Patents by Inventor David O. Hobson

David O. Hobson 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: 5705293
    Abstract: An improved rechargeable thin-film lithium battery involves the provision of a higher melting temperature lithium anode. Lithium is alloyed with a suitable solute element to elevate the melting point of the anode to withstand moderately elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation
    Inventor: David O. Hobson
  • Patent number: 5445906
    Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a thin-film battery and a battery structure formed with the method utilizes a plurality of deposition stations at which thin battery component films are built up in sequence upon a web-like substrate as the substrate is automatically moved through the stations. At an initial station, cathode and anode current collector film sections are deposited upon the substrate, and at another station, a thin cathode film is deposited upon the substrate so to overlie part of the cathode current collector section. At another station, a thin electrolyte film is deposited upon so as to overlie the cathode film and part of the anode current collector film, at yet another station, a thin lithium film is deposited upon so as to overlie the electrolyte film and an additional part of the anode current collector film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David O. Hobson, William B. Snyder, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4919335
    Abstract: A method and device for dispersing molten metal into fine particulate spray, the method comprises applying an electric current through the molten metal and simultaneously applying a magnetic field to the molten metal in a plane perpendicular to the electric current, whereby the molten metal is caused to form into droplets at an angle perpendicular to both the electric current and the magnetic field. The device comprises a structure for providing a molten metal, appropriately arranged electrodes for applying an electric current through the molten metal, and a magnet for providing a magnetic field in a plane perpendicular to the electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: David O. Hobson, Igor Alexeff, Vinod K. Sikka
  • Patent number: 4786320
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for removal of nonelectrically-conducting gaseous, liquid, and particulate contaminants from molten metal compositions by applying a force thereto. The force (commonly referred to as the Lorentz Force) exerted by simultaneous application of an electric field and a magnetic field on a molten conductor causes an increase, in the same direction as the force, in the apparent specific gravity thereof, but does not affect the nonconducting materials. This difference in apparent densities cause the nonconducting materials to "float" in the opposite direction from the Lorentz Force at a rapid rate. Means are further provided for removal of the contaminants and prevention of stirring due to rotational forces generated by the applied fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Deprtment of Energy
    Inventors: David O. Hobson, Igor Alexeff, Vinod K. Sikka