Patents Assigned to U.S. Department of Energy
  • Patent number: 11110681
    Abstract: Disclosed is a hermetic bond for a joint including a first layer of silicon carbide; a second layer of silicon carbide; and a bonding layer positioned between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the bonding layer includes an iridium layer, a first reaction zone positioned between the iridium foil layer and the first layer, and a second reaction zone positioned between the iridium foil layer and the second layer, wherein the first reaction zone and the second reaction zone include iridium silicides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventor: Brian V. Cockeram
  • Patent number: 11059721
    Abstract: Materials, methods of making, and methods of providing a trimetallic oxygen carrier for converting methane containing fuel to synthesis gas. The trimetallic oxygen carrier comprises CuxFeyMnzOt, where CuxFeyMnzOt is a chemical composition with 0<x?3 and 0<y?3 and 0<z?3 and, 0<t?5. For example, CuxFeyMnzOt may be one of CuMnFeO4, CuFe0.5Mn1.5O4, CuFeMn2O4, CuFe2MnO4, or Cu impregnated on FerMnsOu, Fe impregnated on CurMnsOu, Mn impregnated on CurFesOu where r>0, s>0 and u>0 and combinations thereof. Reaction of trimetallic CuxFeyMnzOt with methane generates a product stream comprising at least 50 vol. % CO and H2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Ranjani Siriwardane, William Benincosa
  • Patent number: 11009402
    Abstract: Disclosed is a thermocouple assembly having a resilient mount; a buffer having a first side and a second side, with the buffer first side connecting with the resilient mount; an insulator having a first side and a second side, with the insulator first side connecting with the buffer second side; and a thermocouple having a first side and a second side, the thermocouple first side connecting with the insulator second side, and the thermocouple second side being configured to be in thermal contact with an object to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Nelson Schwarting, Brian J. Lashway, John Crowley, Don Rappold
  • Patent number: 10992020
    Abstract: A very low frequency (VLF) antenna includes a metal monopole and a dielectric metamaterial cladding surrounding a periphery of the monopole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: John Singleton, Andrea Caroline Schmidt, Frank L. Krawczyk
  • Patent number: 10976287
    Abstract: One or more embodiments relates a single port surface acoustic wave sensor (SAW) device adapted for use in a wide range of operational temperatures and gas phase chemical species. The device includes a piezoelectric crystal substrate; at least one interdigitated electrode/transducer (IDT) positioned on the piezoelectric crystal substrate; and at least one conducting metal oxide film positioned on the piezoelectric crystal substrate and in communication with at least the IDT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Paul R Ohodnicki, Jr., Robert Fryer, Jagannath Devkota
  • Patent number: 10955375
    Abstract: A multi electrode sensor that provides in-situ, real time measurements for molten salts and other process fluids such as real-time concentration and salt level measurements for nuclear systems such as molten salt reactors, nuclear reprocessing facilities utilizing molten salts and concentrated solar power systems. The sensor has multiple electrodes with unique lengths which are connected to a potentiostat. Measurements are taken when the electrodes are immersed in the process fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Nathaniel C. Hoyt, Mark A. Williamson, James L. Willit
  • Patent number: 10884132
    Abstract: Beacon-based Precision Navigation and Timing (PNT) may use a constellation of space vehicles (e.g., small, low cost satellites) coupled to a network of ground stations and a network of beacons. Such a system be provided at a cost that is approximately 100 times lower than GPS both to build and to operate. The resulting system may also provide fast acquisition, improved SNR, improved anti-jam and anti-spoofing capabilities, and six-inch scale location determination, making it applicable to both existing PNT applications and enabling new applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventor: Stephen Judd
  • Patent number: 10864501
    Abstract: The invention provides a use of metal ferrite oxygen carrier for converting carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide or synthesis gas via three processes: catalytic dry reforming of methane, chemical looping dry reforming of fuel and promoting coal gasification with CO2. The metal ferrite oxygen carrier comprises MzFexOy, where MzFexOy is a chemical composition with 0<x?4, z>0 and 0<y?6 and M is one of Ca, Ba, and/or combinations thereof. For example, MzFexOy may be one of CaFe2O4, BaFe2O4, MgFe2O4, SrFe2O4 and/or combinations thereof. In catalytic dry reforming, methane and carbon dioxide react in the presence of metal ferrites generating a product stream comprising at least 50 vol. % CO and H2. In another embodiment, chemical looping dry reforming process where metal ferrite is reduced with a fuel and then oxidized with carbon dioxide is used for production of CO from carbon dioxide. In another embodiment, the metal ferrite is used as a promoter to produce CO continuously from coal gasification with CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventor: Ranjani V. Siriwardane
  • Patent number: 10836654
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for the removal of organic contaminates from wastewater. The method comprises contacting wastewater comprising water and an organic contaminate with a basic immobilized amine sorbent, where the basic immobilized amine sorbent comprises a polyamine bound to an inorganic support via a linker, such that contacting the wastewater causes at a least a portion of the organic contaminate to bind to the basic immobilized amine sorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: McMahan L. Gray, Brian W. Kail, Qiuming Wang, Walter C. Wilfong
  • Patent number: 10773203
    Abstract: A xenon capture system that reduces the concentration of xenon in a carrier gas is disclosed. An example xenon capture system includes a carrier gas with a first concentration of xenon that flows through an intake into a chamber. Within the chamber is a reaction area that has at least one peripheral sidewall. The reaction area operates at a predetermined temperature, flow rate, and low pressure. Within the reaction area is at least one xenon capture mechanism that is at least partially formed of a transition metal. When the carrier gas is exposed to the xenon capture mechanism, the xenon capture mechanism adsorbs xenon from the carrier gas. The carrier gas, with a second concentration of xenon, exits the chamber through the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Catherine Riddle, Dawn M. Scates, Troy G. Garn, Matthew G. Watrous
  • Patent number: 10765997
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a composition for the separation of CO2 from a gaseous mixture and a method of use thereof. The composition comprises solid Basic Immobilized Amine Sorbents (BIAS) suspended in silicone oil. The method of use comprises contacting the gaseous mixture with a sorbent slurry comprising Basic Immobilized Amine Sorbents (BIAS) and silicone oil to at least partially absorb the CO2 from the gaseous mixture, and regenerating the BIAS slurry by causing desorption of the CO2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Fan Shi, McMahan L. Gray, Jeffrey Culp, Brian W. Kail, Christopher Mark Marin
  • Patent number: 10765775
    Abstract: The invention provides medical devices comprising high-strength alloys which degrade over time in the body of a human or animal, at controlled degradation rates, without generating emboli and which have enhanced degradation due to the presence of a halogen component. In one embodiment the alloy is formed into a bone fixation device such as an anchor, screw, plate, support or rod. In another embodiment the alloy is formed into a tissue fastening device such as staple. In yet another embodiment, the alloy is formed into a dental implant or a stent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignees: Bio DG, Inc., U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Herbert Radisch, Paul Jablonski
  • Patent number: 10702862
    Abstract: A nanocomposite coating that in turn extract self-replenishing (or -healing), superlubricious carbon film directly from natural gas or hydrocarbon gas in mechanical systems. The coating deposits on sealing and sliding surfaces reducing friction and wear. The result is a reduction in inefficiency, machine breakdown, and adverse environmental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Ali Erdemir, Osman Eryilmaz, Jair Giovanni Ramirez Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10688472
    Abstract: One or more embodiments relates to a method of catalytically converting a reactant gas mixture for pollution abatement of products of hydrocarbon fuel combustion. The method provides substituted mixed-metal oxides where catalytically active metals are substituted within the crystal lattice to create an active and well dispersed metal catalyst available to convert the reactant gas mixture. Embodiments may be used with gasoline and diesel fueled internal combustion engine exhaust, although specific embodiments may differ somewhat for each.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: David A. Berry, Dushyant Shekhawat, Daniel J. Haynes, Mark W. Smith
  • Patent number: 10677744
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a multi-cone X-ray imaging Bragg crystal spectrometer for spectroscopy of small x-ray sources with a well-defined spectral resolution. The spectrometer includes a glass substrate machined to a multi-cone form; and a thin crystal slab attached to the glass substrate, whereby the multi-cone X-ray imaging Bragg crystal spectrometer provides rotational symmetry of a ray pattern, providing for accurate imaging, for each wavelength in the spectral range of interest. One or more embodiments include a streak camera and/or a gated strip detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Manfred Bitter, Kenneth W. Hill, Philip Efthimion, Luis Delgado-Apariccio, Novimir Pablant, Lan Gao, Brian Kraus
  • Patent number: 10603654
    Abstract: The disclosure describes a pelletized sorbent comprising a first component comprising Basic Immobilized Amine Sorbent, a second component comprising inorganic strength additive, and a third component comprising polymer binder, where the Basic Immobilized Amine Sorbent and solid inorganic strength additive are interconnected by the polymer binder. The pelletized sorbent is useful for removing CO2 from a gaseous mixture such as a post combustion gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Walter C. Wilfong, McMahan L. Gray, Yee Soong, Brian W. Kail
  • Patent number: 10600527
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method to create a ceramic waste form from used nuclear fuel. An active metal salt waste, a rare earth metal waste, and raw materials are received. The active metal salt waste is combined with the rare earth metal waste, forming a waste salt. The waste salt is then heated to approximately 500° C. The raw materials are also heated to approximately 500° C. The waste salt and raw materials are then blended to form a homogenous waste mixture. The homogenous waste mixture is heated to a first predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time, creating a ceramic waste form. The ceramic waste form is cooled to a second predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: U.S Department of Energy
    Inventors: Mark A. Williamson, James L. Willit, Stanley G. Wiedmeyer, Terry R. Johnson, Javier Figueroa
  • Patent number: 10589228
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for the separation of a gas constituent from a gaseous mixture. The disclosure also provides polyethylene glycol disubstituted siloxane based solvents for use in the method. These solvents are of use for pre-combustion CO2 capture and are capable of replacing glycol-based solvents while offering operation at a higher temperature region. These solvents are also of use for generation of hydrogen from reformed natural gas or syngas, adjusting CO/H2 ratio for Coal & Biomass to Liquids, removal of CO2 from syngas for coal & biomass to NH3/Fertilizer, natural gas sweetening, and upgrading of landfill and biogas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: David P. Hopkinson, Nicholas Siefert, Robert L. Thompson, Megan Macala, Lei Hong
  • Publication number: 20200017409
    Abstract: An optical sensor device includes an optical waveguide portion having a core, the core having a first refractive index, and a functional material layer coupled to the optical fiber portion, the functional material layer being made of a metal oxide material, the functional material layer being structured to have a second refractive index, the second refractive index being less than the first refractive index. The functional material layer may be a nanostructure material comprising the metal oxide material with a plurality of holes or voids formed therein such that the functional material layer is caused to have the second refractive index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
    Inventors: PENG CHEN, JACOB LORENZI POOLE, PAUL R. OHODNICKI, MICHAEL PAUL BURIC
  • Patent number: 10513436
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus relate to producing synthesis gas or carbon and hydrogen utilizing a reduced catalyst CuO—Fe2O3. The method comprises introducing CH4; reducing the CuO—Fe2O3 with the introduced CH4, yielding at least a reduced metal catalyst; oxidizing the reduced metal with O2 yielding CuO—Fe2O3; and generating heat that would be used for the hydrogen and carbon or syngas production with the reduced catalyst CuO—Fe2O3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventors: Ranjani Siriwardane, Hanjing Tian