Patents by Inventor Elliott Barnhart

Elliott Barnhart 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: 10704993
    Abstract: A Sampler and process for collecting, growing, inoculating and evaluating microbes in-situ. The Sampler may be loaded with an active or inert media to assist with the collection of microbes. It is closed and lowered to a desired depth. Sampler is opened to initiate sampling. Materials are added to the sampler to stimulate growth or change the environment. To collect and grow in situ microbes, the sampler is left open for a period of time, a trigger closes and seals the sampler capturing contents specific to that location. The sampler is lifted preserving the in-situ conditions from the collection location. The contents of the sampler can be interrogated through sealed ports at the field site or at a remote location. The sampler can also be utilized as a biologic reactor allowing researchers to connect laboratory equipment to analyze, modify, or cultivate the collected sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior
    Inventors: Elliott Barnhart, Robert Hyatt, Mathew Fields, Alfred B Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20180348093
    Abstract: A Sampler and process for collecting, growing, inoculating and evaluating microbes in-situ. The Sampler may be loaded with an active or inert media to assist with the collection of microbes. It is closed and lowered to a desired depth. Sampler is opened to initiate sampling. Materials are added to the sampler to stimulate growth or change the environment. To collect and grow in situ microbes, the sampler is left open for a period of time, a trigger closes and seals the sampler capturing contents specific to that location. The sampler is lifted preserving the in-situ conditions from the collection location. The contents of the sampler can be interrogated through sealed ports at the field site or at a remote location. The sampler can also be utilized as a biologic reactor allowing researchers to connect laboratory equipment to analyze, modify, or cultivate the collected sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicants: United States Department of the Interiori, Montana State University, Montana Emergent Technologies
    Inventors: Elliott Barnhart, Robert Hyatt, Mathew Fields, Alfred B. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20170321228
    Abstract: A process for revitalization of the coal deposit for enhanced microbial gas production by exposing coal deposit to air oxidation. Water is removed from coal beds and stored. The coal is exposed to hydrogen peroxide for providing oxygen-rich organic molecules that are more readily biodegraded. Oxidation and drying out of coal produces additional cracks within the coal matrix to allow microbes greater access to the overall coal matrix. The coal is reinjected with emulsified oil and inorganic nutrients by transporting produced water from the storage sites to the reinjection wells. Produced water is mixed with oil and inorganic nutrients in a holding tank. The reinjection water containing nutrients and oil is then injected into the coal under pressure. The mixture presence of the oil speeds up cell division of bacteria and methanogens in the coal and create microbial biomass sufficient to accelerate biomethanogenesis of the coal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Applicant: United States Department of the Interior
    Inventors: William H Orem, Elizabeth Jones, Arthur Clark, Elliott Barnhart, Leslie Ruppert, Denise Akob