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).

  • Patent number: 10927604
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the University of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Publication number: 20190128068
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 2, 2019
    Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Patent number: 9969084
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Patent number: 9334692
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Patent number: 9304501
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Publication number: 20150322647
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Patent number: 9068397
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Publication number: 20150152685
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: June 4, 2015
    Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on Behalf of the Univ. of Nevada, Reno
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Publication number: 20140107841
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the University of Nevada,
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Publication number: 20140107832
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Ed cation, on behalf of the University of Nevada
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Patent number: 8430166
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Publication number: 20130043075
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Publication number: 20120018120
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: George L. Danko
  • Publication number: 20100288466
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: George L. Danko