Patents by Inventor Christopher Hicks
Christopher Hicks 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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Publication number: 20240009648Abstract: Shale processing systems may include a reactor comprising. a first inlet in fluid communication with a shale gas source. a plasma zone in fluid communication with the first inlet, the plasma zone comprising, an outlet in fluid communication with the plasma zone, a collection vessel configured to receive fluid from the reactor outlet, and a voltage supply and monitor system in electrical communication with the inner electrode and with the outer electrode. The shale gas processing systems may be configured to generate various fluid products, including nitrogen (N)-containing compounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Jason Christopher Hicks, Deanna Poirier, Gerardo Rivera-Castro
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Publication number: 20240010582Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods process gas streams comprising methane. Exemplary reactors receive a gas stream and comprise catalyst material in a reaction zone. Non-thermal plasma may be generated in the reaction zone. A temperature of the reaction zone may be maintained within a predetermined temperature range. Products may be collected from a reactor outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Jason Christopher HICKS, Gerardo RIVERA-CASTRO
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Publication number: 20220234951Abstract: A concrete mix, including: cementitious content between 25 and 200 kg/m3; fly ash content between 25 and 175 kg/m3; dirty sand with fine aggregates between 3% and 20%; water content between 150 I/m3 and 250 l/m3; and a chemical admixture comprising one or more components selected from the following: an acrylic, formaldehyde-free polymer-based admixture, modified in aqueous solution; a surfactant admixture configured to entrain micro air bubbles in concrete; and an organic polymer comprising hydrophilic groups for increasing the viscosity of the mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2020Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventors: Federico Furlani, Christopher Hicks, Michele Furlani
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Patent number: 8969599Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst system for catalytic fast pyrolysis comprising a cerium-incorporated HZSM-5 zeolite (Catalyst 1), and methods of making and using the same. The invention also provides a process for reducing coke formation during catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass using HZSM-5, wherein the process can include incorporating cerium into the HZSM-5 zeolite to produce Catalyst 1 prior to the catalytic fast pyrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: University of Notre Dame du LacInventors: Jason Christopher Hicks, Gregory Thomas Neumann
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Publication number: 20140371496Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for solvent liquefaction of biomass to produce liquid products such as transportation fuel. The method uses a novel solvent combination that promotes liquefaction relatively quickly, and it reduces the need to transport large amounts of hydrogen or hydrogen-carrying solvents. It operates at lower pressure than previous methods, does not require a catalyst or hydrogen gas or CO input, and provides very high conversion of biomass into a bio-oil that can be further processed in a petroleum refinery. It also beneficially provides a way to recycle a portion of the crude liquefaction product for use as part of the solvent combination for the biomass liquefaction reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2014Publication date: December 18, 2014Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: James Floyd STEVENS, JR., Michelle K. YOUNG, Daniel D. EUHUS, Alexander Bruce COULTHARD, Douglas G. NAAE, Kerry Kennedy SPILKER, Jason Christopher HICKS, Subhasis BHATTACHARYA, Paul M. SPINDLER
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Publication number: 20140256967Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst system for catalytic fast pyrolysis comprising a cerium-incorporated HZSM-5 zeolite (Catalyst 1), and methods of making and using the same. The invention also provides a process for reducing coke formation during catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass using HZSM-5, wherein the process can include incorporating cerium into the HZSM-5 zeolite to produce Catalyst 1 prior to the catalytic fast pyrolysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: University of Notre Dame Du LacInventors: Jason Christopher Hicks, Gregory Thomas Neumann
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Patent number: 7841985Abstract: An inventive method and system are provided for identifying a compatible photoplethysmographic sensor when interconnected to a given photoplethysmographic monitor. The method and system may further provide for the identification of which of a plurality of compatible sensors is interconnected to allow for selective calibration of the photoplethysmographic monitor. In this regard, the system and method may entail provision of a predetermined drive or test signal to a light source and/or identification element (i.e., sensor elements) of a photoplethysmographic sensor, and the obtainment of a corresponding output signal for use in sensor identification. In one approach, an output signal is obtained from at least one of three sensor elements each of which is interconnected between a different pair of sensor terminals which is a unique combination of two of four sensor terminals on the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.Inventor: Christopher Hicks
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Publication number: 20070208236Abstract: An inventive method and system are provided for identifying a compatible photoplethysmographic sensor when interconnected to a given photoplethysmographic monitor. The method and system may further provide for the identification of which of a plurality of compatible sensors is interconnected to allow for selective calibration of the photoplethysmographic monitor. In this regard, the system and method may entail provision of a predetermined drive or test signal to a light source and/or identification element (i.e., sensor elements) of a photoplethysmographic sensor, and the obtainment of a corresponding output signal for use in sensor identification. In one approach, an output signal is obtained from at least one of three sensor elements each of which is interconnected between a different pair of sensor terminals which is a unique combination of two of four sensor terminals on the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: September 6, 2007Inventor: Christopher Hicks
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Patent number: 6745061Abstract: The invention is directed to a disposable oximetry sensor having an integrally formed connector. In one aspect, the sensor includes a clear flexible substrate on which a light emitter and/or light detector (collectively active component(s)) are mounted to allow those components to emit/detect light though the clear substrate and a second patient-side surface of that substrate. The clear substrate will generally contain one or more electrically conductive traces, preferably formed through a printing process, for interconnection to the active components. In this regard, the clear substrate acts as the electrical connector and lens structure for the active components reducing the overall part count for the sensor's assembly. Additional materials/layers may be added to the sensor including an adhesive layer, a compressible material layer, a light blocking layer, and/or a heat sink for thermal management.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Hicks, Norma M. Prince
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Publication number: 20030225334Abstract: An inventive method and system are provided for identifying a compatible photoplethysmographic sensor when interconnected to a given photoplethysmographic monitor. The method and system may further provide for the identification of which of a plurality of compatible sensors is interconnected to allow for selective calibration of the photoplethysmographic monitor. In this regard, the system and method may entail provision of a predetermined drive or test signal to a light source and/or identification element (i.e., sensor elements) of a photoplethysmographic sensor, and the obtainment of a corresponding output signal for use in sensor identification. In one approach, an output signal is obtained from at least one of three sensor elements each of which is interconnected between a different pair of sensor terminals which is a unique combination of two of four sensor terminals on the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventor: Christopher Hicks
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Patent number: 5148963Abstract: The method of the present invention permit the accurate sensing of the height of a solder nozzle above a circuit board during operation of the solder nozzle. A non-contact limit switch, which provides an indication of the presence of a planar surface at a preselected proximity, is mounted in a fixed relationship with a solder nozzle which is manipulatable by means of a robotic arm. A reference surface is provided which includes a proximity sensor, such as a through beam fiber optic switch. The proximity sensor is mounted a predetermined distance above the reference surface and is utilized to detect the solder nozzle as it is moved toward the reference surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1992Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Christopher A. Hicks
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Patent number: 5119759Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention permit the accurate sensing of the height of a solder nozzle above a circuit board during operation of the solder nozzle. A non-contact limit switch, which provides an indication of the presence of a planar surface at a preselected proximity, is mounted in a fixed relationship with a solder nozzle which is manipulatable by means of a robotic arm. A reference surface is provided which includes a proximity sensor, such as a through beam fiber optic switch. The proximity sensor is mounted a predetermined distance above the reference surface and is utilized to detect the solder nozzle as it is moved toward the reference surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1990Date of Patent: June 9, 1992Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Christopher A. Hicks
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Patent number: 5104689Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention permits the automated deposition of heated solder onto a plurality of conductive pads which are disposed in one or more linear arrays on a circuit board or other planar member. A robotically controlled arm is utilized to mount a solder nozzle and selectively manipulate the solder nozzle over the circuit board. The solder nozzle is first manipulated to a selected point offset in a known direction and distance from a first conductive pad by means of a data set which specifies the centroid and footprint for a selected group of conductive pads. After feeding solder into the solder nozzle, aligning the solder nozzle at a desired angle parallel to a linear array of conductive pads and lowering the solder nozzle until a solder droplet contacts the circuit board, the solder nozzle is manipulated at a substantially constant velocity toward the first conductive pad and thereafter along a selected line which tracks the linear array of conductive pads.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1990Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Terry F. Hayden, Christopher A. Hicks, Rodney A. Pooler
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Patent number: 5065932Abstract: A nozzle assembly is shown for depositing solder onto a series of conductive surfaces such as the mounting pads of a surface mount integrated circuit board. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle head which has an interior bore for receiving an elongate heat source. The nozzle head also includes an orifice for receiving solid solder fed within the interior bore to contact the elongate heat source. The interior bore terminates in a solder reservoir for molten solder which is fed within the inteiror bore to contact the elongate heat source. The molten solder is dispensed through a tip opening to deposit uniform amounts of solder on each pad. A source of bleed gas is supplied to the interior of the assembly to protect the component parts and excluse oxygen from the interior of the assembly. A cover gas is also supplied to the solder site to reduce oxidation of the moltent solder and reduce the amount of flux required.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1990Date of Patent: November 19, 1991Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Terry F. Hayden, Christopher A. Hicks, Peter G. Ledermann, Alvin D. Nguyne, Stephen C. Steinbach, Stanley K. Yu