Patents Assigned to South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
  • Patent number: 10302181
    Abstract: A reconfigurable motion generator and control system for multi-phase motion generation. Reconfigurable motion generators are a new class of mechanical devices that are designed for a specific part family and their associated motion generation tasks. The reconfigurable motion generator may utilize revolute joints for link length and pivot adjustment to achieve different configurations from the same set of links. Due to the nature of adjustment of the mechanism this methodology may be used for different types of motion generation tasks such as (a) common start position, (b) common end position, (c) common intermediate position, and (d) distinct motion generation tasks with no common positions. This technique can be applied towards the synthesis of reconfigurable motion generators for use in many planar or spherical applications involving multi-phase function, path, and motion generation tasks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: Pierre Larochelle, Venkatesh Venkataramanujam
  • Patent number: 9190222
    Abstract: The present application discloses carbonaceous nano-fibrous materials developed by electrospinning mixtures of alkali lignin with a polymer at varied mass ratios. The present application also discloses processing of the lignin/polymer fibers via progressive heat treatments for stabilization, pre-carbonization and carbonization. The resulting carbon nanofibers maintain a uniform shape and have high specific surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignees: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: Lifeng Zhang, Ajit Kelkar, Hao Fong, Chuilin Lai
  • Patent number: 9074134
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing soil reinforced by microbe-based bio-binders and soil produced by the method. The bio-binders are not harmful to humans, do not cause environmental pollution and secure sufficiently the soil strength and resistance against wind. According to the method, the soil is prepared by binding sand whose major components are silica and alumina, ureolytic microbes, urea, calcium ion, and polymer fibers, and the content of polymer fibers in sand ranges from 0.05 wt % to 5 wt %. In addition, it is preferable that the microbes provide CaCO3 at a rate at 1˜7×10?9 g CaCO3 ppt cell?1 hr?1 under optimum conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignees: LOTTE ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, ECHO PHILE, SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sang Chul Bang, Sookie S. Bang, Seong Rok Choi, Seok Jin Lee, Joo Ho Lee, Jong Sun Kim
  • Publication number: 20140263662
    Abstract: An optically scannable code antenna is provided. Encoded matrix codes are printed with electrically conductive material on a substrate. An antenna pattern is generated on the substrate from the electrically conductive material. Enclosed information in the matrix code and accessible via the antenna pattern is provided. At least a portion of the antenna pattern is also a portion of the matrix code. Signals are transmitted and received from the antenna pattern made up of a portion of the matrix code formed on the substrate by electrically conductive materials. Authentication and security measures using the matrix code and signal from the antenna pattern are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Dimitrios Anagnostou, William Cross, Jeevan Meruga, Jon Kellar
  • Publication number: 20140238267
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing soil reinforced by microbe-based bio-binders and soil produced by the method. The bio-binders are not harmful to humans, do not cause environmental pollution and secure sufficiently the soil strength and resistance against wind. According to the method, the soil is prepared by binding sand whose major components are silica and alumina, ureolytic microbes, urea, calcium ion, and polymer fibers, and the content of polymer fibers in sand ranges from 0.05 wt % to 5 wt %. In addition, it is preferable that the microbes provide CaCO3 at a rate at 1˜7×10?9 g CaCO3 ppt cell?1 hr?1 under optimum conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicants: LOTTE ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY, ECHO PHILE
    Inventors: Sang Chul Bang, Sookie S. Bang, Seong Rok Choi, Seok Jin Lee, Joo Ho Lee, Jong Sun Kim
  • Patent number: 8552081
    Abstract: The present invention is a high modulus bio-based polymer plastic composition or mixture and methods of preparing the same. The composition is formed from the reaction of a bio-based epoxidized triglyceride oil, an energy activated catalyst and a bio-based non-aromatic cross-linking compound to form a structural polymer plastic. The bio-based epoxidized triglyceride oil is selected from a bio-based epoxidized triglyceride or a bio-based acrylated epoxidized triglyceride. The non-aromatic cross-linking compound is selected from itaconic acid or itaconic anhydride, and the energy activated catalyst is activated by UV radiation or heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: David A. Boyles, Mohammad S. Al-Omar
  • Publication number: 20120176286
    Abstract: A bicone antenna, having: a tapered top cone; a tapered bottom cone; a laterally extending ground plate beneath the tapered bottom cone; at least one shorting pin connecting the tapered top cone and the tapered bottom cone; a central pin connected to the tapered top cone; a coaxial feed connected to central pin and the laterally extending ground plate; and a dielectric disposed between the tapered top cone and the tapered bottom cone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: Anthony K. Amert, Keith W. Whites
  • Patent number: 8196297
    Abstract: A method of rapid prototyping of a microwave device, by: providing a plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film, each sheet having a different metallization pattern formed thereon; providing a base onto which each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film can be received, wherein the base comprises a metallization pattern formed thereon such that the placement of each of the plurality of thin sheets thereon forms a different circuit; and sequentially placing each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film onto the base, thereby sequentially forming different circuits across the thin sheet and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: Keith W. Whites, Anthony K Amert, Brian B Glover
  • Patent number: 8075799
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanofluid that contains carbon nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles and a surfactant in a thermal transfer fluid. The present invention also relates to processes for producing such a nanofluid with enhanced thermal conductive properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: Haiping Hong, Jesse Wensel
  • Patent number: 7983929
    Abstract: A system for generating standardized greenhouse gas emission reduction credits based on mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions at a site resulting from use of renewable carbon as a fuel at the site to produce energy in substitution for previous use of a fossil fuel at the site, includes a computer, at least one database accessible by the computer and containing past site-specific data and subsequent site-specific data regarding the at least one variable impacting emissions of the greenhouse gas generated from the use of the renewable carbon as a fuel for generating energy at the site, a greenhouse gas emissions modeling module, and at least one interface to the computer, for outputting a report of the identified quantity of the standardized greenhouse gas emission reduction credits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventor: Patrick R. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7974853
    Abstract: A computer-based method for generating standardized emission reduction credits includes the steps of receiving site-specific data with respect to a geographic location regarding at least one variable impacting reduction of nitrous oxide in the atmosphere, retrieving data general to a geographic region encompassing the location regarding at least one variable impacting the nitrous oxide, processing the site-specific and the general data through a model running on a computer, to determine an approximate change in impact on the nitrous oxide at the location over a specified time period, conducting an uncertainty analysis on the approximate change at the location over the specified time period, via the computer, from the uncertainty analysis, identifying a quantity of emission reduction credits meeting an established standard of certainty as the standardized emission reduction credits; and reporting from the computer the identified quantity of the standardized emission reduction credits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventor: Patrick R. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7957981
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining standardized carbon emission reduction credits is disclosed. General regional data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a carbon sequestration model to determine the approximate change in the level of carbon compounds stored in a media, such as soil, over a specified period of time. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize carbon emission reduction credits. Standardized carbon emission reduction credits may be compiled for trade and other carbon emission reduction credits are placed in reserve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventor: Patrick Robert Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7871533
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of a nanofluid, which comprises a thermal transfer fluid and carbon nanoparticles. The nanofluid may be hydrophilic nanofluids, such as a coolant, or hydrophobic nanofluids, such as nanolubricants or nanogreases. In particular, the present invention provides a homogenous hydrophilic nanofluid, which contains soluble carbon nanotubes in the hydrophilic thermal transfer fluid. The present invention also provides a nanogrease, which is a sustainable dispersion of solid carbon nanotubes in a hydrophobic thermal transfer fluid. The solid carbon nanotubes function as both as a thickener to modulate viscosity and as a solid heat transfer medium to enhance thermal conductivity and high temperature resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: Hong Haiping, John Andrew Waynick
  • Publication number: 20100235293
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining standardized carbon emission reduction credits is disclosed. General regional data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a carbon sequestration model to determine the approximate change in the level of carbon compounds stored in a media, such as soil, over a specified period of time. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize carbon emission reduction credits. Standardized carbon emission reduction credits may be compiled for trade and other carbon emission reduction credits are placed in reserve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventor: Patrick Robert ZIMMERMAN
  • Patent number: 7790653
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing arsenic in arsenic contaminated water, especially for small drinking water systems such as those used in individual homes, rural areas, and small communities, by simply contacting arsenic-contaminated water with an arsenic removal medium. The present invention also relates to the composition of the arsenic removal medium, which comprises particles of calcium carbonate minerals and magnesium carbonate aggregates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
    Inventors: Cathleen Joyce Webb, Arden Duane Davis, David John Dixon
  • Publication number: 20100139087
    Abstract: A system of rapid prototyping, having: a plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film, each sheet having a different metallization pattern formed thereon; and a base onto which each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film can be received, wherein the base comprises a metallization pattern formed thereon, and wherein placement of each of the plurality of thin sheets of low loss dielectric film onto the base results in a different circuit being formed across the thin sheet and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: Keith W. Whites, Anthony K. Amert, Brian B. Glover
  • Patent number: 7716063
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for determining carbon emission reduction credits and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for generating and quantifying standardized carbon emission reduction credits. General data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a carbon sequestration model to determine the approximate change in the level of carbon compounds stored in a media, such as soil, over a specified period of time. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize carbon emission reduction credits. Standardized carbon emission reduction credits may be compiled for trade and other carbon emission reduction credits are placed in reserve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventor: Patrick Robert Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7687584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a miscible transparent polymer blend, specifically, a polycarbonate blend which comprises homopolycarbonates and/or copolycarbonates. In particular, high aspect ratio monomers confer unique miscibility properties on polycarbonates. Miscible, transparent blends have been found to form from polycarbonate mixtures containing as components of the mixture (1) polycarbonates of bisphenol A monomers copolymerized with a variety of bisphenols, and (2) polycarbonates containing high aspect ratio monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventors: David A. Boyles, John T. Bendler, Tsvetanka Filipova
  • Patent number: 7457758
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for determining carbon emission reduction credits and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for generating and quantifying standardized carbon emission reduction credits. General data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a carbon sequestration model to determine the approximate change in the level of carbon compounds stored in a media, such as soil, over a specified period of time. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize carbon emission reduction credits. Standardized carbon emission reduction credits may be compiled for trade and other carbon emission reduction credits are placed in reserve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventor: Patrick Robert Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7415418
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining standardized environmental attributes is disclosed, including a method and apparatus for generating and quantifying standardized carbon emission reduction credits. General data and site-specific data, if available, are input into a suitable model to determine the approximate change in the environmental attribute as a result of a human-caused change. An uncertainty analysis is conducted on the results to quantify and normalize the environmental attribute. Standardized environmental attributes may be compiled for trade and other standardized environmental attributes are placed in reserve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
    Inventor: Patrick Robert Zimmerman