Patents by Inventor Daniel T. Sellars

Daniel T. Sellars 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).

  • Patent number: 11470791
    Abstract: A system and method for converting food waste and other biologically-derived waste materials into nutrients for an algal growth system using worms to produce such nutrients is described. In one embodiment, a method for converting food waste into nutrients for an algal growth system using worms includes providing food waste to a container including a plurality of worms. The method also includes collecting castings from the food waste processed by the plurality of worms. The method further includes providing a wash to the container. The wash causes the castings to move to a bottom portion of the container adjacent to a moveable screen. The method includes actuating the moveable screen so that the castings pass through a plurality of holes in the moveable screen. The method also includes providing the passed castings to an algal growth system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Joel W. Agner
  • Patent number: 11452974
    Abstract: A passive gas exchange transfer apparatus for exchanging carbon dioxide from a flue gas to a water supply is disclosed. The apparatus includes several upper rods and several lower rods to hold a membrane in place. The membrane provides increased surface area for the gas and the water to meet. The upper rods may be the source of the water supply, and the lower rods may be the source of the gas. The upper rods may disperse the water onto one side of the membrane, and the lower rods may disperse the gas onto the other side. The two may therefore meet at the surface created by the membrane as gravity draws the water downward, and convection draws the gas upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Joel W. Agner
  • Patent number: 11242293
    Abstract: A biofertilizer is disclosed that include specific formulations of algae biomass and a mycorrhizal fungus. This biofertilizer may be a useful way of utilizing algae biomass created for carbon sequestration purposes for a productive agricultural purpose. The combination of algae biomass and mycorrhizal fungus may provide advantageous effects to a crop, as the algae may be a nutrient source for both the crop itself and also for the mycorrhizal fungus that allows the fungus to grow and form a mycorrhizal relationship with the root system of the crop. The biofertilizer may be pelletized with rice hull filler and have a specific range of moisture content, so as to be compatible to agricultural fertilizer delivery equipment. Methods of manufacturing the pelletize biofertilizer are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Joel W. Agner
  • Patent number: 11206775
    Abstract: A method and system for flue gas reclamation is described. In one embodiment, a flue gas reclamation system is provided. The system includes a combustion engine including an intake member, an output shaft, and an exhaust outlet. The intake member receives flue gas from a gas source. A generator is connected to the output shaft and a compressor is connected to the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine. At least one holding tank is connected to the compressor and the compressor stores enriched flue gas from the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine in the at least one holding tank. A battery is connected to the generator and is configured to provide electric power to the flue gas reclamation system. An algae farm in fluid communication with the at least one holding tank is configured to receive the stored enriched flue gas from the at least one holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Joel W. Agner
  • Publication number: 20210394131
    Abstract: A passive gas exchange transfer apparatus for exchanging carbon dioxide from a flue gas to a water supply is disclosed. The apparatus includes several upper rods and several lower rods to hold a membrane in place. The membrane provides increased surface area for the gas and the water to meet. The upper rods may be the source of the water supply, and the lower rods may be the source of the gas. The upper rods may disperse the water onto one side of the membrane, and the lower rods may disperse the gas onto the other side. The two may therefore meet at the surface created by the membrane as gravity draws the water downward, and convection draws the gas upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel T. SELLARS, Joel W. AGNER
  • Publication number: 20210300833
    Abstract: A biofertilizer is disclosed that include specific formulations of algae biomass and a mycorrhizal fungus. This biofertilizer may be a useful way of utilizing algae biomass created for carbon sequestration purposes for a productive agricultural purpose. The combination of algae biomass and mycorrhizal fungus may provide advantageous effects to a crop, as the algae may be a nutrient source for both the crop itself and also for the mycorrhizal fungus that allows the fungus to grow and form a mycorrhizal relationship with the root system of the crop. The biofertilizer may be pelletized with rice hull filler and have a specific range of moisture content, so as to be compatible to agricultural fertilizer delivery equipment. Methods of manufacturing the pelletize biofertilizer are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel T. SELLARS, Joel W. AGNER
  • Publication number: 20210289727
    Abstract: A system and method for converting food waste and other biologically-derived waste materials into nutrients for an algal growth system using worms to produce such nutrients is described. In one embodiment, a method for converting food waste into nutrients for an algal growth system using worms includes providing food waste to a container including a plurality of worms. The method also includes collecting castings from the food waste processed by the plurality of worms. The method further includes providing a wash to the container. The wash causes the castings to move to a bottom portion of the container adjacent to a moveable screen. The method includes actuating the moveable screen so that the castings pass through a plurality of holes in the moveable screen. The method also includes providing the passed castings to an algal growth system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2020
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel T. SELLARS, Joel W. AGNER
  • Publication number: 20210100181
    Abstract: A method and system for flue gas reclamation is described. In one embodiment, a flue gas reclamation system is provided. The system includes a combustion engine including an intake member, an output shaft, and an exhaust outlet. The intake member receives flue gas from a gas source. A generator is connected to the output shaft and a compressor is connected to the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine. At least one holding tank is connected to the compressor and the compressor stores enriched flue gas from the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine in the at least one holding tank. A battery is connected to the generator and is configured to provide electric power to the flue gas reclamation system. An algae farm in fluid communication with the at least one holding tank is configured to receive the stored enriched flue gas from the at least one holding tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Joel W. Agner
  • Patent number: 10842096
    Abstract: A method and system for flue gas reclamation is described. In one embodiment, a flue gas reclamation system is provided. The system includes a combustion engine including an intake member, an output shaft, and an exhaust outlet. The intake member receives flue gas from a gas source. A generator is connected to the output shaft and a compressor is connected to the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine. At least one holding tank is connected to the compressor and the compressor stores enriched flue gas from the exhaust outlet of the combustion engine in the at least one holding tank. A battery is connected to the generator and is configured to provide electric power to the flue gas reclamation system. An algae farm in fluid communication with the at least one holding tank is configured to receive the stored enriched flue gas from the at least one holding tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Joel W. Agner
  • Patent number: 10800224
    Abstract: A frame and suspension assembly for a vehicle can include a pair of frame members configured to support a load input thereto, a final drive structure connected to each of the frame members such that the final drive assembly is configured to input a load to the frame members, and a stabilizer bar mounted to each of the frame members and extending in a traverse direction of the vehicle over a top of the final drive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Dustin M. Schroeder, Dakota D. Kirtland
  • Patent number: 10800471
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a frame body defining a cabin area and an engine area. The engine area is primarily accessible from the cabin area during installation of the engine assembly. A seat frame is removably attached to the frame body in the cabin area, and a seat assembly is removably attached to the seat frame. A method of installing the engine assembly during the assembly of the motor vehicle includes the steps of lowering the engine assembly into the cabin area of the frame body, moving the engine assembly along a longitudinal axis into the engine area of the frame body, lowering the engine assembly onto an engine mount in the engine area of the frame body, attaching the seat frame to the frame body in the cabin area, and attaching the seat assembly to the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dakota D Kirtland, Jason M Owens, Dustin L Hinders, Daniel T Sellars, Travis Barkey
  • Patent number: 10793192
    Abstract: A bracket node assembly for an off-road vehicle configured with a side-by-side seating arrangement, the vehicle including at least one suspension member that supports a respective wheel of the vehicle, can include a first frame member, a second frame member, a cross member, a passenger seat, and a bracket. The first frame member can extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The second frame member can extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The cross member can extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The bracket can be configured to be connected to the suspension member, and the bracket can be connected to each of the first frame member, the second frame member, the cross member, and the passenger seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Dakota D. Kirtland
  • Patent number: 10794463
    Abstract: A bracket for a powertrain component in a vehicle includes a base with a sidewall extending upward and outward from the base, the sidewall including gaps at an upper edge to support frame members of the vehicle upwards from the powertrain component. The sidewall also extends downward from the base to attachment points for suspension members of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dakota D. Kirtland, Daniel T. Sellars
  • Patent number: 10737604
    Abstract: A grab handle assembly for a vehicle includes a sleeve for attaching to the vehicle, an insert receivable in the sleeve, and a grab handle positioned on an end of the insert. A locking member is provided to adjustably fix a position of the grab handle with respect to the sleeve. The locking member includes a locking pin and a cam lock mechanism to hold the insert with respect to the sleeve. A rotation prevention surface may be provided on the locking pin to prevent the locking pin from rotating with respect to the sleeve and the insert. A locking force provided by the locking member may be preset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel T. Sellars, Michael J. Hokes, Shinichi Karube
  • Patent number: 10723389
    Abstract: A front frame assembly for mounting a front suspension and wheel assembly of a vehicle can include a pair of longitudinally extending frame members, a pair of upwardly extending frame members, and a transverse bracket frame member extending transversely from and connected to each of the upwardly extending frame members. The transverse bracket can include mount structures for connecting to various vehicle components, such as a pair of dampers, a radiator, hood cushions, and a headlight assembly. The transverse bracket can be locate in an upper portion of the vehicle engine compartment, and extending above a top most position of the radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Luke M. Upah, Dakota D. Kirtland, Daniel T. Sellars
  • Publication number: 20200070706
    Abstract: A grab handle assembly for a vehicle includes a sleeve for attaching to the vehicle, an insert receivable in the sleeve, and a grab handle positioned on an end of the insert. A locking member is provided to adjustably fix a position of the grab handle with respect to the sleeve. The locking member includes a locking pin and a cam lock mechanism to hold the insert with respect to the sleeve. A rotation prevention surface may be provided on the locking pin to prevent the locking pin from rotating with respect to the sleeve and the insert. A locking force provided by the locking member may be preset.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel T. SELLARS, Michael J. HOKES, Shinichi KARUBE
  • Patent number: 10562570
    Abstract: A two pillar mount for a vehicle powertrain component wherein each pillar has two mirrored side walls formed on opposite ends of a joining wall. The side walls have mirrored recesses at a lower end to receive a lower frame member, and mirrored recesses at an upper end to receive upper frame members of a vehicle. Each pillar further includes attachment points to suspension members of the vehicle, and attachment points to the vehicle's powertrain component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dakota D. Kirtland, Daniel T. Sellars
  • Patent number: 10532772
    Abstract: A front frame assembly for mounting a front suspension and wheel assembly of a vehicle can include lower frame members, first frame members, second frame members, a cross frame member, a plate, and a steering rack assembly. The pair of first and second frame members can be connected to and can extend upwardly from a respective one of the lower frame members. The pair of second frame members can be connected to the respective one of the lower frame members and a respective one of the first frame members. The cross frame member can be connected to and extend from each of the first frame members. The plate can be connected to and can extend from the each of the first frame and second members and the cross frame member. The plate can include a ridge. The steering rack housing can be mounted to the bottom surface of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Luke M. Upah, Daniel T. Sellars, Dakota D. Kirtland
  • Patent number: 10525781
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a suspension and wheel assembly of a vehicle can include a pair of frame members, a final drive assembly, and a pair of suspension brackets. The frame members can be spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the vehicle and can extend upwardly along a vertical direction of the vehicle. The final drive assembly can extend between the frame members. Each of the suspension brackets can connect a respective suspension member to a respective one of the frame members. The suspension brackets can be connected to the frame members and to the final drive assembly such that a lateral load input to one of the suspension brackets is transferred to a different one of the suspension brackets through the final drive housing, and then to the respective one of the frame members to which the different one of the suspension brackets is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Luke M. Upah, Daniel T. Sellars, Dakota D. Kirtland
  • Publication number: 20190375458
    Abstract: A bracket node assembly for an off-road vehicle configured with a side-by-side seating arrangement, the vehicle including at least one suspension member that supports a respective wheel of the vehicle, can include a first frame member, a second frame member, a cross member, a passenger seat, and a bracket. The first frame member can extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The second frame member can extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The cross member can extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The bracket can be configured to be connected to the suspension member, and the bracket can be connected to each of the first frame member, the second frame member, the cross member, and the passenger seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Daniel T. SELLARS, Dakota D. KIRTLAND