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).
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Publication number: 20190186378Abstract: An example system and corresponding method includes a jet engine combustor and a plurality of resonators. The combustor includes (i) a combustion zone, (ii) one or more fuel inlets for introducing fuel into the combustion zone for combustion, and (iii) one or more fins protruding into the combustion zone and configured to guide combustion of the fuel along a flame path. The resonators can each have a respective resonant wavelength and can each provide a respective plasma corona in the combustion zone when excited with a respective signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter (¼) of the respective resonant wavelength. A radio-frequency power source can excite the resonators with the respective signals so as to provide the respective plasma coronas in the combustion zone and cause combustion of the fuel along the flame path.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLCInventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith, Wayne M. Serra
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Publication number: 20190186747Abstract: A system includes an afterburner including an afterburner duct that defines an afterburner channel. The afterburner receives input gas from a jet engine into the channel and outputs an exhaust gas resulting from combustion of fuel. The system includes multiple 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 that resonator's resonant wavelength, that resonator provides within the afterburner electromagnetic waves and/or a plasma corona proximate to that resonator. A resonator also includes a fuel conduit having a fuel outlet configured to output fuel for mixing with the input gas, and at least a portion of that resonator is arranged proximate to the dielectric.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLCInventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
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Publication number: 20190186379Abstract: An example system and corresponding method includes a power-generation turbine combustor and a resonator. The combustor includes (i) a combustion zone, (ii) one or more fuel inlets for introducing fuel into the combustion zone for combustion, and (iii) one or more fins protruding into the combustion zone and configured to guide combustion of the fuel along a flame path. The resonator can have a resonant wavelength and can provide a plasma corona in the combustion zone when excited with a signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter (¼) of the resonant wavelength. A radio-frequency power source can excite the resonator with the signal so as to provide the plasma corona in the combustion zone and cause combustion of the fuel along the flame path.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLCInventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith, Wayne M. Serra
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Publication number: 20190186376Abstract: An example system can include a combustor of a power-generation turbine, a radio-frequency power source, a plasma-distributing structure, and a resonator having a first concentrator. The combustor can include one or more fins protruding into a combustion zone and can be configured to guide combustion of fuel along a flame path defined by the fin(s). The resonator can be configured to provide a plasma corona when excited by the power source. The plasma-distributing structure can be arranged within the combustor and proximate to the plasma corona, and can include a second concentrator. When the resonator is excited, the plasma corona can be provided proximate to the first concentrator. Further, when the plasma corona is provided proximate to the first concentrator and the plasma-distributing structure is at a predetermined voltage, an additional plasma corona can be established proximate to the second concentrator and at least partly within the flame path.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLCInventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith, Wayne M. Serra
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Publication number: 20190186744Abstract: An example system can include a combustion chamber of a jet engine, one or more radio-frequency power sources, a plurality of resonators, and a fuel conduit. Each resonator has a respective resonant wavelength. Further, each resonator can include (i) a respective first conductor, (ii), a respective second conductor, and (iii) a respective dielectric between the respective first conductor and the respective second conductor. Each resonator can be configured such that, when the resonator is excited by a corresponding radio-frequency power source with a respective signal, the resonator provides 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 arranged proximate to the respective dielectric of a given resonator of the plurality of resonators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLCInventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
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Publication number: 20190186741Abstract: An example system and corresponding method includes a power-generation turbine combustor and a plurality of resonators. The combustor includes (i) a combustion zone, (ii) one or more fuel inlets for introducing fuel into the combustion zone for combustion, and (iii) one or more fins protruding into the combustion zone and configured to guide combustion of the fuel along a flame path. The resonators can each have a respective resonant wavelength and can each provide a respective plasma corona in the combustion zone when excited with a respective signal having a wavelength proximate to an odd-integer multiple of one-quarter (¼) of the respective resonant wavelength. A radio-frequency power source can excite the resonators with the respective signals so as to provide the respective plasma coronas in the combustion zone and cause combustion of the fuel along the flame path.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLCInventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith, Wayne M. Serra
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Publication number: 20190186437Abstract: Example implementations relate to electromagnetic wave modification of fuel in a jet engine. An example implementation includes a jet engine. The jet engine includes a combustion chamber, a radio-frequency power source, and a fuel conduit configured to provide a fuel to the combustion chamber. In addition, the jet engine includes a resonator configured to electromagnetically couple to the radio-frequency power source and having a resonant wavelength. The resonator includes a first conductor, a second conductor, and a dielectric between the first conductor and the second conductor. The resonator is 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 radiates electromagnetic waves usable to modify (i) the fuel within the fuel conduit or (ii) a fuel mixture, which includes the fuel, within the combustion chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2017Publication date: June 20, 2019Applicant: Plasma Igniter, LLCInventors: Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
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Patent number: 10258983Abstract: An apparatus comprises a biosensor disk structure including a first substrate with a first inner surface, a second substrate with a second inner surface facing oppositely toward the first inner surface, and fluidic channels reaching between the first and second inner surfaces; wherein the first inner surface has binding sites and non-binding sites adjoining the binding sites, the first substrate is transparent at the non-binding sites, and the non-binding sites have discrete polygonal configurations of equal size and shape; and the second inner surface has non-reflective areas and reflective areas bounded by the non-reflective areas, and the reflective areas have discrete polygonal configurations sized and shaped equally with the non-binding sites such that the reflective areas are located coextensively opposite the non-binding sites.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2018Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS, LLCInventors: Jeffery R. X. Auld, James E. Smith
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Publication number: 20190094102Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2017Publication date: March 28, 2019Applicant: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLCInventors: Kyle J. Haske, James E. Smith, Mark R. Sakowski, Donald E. Preuss
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Publication number: 20190083981Abstract: An apparatus comprises a biosensor disk structure including a first substrate with a first inner surface, a second substrate with a second inner surface facing oppositely toward the first inner surface, and fluidic channels reaching between the first and second inner surfaces; wherein the first inner surface has binding sites and non-binding sites adjoining the binding sites, the first substrate is transparent at the non-binding sites, and the non-binding sites have discrete polygonal configurations of equal size and shape; and the second inner surface has non-reflective areas and reflective areas bounded by the non-reflective areas, and the reflective areas have discrete polygonal configurations sized and shaped equally with the non-binding sites such that the reflective areas are located coextensively opposite the non-binding sites.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2018Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: Advanced Technology Applications, LLCInventors: Jeffery R.X. Auld, James E. Smith
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Patent number: 10183290Abstract: A method may include steps of binding an analyte to a ligand, exposing the analyte to light of differing wavelengths, and observing a difference in spectral response of the analyte at the differing wavelengths. Further steps may include comparing the observed difference with a known difference in spectral response of a reference substance at the differing wavelengths, and determining whether the observed difference meets a predetermined threshold of identity with the known difference. The method may be performed with reference to a surface having a reflective area with a known size a non-reflective area adjacent to the reflective area. The method may thus include the steps of providing a ligand in alignment with the non-reflective area of the surface, and binding an analyte to the ligand in a position reaching across the reflective area.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2015Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS, LLCInventors: Jeffery R. X. Auld, James E. Smith
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Patent number: 10156134Abstract: A method for detecting a subsurface anomaly at a near-surface depth, comprises positioning an electromagnetic sensor configured to measure a component of a planetary electromagnetic field such that the electromagnetic sensor is suspended just above a ground-air barrier and does not contact a ground surface; selecting an electromagnetic frequency by calculating a function of properties of the ground that include relative permittivity, relative permeability, and resistivity; moving the electromagnetic sensor over the surface of the ground; repeatedly measuring intensity of the component of the planetary electromagnetic field at the frequency to obtain a set of measurements; and comparing at least a first measurement in the set of measurements to at least a second measurement in the set of measurements to identify a change in the intensity of the component of the planetary electromagnetic field that is indicative of a presence of a subsurface anomaly.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2017Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: Terra Response LLCInventors: James E. Smith, Franz A. Pertl, Roy S. Nutter, Andrew D. Lowery
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Publication number: 20180171970Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Applicant: West Virginia UniversityInventors: Justin R. Chambers, James E. Smith
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Patent number: 10001105Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: West Virginia UniversityInventors: James E. Smith, Franz A. Pertl
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Publication number: 20180161614Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2017Publication date: June 14, 2018Inventor: James E. Smith, III
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Patent number: 9994791Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, for and on behalf of the University of Alabama in HuntsvilleInventors: Chen Zhang, James E. Smith, Jr.
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Publication number: 20180101453Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: Jesse P. Arroyo, Christopher J. Engel, Kaveh Naderi, James E. Smith
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Publication number: 20180074923Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2017Publication date: March 15, 2018Inventors: Jesse P. Arroyo, Christopher J. Engel, Kaveh Naderi, James E. Smith
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Patent number: 9873315Abstract: A plasma generator comprises a radio frequency power source, a coaxial cavity resonator assembly, and a direct current power source. The radio frequency power source provides a voltage supply of radio frequency power having a first ratio of power over voltage. The resonator assembly includes a center conductor coupled to the radio frequency power source, and also includes a virtual short circuit. The direct current power source is connected to the center conductor at the virtual short circuit, and provides a voltage supply of direct current power having a second ratio of power over voltage that is less than the first ratio.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: West Virginia UniversityInventors: Michael J. Spencer, Andrew D. Lowery, James E. Smith
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Patent number: 9864662Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 8, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jesse P. Arroyo, Christopher J. Engel, Kaveh Naderi, James E. Smith