Patents by Inventor Craig S. Laforce

Craig S. Laforce 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).

  • MOVING THERMAL BED TO TIME SHIFT LIQUIFACTION AND VAPORIZATION
    Publication number: 20120180988
    Abstract: A method to store and utilize thermal energy is provided. During a first phase, transferring heat from the heat relocation media to the lower temperature reservoir, transferring heat from the higher temperature stream to the heat relocation media, and transferring heat from the heat relocation media to the high temperature reservoir, thereby at least partially liquefying the higher temperature stream. During a second phase, transferring heat from the higher temperature reserve to the heat relocation media, transferring heat from the heat relocation media to the lower temperature stream, and transferring heat from the heat relocation media to the lower temperature reservoir, thereby at least partially vaporizing the lower temperature stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Air Liquide Process & Construction, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig S. LaForce
  • Cryogenic air separation blast furnace system
    Patent number: 5582036
    Abstract: A system which integrates a cryogenic air separation plant with a blast furnace system enabling efficient oxygen enrichment of the blast air, and, if desired, production of additional higher purity oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond F. Drnevich, Craig S. LaForce, Gerald A. Paolino, Neil M. Prosser
  • Cryogenic rectification system with hybrid product boiler
    Patent number: 5386692
    Abstract: A cryogenic air separation system wherein liquid oxygen is vaporized against condensing feed air and against condensing nitrogen which is taken from a higher pressure column and returned to the top of the higher pressure column, thus supplying added reflux for the air separation and enabling column system operation with improved flexibility and reduced energy usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig S. Laforce