Patents by Inventor James J. Steppan

James J. Steppan 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).

  • Publication number: 20190194529
    Abstract: A delivery vehicle is used in a smart proppant platform technology. The delivery vehicle includes a porous substrate and an active agent that interacts with at least one constituent in an operating environment of a target location in which the delivery vehicle is deployed. The active agent changes physical or chemical characteristics of the constituent to facilitate a beneficial effect. A non-polymeric encapsulating coating is maintained until the delivery vehicle reaches the target location, wherein the operating environment of the target location causes the encapsulating coating to dissolve and release the active agent into the operating environment of the target location to facilitate the beneficial effect. In one disclosed example, the proppant is designed to maintain the opening of a hydraulically induced fracture in a subterranean formation, while also allowing for the controlled delivery of active agents. It may be used to enhance the recovery of oils and gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Kyu-Bum Han, James J. Steppan, Balakrishnan Nair, John McLennan, Taylor D. Sparks
  • Patent number: 10039850
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to devices and methods for sterilizing equipment. More particularly, one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure are directed to portable devices for sterilizing medical equipment in emergency situations. The sterilization devices and method of the present disclosure address an unmet need for sterilizing surgical equipment in a manner that is not only effective and time-efficient, but is also portable and reliable enough to use in emergency medical situations in remote locations where modern sterilization equipment is not available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: STERIO3, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel S. Taggart, Jessica I. McKelvie, James J. Steppan, Thomas R. Hinklin, Chett J. Boxley
  • Publication number: 20170304476
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to devices and methods for sterilizing equipment. More particularly, one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure are directed to portable devices for sterilizing medical equipment in emergency situations. The sterilization devices and method of the present disclosure address an unmet need for sterilizing surgical equipment in a manner that is not only effective and time-efficient, but is also portable and reliable enough to use in emergency medical situations in remote locations where modern sterilization equipment is not available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Daniel S. Taggart, Jessica I. McKelvie, James J. Steppan, Thomas R. Hinklin, Chett J. Boxley
  • Patent number: 4770031
    Abstract: An apparatus for establishing a flow of fluid mass, such as gas, having steady uniform flow at a test section area of the closed loop chamber. The chamber provides a constant and reproducible atmosphere in which the rates of electrolytic metal migration and corrosion can be determined as a function of pollutant concentration and humidity content velocity. The overall length to diameter ratio (L/D) of the chamber is reduced in comparison to conventional chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: John A. Roth, James J. Steppan, Larry C. Hall, W. Russell Seebaugh