Patents by Inventor Ronald P. Rohrbach

Ronald P. Rohrbach 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: 20100219112
    Abstract: A filter, comprising: a housing defining an inlet fluid opening and an outlet fluid opening, the inlet fluid opening and the outlet fluid opening defining a fluid path through the filter; a filter element disposed inside the filter housing, the filter element being disposed in the flow path such that fluid flowing through the flow path must pass through the filter element; and a dispersement device disposed within the housing, the dispersement device comprising a housing having at least one chamber for an additive disposed within the at least one chamber, the dispersement device further comprises a metering opening that is sealed with an oil soluble material the metering opening being in fluid communication with the at least one chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the metering opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Weston H. Gerwin, Michael S. Lynch, Nageswara R. Cheekala, Zafar Hussain, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Daniel E. Bause, Peter D Unger
  • Patent number: 7785548
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Rohrbach, Peter D. Unger, Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Russ Johnson, David R. Rockwell
  • Publication number: 20100163456
    Abstract: Disclosed are fuel filters and processes for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a post refinery fuel system. The fuel filter comprises an adsorbent comprising a surface modified inorganic oxide, wherein the surface modified inorganic oxide comprises a surface modifier disposed on an inorganic oxide substrate and the inorganic oxide substrate has a surface acidity characterized by a pKa of less than or equal to ?3. The process comprises passing a post refinery liquid fuel through the fuel filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Bause, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Peter D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20100154391
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a fuel filter, system, and method for reduction, manipulation and/or distribution of sulfur containing compounds in a fuel stream of an internal combustion engine. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of removing sulfur containing compounds from a fuel stream of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes removing sulfur containing compounds from a fuel stream by passing fuel through a fuel filter capable of removing sulfur containing compounds. The method also includes storing the sulfur containing compounds in the fuel filter and releasing portions of the stored sulfur containing compounds into the fuel stream at predetermined intervals of a regeneration cycle of an emission control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Peter D. Unger, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Daniel E. Bause, Scott J. Tabb
  • Publication number: 20100133193
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is filter media that may be used for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a post-refinery fuel stream. The filter media comprises an inorganic oxide nanomaterial having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa value of less than or equal to ?3. Also disclosed is a method of filtering a liquid fuel using the filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Gary B. Zulauf, Ronald P. Rohrbach
  • Publication number: 20100101542
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions filter for an engine air induction system. The evaporative emissions filter includes a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed within the air induction system outside the direct air flow path. A mechanism is provided for mounting the evaporative emissions filter within the air induction system. Hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system after the engine starts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Robert L. Smith, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Richard J. Berkey, Bryon W. Stremler, Peter D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20100101959
    Abstract: A method for removing soot, sludge and other insoluble particulates from an engine oil is provided, the method comprising: disposing an oil containing the particulates between a pair of electrodes, wherein one of the electrodes is a positive electrode; applying a coating to the surface of the positive electrode, wherein the coating is configured to collect a portion of the particulates on the positive electrode; applying a current to the electrodes for a period of time, wherein portions of the particulates agglomerate on the positive electrode and other portions of the particulates not collected on the positive electrode are preagglomerated resulting in a larger average particle size; and applying a filtering process to remove the particulates not collected on the positive electrode. Also, disclosed herein is a filter for removing soot, sludge and other insoluble particulates from an engine oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel E. Bause, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Nageswara R. Cheekala, Peter D. Unger, Brian K. Artz
  • Patent number: 7704383
    Abstract: A mobile fuel filter for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a diesel fuel is provided. The mobile fuel filter comprises: a filter median comprising an absorbent for removing sulfur-containing compounds from the diesel fuel, the filter median being in fluid communication with a storage device, the storage device having a holding capacity greater than 1000 gallons and being configured for storing the diesel fuel, the absorbent being configured to remove sulfur containing compounds from the diesel fuel to produce filtered diesel fuel having less than 15 ppm of sulfur containing compounds, the absorbent comprises an inorganic oxide having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa of at least ?3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell Interational Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Zulauf, Ronald P. Rohrbach
  • Patent number: 7655166
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions filter for an engine air induction system. The evaporative emissions filter includes a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed within the air induction system outside the direct air flow path. A mechanism is provided for mounting the evaporative emissions filter within the air induction system. Hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system after the engine starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Robert L. Smith, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Richard J. Berkey, Bryon W. Stremler, Peter D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20090255875
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a fuel filter, system, and method for reduction, manipulation and/or distribution of sulfur containing compounds in a fuel stream of an internal combustion engine. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method of removing sulfur containing compounds from a fuel stream of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes removing sulfur containing compounds from a fuel stream by passing fuel through a fuel filter capable of removing sulfur containing compounds. The method also includes storing the sulfur containing compounds in the fuel filter and releasing portions of the stored sulfur containing compounds into the fuel stream at predetermined intervals of a regeneration cycle of an emission control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Peter D. Unger, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Daniel E. Bause, Scott J. Tabb
  • Patent number: 7588691
    Abstract: A method of supplying an additive in an oil filter, the method including: forming a dispersement device housing with a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber being sealed from the first chamber by a pair of dividing walls; sealing a first metering opening with an oil soluble material the first metering opening being in fluid communication with the first chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the first metering opening; sealing a second metering opening with an oil soluble material the second metering opening being in fluid communication with the second chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the second metering opening; disposing a first liquid additive within the first chamber; disposing a second liquid additive within the second chamber; sealing the dispersement device housing with a cap, the cap being configured to seal the first chamber and the second chamber within the dispersement device housing; and securing the dispersement device housing to a filter elemen
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Weston H. Gerwin, Michael S. Lynch, Nageswara R. Cheekala, Zafar Hussain, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Daniel E. Bause, Peter D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7575688
    Abstract: Disclosed are fuel filters and process for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a post refinery fuel stream. In one embodiment, the disclosed process requires passing the post refinery fuel stream through a fuel filter to provide a clean fuel stream having a reduced concentration of sulfur-containing compounds relative to the post-refinery fuel stream, wherein the fuel filter comprises an adsorbent comprising an inorganic oxide having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa of less than or equal to ?3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Rohrbach, Gary B. Zulauf, Peter D. Unger, Daniel E. Bause
  • Publication number: 20090188244
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Ronald P. Rohrbach, Peter D. Unger, Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Russ Johnson, David R. Rockwell
  • Publication number: 20090101272
    Abstract: A method of supplying an additive in an oil filter, the method including: forming a dispersement device housing with a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber being sealed from the first chamber by a pair of dividing walls; sealing a first metering opening with an oil soluble material the first metering opening being in fluid communication with the first chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the first metering opening; sealing a second metering opening with an oil soluble material the second metering opening being in fluid communication with the second chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the second metering opening; disposing a first liquid additive within the first chamber; disposing a second liquid additive within the second chamber; sealing the dispersement device housing with a cap, the cap being configured to seal the first chamber and the second chamber within the dispersement device housing; and securing the dispersement device housing to a filter elemen
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Weston H. Gerwin, Michael S. Lynch, Nageswara R. Cheekala, Zafar Hussain, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Daniel E. Bause, Peter D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20090095683
    Abstract: A mobile fuel filter for removing sulfur-containing compounds from a diesel fuel is provided. The mobile fuel filter comprises: a filter median comprising an absorbent for removing sulfur-containing compounds from the diesel fuel, the filter median being in fluid communication with a storage device, the storage device having a holding capacity greater than 1000 gallons and being configured for storing the diesel fuel, the absorbent being configured to remove sulfur containing compounds from the diesel fuel to produce filtered diesel fuel having less than 15 ppm of sulfur containing compounds, the absorbent comprises an inorganic oxide having a surface acidity characterized by a pKa of at least ?3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Gary B. Zulauf, Ronald P. Rohrbach
  • Patent number: 7481923
    Abstract: A filter, comprising: a housing defining an inlet fluid opening and an outlet fluid opening, the inlet fluid opening and the outlet fluid opening defining a fluid path through the filter; a filter element disposed inside the filter housing, the filter element being disposed in the flow path such that fluid flowing through the flow path must pass through the filter element; and a dispersement device disposed within the housing, the dispersement device comprising a housing having at least one chamber for an additive disposed within the at least one chamber, the dispersement device further comprises a metering opening that is sealed with an oil soluble material the metering opening being in fluid communication with the at least one chamber when the oil soluble material is removed from the metering opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Weston H. Gerwin, Michael S. Lynch, Nageswara R. Cheekala, Zafar Hussain, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Daniel E. Bause, Peter D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20080227674
    Abstract: A method of regenerating used dispersant incorporated into lubricating oil is provided. The method comprises the steps of supplying used lubricating oil having dispersant molecules suspending particulate matter into a regenerating chamber; releasing the particulate matter by creating a stress on the bond between the dispersant molecules and the suspended particulate matter; permitting the released particulate matter to agglomerate; removing the agglomerated particulate matter from the lubricating oil; and discharging the lubricating oil back to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald P. Rohrbach, Daniel E. Bause, Peter D. Unger
  • Publication number: 20080223780
    Abstract: An improved oil filter, for use with an internal combustion engine, comprises a hollow filter housing defining a chamber therein and having an inlet and an outlet with a flow path therebetween; a mechanically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path; and a chemically active filter member disposed inside the filter housing in the flow path. The chemically active filter member comprises a plurality of composite oil additive pellets. The plurality of pellets is interconnected to form a substantially integral permeable member, and the substantially integral permeable member is impregnated with an alkaline composition. The alkaline composition is provided to counteract acidic combustion products in lubricating oil in an internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Peter D. Unger, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Zafar Hussain, Weston H. Gerwin, Brian K. Artz, Daniel E. Bause
  • Publication number: 20080210611
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for adding a lubricating additive to a diesel fuel. In one exemplary embodiment a diesel fuel filter is provided, the diesel fuel filter comprising: a housing having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening configured to define a flow path therethrough; filter media disposed in the flow path; and an additive cartridge configured to disperse a lubricating additive into diesel fuel passing through the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Scott J. Tabb, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Gary B. Zulauf, Peter D. Unger, Weston H. Gerwin, Daniel E. Bause, Gerard W. Bilski
  • Patent number: 7410585
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream. In one embodiment, the fuel filter comprises at least one column comprising an adsorbent. In one exemplary embodiment the adsorbent is capable of removing sulfur containing compounds, especially sulfur containing aromatic compounds, from fuels used in internal combustion engines, especially diesel fuels. Also disclosed is an apparatus for extending the life cycle of a post combustion emission control device. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises a fuel filter for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream and an emission control device. Finally, a method for removing sulfur containing compounds from an internal combustion fuel stream is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald P. Rohrbach, Peter D. Unger, Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Russ Johnson, David R. Rockwell