Patents by Inventor Dennis R. Hardy
Dennis R. Hardy 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).
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Patent number: 11421331Abstract: Apparatus for seawater acidification including an ion exchange, cathode and anode electrode compartments and cation-permeable membranes that separate the electrode compartments from the ion exchange compartment. Means is provided for feeding seawater through the ion exchange compartment and for feeding a dissociable liquid media through the anode and cathode electrode compartments. A cathode is located in the cathode electrode compartment and an anode is located in the anode electrode compartment and a means for application of current to the cathode and anode is provided. A method for the acidification of seawater by subjecting the seawater to an ion exchange reaction to exchange H+ ions for Na+ ions. Carbon dioxide may be extracted from the acidified seawater. Optionally, the ion exchange reaction can be conducted under conditions which produce hydrogen as well as carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen may be used to produce hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Felice DiMascio, Dennis R. Hardy, M. Kathleen Lewis, Heather D. Willauer, Frederick Williams
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Patent number: 10450661Abstract: A method for using an electrochemical cell to continuously acidify alkaline water sources and recover carbon dioxide with simultaneous continuous hydrogen gas production. The electrochemical cell has a center compartment, an electrolyte-free anode compartment having a mesh anode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, an endblock in direct contact with the anode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the anode, an electrolyte-free cathode compartment having a mesh cathode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, and an endblock in direct contact with the cathode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the cathode. Current applied to the electrochemical cell for generating hydrogen gas also lowers the pH of the alkaline water to produce carbon dioxide with no additional current or power.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Felice DiMascio, Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R. Hardy, Frederick Williams, M. Kathleen Lewis
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Publication number: 20190085472Abstract: A method for the controlled removal of bicarbonate from alkaline water and its replacement with a strong base that is capable of chemically absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere as a carbonate and bicarbonate solution. This bicarbonate and carbonate solution is reprocessed in the central compartment of an electrolytic cation exchange module (E-CEM) to take advantage of the removal of CO2 from the air, and as an energetic byproduct of E-CEM dihydrogen production, and to regenerate the original strong base absorbent solution. Thus, this process is cyclical in nature, and no chemicals are needed except an initial source of alkaline water.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Inventors: Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R. Hardy, Felice DiMascio, Frederick Williams
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Publication number: 20170268116Abstract: A method for using an electrochemical cell to continuously acidify alkaline water sources and recover carbon dioxide with simultaneous continuous hydrogen gas production. The electrochemical cell has a center compartment, an electrolyte-free anode compartment having a mesh anode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, an endblock in direct contact with the anode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the anode, an electrolyte-free cathode compartment having a mesh cathode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, and an endblock in direct contact with the cathode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the cathode. Current applied to the electrochemical cell for generating hydrogen gas also lowers the pH of the alkaline water to produce carbon dioxide with no additional current or power.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Felice DiMascio, Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R. Hardy, Frederick Williams, M. Kathleen Lewis
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Patent number: 9719178Abstract: An electrochemical cell for the continuous acidification of alkaline water sources and recovery of carbon dioxide with simultaneous continuous hydrogen gas production having a center compartment, an electrolyte-free anode compartment having a mesh anode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, an endblock in direct contact with the anode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the anode, an electrolyte-free cathode compartment having a mesh cathode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, and an endblock in direct contact with the cathode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the cathode. Current applied to the electrochemical cell for generating hydrogen gas also lowers the pH of the alkaline water to produce carbon dioxide with no additional current or power. Also disclosed is the related method for continuously acidifying alkaline water sources and recovering carbon dioxide with continuous hydrogen gas production.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Felice DiMascio, Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R. Hardy, Frederick Williams, M. Kathleen Lewis
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Publication number: 20160215403Abstract: Apparatus for seawater acidification including an ion exchange, cathode and anode electrode compartments and cation-permeable membranes that separate the electrode compartments from the ion exchange compartment. Means is provided for feeding seawater through the ion exchange compartment and for feeding a dissociable liquid media through the anode and cathode electrode compartments. A cathode is located in the cathode electrode compartment and an anode is located in the anode electrode compartment and a means for application of current to the cathode and anode is provided. A method for the acidification of seawater by subjecting the seawater to an ion exchange reaction to exchange H+ ions for Na+ ions. Carbon dioxide may be extracted from the acidified seawater. Optionally, the ion exchange reaction can be conducted under conditions which produce hydrogen as well as carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen may be used to produce hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Felice DiMascio, Dennis R. Hardy, M. Kathleen Lewis, Heather D. Willauer, Frederick Williams
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Patent number: 9303323Abstract: Apparatus for seawater acidification including an ion exchange, cathode and anode electrode compartments and cation-permeable membranes that separate the electrode compartments from the ion exchange compartment. Means is provided for feeding seawater through the ion exchange compartment and for feeding a dissociable liquid media through the anode and cathode electrode compartments. A cathode is located in the cathode electrode compartment and an anode is located in the anode electrode compartment and a means for application of current to the cathode and anode is provided. A method for the acidification of seawater by subjecting the seawater to an ion exchange reaction to exchange H+ ions for Na+ ions. Carbon dioxide may be extracted from the acidified seawater. Optionally, the ion exchange reaction can be conducted under conditions which produce hydrogen as well as carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen may be used to produce hydrocarbons.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Felice DiMascio, Dennis R Hardy, M. Kathleen Lewis, Heather D. Willauer, Frederick Williams
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Publication number: 20140238869Abstract: An electrochemical cell for the continuous acidification of alkaline water sources and recovery of carbon dioxide with simultaneous continuous hydrogen gas production having a center compartment, an electrolyte-free anode compartment having a mesh anode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, an endblock in direct contact with the anode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the anode, an electrolyte-free cathode compartment having a mesh cathode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, and an endblock in direct contact with the cathode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the cathode. Current applied to the electrochemical cell for generating hydrogen gas also lowers the pH of the alkaline water to produce carbon dioxide with no additional current or power. Also disclosed is the related method for continuously acidifying alkaline water sources and recovering carbon dioxide with continuous hydrogen gas production.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventors: Felice DiMascio, Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R. Hardy, Frederick Williams, M. Kathleen Lewis
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Patent number: 8663365Abstract: A method for recovering carbon dioxide from acidified seawater using a membrane contactor and passing seawater with a pH less than or equal to 6 over the outside of a hollow fiber membrane tube while applying vacuum or a hydrogen sweep gas to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane tube, wherein up to 92% of the re-equilibrated [CO2]T is removed from the natural seawater.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Heather D. Willauer, John Barile, Felice DiMascio, Dennis R Hardy, Frederick Williams
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Patent number: 8658554Abstract: A catalyst support which may be used to support various catalysts for use in reactions for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including a catalyst support material and an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction associated with the catalyst support material. A catalyst for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide may be supported on the catalyst support. A method for making a catalyst for use in hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including application of an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction to a catalyst support material, the coated catalyst support material is optionally calcined, and a catalyst for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide is deposited on the coated catalyst support material. A process for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and for making syngas comprising a hydrocarbon, esp. methane, reforming step and a RWGS step which employs the catalyst composition of the present invention and products thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Robert W. Dorner, Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R Hardy
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Publication number: 20130206605Abstract: Apparatus for seawater acidification including an ion exchange, cathode and anode electrode compartments and cation-permeable membranes that separate the electrode compartments from the ion exchange compartment. Means is provided for feeding seawater through the ion exchange compartment and for feeding a dissociable liquid media through the anode and cathode electrode compartments. A cathode is located in the cathode electrode compartment and an anode is located in the anode electrode compartment and a means for application of current to the cathode and anode is provided. A method for the acidification of seawater by subjecting the seawater to an ion exchange reaction to exchange H+ ions for Na+ ions. Carbon dioxide may be extracted from the acidified seawater. Optionally, the ion exchange reaction can be conducted under conditions which produce hydrogen as well as carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen may be used to produce hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Felice DiMascio, Dennis R. Hardy, Heather D. Willauer, M. Kathleen Lewis, Frederick Williams
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Patent number: 8435457Abstract: A method of: introducing hydrogen and a feed gas containing at least 50 vol % carbon dioxide into a reactor containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst; and heating the hydrogen and carbon dioxide to a temperature of at least about 190° C. to produce hydrocarbons in the reactor. An apparatus having: a reaction vessel for containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, capable of heating gases to at least about 190° C.; a hydrogen delivery system feeding into the reaction vessel; a carbon dioxide delivery system for delivering a feed gas containing at least 50 vol % carbon dioxide feeding into the reaction vessel; and a trap for collecting hydrocarbons generated in the reaction vessel.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Nick E Tran, Dennis R Hardy, Samuel G Lambrakos, John G. Michopoulos
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Publication number: 20130039837Abstract: A method for recovering carbon dioxide from acidified seawater using a membrane contactor and passing seawater with a pH less than or equal to 6 over the outside of a hollow fiber membrane tube while applying vacuum or a hydrogen sweep gas to the inside of the hollow fiber membrane tube, wherein up to 92% of the re-equilibrated [CO2]T is removed from the natural seawater.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Inventors: Heather D. Willauer, John Barile, Felice DiMascio, Dennis R. Hardy, Frederick Williams
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Recovery of [CO]from seawater/aqueous bicarbonate systems using a multi-layer gas permeable membrane
Patent number: 8313557Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for recovering CO2 from seawater or aqueous bicarbonate solutions using a gas permeable membrane with multiple layers. At elevated pressures, gaseous CO2 and bound CO2 in the ionic form of bicarbonate and carbonate diffuse from the seawater or bicarbonate solution through the multiple layers of the membrane. Also disclosed is the related method of recovering CO2 from seawater or aqueous bicarbonate solutions.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R Hardy, M. Kathleen Lewis, Ejiogu C. Ndubizu, Frederick Williams -
Publication number: 20110281959Abstract: Apparatus for seawater acidification including an ion exchange, cathode and anode electrode compartments and cation-permeable membranes that separate the electrode compartments from the ion exchange compartment. Means is provided for feeding seawater through the ion exchange compartment and for feeding a dissociable liquid media through the anode and cathode electrode compartments. A cathode is located in the cathode electrode compartment and an anode is located in the anode electrode compartment and a means for application of current to the cathode and anode is provided. A method for the acidification of seawater by subjecting the seawater to an ion exchange reaction to exchange H+ ions for Na+ ions. Carbon dioxide may be extracted from the acidified seawater. Optionally, the ion exchange reaction can be conducted under conditions which produce hydrogen as well as carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen may be used to produce hydrocarbons.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Feice DiMascio, Dennis R. Hardy, Heather D. Willauer, M. Kathleen Lewis, Frederick Williams
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Publication number: 20110268617Abstract: A method of: introducing hydrogen and a feed gas containing at least 50 vol % carbon dioxide into a reactor containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst; and heating the hydrogen and carbon dioxide to a temperature of at least about 190° C. to produce hydrocarbons in the reactor. An apparatus having: a reaction vessel for containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, capable of heating gases to at least about 190° C.; a hydrogen delivery system feeding into the reaction vessel; a carbon dioxide delivery system for delivering a feed gas containing at least 50 vol % carbon dioxide feeding into the reaction vessel; and a trap for collecting hydrocarbons generated in the reaction vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2011Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Nick E. Tran, Dennis R. Hardy, Samuel G. Lambrakos, John G. Michopoulos
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Patent number: 8017658Abstract: A method of: introducing hydrogen and a feed gas containing at least 50 vol % carbon dioxide into a reactor containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst; and heating the hydrogen and carbon dioxide to a temperature of at least about 190° C. to produce hydrocarbons in the reactor. An apparatus having: a reaction vessel for containing a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst, capable of heating gases to at least about 190° C.; a hydrogen delivery system feeding into the reaction vessel; a carbon dioxide delivery system for delivering a feed gas containing at least 50 vol % carbon dioxide feeding into the reaction vessel; and a trap for collecting hydrocarbons generated in the reaction vessel.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Nick E Tran, Dennis R Hardy, Samuel G Lambrakos, John G. Michopoulos
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Publication number: 20110105630Abstract: A catalyst support which may be used to support various catalysts for use in reactions for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including a catalyst support material and an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction associated with the catalyst support material. A catalyst for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide may be supported on the catalyst support. A method for making a catalyst for use in hydrogenation of carbon dioxide including application of an active material capable of catalyzing a reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction to a catalyst support material, the coated catalyst support material is optionally calcined, and a catalyst for the hydrogenation of carbon dioxide is deposited on the coated catalyst support material. A process for hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and for making syngas comprising a hydrocarbon, esp. methane, reforming step and a RWGS step which employs the catalyst composition of the present invention and products thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Robert W. Dorner, Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R. Hardy
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Publication number: 20100028242Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system for recovering CO2 from seawater or aqueous bicarbonate solutions using a gas permeable membrane with multiple layers. At elevated pressures, gaseous CO2 and bound CO2 in the ionic form of bicarbonate and carbonate diffuse from the seawater or bicarbonate solution through the multiple layers of the membrane. Also disclosed is the related method of recovering CO2 from seawater or aqueous bicarbonate solutions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R. Hardy, M. Kathleen Lewis, Ejiogu C. Ndubizu, Frederick Williams
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Patent number: 7420004Abstract: A process for producing synthetic hydrocarbons that reacts carbon dioxide, obtained from seawater of air, and hydrogen obtained from water, with a catalyst in a chemical process such as reverse water gas shift combined with Fischer Tropsch synthesis. The hydrogen is produced by nuclear reactor electricity, nuclear waste heat conversion, ocean thermal energy conversion, or any other source that is fossil fuel-free, such as wind or wave energy. The process can be either land based or sea based.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2005Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Dennis R. Hardy, Timothy Coffey