Patents by Inventor James Douglas Wolfe

James Douglas Wolfe 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: 6591617
    Abstract: A method is provided for delivering gaseous hydrogen to end users, the hydrogen being delivered in reusable storage tanks containing a plurality of carbon nanotubes. Liquid hydrogen is introduced into the tank, and the nanotubes absorb the hydrogen. The tanks are then warmed to normal temperatures and distributed to end users. The tanks are connected to the end-user system and are preferably installed within an air-tight enclosure, which may have an inert atmosphere. Alternatively, an inerting system monitors the air within the enclosure for free hydrogen and can release an inerting gas if free hydrogen is detected. The hydrogen is selectively released by heating the storage tank or by injecting a catalyst into the tank. When the usable hydrogen is depleted, the tank is retrieved from the end user for refurbishment and refilling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: James Douglas Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20030037551
    Abstract: A method is provided for delivering gaseous hydrogen to end users, the hydrogen being delivered in reusable storage tanks containing a plurality of carbon nanotubes. Liquid hydrogen is introduced into the tank, and the nanotubes absorb the hydrogen. The tanks are then warmed to normal temperatures and distributed to end users. The tanks are connected to the end-user system and are preferably installed within an air-tight enclosure, which may have an inert atmosphere. Alternatively, an inerting system monitors the air within the enclosure for free hydrogen and can release an inerting gas if free hydrogen is detected. The hydrogen is selectively released by heating the storage tank or by injecting a catalyst into the tank. When the usable hydrogen is depleted, the tank is retrieved from the end user for refurbishment and refilling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: James Douglas Wolfe