Patents by Inventor Robert J. Kudla

Robert J. Kudla 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).

  • Publication number: 20240021781
    Abstract: A method for preparing materials for a positive electrode in a lithium-ion battery includes a step of preparing a fresh sintering precursor that includes a mixture of metal hydroxides or metal carbonates. The fresh sintering precursor is sintered in a first oxygen-containing gaseous environment at a first temperature to form a first sintered product. The first sintered product is intermixed with fresh sintering precursor to form a first intermixed sintering precursor. The first intermixed sintering precursor is sintered in a second oxygen-containing gaseous environment at a second temperature to form a second sintered product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2022
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Eunsung LEE, Robert J. KUDLA, Chi PAIK
  • Patent number: 10640391
    Abstract: A method of forming a high energy density composite cathode material is disclosed. The method includes providing a lithium-rich manganese layered oxide (LRMO), coating the LRMO with a TiO2 precursor, and ball-milling the TiO2 coated LRMO with LiH to form a LixTiO2 coated LRMO composite, wherein x is less than or equal to 1 and greater than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Wenkui Zhang, Hui Huang, Yang Xia, Liyuang Zhang, Yishun Wang, Chu Liang, Xiao Guang Yang, Robert J. Kudla, Theodore James Miller
  • Patent number: 10476100
    Abstract: An electrode material is provided to include a Li-containing oxide of the formula of Li(NixCoyMz)O2, wherein M is an element different from Li, Ni, Co, or O, wherein x, y, and z are each independently between 0 and 1 and the sum of x, y, z is 1; and an oxygen scavenger material contacting at least a portion of the Li-containing oxide. In another embodiment, the electrode material further includes a second Li-containing oxide having the formula of Li(Nix2Coy2Mz2)O2, wherein M is an element different from Li, Ni, Co, or O, wherein x2, y2, and z2 are each independently between 0 and 1 and the sum of x2, y2, z2 is 1, wherein the oxide composite is configured as a first material layer, wherein the second Li-containing oxide is configured as a second material layer disposed next to the first material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chi Paik, Robert J. Kudla, Andrew Robert Drews
  • Publication number: 20190115590
    Abstract: A method of forming a high energy density composite cathode material is disclosed. The method includes providing a lithium-rich manganese layered oxide (LRMO), coating the LRMO with a TiO2 precursor, and ball-milling the TiO2 coated LRMO with LiH to form a LixTiO2 coated LRMO composite, wherein x is less than or equal to 1 and greater than zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: WENKUI ZHANG, HUI HUANG, YANG XIA, LIYUANG ZHANG, YISHUN WANG, CHU LIANG, XIAO GUANG YANG, ROBERT J. KUDLA, THEODORE JAMES MILLER
  • Patent number: 8628742
    Abstract: A method of using a hybrid oxidation catalyst system for remediating a lean emission from a vehicle includes the step of oxidizing the hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide in an engine emission comprising hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, NOx including NO and NO2, and oxygen with a first catalyst. The first catalyst includes noble metal particles supported in a first ceramic layer. The method further includes oxidizing the NO with a second catalyst having base metal oxide particles supported in a second ceramic layer to form NO2. The first catalyst is disposed upstream of the second catalyst and the system is capable of converting at least 10% of the amount of NO to NO2 at a temperature ranging from 75° C. to 225° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Robert Drews, Robert J. Kudla
  • Patent number: 8304366
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a system for remediating emissions using a hybrid oxidation catalyst system. The hybrid oxidation catalyst system includes a noble metal oxidation catalyst having noble metal particles in a first ceramic layer. The system also includes a base metal oxide catalyst disposed in a second ceramic layer situated downstream of the noble metal oxidation catalyst. The noble metal oxidation catalyst is effective to substantially prevent hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide inhibition of the base metal oxide catalyst when enhancing the NO+O2 conversion effectiveness of the base metal oxide catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Robert Drews, Robert J. Kudla
  • Publication number: 20110165046
    Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a system for remediating emissions using a hybrid oxidation catalyst system. The hybrid oxidation catalyst system includes a noble metal oxidation catalyst having noble metal particles in a first ceramic layer. The system also includes a base metal oxide catalyst disposed in a second ceramic layer situated downstream of the noble metal oxidation catalyst. The noble metal oxidation catalyst is effective to substantially prevent hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide inhibition of the base metal oxide catalyst when enhancing the NO+O2 conversion effectiveness of the base metal oxide catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Robert Drews, Robert J. Kudla
  • Publication number: 20110143204
    Abstract: An electrode material is provided to include a Li-containing oxide of the formula of Li(NixCoyMz)O2, wherein M is an element different from Li, Ni, Co, or O, wherein x, y, and z are each independently between 0 and 1 and the sum of x, y, z is 1; and an oxygen scavenger material contacting at least a portion of the Li-containing oxide. In another embodiment, the electrode material further includes a second Li-containing oxide having the formula of Li (Nix2Coy2Mz2)O2, wherein M is an element different from Li, Ni, Co, or O, wherein x2, y2, and z2 are each independently between 0 and 1 and the sum of x2, y2, z2 is 1, wherein the oxide composite is configured as a first material layer, wherein the second Li-containing oxide is configured as a second material layer disposed next to the first material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Chi Paik, Robert J. Kudla, Andrew Robert Drews
  • Patent number: 6607704
    Abstract: An integrated lean NOx trap. The integrated lean NOx trap includes a lean NOx trap containing a composite metal oxide mixture consisting essentially of about 80-100 wt % stoichiometric spinel MgAl2O4 and between about 0-20 wt % of CeO2 or CeO2—ZrO2. A method for removing NOx and SOx impurities from exhaust gases using the integrated lean NOx trap is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Diane L. Guttridge, Jun (John) Li, Mohinder Singh Chattha, Robert J. Kudla, William Lewis Henderson Watkins
  • Publication number: 20030129124
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for storing and reducing NOx from lean burn internal combustion engines. The present invention uses composite metal oxides, in spinel structure, in conjunction with the typical lean NOx trap formulation to form an integrated lean NOx trap. The composite metal oxides in spinel structure act primarily as a SOx trapping element and also secondarily as a NOx trapping element within the integrated LNT. In this integrated LNT, the sulfur is trapped and released in a way that does not allow the sulfur to go to the primary NOx trapping element an alkali or earth metal - and thus prevents the integrated lean NOx trap from becoming poisoned, thereby leaving more reactive sites for NOx trapping and conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Diane L. Guttridge , Jun (John) Li , Ronald Gene Hurley , Robert J. Kudla , William Lewis Henderson Watkins
  • Publication number: 20030077218
    Abstract: The present invention provides a composition and method for storing and reducing NOx for lean burn internal combustion engines. The present invention uses composite metal oxides, in spinel structure, in conjunction with a typical LNT formulation to form an integrated LNT. The composite metal oxides in spinel structure act primarily as a SOx trapping element and also a secondarily NOx trapping element within the integrated LNT. In this integrated LNT, the sulfur is trapped and released in a way that does not allow the sulfur to go to the primary NOx trapping element, i.e. the alkali or alkali earth metal oxides, to poison the integrated LNT; thereby, leaving more reactive sites for the NOx trapping and conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Diane L. Guttridge, Jun John Li, Mohinder Singh Chattha, Robert J. Kudla, William Lewis Henderson Watkins
  • Patent number: 6165430
    Abstract: The invention is a selective reduction catalyst useful for converting exhaust gases generated by a diesel engine where the atmosphere is oxidizing. The catalyst comprises 5-40 wt. % silica of a silica/alumina sol-gel produced support carrying 0.25-4.0 wt. % platinum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Kudla, Chaitanya Kumar Narula, Mohinder S. Chattha
  • Patent number: 6129898
    Abstract: The invention is a method of treating exhaust gases generated by an internal combustion engine using a NOx trap in the exhaust gas system. The method comprises locating a nitrogen oxide trap in the exhaust gas passage and cycling the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gases entering the trap between lean and rich, such that the trap absorbs nitrogen oxides during the lean cycle and desorbs the nitrogen oxides when the concentration of the oxygen in the exhaust gas is lowered as during a rich cycle. The trap comprises: (a) a tri-metal oxides made of aluminum-manganese-zirconium and (b) at least 0.1 wt. % platinum, the wt. % being based on the weight of said tri-metal oxide material. The desorbed nitrogen oxides may be converted over the precious metal to N.sub.2 and O.sub.2 by reductants like hydrocarbons present in the exhaust gas. The invention is also the catalyst trap material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Lewis Henderson Watkins, Robert J. Kudla, Mohinder S. Chattha
  • Patent number: 6103207
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating diesel engine exhaust gas with a catalyst containing a physical mixture of particles. The catalyst contains a physical mixture of particles of (i) a bi-metal oxide of manganese and zirconium and (ii) a precious metal, such as platinum, supported on an alumina, such as gamma alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder S. Chattha, Robert J. Kudla
  • Patent number: 5950421
    Abstract: The invention is a method of treating exhaust gases generated by an internal combustion engine using a NOx trap in the exhaust gas system. The method comprises locating an essentially alkaline earth-free nitrogen oxide trap in the exhaust gas passage and cycling the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gases entering the trap between lean and rich, such that the trap absorbs nitrogen oxides during the lean cycle and desorbs the nitrogen oxides when the concentration of the oxygen in the exhaust gas is lowered as during a rich cycle. The trap comprises: (a) a porous support material comprising mostly .gamma.-alumina and (b) metals consisting essentially of 0.1 to 2 wt. % tungsten oxide and precious metal comprising 0.5 to 4 wt. % platinum deposited on the support, the amount of said metals being individually based on the weight of said support material. The desorbed nitrogen oxides may be converted over the precious metal to N.sub.2 and O.sub.2 by reductants like hydrocarbons present in the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder S. Chattha, Robert J. Kudla, Clifford Norman Montreuil
  • Patent number: 5922295
    Abstract: The invention is a nitrogen oxide trap comprising a porous support of alumina; and loaded thereon materials consisting essentially of particular amounts of: (I) tungstophosphoric acid and (II) precious metal selected from platinum, palladium, rhodium and mixtures thereof. The trap is useful for trapping nitrogen oxides produced in the exhaust gas generated by an internal combustion gasoline engine during lean-burn operation of the engine. The trap releases the nitrogen oxides during decreased oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas. The desorbed NOx may be converted over the precious metal to N.sub.2 and O.sub.2 by reductants like hydrocarbons present in the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder S. Chattha, Tjenga E. Hoost, Robert J. Kudla
  • Patent number: 5876680
    Abstract: This invention is a bimetallic catalyst comprising tungsten oxide and platinum in critical amounts on a mostly .gamma.-alumina support material. It is particularly optimal for use in lean-burn engine exhaust systems, including gasoline and diesel, where it efficiently reduces NOx in the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder S. Chattha, Robert J. Kudla, T. E. Hoost
  • Patent number: 5788936
    Abstract: A catalyst system for attaining high conversions of NO, HC, and CO in a fuel-lean emission flow (i.e., containing SO.sub.2, H.sub.2 O, H.sub.2, and considerable excess oxygen), the system comprising: (a) a first stage reducing catalyst for treating the nitric oxide emissions, the catalyst containing highly acidic gamma alumina (i.e., with a pH.sub.pzc of less than 3); (b) means for injecting gaseous or liquid reductants into the emission stream prior to entering said first stage catalyst, said first stage catalyst temperature being selected to be in the range of 550.degree.-650.degree. C.; and (c) an oxidation catalyst effective for treating the effluent from the first stage catalyst.Another aspect of this invention is a method of treating the exhaust gas from a fuel-lean emission flow from a fossil-fueled internal combustion engine having a redox ratio of 0.02-0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Somasundaram Subramanian, Robert J. Kudla, Mohinder S. Chattha
  • Patent number: 5766562
    Abstract: The invention is a method for treating exhaust gases generated by a diesel engine by providing a sulfur-tolerant lean-NOx catalyst in an exhaust gas passage of the engine and contacting the catalyst with the exhaust gases. The sulfur-tolerant lean-NOx catalyst comprises a support of titania aerogel; and loaded thereon, using impregnation techniques from a solution of their precursors, at least 0.25 weight percent precious metal selected from platinum, palladium, rhodium, or mixtures thereof. The method converts the hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into more desirable gases. In particular, the NOx is converted to N.sub.2 and O.sub.2 over the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohinder S. Chattha, Tjenga E. Hoost, Robert J. Kudla
  • Patent number: 5618505
    Abstract: The present invention broadly relates to a catalyst for promoting oxidation-reduction reactions of the exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine wherein the catalyst comprises a first-stage high temperature catalyst and a second-stage lower temperature catalyst. The first-stage catalyst comprises between about 0.1 and 3% by weight tungsten carried on a support material comprising mostly .gamma.-alumina. The second-stage catalyst comprises a base metal catalyst carried on a support material and preferably comprises between 0.1 and 6% by weight copper carried on a support material comprising mostly .gamma.-alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Somasundaram Subramanian, Robert J. Kudla, Mohinder S. Chattha