Patents by Inventor Bruce Crowder
Bruce Crowder 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).
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Patent number: 11722092Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator incorporating a two-stage combustor for providing heat to a thermophotovoltaic cell. Combustor parts include a partial oxidation reactor, which functions catalytically to convert a hydrocarbon fuel and a first supply of an oxidant into a gaseous partial oxidation product; and further include downstream thereof, a deep oxidation reactor including a premixer plenum fluidly connected to a heat spreader comprising a porous matrix, such as a ceramic foam. Functionally, the deep oxidation reactor converts the gaseous partial oxidation product and a second supply of oxidant into complete combustion products. Heat produced by the two-stage combustor generates radiative energy from a photon emitter, which is directly converted to electricity in a photovoltaic diode cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2022Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno, Francesco Macri, Bruce Crowder
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Patent number: 11666852Abstract: A regenerable adsorbent system having as constituent parts: a cylindrical perforated plate defining an interior plenum, around which is wrapped at least one layer of sorbent structure supporting a sorbent; and in thermal communication with the sorbent structure is disposed an electrical resistance heater, such as, a heating cable wrapped around the sorbent structure. In one embodiment, the perforated plate includes one or more flow constrictors disposed at a downstream end of the plate. Variations include alternating sections of sorbent structure and heating cable; as well as inserting a porous insulating material to retard heat losses. The system is useful for removing a target compound, such as a contaminant VOC, ammonia, or carbon dioxide, from a fluid flowstream, such as air. When the sorbent is saturated, the system is regenerated by heating the sorbent structure via the electrical resistance heater.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2020Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey G. Weissman, Bruce Crowder, Richard Mastanduno
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Publication number: 20230124247Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator incorporating a two-stage combustor for providing heat to a thermophotovoltaic cell. Combustor parts include a partial oxidation reactor, which functions catalytically to convert a hydrocarbon fuel and a first supply of an oxidant into a gaseous partial oxidation product; and further include downstream thereof, a deep oxidation reactor including a premixer plenum fluidly connected to a heat spreader comprising a porous matrix, such as a ceramic foam. Functionally, the deep oxidation reactor converts the gaseous partial oxidation product and a second supply of oxidant into complete combustion products. Heat produced by the two-stage combustor generates radiative energy from a photon emitter, which is directly converted to electricity in a photovoltaic diode cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2022Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno, Francesco Macri, Bruce Crowder
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Patent number: 11558004Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator incorporating a two-stage combustor for providing heat to a thermophotovoltaic cell. Combustor parts include a partial oxidation reactor, which functions catalytically to convert a hydrocarbon fuel and a first supply of an oxidant into a gaseous partial oxidation product; and further include downstream thereof, a deep oxidation reactor including a premixer plenum fluidly connected to a heat spreader comprising a porous matrix, such as a ceramic foam. Functionally, the deep oxidation reactor converts the gaseous partial oxidation product and a second supply of oxidant into complete combustion products. Heat produced by the two-stage combustor generates radiative energy from a photon emitter, which is directly converted to electricity in a photovoltaic diode cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Precision Combustion, Inc.Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno, Francesco Macri, Bruce Crowder
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Patent number: 11415315Abstract: A two-stage combustor having as constituent parts: a partial oxidation reactor, which catalytically converts a hydrocarbon fuel and a first supply of oxidant into a gaseous partial oxidation product; and a deep oxidation reactor having a premixer plenum fluidly connected to a porous heat spreader, which converts the gaseous partial oxidation product to deep oxidation products. In one embodiment, the premixer plenum provides an empty space wherein combustion occurs in flame mode. In a second embodiment, the premixer plenum contains a high pore density foam matrix, absent catalyst, which facilitates holding a flameless combustion downstream within the porous heat spreader. In both embodiments heat produced during combustion is transmitted from the heat spreader to an associated heat acceptor, such as a heater head of a Stirling engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno, Bruce Crowder, Francesco Macri
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Patent number: 11325090Abstract: A catalytic solar reactor useful in chemical processes, more particularly, useful in endothermic chemical processes. The reactor comprises a reaction pathway defined by an exterior wall and an interior wall, the exterior wall comprising a solar radiation receiver capable of converting solar radiation into heat and transmitting the heat to the reaction pathway. Further, the reaction pathway has disposed therein, in alternating fashion, a plurality of catalytic elements and a plurality of heat transfer elements. Optionally, a supplementary heater, such as a conventional fossil fuel burner, is disposed in a plenum located within the interior of the reactor. The heater is employed as a supplemental source of heat, for example, when solar radiation is unavailable.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2020Date of Patent: May 10, 2022Assignee: Precision Combustion, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey G Weissman, Bruce Crowder, Julian Prada
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Patent number: 10876472Abstract: A spark-ignited (SI) internal combustion (IC) engine designed to operate on high octane fuels, such as gasoline, is reconfigured to operate on low octane fuels including logistically preferred distillate fuels, such as diesel or JP-8. Design modifications involve coupling a fuel reformer module to the internal combustion engine. Auxiliary components include a system control module, a heat exchange module, a bypass valve to facilitate start-up, and/or a throttle body to control a reformate-oxidizer mixture fed to the engine. Small portable generators having 0.3-3.0 kWe power output are disclosed based upon the modified SI-IC engine design.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno, David Lang Spence, Bruce Crowder, Curtis Morgan
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Patent number: 10760394Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignees: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC., GENERAL ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
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Patent number: 10738996Abstract: A gas-fired burner adapted for use on a liquid fuel. A method for essentially smokeless start-up and steady state operation of a gas-fired burner on a liquid fuel. The apparatus integrates a catalytic liquid fuel reformer with a flame burner designed for operation on a gaseous fuel of high Wobbe Index, e.g., natural gas. The method involves reacting a mixture of a liquid fuel and oxidant in a catalytic reformer to obtain a gaseous reformate having a low Wobbe Index; and thereafter combusting the gaseous reformate, optionally augmented with liquid co-fuel and oxidant, in the gas-fired burner under diffusion flame conditions. The invention allows commercial gas-fired appliances to be operated on a liquid fuel, thereby offering advantages in logistics and camp operations.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno, Bruce Crowder, David Lang Spence, Francesco Macri, Julian David Prada Bernal
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Patent number: 10690340Abstract: A flameless cooking apparatus for use with liquid fuels and for indoor or outdoor use under field operations. The burner exhibits low CO and hydrocarbon emissions and meets standards for burner thermal efficiency when used with JP-8 fuel. The apparatus employs a catalytic burner having among its parts (i) a combustion catalyst; (ii) a conductive surface, e.g., cooking surface; and (iii) in between the catalyst and the conductive surface and in direct physical contact with both surfaces, a heat spreader for conductively transferring heat of combustion from the catalyst to the conductive surface. Also claimed are a method of heat flux and a method of cooking.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2010Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard T. Mastanduno, Bruce Crowder, Benjamin D. Baird
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Patent number: 10557336Abstract: A system and method of producing steam is provided. The system includes a support module and a steam module. The support module is configured to supply air, water and fuel. The steam module includes a casing defining a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled to receive water from the support module. An interface module is provided having a first conduit made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the support module. The interface module further having a second conduit being made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive air from the support module. A combustor is coupled to and spaced apart from the interface portion, the combustor being fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the first conduit and air from the second conduit. A steam generator is coupled to an end of the combustor.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignees: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC., GENERAL ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
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Patent number: 10273790Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2015Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignees: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC., GENERAL ENERGY RECOVERY, INC.Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
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Publication number: 20190100984Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: April 4, 2019Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
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Patent number: 10060344Abstract: A spark-ignited (SI) internal combustion (IC) engine designed to operate on high octane fuels, such as gasoline, is reconfigured to operate on low octane fuels including logistically preferred distillate fuels, such as diesel or JP-8. Design modifications involve coupling a fuel reformer module to the internal combustion engine. Auxiliary components include a system control module, a heat exchange module, a bypass valve to facilitate start-up, and/or a throttle body to control a reformate-oxidizer mixture fed to the engine. Small portable generators having 0.3-3.0 kWe power output are disclosed based upon the modified SI-IC engine design.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno, David Lang Spence, Bruce Crowder, Curtis Morgan
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Patent number: 10001278Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a gas-fired burner on a liquid fuel. The apparatus integrates a catalytic liquid fuel reformer with a flame burner designed for operation on a gaseous fuel of high Wobbe Index, e.g., natural gas. The method involves reacting a mixture of a liquid fuel and oxidant in a catalytic reformer to obtain a gaseous reformate having a low Wobbe Index; and thereafter combusting the gaseous reformate, optionally augmented with liquid co-fuel and oxidant, in the gas-fired burner under diffusion flame conditions. The invention allows commercial gas-fired appliances, such as stoves, ovens, ranges, grills, griddles, stock pot burners, clothes dryers, hot water heaters, and boilers to be operated on a liquid fuel, which offers advantages in logistics and camp operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno, Bruce Crowder, David Lang Spence, Francesco Macri, Julian David Prada Bernal
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Publication number: 20180149005Abstract: A system and method of producing steam is provided. The system includes a support module and a steam module. The support module is configured to supply air, water and fuel. The steam module includes a casing defining a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled to receive water from the support module. An interface module is provided having a first conduit made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the support module. The interface module further having a second conduit being made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive air from the support module. A combustor is coupled to and spaced apart from the interface portion, the combustor being fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the first conduit and air from the second conduit. A steam generator is coupled to an end of the combustor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2018Publication date: May 31, 2018Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
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Patent number: 9903585Abstract: A catalytic burner comprising a burner chamber and a utilization chamber, the burner chamber functionally divided into a fuel-oxidant mixing zone and a catalytic combustion zone. The burner chamber occupies a space disposed between outer and inner tubular walls of the burner. The utilization chamber, which is a space bounded by the inner tubular wall, remains hollow for secondary useful purposes, for example, connection to a heat sink of a Stirling engine and/or incorporation of a second heat source (e.g., solar or geothermal heat source). Auxiliary system components can also be packaged into the utilization chamber. The burner can function in hybrid flame and/or flameless modes, and can further include a recuperator to capture heat by-passing the heat sink.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Bruce Crowder, Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno
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Patent number: 9371991Abstract: An apparatus and process for vaporizing and, optionally, igniting a liquid fuel, preferably, a distillate fuel. The apparatus includes the following components: a heat-conductive reticulated screen positioned within a chamber; a first inlet path into the chamber for delivering a liquid fuel onto the screen; a second inlet path into the chamber for contacting an oxidant with the screen and fuel; a means for heating the screen to a temperature sufficient to vaporize and, optionally, ignite the liquid fuel; and a recuperator in fluid communication with the chamber for transferring heat from the chamber to the second inlet path. The apparatus is suitably employed in compact and portable oxidation reactors, for example, in external combustion engines, catalytic partial oxidation reformers, and hybrid combustors operating in flame and/or catalytic modes.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.Inventors: Richard Mastanduno, David Spence, Subir Roychoudhury, Bruce Crowder
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Publication number: 20150198025Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2015Publication date: July 16, 2015Inventors: Benjamin Baird, Sandeep Alavandi, J. Kevin Burns, Bruce Crowder, Brian Kay, Richard Mastanduno, Curtis Morgan, Chester Ledlie Sandberg
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Publication number: 20130266903Abstract: An apparatus and process for vaporizing and, optionally, igniting a liquid fuel, preferably, a distillate fuel. The apparatus includes the following components: a heat-conductive reticulated screen positioned within a chamber; a first inlet path into the chamber for delivering a liquid fuel onto the screen; a second inlet path into the chamber for contacting an oxidant with the screen and fuel; a means for heating the screen to a temperature sufficient to vaporize and, optionally, ignite the liquid fuel; and a recuperator in fluid communication with the chamber for transferring heat from the chamber to the second inlet path. The apparatus is suitably employed in compact and portable oxidation reactors, for example, in external combustion engines, catalytic partial oxidation reformers, and hybrid combustors operating in flame and/or catalytic modes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2012Publication date: October 10, 2013Applicant: Precision Combustion, Inc.Inventors: Richard Mastanduno, David Spence, Subir Roychoudhury, Bruce Crowder