Patents by Inventor James E. O'Brien
James E. O'Brien 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: 11732975Abstract: A heat exchanger may include a main body with an inlet plenum and an outlet plenum at a first end, and a header at a second end. At least one elongated shaft may extend from the outlet plenum to the header. At least one heat pipe may be coupled to the header and a portion of each heat pipe may be positioned within a corresponding elongated shaft defining an annular space between each heat pipe and each corresponding elongated shaft. A flow skirt may include a manifold located between the inlet plenum and the outlet plenum of the main body. At least one elongated tube may extend from the manifold. Each elongated tube may be positioned within a corresponding annular space between each heat pipe and each corresponding elongated shaft, dividing the annular space into two concentric annular channels comprising an inner annular channel and an outer annular channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: SuJong Yoon, James E. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20220082334Abstract: A heat exchanger may include a main body with an inlet plenum and an outlet plenum at a first end, and a header at a second end. At least one elongated shaft may extend from the outlet plenum to the header. At least one heat pipe may be coupled to the header and a portion of each heat pipe may be positioned within a corresponding elongated shaft defining an annular space between each heat pipe and each corresponding elongated shaft. A flow skirt may include a manifold located between the inlet plenum and the outlet plenum of the main body. At least one elongated tube may extend from the manifold. Each elongated tube may be positioned within a corresponding annular space between each heat pipe and each corresponding elongated shaft, dividing the annular space into two concentric annular channels comprising an inner annular channel and an outer annular channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: SuJong Yoon, James E. O'Brien
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Patent number: 11142832Abstract: Methods for producing syngas (e.g., H2 and CO) include introducing a stream comprising H2O and CO2 to a high-temperature co-electrolysis (HTCE) unit. A CO2 sweep gas is also introduced to the HTCE unit. Both H2O and CO2 are reduced in the HTCE unit to form the syngas and to form O2 that is swept away from the HTCE unit by the CO2 sweep gas, and the O2 and CO2 are then introduced to a combustion device (e.g., a gasifier), which may be configured to generate electrical power, as a result of combusting a carbonaceous fuel in the presence of the O2 and CO2. The HTCE unit is powered at least in part by power from an electricity-generating sub-system (e.g., at least one nuclear power plant). Related systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2018Date of Patent: October 12, 2021Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: James E. O'Brien, Carl M. Stoots, Michael G. McKellar, Richard D. Boardman
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Patent number: 11015877Abstract: Energy storage systems include a heat source and a thermal energy storage system to store thermal energy produced by the heat source. The thermal energy storage system includes a first tank containing a first salt having a first melting temperature and a second tank containing a second salt having a second melting temperature. At least one input conduit is configured for transferring thermal energy from the heat source to the first tank and second tank. A first output conduit is in thermal communication with the first tank. A second output conduit is in thermal communication with the second tank. Additional energy storage systems include a heat booster positioned and configured to add thermal energy to a heated heat transfer fluid prior to reaching a tank containing at least one thermal storage material. Methods include transferring thermal energy from a thermal energy source to a plurality of thermal energy storage tanks.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2018Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Michael McKellar, Richard D. Boardman, James E. O'Brien, Carl M. Stoots, Piyush Sabharwall, Shannon Bragg-Sitton
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Publication number: 20190376190Abstract: Methods for producing syngas (e.g., H2 and CO) include introducing a stream comprising H2O and CO2 to a high-temperature co-electrolysis (HTCE) unit. A CO2 sweep gas is also introduced to the HTCE unit. Both H2O and CO2 are reduced in the HTCE unit to form the syngas and to form O2 that is swept away from the HTCE unit by the CO2 sweep gas, and the O2 and CO2 are then introduced to a combustion device (e.g., a gasifier), which may be configured to generate electrical power, as a result of combusting a carbonaceous fuel in the presence of the O2 and CO2. The HTCE unit is powered at least in part by power from an electricity-generating sub-system (e.g., at least one nuclear power plant). Related systems are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2018Publication date: December 12, 2019Inventors: James E. O'Brien, Carl M. Stoots, Michael G. McKellar, Richard D. Boardman
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Publication number: 20190360763Abstract: Energy storage systems include a heat source and a thermal energy storage system to store thermal energy produced by the heat source. The thermal energy storage system includes a first tank containing a first salt having a first melting temperature and a second tank containing a second salt having a second melting temperature. At least one input conduit is configured for transferring thermal energy from the heat source to the first tank and second tank. A first output conduit is in thermal communication with the first tank. A second output conduit is in thermal communication with the second tank. Additional energy storage systems include a heat booster positioned and configured to add thermal energy to a heated heat transfer fluid prior to reaching a tank containing at least one thermal storage material. Methods include transferring thermal energy from a thermal energy source to a plurality of thermal energy storage tanks.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2018Publication date: November 28, 2019Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Michael McKellar, Richard D. Boardman, James E. O'Brien, Carl M. Stoots, Piyush Sabharwall, Shannon Bragg-Sitton
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Patent number: 8468030Abstract: A method and computer program collects hospital patient and administrative information and presents the information to a user via an interactive user interface (34) that includes a plurality of activity windows. The activity windows list patients according to admission to a hospital department (36), scheduled surgical procedures (38), scheduled clinical appointments (40), rounds (44), consults (46), and scheduled catheterization conference (48). A daily schedule activity window (42) lists presents the user's schedule for a given day, and a personal notes activity window (50) presents notes previously submitted by the user. The patient lists can be presented according to service, team, or attending physician. The user can drill down to acquire more detailed information by selecting a patient from a list and requesting the information.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Children's Mercy HospitalInventors: Richard Stroup, Marcy L. Tarrants, Gary K. Lofland, James E. O'Brien, Jr., Gary E. Grist, Pamela A. Dennis
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Patent number: 8389180Abstract: Electrolytic/fuel cell bundles and systems including such bundles include an electrically conductive current collector in communication with an anode or a cathode of each of a plurality of cells. A cross-sectional area of the current collector may vary in a direction generally parallel to a general direction of current flow through the current collector. The current collector may include a porous monolithic structure. At least one cell of the plurality of cells may include a current collector that surrounds an outer electrode of the cell and has at least six substantially planar exterior surfaces. The planar surfaces may extend along a length of the cell, and may abut against a substantially planar surface of a current collector of an adjacent cell. Methods for generating electricity and for performing electrolysis include flowing current through a conductive current collector having a varying cross-sectional area.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Grant L. Hawkes, James S. Herring, Carl M. Stoots, James E. O'Brien
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Patent number: 8366902Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing syngas utilizing heat from thermochemical conversion of a carbonaceous fuel to support decomposition of at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells. Simultaneous decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells may be employed to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A portion of oxygen produced from at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells is fed at a controlled flow rate in a gasifier or combustor to oxidize the carbonaceous fuel to control the carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide ratio produced.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Grant L. Hawkes, James E. O'Brien, Carl M. Stoots, J. Stephen Herring, Michael G. McKellar, Richard A. Wood, Robert A. Carrington, Richard D. Boardman
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Publication number: 20110206566Abstract: Syngas components hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be formed by the decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by a solid-oxide electrolysis cell to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a portion of which may be reacted with carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide. One or more of the components for the process, such as steam, energy, or electricity, may be provided using a nuclear power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Carl M. Stoots, James E. O'Brien, James S. Herring, Paul A. Lessing, Grant L. Hawkes, Joseph J. Hartvigsen
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Patent number: 7951283Abstract: Syngas components hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be formed by the decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by a solid-oxide electrolysis cell to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a portion of which may be reacted with carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide. One or more of the components for the process, such as steam, energy, or electricity, may be provided using a nuclear power source.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Carl M. Stoots, James E. O'Brien, James Stephen Herring, Paul A. Lessing, Grant L. Hawkes, Joseph J. Hartvigsen
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Publication number: 20090235587Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing syngas utilizing heat from thermochemical conversion of a carbonaceous fuel to support decomposition of at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells. Simultaneous decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells may be employed to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A portion of oxygen produced from at least one of water and carbon dioxide using one or more solid-oxide electrolysis cells is fed as a controlled flow rate in a gasifier or combustor to oxidize the carbonaceous fuel to control the carbon dioxide to carbon monoxide ratio produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Grant L. Hawkes, James E. O'Brien, Carl M. Stoots, J. Stephen Herring, Michael G. McKellar, Richard A. Wood, Robert A. Carrington, Richard D. Boardman
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Publication number: 20090204440Abstract: A method and computer program manages medical research study information and laboratory test result information. The program generates an interactive user interface with elements for setting up a study (702), managing study member information (704), managing patient information (706), receiving and displaying comments (708), and configuring data to be stored in a database associated with the research study (710). The program also receives medical event information from a user and laboratory test result information from a laboratory information system (20d), and generates a chart (934) that correlates the test results and the medical events. The program also receives a normal range pertaining to a test result from the laboratory information system (20d) and provides a normal range indicator (952) for the test result.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Children's Mercy HospitalInventors: Richard Stroup, Marcy L. Tarrants, Gary K. Lofland, James E. O'Brien, JR., Gary E. Grist, Pamela A. Dennis
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Patent number: 7512541Abstract: A method and computer program manages medical research study information and laboratory test result information. The program generates an interactive user interface with elements for setting up a study (702), managing study member information (704), managing patient information (706), receiving and displaying comments (708), and configuring data to be stored in a database associated with the research study (710). The program also receives medical event information from a user and laboratory test result information from a laboratory information system (20d), and generates a chart (934) that correlates the test results and the medical events. The program also receives a normal range pertaining to a test result from the laboratory information system (20d) and provides a normal range indicator (952) for the test result.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Children's Mercy HospitalInventors: Richard Stroup, Marcy L. Tarrants, Gary K. Lofland, James E. O'Brien, Jr., Gary E. Grist, Pamela A. Dennis
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Publication number: 20080063916Abstract: Electrolytic/fuel cell bundles and systems including such bundles include an electrically conductive current collector in communication with an anode or a cathode of each of a plurality of cells. A cross-sectional area of the current collector may vary in a direction generally parallel to a general direction of current flow through the current collector. The current collector may include a porous monolithic structure. At least one cell of the plurality of cells may include a current collector that surrounds an outer electrode of the cell and has at least six substantially planar exterior surfaces. The planar surfaces may extend along a length of the cell, and may abut against a substantially planar surface of a current collector of an adjacent cell. Methods for generating electricity and for performing electrolysis include flowing current through a conductive current collector having a varying cross-sectional area.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Grant L. Hawkes, James S. Herring, Carl M. Stoots, James E. O'Brien
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Publication number: 20080023338Abstract: Syngas components hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be formed by the decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by a solid-oxide electrolysis cell to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a portion of which may be reacted with carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide. One or more of the components for the process, such as steam, energy, or electricity, may be provided using a nuclear power source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLCInventors: Carl M. Stoots, James E. O'Brien, James Stephen Herring, Paul A. Lessing, Grant L. Hawkes, Joseph J. Hartvigsen
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Patent number: 7044113Abstract: A liquified gas delivery system for a motorized platform includes a holding tank configured to receive liquified gas. A first conduit extends from a vapor holding portion of the tank to a valve device. A second conduit extends from a liquid holding portion of the tank to the valve device. Fluid coupled to the valve device is a vaporizer which is in communication with an engine. The valve device selectively withdraws either liquified gas or liquified gas vapor from the tank depending on the pressure within the vapor holding portion of the tank. Various configurations of the delivery system can be utilized for pressurizing the tank during operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Bruce M. Wilding, James E. O'Brien, Ali S. Siahpush, Kevin B. Brown
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Patent number: 6976301Abstract: A system for and method of manufacturing a finned tube for a heat exchanger is disclosed herein. A continuous fin strip is provided with at one pair of vortex generators. A tube is rotated and linearly displaced while the continuous fin strip with vortex generators is spirally wrapped around the tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Manohar S. Sohal, James E. O'Brien
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Patent number: 6953028Abstract: A liquified gas delivery system for a motorized platform includes a holding tank configured to receive liquified gas. A first conduit extends from a vapor holding portion of the tank to a valve device. A second conduit extends from a liquid holding portion of the tank to the valve device. Fluid coupled to the valve device is a vaporizer which is in communication with an engine. The valve device selectively withdraws either liquified gas or liquified gas vapor from the tank depending on the pressure within the vapor holding portion of the tank. Various configurations of the delivery system can be utilized for pressurizing the tank during operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Battele Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Bruce M. Wilding, James E. O'Brien, Ali S. Siahpush, Kevin B. Brown
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Patent number: 6789317Abstract: A system for and method of manufacturing a finned tube for a heat exchanger is disclosed herein. A continuous fin strip is provided with at least one pair of vortex generators. A tube is rotated and linearly displaced while the continuous fin strip with vortex generators is spirally wrapped around the tube.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Monohar S. Sohal, James E. O'Brien