Patents by Inventor Brent R. Constantz

Brent R. Constantz 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: 7778701
    Abstract: Catheter devices and methods are provided for enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a calcified lesion. The catheter devices of the subject invention at least include, at their distal end, a proton generating means, and in many embodiments also include a flushing means. In using the subject devices, the distal end of the catheter is placed proximal to the vascular occlusion and protons are generated, e.g., via proton generation from water, in a manner sufficient to reduce the pH of the vascular site in the region proximal to the occlusion. The subphysiologic pH is maintained for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced. Also provided are kits comprising the subject catheter devices for use in the subject methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Cordia Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, John Ross
  • Patent number: 7771684
    Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Terence C. Holland
  • Publication number: 20100196104
    Abstract: CO2 sequestering soil stabilization compositions are provided. The soil stabilization compositions of the invention include a CO2 sequestering component, e.g., a CO2 sequestering carbonate composition. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2 sequestering soil stabilization composition. The invention also comprises the method of stabilizing soil and producing a soil stabilized structure utilizing such compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs
  • Patent number: 7749476
    Abstract: Provided are methods for producing carbonate-containing compositions comprising silicon-based material (e.g., pozzolanic material) from a source of carbon dioxide, a divalent cation-containing solution, and a source of proton-removing agents. In such methods, divalent cations of the divalent cation-containing solution are provided by digestion of material comprising metal silicates. Also provided are methods for producing carbonate-containing compositions comprising little or no silicon-based material. In such methods, silicon-based material (e.g., silica, unreacted or undigested silicates, aluminosilicates, etc.) may be separated and processed separately from carbonate-containing compositions. Silicon-based material and carbonate-containing material may be blended at a later stage to produce a pozzolanic material, which may be further processed and blended with, for example, Portland cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Laurence Clodic, Cecily Ryan, Miguel Fernandez, Kasra Farsad, Sidney Omelon, Philip Tuet, Paulo Monteiro, Gordon E. Brown, Jr., Katharine Geramita
  • Patent number: 7744761
    Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Kasra Farsad, Miguel Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20100154679
    Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbon dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Kasra Farsad, Miguel Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20100158786
    Abstract: Desalination methods that include carbonate compound precipitation are provided. In certain embodiments, feed water is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions prior to desalination. In certain embodiments, desalination waste brine is subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. In yet other embodiments, both feed water and waste brine are subjected to carbonate compound precipitation conditions. Aspects of embodiments of the invention include carbone dioxide sequestration. Embodiments of the invention further employ a precipitate product of the carbonate compound precipitation conditions as a building material, e.g., a cement. Also provided are systems configured for use in methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Kasra Farsad, Miguel Fernandez
  • Publication number: 20100150802
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the invention provides, a method comprising a) contacting a solution with an industrial source of carbon dioxide to produce a CO2-charged solution; b) subjecting the CO2-charged solution to conditions sufficient to produce a composition, wherein the composition comprises carbonates, bicarbonates, or carbonates and bicarbonates; c) separating a supernatant from the composition; and d) recirculating at least a portion of the supernatant for contact with the industrial source of carbon dioxide. In some embodiments, the invention provides a system comprising a) a processor configured to produce a composition from an industrial source of carbon dioxide, wherein the composition comprises precipitation material comprising carbonates, bicarbonates, or carbonates and bicarbonates and a treatment system configured to separate a supernatant from the composition, wherein the processor and the treatment system are operably connected for recirculation of at least a portion of the supernatant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Ryan J. GILLIAM, Valentin Decker, Michael Kostowskyj, Brent R. Constantz, Kasra Farsad, Miguel Fernandez, Sidney Omelon
  • Patent number: 7735274
    Abstract: Hydraulic cement compositions that include a carbonate compound composition, e.g., a salt-water derived carbonate compound composition containing crystalline and/or amorphous carbonate compounds, are provided. Also provided are methods of making and using the hydraulic cements, as well as settable compositions, such as concretes and mortars, prepared therefrom. The cements and compositions produced therefrom find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Cecily Ryan, Laurence Clodic
  • Publication number: 20100132556
    Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
  • Publication number: 20100135865
    Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, Douglas J. Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
  • Publication number: 20100135882
    Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
  • Publication number: 20100132591
    Abstract: Hydraulic cement compositions that include a carbonate compound composition, e.g., a salt-water derived carbonate compound composition containing crystalline and/or amorphous carbonate compounds, are provided. Also provided are methods of making and using the hydraulic cements, as well as settable compositions, such as concretes and mortars, prepared therefrom. The cements and compositions produced therefrom find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Cecily Ryan, Laurence Clodic
  • Publication number: 20100083880
    Abstract: Reduced-carbon footprint concrete compositions, and methods for making and using the same, are provided. Aspects of the reduced-carbon footprint concrete compositions include CO2-sequestering carbonate compounds, which may be present in the hydraulic cement and/or aggregate components of the concrete. The reduced-carbon footprint concrete compositions find use in a variety of applications, including use in a variety of building materials and building applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: BRENT R. CONSTANTZ, Andrew Youngs, Terence C. Holland
  • Publication number: 20100077691
    Abstract: CO2-sequestering formed building materials are provided. The building materials of the invention include a composition comprising a carbonate/bicarbonate component. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of making and using the CO2-sequestering formed building material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. CONSTANTZ, Andrew Youngs, Terence C. Holland
  • Publication number: 20100063902
    Abstract: A system and method of generating and trading a CO2 commodity that is correlated to a quantified amount of CO2 sequestered in a CO2 sequestering product comprising a carbonate and/or a bicarbonate. The tradable commodity can be purchased or sold for use in managing CO2 emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Vinod Khosla, Aurelia Setton, Robert Danziger, Andrew Youngs, James R. O'Neil, Chris Camire, Cecily Ryan
  • Patent number: 7670311
    Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing the mineral content of a region of non-intimal vascular tissue are provided. In the subject methods, an isolated local environment that includes the region to be demineralized is produced. The pH of the local environment is then reduced to a subphysiologic level, e.g. by flushing with an acidic dissolution fluid, for a period of time sufficient for the mineral content of the region to be reduced. The devices of the subject invention are characterized by comprising a means for producing an isolated local environment that includes a non-intimal region of vascular tissue. Also provided are kits for practicing the subject methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: Brent R. Constantz
  • Patent number: 7658940
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods for producing flowable compositions, e.g. pastes, that set into calcium phosphate containing products, where the products include autologous bone. Aspects of the invention further include compositions produced by the methods, as well as kits for preparing the same. The subject methods and compositions produced thereby find use in a variety of applications, including hard tissue repair applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Skeletal Kinetics, LLC
    Inventor: Brent R. Constantz
  • Publication number: 20090301352
    Abstract: Provided are methods for producing carbonate-containing compositions comprising silicon-based material (e.g., pozzolanic material) from a source of carbon dioxide, a divalent cation-containing solution, and a source of proton-removing agents. In such methods, divalent cations of the divalent cation-containing solution are provided by digestion of material comprising metal silicates. Also provided are methods for producing carbonate-containing compositions comprising little or no silicon-based material. In such methods, silicon-based material (e.g., silica, unreacted or undigested silicates, aluminosilicates, etc.) may be separated and processed separately from carbonate-containing compositions. Silicon-based material and carbonate-containing material may be blended at a later stage to produce a pozzolanic material, which may be further processed and blended with, for example, Portland cement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Laurence Clodic, Cecily Ryan, Miguel Fernandez, Kasra Farsad, Sidney Omelon, Philip Tuet, Paulo Monteiro, Gordon E. Brown, JR., Katharine Geramita
  • Publication number: 20090169452
    Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard