout the entire desulfation.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Christine Lambert, Douglas Allen Dobson, Joseph Robert Theis
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Publication number: 20200291839Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a low temperature NOx adsorber (LTNA). In one example, a method includes initiating a desulfation of an LTNA responsive to an estimated sulfur exposure exceeding a threshold, the desulfation including heating the LTNA to a first threshold temperature while maintaining an exhaust oxygen level above a threshold level throughout the entire desulfation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2019Publication date: September 17, 2020Inventors: Christine Lambert, Douglas Allen Dobson, Joseph Robert Theis
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Patent number: 9914095Abstract: A method utilizes a three-way catalytic converter, having a catalyst formed from a plurality of particles each including a first metal oxide center, a second metal oxide monolayer, and a catalytically active metal to decrease concentration of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides in exhaust gas during stoichiometric, rich, and lean conditions, wherein a molar ratio of metal in the monolayers to metal in the centers is between about 0.01 and 0.2.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Andrew Gregory Getsoian, Joseph Robert Theis, Christine Kay Lambert
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Patent number: 9903291Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing engine cold-start emissions. An exhaust system having a passive NOx adsorber (PNA) may store NOx during an engine cold-start until conditions are optimal for release of the stored NOx to a downstream SCR catalyst. Based on PNA conditions, including a NOx load and a PNA bed temperature, adjustments to EGR rate and/or injection timing may be made to achieve a catalytically favorable ratio of NOx species upstream of the SCR catalyst, after the SCR catalyst has reached its light-off temperature.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Robert Theis, Christine Kay Lambert, Justin Anthony Ura
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Patent number: 9657626Abstract: An exhaust system for a diesel engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may include a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) configured to receive exhaust gases from the engine and oxidize hydrocarbons in the exhaust gases and a passive NOx adsorber (PNA) downstream from the DOC and configured to store NOx from the exhaust gases at temperatures up to 150° C. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system may be downstream from the PNA and configured to reduce NOx in the exhaust gases. The PNA may be configured to release the stored NOx at temperatures above 200° C. The DOC upstream of the PNA may reduce the amount of N2O that is generated by the PNA by oxidizing hydrocarbons before they reach the PNA.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Robert Theis, Christine Kay Lambert, Douglas Allen Dobson
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Patent number: 9518287Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Robert Theis, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Giovanni Cavataio, Thomas G. Leone, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
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Publication number: 20160341091Abstract: An exhaust system for a diesel engine is disclosed. The exhaust system may include a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) configured to receive exhaust gases from the engine and oxidize hydrocarbons in the exhaust gases and a passive NOx adsorber (PNA) downstream from the DOC and configured to store NOx from the exhaust gases at temperatures up to 150° C. A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system may be downstream from the PNA and configured to reduce NOx in the exhaust gases. The PNA may be configured to release the stored NOx at temperatures above 200° C. The DOC upstream of the PNA may reduce the amount of N2O that is generated by the PNA by oxidizing hydrocarbons before they reach the PNA.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2015Publication date: November 24, 2016Inventors: Joseph Robert THEIS, Christine Kay LAMBERT, Douglas Allen DOBSON
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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: 20160084185Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing engine cold-start emissions. An exhaust system having a passive NOx adsorber (PNA) may store NOx during an engine cold-start until conditions are optimal for release of the stored NOx to a downstream SCR catalyst. Based on PNA conditions, including a NOx load and a PNA bed temperature, adjustments to EGR rate and/or injection timing may be made to achieve a catalytically favorable ratio of NOx species upstream of the SCR catalyst, after the SCR catalyst has reached its light-off temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2014Publication date: March 24, 2016Inventors: Joseph Robert Theis, Christine Kay Lambert, Justin Anthony Ura
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Patent number: 9222420Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: James Michael Kerns, Joseph Robert Theis, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Michael James Uhrich, Adam Nathan Banker, Stephen B. Smith
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Patent number: 9163543Abstract: Embodiments for controlling exhaust oxygen concentration are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises operating the engine with lean combustion, and when exhaust oxygen concentration is below a threshold, injecting air into an exhaust passage between a first emission control device and an SCR device. In this way, excess emissions may be converted while operating with lean combustion.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Giovanni Cavataio, Rachel Alison Snow, Jacqueline A. Lymburner, Joseph Robert Theis
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Patent number: 9068491Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises operating the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating rich, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating lean, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with the upstream exhaust sensor indicating rich and the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors each indicating lean, and indicating degradation of an SCR catalyst based on when the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors switch from lean to rich.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Giovanni Cavataio, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Thomas G. Leone, Joseph Robert Theis, Michael James Uhrich
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Publication number: 20150027107Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Joseph Robert Theis, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Giovanni Cavataio, Thomas G. Leone, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
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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: 8862370Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Robert Theis, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Giovanni Cavataio, Thomas G. Leone, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
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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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Publication number: 20140144125Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises operating the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating rich, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with an upstream exhaust sensor, intermediate exhaust sensor, and downstream exhaust sensor each indicating lean, adjusting engine operation to operate the engine with the upstream exhaust sensor indicating rich and the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors each indicating lean, and indicating degradation of an SCR catalyst based on when the intermediate and downstream exhaust sensors switch from lean to rich.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Giovanni Cavataio, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Thomas G. Leone, Joseph Robert Theis, Michael James Uhrich
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Publication number: 20140039781Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Joseph Robert Theis, James Michael Kerns, Michael James Uhrich, Giovanni Cavataio, Thomas G. Leone, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Todd Anthony Rumpsa
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Publication number: 20140039778Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving engine exhaust emissions while enabling exhaust catalyst regeneration following an engine lean event. Prior to a VDE event, or prior to an engine idle-stop, ammonia is produced and stored on an exhaust underbody SCR catalyst. Then, during the engine restart after the VDE mode or the idle-stop, the stored ammonia is used to treat exhaust NOx species while an upstream exhaust underbody three-way catalyst is regenerated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: James Michael Kerns, Joseph Robert Theis, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Michael James Uhrich, Adam Nathan Banker, Stephen B. Smith
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Publication number: 20130312391Abstract: Embodiments for controlling exhaust oxygen concentration are provided. In one example, an engine method comprises operating the engine with lean combustion, and when exhaust oxygen concentration is below a threshold, injecting air into an exhaust passage between a first emission control device and an SCR device. In this way, excess emissions may be converted while operating with lean combustion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Giovanni Cavataio, Rachel Alison Snow, Jacqueline A. Lymburner, Joseph Robert Theis