Patents by Inventor William L. Bourcier

William L. Bourcier 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: 20220193596
    Abstract: A composite material for gas capture including CO2 capture and capture of other gases. The composite material includes solid or liquid reactive material, filler material, and a gas-permeable polymer coating such that the reactive material forms micron-scale domains in the filler material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Du T. Nguyen, Sarah E. Baker, William L. Bourcier, Joshua K. Stolaroff, Congwang Ye, Maxwell R. Murialdo, Maira R. Cerón Hernández, Jennifer M. Knipe
  • Patent number: 11305226
    Abstract: A composite material for gas capture including CO2 capture and capture of other gases. The composite material includes solid or liquid reactive material, filler material, and a gas-permeable polymer coating such that the reactive material forms micron-scale domains in the filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Du T. Nguyen, Sarah E. Baker, William L. Bourcier, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, Congwang Ye, Maxwell R. Murialdo, Maira R. Cerón Hernández, Jennifer M. Knipe
  • Patent number: 11148114
    Abstract: A composite material for gas capture, notably CO2 capture and storage. The composite material includes a mixture of a solid or liquid reactive filler and a gas-permeable polymer such that the reactive filler forms micron-scale domains in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Du T. Nguyen, Roger D. Aines, Sarah E. Baker, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, James S. Oakdale, Megan M. Smith, William L. Smith, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, Congwang Ye
  • Patent number: 11117091
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a target substance from a fluid or mixture. Capsules having a coating and stripping solvents encapsulated in the capsules are provided. The coating is permeable to the target substance. The capsules having a coating and stripping solvents encapsulated in the capsules are exposed to the fluid or mixture. The target substance migrates through the coating and is taken up by the stripping solvents. The target substance is separated from the fluid or mixture by driving off the target substance from the capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, William L. Bourcier, Jennifer A. Lewis, Eric B. Duoss, John J. Vericella
  • Patent number: 10538990
    Abstract: A system for blocking fast flow paths in geological formations includes preparing a solution of colloidal silica having a nonviscous phase and a solid gel phase. The solution of colloidal silica is injected into the geological formations while the solution of colloidal silica is in the nonviscous phase. The solution of colloidal silica is directed into the fast flow paths and reaches the solid gel phase in the fast flow paths thereby blocking flow of fluid in the fast paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: William L. Bourcier, Sarah K. Roberts, Jeffery J. Roberts, Souheil M. Ezzedine, Jonathan D. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20190240611
    Abstract: A composite material for gas capture including CO2 capture and capture of other gases. The composite material includes solid or liquid reactive material, filler material, and a gas-permeable polymer coating such that the reactive material forms micron-scale domains in the filler material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Du T. Nguyen, Sarah E. Baker, William L. Bourcier, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, Congwang Ye, Maxwell R. Murialdo, Maira R. Cerón Hernández, Jennifer M. Knipe
  • Publication number: 20190232247
    Abstract: A composite material for gas capture, notably CO2 capture and storage. The composite material includes a mixture of a solid or liquid reactive filler and a gas permeable polymer such that the reactive filler forms micron-scale domains in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Publication date: August 1, 2019
    Inventors: Du T. Nguyen, Roger D. Aines, Sarah E. Baker, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, James S. Oakdale, Megan M. Smith, William L. Smith, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, Congwang Ye
  • Patent number: 10300430
    Abstract: A composite material for gas capture, notably CO2 capture and storage. The composite material includes a mixture of a solid or liquid reactive filler and a gas-permeable polymer such that the reactive filler forms micron-scale domains in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Du T. Nguyen, Roger D. Aines, Sarah E. Baker, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, James S. Oakdale, Megan M. Smith, William L. Smith, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, Congwang Ye
  • Patent number: 10183251
    Abstract: A permeable microcapsule embedded fabric acts as a sorbent that creates mold-able, variable geometry fabrics for static or dynamic use. The fabric is composed of micro encapsulated solvent spheres held together by structural members. The fabric provides an excellent means to absorb and separate gases and/or liquids, particularly to separate carbon dioxide from flue gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, John J. Vericella
  • Publication number: 20180318755
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a target substance from a fluid or mixture. Capsules having a coating and stripping solvents encapsulated in the capsules are provided. The coating is permeable to the target substance. The capsules having a coating and stripping solvents encapsulated in the capsules are exposed to the fluid or mixture. The target substance migrates through the coating and is taken up by the stripping solvents. The target substance is separated from the fluid or mixture by driving off the target substance from the capsules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, William L. Bourcier, Jennifer A. Lewis, Eric B. Duoss, John J. Vericella
  • Publication number: 20180272268
    Abstract: A composite material for gas capture, notably CO2 capture and storage. The composite material includes a mixture of a solid or liquid reactive filler and a gas-permeable polymer such that the reactive filler forms micron-scale domains in the polymer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Du T. Nguyen, Roger D. Aines, Sarah E. Baker, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, James S. Oakdale, Megan M. Smith, William L. Smith, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, Congwang Ye
  • Publication number: 20180272273
    Abstract: A permeable microcapsule embedded fabric acts as a sorbent that creates mold-able, variable geometry fabrics for static or dynamic use. The fabric is composed of micro encapsulated solvent spheres held together by structural members. The fabric provides an excellent means to absorb and separate gases and/or liquids, particularly to separate carbon dioxide from flue gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, John J. Vericella
  • Publication number: 20180208826
    Abstract: A system for blocking fast flow paths in geological formations includes preparing a solution of colloidal silica having a nonviscous phase and a solid gel phase. The solution of colloidal silica is injected into the geological formations while the solution of colloidal silica is in the nonviscous phase. The solution of colloidal silica is directed into the fast flow paths and reaches the solid gel phase in the fast flow paths thereby blocking flow of fluid in the fast paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2018
    Publication date: July 26, 2018
    Inventors: William L. Bourcier, Sarah K. Roberts, Jeffery J. Roberts, Souheil M. Ezzedine, Jonathan D. Hunt
  • Patent number: 10029206
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating a target substance from a fluid or mixture. Capsules having a coating and stripping solvents encapsulated in the capsules are provided. The coating is permeable to the target substance. The capsules having a coating and stripping solvents encapsulated in the capsules are exposed to the fluid or mixture. The target substance migrates through the coating and is taken up by the stripping solvents. The target substance is separated from the fluid or mixture by driving off the target substance from the capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, William L. Bourcier, Jennifer A. Lewis, Eric B. Duoss, John J. Vericella
  • Patent number: 9909052
    Abstract: A system for blocking fast flow paths in geological formations includes preparing a solution of colloidal silica having a nonviscous phase and a solid gel phase. The solution of colloidal silica is injected into the geological formations while the solution of colloidal silica is in the nonviscous phase. The solution of colloidal silica is directed into the fast flow paths and reaches the solid gel phase in the fast flow paths thereby blocking flow of fluid in the fast paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: William L. Bourcier, Sarah K. Roberts, Jeffery J. Roberts, Souheil M. Ezzedine, Jonathan D. Hunt
  • Patent number: 9879175
    Abstract: A capsule for carrying a proppant for emplaced in a formation containing formation fluid by a hydraulic fracture operation using a fracturing fluid. The capsule includes a capsule body. The capsule body includes a proppant. There is a surface layer on the capsule body that is permeable to the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or is permeable to both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid. The proppant material is dry cement that interacts with the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid that migrate through the surface layer and is taken up by the dry cement causing the dry cement to harden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, Jeffery James Roberts, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Joshuah K. Stolaroff
  • Patent number: 9862880
    Abstract: A capsule for carrying a proppant for emplaced in a formation containing formation fluid by a hydraulic fracture operation using a fracturing fluid. The capsule includes a capsule body. The capsule body includes a proppant. There is a surface layer on the capsule body that is permeable to the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or is permeable to both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid. The proppant material is dry cement that interacts with the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid that migrate through the surface layer and is taken up by the dry cement causing the dry cement to harden.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, Jeffery James Roberts, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Joshuah K Stolaroff
  • Patent number: 9821287
    Abstract: Encapsulated solids are made by first encapsulating precursor materials in a polymer shell. The precursors are some combination of solids, liquids, gases, and/or gels. The precursors are then transformed into solids by emplacement of the capsule in an environment where gas or fluid transport into or out of the polymer shell causes transformation into solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: William L. Bourcier, Roger D. Aines, Sarah E. Baker, Eric B. Duoss, Amitesh Maiti, Jeffery J. Roberts, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Joshuah K. Stolaroff, John J. Vericella, Jennifer A. Lewis, James O. Hardin, IV, William C. Floyd, III
  • Patent number: 9593552
    Abstract: A system for cementing a wellbore penetrating an earth formation into which a pipe extends. A cement material is positioned in the space between the wellbore and the pipe by circulated capsules containing the cement material through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The capsules contain the cementing material encapsulated in a shell. The capsules are added to a fluid and the fluid with capsules is circulated through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The shell is breached once the capsules contain the cementing material are in position in the space between the wellbore and the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Apache Corporation
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, William C. Floyd, III, Christopher M. Spadaccini, John J. Vericella, Kenneth Michael Cowan
  • Publication number: 20160356119
    Abstract: A system for cementing a wellbore penetrating an earth formation into which a pipe extends. A cement material is positioned in the space between the wellbore and the pipe by circulated capsules containing the cement material through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The capsules contain the cementing material encapsulated in a shell. The capsules are added to a fluid and the fluid with capsules is circulated through the pipe into the space between the wellbore and the pipe. The shell is breached once the capsules contain the cementing material are in position in the space between the wellbore and the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Roger D. Aines, William L. Bourcier, Eric B. Duoss, William C. Floyd, III, Christopher M. Spadaccini, John J. Vericella, Kenneth Michael Cowan