Patents by Inventor Bradley C. Bockrath

Bradley C. Bockrath 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).

  • Method for the photocatalytic conversion of gas hydrates
    Patent number: 6267849
    Abstract: A method for converting methane hydrates to methanol, as well as hydrogen, through exposure to light. The process includes conversion of methane hydrates by light where a radical initiator has been added, and may be modified to include the conversion of methane hydrates with light where a photocatalyst doped by a suitable metal and an electron transfer agent to produce methanol and hydrogen. The present invention operates at temperatures below 0° C., and allows for the direct conversion of methane contained within the hydrate in situ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Richard P. Noceti, Bradley C. Bockrath