Patents by Inventor Karl E. Stahlkopf
Karl E. Stahlkopf 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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Publication number: 20160273529Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventors: Karl E. STAHLKOPF, Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. CRANE, Edwin P. BERLIN, JR., AmirHossein POURMOUSA ABKENAR
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Patent number: 9382799Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: LIGHTSAIL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Karl E. Stahlkopf, Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar
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Publication number: 20150054291Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Karl E. STAHLKOPF, Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. CRANE, Edwin P. BERLIN, JR., AmirHossein POURMOUSA ABKENAR
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Patent number: 8919112Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8912684Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Karl E. Stahlkopf, Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar
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Patent number: 8893486Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8893487Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8844277Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8769943Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Lightsail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8756928Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Lightsail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Publication number: 20140026549Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. CRANE, Edwin P. BERLIN, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa ABKENAR, Kartikeya MAHALATKAR, Yongxi HOU, Todd BOWERS, Karl E. STAHLKOPF
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Publication number: 20130333373Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: LightSail Energy, IncInventors: Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. CRANE, Edwin P. BERLIN, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa ABKENAR, Kartikeya MAHALATKAR, Yongxi HOU, Todd BOWERS, Karl E. STAHLKOPF
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Publication number: 20130291529Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Karl E. STAHLKOPF, Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. CRANE, Edwin P. BERLIN, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa ABKENAR
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Patent number: 8561399Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8516809Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8482152Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Karl E. Stahlkopf, Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar
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Patent number: 8468814Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers, Karl E. Stahlkopf
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Patent number: 8450884Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Karl E. Stahlkopf, Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar
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Patent number: 8436489Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Karl E. Stahlkopf, Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, Jr., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar
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Publication number: 20120286522Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: November 15, 2012Applicant: LightSail Energy, Inc.Inventors: Karl E. STAHLKOPF, Danielle A. Fong, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar