Patents by Inventor Donald W. Kirk
Donald W. Kirk 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: 9919290Abstract: A novel carbon absorption material is described which is formed from anaerobic digestate. The material has a hollow tubular structure and is particularly advantageous in converting hydrogen sulfide in biogas and in absorbing the converted sulfur and sulfur compounds from biogas into its structure. The material after use as a hydrogen sulfide absorbent has value as a horticultural or agricultural product or as a sulfur impregnated activated carbon. The process for producing this novel carbon absorption material is described. In an embodiment, the process described uses in particular, a humidified inert gas over a temperature range of between about 500° C. to 900° C. to convert anaerobic digestate to an active carbon absorbent. The thermal treatment is relatively mild and retains the fibrous structure of the source material while removing cellulosic and hemicellulosic components from the anaerobic digestate.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignee: CHAR Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, John W. Graydon, Andrew J. White
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Publication number: 20160279599Abstract: A novel carbon absorption material is described which is formed from anaerobic digestate. The material has a hollow tubular structure and is particularly advantageous in converting hydrogen sulfide in biogas and in absorbing the converted sulfur and sulfur compounds from biogas into its structure. The material after use as a hydrogen sulfide absorbent has value as a horticultural or agricultural product or as a sulfur impregnated activated carbon. The process for producing this novel carbon absorption material is described. In an embodiment, the process described uses in particular, a humidified inert gas over a temperature range of between about 500° C. to 900° C. to convert anaerobic digestate to an active carbon absorbent. The thermal treatment is relatively mild and retains the fibrous structure of the source material while removing cellulosic and hemicellulosic components from the anaerobic digestate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Applicant: SulfaCHAR Inc.Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, John W. Graydon, Andrew J. White
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Patent number: 9381493Abstract: A novel carbon absorption material is described which is formed from anaerobic digestate. The material has a hollow tubular structure and is particularly advantageous in converting hydrogen sulfide in biogas and in absorbing the converted sulfur and sulfur compounds from biogas into its structure. The material after use as a hydrogen sulfide absorbent has value as a horticultural or agricultural product or as a sulfur impregnated activated carbon. The process for producing this novel carbon absorption material is described. In an embodiment, the process described uses in particular, a humidified inert gas over a temperature range of between about 500° C. to 900° C. to convert anaerobic digestate to an active carbon absorbent. The thermal treatment is relatively mild and retains the fibrous structure of the source material while removing cellulosic and hemicellulosic components from the anaerobic digestate.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: SulfaCHAR Inc.Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, John W. Graydon, Andrew J. White
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Publication number: 20130295634Abstract: A novel carbon absorption material is described which is formed from anaerobic digestate. The material has a hollow tubular structure and is particularly advantageous in converting hydrogen sulfide in biogas and in absorbing the converted sulfur and sulfur compounds from biogas into its structure. The material after use as a hydrogen sulfide absorbent has value as a horticultural or agricultural product or as a sulfur impregnated activated carbon. The process for producing this novel carbon absorption material is described. In an embodiment, the process described uses in particular, a humidified inert gas over a temperature range of between about 500° C. to 900° C. to convert anaerobic digestate to an active carbon absorbent. The thermal treatment is relatively mild and retains the fibrous structure of the source material while removing cellulosic and hemicellulosic components from the anaerobic digestate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: DJA TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, John W. Graydon, Andrew J. White
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Patent number: 8333944Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2010Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Calera CorporationInventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
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Publication number: 20120213688Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2012Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: BRENT R. CONSTANTZ, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
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Publication number: 20110059000Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventors: BRENT R. CONSTANTZ, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
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Patent number: 7887694Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2008Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Calera CorporationInventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
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Publication number: 20100224503Abstract: A low-energy method and system of forming hydroxide ions in an electrochemical cell. On applying a low voltage across the anode and cathode, hydroxide ions form in the electrolyte containing the cathode, protons form at the anode but a gas e.g. chlorine or oxygen does not form at the anode.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Ryan J. Gilliam, Kasra Farsad, Valentin Decker
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Patent number: 7790012Abstract: A low-energy method and system of forming hydroxide ions in an electrochemical cell. On applying a low voltage across the anode and cathode, hydroxide ions form in the electrolyte containing the cathode, protons form at the anode but a gas e.g. chlorine or oxygen does not form at the anode.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2008Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Calera CorporationInventors: Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Ryan J. Gilliam, Kasra Farsad, Valentin Decker
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Publication number: 20100155258Abstract: A low-energy method and system of forming hydroxide ions in an electrochemical cell. On applying a low voltage across the anode and cathode, hydroxide ions form in the electrolyte containing the cathode, protons form at the anode but a gas e.g. chlorine or oxygen does not form at the anode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Ryan J. Gilliam, Kasra Farsad, Valentin Decker
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Publication number: 20100135865Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, Douglas J. Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
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Publication number: 20100132556Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
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Publication number: 20100135882Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Robert Danziger, Miguel Fernandez, Cecily Ryan
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Publication number: 20090169452Abstract: Methods of sequestering carbon dioxide (CO2) are provided. Aspects of the methods include precipitating a storage stable carbon dioxide sequestering product from an alkaline-earth-metal-containing water and then disposing of the product, e.g., by placing the product in a disposal location or using the product as a component of a manufactured composition. Also provided are systems for practicing methods of the invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Brent R. Constantz, Andrew Youngs, Philip Brian Tuet, Sidney Omelon, Kasra Farsad, Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard
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Publication number: 20080098799Abstract: A sensor is provided which is able to determine the level of contaminant gas within a gas stream. In particular, the sensor is able to detect the level of hydrogen gas contamination within an oxygen containing gas stream, or the oxygen gas contamination within a hydrogen containing gas stream. The sensor has a first temperature measurement device which measures a first temperature within a catalyst bed which catalyst bed catalytically effects the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to produce heat. The first temperature is compared to the temperature of the original gas stream measured using a second temperature measurement device. The difference in the first and second temperatures provides a heat signature which can be related to the contaminant gas concentration. A simple, cost effective and reliable contaminant gas sensor is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, John W. Graydon
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Patent number: 7261873Abstract: A process for obtaining energy values contained in a sulphur-containing carbonaceous fuel, the process comprising (a) treating a feed carbonaceous fuel having a first bound-sulphur content with an effective amount of an oxygen and SO2-containing gas in a reactor at an effective temperature to (i) provide elemental sulphur from the SO2, (ii) release exothermic heat, and (iii) produce a hot effluent gaseous steam containing the elemental sulphur and treated fuel having a second bound-sulphur content, (b) separating the elemental sulphur from the treated fuel; (c) collecting the elemental sulphur; (d) collecting the treated fuel; and (e) collecting the exothermic heat.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2003Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Enflow Power Generation Inc.Inventors: Charles Q. Jia, Donald W. Kirk
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Publication number: 20040151953Abstract: An electrochemical cell stack comprising stack walls and a plurality of electrolytic cells within the stack walls, each cell comprising cell members selected from an anode a cathode; a membrane separator frame (14) formed of a non-conductive material and having a frame first planar peripheral surface; a frame second planar peripheral surface; and a central portion defining a membrane-receiving aperture (18); a membrane (20) within the aperture to provide an anolyte circulation chamber and a catholyte circulation chamber distinct one from the other within the frame, an impermeable cell end wall (12) formed of a non-conductive material between the anode and cathode and the anodes and cathodes of adjacent cells of said stack; wherein each of said anode, said cathode, said separator frame and said end wall has a portion defining an anolyte flow inlet channel (30), a catholyte flow inlet channel (32), a spent anolyte channel (36) and a spent catholyte channel(34); said anolyte flow inlet channel and said spent anoType: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, Steven J Thorpe, John W Graydon
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Publication number: 20040109820Abstract: A process for obtaining energy values contained in a sulphur-containing carbonaceous fuel, the process comprising (a) treating a feed carbonaceous fuel having a first bound-sulphur content with an effective amount of an oxygen and SO2-containing gas in a reactor at an effective temperature to (i) provide elemental sulphur from the SO2, (ii) release exothermic heat, and (iii) produce a hot effluent gaseous steam containing the elemental sulphur and treated fuel having a second bound-sulphur content, (b) separating the elemental sulphur from the treated fuel; (c) collecting the elemental sulphur; (d) collecting the treated fuel; and (e) collecting the exothermic heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2003Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Charles Q. Jia, Donald W. Kirk
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Patent number: 6527923Abstract: An electrode of use in electrolytic cells, particularly water electrolyser cells for the production of hydrogen, and comprising an electrically conductive first metal sheet having an electrochemically active gas-evolving planar surface; an electrically conductive second metal electrochemically active gas-evolving screen intimately adjacent and parallel to the planar surface to define an electrolyte and gas-evolving chamber between the sheet and the screen having a narrow width. The electrode provides improvements in voltage and efficiency, longer-term electrode stability and opportunity for periodic depolarization.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, John W Graydon