Patents by Inventor Ahmed Z. Al-Garni

Ahmed Z. Al-Garni has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9835133
    Abstract: The electrical power generation system using renewable energy is particularly adapted to provide electrical power to an independent or remotely situated electrical device such as a street light, emergency call box, or illuminated road sign. The system includes a pivotally mounted venturi with vanes assuring that the venturi is oriented into the prevailing wind. A vertical axis wind turbine is installed in the venturi throat, and drives a shaft extending through the column upon which the venturi is installed to a generator at the base of the column. The venturi and vanes may include photovoltaic cells thereon for further electrical power. The venturi may be heated from a geothermal source, and may include a variable diameter internal wall to adjust the cross-sectional area of the throat of the venturi. The use of functionally graded materials and other phase change materials may also improve the performance of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Mohammed Aves
  • Patent number: 9476601
    Abstract: The solar powered evaporative air conditioning system is especially adapted for use in areas wherein the climate conditions are hot and dry. A tunnel-shaped, light weight, inflatable structure is employed to enclose a space to be cooled, the space having a floor or ground area enclosed by the structure. Solar panels are disposed on the roof of the structure to generate electrical energy to power the air conditioning system. The inflatable structure is designed with a roof having a hyperbolic paraboloidal configuration such that a narrow cross-sectional area or throat area is formed between the roof and ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Wael G. Abdelrahman
  • Publication number: 20160141911
    Abstract: The offshore power generation system includes a buoyant float for offshore operation. A solar subsystem and a wind subsystem are mounted to the top of the float to harness solar and wind energies and convert the same into useful power, e.g., electricity. A water turbine subsystem and a hydrofoil subsystem are mounted to the bottom of the float to harness tide-wave energies and convert the same into useful power. The generated power from the various subsystems feeds into a rechargeable battery for power collection and distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventor: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI
  • Patent number: 9327207
    Abstract: The spherical desalination device includes a hollow spherical transparent shell serving as a distillation chamber or still. Water initially flows through an underground system for geothermal heating, then flows into the hollow shell. The water flows from the upper portion of the shell, filling a series of concentric circular trays arranged in a conical stack within the shell. Water cascades from the smallest diameter uppermost tray to the largest lowermost tray, in sequence. Sunlight focused on the transparent shell causes the water to evaporate, and condensation collects upon the interior surface of the shell. A resilient seal extends about the lower rim of the largest and lowest evaporator tray, and is located at the equator of the hollow shell. The shell is rotated by an external motor, thereby drawing the internal surface of the shell across the seal to remove collected condensation from the internal surface of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Mohammed Aves
  • Patent number: 9289696
    Abstract: The water desalination system using geothermal energy includes a plurality of stepped evaporation trays. Salt water flows into the uppermost tray and cascades to each successively lower tray to overflow from the lowermost tray when all trays are full. Two sloped glass panels pass solar energy therethrough to heat the water. Condensation collects on the inner panel and runs down the panel to collect in a trough at the lower edge. The desalinated water then flows to a collection tank. Additional heat energy is provided by a working fluid (e.g., air) that is pumped to subterranean levels where significant geothermal heat is produced. The heated air is then circulated around the evaporation trays to enhance evaporation. The required energy for the operation of the system may be provided by solar cells and wind energy. Mirrors and functionally graded material further increase the efficiency of the desalination system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Wael G. Abdelrahman
  • Patent number: 9168474
    Abstract: The inertial particle separator with heat exchange is a system for separating particulate matter from a mixture of fluid and particles, such as, for example, oil mixtures, natural gas mixtures, or combinations thereof. A rotating pipe first receives the mixture and imparts a tangential velocity thereto. A first heat exchanger is in thermal communication with the rotating pipe for decreasing the temperature of the mixture. An inlet of a convergent-divergent nozzle is connected to an outlet of the rotating pipe for receiving the mixture. The convergent-divergent nozzle accelerates the mixture to a supersonic axial velocity. The accelerated mixture flows into a temperature-controlled pipe which is in thermal communication with a second heat exchanger for further decreasing the temperature of the mixture. The mixture then flows into a concentric diffuser, such that the particulate matter of the mixture is separated from the fluid of the mixture under centrifugal force acting thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Mohammed Aves
  • Publication number: 20150176873
    Abstract: The solar powered evaporative air conditioning system is especially adapted for use in areas wherein the climate conditions are hot and dry. A tunnel-shaped, light weight, inflatable structure is employed to enclose a space to be cooled, the space having a floor or ground area enclosed by the structure. Solar panels are disposed on the roof of the structure to generate electrical energy to power the air conditioning system. The inflatable structure is designed with a roof having a hyperbolic paraboloidal configuration such that a narrow cross-sectional area or throat area is formed between the roof and ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, WAEL G. ABDELRAHMAN
  • Publication number: 20150167636
    Abstract: The electrical power generation system using renewable energy is particularly adapted to provide electrical power to an independent or remotely situated electrical device such as a street light, emergency call box, or illuminated road sign. The system includes a pivotally mounted venturi with vanes assuring that the venturi is oriented into the prevailing wind. A vertical axis wind turbine is installed in the venturi throat, and drives a shaft extending through the column upon which the venturi is installed to a generator at the base of the column. The venturi and vanes may include photovoltaic cells thereon for further electrical power. The venturi may be heated from a geothermal source, and may include a variable diameter internal wall to adjust the cross-sectional area of the throat of the venturi. The use of functionally graded materials and other phase change materials may also improve the performance of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, MOHAMMED AVES
  • Publication number: 20150127209
    Abstract: The bird repellent system is particularly adapted to repel various species of birds on and around airports, but may be readily adapted for use in other environments where birds have become a nuisance or hazard. The system includes both a ground vehicle and an airborne vehicle to optimize the effect against both sitting birds and birds in flight. Both vehicles are unmanned and operate autonomously, or by remote control as drones. The airborne vehicle is preferably a quad rotor craft for very slow and hovering flight. Both vehicles are equipped with GPS guidance and are preprogrammed to travel about a predetermined area or route. The two vehicles communicate with one another for optimum effect. Both vehicles include audio systems to broadcast startling sounds and/or bird distress cries in sound frequencies audible to humans as well as in ultrasonic frequencies known to be audible to various species of birds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, WAEL G. ABDELRAHMAN
  • Publication number: 20150083575
    Abstract: The water desalination system using geothermal energy includes a plurality of stepped evaporation trays. Salt water flows into the uppermost tray and cascades to each successively lower tray to overflow from the lowermost tray when all trays are full. Two sloped glass panels pass solar energy therethrough to heat the water. Condensation collects on the inner panel and runs down the panel to collect in a trough at the lower edge. The desalinated water then flows to a collection tank. Additional heat energy is provided by a working fluid (e.g., air) that is pumped to subterranean levels where significant geothermal heat is produced. The heated air is then circulated around the evaporation trays to enhance evaporation. The required energy for the operation of the system may be provided by solar cells and wind energy. Mirrors and functionally graded material further increase the efficiency of the desalination system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, WAEL G. ABDELRAHMAN
  • Publication number: 20150054286
    Abstract: The electrical power generation system using renewable energy is particularly adapted to provide electrical power to an independent or remotely situated electrical device such as a street light, emergency call box, or illuminated road sign. The system includes a pivotally mounted venturi with vanes assuring that the venturi is oriented into the prevailing wind. A vertical axis wind turbine is installed in the venturi throat, and drives a shaft extending through the column upon which the venturi is installed to a generator at the base of the column. The venturi and vanes may include photovoltaic cells thereon for further electrical power. The venturi may be heated from a geothermal source, and may include a variable diameter internal wall to adjust the cross-sectional area of the throat of the venturi. The use of functionally graded materials and other phase change materials may also improve the performance of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, MOHAMMED AVES
  • Publication number: 20150001745
    Abstract: The spherical desalination device includes a hollow spherical transparent shell serving as a distillation chamber or still. Water initially flows through an underground system for geothermal heating, then flows into the hollow shell. The water flows from the upper portion of the shell, filling a series of concentric circular trays arranged in a conical stack within the shell. Water cascades from the smallest diameter uppermost tray to the largest lowermost tray, in sequence. Sunlight focused on the transparent shell causes the water to evaporate, and condensation collects upon the interior surface of the shell. A resilient seal extends about the lower rim of the largest and lowest evaporator tray, and is located at the equator of the hollow shell. The shell is rotated by an external motor, thereby drawing the internal surface of the shell across the seal to remove collected condensation from the internal surface of the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, MOHAMMED AVES
  • Publication number: 20150000235
    Abstract: The inertial particle separator with heat exchange is a system for separating particulate matter from a mixture of fluid and particles, such as, for example, oil mixtures, natural gas mixtures, or combinations thereof. A rotating pipe first receives the mixture and imparts a tangential velocity thereto. A first heat exchanger is in thermal communication with the rotating pipe for decreasing the temperature of the mixture. An inlet of a convergent-divergent nozzle is connected to an outlet of the rotating pipe for receiving the mixture. The convergent-divergent nozzle accelerates the mixture to a supersonic axial velocity. The accelerated mixture flows into a temperature-controlled pipe which is in thermal communication with a second heat exchanger for further decreasing the temperature of the mixture. The mixture then flows into a concentric diffuser, such that the particulate matter of the mixture is separated from the fluid of the mixture under centrifugal force acting thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, MOHAMMED AVES
  • Patent number: 8857758
    Abstract: The lighter-than-air vehicle for shading is an airborne, movable system that provides shade from the sun for an open area. The vehicle is a substantially flat flying device having upper and lower surfaces, and which is filled with a lighter-than-air gas or gases, such as helium or hydrogen. The vehicle may be tethered to the ground through control wires, or may be fully autonomous and controlled by propeller fans. The required power may be provided by wire from ground, or through a portable power source, such as solar cells, mounted atop of vehicle. The vehicle has sun sensors that allow it to track the sun, and provides around the clock shaded area underneath its surface. The vehicle can also have pressure sensors and altitude sensors that may trigger an alarm in case of an emergency descent to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Ayman H. Kassem
  • Publication number: 20110315811
    Abstract: The lighter-than-air vehicle for shading is an airborne, movable system that provides shade from the sun for an open area. The vehicle is a substantially flat flying device having upper and lower surfaces, and which is filled with a lighter-than-air gas or gases, such as helium or hydrogen. The vehicle may be tethered to the ground through control wires, or may be fully autonomous and controlled by propeller fans. The required power may be provided by wire from ground, or through a portable power source, such as solar cells, mounted atop of vehicle. The vehicle has sun sensors that allow it to track the sun, and provides around the clock shaded area underneath its surface. The vehicle can also have pressure sensors and altitude sensors that may trigger an alarm in case of an emergency descent to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: AHMED Z. AL-GARNI, AYMAN H. KASSEM
  • Patent number: 8083902
    Abstract: The evaporative desalination system removes salt and contaminants from brine or salt water to produce purified potable water. The evaporative desalination system includes an inclined housing having a raised upper end and a lower end. An upper wall of the inclined housing is formed from an optically transparent material, such as glass. A plurality of stepped evaporator trays are mounted within the inclined housing, and a water collection tray is disposed within the inclined housing adjacent the lower end. Ambient light is transmitted through the optically transparent upper wall, causing the salt water contained within the plurality of stepped evaporator trays to evaporate. Evaporated water vapor rises from each evaporator tray to form a layer of condensed pure water on the inner surface of the upper wall. The condensed pure water drips toward the lower end of the inclined housing to collect in the water collection tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Ayman H. Kassem, Wael G. Abdelrahman
  • Patent number: 8043499
    Abstract: The portable and autonomous desalination system is an autonomous reverse osmosis (RO) desalination system utilizing power from a combination of electricity generation and storage sources that include a photovoltaic (PV) unit, a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) unit, and an electricity storage unit. Electric power from PV, VAWT or storage units or a combination of these units is provided, depending upon the availability of sunlight or wind, or for night operation for water desalination using the reverse-osmosis process. The unit is portable, environmentally friendly, self-sufficient and self-sustaining in terms of supplying the electricity and fresh drinking water needs of the typical household. Multiple PV-VAWT-RO desalination units are combined together to provide fresh, clean water and electricity for communities of various sizes. A small-size, straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbine runs at very low wind speeds for urban operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Farooq Saeed, Ahmed Z. Al-Garni
  • Publication number: 20110139599
    Abstract: The evaporative desalination system removes salt and contaminants from brine or salt water to produce purified potable water. The evaporative desalination system includes an inclined housing having a raised upper end and a lower end. An upper wall of the inclined housing is formed from an optically transparent material, such as glass. A plurality of stepped evaporator trays are mounted within the inclined housing, and a water collection tray is disposed within the inclined housing adjacent the lower end. Ambient light is transmitted through the optically transparent upper wall, causing the salt water contained within the plurality of stepped evaporator trays to evaporate. Evaporated water vapor rises from each evaporator tray to form a layer of condensed pure water on the inner surface of the upper wall. The condensed pure water drips toward the lower end of the inclined housing to collect in the water collection tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Ayman H. Kassem, Wael G. Abdelrahman
  • Patent number: 7900621
    Abstract: The water rocket launch system is an automated system for launching multiple water rockets simultaneously with additional visual and auditory effects. The water rocket launch system includes a platform, with at least one launching base slidably mounted on an upper surface thereof. The at least one launching base is selectively and controllably driven to slide on the platform. At least one water rocket storage chamber is mounted on the platform, with the at least one water rocket storage chamber having an open interior region for receiving and storing a plurality of water rockets, and further having an open bottom end. A plurality of launching assemblies are mounted on the at least one launching base, so that the plurality of water rockets stored within the at least one water rocket storage chamber may be released thereon, with each launching assembly engaging and releasably supporting a respective one of the water rockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Ayman M. Abdallah
  • Publication number: 20100282228
    Abstract: The water rocket launch system is an automated system for launching multiple water rockets simultaneously with additional visual and auditory effects. The water rocket launch system includes a platform, with at least one launching base slidably mounted on an upper surface thereof. The at least one launching base is selectively and controllably driven to slide on the platform. At least one water rocket storage chamber is mounted on the platform, with the at least one water rocket storage chamber having an open interior region for receiving and storing a plurality of water rockets, and further having an open bottom end. A plurality of launching assemblies are mounted on the at least one launching base, so that the plurality of water rockets stored within the at least one water rocket storage chamber may be released thereon, with each launching assembly engaging and releasably supporting a respective one of the water rockets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Ahmed Z. Al-Garni, Ayman M. Abdallah