Patents by Inventor Jim L. Davidson

Jim L. Davidson 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: 10373812
    Abstract: A thermionic energy converter includes an anode, a cathode spaced from the anode to define a gap therebetween and an operating environment of hydrogen wherein the anode and the cathode are disposed in the hydrogen operating environment so that molecular hydrogen is incorporated into the gap and the anode and the cathode are substantially exposed to the molecular hydrogen. Exposure of diamond samples to a hydrogen plasma reduces the resistance of the bulk diamond film. Hydrogen enhances electron transport through the bulk of the diamond and improves the thermionic emission current. Impregnation of a diamond electrode with hydrogen enhances bulk electron transport of the diamond due to hydrogen lying in the interstitial space between the carbon atoms. Hydrogen increases the bulk conductivity of diamonds films by interact with the diamond surface to form polarized C—H bonds reducing the electron affinity and in turn, reducing the work function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventors: William F. Paxton, IV, Jim L. Davidson, Weng P. Kang, Mick E. Howell
  • Publication number: 20180197724
    Abstract: A thermionic energy converter includes an anode, a cathode spaced from the anode to define a gap therebetween and an operating environment of hydrogen wherein the anode and the cathode are disposed in the hydrogen operating environment so that molecular hydrogen is incorporated into the gap and the anode and the cathode are substantially exposed to the molecular hydrogen. Exposure of diamond samples to a hydrogen plasma reduces the resistance of the bulk diamond film. Hydrogen enhances electron transport through the bulk of the diamond and improves the thermionic emission current. Impregnation of a diamond electrode with hydrogen enhances bulk electron transport of the diamond due to hydrogen lying in the interstitial space between the carbon atoms. Hydrogen increases the bulk conductivity of diamonds films by interact with the diamond surface to form polarized C—H bonds reducing the electron affinity and in turn, reducing the work function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: William F. Paxton, IV, Jim L. Davidson, Weng P. Kang, Mick E. Howell
  • Patent number: 9296615
    Abstract: Heat-transfer fluids and lubricating fluids comprising deaggregated diamond nanoparticles are described herein. Also described are composites comprising deaggregated diamond nanoparticles, and methods of making such composites. Method of using deaggregated diamond nanoparticles, for example, to improve the properties of materials such as thermal conductivity and lubricity are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Blake T. Branson, Charles M. Lukehart, Jim L. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20140329092
    Abstract: Heat-transfer fluids and lubricating fluids comprising deaggregated diamond nanoparticles are described herein. Also described are composites comprising deaggregated diamond nanoparticles, and methods of making such composites. Method of using deaggregated diamond nanoparticles, for example, to improve the properties of materials such as thermal conductivity and lubricity are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Blake T. Branson, Charles M. Lukehart, Jim L. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20140306575
    Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a thermionic energy converter comprises an anode, a cathode spaced from the anode to define a gap therebetween, and molecular hydrogen incorporated into the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: William F. Paxton, Jim L. Davidson, Weng P. Kang, Mick E. Howell
  • Patent number: 8703665
    Abstract: Heat-transfer fluids and lubricating fluids comprising deaggregated diamond nanoparticles are described herein. Also described are composites comprising deaggregated diamond nanoparticles, and methods of making such composites. Method of using deaggregated diamond nanoparticles, for example, to improve the properties of materials such as thermal conductivity and lubricity are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Vanderbilt University
    Inventors: Blake T. Branson, Charles M. Lukehart, Jim L. Davidson
  • Publication number: 20110172132
    Abstract: Heat-transfer fluids and lubricating fluids comprising deaggregated diamond nanoparticles are described herein. Also described are composites comprising deaggregated diamond nanoparticles, and methods of making such composites. Method of using deaggregated diamond nanoparticles, for example, to improve the properties of materials such as thermal conductivity and lubricity are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Blake T. Branson, Charles M. Lukehart, Jim L. Davidson