Patents Assigned to QuantumSphere, Inc.
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Patent number: 9272920Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
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Publication number: 20140246816Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing the material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2014Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventor: Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20140242205Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range. A raw material feeder can be configured to feed raw material toward a heater which vaporizes the raw material. The feeder can include a metering device for controlling the flow of raw material toward the heater. A gas source can also be used to cause gas to flow through a portion of the raw material feeder along with the raw material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventor: Ray Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20140072499Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
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Publication number: 20130216921Abstract: A system is provided for delivering energy to an electronic device, where the system comprises a metal-air battery having one or more metal-air cells within a housing, a first surface having at least one air hole therein for permitting the influx of air from the surrounding ambient into the interior of the battery housing for exposure to the one or more cells, and a cover that may be entirely or partially moved relative to the air hole for selectively controlling the exposure of the air hole to the ambient when it is desired to generate energy for discharge to the rechargeable power source. The system may include a carriage for positioning the battery therewithin in a removable and/or repositionable manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2012Publication date: August 22, 2013Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Kevin Maloney, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Patent number: 8500427Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range. A raw material feeder can be configured to feed raw material toward a heater which vaporizes the raw material. The feeder can include a metering device for controlling the flow of raw material toward the heater. A gas source can also be used to cause gas to flow through a portion of the raw material feeder along with the raw material.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc.Inventor: Ray Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20130177664Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing the material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: July 11, 2013Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventor: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
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Publication number: 20120308467Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
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Publication number: 20120267297Abstract: A process for purification of fluids, for example, desalination of seawater or brackish water, using organic solutes in a concentrated water solution for use in a forward osmosis process, to extract fresh water out of salt water through the forward osmosis membrane, and subsequently separating the organic solutes out of the diluted forward osmosis permeate by cloud point extraction, thereby regenerating a concentrated organic solution for recycling to the forward osmosis process, and fresh water for potable water use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventor: Subramanian Iyer
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Patent number: 8211594Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20120100986Abstract: A gas diffusion cathode for electrochemical cells provides higher power capability through the use of nano-particle catalysts. The catalysts comprise nanometer-sized particles of transition metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for oxygen reduction. Cathodes using such catalysts have applications to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air breathing electrochemical systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2012Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Doug Carpenter, Kim McGrath
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Publication number: 20120094216Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
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Publication number: 20120088182Abstract: A catalyst member can comprise nano-scale nickel particles. The catalyst member can be used for a plurality of different uses, for example, electrodes of a fuel cell or an electrolysis device. The nano-scale nickel particles can be sintered or combined in other manners to form the desired shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventor: Ray Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20120087854Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia at mid- to low-pressures using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles . Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a packed bed of supported nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that form the catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventor: R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20120082611Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventor: R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20120082612Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
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Publication number: 20120028163Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: February 2, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20120014073Abstract: A device comprising a substrate with first and second layers is prepared by applying a cellulosic base layer on the substrate followed by a silver nanoparticle coating. The nanoparticle coating is durable and highly electrically conductive. This conductive substrate maybe used for the application of integrated circuitry components, and does not outgas upon application of reflow solder.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: R. Douglas CARPENTER, Christopher William Winn
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Publication number: 20110300471Abstract: An electrode comprising a primary and secondary metal nanoparticle coating on a metallic substrate is prepared by dispersing nanoparticles in a solvent and layering them onto the substrate, followed by heating. The enhanced surface area of the electrode due to the catalytic nanoparticles is dramatically enhanced, allowing for increased reaction efficiency. The electrode can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen, or a fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2011Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, Robert Dopp, R. Douglas Carpenter
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Publication number: 20110262840Abstract: A composition useful for the fueling and refueling of electrochemical devices is described. The composition comprises an ion-conducting medium such as an electrolyte, and catalyst nanoparticles. Unlike traditional electrodes, such as those typically used in electrolyzers and fuel cells, the inventive composition may be quickly drained from the device and refilled to maintain maximum cell performance. In addition, the electro-catalytic charging composition can be stored as a solid for safe handling; for example in a portable cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.Inventors: Kevin Maloney, Robert Dopp