Patents by Inventor Brenda Torres

Brenda Torres 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).

  • Publication number: 20220398715
    Abstract: In a method for enhancing accuracy and efficiency in automated visual inspection of vessels, a vessel containing a sample is oriented such that a line scan camera has a profile view of an edge of a stopper of the vessel. A plurality of images of the edge of the stopper is captured by the first line scan camera while spinning the vessel, where each image of the plurality of images corresponds to a different rotational position of the vessel. A two-dimensional image of the edge of the stopper is generated based on at least the plurality of images, and pixels of the two-dimensional image are processed, by one or more processors executing an inference model that includes a trained neural network, to generate output data indicative of a likelihood that the sample is defective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Neelima Chavali, Thomas C. Pearson, Manuel A. Soto, Jorge Delgado Torres, Roberto C. Alvarado Rentas, Javier O. Tapia, Sandra Rodriguez-Toledo, Eric R. Flores-Acosta, Osvaldo Perez, Brenda A. Torres
  • Patent number: 10316254
    Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to method for making and using an alkali promoted transition metal sulfide Fischer Tropsch catalyst. Certain embodiments are directed to alkali promoted transition metal sulfide Fischer Tropsch catalyst synthesized using steps comprising (i) mixing an ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATM) precursor compound with an alkali metal compound and molybdenum disulfide in deionized water to form a reaction mixture, (ii) heating the reaction mixture at a temperature of at least 200, 250, 300, 350, 400C at a pressure of at lease 900, 1000, 1100, 1500, 2000 psi for more than 0.5 1, 1.5, 2.0, 3 or more hours to form a reaction product, (iii) filtering, washing, and drying the reaction product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Belinda D. Molina, Brenda Torres, Maryam Zarei-Chaleshtori, Russell R. Chianelli, Tracy Benson, Mahsa Hosseini
  • Publication number: 20180171493
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to CoMoS2 catlaysts, methods of making and using, as well as electrodes and systems incorporating such. Synthesis of CoMoS2 catalysts using ATM treated with different amines and ammonium bromide salts including 1-dodecylamine, diethylenetriamine, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, to form different alky containing ATM precursors. These materials are amorphous with porous surfaces that show reasonably big surfaces area due to the number of exposed edge sites, and increased catalytic activity as electrocatalysts for hydrogen generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Dino Villagran, Russell R. Chianelli, Yanyu Wu, Brenda Torres, Maryam Zarei-Chaleshtori
  • Publication number: 20170335201
    Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to method for making and using an alkali promoted transition metal sulfide Fischer Tropsch catalyst. Certain embodiments are directed to alkali promoted transition metal sulfide Fischer Tropsch catalyst synthesized using steps comprising (i) mixing an ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATM) precursor compound with an alkali metal compound and molybdenum disulfide in deionized water to form a reaction mixture, (ii) heating the reaction mixture at a temperature of at least 200, 250, 300, 350, 400C at a pressure of at lease 900, 1000, 1100, 1500, 2000 psi for more than 0.5 1, 1.5, 2.0, 3 or more hours to form a reaction product, (iii) filtering, washing, and drying the reaction product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2015
    Publication date: November 23, 2017
    Applicant: THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SY STEM
    Inventors: Belinda D. MOLINA, Brenda TORRES, Maryam ZAREI-CHALESHTORI, Russell R. CHIANELLI, Tracy BENSON, Mahsa HOSSEINI
  • Publication number: 20170158502
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transition metal chalcogenide photocatalyst, a reactor using the transition metal chalcogenide photocatalyst, and methods of making and using a transition metal chalcogenide photocatalyst for reforming CH4 with CO2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Russell R. Chianelli, Brenda Torres
  • Patent number: 9293266
    Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and methods of making the same, are disclosed herein. The cell comprises a photovoltaic device that comprises a first electrically conductive layer comprising a photo-sensitized electrode; at least one photoelectrochemical layer comprising metal-oxide particles, an electrolyte solution comprising at least one asphaltene fraction, wherein the metal-oxide particles are optionally dispersed in a surfactant; and a second electrically conductive layer comprising a counter-electrode, wherein the second electrically conductive layer comprises one or more conductive elements comprising carbon, graphite, soot, carbon allotropes or any combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Russell R. Chianelli, Karina Castillo, Vipin Gupta, Ali M. Qudah, Brenda Torres, Rajib E. Abujnah
  • Publication number: 20140234026
    Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and methods of making the same, are disclosed herein. The cell comprises a photovoltaic device that comprises a first electrically conductive layer comprising a photo-sensitized electrode; at least one photoelectrochemical layer comprising metal-oxide particles, an electrolyte solution comprising at least one asphaltene fraction, wherein the metal-oxide particles are optionally dispersed in a surfactant; and a second electrically conductive layer comprising a counter-electrode, wherein the second electrically conductive layer comprises one or more conductive elements comprising carbon, graphite, soot, carbon allotropes or any combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicants: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Russell R. Chianelli, Karina Castillo, Vipin Gupta, Ali M. Qudah, Brenda Torres, Rajib E. Abujnah
  • Patent number: 8748740
    Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and methods of making the same are disclosed herein. The cell comprises: a first electrically conductive layer; at least one photoelectrochemical layer comprising metal-oxide particles, an electrolyte solution, an asphaltene dye, and a second electrically conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Russell R. Chianelli, Karina Castillo, Vipin Gupta, Ali M. Qudah, Brenda Torres, Rajib E. Abujnah
  • Publication number: 20130239469
    Abstract: The present invention provides a transition metal chalcogenide photocatalyst, a reactor using the transition metal chalcogenide photocatalyst, and methods of making and using a transition metal chalcogenide photocatalyst for reforming CH4 with CO2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Russell R. Chianelli, Brenda Torres
  • Patent number: 8389853
    Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and methods of making the same, are disclosed herein. The cell comprises: a first electrically conductive layer; at least one photoelectrochemical layer comprising metal-oxide particles, an electrolyte solution, an asphaltene dye, and a second electrically conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Russell R. Chianelli, Karina Castillo, Vipin Gupta, Ali M. Qudah, Brenda Torres, Rajab Emhemed Abujnah
  • Publication number: 20110005589
    Abstract: Photovoltaic devices and methods of making the same, are disclosed herein. The cell comprises: a first electrically conductive layer; at least one photoelectrochemical layer comprising metal-oxide particles, an electrolyte solution, an asphaltene dye, and a second electrically conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Russell R. Chianelli, Karina Castillo, Vipin Gupta, Ali M. Qudah, Brenda Torres
  • Publication number: 20070238607
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and carbon-containing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2-xCx) catalysts that exhibit improved catalytic activity for hydrotreating reactions involving hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydrogenation. The present invention also concerns the resulting catalysts. Furthermore, the invention concerns the promotion of these catalysts with Co, Ni, Fe, and/or Ru sulfides to create catalysts with greater activity, for hydrotreating reactions, than conventional catalysts such as cobalt molybdate on alumina support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventors: Gabriel Alonso, Russell Chianelli, Sergio Fuentes, Brenda Torres
  • Patent number: 7223713
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of synthesizing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and carbon-containing molybdenum disulfide (MoS2-xCx) catalysts that exhibit improved catalytic activity for hydrotreating reactions involving hydrodesulfurization, hydrodenitrogenation, and hydrogenation. The present invention also concerns the resulting catalysts. Furthermore, the invention concerns the promotion of these catalysts with Co, Ni, Fe, and/or Ru sulfides to create catalysts with greater activity, for hydrotreating reactions, than conventional catalysts such as cobalt molybdate on alumina support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Centro de Investigacion en Materiales Avanzados, S.C.
    Inventors: Gabriel Alonso, Russell R. Chianelli, Sergio Fuentes, Brenda Torres
  • Patent number: 4829285
    Abstract: An alarm for sending out distress information when the user is in an abnormal position or when the user wishes to alert others of a distress condition. The alarm includes an omni-directional tilt switch and a transmitter. When the tilt switch has passed a critical angle, a signal is sent to a delay circuit. The delay circuit waits for a predetermined period of time, such as ten seconds, before enabling a transmitter. The transmitter then sends information over a communication link, signaling others that the user is in need of assistance. The invention further includes an alarm for alerting the user that the predetermined position of the tilt switch has been satisfied and that, after the predetermined delay, the distress information will be transmitted over the communication link unless deactivated by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Marc I. Brand
    Inventors: Marc I. Brand, Kenneth E. Lash, Brenda A. Torres