Patents by Inventor George L. Danko
George L. Danko 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: 10927604Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of engineered geothermal systems (EGS). Also disclosed are methods and devices for the construction and use of planar artificial fractures in EGS wells, including wells that contain both an injection and extraction points.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University Nevada, RenoInventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20190128068Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of engineered geothermal systems (EGS). Also disclosed are methods and devices for the construction and use of planar artificial fractures in EGS wells, including wells that contain both an injection and extraction points.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2017Publication date: May 2, 2019Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of NevadaInventor: George L. Danko
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Patent number: 9969084Abstract: A coordinated joint control system for controlling a coordinated joint motion system, e.g. an articulated arm of a hydraulic excavator blends automation of routine tasks with real-time human supervisory trajectory correction and selection. One embodiment employs a differential control architecture utilizing an inverse Jacobian. Modeling of the desired trajectory of the end effector in system space can be avoided. The disclosure includes image generation and matching systems.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2013Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventor: George L. Danko
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Patent number: 9334692Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling method and drill. According to a disclosed method, multiple reciprocating rock-breaking elements, including a hammer drill bit, are used. The elements are moved in alternation to each other such that the net volume displacement by the moving parts is reduced for reducing compression work and thus for losing useful energy from the available amount from the drill bit engine for rock breaking. If desired, a small component of the net volume displacement is kept for enhancing PVW for enhancing rock chipping by tensile strength. The method also includes synchronizing the peak of the pressure depression wave with that of the impact moment of the drill bit's reciprocating motion to enhance, rather than hamper, rock breaking by the creation of PVW.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventor: George L. Danko
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Patent number: 9304501Abstract: Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20150322647Abstract: Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2015Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventor: George L. Danko
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Patent number: 9068397Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling method and drill. According to a disclosed method, multiple reciprocating rock-breaking elements, including a hammer drill bit, are used. The elements are moved in alternation to each other such that the net volume displacement by the moving parts is reduced for reducing compression work and thus for losing useful energy from the available amount from the drill bit engine for rock breaking. If desired, a small component of the net volume displacement is kept for enhancing PVW for enhancing rock chipping by tensile strength. The method also includes synchronizing the peak of the pressure depression wave with that of the impact moment of the drill bit's reciprocating motion to enhance, rather than hamper, rock breaking by the creation of PVW.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, RenoInventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20150152685Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling method and drill. According to a disclosed method, multiple reciprocating rock-breaking elements, including a hammer drill bit, are used. The elements are moved in alternation to each other such that the net volume displacement by the moving parts is reduced for reducing compression work and thus for losing useful energy from the available amount from the drill bit engine for rock breaking. If desired, a small component of the net volume displacement is kept for enhancing PVW for enhancing rock chipping by tensile strength. The method also includes synchronizing the peak of the pressure depression wave with that of the impact moment of the drill bit's reciprocating motion to enhance, rather than hamper, rock breaking by the creation of PVW.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2014Publication date: June 4, 2015Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the Univ. of Nevada, RenoInventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20140107841Abstract: A coordinated joint control system for controlling a coordinated joint motion system, e.g. an articulated arm of a hydraulic excavator blends automation of routine tasks with real-time human supervisory trajectory correction and selection. One embodiment employs a differential control architecture utilizing an inverse Jacobian. Modeling of the desired trajectory of the end effector in system space can be avoided. The disclosure includes image generation and matching systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada,Inventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20140107832Abstract: Disclosed are an articulated hydraulic machine supporting, control system and control method for same. The articulated hydraulic machine has an end effector for performing useful work. The control system is capable of controlling the end effector for automated movement along a preselected trajectory. The control system has a position error correction system to correct discrepancies between an actual end effector trajectory and a desired end effector trajectory. The correction system can employ one or more absolute position signals provided by one or more acceleration sensors supported by one or more movable machine elements. Good trajectory positioning and repeatability can be obtained. A two joystick controller system is enabled, which can in some cases facilitate the operator's task and enhance their work quality and productivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Ed cation, on behalf of the University of NevadaInventor: George L. Danko
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Patent number: 8430166Abstract: A system and process for extracting geothermal energy from a geologic formation. Coolant fluid is introduced into a first fracture system. The first fracture system is at a first height in the formation. The coolant fluid is collected from a second fracture system. The second fracture system is at a second height in the fracture system. The second height is lower than the first height. Coolant fluid introduced into the first fracture system percolates through the geologic formation from the first fracture system to the second fracture system, collecting heat from the geologic formation.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher EducationInventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20130043075Abstract: The present disclosure provides a drilling method and drill. According to a disclosed method, multiple reciprocating rock-breaking elements, including a hammer drill bit, are used. The elements are moved in alternation to each other such that the net volume displacement by the moving parts is reduced for reducing compression work and thus for losing useful energy from the available amount from the drill bit engine for rock breaking. If desired, a small component of the net volume displacement is kept for enhancing PVW for enhancing rock chipping by tensile strength. The method also includes synchronizing the peak of the pressure depression wave with that of the impact moment of the drill bit's reciprocating motion to enhance, rather than hamper, rock breaking by the creation of PVW.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2012Publication date: February 21, 2013Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher EducationInventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20120018120Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and process for extracting geothermal energy from a geologic formation. According to an embodiment of the method, coolant fluid is introduced into a first location, at a first height in the formation. The geologic coolant fluid is collected from a second location, at second height in the geologic formation. The second height is typically lower than the first height. Geologic coolant fluid introduced into the first location migrates through the geologic formation to the second location, extracting heat from the geologic formation. Pressure is lowered at the second location relative to the surrounding areas. In a particularly advantageous solution, the pressure is lowered at the second location using a pump, which is integrated into an energy conversion implement. The energy conversion implement is installed at, or close, to the second location. The pump delivers the cooled geologic coolant fluid to the first location.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventor: George L. Danko
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Publication number: 20100288466Abstract: The present disclosure provides, among other things, a system and process for extracting geothermal energy from a geologic formation. According to an embodiment of the method, coolant fluid is introduced into a first fracture system. The first fracture system is at a first height in the formation. The coolant fluid is collected from a second fracture system. The second fracture system is at a second height in the fracture system. The second height is lower than the first height. Coolant fluid introduced into the first fracture system percolates through the geologic formation from the first fracture system to the second fracture system, collecting heat from the geologic formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Inventor: George L. Danko