Patents by Inventor Lawrence E. Bronisz
Lawrence E. Bronisz 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: 10480301Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of precursor components (or compositions thereof) that can be combined with one or more additional components (or compositions thereof) to form an explosive composition. The disclosed precursor components (or compositions thereof) can be handled and transported safely to a particular location where they can be mixed with liquid fuel to form an explosive composition. In particular disclosed embodiments, the precursor components (or compositions thereof) can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of an oxidizer component, a metal component, or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan Lee Mace, Bryce C. Tappan, Lawrence E. Bronisz, Jonathan Morgan, Patrick Bowden, Daniel Preston, Gerald J. Seitz, Nathaniel Morgan
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Patent number: 10436005Abstract: Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan L. Mace, Gerald J. Seitz, Lawrence E. Bronisz
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Patent number: 10329890Abstract: An explosive system for fracturing an underground geologic formation adjacent to a wellbore can comprise a plurality of explosive units comprising an explosive material contained within the casing, and detonation control modules electrically coupled to the plurality of explosive units and configured to cause a power pulse to be transmitted to at least one detonator of at least one of the plurality of explosive units for detonation of the explosive material. The explosive units are configured to be positioned within a wellbore in spaced apart positions relative to one another along a string with the detonation control modules positioned adjacent to the plurality of explosive units in the wellbore, such that the axial positions of the explosive units relative to the wellbore are at least partially based on geologic properties of the geologic formation adjacent the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2017Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan L. Mace, Bryce C. Tappan, Gerald J. Seitz, Lawrence E. Bronisz
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Patent number: 10294767Abstract: Explosive devices and assemblies are described herein for use in geologic fracturing. Components of energetic material used in the explosive devices can be initially separated prior to inserting the assembled system down a wellbore, then later combined prior to detonation. Some exemplary explosive units for insertion into a borehole for use in fracturing a geologic formation surrounding the borehole can comprise a casing comprising a body defining an internal chamber, a first component of an explosive positioned within the internal chamber of the casing, and an inlet communicating with the internal chamber through which a second component of the explosive mixture is deliverable into the internal chamber to comprise the explosive.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan Lee Mace, Lawrence E. Bronisz, David W. Steedman, Christopher Robert Bradley
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Patent number: 10273792Abstract: Explosive geologic fracturing methods, devices, and systems can be used in combination with other geologic fracturing means, such as hydraulic fracturing methods, devices and systems, or other fluid-based fracturing means. An exemplary method comprises introducing an explosive system into a wellbore in a geologic formation, detonating the explosive system in the wellbore to fracture at least a first portion of the geologic formation adjacent to the wellbore, and introducing pressurized fluid into the wellbore to enhance the fracturing of the first portion of the geologic formation. Such multi-stage fracturing can further enhance the resulting fracturing of geologic formation relative to explosive fracturing alone.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan Lee Mace, Lawrence E. Bronisz, David W. Steedman, Christopher Robert Bradley
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Patent number: 10246982Abstract: In disclosed explosive units for use in a wellbore, the casing can include a tubular outer body comprising grooves, pockets, or other variances in thickness that create stress concentrations that promote shear and tensile fragmentation instead of ductile expansion of the casing, which can negatively impact permeability of a wellbore. In other embodiments, the casing can comprise non-ductile and/or reactive material which responds to explosive or high temperature loading by brittle failure, disintegration, melting, burning, and/or chemically reacting with the energetic materials and/or the borehole environment. Such embodiments can enhance the permeability of the wellbore after detonation.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2014Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan Lee Mace, Lawrence E. Bronisz, David W. Steedman, Christopher Robert Bradley
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Publication number: 20170198560Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of precursor components (or compositions thereof) that can be combined with one or more additional components (or compositions thereof) to form an explosive composition. The disclosed precursor components (or compositions thereof) can be handled and transported safely to a particular location where they can be mixed with liquid fuel to form an explosive composition. In particular disclosed embodiments, the precursor components (or compositions thereof) can comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of an oxidizer component, a metal component, or combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2015Publication date: July 13, 2017Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan Lee Mace, Bryce C. Tappan, Lawrence E. Bronisz, Jonathan Morgan, Patrick Bowden, Daniel Preston, Gerald J. Seitz, Nathaniel Morgan
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Publication number: 20170138164Abstract: An explosive system for fracturing an underground geologic formation adjacent to a wellbore can comprise a plurality of explosive units comprising an explosive material contained within the casing, and detonation control modules electrically coupled to the plurality of explosive units and configured to cause a power pulse to be transmitted to at least one detonator of at least one of the plurality of explosive units for detonation of the explosive material. The explosive units are configured to be positioned within a wellbore in spaced apart positions relative to one another along a string with the detonation control modules positioned adjacent to the plurality of explosive units in the wellbore, such that the axial positions of the explosive units relative to the wellbore are at least partially based on geologic properties of the geologic formation adjacent the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2017Publication date: May 18, 2017Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan L. Mace, Bryce C. Tappan, Gerald J. Seitz, Lawrence E. Bronisz
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Patent number: 9593924Abstract: An explosive system for fracturing an underground geologic formation adjacent to a wellbore can comprise a plurality of explosive units comprising an explosive material contained within the casing, and detonation control modules electrically coupled to the plurality of explosive units and configured to cause a power pulse to be transmitted to at least one detonator of at least one of the plurality of explosive units for detonation of the explosive material. The explosive units are configured to be positioned within a wellbore in spaced apart positions relative to one another along a string with the detonation control modules positioned adjacent to the plurality of explosive units in the wellbore, such that the axial positions of the explosive units relative to the wellbore are at least partially based on geologic properties of the geologic formation adjacent the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan L. Mace, Bryce C. Tappan, Gerald J. Seitz, Lawrence E. Bronisz
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Publication number: 20170016703Abstract: Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan L. Mace, Gerald J. Seitz, Lawrence E. Bronisz
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Patent number: 9476685Abstract: Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan L. Mace, Gerald J. Seitz, Lawrence E. Bronisz
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Publication number: 20160153271Abstract: Explosive geologic fracturing methods, devices, and systems can be used in combination with other geologic fracturing means, such as hydraulic fracturing methods, devices and systems, or other fluid-based fracturing means. An exemplary method comprises introducing an explosive system into a wellbore in a geologic formation, detonating the explosive system in the wellbore to fracture at least a first portion of the geologic formation adjacent to the wellbore, and introducing pressurized fluid into the wellbore to enhance the fracturing of the first portion of the geologic formation. Such multi-stage fracturing can further enhance the resulting fracturing of a geologic formation relative to explosive fracturing alone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2014Publication date: June 2, 2016Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan Lee Mace, Lawrence E. Bronisz, David W. Steedman, Christopher Robert Bradley
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Publication number: 20160153272Abstract: In disclosed explosive units for use in a wellbore, the casing can include a tubular outer body comprising grooves, pockets, or other variances in thickness that create stress concentrations that promote shear and tensile fragmentation instead of ductile expansion of the casing, which can negatively impact permeability of a wellbore. In other embodiments, the casing can comprise non-ductile and/or reactive material which responds to explosive or high temperature loading by brittle failure, disintegration, melting, burning, and/or chemically reacting with the energetic materials and/or the borehole environment. Such embodiments can enhance the permeability of the wellbore after detonation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2014Publication date: June 2, 2016Applicant: Los Almos National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan Lee Mace, Lawrence E. Bronisz, David W. Steedman, Christopher Robert Brandy
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Publication number: 20160145990Abstract: Explosive devices and assemblies are described herein for use in geologic fracturing. Components of energetic material used in the explosive devices can be initially separated prior to inserting the assembled system down a wellbore, then later combined prior to detonation. Some exemplary explosive units for insertion into a borehole for use in fracturing a geologic formation surrounding the borehole can comprise a casing comprising a body defining an internal chamber, a first component of an explosive positioned within the internal chamber of the casing, and an inlet communicating with the internal chamber through which a second component of the explosive mixture is deliverable into the internal chamber to comprise the explosive.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2014Publication date: May 26, 2016Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jonathan Lee Mace, Lawrence E. Bronisz, David W. Steedman, Christopher Robert Bradley
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Publication number: 20140374084Abstract: An explosive system for fracturing an underground geologic formation adjacent to a wellbore can comprise a plurality of explosive units comprising an explosive material contained within the casing, and detonation control modules electrically coupled to the plurality of explosive units and configured to cause a power pulse to be transmitted to at least one detonator of at least one of the plurality of explosive units for detonation of the explosive material. The explosive units are configured to be positioned within a wellbore in spaced apart positions relative to one another along a string with the detonation control modules positioned adjacent to the plurality of explosive units in the wellbore, such that the axial positions of the explosive units relative to the wellbore are at least partially based on geologic properties of the geologic formation adjacent the wellbore.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Jonathan L. Mace, Bryce C. Tappan, Gerald J. Seitz, Lawrence E. Bronisz
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Publication number: 20140366761Abstract: Detonation control modules and detonation control circuits are provided herein. A trigger input signal can cause a detonation control module to trigger a detonator. A detonation control module can include a timing circuit, a light-producing diode such as a laser diode, an optically triggered diode, and a high-voltage capacitor. The trigger input signal can activate the timing circuit. The timing circuit can control activation of the light-producing diode. Activation of the light-producing diode illuminates and activates the optically triggered diode. The optically triggered diode can be coupled between the high-voltage capacitor and the detonator. Activation of the optically triggered diode causes a power pulse to be released from the high-voltage capacitor that triggers the detonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventors: Jonathan L. Mace, Gerald J. Seitz, Lawrence E. Bronisz
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Patent number: 7510641Abstract: A continuous process of forming a highly smooth surface on a metallic tape by passing a metallic tape having an initial roughness through an acid bath contained within a polishing section of an electropolishing unit over a pre-selected period of time, and, passing a mean surface current density of at least 0.18 amperes per square centimeter through the metallic tape during the period of time the metallic tape is in the acid bath whereby the roughness of the metallic tape is reduced. Such a highly smooth metallic tape can serve as a base substrate in subsequent formation of a superconductive coated conductor.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2003Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Sascha Kreiskott, Vladimir Matias, Paul N. Arendt, Stephen R. Foltyn, Lawrence E. Bronisz
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Patent number: 5876671Abstract: A standard laboratory module for automatically producing a solution of cominants from a soil sample. A sonication tip agitates a solution containing the soil sample in a beaker while a stepper motor rotates the sample. An aspirator tube, connected to a vacuum, draws the upper layer of solution from the beaker through a filter and into another beaker. This beaker can thereafter be removed for analysis of the solution. The standard laboratory module encloses an embedded controller providing process control, status feedback information and maintenance procedures for the equipment and operations within the standard laboratory module.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1995Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: The Regents of the University of California office of Technology TransferInventors: Tony Beugelsdijk, Robert M. Hollen, Tracy H. Erkkila, Lawrence E. Bronisz, Jeffrey E. Roybal, Michael Leon Clark