Patents Assigned to Ceramatec, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9240605
    Abstract: A reformer is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a channel to convey a preheated plurality of reactants containing both a feedstock fuel and an oxidant. A plasma generator is provided to apply an electrical potential to the reactants sufficient to ionize one or more of the reactants. These ionized reactants are then conveyed to a reaction zone where they are chemically transformed into synthesis gas containing a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A heat transfer mechanism is used to transfer heat from an external heat source to the reformer to provide the heat of reformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph J Hartvigsen, Elangovan, Piotr Czernichowski, Michele Hollist, Michael Boettcher
  • Patent number: 9222148
    Abstract: A method for recovering and extracting lithium from a feed liquid that may have a mixture of lithium and non-lithium salts present in the feed liquid. Salts of varying solubility are precipitated out of the feed liquid using water evaporation or other techniques. Pure lithium hydroxide is obtained using electrolysis or electro-dialysis processes in combination with a lithium ion selective inorganic membrane such as LiSICON. The negative effect of sodium and potassium on the lithium ion selective inorganic membrane is reduced by reversing the polarity of the current placed across the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: John Howard Gordon, Sai Bhavaraju
  • Patent number: 9206515
    Abstract: A method that produces coupled radical products. The method involves obtaining a sodium salt of a sulfonic acid (R—SO3—Na). The alkali metal salt is then used in an anolyte as part of an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell may include an alkali ion conducting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). When the cell is operated, the alkali metal salt of the sulfonic acid desulfoxylates and forms radicals. Such radicals are then bonded to other radicals, thereby producing a coupled radical product such as a hydrocarbon. The produced hydrocarbon may be, for example, saturated, unsaturated, branched, or unbranched, depending upon the starting material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Justin Pendleton
  • Patent number: 9209445
    Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride (hydrogen) hybrid storage battery comprising a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide, a combination negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage alloy electrode and a reversible hydrogen electrode, an alkaline electrolyte, and an alkali conducting separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The alkali conducting separator may be a substantially non-porous ion conducting material wherein the alkali conducted is Na, K, or Li. A method of charging and discharging such a hybrid battery is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, John Howard Gordon, Sai Bhavaraja
  • Patent number: 9199215
    Abstract: A Fischer Tropsch (“FT”) reactor includes at least one FT tube. The FT tube may include a catalyst that is designed to catalyze an FT reaction, thereby creating a hydrocarbon from syngas. The FT reactor also includes a primary cooling fluid flow path that extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the FT tube. A secondary cooling fluid flow path extends in a direction that is different than the direction of the primary cooling fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hartvigsen, S. Elangovan, Lyman Joseph Frost
  • Patent number: 9162935
    Abstract: A Fischer Tropsch (“FT”) unit includes at least one FT reactor tube. The FT reactor tube is configured to convert syngas into one or more hydrocarbon products. Inside the tube is a nano-sized catalyst particles dispersed in a micro-fibrous substrate. The FT reactor tube may be positioned within a cooling block that may be made of aluminum or another metal. The cooling block includes an aperture, wherein the FT reactor tube is housed within the aperture. At least one cooling channel is located on the cooling block. The cooling channel houses at least one cooling tube that is designed to dissipate the heat produced by the FT reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hartvigsen, S. Elangovan, Lyman Joseph Frost
  • Patent number: 9157689
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a heat transfer structure configured to be disposed at least partially within an enclosure of a fixed bed reactor and operable to transfer heat from a heat source to a heat sink. The heat transfer structure includes a plurality of fins each fin including a first end and a second end, the first end contacting an inner surface of the enclosure of the fixed bed reactor, the second end at least partially enclosed within the enclosure of the fixed bed reactor. A path of at least one of the plurality of fins comprises the shortest possible length between the first end of the at least one of the plurality of fins and the second end of the at least one of the plurality of fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Hartvigsen
  • Patent number: 9073787
    Abstract: The present invention provides a ceramic to ceramic joint and methods for making such a joint. Generally, the joint includes a first ceramic part and a second ceramic part, wherein the first and second ceramic parts each include a ceramic-carbide or a ceramic-nitride material. In some cases, an aluminum-initiated joint region joins the first and second ceramic parts. This joint region typically includes chemical species from the first and second ceramic parts that have diffused into the joint region. Additionally, the first and second ceramic parts each typically include a joint diffusion zone that is disposed adjacent to the joint region and which includes aluminum species from the joint region that have diffused into the joint diffusion zone. Other implementations are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Fellows Joseph, Merrill Wilson
  • Patent number: 9057137
    Abstract: A method for producing and recovering a carboxylic acid in an electrolysis cell. The electrolysis cell is a multi-compartment electrolysis cell. The multi-compartment electrolysis cell includes an anodic compartment, a cathodic compartment, and a solid alkali ion transporting membrane (such as a NaSICON membrane). An anolyte is added to the anodic compartment. The anolyte comprises an alkali salt of a carboxylic acid, a first solvent, and a second solvent. The alkali salt of the carboxylic acid is partitioned into the first solvent. The anolyte is then electrolyzed to produce a carboxylic acid, wherein the produced carboxylic acid is partitioned into the second solvent. The second solvent may then be separated from the first solvent and the produced carboxylic acid may be recovered from the second solvent. The first solvent may be water and the second solvent may be an organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Kean Duffey
  • Patent number: 9051656
    Abstract: An aryl-alkyl (R—Ar) hydrocarbon is prepared by an electrosynthesis process in an electrolytic cell having an alkali ion conductive membrane positioned between an anolyte compartment configured with an anode and a catholyte compartment configured with a cathode. An anolyte solution containing an alkali metal salt of an alkyl carboxylic acid and an aryl compound is introduced into the anolyte compartment. The aryl compound may include an alkali metal salt of an aryl carboxylic acid, an arene (aromatic) hydrocarbon, or an aryl alkali metal adduct (Ar?M+). The anolyte solution undergoes electrolytic decarboxylation to form an alkyl radical. The alkyl radical reacts with the aryl compound to produce the aryl-alkyl hydrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Mukund Karanjikar, Pallavi Chitta
  • Patent number: 9039918
    Abstract: Lithium-ion-conducting ceramic materials are disclosed having characteristics of high lithium-ion conductivity at low temperatures, good current efficiency, and stability in water and corrosive media under static and electrochemical conditions. Some general formulas for the lithium-ion-conducting materials include MI1+x+z??MIIIxMIVayMIVb2?x?yMVzP3?zO12 and MI1+x+4z??MIIIxMIVayMIVb2?x?y?zP3O12, wherein MI comprises Li, Na, or mixtures thereof; 0.05<x<0.5, 0.05<y<2, 0?z<3, and 0??<0.5; MIII comprises Al, Hf, Sc, Y, La, or mixtures thereof; MIVa comprises Zr, Ge, Sn, or mixtures thereof; MIVb comprises Ti; and MV comprises Si, Ge, Sn, or mixtures thereof. In some cases, the lithium-ion conducting materials are formed through a process in which the materials' powdered precursors are milled after being calcined and before being sintered. The milling process may include using milling media of multiple sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Shekar Balagopal, Roger Marc Flinders, Spencer Jackman
  • Patent number: 9017437
    Abstract: A method of forming a synthesis gas utilizing a reformer is disclosed. The method utilizes a reformer that includes a plasma zone to receive a pre-heated mixture of reactants and ionize the reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto. A first thermally conductive surface surrounds the plasma zone and is configured to transfer heat from an external heat source into the plasma zone. The reformer further includes a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A second thermally conductive surface surrounds the reaction zone and is configured to transfer heat from the external heat source into the reaction zone. The first thermally conductive surface and second thermally conductive surface are both directly exposed to the external heat source. A corresponding apparatus and system are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hartvigsen, S. Elangovan, Piotr Czernichowski, Michele Hollist
  • Patent number: 9011788
    Abstract: A Fischer Tropsch (“FT”) unit that includes an FT tube that is packed with a catalyst. The catalyst is designed to catalyze an FT reaction to produce a hydrocarbon. An insert that is positioned within the FT tube. The insert comprises at least one cross-piece that contacts an inner surface of the FT tube and at least one cross-fin extending from the cross-piece. There may be a corresponding second cross-fin adjacent each cross-fin. Both the cross-fins and the second cross-fins may be disposed radially outwardly such that the edge of the cross-fins are closer to the inner surface of the FT tube than is the base of the cross-fins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hartvigsen, S. Elangovan, Lyman Joseph Frost
  • Patent number: 9011650
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cation-conductive ceramic membrane and an acidic anolyte. Generally, the cell includes a catholyte compartment and an anolyte compartment that are separated by a cation-conductive membrane. While the catholyte compartment houses a primary cathode, the anolyte compartment houses an anode and a secondary cathode. In some cases, a current is passed through the electrodes to cause the secondary cathode to evolve hydrogen gas. In other cases, a current is passed between the electrodes to cause the secondary cathode to evolve hydroxyl ions and hydrogen gas. In still other cases, hydrogen peroxide is channeled between the secondary cathode and the membrane to form hydroxyl ions. In yet other cases, the cell includes a diffusion membrane disposed between the secondary cathode and the anode. In each of the aforementioned cases, the cell functions to maintain the pH of a fluid contacting the membrane at an acceptably high level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc
    Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Ashok V. Joshi
  • Patent number: 8986520
    Abstract: An apparatus for administering a therapeutic is provided. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes an ozone generator for producing therapeutic oxygen-ozone mixture. The generator includes an electrochemical cell configured to communicate with an accumulator having an anode, a cathode and a power supply in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode. The power supply is configured to create an electric current between the anode and the cathode such that water in the electrochemical cell electrolyzes to produce ozone and oxygen at the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, James Steppan, Jesse Nachlas, Kieran Murphy
  • Patent number: 8968902
    Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a liquid positive electrode solution, and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrode solution. In such cases, the electrolyte membrane can comprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, a NaSICON membrane. Furthermore, in such cases, the liquid positive electrode solution can comprise any suitable positive electrode solution, including, but not limited to, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Generally, when the cell functions, the sodium negative electrode is molten and in contact with the electrolyte membrane. Additionally, the cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 170° C. Indeed, in some instances, the molten sodium secondary cell is functional between about 110° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Grover Coors, Chett Boxley, Mathew Robins, Alexis Eccleston
  • Patent number: 8961625
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing the yield and purity of hydrogen when reforming hydrocarbons is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including receiving a hydrocarbon feedstock fuel (e.g., methane, vaporized methanol, natural gas, vaporized diesel, etc.) and steam at a reaction zone and reacting the hydrocarbon feedstock fuel and steam in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is selectively removed from the reaction zone while the reaction is occurring by selectively diffusing the hydrogen gas through a porous ceramic membrane. The selective removal of hydrogen changes the equilibrium of the reaction and increases the amount of hydrogen that is extracted from the hydrocarbon feedstock fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hartvigsen, Balakrishnan G. Nair, Merrill Wilson, Akash Akash
  • Publication number: 20150044588
    Abstract: A reformer is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a channel to convey a preheated plurality of reactants containing both a feedstock fuel and an oxidant. A plasma generator is provided to apply an electrical potential to the reactants sufficient to ionize one or more of the reactants. These ionized reactants are then conveyed to a reaction zone where they are chemically transformed into synthesis gas containing a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A heat transfer mechanism is used to transfer heat from an external heat source to the reformer to provide the heat of reformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J, Hartvigsen, Elangovan, Piotr Czernichowski, Michele Hollist, Michael Boettcher
  • Patent number: 8916123
    Abstract: Ammonia is synthesized using electrochemical and non-electrochemical reactions. The electrochemical reactions occur in an electrolytic cell having a lithium ion conductive membrane that divides the electrochemical cell into an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment. The catholyte compartment includes a porous cathode closely associated with the lithium ion conductive membrane. The overall electrochemical reaction is: 6LiOH+N2?Li3N (s)+3H2O+3/2O2. The nitrogen may be produced by a nitrogen generator. The non-electrochemical reaction involves reacting lithium nitride with water and/or steam as follows: Li3N (s)+3H2O?3LiOH+NH3 (g). The ammonia is vented and collected. The lithium hydroxide is preferably recycled and introduced into the anolyte compartment. The electrolytic cell is shut down prior to reacting the lithium nitride with water. The cathode is preferably dried prior to start up of the electrolytic cell and electrolyzing Li+ and N2 at the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, Sai Bhavaraju
  • Patent number: 8916731
    Abstract: A dialkyl or diaryl ether is produced by reacting carbon dioxide with a metal alcoholate having the formula, M(RO)x, where “M” is a Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 metal; “x” is the valence of the metal M; “R” is a C1 to C6 lower alkyl or aryl, wherein the reaction produces a dialkyl or diaryl ether having a formula, R—O—R, and a metal carbonate having a formula M2CO3 where M is a Group 1 metal, MCO3 where M is a Group 2 metal, and M2(CO3)3 where M is a Group 3 metal. The metal carbonate may be removed by conventional means, such as filtration. The dialkyl or diaryl ether may be recovered and used as a fuel, fuel additive, propellant, or building block for other fuels or petrochemicals. In some cases the metal alcoholate is in an alcohol solution and the alcohol and metal carbonate are recycled to regenerate the metal alcoholate. A specific example of dimethyl ether production is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Pendleton, Sai Bhavaraju