Patents Assigned to BNNT, LLC
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Patent number: 10494260Abstract: In the synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) via high temperature, high pressure methods, a boron feedstock may be elevated above its melting point in a nitrogen environment at an elevated pressure. Methods and apparatus for supporting the boron feedstock and subsequent boron melt are described that enhance BNNT synthesis. A target holder having a boron nitride interface layer thermally insulates the target holder from the boron melt. Using one or more lasers as a heat source, mirrors may be positioned to reflect and control the distribution of heat in the chamber. The flow of nitrogen gas in the chamber may be heated and controlled through heating elements and flow control baffles to enhance BNNT formation. Cooling systems and baffle elements may provide additional control of the BNNT production process.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2019Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. Smith, Kevin C. Jordan, Jonathan C. Stevens, R. Roy Whitney
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Patent number: 10442691Abstract: High quality, catalyst-free boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) that are long, flexible, have few wall molecules and few defects in the crystalline structure, can be efficiently produced by a process driven primarily by Direct Induction. Secondary Direct Induction coils, Direct Current heaters, lasers, and electric arcs can provide additional heating to tailor the processes and enhance the quality of the BN-NTs while reducing impurities. Heating the initial boron feed stock to temperatures causing it to act as an electrical conductor can be achieved by including refractory metals in the initial boron feed stock, or providing additional heat via lasers or electric arcs. Direct Induction processes may be energy efficient and sustainable for indefinite periods of time. Careful heat and gas flow profile management may be used to enhance production of high quality BNNT at significant production rates.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. Smith, Kevin C. Jordan, Jonathan C. Stevens, R. Roy Whitney
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Patent number: 10444384Abstract: Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with 10B combined with a scintillation gas can serve as the basis for detecting thermal neutrons by detecting light from the decay products of the thermal neutron's absorption on the 10B atoms in the BNNT Material as the resultant decay products pass through the scintillating gas. BNNTs with 11B can be utilized as a scaffold for 238U and combined with a scintillation gas as the basis for detecting fast neutrons via detecting light from the fission decay products passing through the scintillating gas. Both technologies provide high spatial and temporal resolution for the detection of thermal neutrons and fast neutrons respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: Kevin C. Jordan, R. Roy Whitney
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Patent number: 10343908Abstract: Described herein are processes and apparatus for the large-scale synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) by induction-coupled plasma (ICP). A boron-containing feedstock may be heated by ICP in the presence of nitrogen gas at an elevated pressure, to form vaporized boron. The vaporized boron may be cooled to form boron droplets, such as nanodroplets. Cooling may take place using a condenser, for example. BNNTs may then form downstream and can be harvested.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. Smith, Jonathan C. Stevens, Kevin C. Jordan
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Publication number: 20190198418Abstract: Aligned high quality boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) can be incorporated into groups and bundles and placed in electronic and electrical components (ECs) to enhance the heat removal and diminish the heat production. High quality BNNTs are excellent conductors of heat at the nano scale. High quality BNNTs are electrically insulating and can reduce dielectric heating. The BNNTs composite well with a broad range of ceramics, metals, polymers, epoxies and thermal greases thereby providing great flexibility in the design of ECs with improved thermal management. Controlling the alignment of the BNNTs both with respect to each other and the surfaces and layers of the ECs provides the preferred embodiments for ECs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2018Publication date: June 27, 2019Applicant: BNNT, LLCInventors: R. Roy Whitney, Kevin C. Jordan, Michael W. Smith, Jonathan C. Stevens
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Patent number: 10294106Abstract: In the synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) via high temperature, high pressure methods, a boron feedstock may be elevated above its melting point in a nitrogen environment at an elevated pressure. Methods and apparatus for supporting the boron feedstock and subsequent boron melt are described that enhance BNNT synthesis. A target holder having a boron nitride interface layer thermally insulates the target holder from the boron melt. Using one or more lasers as a heat source, mirrors may be positioned to reflect and control the distribution of heat in the chamber. The flow of nitrogen gas in the chamber may be heated and controlled through heating elements and flow control baffles to enhance BNNT formation. Cooling systems and baffle elements may provide additional control of the BNNT production process.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. Smith, Kevin C. Jordan, Jonathan C. Stevens, R. Roy Whitney
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Publication number: 20190123324Abstract: Thermoresponsive composite switch (TRCS) membranes for ion batteries include a porous scaffolding providing ion channels and a thermoresponsive polymer coating. Boron nitride nanotube (BNNT)/polymer composite TRCS membrane embodiments are preferable due to unique BNNT properties. A BNNT scaffold coated with one or more polymers may form a composite separator with tunable porosity (porosity level and pore size distribution), composition, wettability, and superior electronic isolation, oxidative/reduction resistance, and mechanical strength. The BNNT/polymer composite TRCS membrane optimizes the performance of ion batteries with tunable separator thicknesses that may be under 5 82 ??. Nano-scale porosity with thin separator thicknesses improves the charge density of the battery. Nano-scale architecture allows for reversible localized switching on the nano scale, in proximity to thermally stressed ion substrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2017Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: BNNT, LLCInventors: Thomas G. Dushatinski, Gary S. Huvard, R. Roy Whitney, Kevin C. Jordan, Diego Pedrazzoli, Michael W. Smith, Jonathan C. Stevens
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Publication number: 20190119113Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems, and methods for the continuous production of BNNT fibers, BNNT strands and BNNT initial yarns having few defects and good alignment. BNNTs may be formed by thermally exciting a boron feedstock in a chamber in the presence of pressurized nitrogen. BNNTs are encouraged to self-assemble into aligned BNNT fibers in a growth zone, and form BNNT strands and BNNT initial yarns, through various combinations of nitrogen gas flow direction and velocities, heat source distribution, temperature gradients, and chamber geometries.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2018Publication date: April 25, 2019Applicant: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. SMITH, Jonathan C. STEVENS, Kevin C. JORDAN, R. Roy WHITNEY
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Patent number: 10167195Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems, and methods for the continuous production of BNNT fibers, BNNT strands and BNNT initial yarns having few defects and good alignment. BNNTs may be formed by thermally exciting a boron feedstock in a chamber in the presence of pressurized nitrogen. BNNTs are encouraged to self-assemble into aligned BNNT fibers in a growth zone, and form BNNT strands and BNNT initial yarns, through various combinations of nitrogen gas flow direction and velocities, heat source distribution, temperature gradients, and chamber geometries.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. Smith, Jonathan C. Stevens, Kevin C. Jordan, R. Roy Whitney
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Publication number: 20180348384Abstract: Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) with 10B combined with a scintillation gas can serve as the basis for detecting thermal neutrons by detecting light from the decay products of the thermal neutron's absorption on the 10B atoms in the BNNT Material as the resultant decay products pass through the scintillating gas. BN-NTs with 11B can be utilized as a scaffold for 238U and combined with a scintillation gas as the basis for detecting fast neutrons via detecting light from the fission decay products passing through the scintillating gas. Both technologies provide high spatial and temporal resolution for the detection of thermal neutrons and fast neutrons respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2016Publication date: December 6, 2018Applicant: BNNT, LLCInventors: Kevin C. Jordan, R. Roy Whitney
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Patent number: 10083890Abstract: Aligned high quality boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) can be incorporated into groups and bundles and placed in electronic and electrical components (ECs) to enhance the heat removal and diminish the heat production. High quality BNNTs are excellent conductors of heat at the nano scale. High quality BNNTs are electrically insulating and can reduce dielectric heating. The BNNTs composite well with a broad range of ceramics, metals, polymers, epoxies and thermal greases thereby providing great flexibility in the design of ECs with improved thermal management. Controlling the alignment of the BNNTs both with respect to each other and the surfaces and layers of the ECs provides the preferred embodiments for ECs.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2015Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: R. Roy Whitney, Kevin C. Jordan, Michael W. Smith, Jonathan C. Stevens
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Patent number: 10035705Abstract: Described herein are processes and apparatus for the large-scale synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) by induction-coupled plasma (ICP). A boron-containing feedstock may be heated by ICP in the presence of nitrogen gas at an elevated pressure, to form vaporized boron. The vaporized boron may be cooled to form boron droplets, such as nanodroplets. Cooling may take place using a condenser, for example. BNNTs may then form downstream and can be harvested.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. Smith, Kevin C. Jordan, Jonathan C. Stevens
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Publication number: 20180155196Abstract: High quality, catalyst-free boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) that are long, flexible, have few wall molecules and few defects in the crystalline structure, can be efficiently produced by a process driven primarily by Direct Induction. Secondary Direct Induction coils, Direct Current heaters, lasers, and electric arcs can provide additional heating to tailor the processes and enhance the quality of the BN-NTs while reducing impurities. Heating the initial boron feed stock to temperatures causing it to act as an electrical conductor can be achieved by including refractory metals in the initial boron feed stock, or providing additional heat via lasers or electric arcs. Direct Induction processes may be energy efficient and sustainable for indefinite periods of time. Careful heat and gas flow profile management may be used to enhance production of high quality BNNT at significant production rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2016Publication date: June 7, 2018Applicant: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. SMITH, Kevin C. JORDAN, Jonathan C. STEVENS, R. Roy WHITNEY
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Publication number: 20180029885Abstract: Described herein are processes and apparatus for the large-scale synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) by induction-coupled plasma (ICP). A boron-containing feedstock may be heated by ICP in the presence of nitrogen gas at an elevated pressure, to form vaporized boron. The vaporized boron may be cooled to form boron droplets, such as nanodroplets. Cooling may take place using a condenser, for example. BNNTs may then form downstream and can be harvested.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2017Publication date: February 1, 2018Applicant: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. SMITH, Kevin C. JORDAN, Jonathan C. Stevens
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Publication number: 20170352606Abstract: Aligned high quality boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) can be incorporated into groups and bundles and placed in electronic and electrical components (ECs) to enhance the heat removal and diminish the heat production. High quality BNNTs are excellent conductors of heat at the nano scale. High quality BNNTs are electrically insulating and can reduce dielectric heating. The BNNTs composite well with a broad range of ceramics, metals, polymers, epoxies and thermal greases thereby providing great flexibility in the design of ECs with improved thermal management. Controlling the alignment of the BNNTs both with respect to each other and the surfaces and layers of the ECs provides the preferred embodiments for ECs.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2015Publication date: December 7, 2017Applicant: BNNT, LLCInventors: R. ROY WHITNEY, KEVIN C. JORDAN, MICHAEL W. SMITH, JONATHAN C. STEVENS
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Patent number: 9776865Abstract: Described herein are processes and apparatus for the large-scale synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) by induction-coupled plasma (ICP). A boron-containing feedstock may be heated by ICP in the presence of nitrogen gas at an elevated pressure, to form vaporized boron. The vaporized boron may be cooled to form boron droplets, such as nanodroplets. Cooling may take place using a condenser, for example. BNNTs may then form downstream and can be harvested.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. Smith, Kevin C. Jordan, Jonathan C. Stevens
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Patent number: 9745192Abstract: In the synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) via high temperature, high pressure methods, a boron feedstock may be elevated above its melting point in a nitrogen environment at an elevated pressure. Methods and apparatus for supporting the boron feedstock and subsequent boron melt are described that enhance BNNT synthesis. A target holder having a boron nitride interface layer thermally insulates the target holder from the boron melt. Using one or more lasers as a heat source, mirrors may be positioned to reflect and control the distribution of heat in the chamber. The flow of nitrogen gas in the chamber may be heated and controlled through heating elements and flow control baffles to enhance BNNT formation. Cooling systems and baffle elements may provide additional control of the BNNT production process.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. Smith, Kevin C. Jordan, Jonathan C. Stevens, R. Roy Whitney
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Publication number: 20170044016Abstract: Described herein are apparatus, systems, and methods for the continuous production of BNNT fibers, BNNT strands and BNNT initial yarns having few defects and good alignment. BNNTs may be formed by thermally exciting a boron feedstock in a chamber in the presence of pressurized nitrogen. BNNTs are encouraged to self-assemble into aligned BNNT fibers in a growth zone, and form BNNT strands and BNNT initial yarns, through various combinations of nitrogen gas flow direction and velocities, heat source distribution, temperature gradients, and chamber geometries.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2015Publication date: February 16, 2017Applicant: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. SMITH, Jonathan C. STEVENS, Kevin C. JORDAN, R. Roy WHITNEY
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Patent number: 9463433Abstract: A cryosorber panel having nanomaterials used for the cryosorption material, with nanomaterial either grown directly on the cryopanel or freestanding nanomaterials attached to the cryopanel mechanically without the use of adhesives. Such nanomaterial cryosorber materials can be used in place of conventional charcoals that are attached to cryosorber panels with special low outgassing, low temperature capable adhesives. Carbon nanotubes and other nanomaterials could serve the same purpose as conventional charcoal cryosorbers, providing a large surface area for cryosorption without the need for adhesive since the nanomaterials can be grown directly on a metallic substrate or mechanically attached. The nanomaterials would be capable of being fully baked by heating above 100° C.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2014Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignees: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLC, BNNT, LLCInventors: Marcy Stutzman, Kevin Jordan, R. Roy Whitney
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Publication number: 20160272496Abstract: Described herein are processes and apparatus for the large-scale synthesis of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) by induction-coupled plasma (ICP). A boron-containing feedstock may be heated by ICP in the presence of nitrogen gas at an elevated pressure, to form vaporized boron. The vaporized boron may be cooled to form boron droplets, such as nanodroplets. Cooling may take place using a condenser, for example. BNNTs may then form downstream and can be harvested.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2014Publication date: September 22, 2016Applicant: BNNT, LLCInventors: Michael W. SMITH, Jonathan C. STEVENS, Kevin C. JORDAN