Patents by Inventor James B. Dodson

James B. Dodson 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: 20210381758
    Abstract: Systems and methods to separate carbon dioxide from flue gases and sequester carbon dioxide are described here. By using the properties of carbon dioxide and the temperature in a body of water (e.g., the ocean or freshwater body of water) or the temperatures of the ambient atmosphere, gaseous carbon dioxide can be converted to a liquid and separated from other gases. Pressure used to separate carbon dioxide from other gases may also be used to sequester liquid carbon dioxide. The liquid carbon dioxide is inert and can be discharged into the ocean without dissolving in seawater and acidifying the ocean. The liquid carbon dioxide may further be densified to be denser than seawater. The liquid carbon dioxide can then sink to the bottom of the ocean or be injected into ocean sediments or sediments and rocks beneath the ocean floor, inert and sequestered for the long term.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Applicant: Carbon Vault LLC
    Inventors: James B. Dodson, Richard F. McClure
  • Patent number: 9434872
    Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Transworld Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Patent number: 9057082
    Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Transworld Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
  • Publication number: 20150104795
    Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Patent number: 8794315
    Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Transworld Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Patent number: 8715978
    Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Transworld Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Roland P. Debruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
  • Publication number: 20140073023
    Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Transworld Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
  • Publication number: 20130240204
    Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Publication number: 20120309070
    Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: LUCA Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
  • Patent number: 8302683
    Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Patent number: 8092559
    Abstract: Disclosed are strategies for the economical microbial generation of hydrogen, useful as an alternative energy source, from hydrocarbon-rich deposits such as coal, oil and/or gas formations, oil shale, bitumen, tar sands, carbonaceous shale, peat deposits and sediments rich in organic matter through the management of the metabolism of microbial consortia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Luca Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi, Glenn A. Ulrich, Jeffrey L. Weber
  • Publication number: 20110284215
    Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Patent number: 8051908
    Abstract: A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Patent number: 7975762
    Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Luca Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Patent number: 7845403
    Abstract: A process for introducing microorganisms to carbonaceous material in an anaerobic environment is described. The process includes the step of extracting formation water from a geologic formation, and removing at least a portion of an extractable material from the formation water to make amended formation water. The process may further include introducing the amended formation water to the carbonaceous material. Also, a process for increasing biogenic hydrocarbon production in a geologic formation containing a carbonaceous material is described. The process includes extracting formation water from the formation, removing at least a portion of one or more hydrocarbons from the formation water to make amended formation water, and reintroducing the amended formation water to the geologic formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Publication number: 20100300680
    Abstract: A method of increasing biogenic production of a combustible gas from a subterranean geologic formation is described. The method may include extracting formation water from the geologic formation, where the extracted formation water includes at least a first species and a second species of microorganism. The method may also include analyzing the extracted formation water to identify the first species of microorganism that promotes the biogenic production of the combustible gas. An amendment may be introduced to the formation water to promote the growth of the first species of microorganism, and the biological characteristics of the formation water may be altered to decrease a population of the second species in the geologic formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Publication number: 20100101782
    Abstract: A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Patent number: 7640978
    Abstract: A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson
  • Publication number: 20090281940
    Abstract: A method of transferring an interest in microbial rights associated with a parcel of land. The method includes recognizing a microbial estate that includes the microbial rights, where ownership interests in the microbial estate are separately transferable from other estates associated with the parcel of land, and transferring one or more of the microbial rights of the microbial estate to a party that is not in possession or ownership of the microbial estate. Also, a method of searching interests in a microbial estate, where the method may include identifying a location for a parcel of land associated with the microbial estate, searching records associated with the identified parcel of land, and identifying in the records a name of one or more parties having an interest in the microbial estate. Methods of auctioning a microbial right in microbial property are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Dodson, Robert S. Pfeiffer, Eric L. Szaloczi
  • Publication number: 20080299635
    Abstract: A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: LUCA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Pfeiffer, Glenn Ulrich, Gary Vanzin, Verlin Dannar, Roland P. DeBruyn, James B. Dodson