Patents Assigned to United States Department of Energy
  • Patent number: 11899080
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for measuring the magnetic field of an electromagnetic component having the steps of: instrumenting one or more portions of an electromagnetic component by placing an optical fiber in electromagnetic communication with the one or more portions of said electromagnetic component; energizing the electromagnetic component; interrogating the optical fiber using light and an optical detector; and determining changes in the magnetic field incident on the optical fiber based on the detected changes in the light received by the optical detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Paul Ohodnicki, Derek Lau, Jagannath Devkota, Michael McHenry, Alex Leary, Richard Beddingfield, Michael Buric
  • Patent number: 11885746
    Abstract: One or more embodiments relates to a method of growing ultrasmooth and high quantum efficiency CsTe photocathodes. The method includes exposing a substrate of Cs using an alkali source such as an effusion cell; and controlling co-evaporating growth and co-deposition forming a CsTe growth. The method further includes monitoring a stoichiometry of the CsTe growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Dustin McIntyre, Daniel Hartzler
  • Patent number: 11850571
    Abstract: This disclosure provides polyamine sorbent compositions for the separation of metals from aqueous solutions. The polyamine sorbent compositions comprise a silica support, an aminosilane bound to the silica support, an epoxysilane bound to the silica support, and a polyamine where the polyamine is chemically tethered onto a solid silica support through via the epoxysilane. The polyamine may be further stabilized within the bulk sorbent through hydrogen bonding interactions with the aminosilane. The sorbent compositions resist leaching by H2O in an aqueous stream containing heavy oxyanion-based (and other) metals and demonstrate stability over a pH range of 2-14. The sorbent compositions are useful for the separation of metals from aqueous solutions. The cationic heavy metals are captured by the co-existing amine groups (—NH2, —NH, —N) from the polymeric network while additional metal capture capacity is derived from the introduction of a secondary silane linker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: McMahan L Gray, Brian W. Kail, Walter Christopher Wilfong, Qiuming Wang, Fan Shi
  • Patent number: 11814700
    Abstract: One or more embodiments relates to a process for extracting Rare Earth Elements (REEs) from REE-bearing underclays, claystones, shales, coal-mining waste, and waste coal. In at least one embodiment the process includes contacting the REE-bearing underclays, claystones, shales, coal-mining waste, and waste coal with an Organic Acid Solution (OAS) comprising at least one organic acid and at least one ionic salt at a predetermined ambient temperature and predetermined pH; and separating the REE from the REE-bearing underclays, claystones, shales, coal-mining waste, and waste coal, forming REE+Yttrium (REY) concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Circe Verba, Mark L. McKoy, Thomas J. Tarka, Scott Montross, Jonathan Yang
  • Publication number: 20230296445
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stacked thick film device including a substrate, a first active element, a second active element, and an insulating dielectric layer separating the first active element and the second active element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Applicant: United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Randall N. Odell
  • Patent number: 11738328
    Abstract: One or more embodiments relates to method for generating CHEFS having the steps of generating the CHEFS from a dope. One or more embodiments relates to a method for generating CHEFS having amine functional groups having the steps of generating a dope containing a BIAS with amine groups, at least one polymer, and at least one solvent; and forming CHEFS from the dope, wherein the generated CHEFS have no more than 30% amine loss compared to the BIAS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: McMahan L. Gray, Fan Shi, Shouliang Yi, Walter Chris Wilfong, Qiuming Wang
  • Patent number: 11726047
    Abstract: Materials, methods of making, and methods of sensing liquid droplets with high spatial resolution as a signature of the on-set of corrosion using a hierarchical sensor network A hierarchical sensor network for sensing liquid droplets with high spatial resolution as a signature of the on-set of corrosion, including an interrogation system; and an intermediate sensor array layer in communication with the interrogation system. The network includes an interrogation system and an intermediate sensor array layer in communication with the interrogation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Paul R Ohodnicki, Jr., Ping Lu, Ruishu Wright, Jagannath Devkota
  • Publication number: 20230251220
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for crack measurement, including the steps of placing a plurality of sense leads on a surface of an object, passing a current through the object, sensing a change in electric potential in the interior of the object, and forming a crack profile of the interior of the object based on the sensed change in electric potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Joshua T. Larimer
  • Patent number: 11721550
    Abstract: A method for depositing III-V alloys on substrates and compositions therefrom. A first layer comprises a Group III element. A second layer comprises a silica. A substrate has a surface. The second layer is deposited onto a first layer. The depositing is performed by a sol-gel method. The second layer is exposed to a precursor that comprises a Group V element. At least one of the precursor or the Group V element diffuse through the silica. The first layer is transformed into a solid layer comprising a III-V alloy, wherein at least a portion of the first layer to a liquid. The silica retains the liquified first layer, enabling at least one of the precursor or the Group V element to diffuse into the liquid, resulting in the forming of the III-V alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Emily Lowell Warren, Jeramy David Zimmerman, Olivia Dean Schneble
  • Patent number: 11643066
    Abstract: Methods and systems of power management in a hybrid vehicle are disclosed. A control system of the hybrid vehicle obtains battery temperature and catalyst temperature. The control system determines (a) whether the battery temperature is within an optimal battery temperature range and (b) whether the catalyst temperature is within an optimal catalyst temperature range. The control system determines a power split ratio (PSR) based on the determination of (a) and (b). The control system controls the engine and the motor-generator based on the determined PSR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
    Inventors: Kesavan Ramakrishnan, Vaidehi Y. Hoshing
  • Patent number: 11545929
    Abstract: A method of installing on a horizontal or near-horizontal support surface a solar panel array including multiple solar panels may include, at the deployment site, fabricating from metal coil stock longitudinally continuous rack channels each having upstanding legs of different heights, locating the channels in parallel rows with a spacing determined by a width of the solar panels with interior spaces of the channels facing upwardly, weighing the channels down on the support surface by placing ballast in the channel spaces, and positioning the solar panels each with an edge supported by a high leg of one channel of the channels and an opposite edge supported by a low leg of an adjacent channel of the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
    Inventors: Donald S. Scipione, Rob Martens
  • Publication number: 20220403838
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flow device including an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of fluid flow paths hydraulically connected in parallel to the inlet and the outlet, wherein the plurality of fluid flow paths forms a first ring of fluid flow paths circumferentially arranged at a first radial distance from a centerline of the fluid flow device a second ring of fluid flow patch circumferentially arranged at a second radial distance from the centerline of the fluid flow device, each of the plurality of fluid flow paths has a first hydraulic resistance in a forward flow direction and a second hydraulic resistance in a reverse flow direction, and the second hydraulic resistance is greater than the first hydraulic resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2021
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Applicant: United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Brett W. Siebert
  • Patent number: 11513100
    Abstract: A gas sensor (100,200) includes at least one sensor device including a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device (110) or a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device (210), and a layer of metal organic framework (MOF) material (120,220) disposed on each of the at least one sensor device. The at least one sensor device is structured to sense a change in mass of the MOF material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignees: University of Pittsburgh-Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Christopher E. Wilmer, Jenna Gustafson, Paul R. Ohodnicki, Jagannath Devkota
  • Patent number: 11453051
    Abstract: One or more embodiments relates to a method of casting a creep-resistant Ni-based superalloy and a homogenization heat treatment for the alloy. The method includes forming a feed stock having Nickel (Ni) and at least one of Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Aluminum (Al), Titanium (Ti), Niobium (Nb), Iron (Fe), Carbon (C), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Silicon (Si), Copper (Cu), Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S) and Boron (B). The method further includes fabricating the creep-resistant Ni-based superalloy in a predetermined shape using the feed stock and at least one process such as vacuum induction melting (VIM), electroslag remelting (ESR) and/or vacuum arc remelting (VAR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Paul D. Jablonski, Jeffrey Hawk, Martin Detrois
  • Patent number: 11270600
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for simulating proximity detection of physical effects, the system including an external probe; a base unit associated with the external probe via a connector, the base unit comprising at least one processor coupled to the connector, the at least one processor configured to compute results based on an input received from the external probe; an input device; and a graphical display unit configured to display at least one of the computed results from the at least one processor and the input received from the input device and input received from the external probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
    Inventors: Shawn M. West, Matthew R. Chilleo, William T. Portser
  • Patent number: 11268984
    Abstract: A system and method for forming a low cost optical sensor array. The sensor includes an optical fiber; a first nanocomposite thin film along at least a portion of the optical fiber for interrogating a first parameter through a correlated signal having a first wavelength; and a second nanocomposite thin film along at least a portion of the optical fiber for interrogating a second parameter through a correlated signal having a second wavelength different from the wavelength of the first parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Chenhu Sun, Ping Lu, Ruishu Wright, Paul R Ohodnicki
  • Patent number: 11219857
    Abstract: Accordingly, it is an object of this disclosure to provide a blend polymeric membrane to provide the separation of CO2 from a gaseous mixture. The blend polymeric membrane comprises a blend of polyphosphazene and polymers of intrinsic microporosity. Further, the present disclosure also provides a method of use for the blend polymeric membrane for the separation of gases in a gaseous mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Ali Sekizkardes, Victor Armanda Kusuma, Surendar R. Venna, David Hopkinson
  • Publication number: 20210404989
    Abstract: A gas sensor (100,200) includes at least one sensor device including a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device (110) or a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) device (210), and a layer of metal organic framework (MOF) material (120,220) disposed on each of the at least one sensor device. The at least one sensor device is structured to sense a change in mass of the MOF material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Applicants: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH-OF THE COMMONWEALTH SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER E. WILMER, JENNA GUSTAFSON, PAUL R. OHODNICKI, JAGANNATH DEVKOTA
  • Publication number: 20210375536
    Abstract: Various examples are provided related to mixed material magnetic cores, which can be utilized for shielding of eddy current induced excess losses. In one example, a magnetic core includes a ribbon core and leakage prevention or redirection shielding surrounding at least a portion of the ribbon core. The leakage prevention or redirection shielding can be positioned adjacent to the ribbon core and between the ribbon core and a magnetomotive force (MMF) source such as, e.g., a coil. The leakage prevention or redirection shielding extend beyond the ends of the MMF source and, in some implementations, can extend over the ends of the MMF source. In another example, a magnetic device can include a ribbon core, a MMF and leakage prevention or redirection shielding positioned between the MMF source and the ribbon core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
    Inventors: Richard B. Beddingfield, Subhashish Bhattacharya, Paul Richard Ohodnicki, Kevin Michael Byerly
  • Patent number: 11187093
    Abstract: A face seal assembly including a thermal fluid circuit, a turbomachine including the face seal assembly and a method of operating the turbomachine are disclosed. The face seal assembly includes a seal ring including a seal bearing face, at least one internal cavity including a cavity inlet and a cavity outlet. The face seal assembly further including a fluid inlet channel in fluid communication with the cavity inlet of the at least one internal cavity and a pressurized fluid and a fluid outlet port in fluid communication with the cavity outlet of the at least one internal cavity. The at least one internal cavity, the fluid inlet channel and the fluid outlet port define a thermal fluid circuit providing thermal management of the seal ring. In the turbomachine, the face seal assembly is disposed between a stationary component and a rotating component including a rotating component bearing face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignees: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY
    Inventors: Deepak Trivedi, Uttara Vijay Kumar, Rahul Anil Bidkar