Patents by Inventor James L. Walls

James L. Walls 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).

  • Patent number: 12371319
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit operating in series with a heat exchange catalyst unit. The electric catalyst unit is used to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start or low load operating condition of the internal combustion engine, where the ammonia cracking process occurs in the heat exchange catalyst unit once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2025
    Inventors: James L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12358787
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine along with ammonia. The present invention utilizes ammonia not only as a co-fuel for the engine, but also as a heat-exchange medium used by a cooling system for the internal combustion engine, such that the heat is transferred from hot engine coolant to the ammonia, thereby cooling the engine coolant, and also pre-heating the ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12357957
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a system and method for focusing gas distribution through at least one three-dimensionally (3D) printed lattice heating elements within an electric catalyst unit to promote ammonia dissociation. The present invention allows gaseous ammonia to be continuously heated under turbulence as it flows through non-linear paths within a 3D printed lattice heating element. The lattice structure of the heating element provides a balance between surface area and heat dissipation, allowing the heating elements to reach a suitable temperature to perform ammonia dissociation, but which are not oversaturated with heat which could result in failure or melting of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2024
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20250158370
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus for an electrical power feedthrough suitable for use in high temperature, high pressure, and/or corrosive environments, such as, for example, within ammonia cracking (i.e., dissociation) systems. The present invention is fabricated from conductive nickel alloys which have high melting temperatures, and which are resistant to corrosion at high temperatures, as well as non-conductive ceramic materials which provide electrical insulation between the systems that feedthrough is coupled to.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2024
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Publication number: 20250051158
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit operating in series with a heat exchange catalyst unit. The electric catalyst unit is used to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start or low load operating condition of the internal combustion engine, where the ammonia cracking process occurs in the heat exchange catalyst unit once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: James L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, JR.
  • Publication number: 20250033957
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine along with ammonia. The present invention utilizes ammonia not only as a co-fuel for the engine, but also as a heat-exchange medium used by a cooling system for the internal combustion engine, such that the heat is transferred from hot engine coolant to the ammonia, thereby cooling the engine coolant, and also pre-heating the ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2024
    Publication date: January 30, 2025
    Inventors: James L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, JR.
  • Patent number: 12162754
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit operating in series with a heat exchange catalyst unit. The electric catalyst unit is used to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start or low load operating condition of the internal combustion engine, where the ammonia cracking process occurs in the heat exchange catalyst unit once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2024
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20240360804
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit operating in series with a plate-type heat exchange catalyst unit. The electric catalyst unit is used to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start or low load operating condition of the internal combustion engine, where the ammonia cracking process occurs in the heat exchange catalyst unit once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2024
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Patent number: 12109546
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a system and method for focusing gas distribution through a series of three-dimensionally (3D) printed lattice heating elements within an electric catalyst unit in order to promote ammonia dissociation. The present invention allows gaseous ammonia to be continuously heated as it flows in series through ceramic tubes containing 3D printed lattice heating elements. The lattice structure of the heating elements provides a balance between surface area and heat dissipation, allowing the heating elements to reach a suitable temperature to perform ammonia dissociation, but which are not oversaturated with heat which could result in failure or melting of the heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Inventors: James L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 12107407
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus for an electrical power feedthrough suitable for use in high temperature, high pressure, and/or corrosive environments, such as, for example, within ammonia cracking (i.e., dissociation) systems. The present invention is fabricated from conductive nickel alloys which have high melting temperatures, and which are resistant to corrosion at high temperatures, as well as non-conductive ceramic materials which provide electrical insulation between the systems that feedthrough is coupled to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Patent number: 12102990
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus for an electrical power feedthrough suitable for use in high temperature, high pressure, and/or corrosive environments, such as, for example, within ammonia cracking (i.e., dissociation) systems. The present invention is fabricated from conductive nickel alloys which have high melting temperatures, and which are resistant to corrosion at high temperatures, as well as non-conductive ceramic materials which provide electrical insulation between the systems that feedthrough is coupled to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Publication number: 20240294377
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit operating in series with a heat exchange catalyst unit. The electric catalyst unit is used to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start or low load operating condition of the internal combustion engine, where the ammonia cracking process occurs in the heat exchange catalyst unit once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2024
    Publication date: September 5, 2024
    Inventors: James L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, II
  • Patent number: 12023643
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a system and method for focusing gas distribution through a series of three-dimensionally (3D) printed lattice heating elements within an electric catalyst unit in order to promote ammonia dissociation. The present invention allows gaseous ammonia to be continuously heated as it flows in series through ceramic tubes containing 3D printed lattice heating elements. The lattice structure of the heating elements provides a balance between surface area and heat dissipation, allowing the heating elements to reach a suitable temperature to perform ammonia dissociation, but which are not oversaturated with heat which could result in failure or melting of the heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2024
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Wall, II, David Gwynn Kapp, II
  • Patent number: 12009650
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to an apparatus for an electrical power feedthrough suitable for use in high temperature, high pressure, and/or corrosive environments, such as, for example, within ammonia cracking (i.e., dissociation) systems. The present invention is fabricated from conductive nickel alloys which have high melting temperatures, and which are resistant to corrosion at high temperatures, as well as non-conductive ceramic materials which provide electrical insulation between the systems that feedthrough is coupled to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Patent number: 11981562
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit operating in series with a heat exchange catalyst unit. The electric catalyst unit is used to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start or low load operating condition of the internal combustion engine, where the ammonia cracking process occurs in the heat exchange catalyst unit once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Publication number: 20240043268
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit operating in series with a heat exchange catalyst unit. The electric catalyst unit is used to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start or low load operating condition of the internal combustion engine, where the ammonia cracking process occurs in the heat exchange catalyst unit once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Publication number: 20240044285
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit operating in series with a plate-type heat exchange catalyst unit. The electric catalyst unit is used to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start or low load operating condition of the internal combustion engine, where the ammonia cracking process occurs in the heat exchange catalyst unit once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Patent number: 11840449
    Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to systems and methods for generating hydrogen from ammonia on-board vehicles, where the produced hydrogen is used as fuel source for an internal combustion engine. The present invention utilizes an electric catalyst unit to initiate an ammonia cracking process on-board during a cold start of the internal combustion engine, where a heat exchange catalyst unit is utilized once exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine has been heated to a threshold temperature suitable to perform the ammonia cracking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: First Ammonia Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Wall, II
  • Patent number: 9597620
    Abstract: A process, system, and component configuration are described that discourages customer acceptance/use of will-fit, reconditioned, and counterfeit product components, by determining whether or not a serviceable product component is genuine. If a component is determined to not be genuine, then appropriate action may be taken to warn operators and document such findings. For example, one or more markers are disposed or otherwise put on the subject serviceable product component and serves as a targeted feature, and/or a particular characteristic of the filter itself is identified as the targeted feature. A sensor is used to detect the targeted feature and obtain information unique to the serviceable product component. The targeted feature(s) identifies the particular serviceable component as genuine and forms the basis for determining whether a genuine component has been installed. In some circumstances, a fluid filter product is the component that is the subject detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: CUMMINS FILTRATION IP, INC.
    Inventors: Barry M. Verdegan, John T. Carroll, III, Matthew L. Schneider, Michael T. Zuroski, Nathan A. Whitaker, James L. Walls
  • Patent number: 8844503
    Abstract: A fuel supply system and method of controlling fuel flow through a supply system is provided including a variable flow, i.e. speed, electric fuel transfer pump and a control system adapted to variably control the transfer pump based on fuel demand of the engine. The system provides improved transient response by providing the transfer pump with a feed forward speed/flow command based on engine fueling demand determined based on engine operating conditions. The transfer pump is controlled based on fuel demand not necessarily achieved yet by the high pressure pump and injectors. Therefore, this system controls the EFTP substantially simultaneously with controlling the high pressure pump and injectors to optimize fuel flow through the entire system ensuring the minimum required fuel flow is passing through the second the fuel filtration system, hence maximizing steady state fuel filtration efficiency, and minimizing surge effects on filtration efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Worthington, Norman C. Blizard, David P. Genter, Gregory S. Franks, Michael F. Mattern, Thomas O. Hahn, James L. Walls, Edward N. Linen