Patent US6012283A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6012283A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for reducing pollutants
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
•
Filing: 1998-06-23
•
Granted: 2000-01-11
•
Expires: 2018-06-23
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus are provided for improving the conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter for treating exhaust gases produced from the combustion of a fuel to at least reduce pollutants from incomplete combustion, wherein the reduction in pollutants is achieved by the introduction of ozone, upstream from the catalytic converter, to improve the efficiency of the catalytic converter.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert N. Miller
- 👤 Robert P. Caren
- 👤 Jack A. Ekchian
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 22:09
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D53/00; B01D53/34; B01D53/92; B01D53/94; B01D53/9445; F; F02; F02M; F02M25/00; F02M25/10; F02M25/12; B01D53/74; B01D53/86; B01D53/90; B01D53/9495; C; C10; C10L; C10L1/00; C10L1/10; C10L1/12; C10L1/1208; C10L1/1233; C10L10/00; C10L10/02; F01; F01N; F01N3/00; F01N3/08; F01N3/10; F01N3/18; F01N3/20; F01N3/206; F01N3/2086; F02M25/06; F02M27/00; F02M27/06; F01N2240/00; F01N2240/38; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A50/00; Y02A50/20; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 104
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of reducing at least one pollutant in an exhaust gas produced from the combustion of fuel, the method comprising: passing at least a portion of the exhaust gas through a catalytic convertor having an inlet and an outlet; introducing ozone into the exhaust gas prior to the outlet of the catalytic converter, thereby producing an ozone enriched exhaust gas; and passing the ozone enriched exhaust gas through at least a portion of the catalytic converter, thereby reducing at least one pollutant, selected from the group consisting of unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, from a first concentration to a second lower concentration.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
106 words
A method of reducing at least one pollutant in an exhaust gas produced from the combustion of fuel, the method comprising: passing at least a portion of the exhaust gas through a catalytic convertor having an inlet and an outlet; introducing ozone into the exhaust gas prior to the outlet of the catalytic converter, thereby producing an ozone enriched exhaust gas; and passing the ozone enriched exhaust gas through at least a portion of the catalytic converter, thereby reducing at least one pollutant, selected from the group consisting of unburnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen, from a first concentration to a second lower concentration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising producing the ozone with an ozone generator positioned remotely from the exhaust gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising generating ozone in the exhaust gas.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 3, further comprising generating the ozone by means of radiation which converts oxygen to ozone.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 3, further comprising generating the ozone by means of an electrostatic discharge device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 3, further comprising generating the ozone with an ozone generator powered by an approximately 12 volt power source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 3, further comprising continuously adding ozone to the exhaust gas.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 3, further comprising continuously powering an ozone generator to generate the ozone.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 8, further comprising using a three-way catalytic convertor as the catalytic converter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 8, further comprising generating the ozone by means of an electrostatic discharge device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 10, further comprising using a three-way catalytic convertor as the catalytic converter.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 3, further comprising generating the ozone by means of a low power ozone generator.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 12, further comprising consuming from about 4 to about 40 watts of power with the low power ozone generator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 13, further comprising the combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine, thereby producing the exhaust gas.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 14, further comprising using a fuel comprising gasoline.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 14, further comprising using diesel fuel as the fuel.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 14, wherein the engine is a spark-ignition engine.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising using a three-way catalytic convertor as the catalytic converter.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising providing an approximately stoichiometric air fuel mixture to the engine.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising providing an oxygen rich air fuel mixture to the engine.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for reducing at least one pollutant in an exhaust gas stream containing exhaust gas formed from the combustion of fuel, the apparatus comprising: a catalytic convertor, having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the catalytic convertor is positioned such that at least a portion of the exhaust gas stream passes through the catalytic convertor; a passageway for conducting that portion of the exhaust gas stream that passes through the catalytic convertor to the catalytic convertor; and an ozone generator for adding ozone to that portion of the exhaust gas stream that passes through the catalytic converter.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
98 words
An apparatus for reducing at least one pollutant in an exhaust gas stream containing exhaust gas formed from the combustion of fuel, the apparatus comprising: a catalytic convertor, having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the catalytic convertor is positioned such that at least a portion of the exhaust gas stream passes through the catalytic convertor; a passageway for conducting that portion of the exhaust gas stream that passes through the catalytic convertor to the catalytic convertor; and an ozone generator for adding ozone to that portion of the exhaust gas stream that passes through the catalytic converter.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the ozone generator is configured and adapted to add the ozone to the exhaust gas stream before the outlet of the catalytic converter.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the ozone generator is an electrostatic discharge device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the ozone generator is positioned remotely from the passageway for the exhaust gases.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the ozone generator uses low power.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the exhaust passageway forms at least a portion of the exhaust system of a mobile vehicle.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the ozone generator is at least partially positioned in the passageway for the exhaust gases.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 27 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of fuel at or substantially near stoichiometric conditions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 27 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gas under oxygen-rich conditions.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 27 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gasoline in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 27 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of diesel fuel in an internal combustion engine.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 27 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gasoline by a spark-ignition device at or substantially near stoichiometric conditions.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 27 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gasoline by a spark-ignition device under oxygen-rich conditions.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the catalytic converter is a three-way catalytic converter.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the exhaust gases are produced by an internal combustion engine which burns fuel at or substantially near stoichmetric conditions.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the ozone generator comprises at least one discharge device.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 36 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of fuel at or substantially near stoichiometric conditions.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 36 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gas under oxygen-rich conditions.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 36 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gasoline in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 36 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of diesel fuel in an internal combustion engine.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 36 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gasoline by a spark-ignition device at or substantially near stoichiometric conditions.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 36 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gasoline by a spark-ignition device under oxygen-rich conditions.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the catalytic converter is a three-way catalytic converter.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 43 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of fuel at or substantially near stoichiometric conditions.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 43 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gas under oxygen-rich conditions.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 43 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gasoline in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 43 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of diesel fuel in an internal combustion engine.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 43 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gasoline by a spark-ignition device at or substantially near stoichiometric conditions.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 43 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of gasoline by a spark-ignition device under oxygen-rich conditions.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the ozone generator comprises a source of radiant energy to generate ozone.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the ozone generator comprises an ultraviolet lamp.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 51, wherein the ultraviolet lamp comprises a mercury vapor arc lamp which emits light having a wavelength of about 185 nanometers.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the ozone generator is an electrostatic discharge device.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 53, wherein the ozone generator uses low power.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein the ozone generator uses approximately 4 to approximately 40 watts of power.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 55, further comprising a battery to power the ozone generator.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein the ozone generator is configured and adapted to continuously generate ozone during the combustion of fuel.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 57, wherein the passageway is connected to an internal combustion engine through an exhaust manifold.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the catalytic converter is a three-way catalytic converter.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 59 applied to the treatment of exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine which burns fuel at or substantially near stoichiometric conditions.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 59 applied to the treatment of exhaust gases produced by an internal combustion engine which burns fuel under oxygen-rich conditions.
Claim 64
Independent Claim
120 words
An apparatus for reducing at least one pollutant in the exhaust gas formed from combusting fuel at or substantially near stoichmetric conditions in an internal combustion engine, the apparatus comprising: a three-way catalytic convertor, having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the three-way catalytic convertor is positioned such that at least a portion of the exhaust gas from the engine passes through the three-way catalytic convertor; a passageway for conducting that portion of the exhaust gas that passes through the three-way catalytic convertor to the three-way catalytic convertor; and an ozone generator located in the passageway for adding ozone to that portion of the exhaust gas that passes through the catalytic converter before the outlet of the three-way catalytic convertor.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
120 words
An apparatus for reducing at least one pollutant in the exhaust gas formed from combusting fuel at or substantially near stoichmetric conditions in an internal combustion engine, the apparatus comprising: a three-way catalytic convertor, having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the three-way catalytic convertor is positioned such that at least a portion of the exhaust gas from the engine passes through the three-way catalytic convertor; a passageway for conducting that portion of the exhaust gas that passes through the three-way catalytic convertor to the three-way catalytic convertor; and an ozone generator located in the passageway for adding ozone to that portion of the exhaust gas that passes through the catalytic converter before the outlet of the three-way catalytic convertor.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 62, wherein the ozone generator is continuously powered when the engine is running.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the ozone generator is configured and adapted to consume low power.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 64, used to reduce the pollutants formed from combusting gasoline in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 65, wherein the ozone generator is a discharge device.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 66, wherein the ozone generator configured and adapted to consume approximately 4 to approximately 40 watts.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the ozone generator is an discharge device.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 68, wherein the discharge device is an electrostatic discharge device.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 68, wherein the discharge device is located in the exhaust passageway.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 68, wherein the discharge device is located outside the exhaust passageway, and is configured and adapted to add ozone to the exhaust gas.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 63, wherein the ozone generator is configured and adapted to provide radiant energy to generate ozone.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 72, wherein the ozone generator comprises an ultraviolet lamp.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 73, wherein the ozone generator comprises a mercury vapor arc lamp which emits light having a wavelength of about 185 nanometers.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 74, wherein the ozone generator is configured and adapted to consume approximately 4 to approximately 40 watts of power.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 75, wherein the ozone generator is configured and adapted to continuously create ozone when the engine is running.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for the reduction of at least one pollutant in an exhaust gas stream containing exhaust gas formed from the combustion of fuel at or substantially near stoichmetric conditions in an internal combustion engine having an exhaust passageway for conducting the exhaust stream to an inlet of a three-way catalytic converter having an outlet, the method comprising: passing the exhaust stream through the exhaust passageway; and forming ozone in situ in the exhaust gas in the exhaust passageway prior to the outlet of the three-way catalytic converter.
Claim 81
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for the reduction of at least one pollutant in an exhaust gas stream containing exhaust gas formed from the combustion of fuel at or substantially near stoichmetric conditions in an internal combustion engine having an exhaust passageway for conducting the exhaust stream to an inlet of a three-way catalytic converter having an outlet, the method comprising: passing the exhaust stream through the exhaust passageway; and forming ozone in situ in the exhaust gas in the exhaust passageway prior to the outlet of the three-way catalytic converter.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 79, further comprising positioning a discharge device in the exhaust passageway to form ozone in situ in the exhaust passageway.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 77, further comprising positioning a source of ozone generation which produces radiant energy to convert oxygen to ozone in the exhaust passageway.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 79, further comprising producing the radiant energy from the source by means of an ultraviolet lamp.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 79, further comprising producing the radiant energy from the source by means of a mercury vapor arc lamp which emits light having a wavelength of about 185 nanometers.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 77, further comprising forming ozone positioning an ozone generator which consumes low power in the exhaust passageway, and powering the ozone generator by means of the electrical system of the internal combustion engine.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 82, further comprising generating the ozone by means of an ultraviolet lamp.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 83, further comprising consuming from about 4 to about 40 watts of power with the low power ozone generator.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 82, further comprising generating the ozone by means of a discharge device.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 85, wherein the discharge device is an electrostatic discharge device.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 85, further comprising the combustion of gasoline in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 85, further comprising the combustion of diesel fuel in an internal combustion engine.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 82, wherein the discharge device consumes low power and is powered by the electrical system of the internal combustion engine.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 89, wherein the discharge device consumes approximately 4 to approximately 40 watts of power.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
131 words
A low power apparatus for reducing at least one pollutant in the exhaust gas formed from combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine in a mobile vehicle having an exhaust manifold, the internal combustion engine having an electrical system comprising a direct current battery, the apparatus comprising: an exhaust manifold connecting the engine to a passageway for at least a portion of the exhaust gas; a catalytic converter having an inlet and an outlet located in the passageway; and a low power ozone generator for forming ozone located in the exhaust passageway; wherein the ozone generator is connected to the electrical system of the combustion engine, and is configured and adapted to consume approximately 4 to approximately 40 watts, and continuously generate ozone without interruption while the engine is running.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
131 words
A low power apparatus for reducing at least one pollutant in the exhaust gas formed from combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine in a mobile vehicle having an exhaust manifold, the internal combustion engine having an electrical system comprising a direct current battery, the apparatus comprising: an exhaust manifold connecting the engine to a passageway for at least a portion of the exhaust gas; a catalytic converter having an inlet and an outlet located in the passageway; and a low power ozone generator for forming ozone located in the exhaust passageway; wherein the ozone generator is connected to the electrical system of the combustion engine, and is configured and adapted to consume approximately 4 to approximately 40 watts, and continuously generate ozone without interruption while the engine is running.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the ozone generator comprises at least one discharge device.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 91 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of fuel at or substantially near stoichmetric conditions.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 91 used in the treatment of exhaust gas formed from the combustion of fuel under oxygen-rich conditions.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 91 used in the treatment of exhaust gas from the combustion of gasoline in a spark-ignition internal combustion engine.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 91 used in the treatment of exhaust gas from the combustion of diesel fuel in an internal combustion engine.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 91 used in the treatment of exhaust gas from the combustion of gasoline by a spark-ignition device at or substantially near stoichmetric conditions.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 91 used in the treatment of exhaust gas from the combustion of gasoline by a spark-ignition device under oxygen-rich conditions.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 91, wherein the catalytic convertor is a three-way catalytic converter.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-01-10 | 2003-07-12 | 2004-01-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-01-10 | 2007-07-12 | 2008-01-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-01-10 | 2011-07-12 | 2012-01-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |