Patents by Inventor J. Sommers
J. Sommers 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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Publication number: 20140299524Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods to improve detection of PET polymer materials within a waste material to be sorted. The methods disclosed allow for municipal solid waste to be separated so that PET polymer materials, including those containing liquids, are separated for recycling, or other purposes. PET polymer materials, such as water bottles which have been disposed of while still containing liquid may now be separated by the enhanced methods disclosed herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2013Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: National Recovery Technologies, LLCInventor: Edward J. Sommer, JR.
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Patent number: 8853584Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2013Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Mineral Separation Technologies Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, Jr.
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Patent number: 8855809Abstract: Systems for sorting materials, such as those made of metal, are described. The systems may operate by irradiating the materials with x-rays and then detecting fluoresced x-rays, transmitted x-rays, or both. Detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be performed using an x-ray fluorescence detector array. The systems may be configured to provide high throughput sorting of small pieces of materials.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Spectramet, LLCInventors: David B. Spencer, Jeffrey J. Webster, Aldo M. Reti, Edward J. Sommer, Jr., Richard E. Hill, R. Lynn Conley
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Publication number: 20140294484Abstract: A link apparatus includes a tubular member that retains 90% of ultimate tensile strength at a temperature of up to 625°. Two conical adapters are mechanically joined to respective ends of the tubular member. Two rod ends include a threaded shank and a socket. One threaded shank is threaded into a right hand threaded base of one conical adapter, and the other threaded shank is threaded into a left hand threaded base of the other conical adapter. Each of the sockets have a bearing assembly disposed therein including an outer race, a ball disposed therein, and a low-friction liner disposed between the outer race and ball for mitigating moment loading on the tubular member. The cross-sectional area of the tubular member is about equal to the cross sectional area of the rod ends. The tubular member is tensionable by rotation relative to the rod ends.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: ROLLER BEARING COMPANY OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Samuel A. Nunn, Christopher J. Sommers, Geoffrey Smith, Scott McNeil
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Publication number: 20140229269Abstract: System, method, and computer program product to optimize a monetary value of a use of non-content time during a media distribution, by computing an advertisement value of selling an inventory unit to an advertiser, the inventory unit comprising a non-content time slot during the media distribution; computing a promotional value of using the inventory unit to air a promotion for a program during the media distribution, the promotion for the program comprising at least one of a local promotion and a national promotion; and evaluating the advertisement value and the promotional value to identify an opportunity to optimize the monetary value earned from the use of the inventory unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2013Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.Inventors: Cameron Davies, Thomas W. Denslow III, James L. Hedges Jr., Mary L. Matthews, Steven J. Sommer
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Publication number: 20140178252Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods including porous polymer monoliths are described. Polymerization techniques may be used to generate porous polymer monoliths having pores defined by a liquid component of a fluid mixture. The fluid mixture may contain iniferters and the resulting porous polymer monolith may include surfaces terminated with iniferter species. Capture molecules may then be grafted to the monolith pores.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: Sandia CorporationInventors: Anson V. Hatch, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Ying-Chih Wang, Vinay Abhyankar
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Publication number: 20140154816Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward devices, systems, and method for conducting assays using sedimentation. In one example, a method includes layering a mixture on a density medium, subjecting sedimentation particles in the mixture to sedimentation forces to cause the sedimentation particles to move to a detection area through a density medium, and detecting a target analyte in a detection region of the sedimentation channel. In some examples, the sedimentation particles and labeling agent may have like charges to reduce non-specific binding of labeling agent and sedimentation particles. In some examples, the density medium is provided with a separation layer for stabilizing the assay during storage and operation. In some examples, the sedimentation channel may be provided with a generally flat sedimentation chamber for dispersing the particle pellet over a larger surface area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: June 5, 2014Inventors: Ulrich Y. SCHAFF, Chung-Yan Koh, Gregory J. Sommer
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Patent number: 8728290Abstract: Disclosed is a novel microfluidic device enabling on-chip implementation of a two-dimensional separation methodology. Previously disclosed microscale immobilized pH gradients (IPG) are combined with perpendicular polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) microchannels to achieve orthogonal separations of biological samples. Device modifications enable inclusion of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the second dimension. The device can be fabricated to use either continuous IPG gels, or the microscale isoelectric fractionation membranes we have also previously disclosed, for the first dimension. The invention represents the first all-gel two-dimensional separation microdevice, with significantly higher resolution power over existing devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Sommer, Anson V. Hatch, Anup K. Singh, Ying-Chih Wang
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Patent number: 8703058Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods including porous polymer monoliths are described. Polymerization techniques may be used to generate porous polymer monoliths having pores defined by a liquid component of a fluid mixture. The fluid mixture may contain iniferters and the resulting porous polymer monolith may include surfaces terminated with iniferter species. Capture molecules may then be grafted to the monolith pores.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Anson V. Hatch, Gregory J. Sommer, Anup K. Singh, Ying-Chih Wang, Vinay V. Abhyankar
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Patent number: 8692148Abstract: The present invention discloses a container sorting system capable of increased sorting efficiency. The present invention discloses a device in which the distance is shortened between detection and ejection of containers being sorted by reflective infrared radiation, transmission infrared radiation, or both. The present invention also includes a method of operating such device.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: National Recovery Technologies, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Jr., R. Lynn Conley, Robert H. Parrish
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Publication number: 20140077007Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of processing municipal solid waste in order to isolate a compostable product. The methods and system disclosed allow for municipal solid waste to be separated into an organic fraction and an inorganic fraction. The purity of the organic fraction may be enhanced in certain methods. The overall yield of organic material may be increased by subjecting inorganic material to further separation steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Applicant: NATIONAL RECOVERY TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, JR., Dane H. Campbell, Robert H. Parrish
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Publication number: 20140069848Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: Mineral Separation Technologies Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, JR.
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Patent number: 8610019Abstract: Disclosed herein is the use of differences in x-ray linear absorption coefficients to process ore and remove elements with higher atomic number from elements with lower atomic numbers. Use of this dry method at the mine reduces pollution and transportation costs. One example of said invention is the ejection of inclusions with sulfur, silicates, mercury, arsenic and radioactive elements from coal. This reduces the amount and toxicity of coal ash. It also reduces air emissions and the energy required to clean stack gases from coal combustion. Removal of said ejected elements improves thermal efficiency and reduces the pollution and carbon footprint for electrical production.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Mineral Separation Technologies Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Roos, Edward J. Sommer, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130264249Abstract: A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Edward J. Sommer, JR., David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley, Richard E. Hill, Robert H. Parrish, Charles E. Roos
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Patent number: 8553838Abstract: A system and process for classifying a piece of material of unknown composition at high speeds, where the system connected to a power supply. The piece is irradiated with first x-rays from an x-ray source, causing the piece to fluoresce x-rays. The fluoresced x-rays are detected with an x-ray detector, and the piece of material is classified from the detected fluoresced x-rays. Detecting and classifying may be cumulatively performed in less than one second. An x-ray fluorescence spectrum of the piece of material may be determined from the detected fluoresced x-rays, and the detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be conditioned such that accurate determination of the x-ray fluorescence spectrum is not significantly compromised, slowed or complicated by extraneous x-rays. The piece of material may be classified by recognizing the spectral pattern of the determined x-ray fluorescence spectrum. The piece of material may be flattened prior to irradiation and detection.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2011Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Sprectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, Robert H. Parrish, David B. Spencer, Charles E. Roos
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Patent number: 8476545Abstract: A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or to more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Spectramet, LLCInventors: Edward J. Sommer, David B. Spencer, R. Lynn Conley, Richard E. Hill, Robert H. Parrish, Charles E. Roos
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Publication number: 20130079918Abstract: Systems for sorting materials, such as those made of metal, are described. The systems may operate by irradiating the materials with x-rays and then detecting fluoresced x-rays, transmitted x-rays, or both. Detection of the fluoresced x-rays may be performed using an x-ray fluorescence detector array. The systems may be configured to provide high throughput sorting of small pieces of materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: Spectramet, LLCInventors: David B. Spencer, Jeffrey J. Webster, Aldo M. Reti, Edward J. Sommer, JR., Richard E. Hill, R. Lynn Conley
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Patent number: 8394312Abstract: Methods for making a microfluidic device according to embodiments of the present invention include defining˜cavity. Polymer precursor solution is positioned in the cavity, and exposed to light to begin the polymerization process and define a microchannel. In some embodiments, after the polymerization process is partially complete, a solvent rinse is performed, or fresh polymer precursor introduced into the microchannel. This may promote removal of unpolymerized material from the microchannel and enable smaller feature sizes. The polymer precursor solution may contain an iniferter. Polymerized features therefore may be capped with the iniferter, which is photoactive. The iniferter may aid later binding of a polyacrylamide gel to the microchannel surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Sommer, Anson V. Hatch, Ying-Chih Wang, Anup K. Singh, Ronald F. Renzi, Mark R. Claudnic
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Patent number: 8329016Abstract: Disclosed is a novel microfluidic device enabling on-chip implementation of a two-dimensional separation methodology. Previously disclosed microscale immobilized pH gradients (IPG) are combined with perpendicular polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) microchannels to achieve orthogonal separations of biological samples. Device modifications enable inclusion of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in the second dimension. The device can be fabricated to use either continuous IPG gels, or the microscale isoelectric fractionation membranes we have also previously disclosed, for the first dimension. The invention represents the first all-gel two-dimensional separation microdevice, with significantly higher resolution power over existing devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2009Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Sommer, Anson V. Hatch, Anup K. Singh, Ying-Chih Wang
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Patent number: 8273726Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the treatment and/or prevention of Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative diseases, and/or diseases characterized by the presence of certain metal ions, by using certain compositions including organosilicon compounds. A composition of the invention may be administered to a mammal, such as a human. In some cases, the composition may include a silanol, a silandiol, a silantriol, or a cyclic organosilane, and/or be able to form a silanol, a silandiol, or a silantriol upon exposure to physiological conditions such as are found in the blood, in the stomach and/or gastrointestinal tract, or in the brain or other organ. In certain cases, the organosilicon compound may be bound to a moiety able to be transported across the blood-brain barrier into the brain, for example, an amino acid, a peptide, a protein, a virus, etc. The organosilicon compound may also be labeled (e.g., fluorescently or radioactively) in certain instances.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Brandeis UniversityInventors: Orrie Friedman, Ivan Correia, Toby J. Sommer, David Alan Kew