Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm William R. Moser
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Patent number: 6056125Abstract: An apparatus and process for the separation of coal from pyritic impurities using a modified froth flotation system. The froth flotation column incorporates a helical track about the inner wall of the column in a region intermediate between the top and base of the column. A standard impeller located about the central axis of the column is used to generate a centrifugal force thereby increasing the separation efficiency of coal from the pyritic particles and hydrophillic tailings.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: U. S. Department of EnergyInventors: Ralph W. Lai, Robert A. Patton
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Patent number: 6051777Abstract: A method and apparatus for the direct conversion of energy by thermovoltaic energy conversion having first and second tubesheets, at least one photon emitter plate secured to and extending from the first tubesheet, at least one cold plate secured to and extending from the second tubesheet, a plurality of thermovoltaic cells disposed along oppositely disposed exterior surfaces of the cold plate, and means cooperating with the tubesheet for maintaining a vacuum between the photon emitter plate and the cold plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1997Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: John M. Ashcroft, Brian C. Campbell, David M. Depoy
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Patent number: 6046592Abstract: An apparatus, near-electrode imager, for employing nuclear magnetic resonance imaging to provide in situ measurements of electrochemical properties of a sample as a function of distance from a working electrode. The near-electrode imager uses the radio frequency field gradient within a cylindrical toroid cavity resonator to provide high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectral information on electrolyte materials.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventors: Jerome W. Rathke, Robert J. Klingler, Klaus Woelk, Rex E. Gerald, II
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Patent number: 6045952Abstract: A electrochemical cell is described comprising an anode, a cathode, a solid polymer electrolyte, and a redox shuttle additive to protect the cell against overcharging and a redox shuttle additive to protect the cell against overcharging selected from the group consisting of:(a) a substituted anisole having the general formula (in an uncharged state): ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of H, OCH.sub.3, OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, and OCH.sub.2 phenyl, and R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of OCH.sub.3, OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3, OCH.sub.2 phenyl, and O.sup.- Li.sup.+ ; and(b) a di-anisole compound having the general formula (in an uncharged state): ##STR2## where R is selected from the group consisting of -OCH.sub.3 and -CH.sub.3, m is either 1 or 0, n is either 1 or 0, and X is selected from the group consisting of -OCH.sub.3 (methoxy) or its lithium salt --O.sup.- Li.sup.+.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: John B. Kerr, Minmin Tian
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Patent number: 6043426Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion semiconductor device is provided which incorporates a heavily doped n-type region and which, as a consequence, has improved TPV conversion efficiency. The thermophotovoltaic energy conversion device includes an emitter layer having first and second opposed sides and a base layer in contact with the first side of the emitter layer. A highly doped n-type cap layer is formed on the second side of the emitter layer or, in another embodiment, a heavily doped n-type emitter layer takes the place of the cap layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1999Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: David M. DePoy, Greg W. Charache, Paul F. Baldasaro
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Patent number: 6037596Abstract: A photoconductive, high energy photon beam detector/monitor for detecting x-rays and gamma radiation, having a thin, disk-shaped diamond substrate with a first and second surface, and electrically conductive coatings, or electrodes, of a predetermined configuration or pattern, disposed on the surfaces of the substrate. A voltage source and a current amplifier is connected to the electrodes to provide a voltage bias to the electrodes and to amplify signals from the detector.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Deming Shu, Tuncer M. Kuzay
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Patent number: 6033794Abstract: A high efficiency, multi-stage fuel cell system method and apparatus is provided. The fuel cell system is comprised of multiple fuel cell stages, whereby the temperatures of the fuel and oxidant gas streams and the percentage of fuel consumed in each stage are controlled to optimize fuel cell system efficiency. The stages are connected in a serial, flow-through arrangement such that the oxidant gas and fuel gas flowing through an upstream stage is conducted directly into the next adjacent downstream stage. The fuel cell stages are further arranged such that unspent fuel and oxidant laden gases too hot to continue within an upstream stage because of material constraints are conducted into a subsequent downstream stage which comprises a similar cell configuration, however, which is constructed from materials having a higher heat tolerance and designed to meet higher thermal demands. In addition, fuel is underutilized in each stage, resulting in a higher overall fuel cell system efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1997Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Thomas J. George, William C. Smith
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Patent number: 6021681Abstract: The apparatus is a sampling device having a pad for sample collection, a body which supports the pad, a detachable handle connected to the body and a cap which encloses and retains the pad and body to protect the integrity of the sample.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Gerd-Rainer Jezek
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Patent number: 6020671Abstract: A thermoelectric module with a plurality of electricity generating units each having a first end and a second end, the units being arranged first end to second end along an in-line axis. Each unit includes first and second elements each made of a thermoelectric material, an electrically conductive hot member arranged to heat one side of the first element, and an electrically conductive cold member arranged to cool another side of the first element and to cool one side of the second element. The hot member, the first element, the cold member and the second element are supported in a fixture, are electrically connected respectively to provide an electricity generating unit, and are arranged respectively in positions along the in-line axis. The individual components of each generating unit and the respective generating units are clamped in their in-line positions by a loading bolt at one end of the fixture and a stop wall at the other end of the fixture.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Robert Pento, James E. Marks, Clifford D. Staffanson
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Patent number: 6008894Abstract: A remote adjustable focus Raman spectroscopy probe allows for analyzing Raman scattered light from a point of interest external probe. An environmental barrier including at least one window separates the probe from the point of interest. An optical tube is disposed adjacent to the environmental barrier and includes a long working length compound lens objective next to the window. A beam splitter and a mirror are at the other end. A mechanical means is used to translated the prove body in the X, Y, and Z directions resulting in a variable focus optical apparatus. Laser light is reflected by the beam splitter and directed toward the compound lens objective, then through the window and focused on the point of interest. Raman scattered light is then collected by the compound lens objective and directed through the beam splitter to a mirror. A device for analyzing the light, such as a monochrometer, is coupled to the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: John E. Schmucker, Raymond J. Blasi, William B. Archer
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Patent number: 6008491Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing the surface characteristics of a sample by Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (SIMS) and Mass Spectroscopy of Recoiled Ions (MSRI) is provided. The method includes detecting back scattered primary ions, low energy ejected species, and high energy ejected species by ion beam surface analysis techniques comprising positioning a ToF SIMS/MSRI mass analyzer at a predetermined angle .theta., where .theta. is the angle between the horizontal axis of the mass analyzer and the undeflected primary ion beam line, and applying a specific voltage to the back ring of the analyzer. Preferably, .theta. is less than or equal to about 120.degree. and, more preferably, equal to 74.degree.. For positive ion analysis, the extractor, lens, and front ring of the reflectron are set at negative high voltages (-HV). The back ring of the reflectron is set at greater than about +700V for MSRI measurements and between the range of about +15 V and about +50V for SIMS measurements.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Vincent S. Smentkowski, Dieter M. Gruen, Alan R. Krauss, J. Albert Schultz, John C. Holecek
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Patent number: 6004698Abstract: A class of organic redox shuttle additives is described, preferably comprising nitrogen-containing aromatics compounds, which can be used in a high temperature (85.degree. C. or higher) electrochemical storage cell comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a solid polymer electrolyte to provide overcharge protection to the cell. The organic redox additives or shuttles are characterized by a high diffusion coefficient of at least 2.1.times.10.sup.-8 cm.sup.2 /second and a high onset potential of 2.5 volts or higher. Examples of such organic redox shuttle additives include an alkali metal salt of 1,2,4-triazole, an alkali metal salt of imidazole, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, 1,3,5-tricyanobenzene, and a dialkali metal salt of 3-4-dihydroxy-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Thomas J. Richardson, Philip N. Ross
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Patent number: 6002553Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor element with a three-dimensional micro-architecture is capable of significantly improved sensitivity and highly localized measurement of magnetic fields. The sensor is formed of a multilayer film of alternately magnetic and nonmagnetic materials. The sensor is optimally operated in a current perpendicular to plane mode. The sensor is useful in magnetic read/write heads, for high density magnetic information storage and retrieval.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1994Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Daniel G. Stearns, Stephen P. Vernon, Natale M. Ceglio, Andrew M. Hawryluk
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Patent number: 5998800Abstract: A Pipe Overpack Container for transuranic waste storage and shipment. The system consists of a vented pipe component which is positioned in a vented, insulated 55 gallon steel drum. Both the vented pipe component and the insulated drum are capable of being secured to prevent the contents from leaving the vessel. The vented pipe component is constructed of 1/4 inch stainless steel to provide radiation shielding. Thus, allowing shipment having high Americium-241 content. Several Pipe Overpack Containers are then positioned in a type B, Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) approved, container. In the current embodiment, a TRUPACT-II container was employed and a maximum of fourteen Pipe Overpack Containers were placed in the TRUPACT-II. The combination received NRC approval for the shipment and storage of transuranic waste.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Richard R. Geinitz, Donald T. Thorp, Michael A. Rivera
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Patent number: 5997802Abstract: A sintered metal ceramic crucible suitable for high temperature induction melting of reactive metals without appreciable carbon or silicon contamination of the melt. The crucible comprises a cast matrix of a thermally conductive ceramic material; a perforated metal sleeve, which serves as a susceptor for induction heating of the crucible, embedded within the ceramic cast matrix; and a thermal-shock-absorber barrier interposed between the metal sleeve and the ceramic cast matrix to allow for differential thermal expansions between the matrix and the metal sleeve and to act as a thermal-shock-absorber which moderates the effects of rapid changes of sleeve temperature on the matrix.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Cressie E. Holcombe, Jr., James O. Kiggans, Jr., S. Marvin Morrow, Donald Rexford
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Patent number: 5994660Abstract: A method for joining metal-matrix composites (MMCs) by using high power x-rays as a volumetric heat source is provided. The method involves directing an x-ray to the weld line between two adjacent MMCs materials to create an irradiated region or melt zone. The x-rays have a power density greater than about 10.sup.4 watts/cm.sup.2 and provide the volumetric heat required to join the MMC materials. Importantly, the reinforcing material of the metal-matrix composites remains uniformly distributed in the melt zone, and the strength of the MMCs are not diminished. In an alternate embodiment, high power x-rays are used to provide the volumetric heat required to weld metal elements, including metal elements comprised of metal alloys. In an alternate embodiment, high power x-rays are used to provide the volumetric heat required to weld metal elements, including metal elements comprised of metal alloys.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventors: Richard A. Rosenberg, George A. Goeppner, John R. Noonan, William J. Farrell, Qing Ma
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Patent number: 5989748Abstract: The power loss of lithium/lithium ion battery cells is significantly reduced, especially at low temperatures, when about 1% by weight of an additive is incorporated in the electrolyte layer of the cells. The usable additives are organic solvent soluble cyanoethylated polysaccharides and poly(vinyl alcohol). The power loss decrease results primarily from the decrease in the charge transfer resistance at the interface between the electrolyte and the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Ganesan Nagasubramanian
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Patent number: 5991351Abstract: A method for integrating liquid metal magnetohydrodynamic power generation with fusion blanket technology to produce electrical power from a thermonuclear fusion reactor located within a confining magnetic field and within a toroidal structure. A hot liquid metal flows from a liquid metal blanket region into a pump duct of an electromagnetic pump which moves the liquid metal to a mixer where a gas of predetermined pressure is mixed with the pressurized liquid metal to form a Froth mixture. Electrical power is generated by flowing the Froth mixture between electrodes in a generator duct. When the Froth mixture exits the generator the gas is separated from the liquid metal and both are recycled.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventor: Robert D. Woolley
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Patent number: 5986233Abstract: A brazing device and method are provided which locally apply a controlled amount of heat to a selected area, within a vacuum. The device brazes two components together with a brazing metal. A susceptor plate is placed in thermal contact with one of the components. A serrated pedestal supports the susceptor plate. When the pedestal and susceptor plate are in place, an electron gun irradiates an electron beam at the susceptor plate such that the susceptor plate is sufficiently heated to transfer heat through the one component and melt the brazing metal.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Susan M. Antieau, Robert G. R. Johnson
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Patent number: 5982787Abstract: A free electron laser amplifier provides a scalloping annular electron beam that interacts with the axial electric field of a TM.sub.0n mode. A waveguide defines an axial centerline and, a solenoid arranged about the waveguide produces an axial constant magnetic field within the waveguide. An electron beam source outputs a annular electron beam that interacts with the axial magnetic field to have an equilibrium radius and a ripple radius component having a variable radius with a ripple period along the axial centerline. An rf source outputs an axial electric field that propagates within the waveguide coaxial with the electron beam and has a radial mode that interacts at the electron beam at the equilibrium radius component of the electron beam.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Bruce E. Carlsten