Patents by Inventor James E. Smith

James E. Smith 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: 20250030240
    Abstract: A method for dynamically managing an energy system includes determining a production plan by determining a first stochastic system dynamic program (SSDP) based on a state of and a forecasted energy demand in the energy system, determining a second SSDP by relaxing the first SSDP, decomposing the second SSDP into energy unit-specific SSDPs, applying the unit-specific SSDPs with a price model to define a bound on the first SSDP, and determining a forward-looking dynamic economic dispatch plan based on the second SSDP by identifying actions for the energy units corresponding to reachable production levels, applying current unit-specific states and the identified actions to the production plan to generate an updated production plan including unit-specific actions and expected continuation values based on the second SSDP that modify subsequent actions, and dispatching the identified unit-specific actions to the energy system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2024
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: David B. Brown, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11725586
    Abstract: An example system and corresponding method can include a combustion chamber of jet engine, a radio-frequency power source, and a resonator. The combustion chamber can include a liner defining a combustion zone, and include a fuel inlet configured to introduce fuel into the combustion zone. The resonator can have a resonant wavelength and include: a first conductor, a second conductor, a dielectric, and an electrode coupled to the first conductor. The resonator can be configured such that, when the resonator is excited by the radio-frequency power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter (¼) of the resonant wavelength, the resonator provides a plasma corona in the combustion zone. The controller can be configured to cause the radio-frequency power source to excite the resonator with the signal so as to provide the plasma corona.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11506169
    Abstract: An apparatus for igniting a combustible mixture. In one example, the apparatus can include a coaxial cavity resonator assembly in a combustion environment. The apparatus can also include an operational feedback system and a controller. The operational feedback system can measure at least one of a voltage value and a current value of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly in the combustion environment. The controller can be configured to determine a condition of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly and modulate operation of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly based at least in part on the determined condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, Michael J. Spencer, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 11218055
    Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine includes a shaft rotatable about an axis, a plurality of hubs fixedly attached to the shaft, and a plurality of vanes. The vanes are releasably engaged with each of the plurality of hubs. The vanes disengage from the hubs once the shaft rotates about the axis at a cut-out speed of the wind turbine. In another embodiment, the vanes are releasably engaged with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Justin R. Chambers, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210310457
    Abstract: An apparatus for igniting a combustible mixture. In one example, the apparatus can include a coaxial cavity resonator assembly in a combustion environment. The apparatus can also include an operational feedback system and a controller. The operational feedback system can measure at least one of a voltage value and a current value of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly in the combustion environment. The controller can be configured to determine a condition of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly and modulate operation of the coaxial cavity resonator assembly based at least in part on the determined condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, Michael J. Spencer, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 10989162
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a coaxial cavity resonator; a radio frequency power source coupled to the coaxial cavity resonator; a direct current power source coupled to the coaxial cavity resonator; a combustion process feedback module configured to sense a condition in a combustion environment by measuring a characteristic of the coaxial cavity resonator; and a controller configured to modulate operation of the coaxial cavity resonator based at least in part on combustion process feedback information from the combustion process feedback module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: West Virginia University
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, Michael J. Spencer, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200412203
    Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine includes a shaft rotatable about an axis, a plurality of hubs fixedly attached to the shaft, and a plurality of vanes. The vanes are releasably engaged with each of the plurality of hubs. The vanes disengage from the hubs once the shaft rotates about the axis at a cut-out speed of the wind turbine. In another embodiment, the vanes are releasably engaged with the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 31, 2020
    Inventors: Justin R. Chambers, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 10865760
    Abstract: A quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator for producing corona discharge plasma from is presented. The quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator has a folded cavity made of opposing concentric cavity members that are nested together to form a continuous cavity ending in a aperture. A center conductor with a tip is positioned in the cavity. The folded cavity advantageously permits the coaxial cavity resonator to resonate at a lower operating frequency than an unfolded quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator of the same length. Embodiments of the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator use narrower apertures to reduce radiative losses, and include center conductors that are reactive load elements, such as helical coils. When a radio frequency (RF) oscillation is produced in the quarter wave coaxial cavity resonator, corona discharge plasma is formed at the tip of the center conductor. The corona discharge plasma can be used to ignite combustible materials in combustion chambers of combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: West Virginia University
    Inventors: James E. Smith, Franz A. Pertl
  • Patent number: 10804768
    Abstract: A wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine includes a shaft rotatable about an axis, a plurality of hubs fixedly attached to the shaft, and a plurality of vanes. The vanes are releasably engaged with each of the plurality of hubs. The vanes disengage from the hubs once the shaft rotates about the axis at a cut-out speed of the wind turbine. In another embodiment, the vanes are releasably engaged with the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: West Virginia University
    Inventors: Justin R. Chambers, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 10744364
    Abstract: An exercise machine is provided for agonist-antagonist muscle training. A first variable resistance mechanism has a first line extending therefrom, a second variable resistance mechanism has a second line extending therefrom, and a user-engaged link is coupled to the first line and second line with the first line, second line, and link being aligned along a common axis. When the user applies a first tensile force to the first line via the link, the first line extends from the first variable resistance mechanism against its resistance force while the second line retracts towards the second variable resistance mechanism under its restoring force. Then, when the user applies a second tensile force to the second line via the link, the second line extends from the second variable resistance mechanism against its resistance force while the first line retracts towards the first variable resistance mechanism under its restoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventor: James E. Smith, III
  • Patent number: 10690565
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for detecting leaks in glovebox gloves, the system having a first seal within a glovebox aperture; a second seal contacting exterior surfaces of a glovebox, wherein the exterior surfaces define a periphery of the aperture; a first fluid supply for circumferentially expanding the first seal against center facing surfaces of the aperture to a first pressure; a second fluid supply for inflating the glove to a second pressure; and a pressure gauge for detecting a pressure decrease of the second pressure. Also provided is an in situ method for detecting leaks in glove box gloves, the method having the steps of applying a radially directed force to inside surfaces of cuffs of the gloves to hermetically seal the gloves from the exterior of the glovebox, thereby establishing a seal; inflating the gloves to a pressure; and monitoring the pressure for any decrease in pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Kyle J. Haske, James E. Smith, Mark R. Sakowski, Donald E. Preuss
  • Publication number: 20200049122
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a coaxial cavity resonator; a radio frequency power source coupled to the coaxial cavity resonator; a direct current power source coupled to the coaxial cavity resonator; a combustion process feedback module configured to sense a condition in a combustion environment by measuring a characteristic of the coaxial cavity resonator; and a controller configured to modulate operation of the coaxial cavity resonator based at least in part on combustion process feedback information from the combustion process feedback module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, Michael J. Spencer, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190368422
    Abstract: An example system and corresponding method can include a combustion chamber of jet engine, a radio-frequency power source, and a resonator. The combustion chamber can include a liner defining a combustion zone, and include a fuel inlet configured to introduce fuel into the combustion zone. The resonator can have a resonant wavelength and include: a first conductor, a second conductor, a dielectric, and an electrode coupled to the first conductor. The resonator can be configured such that, when the resonator is excited by the radio-frequency power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter (¼) of the resonant wavelength, the resonator provides a plasma corona in the combustion zone. The controller can be configured to cause the radio-frequency power source to excite the resonator with the signal so as to provide the plasma corona.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Inventors: Andrew D. LOWERY, James E. SMITH
  • Patent number: 10487304
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to methods for the harvesting of biomass, in particular algae, from dilute aqueous suspension. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: adjusting the pH of the dilute aqueous suspension to cause disruption of the algal cell walls and exposure of the hydrophobic tails of the algal lipid bilayer; adding at least one organic solvent to the dilute aqueous suspension; and mixing the dilute aqueous suspension. The method may also include the steps of: waiting for formation of an organic layer from the dilute aqueous suspension; and recovering the organic layer. The organic layer rises to the top of the dilute aqueous suspension, allowing for mechanical separation or decanting of the organic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in Huntsville
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, James E. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10467110
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing cable failover in multiple cable Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) IO interconnections to an external IO enclosure. System firmware is provided for implementing health check functions for the PCIE IO interconnections to identify a faulted low byte cable. A cable failover mechanism recovers a PCI link to the external IO enclosure. A multiplexer logic is provided between the PCIE host bridge (PHB) and the cable connected to the IO enclosure to perform a full lane reversal of the PCIE lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse P. Arroyo, Christopher J. Engel, Kaveh Naderi, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 10467111
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing cable failover in multiple cable Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) IO interconnections to an external IO enclosure. System firmware is provided for implementing health check functions for the PCIE IO interconnections to identify a faulted low byte cable. A cable failover mechanism recovers a PCI link to the external IO enclosure. A multiplexer logic is provided between the PCIE host bridge (PHB) and the cable connected to the IO enclosure to perform a full lane reversal of the PCIE lanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jesse P. Arroyo, Christopher J. Engel, Kaveh Naderi, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186365
    Abstract: An example system can include a combustion chamber of a jet engine, a radio-frequency power source, a direct-current power source, a resonator, and a fuel conduit. The resonator can be electromagnetically coupled to the radio-frequency power source and have a resonant wavelength. Further, the resonator can include (i) a first conductor, (ii), a second conductor, and (iii) a dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor. The resonator can be configured to provide at least one of a plasma corona or electromagnetic waves. The fuel conduit can be configured to couple to a fuel source and have a fuel outlet for expelling fuel into a combustion zone of the combustion chamber. A portion of the fuel conduit is disposed within the first conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186371
    Abstract: An example system can include a combustion chamber of a power-generation gas turbine, a radio-frequency power source, a direct-current power source, a resonator, and a fuel conduit. The resonator can be electromagnetically coupled to the radio-frequency power source and have a resonant wavelength. Further, the resonator can include (i) a first conductor, (ii), a second conductor, and (iii) a dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor. The resonator can be configured to provide at least one of a plasma corona or electromagnetic waves. The fuel conduit can be configured to couple to a fuel source and have a fuel outlet for expelling fuel into a combustion zone of the combustion chamber. A portion of the fuel conduit is disposed within the first conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186746
    Abstract: A system includes an afterburner including an afterburner duct that defines an afterburner channel. The afterburner is configured to receive input gas from a jet engine turbine into the channel and to output an exhaust gas resulting from combustion of fuel. The system includes a plurality of resonators electromagnetically coupled to at least one radio-frequency power source. Each resonator has a resonant wavelength, first and second conductors, and a dielectric between those conductors. Each resonator is configured such that, when that resonator is excited by the power source with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter of the resonant wavelength of that resonator, that resonator provides within the afterburner at least one of electromagnetic waves or a plasma corona proximate to that resonator. A first resonator further includes a fuel conduit having a fuel outlet configured to output fuel for mixing with the input gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190186286
    Abstract: Example implementations relate to jet engines that include resonator-based diagnostics. An example implementation includes a jet engine. The jet engine includes a combustion chamber configured to house a combustion event of a fuel mixture. The jet engine also includes a resonator having a characteristic impedance and a resonant wavelength. The resonator includes a first conductor and a second conductor separated from one another by an interstitial space that is exposed to an environment of the combustion chamber. Further, the jet engine includes a controller communicatively coupled to the resonator and configured to perform operations. The operations include determining a characteristic of the resonator selected from the group consisting of the characteristic impedance and the resonant wavelength. The operations also include, based on the determined characteristic, determining a parameter of the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith