Patents by Inventor James E. Smith, JR.

James E. Smith, JR. 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).

  • Chemically assisted rapid algae harvesting from dilute phase
    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.
  • Method for extracting lipids from algae
    Patent number: 9994791
    Abstract: Methods for the extraction of intracellular contents from biomass, in particular from algae, are described. The pH level of the algae cell culture is modified and mixed with a surfactant or a combination of surfactants. The algal culture may be subjected to low pressurization using air, inert gas or a gas mixture. Separation of the lipid contents from the treated algae culture is accomplished with an organic solvent or a mixture of organic solvents. The algal debris may be collected at the bottom of the aqueous phase while the biomass is concentrated in the solvent layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    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.
  • Hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate-acetone formulations and methods of making hydroxyethylhydrazinium nitrate-acetone formulations
    Patent number: 9481840
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include one-step synthesis to prepare a hypergolic green Fuel (HGF) propellant from 2-Hydroxyethylhydrazine (HEH) via a “one-step synthesis method”. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure include fully nitrated HGF and partially nitrated HGF and formulations containing Hydroxyethylhydrazinium Nitrate (HEHN) and acetone, where the HEHN is produced independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignees: UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE, OGDEN ENGINEERING & ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: James E. Smith, Jr., Gregory E. Ogden, Clinton J. Brown, Paul M. Frisby, Sahar A. Torabzadeh
  • Hydroxyethylhydrazinium Nitrate-Acetone formulations and methods of making Hydroxyethylhydrazinium Nitrate-Acetone formulations
    Publication number: 20100287824
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include one-step synthesis to prepare a hypergolic green Fuel (HGF) propellant from 2-Hydroxyethylhydrazine (HEH) via a “one-step synthesis method”. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure include fully nitrated HGF and partially nitrated HGF and formulations containing Hydroxyethylhydrazinium Nitrate (HEHN) and acetone, where the HEHN is produced independently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: James E. Smith, JR., Gregory E. Ogden, Clinton J. Brown, Paul M. Frisby, Sahar A. Torabzadeh