Patents Assigned to Southwest Research Institute
  • Internal combustion engine having dedicated EGR cylinder(s) and improved fuel pump system
    Patent number: 10851738
    Abstract: A method of improving fuel delivery in an engine having one or more cylinders that are over-fueled related to other cylinders, such as a D-EGR engine. The fueling system uses a mechanical fuel pump, which is cam-driven. The cam has lobes corresponding to the desired displacement for each cylinder. The lobe corresponding to the over-fueled cylinder is shaped differently, such that the filling stroke of the pump is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Raphael Gukelberger, Garrett L. Anderson
  • Double wall supercritical carbon dioxide turboexpander
    Patent number: 10844744
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods generating power using supercritical CO2 in a Brayton cycle that incorporates a double-wall turboexpander that includes an inner chamber housing the turbine and an outer chamber that includes a thermal attenuator that reduces the outer chamber wall temperature of the turboexpander. An inner chamber wall separates the inner chamber and the outer chamber within the double-wall turboexpander. In supercritical CO2 applications, the double-wall turboexpander operates at elevated temperatures and elevated pressures. By maintaining the thermal attenuator the outer chamber at an elevated pressure, the differential pressure across the inner chamber wall is reduced, requiring less high-temperature alloy material in the construction of the double-wall turboexpander when compared to a conventional turboexpander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Jason C. Wilkes
  • Printing using an externally generated reference
    Patent number: 10828889
    Abstract: It is often desirable to apply graphic output to surfaces that are large, irregular, and/or contoured. Application of graphic output on large or complex surfaces may be accomplished by projecting a pattern onto the surface using a projector disposed at a fixed location with respect to the surface. The graphic output is mapped to the projected pattern, by precisely positioning the print head with respect to the projected pattern using a robotic or similar actuated articulated positioning device, graphic output portions may be disposed in each of a plurality of defined locations to form a seamless, large scale graphic output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: William C. Flannigan, Glynn R. Bartlett, Cody E. Bressler
  • Engine vibration imager
    Patent number: 10830668
    Abstract: An engine vibration imager and method of testing engine stability. An accelerometer, mounted to an engine block, is configured to detect engine vibration and generate a signal indicative of detected vibration. An amplifier, electrically coupled to the accelerometer, is configured to amplify the signal indicative of detected vibration. A light indicator, electrically coupled to the amplifier, is configured to emit light upon receiving the amplified signal. The engine vibration imager also includes an indicator disk including timing marks on a first surface of the indicator disk. The indicator disk is rotatable by the crankshaft and light emitted from the light indicator is visible at the first surface of the indicator disk and indicates on the indicator disk a point in the combustion cycle in which engine vibration is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Craig M. Wall, Peter M. Lee
  • Microwave enhanced combustion with dynamic frequency, power, and timing control and with transmission coefficient for power feedback
    Patent number: 10801464
    Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a microwave generator and a directional coupler, which delivers the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and receives a reflected signal from the MEC antenna. A feedback path determines a desired frequency for the MEC input signal, based on the reflected signal, and also determines a power feedback correction value. An open loop path determines desired power and timing for the MEC input signal, based on various engine conditions. The desired power is corrected with the power feedback correction value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Yilun Luo, Scott R. Hotz, Terrence F. Alger, Robert T. Coppersmith, III
  • Microwave enhanced combustion with feedback frequency control for dynamic impedance matching
    Patent number: 10781786
    Abstract: A system and method for generating microwaves for microwave enhanced combustion (MEC) input to an MEC antenna of an internal combustion engine. The system uses a directional coupler to deliver the MEC input signal to the MEC antenna and to receive a reflected power signal from the MEC antenna. A feedback path determines a desired frequency, based on the reflected power and using an impedance-matching controller that matches the reflected power to a desired frequency value. Additional inputs, such as various engine conditions, can also be used to determine the desired frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Terrence F. Alger, II, Yilun Luo, Scott R. Hotz, Ronnie E. Randolph
  • Regeneration of automotive exhaust aftertreatment device using diverted boost air during deceleration
    Patent number: 10781737
    Abstract: A method, used with an internal combustion engine, of providing fresh air for regeneration of an exhaust aftertreatment device. An air intake diversion line is installed from a point between the throttle and the compressor to a point upstream of the exhaust aftertreatment device. A valve on this diversion line is normally closed. If the engine temperature is above a certain threshold and if the engine is in a “high load deceleration” state, the valve is opened, which diverts fresh air to the exhaust aftertreatment device. The valve is then closed after the pressure in the intake line is relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Daniel C. Bitsis, Jr.
  • Stabilization of aqueous urea solutions containing organometallic catalyst precursors
    Patent number: 10774715
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at stabilization of aqueous urea solutions containing organometallic catalyst precursors. Stabilization can be achieved by monitoring and controlling the solution pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Ryan C. Hartley, Cary A. Henry
  • Edge-on armor system with translating and rotating armor panels
    Patent number: 10775136
    Abstract: An armor system for protecting vehicles and other equipment against projectiles and similar threats. A track is mounted on the equipment, and an upper sled and lower sled are moveably attached to the track. An armor panel is pivotally attached to one sled and is pivotally attached with arms to the other sled. The two sleds are independently actuated along the track, such that their relative positions determine both the translational and rotational position of the armor panel. The armor panel can be quickly rotated from an undeployed position against the vehicle through a desired arc outward from the vehicle, which increases the edge-on or nearly edge-on presentation of the armor panel to the projectile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: James D. Walker, Daniel J. Pomerening, Kristopher C. Kozak, Nicholas J. Mueschke, Isaias S. Chocron, Gregory N. Wattis, Jesse A. Beavers, Oliver P. Harrison, Stephan J. Lemmer, Neal A. Seegmiller
  • Additive manufacturing for shielding neutron and photon radiation
    Patent number: 10772246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of additive manufacturing as applied to radiation shielding. In particular, additive manufacturing formulations are described which provide shielding for neutron and photon radiation and which can extend the useful operation life of remote sensing devices utilized to conduct surveillance and inspection work where such radiation fields are present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Daniel P. Speaker, Albert J. Parvin, Jr., Nathan B. Hall
  • Technologies for producing exhaust gas with controlled hydrocarbon speciation
    Patent number: 10753246
    Abstract: Technologies for producing an exhaust gas stream with controlled hydrocarbon species are disclosed. In some embodiments the technologies include an apparatus for producing an exhaust gas stream. The apparatus may include a burner for combusting primary fuel and produce an exhaust gas stream, and an exhaust pipe coupled to the burner to receive the exhaust gas stream. One or more supplemental fuel inlets may be coupled to the exhaust gas pipe for the addition of supplemental fuel to the exhaust gas stream. In embodiments, the speciation and total concentration of hydrocarbon compounds in the exhaust gas stream may be adjusted by controlling the relative amount of supplemental fuel added to the exhaust gas stream. Methods for producing an exhaust gas stream are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Cary A. Henry, Cynthia Chaffin Webb, Scott T. Eakle
  • Omni-directional guided wave testing of plate structures using probe having rotating guided wave sensor
    Patent number: 10739314
    Abstract: A guided wave probe for use in guided wave testing of plate structures. The probe comprises a cup having a flat or nearly flat bottom, and a guided wave sensor, such as a magnetostrictive sensor, placed in the bottom of the cup. The sensor and/or cup are coupled to the plate structure, such that ultrasonic energy from the sensor is transmitted to the cup and the plate surface. The sensor is incrementally rotated in the cup, and sensor data is acquired at each incremental position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Sergey A. Vinogradov, Adam C. Cobb, Jonathan D. Bartlett, Greg A. Bustamante, Douglas R. Earnest, Clinton J. Thwing
  • Multi-disk spinning disk assembly for atomization and encapsulation
    Patent number: 10722856
    Abstract: A multi-disk spinning disk assembly for atomization and encapsulation applications. A number of disks 17a and spacers (33, 40) are stacked to form a disk stack 17 having a feed well 31 in the center core of the stack. The fluid to be atomized or encapsulated is delivered to the feed well 31. The fluid then flows into spacer channels (37, 41) within or on the surface of the spacers. The channels (37, 41) communicate the fluid toward the outer edges of the disks 17a. The disk surface past the spacers (33, 40) can have various configurations, such as teeth, weirs, or a bigger or smaller diameter, as desired for particular atomization or encapsulation characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Albert M. Zwiener, Darren E. Barlow, Mark R. Heistand, George T. Lamberson, Jeffrey N. Harris
  • Liposomal statin formulation
    Patent number: 10716758
    Abstract: A method of preparing liposomal statins includes preparing a lipid solution including phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, vitamin-E and an organic solvent and removing the solvent, forming a lipid cake. The lipid cake may then be hydrated with a first aqueous media. The hydrated cake may be mixed in a mixer and subjected to one or more freeze/thaw cycles and then extruded to form liposomes. A cryo-protective agent may be added to the liposomes and the liposomes may be lyophilized to provide a powder. A statin is added to the organic lipid solution or to the first aqueous media used for hydrating the lipid cake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignees: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE, NORTHWESTER UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: XingGou Cheng, Thomas A. Mustoe, Robert D. Galiano, Seok Jong Hong, Ping Xie, Shengxian Jia
  • Intake air boost system for two-cycle engine having roots blowers
    Patent number: 10690045
    Abstract: An air boost system for a two-cycle engine, such as an EMD engine, which operates with one or more roots blowers, or for similar engines that use gear-driven roots blowers or centrifugal blowers. At least one of the roots blowers is equipped with a variable transmission, which allows airflow into the engine to be varied in accordance with load or other engine operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: John C. Hedrick, Steven G. Fritz, Randy R. McDonnell
  • Balloon reflector antenna
    Patent number: 10680310
    Abstract: A balloon reflector antenna for a satellite, including a spherical balloon with a surface transparent to electromagnetic waves and a reflective surface opposite the transparent surface. The balloon reflector antenna may further include a feed system extending from the center of the balloon that receives electromagnetic waves reflected off the reflective surface and/or outputs electromagnetic waves that are reflected off the reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignees: The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona, Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Christopher K. Walker, Ira Steve Smith, Jr.
  • Waveguide antenna for microwave enhanced combustion
    Patent number: 10677456
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at a waveguide antenna for microwave enhanced combustion of a previously ignited fuel-air mixture. The waveguide antenna has a thermal conductivity of at least 150 W/m?k and can be formed from a metallic shell with a ceramic core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Yilun Luo, Ronnie E. Randolph, Douglas A. McKee, Graham T. Conway
  • Thermite bag for chemical / biological agent munition and hazardous waste disposal system
    Patent number: 10677460
    Abstract: An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a thermite bag, which may be used for the disposal of hazardous material. The thermite bag includes a sealable exterior pouch, a sealable interior pouch receivable within the exterior pouch, a thermite charge receivable within the sealable interior pouch and an igniter wire contacting thermite within the thermite charge. The thermite bag also includes a power supply electrically coupled to the ignitor wire and a trigger electrically coupled to the ignitor wire and power supply. In addition, the thermite bag includes a vent including a filter, wherein the vent is coupled to the sealable exterior pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Matthew S. Blais
  • Azimuthal pointing system for scientific ballooning
    Patent number: 10671093
    Abstract: One embodiment provides an azimuthal pointing system for scientific ballooning. An apparatus, method and/or system are configured to drive a motor to twist a torsion member of a torsion pendulum and to utilize a restoring force of the torsion member to adjust a pointing direction (i.e., pointing angle) of a payload. The torsion pendulum includes the torsion member, the payload and the motor. The payload is coupled to the torsion member by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Craig E. DeForest, Glenn T. Laurent, Jedediah H. Diller
  • Sealing device test systems and methods
    Patent number: 10662766
    Abstract: A dynamic testing system for sealing devices includes a shaft that is reciprocated in a bore through a body. The shaft includes a first seal assembly and a second seal assembly disposed a distance apart on the shaft. When the shaft is inserted into the bore, the first seal assembly and the second seal assembly form a fluid-tight seal between the external surface of the shaft and the internal surface of the bore—this forms a fluid-tight cavity between the seal assemblies. Sealing devices in each of the first seal assembly and the second seal assembly experience chemical attack and mechanical wear. One or more axial force measurement sensors measure the force applied by a prime mover to reciprocate the shaft within the bore. Data acquisition circuitry collects the force information and generates a graphical output that plots friction force against reciprocating cycle count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Nigil Satish Jeyashekar, Peter Mark Lee