Patents by Inventor Robert Walter McCabe

Robert Walter McCabe 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: 9863348
    Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Robert Walter McCabe, Eva Thanasiu, David Karl Bidner, James Michael Kerns, Nian Xiao, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Jeffrey Scott Hepburn
  • Patent number: 9446395
    Abstract: A low-temperature catalyst is provided for reducing cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. The catalyst comprises a platinum group metal impregnated onto an oxygen storage material. The catalyst may be used alone or may be included in a hydrocarbon trap containing a hydrocarbon adsorption material therein. The catalyst/hydrocarbon trap is positioned in the exhaust system of a vehicle downstream from a close-coupled catalyst such that the exhaust temperature at the catalyst location does not exceed 850° C. during normal vehicle operation and when combined with a hydrocarbon adsorption material in a trap, the exhaust temperature does not exceed 700° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lifeng Xu, Robert Walter McCabe, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • Patent number: 9394844
    Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Robert Walter McCabe, Eva Thanasiu, Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, David Karl Bidner
  • Patent number: 9376949
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harendra S. Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Joseph Robert Theis
  • Publication number: 20150231566
    Abstract: A low-temperature catalyst is provided for reducing cold-start hydrocarbon emissions. The catalyst comprises a platinum group metal impregnated onto an oxygen storage material. The catalyst may be used alone or may be included in a hydrocarbon trap containing a hydrocarbon adsorption material therein. The catalyst/hydrocarbon trap is positioned in the exhaust system of a vehicle downstream from a close-coupled catalyst such that the exhaust temperature at the catalyst location does not exceed 850° C. during normal vehicle operation and when combined with a hydrocarbon adsorption material in a trap, the exhaust temperature does not exceed 700° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lifeng Xu, Robert Walter McCabe, Jason Aaron Lupescu
  • Publication number: 20150053190
    Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Robert Walter McCabe, Eva Thanasiu, Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, David Karl Bidner
  • Patent number: 8875494
    Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Robert Walter McCabe, Eva Thanasiu, Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, David Karl Bidner
  • Publication number: 20140311126
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Harendra S. Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Joseph Robert` Theis
  • Patent number: 8776498
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Harendra S Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Joseph Robert Theis
  • Patent number: 8726638
    Abstract: The reduction of a NOx trap upon engine shutdown is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises adjusting a timing of creating a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap based upon the determined engine stop position. The creation of a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap may help to at least partially reactivate the lean NOx trap during engine shutoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John William Hoard, Lifeng Xu, Robert Walter McCabe, Karen Marie Adams
  • Patent number: 8516980
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The method may prioritize the injection of the gaseous fuel in response to an amount of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael H. Shelby, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Robert Walter McCabe
  • Patent number: 8371253
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a controlling a flow of reformate fuel in a fuel system which includes a reformer and a storage tank coupled to an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a pump located between the reformer and the storage tank that is selectively operated in order to reduce parasitic losses on the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Robert Walter McCabe
  • Publication number: 20130000570
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The method may prioritize the injection of the gaseous fuel in response to an amount of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael H. Shelby, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Robert Walter McCabe
  • Patent number: 8341947
    Abstract: A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Scott Hepburn, David Karl Bidner, Helmut Hans Ruhland, Moritz Klaus Springer, Thomas Lorenz, Georg Louven, Carolyn Parks Hubbard, Robert Walter McCabe, Eva Thanasiu, James Michael Kerns, Nian Xiao
  • Patent number: 8307790
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The method may prioritize the injection of the gaseous fuel in response to an amount of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael H. Shelby, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Robert Walter McCabe
  • Publication number: 20120110981
    Abstract: The reduction of a NOx trap upon engine shutdown is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises adjusting a timing of creating a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap based upon the determined engine stop position. The creation of a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap may help to at least partially reactivate the lean NOx trap during engine shutoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John William Hoard, Lifeng Xu, Robert Walter McCabe, Karen Marie Adams
  • Patent number: 8096111
    Abstract: The reduction of a NOx trap upon engine shutdown is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises adjusting a timing of creating a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap based upon the determined engine stop position. The creation of a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap may help to at least partially reactivate the lean NOx trap during engine shutoff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John William Hoard, Lifeng Xu, Robert Walter McCabe, Karen Marie Adams
  • Patent number: 8062618
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Lifeng Xu, Harendra S Gandhi, Robert Walter McCabe, Clifford Norman Montreuil
  • Publication number: 20110253072
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a controlling a flow of reformate fuel in a fuel system which includes a reformer and a storage tank coupled to an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a pump located between the reformer and the storage tank that is selectively operated in order to reduce parasitic losses on the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Robert Walter McCabe
  • Patent number: 8001934
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for a controlling a flow of reformate fuel in a fuel system which includes a reformer and a storage tank coupled to an engine in a vehicle. The system includes a pump located between the reformer and the storage tank that is selectively operated in order to reduce parasitic losses on the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Robert Walter McCabe