Patents by Inventor Keith A. Dodrill

Keith A. Dodrill 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).

  • Real-time combustion controls and diagnostics sensors (CCADS)
    Patent number: 6887069
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for the monitoring of the combustion process within a combustion system. The apparatus comprises; a combustion system, a means for supplying fuel and an oxidizer, a device for igniting the fuel and oxidizer in order to initiate combustion, and a sensor for determining the current conducted by the combustion process. The combustion system comprises a fuel nozzle and an outer shell attached to the combustion nozzle. The outer shell defines a combustion chamber. Preferably the nozzle is a lean premix fuel nozzle (LPN). Fuel and an oxidizer are provided to the fuel nozzle at separate rates. The fuel and oxidizer are ignited. A sensor positioned within the combustion system comprising at least two electrodes in spaced-apart relationship from one another. At least a portion of the combustion process or flame is between the first and second electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Thornton, George A. Richards, Keith A. Dodrill, Roy S. Nutter, Jr., Douglas Straub