Patents by Inventor David Staack
David Staack 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: 20240133867Abstract: A breath capture and analysis system includes a breath inlet for capturing a user's breath. The breath is drawn into the system and retained for analysis. The system includes a membrane that allows volatile organic compounds contained in the breath to pass therethrough. The volatile organic compounds pass into a vacuum chamber that includes a residual gas analyzer that is configured to analyze the volatile organic compounds. The analyzed breath is then vacated from the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2022Publication date: April 25, 2024Inventors: David Staack, Daniel Arthur McAdams, II, Matthew Leonard Burnette, Devesh Bhasin, Xin Tang, Maulik Kotecha, Kavita Rathore, Christopher Campbell, Jason G. Fox, Paul Michael Aarseth
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Patent number: 11867059Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a borehole are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system includes a drill bit and a plasma inducing apparatus coupled to the drill bit. The plasma inducing apparatus is configured to generate plasma.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David Staack, Li-Jung Tai, Dion S. Antao, Xin Tang
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Publication number: 20230374396Abstract: A high voltage discharge generating a plasma wave front is disposed within a headspace over an oil-containing liquid in order to create various chemical changes within the headspace, and ultimately within the liquid in order to inactivate various microbes, synthesize new chemicals, speed separation of a mixture, and aid in oil extraction. Such a discharge may be repeated at an optimum duration and duty-cycle to maximize the chemical effects of the non-equilibrium plasma at a substantially lower temperature than for an equilibrium plasma.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2023Publication date: November 23, 2023Applicant: Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Jamie Kraus, David Staack, Howard Jemison
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Publication number: 20230340337Abstract: A process for continuously upgrading heavy oil to produce light hydrocarbon gases which are recycled in the process as a carrier gas used in spark-discharge hydrocarbon cracking within the process. The process also produces light hydrocarbon liquids which are used to upgrade the heavy oil. An apparatus for continuously upgrading heavy oil to produce light hydrocarbon gases which are recycled in the as a carrier gas used in spark-discharge hydrocarbon cracking within the apparatus. The apparatus also produces light hydrocarbon liquids which are used to upgrade the heavy oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Applicant: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Howard Jemison, David Staack, Kunpeng Wang
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Publication number: 20230285877Abstract: Provided are systems and methods involving a plasma electro-coalescence reactor. The reactor includes a set of ports configured to receive an emulsified mixture into the reactor, receive a non-oxidative gas into the reactor, expel oil from the reactor, and expel water from the reactor. The reactor includes a set of electrodes including a first electrode in a headspace of the reactor, and a second electrode, the set of electrodes configured to receive a voltage at or in excess of a breakdown voltage of the non-oxidative gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2023Publication date: September 14, 2023Applicant: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Jamie Kraus, David Staack, Howard Jemison
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Patent number: 11713421Abstract: A process for continuously upgrading heavy oil to produce light hydrocarbon gases which are recycled in the process as a carrier gas used in spark-discharge hydrocarbon cracking within the process. The process also produces light hydrocarbon liquids which are used to upgrade the heavy oil. An apparatus for continuously upgrading heavy oil to produce light hydrocarbon gases which are recycled in the as a carrier gas used in spark-discharge hydrocarbon cracking within the apparatus. The apparatus also produces light hydrocarbon liquids which are used to upgrade the heavy oil.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Howard Jemison, David Staack, Kunpeng Wang
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Publication number: 20230121041Abstract: An apparatus for converting heavy hydrocarbons to light hydrocarbons includes an inlet capable of supplying a pre-foaming mixture comprising a hydrocarbon to be processed and a processing gas, wherein the processing gas is dissolved in the hydrocarbon to be processed; a foam generator configured to receive the pre-foaming mixture at a first pressure, compress the pre-foaming mixture to a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure by routing it through a nozzle; and generate a foam by allowing the pre-foaming mixture at the second pressure to expand in a chamber at a third pressure that is lower than the first or second pressures; a plasma reactor, wherein the plasma reactor is capable of receiving the foam and comprises at least one pair of spark gap electrodes capable of subjecting the foam to a plasma discharge to yield a processed mixture; and an outlet capable of receiving the processed mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2021Publication date: April 20, 2023Inventors: David Staack, Md Abdullah Hil Baky, Charles S. Martens, Howard B. Jemison
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Publication number: 20230083257Abstract: A method of waste treatment includes treating partially-dewatered matrix with a first electron-beam radiation dose. The treated partially-dewatered matrix is transferred to a digester where the treated partially-dewatered matrix is subjected to anaerobic digestion. Biogas is recovered from the treated partially-dewatered matrix during the anaerobic digestion. The treated partially-dewatered matrix is dried and subjected to a second electron-beam radiation dose.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2020Publication date: March 16, 2023Inventors: Suresh D. Pillai, David Staack, John Lassalle, Thomas Hoelen, Paul Bireta
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Publication number: 20230050244Abstract: Disclosed are example efficient circuits that produce spark discharges for hydrocarbon conversion (or treatment of other mixtures) using a high-voltage rectified DC supply to discharge a capacitor (either internal or external) across a two-electrode gap, optimized to minimize waste energy by operating in a constant current, approximately-constant current, or constant power mode. The circuits may operate off of a standard electrical supply line (e.g. 120 VAC or 240 V AC, 60 Hz, single-phase or multi-phase). The disclosed approach is scalable to any number of discharge gaps while maintaining similar pulse characteristics and electrical efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2019Publication date: February 16, 2023Inventors: David Staack, Christopher Campbell, Matthew Burnette, Nicholas Gawloski
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Publication number: 20220259503Abstract: Hydrocarbon conversion and transportation methods and apparatuses are provided. An apparatus may apply electron beam irradiation to hydrocarbons (i.e., natural gas) to convert the hydrocarbons to liquid fuel. Lower-weight hydrocarbons may be converted into medium-weight organics through a gas to liquid process (GTL). The electrons may generate radicals that facilitate desired reactions. The hydrocarbons may be temperature and pressure controlled. For example, the hydrocarbons may be at lower temperatures (e.g., cryogenic or otherwise below ambient) and/or at higher pressures (e.g., greater than standard atmospheric pressures). Temperature suppression may reduce decomposition reactions. A high energy electron beam (e.g., 500 keV or higher, such as 10 MeV) could be used for the conversion process. The hydrocarbon may be liquefied. The liquid-like, higher density lower-weight hydrocarbons may lead to radical-neutral interactions.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2020Publication date: August 18, 2022Applicant: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David Staack, Kunpeng WANG
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Patent number: 11390815Abstract: A process and apparatus for cracking liquid hydrocarbon materials into light hydrocarbon fractions using a carrier gas including methane and hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2019Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David Staack, Kunpeng Wang
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Publication number: 20220056934Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a cavitation generation device that includes a dactyl plunger rotatable about an axis between an open position and a closed position and a propus socket having a channel. The propus socket is rigidly mounted below the dactyl plunger, and the dactyl plunger is received into the propus socket when the dactyl plunger is in the closed position. The cavitation generation device can also include a torsion spring that biases the dactyl plunger into contact with the propus socket. In another embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method of inducing a cavitation including biasing a dactyl plunger via a torsion spring, and rotating the dactyl plunger, by action of the torsion spring, into a propus socket. The propus socket includes a nozzle-shaped channel. The method further includes ejecting a socket cavity volume through the nozzle-shaped channel thereby inducing a cavitation event.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2021Publication date: February 24, 2022Inventors: David Staack, Xin Tang
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Publication number: 20210396079Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a borehole are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system includes a drill bit and a plasma inducing apparatus coupled to the drill bit. The plasma inducing apparatus is configured to generate plasma.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2019Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: David Staack, Li-Jung Tai, Dion S. Antao, Xin Tang
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Patent number: 11193513Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a cavitation generation device that includes a dactyl plunger rotatable about an axis between an open position and a closed position and a propus socket having a channel. The propus socket is rigidly mounted below the dactyl plunger, and the dactyl plunger is received into the propus socket when the dactyl plunger is in the closed position. The cavitation generation device can also include a torsion spring that biases the dactyl plunger into contact with the propus socket. In another embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method of inducing a cavitation including biasing a dactyl plunger via a torsion spring, and rotating the dactyl plunger, by action of the torsion spring, into a propus socket. The propus socket includes a nozzle-shaped channel. The method further includes ejecting a socket cavity volume through the nozzle-shaped channel thereby inducing a cavitation event.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David Staack, Xin Tang
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Publication number: 20210330840Abstract: A system for reducing a microbial and/or viral load on equipment using ozone includes a container including having an open configuration to provide access to an interior of the container and a closed configuration to seal the interior from an environment external the container, and wherein the interior includes a receptive region to receive the equipment, a circulation fan positioned in the interior of the container, and one or more ozone generators positioned in the interior of the container and configured to generate ozone upon activation, wherein the circulation fan is configured to provide an airflow including ozone generated by the one or more ozone generators and directed along a flowpath extending into the receptive region of the interior of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2021Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicant: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David Staack, Suresh D. Pillai, Matt Pharr, Kavita Rathore, John Lassalle, Matthew L. Burnette, Min Huang, Md Kamrul Hassan
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Publication number: 20210155855Abstract: A process and apparatus for cracking liquid hydrocarbon materials into light hydrocarbon fractions using a carrier gas including methane and hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2019Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: David Staack, Kunpeng Wang
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Publication number: 20210155856Abstract: A process for continuously upgrading heavy oil to produce light hydrocarbon gases which are recycled in the process as a carrier gas used in spark-discharge hydrocarbon cracking within the process. The process also produces light hydrocarbon liquids which are used to upgrade the heavy oil. An apparatus for continuously upgrading heavy oil to produce light hydrocarbon gases which are recycled in the as a carrier gas used in spark-discharge hydrocarbon cracking within the apparatus. The apparatus also produces light hydrocarbon liquids which are used to upgrade the heavy oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2019Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Howard Jemison, David Staack, Kunpeng Wang
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Publication number: 20210160996Abstract: Provided is an approach for scaling up a multiphase plasma chemical reactor that uses gas bubble discharge in liquids. One example involves single spark gap discharge scale up systems and processes with suitable characteristic parameters. Scaling parameters are based on the size change of one spark gap. Another example involves scale-up systems and processes that can be applied to multiple spark gaps with multiple discharge modules and its dimension information. Numbers of modules and resulting device sizes could be based on required production rate and specific energy input. Applications allow for scaling up of any plasma chemical system or process with similar mechanisms and reactors, such oil treatment reactors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2019Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Kunpeng Wang, David Staack, Howard Jemison, Shariful Islam Bhuiyan, Charles Martens
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Publication number: 20200040921Abstract: In an embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a cavitation generation device that includes a dactyl plunger rotatable about an axis between an open position and a closed position and a propus socket having a channel. The propus socket is rigidly mounted below the dactyl plunger, and the dactyl plunger is received into the propus socket when the dactyl plunger is in the closed position. The cavitation generation device can also include a torsion spring that biases the dactyl plunger into contact with the propus socket. In another embodiment, the present disclosure pertains to a method of inducing a cavitation including biasing a dactyl plunger via a torsion spring, and rotating the dactyl plunger, by action of the torsion spring, into a propus socket. The propus socket includes a nozzle-shaped channel. The method further includes ejecting a socket cavity volume through the nozzle-shaped channel thereby inducing a cavitation event.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2019Publication date: February 6, 2020Applicant: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: David Staack, Xin Tang
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Patent number: 10098687Abstract: The present invention is direct to a nano-probe corona tool and uses thereof. A nano-probe corona tool is disclosed having a tip with a diameter in the nano-scale, typically around 100 nm. The nano-probe corona tool is constructed of electrically conductive material. On the other end of the tool, a pulsed voltage source outputs a pulsed voltage to generate a pulsed electrical potential at the tip. The pulsed electrical potential at the tip causes a plasma discharge corona to occur. Uses of the corona discharge include, but are not limited to, optical emission spectroscopy, in the enhancement of deposition of coatings and nanoscale welding, e.g., nanotube or nanowires to a contact pad and welding two nanowires together, and in nanoscale surgery. For example, a nano-probe comprising CNTs may be inserted into cell membranes. The resulting corona discharge may be used to destroy tumors within the cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventors: David Staack, Alexander Fridman, Alexander F. Gutsol, Yury Gogotsi, Gennady Friedman