Patents by Inventor James A. Sommers

James A. 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).

  • Publication number: 20240066942
    Abstract: A system for transporting perishable goods. The system for transporting perishable goods provides a perishable goods transportation device for containing and transporting perishable goods having a phase change material (PCM) disposed in a first thermodynamic state disposed therein, a heat source, at least one passive electromotive force (EMF) generator, and a PCM re-constitution system operably coupled to the PCM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Inventors: Caleb Arthur Sommers, Louise Miranda Schuler, Killian James O'Connor, Katherine Anna Meyer, Hailee Longworth, Grant James Geiger, Lauren Grace Brudzinski, Joshua Mick Blust, JR.
  • Patent number: 11566328
    Abstract: Aqueous solutions of halogenides (oxyhalides) of zirconium and hafnium (M) with values of ?=X/M near one, for X=Cl, Br and I form amorphous solids or glasses, designated as M,X, in contrast to important crystalline oxyhalide end members with ?=2 (designated as MOX). The present disclosure describes methods for producing amorphous thin films comprising halogenides upon evaporation, and provides some measured physical properties, with attention to compositions for ?<2. The value of a below which only glasses are formed is about one for oxychlorides and oxybromides of both Zr and Hf. The chemical formulas for all the halogenide thin films prepared as noted above can be written as a function of the single parameter ?, according to M(OH)4-?X?.(4?-1)H2O. This is valid for e.g., crystalline zirconium oxychloride octahydrate, and for the glassy solids found for ?<2 and down to the onset of hydrolysis, ??0.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Oregon State University
    Inventors: Jennie M. Amador, Douglas A. Keszler, James Sommers
  • Publication number: 20200392628
    Abstract: Aqueous solutions of halogenides (oxyhalides) of zirconium and hafnium (M) with values of ?=X/M near one, for X=Cl, Br and I form amorphous solids or glasses, designated as M,X, in contrast to important crystalline oxyhalide end members with ?=2 (designated as MOX). The present disclosure describes methods for producing amorphous thin films comprising halogenides upon evaporation, and provides some measured physical properties, with attention to compositions for ?<2. The value of a below which only glasses are formed is about one for oxychlorides and oxybromides of both Zr and Hf. The chemical formulas for all the halogenide thin films prepared as noted above can be written as a function of the single parameter ?, according to M(OH)4-?X?.(4?-1)H2O. This is valid for e.g., crystalline zirconium oxychloride octahydrate, and for the glassy solids found for ?<2 and down to the onset of hydrolysis, ??0.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Applicant: Oregon State University
    Inventors: Jennie M. Amador, Douglas A. Keszler, James Sommers
  • Patent number: 8377409
    Abstract: Methods for making brines may generally comprise forming a mixture comprising: (i) a solid material produced as a by-product of the Kroll process including solid anhydrous magnesium chloride and solid elemental magnesium; (ii) an amount of a previously-produced brine; and (iii) an amount of water sufficient to provide a predetermined brine concentration. At least a portion of the solid material in the mixture is dissolved while simultaneously controlling the temperature of the mixture. At least a portion of insoluble matter is separated from the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Publication number: 20110062381
    Abstract: Methods for making brines may generally comprise forming a mixture comprising: (i) a solid material produced as a by-product of the Kroll process including solid anhydrous magnesium chloride and solid elemental magnesium; (ii) an amount of a previously-produced brine; and (iii) an amount of water sufficient to provide a predetermined brine concentration. At least a portion of the solid material in the mixture is dissolved while simultaneously controlling the temperature of the mixture. At least a portion of insoluble matter is separated from the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Patent number: 7131470
    Abstract: A table with a working surface has a parallel rail on each side of the working surface. A slide assembly includes a shaft with ends and a pair of brackets. Each bracket has a hole. The holes receive the ends of the shaft. The slide assembly includes cylindrical tunnels. The tunnels slidably receive the rails. An operating assembly has primary and secondary arms. Each arm has a free exterior end and an interior portion. The interior portion is coupled to the shaft. A router is secured to, and depends from, the free end of the secondary arm. Control mechanisms include a scribe. The scribe is secured to, and depends from, the free end of the primary arm. Movement of the primary arm and scribe with respect to a template will cause corresponding movement of the secondary arm and router with respect to work pieces to be routed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: James Sommers
  • Patent number: 6737030
    Abstract: A method is provided to optimize separation of zirconium from hafnium by extraction of a feed mix including (Zr+Hf)OCl2 with a thiocyanate-containing organic phase. The method includes maintaining the TA/MO2 ratio in a range from greater than about 2.55 to about 3.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Sommers, Jeff G. Perrine
  • Publication number: 20030143138
    Abstract: A method is provided to optimize separation of zirconium from hafnium by extraction of a feed mix including (Zr+Hf)OCl2 with a thiocyanate-containing organic phase. The method includes maintaining the TA/MO2 ratio in a range from greater than about 2.55 to about 3.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: James A. Sommers, Jeff G. Perrine
  • Patent number: 6358484
    Abstract: A process for providing a zirconium basic sulfate includes providing a zirconium oxychloride solution, and then dialyzing the solution against a liquid selected from water and an aqueous solution across at least one anion exchange membrane to provide a dialyzate and diffusate. The dialyzate includes at least 90 percent of the zirconium ions of the zirconium oxychloride chloride solution and has a total acidity that is lower than the original zirconium oxychloride solution. A precipitate including zirconium basic sulfate may be formed from at least a portion of the diffusate. The zirconium oxychloride solution may be provided, for example, by dissolving zirconium tetrachloride in one of water and a hydrochloric acid solution. A material including zirconium basic sulfate produced by the process of the invention also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Patent number: 5581003
    Abstract: Soluble zirconium and hafnium organic acid complexes are made by forming an aqueous mixture of a basic carbonate of either zirconium or hafnium and the organic acid such a propionic acid. The molar ratio of the organic acid to metal in the carbonate is greater than about 1.5. The mixture is heated with stirring to form the complex which is then recovered as a dry, free-flowing powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Patent number: 5569440
    Abstract: An improved carbochlorination process for the production of volatile metal chlorides is disclosed. When chlorine gas contacts a metal oxide or a mixed metal oxide in a reaction zone in the presence of carbon at elevated temperatures, an undesirable carbochlorination residue forms containing carbon in the reaction zone. After the build-up of a carbochlorination residue in the reaction zone occurs, the volume of the carbochlorination residue in the reaction zone is reduced by periodically introducing just chlorine and metal oxide or mixed metal oxide reactants into the reaction zone without introducing any additional carbon. These components react with a portion of the carbon in the carbochlorination residue so as to reduce the amount of the residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Patent number: 5306479
    Abstract: Niobium dioxide is produced by heating particulate niobium nitride in an oxygen atmosphere at a temperature above the melting point of niobium dioxide. The product obtained predominantly contains niobium dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc. (California Corp.)
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Patent number: 5234674
    Abstract: A process for the recovery of metal carbides from ferroalloys and nickel alloys of niobium, tantalum, vanadium, and hydrides thereof is disclosed. The selected ferroalloy or nickel alloy is contacted with a hydrogen containing gas, subdivided, and carbided by contact with a hydrocarbon containing gas at a temperature above 500.degree. C. The carbided reaction product is then leached with an aqueous acid solution for recovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Patent number: 5211921
    Abstract: A process for making metal oxides including niobium or tantalum oxides from ferro and nickel alloys containing these metals involving the multiple steps of hydriding the ferro or nickel alloy selected, under conditions of suitable temperature and pressure to render the alloys friable, subdividing the hydrided product into selected particle sizes, then nitriding with a nitrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures above 500.degree. C. to form the alloy constituent nitrides, thereafter leaching the nitrides formed with aqueous acid to separate the formed ferro or nickel nitride from the acid soluble nitrides from the acid insoluble nitrides, calcining the acid insoluble nitrides with oxygen-containing gas under conditions suitable for the formation of the metal oxide of the acid soluble nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Sommers, Verlin Q. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5188810
    Abstract: A process for preparing metal oxides from ferrometal and nickel metal alloys is disclosed comprising first providing a ferrometal or nickel metal alloy containing an oxide forming metal, hydriding the alloy to an effective temperature and pressure with hydrogen containing gas, subdividing then carbiding the hydrided product at a temperature above about 500.degree. C. to form carbides, then employing an aqueous acid leach to dissolve the iron or nickel carbide and separating the acid soluble from the acid insoluble carbides. The acid insoluble carbides are reacted with oxygen at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to form the metal oxides of said carbides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Patent number: 4948570
    Abstract: The process for removing tantalum values from niobium values wherein a NbCl.sub.5 /TaCl.sub.5 charge mixture having a molar ratio from about 10/1 to about 10,000/1 is mixed with a 8N to 20N aqueous HCl solution at a total charge concentration of from about 50 to about 150 parts/100 parts by weight of the HCl solution to form a hydrolysis system, and wherein at least the surface of the hydrolysis system is contacted with air or a gas-containing air for a period of time within which a precipitate settles out at an average rate of from about 0.1 to about 6.0% by weight of the initial solids charge per hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Patent number: 4910009
    Abstract: The process for purifying a contaminated chloro, bromo or iodo precursor salt of zirconium, hafnium or aluminum by means of providing a molten thermal body of one or more alkali or alkaline earth metal halides and the precursor salt containing impurities, maintaining the body at a temperature sufficient to volatilize the precursor salt away from its impurities while effecting a reducing condition in the body by means of a fluid, mobile reducing agent which is non-reducing of said precursor salt, and isolating the purified volatilized precursor salt from the body. The ultra purified isolated volatilized precursor salt can then be reacted with a fluorinating agent to produce the highly purified fluoride for use in optical fiber grade glass or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers