Patents by Inventor James W. Congdon

James W. Congdon 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).

  • Process of forming a sol-gel/metal hydride composite
    Patent number: 7504083
    Abstract: An external gelation process is described which produces granules of metal hydride particles contained within a sol-gel matrix. The resulting granules are dimensionally stable and are useful for applications such as hydrogen separation and hydrogen purification. An additional coating technique for strengthening the granules is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: James W. Congdon
  • Metal hydride composition and method of making
    Patent number: 5443616
    Abstract: A dimensionally stable hydride composition and a method for making such a composition. The composition is made by forming particles of a metal hydride into porous granules, mixing the granules with a matrix material, forming the mixture into pellets, and sintering the pellets in the absence of oxygen. The ratio of matrix material to hydride is preferably between approximately 2:1 and 4:1 by volume. The porous structure of the granules accommodates the expansion that occurs when the metal hydride particles absorb hydrogen. The porous matrix allows the flow of hydrogen therethrough to contact the hydride particles, yet supports the granules and contains the hydride fines that result from repeated absorption/desorption cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: James W. Congdon