Patents by Inventor Dennis Michael DeFreitas

Dennis Michael DeFreitas 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).

  • Ignition methods and apparatus using microwave and laser energy
    Patent number: 5845480
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus for a combustor includes a microwave energy source that emits microwave energy into the combustor, and a laser energy source that emits laser energy into the combustor so that a plasma is produced that ignites a combustible mixture therein. The plasma preferably is a non-contact plasma produced in free space within the combustor spaced away from with the combustor wall structure and spaced from the microwave emitter. In one embodiment, the microwave energy is emitted at a frequency within a resonant response of the combustor, and the laser energy is infrared laser energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Unison Industries Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Dennis Michael DeFreitas, Albert Migliori
  • Ignition apparatus using electrostatic nozzle and catalytic igniter
    Patent number: 5695328
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for igniting fuel include an electrostatic fuel nozzle that produces an atomized fuel spray; and a catalytic igniter for igniting the atomized fuel spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems & Precision Combustion
    Inventors: Dennis Michael DeFreitas, Ervin Jack Sweet
  • Ignition methods and apparatus using microwave energy
    Patent number: 5673554
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus for a combustor includes a microwave energy source that emits microwave energy into the combustor at a frequency within a resonant response of the combustor, the combustor functioning as a resonant cavity for the microwave energy so that a plasma is produced that ignites a combustible mixture therein. The plasma preferably is a non-contact plasma produced in free space within the resonant cavity spaced away from with the cavity wall structure and spaced from the microwave emitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Simmonds Precision Engine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Michael DeFreitas, Albert Migliori