Patents by Inventor Jim Rearden

Jim Rearden 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: 12377389
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In accordance with an embodiment, a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid is provided. The modular device comprises a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, and a cap covering open ends of the microporous hollow fibers. The cap is configured to receive a gas into an opening and to deliver the gas into the open ends of the microporous hollow fibers. The cap is further configured to removably mount the modular device to a fixture. A system for infusing gas into a liquid may include one or more of the modular gas infusion devices configured to be removably mounted to a fixture such that the microporous hollow fibers are within a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity includes a first opening configured to receive a liquid and a second opening configured to discharge the liquid infused with a gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2025
    Assignee: BioTherm Hydronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim Rearden
  • Patent number: 12274217
    Abstract: Modular environmental control systems and methods for enclosed structures are described. In an embodiment, a first air chamber having one or more first openings receives air from an enclosed structure. The first air chamber includes one or more second openings configured to receive ambient air. The one or more second openings are selectively closable. A first duct delivers air from the enclosed structure to the first chamber via the one or more first openings in the first air chamber. A second air chamber receives air from the first air chamber and has one or more openings configured to deliver air to the enclosed structure. A plurality of air conditioning modules are removably mounted to a divider positioned between the first air chamber and second air chamber. Air from the first chamber is selectively received into the second chamber by passing through the air conditioning modules. A second duct is configured to deliver air from the one or more openings of the second chamber to the enclosed structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: BioTherm Hydronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Rearden, Thaddius Humphrey, Daniel Whittemore, Michael Muchow
  • Publication number: 20240001311
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In accordance with an embodiment, a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid is provided. The modular device comprises a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, and a cap covering open ends of the microporous hollow fibers. The cap is configured to receive a gas into an opening and to deliver the gas into the open ends of the microporous hollow fibers. The cap is further configured to removably mount the modular device to a fixture. A system for infusing gas into a liquid may include one or more of the modular gas infusion devices configured to be removably mounted to a fixture such that the microporous hollow fibers are within a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity includes a first opening configured to receive a liquid and a second opening configured to discharge the liquid infused with a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventor: Jim Rearden
  • Publication number: 20220304251
    Abstract: Modular environmental control systems and methods for enclosed structures are described. In an embodiment, a first air chamber having one or more first openings receives air from an enclosed structure. The first air chamber includes one or more second openings configured to receive ambient air. The one or more second openings are selectively closable. A first duct delivers air from the enclosed structure to the first chamber via the one or more first openings in the first air chamber. A second air chamber receives air from the first air chamber and has one or more openings configured to deliver air to the enclosed structure. A plurality of air conditioning modules are removably mounted to a divider positioned between the first air chamber and second air chamber. Air from the first chamber is selectively received into the second chamber by passing through the air conditioning modules. A second duct is configured to deliver air from the one or more openings of the second chamber to the enclosed structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Jim Rearden, Thaddius Humphrey, Daniel Whittemore, Michael Muchow
  • Publication number: 20210063096
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible mat with fluid conduit, methods of manufacture thereof and apparatus for the manufacture thereof. In an embodiment, the mat comprises a base layer, one or more fluid conduits and a thermoplastic bonding tape that attaches the fluid conduits to the base layer. The base layer can be a textile fabric, mesh or netting, or a flat flexible sheet. The base layer is preferably also formed of a thermoplastic layer. The fluid conduits can carry heated or cooled fluid, such as water, that can be used for heating or cooling an environment in which the device is deployed. For example, the device can be used for heating or cooling in a greenhouse environment. The fluid conduits can additionally or alternatively carry irrigation fluids, such as water or treated water, for irrigating plants and crops. The fluid conduits can additionally or alternatively carry gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon dioxide mixed with other gasses, for treating plants and crops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventor: Jim Rearden
  • Patent number: 10933386
    Abstract: A device for infusing gas into a liquid includes a housing and a tube having a width that is smaller than that of the housing and which is positioned within the housing such that the longitudinal axis of the tube is approximately parallel to that of the housing. The device further includes potting compound interposed between an outside surface of the tube and an inside surface of the housing at both ends of the tube. Microporous hollow fibers extend from the potting compound at the first end of the tube and through the potting compound at the second end of the tube. Openings in the device allow for the introduction of gas and liquid into the device. Gas enters the device and into the microporous hollow fibers. Liquid enters the device and is exposed to the outer surfaces of the microporous hollow fibers. Gas passes from the microporous hollow fibers to the liquid and is dissolved into the liquid. Liquid infused with gas exits the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: BioTherm Hydronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Rearden, Daniel Whittemore, Chindia Tang Zhejiang, Thaddius Humphrey
  • Patent number: 10654006
    Abstract: A device for infusing gas into a liquid comprises a housing and a tube having a width that is smaller than that of the housing and which is positioned within the housing such that the longitudinal axis of the tube is approximately parallel to that of the housing. The device further comprises potting compound interposed between an outside surface of the tube and an inside surface of the housing at both ends of the tube. Microporous hollow fibers extend from the potting compound at the first end of the tube and through the potting compound at the second end of the tube. Openings in the device allow for the introduction of gas and liquid into the device. Gas enters the device and into the microporous hollow fibers. Liquid enters the device and is exposed to the outer surfaces of the microporous hollow fibers. Gas passes from the microporous hollow fibers to the liquid and is dissolved into the liquid. Liquid infused with gas exits the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: BioTherm Hydronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Rearden, Daniel Whittemore, Chindia Tang, Thaddius Humphrey
  • Publication number: 20190282971
    Abstract: The present invention provides modular devices and systems for infusing gas into a liquid and methods of manufacture and use thereof. In accordance with an embodiment, a modular device for infusing gas into a liquid is provided. The modular device comprises a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, and a cap covering open ends of the microporous hollow fibers. The cap is configured to receive a gas into an opening and to deliver the gas into the open ends of the microporous hollow fibers. The cap is further configured to removably mount the modular device to a fixture. A system for infusing gas into a liquid may include one or more of the modular gas infusion devices configured to be removably mounted to a fixture such that the microporous hollow fibers are within a hollow cavity. The hollow cavity includes a first opening configured to receive a liquid and a second opening configured to discharge the liquid infused with a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventor: Jim Rearden