Patents by Inventor Jack A. Jones

Jack A. Jones 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: 10989178
    Abstract: A method of electricity production using water thermal energy includes compressing an enclosed working fluid at a first vertical position relative to a surface of a body of water to cause the fluid to move to a second vertical position relative to the surface and subsequently move to the first position in a closed loop, an external environment at the second position having a greater temperature than an external environment at the first position such that the fluid transitions between a liquid phase at the first position and a vapor phase at the second position, the compressing using power from a battery, and expanding the fluid at the second position to generate electricity to charge the battery. The first and second positions may be two depths of the body of water or a height of an atmosphere above the body of water and a depth of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Seatrec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao, David M. Fratantoni, Michael Martin Zedelmair, Robin Edward Willis, Robert Scott Leland
  • Publication number: 20200003188
    Abstract: A method of electricity production using water thermal energy includes compressing an enclosed working fluid at a first vertical position relative to a surface of a body of water to cause the fluid to move to a second vertical position relative to the surface and subsequently move to the first position in a closed loop, an external environment at the second position having a greater temperature than an external environment at the first position such that the fluid transitions between a liquid phase at the first position and a vapor phase at the second position, the compressing using power from a battery, and expanding the fluid at the second position to generate electricity to charge the battery. The first and second positions may be two depths of the body of water or a height of an atmosphere above the body of water and a depth of the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao, David M. Fratantoni, Michael Martin Zedelmair, Robin Edward Willis, Robert Scott Leland
  • Patent number: 10443581
    Abstract: A method of electricity production using water thermal energy includes compressing an enclosed working fluid at a first vertical position relative to a surface of a body of water to cause the fluid to move to a second vertical position relative to the surface and subsequently move to the first position in a closed loop, an external environment at the second position having a greater temperature than an external environment at the first position such that the fluid transitions between a liquid phase at the first position and a vapor phase at the second position, the compressing using power from a battery, and expanding the fluid at the second position to generate electricity to charge the battery. The first and second positions may be two depths of the body of water or a height of an atmosphere above the body of water and a depth of the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Seatrec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao, David M. Fratantoni, Michael Martin Zedelmair, Robin Edward Willis, Robert Scott Leland
  • Publication number: 20180119680
    Abstract: A method of electricity production using water thermal energy includes compressing an enclosed working fluid at a first vertical position relative to a surface of a body of water to cause the fluid to move to a second vertical position relative to the surface and subsequently move to the first position in a closed loop, an external environment at the second position having a greater temperature than an external environment at the first position such that the fluid transitions between a liquid phase at the first position and a vapor phase at the second position, the compressing using power from a battery, and expanding the fluid at the second position to generate electricity to charge the battery. The first and second positions may be two depths of the body of water or a height of an atmosphere above the body of water and a depth of the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao, David M. Fratantoni, Michael Martin Zedelmair, Robin Edward Willis, Robert Scott Leland
  • Patent number: 8689556
    Abstract: An energy producing device, for example a submersible vehicle for descending or ascending to different depths within water or ocean, is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a temperature-responsive material to which a hydraulic fluid is associated. A pressurized storage compartment stores the fluid as soon as the temperature-responsive material changes density. The storage compartment is connected with a hydraulic motor, and a valve allows fluid passage from the storage compartment to the hydraulic motor. An energy storage component, e.g. a battery, is connected with the hydraulic motor and is charged by the hydraulic motor when the hydraulic fluid passes through the hydraulic motor. Upon passage in the hydraulic motor, the fluid is stored in a further storage compartment and is then sent back to the area of the temperature-responsive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Publication number: 20130028729
    Abstract: A power generation system with a plurality of mechanical devices is described. Each mechanical device has energy-capturing blades and a hydraulic pump. A power generation arrangement remote of the mechanical devices is also disclosed. Each mechanical device can include a device output conduit configured to output a pressurized output flow and a device input conduit for receiving a low pressure flow. The power generation arrangement can comprise a plurality of hydraulic generators, such that each mechanical device can be connected to the plurality of hydraulic generators. A method for power generating is further disclosed, where a pressurized output flow can be delivered in parallel from the mechanical devices to the plurality of hydraulic generators. Some of the hydraulic generators can be switched off when the power transmitted from the blades is low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Jack A. JONES
  • Publication number: 20120091942
    Abstract: A submerged charging station having a rechargeable energy producing device is disclosed. The device comprises a submerged thermally based electric generator that comprises a temperature-responsive material that utilizes differences in depths in order to generate energy. The submerged thermally based electric generator changes depths along a tether that is attached to a buoy and an anchor. The submerged thermally based electric generator provides energy to a battery, which can be part of the charging station, or to an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that travels to different charging stations to be recharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao, Thomas Curtin
  • Publication number: 20110314811
    Abstract: An energy producing device, for example a submersible vehicle for descending or ascending to different depths within water or ocean, is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a temperature-responsive material to which a hydraulic fluid is associated. A pressurized storage compartment stores the fluid as soon as the temperature-responsive material changes density. The storage compartment is connected with a hydraulic motor, and a valve allows fluid passage from the storage compartment to the hydraulic motor. An energy storage component, e.g. a battery, is connected with the hydraulic motor and is charged by the hydraulic motor when the hydraulic fluid passes through the hydraulic motor. Upon passage in the hydraulic motor, the fluid is stored in a further storage compartment and is then sent back to the area of the temperature-responsive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Jack A. JONES, Yi CHAO, Thomas I. VALDEZ
  • Patent number: 8026625
    Abstract: A power generation system includes a plurality of submerged mechanical devices. Each device includes a pump that can be powered, in operation, by mechanical energy to output a pressurized output liquid flow in a conduit. Main output conduits are connected with the device conduits to combine pressurized output flows output from the submerged mechanical devices into a lower number of pressurized flows. These flows are delivered to a location remote of the submerged mechanical devices for power generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao
  • Patent number: 7987674
    Abstract: An energy producing device, for example a submersible vehicle for descending or ascending to different depths within water or ocean, is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a temperature-responsive material to which a hydraulic fluid is associated. A pressurized storage compartment stores the fluid as soon as the temperature-responsive material changes density. The storage compartment is connected with a hydraulic motor, and a valve allows fluid passage from the storage compartment to the hydraulic motor. An energy storage component, e.g. a battery, is connected with the hydraulic motor and is charged by the hydraulic motor when the hydraulic fluid passes through the hydraulic motor. Upon passage in the hydraulic motor, the fluid is stored in a further storage compartment and is then sent back to the area of the temperature-responsive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Publication number: 20090127859
    Abstract: A power generation system includes a plurality of submerged mechanical devices. Each device includes a pump that can be powered, in operation, by mechanical energy to output a pressurized output liquid flow in a conduit. Main output conduits are connected with the device conduits to combine pressurized output flows output from the submerged mechanical devices into a lower number of pressurized flows. These flows are delivered to a location remote of the submerged mechanical devices for power generation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Jack A. JONES, Yi Chao
  • Publication number: 20090013691
    Abstract: An energy producing device, for example a submersible vehicle for descending or ascending to different depths within water or ocean, is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a temperature-responsive material to which a hydraulic fluid is associated. A pressurized storage compartment stores the fluid as soon as the temperature-responsive material changes density. The storage compartment is connected with a hydraulic motor, and a valve allows fluid passage from the storage compartment to the hydraulic motor. An energy storage component, e.g. a battery, is connected with the hydraulic motor and is charged by the hydraulic motor when the hydraulic fluid passes through the hydraulic motor. Upon passage in the hydraulic motor, the fluid is stored in a further storage compartment and is then sent back to the area of the temperature-responsive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Jack A. JONES, Yi Chao, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Patent number: 7353768
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes a shaft with a propeller disposed thereon; a generator/motor having a stator and a rotor, the rotor being operable to rotate with the propeller; at least one energy storage device connected to the generator/motor; and a controller for setting the generator/motor in a charge mode, a propulsion mode and an idle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Yi Chao
  • Patent number: 6374630
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide absorption heat pump cycle is disclosed using a high pressure stage and a super-critical cooling stage to provide a non-toxic system. Using carbon dioxide gas as the working fluid in the system, the present invention desorbs the CO2 from an absorbent and cools the gas in the super-critical state to deliver heat thereby. The cooled CO2 gas is then expanded thereby providing cooling and is returned to an absorber for further cycling. Strategic use of heat exchangers can increase the efficiency and performance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Jack A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5728314
    Abstract: A refrigerant and a process of formulating thereof that consists of a mixture of a first mole fraction of CH.sub.2 FCF.sub.3 and a second mole fraction of a component selected from the group consisting of a mixture of CHClFCF.sub.3 and CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2 ; a mixture of CHF.sub.2 CH.sub.3 and CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2 ; and a mixture of CHClFCF.sub.3, CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2 and CHF.sub.2 CH.sub.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: California Inst. of Technology
    Inventor: Jack A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5523011
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a refrigerant mixture consisting of a first mole fraction of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R134a) and a second mole fraction of a component selected from the group consisting of a mixture of CHClFCF.sub.3 (R124) and CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2 (R142b); a mixture of CHF.sub.2 CH.sub.3 (R152a) and CHClFCF.sub.3 (R124); a mixture of CHF.sub.2 CH.sub.3 (R152a) and CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2 (R142b); and a mixture of CHClFCF.sub.3 (R124), CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2 (R142b) and CHF.sub.2 CH.sub.3 (R152a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Jack A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5512197
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a refrigerant mixture having two halocarbon components. The first component is present in a mole fraction of about 0.7 to less than 1.0 while the second component is present in a mole fraction of more than 0.0 to about 0.3. The first component is CH.sub.2 FCF.sub.3. The second component can be CHClFCF.sub.3, CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2, a mixture of CHClFCF.sub.3 and CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2, a mixture of CHF.sub.2 CH.sub.3 and CHClFCF.sub.3, a mixture of CHF.sub.2 CH.sub.3 and CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2, or a mixture of CHClFCF.sub.3, CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2 and CHF.sub.2 CH.sub.3. The preferred embodiment of this invention comprises about 0.7 to less than 1.0 mole fraction CH.sub.2 FCF.sub.3, and more than 0.0 to about 0.3 mole fraction of a mixture of CHClFCF.sub.3 and CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2. The most preferred embodiment of this invention comprises about 0.7 to less than 1.0 mole fraction CH.sub.2 FCF.sub.3 and more than 0.0 to about 0.3 mole fraction CH.sub.3 CClF.sub.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: The California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Jack A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5485675
    Abstract: A process for producing an integral adsorbent-heat exchanger apparatus useful in ammonia refrigerant heat pump systems. In one embodiment, the process wets an activated carbon particles-solvent mixture with a binder-solvent mixture, presses the binder wetted activated carbon mixture on a metal tube surface and thereafter pyrolyzes the mixture to form a bonded activated carbon matrix adjoined to the tube surface. The integral apparatus can be easily and inexpensively produced by the process in large quantities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Andre H. Yavrouian
  • Patent number: 5463879
    Abstract: A simple heat cascading regenerative sorption heat pump process with rejected or waste heat from a higher temperature chemisorption circuit ("HTCC") powering a lower temperature physisorption circuit ("LTPC") which provides a 30% total improvement over simple regenerative physisorption compression heat pumps when ammonia is both the chemisorbate and physisorbate, and a total improvement of 50% or more for LTPC having two pressure stages. The HTCC contains ammonia and a chemisorbent therefor contained in a plurality of canisters, a condenser-evaporator-radiator system, and a heater, operatively connected together. The LTPC contains ammonia and a physisorbent therefor contained in a plurality of compressors, a condenser-evaporator-radiator system, operatively connected together. A closed heat transfer circuit ("CHTC") is provided which contains a flowing heat transfer liquid ("FHTL") in thermal communication with each canister and each compressor for cascading heat from the HTCC to the LTPC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Jack A. Jones
  • Patent number: 5388637
    Abstract: An integral adsorbent-heat exchanger apparatus for use in ammonia refrigerant heat pump systems. The apparatus has a finned tube heat exchange member. A bonded, pyrolyzed activated carbon adsorbent matrix, formed from a mixture of activated carbon particles and resol bonder, is tightly adjoined to the fins and the tube to form an integral apparatus. The integral apparatus is capable of withstanding repetitive adsorption and desorption cycles without the matrix becoming unbonded and without the matrix becoming unadjoined from the fins and tube. The apparatus permits very high rates of adsorption and desorption of refrigerant and very high rates of heat transfer between the refrigerant and the heat transfer fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jack A. Jones, Andre H. Yavrouian