Patents by Inventor James R. Fincke
James R. Fincke 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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Patent number: 7576296Abstract: An apparatus for thermal conversion of one or more reactants to desired end products includes an insulated reactor chamber having a high temperature heater such as a plasma torch at its inlet end and, optionally, a restrictive convergent-divergent nozzle at its outlet end. In a thermal conversion method, reactants are injected upstream from the reactor chamber and thoroughly mixed with the plasma stream before entering the reactor chamber. The reactor chamber has a reaction zone that is maintained at a substantially uniform temperature. The resulting heated gaseous stream is then rapidly cooled by passage through the nozzle, which “freezes” the desired end product(s) in the heated equilibrium reaction stage, or is discharged through an outlet pipe without the convergent-divergent nozzle. The desired end products are then separated from the gaseous stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: James R. Fincke, Brent A. Detering
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Publication number: 20080318094Abstract: A controllable proton exchange reactive membrane comprising a proton exchange membrane, at least two catalyst layers disposed on opposing sides of the proton exchange membrane, and a power source operably coupled to the at least two catalyst layers. A direction and magnitude of flow of hydrogen through the proton exchange reactive membrane is controlled by modulating the power source across the proton exchange membrane, thereby enabling hydrogen to be transported in either direction across the proton exchange reactive membrane. By controlling the transport of hydrogen, the extent of a homologation reaction is enhanced. A proton exchange reactive membrane reactor comprising the proton exchange reactive membrane is also disclosed. A method of producing a higher hydrocarbon from a light alkane is disclosed, as is a method of regenerating a catalyst layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2008Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Daniel M. Ginosar, James R. Fincke, Robert S. Cherry
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Publication number: 20080160266Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming a metallic coating on a substrate which contains silicon. A metallic glass layer is formed over a silicon surface of the substrate. The invention includes methods of protecting a silicon substrate. The substrate is provided within a deposition chamber along with a deposition target. Material from the deposition target is deposited over at least a portion of the silicon substrate to form a protective layer or structure which contains metallic glass. The metallic glass comprises iron and one or more of B, Si, P and C. The invention includes structures which have a substrate containing silicon and a metallic layer over the substrate. The metallic layer contains less than or equal to about 2 weight % carbon and has a hardness of at least 9.2 GPa. The metallic layer can have an amorphous microstructure or can be devitrified to have a nanocrystalline microstructure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2008Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Daniel J. Branagan, Timothy A. Hyde, James R. Fincke
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Patent number: 7341765Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming a metallic coating on a substrate which contains silicon. A metallic glass layer is formed over a silicon surface of the substrate. The invention includes methods of protecting a silicon substrate. The substrate is provided within a deposition chamber along with a deposition target. Material from the deposition target is deposited over at least a portion of the silicon substrate to form a protective layer or structure which contains metallic glass. The metallic glass comprises iron and one or more of B, Si, P and C. The invention includes structures which have a substrate containing silicon and a metallic layer over the substrate. The metallic layer contains less than or equal to about 2 weight % carbon and has a hardness of at least 9.2 GPa. The metallic layer can have an amorphous microstructure or can be devitrified to have a nanocrystalline microstructure.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2004Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Daniel J. Branagan, Timothy A. Hyde, James R. Fincke
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Patent number: 7178627Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting seismic waves propagating through a subterranean formation surrounding a borehole. In a first embodiment, a sensor module uses the rotation of bogey wheels to extend and retract a sensor package for selective contact and magnetic coupling to casing lining the borehole. In a second embodiment, a sensor module is magnetically coupled to the casing wall during its travel and dragged therealong while maintaining contact therewith. In a third embodiment, a sensor module is interfaced with the borehole environment to detect seismic waves using coupling through liquid in the borehole. Two or more of the above embodiments may be combined within a single sensor array to provide a resulting seismic survey combining the optimum of the outputs of each embodiment into a single data set.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, James R. Fincke, Teddy R. Reed
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Patent number: 7048089Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting seismic waves propagating through a subterranean formation surrounding a borehole. In a first embodiment, a sensor module uses the rotation of bogey wheels to extend and retract a sensor package for selective contact and magnetic coupling to casing lining the borehole. In a second embodiment, a sensor module is magnetically coupled to the casing wall during its travel and dragged therealong while maintaining contact therewith. In a third embodiment, a sensor module is interfaced with the borehole environment to detect seismic waves using coupling through liquid in the borehole. Two or more of the above embodiments may be combined within a single sensor array to provide a resulting seismic survey combining the optimum of the outputs of each embodiment into a single data set.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Phillip B. West, James R. Fincke, Teddy R. Reed
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Patent number: 6821500Abstract: An apparatus for thermal conversion of one or more reactants to desired end products includes an insulated reactor chamber having a high temperature heater such as a plasma torch at its inlet end and, optionally, a restrictive convergent-divergent nozzle at its outlet end. In a thermal conversion method, reactants are injected upstream from the reactor chamber and thoroughly mixed with the plasma stream before entering the reactor chamber. The reactor chamber has a reaction zone that is maintained at a substantially uniform temperature. The resulting heated gaseous stream is then rapidly cooled by passage through the nozzle, which “freezes” the desired end product(s) in the heated equilibrium reaction stage, or is discharged through an outlet pipe without the convergent-divergent nozzle. The desired end products are then separated from the gaseous stream.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: James R. Fincke, Brent A. Detering
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Publication number: 20040223410Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for detecting seismic waves propagating through a subterranean formation surrounding a borehole. In a first embodiment, a sensor module uses the rotation of bogey wheels to extend and retract a sensor package for selective contact and magnetic coupling to casing lining the borehole. In a second embodiment, a sensor module is magnetically coupled to the casing wall during its travel and dragged therealong while maintaining contact therewith. In a third embodiment, a sensor module is interfaced with the borehole environment to detect seismic waves using coupling through liquid in the borehole. Two or more of the above embodiments may be combined within a single sensor array to provide a resulting seismic survey combining the optimum of the outputs of each embodiment into a single data set.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Phillip B. West, James R. Fincke, Teddy R. Reed
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Publication number: 20040208805Abstract: An apparatus for thermal conversion of one or more reactants to desired end products includes an insulated reactor chamber having a high temperature heater such as a plasma torch at its inlet end and, optionally, a restrictive convergent-divergent nozzle at its outlet end. In a thermal conversion method, reactants are injected upstream from the reactor chamber and thoroughly mixed with the plasma stream before entering the reactor chamber. The reactor chamber has a reaction zone that is maintained at a substantially uniform temperature. The resulting heated gaseous stream is then rapidly cooled by passage through the nozzle, which “freezes” the desired end product(s) in the heated equilibrium reaction stage, or is discharged through an outlet pipe without the convergent-divergent nozzle. The desired end products are then separated from the gaseous stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: James R. Fincke, Brent A. Detering
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Patent number: 6622574Abstract: Oil field management systems and methods for managing operation of one or more wells producing a high void fraction multiphase flow. The system includes a differential pressure flow meter which samples pressure readings at various points of interest throughout the system and uses pressure differentials derived from the pressure readings to determine gas and liquid phase mass flow rates of the high void fraction multiphase flow. One or both of the gas and liquid phase mass flow rates are then compared with predetermined criteria. In the event such mass flow rates satisfy the predetermined criteria, a well control system implements a correlating adjustment action respecting the multiphase flow. In this way, various parameters regarding the high void fraction multiphase flow are used as control inputs to the well control system and thus facilitate management of well operations.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventor: James R. Fincke
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Patent number: 6546811Abstract: Multiphase flow calculation software and computer-readable media carrying computer executable instructions for calculating liquid and gas phase mass flow rates of high void fraction multiphase flows. The multiphase flow calculation software employs various given, or experimentally determined, parameters in conjunction with a plurality of pressure differentials of a multiphase flow, preferably supplied by a differential pressure flowmeter or the like, to determine liquid and gas phase mass flow rates of the high void fraction multiphase flows. Embodiments of the multiphase flow calculation software are suitable for use in a variety of applications, including real-time management and control of an object system.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventor: James R. Fincke
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Publication number: 20030021746Abstract: An apparatus for thermal conversion of one or more reactants to desired end products includes an insulated reactor chamber having a high temperature heater such as a plasma torch at its inlet end and, optionally, a restrictive convergent-divergent nozzle at its outlet end. In a thermal conversion method, reactants are injected upstream from the reactor chamber and thoroughly mixed with the plasma stream before entering the reactor chamber. The reactor chamber has a reaction zone that is maintained at a substantially uniform temperature. The resulting heated gaseous stream is then rapidly cooled by passage through the nozzle, which “freezes” the desired end product(s) in the heated equilibrium reaction stage, or is discharged through an outlet pipe without the convergent-divergent nozzle. The desired end products are then separated from the gaseous stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2001Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: James R. Fincke, Brent A. Detering
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Patent number: 6502467Abstract: An improved method and system for measuring a multi-phase flow in a pressure flow meter. An extended throat venturi is used and pressure of the multi-phase flow is measured at three or more positions in the venturi, which define two or more pressure differentials in the flow conduit. The differential pressures are then used to calculate the mass flow of the gas phase, the total mass flow, and the liquid phase. The system for determining the mass flow of the high void fraction fluid flow and the gas flow includes taking into account a pressure drop experienced by the gas phase due to work performed by the gas phase in accelerating the liquid phase.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventor: James R. Fincke
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Publication number: 20020069022Abstract: Multiphase flow calculation software and computer-readable media carrying computer executable instructions for calculating liquid and gas phase mass flow rates of high void fraction multiphase flows. The multiphase flow calculation software employs various given, or experimentally determined, parameters in conjunction with a plurality of pressure differentials of a multiphase flow, preferably supplied by a differential pressure flowmeter or the like, to determine liquid and gas phase mass flow rates of the high void fraction multiphase flows. Embodiments of the multiphase flow calculation software are suitable for use in a variety of applications, including real-time management and control of an object system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: James R. Fincke
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Publication number: 20020016688Abstract: Oil field management systems and methods for managing operation of one or more wells producing a high void fraction multiphase flow. The system includes a differential pressure flow meter which samples pressure readings at various points of interest throughout the system and uses pressure differentials derived from the pressure readings to determine gas and liquid phase mass flow rates of the high void fraction multiphase flow. One or both of the gas and liquid phase mass flow rates are then compared with predetermined criteria. In the event such mass flow rates satisfy the predetermined criteria, a well control system implements a correlating adjustment action respecting the multiphase flow. In this way, various parameters regarding the high void fraction multiphase flow are used as control inputs to the well control system and thus facilitate management of well operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventor: James R. Fincke
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Patent number: 6332111Abstract: An improved method and system for measuring a multiphase flow in a pressure flow meter. An extended throat venturi is used and pressure of the multiphase flow is measured at three or more positions in the venturi, which define two or more pressure differentials in the flow conduit. The differential pressures are then used to calculate the mass flow of the gas phase, the total mass flow, and the liquid phase. The method for determining the mass flow of the high void fraction fluid flow and the gas flow includes certain steps. The first step is calculating a gas density for the gas flow. The next two steps are finding a normalized gas mass flow rate through the venturi and computing a gas mass flow rate. The following step is estimating the gas velocity in the venturi tube throat.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventor: James R. Fincke
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Patent number: 5935293Abstract: A fast quench reaction includes a reactor chamber having a high temperature heating means such as a plasma torch at its inlet and a means of rapidly expanding a reactant stream, such as a restrictive convergent-divergent nozzle at its outlet end. Metal halide reactants are injected into the reactor chamber. Reducing gas is added at different stages in the process to form a desired end product and prevent back reactions. The resulting heated gaseous stream is then rapidly cooled by expansion of the gaseous stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: August 10, 1999Assignee: Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies CompanyInventors: Brent A. Detering, Alan D. Donaldson, James R. Fincke, Peter C. Kong, Ray A. Berry
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Patent number: 5749937Abstract: A fast quench reaction includes a reactor chamber having a high temperature heating means such as a plasma torch at its inlet and a restrictive convergent-divergent nozzle at its outlet end. Reactants are injected into the reactor chamber. The resulting heated gaseous stream is then rapidly cooled by passage through the nozzle. This "freezes" the desired end product(s) in the heated equilibrium reaction stage.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: Lockheed Idaho Technologies CompanyInventors: Brent A. Detering, Alan D. Donaldson, James R. Fincke, Peter C. Kong
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Patent number: 5445324Abstract: A spray apparatus and method for injecting a heated, pressurized liquid in a first predetermined direction into a pressurized gas flow that is flowing in a second predetermined direction, to provide for atomizing and admixing the liquid with the gas to form a two-phase mixture. A valve is also disposed within the injected liquid conduit to provide for a pulsed injection of the liquid and timed deposit of the atomized gas phase. Preferred embodiments include multiple liquid feed ports and reservoirs to provide for multiphase mixtures of metals, ceramics, and polymers.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Ray A. Berry, James R. Fincke, Kevin M. McHugh
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Patent number: RE37853Abstract: A fast quench reaction includes a reactor chamber having a high temperature heating means such as a plasma torch at its inlet and a restrictive convergent-divergent nozzle at its outlet end. Reactants are injected into the reactor chamber. The resulting heated gaseous stream is then rapidly cooled by passage through the nozzle. This “freezes” the desired end product(s) in the heated equilibrium reaction stage.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Betchel BWXT Idaho, LLCInventors: Brent A. Detering, Alan D. Donaldson, James R. Fincke, Peter C. Kong