Patents by Inventor Ken A. Smith

Ken A. Smith 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).

  • Publication number: 20020090330
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for growing single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) from seed molecules. The supported or unsupported SWNT seed materials can be combined with a suitable growth catalyst by opening SWNT molecule ends and depositing a metal atom cluster. In one embodiment, a suspension of seed particles containing attached catalysts is injected into an evaporation zone to provide an entrained reactive nanoparticle. A carbonaceous feedstock gas is then introduced into the nanoparticle stream under conditions to grow single-wall carbon nanotubes. Recovery of the product produced can be done by filtration, centrifugation and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Richard E. Smalley, Daniel T. Colbert, Hongjie Dai, Jie Liu, Andrew G. Rinzler, Jason H. Hafner, Ken Smith, Ting Guo, Pavel Nikolaev, Andreas Thess
  • Publication number: 20020085968
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing self-assembled objects comprising single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a three-dimensional structure of derivatized single-wall nanotube molecules that spontaneously form. It includes several component molecule having multiple derivatives brought together to assemble into the three-dimensional structure. In another embodiment, objects may be obtained by bonding functionally-specific agents (FSAs) groups of nanotubes into geometric structures. The bond selectivity of FSAs allow selected nanotubes of a particular size or kind to assemble together and inhibit the assembling of unselected nanotubes that may also be present.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Richard E. Smalley, Daniel T. Colbert, Hongjie Dai, Jie Liu, Andrew G. Rinzler, Jason H. Hafner, Ken Smith, Ting Guo, Pavel Nikolaev, Andreas Thess
  • Publication number: 20020086124
    Abstract: This invention is directed to making chemical derivatives of carbon nanotubes and to uses for the derivatized nanotubes, including making arrays as a basis for synthesis of carbon fibers. In one embodiment, this invention also provides a method for preparing single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube by reacting single wall carbon nanotubes with fluorine gas and recovering fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes, then reacting fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes with a nucleophile. Some of the fluorine substituents are replaced by nucleophilic substitution. If desired, the remaining fluorine can be completely or partially eliminated to produce single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube. The substituents will, of course, be dependent on the nucleophile, and preferred nucleophiles include alkyl lithium species such as methyl lithium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: John L. Margrave, Edward T. Mickelson, Robert Hauge, Peter Boul, Chad Huffman, Jie Liu, Richard E. Smalley, Ken Smith, Daniel T. Colbert
  • Publication number: 20020068170
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter and articles of manufacture comprising SWNTs as nanometer scale conducting rods dispersed in an electrically-insulating matrix. These compositions of matter have novel and useful electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties including applications in antennas, electromagnetic and electro-optic devices, and high-toughness materials. Other compositions of matter and articles of manufacture are disclosed. including polymer-coated and polymer wrapped single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs), small ropes of polymer-coated and polymer-wrapped SWNTs and materials comprising same. This composition provides one embodiment of the SWNT conducting-rod composite mentioned above, and also enables creation of high-concentration suspensions of SWNTs and compatibilization of SWNTs with polymeric matrices in composite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Richard E. Smalley, Daniel T. Colbert, Ken A. Smith, Michael O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20020048632
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter and articles of manufacture comprising SWNTs as nanometer scale conducting rods dispersed in an electrically-insulating matrix. These compositions of matter have novel and useful electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties including applications in antennas, electromagnetic and electro-optic devices, and high-toughness materials. Other compositions of matter and articles of manufacture are disclosed. including polymer-coated and polymer wrapped single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs), small ropes of polymer-coated and polymer-wrapped SWNTs and materials comprising same. This composition provides one embodiment of the SWNT conducting-rod composite mentioned above, and also enables creation of high-concentration suspensions of SWNTs and compatibilization of SWNTs with polymeric matrices in composite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Richard E. Smalley, Daniel T. Colbert, Ken A. Smith, Michael O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20020046872
    Abstract: The present invention relates to new compositions of matter and articles of manufacture comprising SWNTs as nanometer scale conducting rods dispersed in an electrically-insulating matrix. These compositions of matter have novel and useful electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties including applications in antennas, electromagnetic and electro-optic devices, and high-toughness materials. Other compositions of matter and articles of manufacture are disclosed, including polymer-coated and polymer wrapped single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs), small ropes of polymer-coated and polymer-wrapped SWNTs and materials comprising same. This composition provides one embodiment of the SWNT conducting-rod composite mentioned above, and also enables creation of high-concentration suspensions of SWNTs and compatibilization of SWNTs with polymeric matrices in composite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Richard E. Smalley, Daniel T. Colbert, Ken A. Smith, Michael O'Connell
  • Publication number: 20020004028
    Abstract: This invention is directed to making chemical derivatives of carbon nanotubes and to uses for the derivatized nanotubes, including making arrays as a basis for synthesis of carbon fibers. In one embodiment, this invention also provides a method for preparing single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube by reacting single wall carbon nanotubes with fluorine gas and recovering fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes, then reacting fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes with a nucleophile. Some of the fluorine substituents are replaced by nucleophilic substitution. If desired, the remaining fluorine can be completely or partially eliminated to produce single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube. The substituents will, of course, be dependent on the nucleophile, and preferred nucleophiles include alkyl lithium species such as methyl lithium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: John L. Margrave, Edward T. Mickelson, Robert Hauge, Peter Boul, Chad Huffman, Jie Liu, Richard E. Smalley, Ken Smith, Daniel T. Colbert
  • Publication number: 20010041160
    Abstract: This invention is directed to making chemical derivatives of carbon nanotubes and to uses for the derivatized nanotubes, including making arrays as a basis for synthesis of carbon fibers. In one embodiment, this invention also provides a method for preparing single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube by reacting single wall carbon nanotubes with fluorine gas and recovering fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes, then reacting fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes with a nucleophile. Some of the fluorine substituents are replaced by nucleophilic substitution. If desired, the remaining fluorine can be completely or partially eliminated to produce single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube. The substituents will, of course, be dependent on the nucleophile, and preferred nucleophiles include alkyl lithium species such as methyl lithium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventors: John L. Margrave, Edward T. Mickelson, Robert Hauge, Peter Boul, Chad Huffman, Jie Liu, Richard E. Smalley, Ken Smith, Daniel T. Colbert
  • Publication number: 20010031900
    Abstract: This invention is directed to making chemical derivatives of carbon nanotubes and to uses for the derivatized nanotubes, including making arrays as a basis for synthesis of carbon fibers. In one embodiment, this invention also provides a method for preparing single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube by reacting single wall carbon nanotubes with fluorine gas and recovering fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes, then reacting fluorine derivatized carbon nanotubes with a nucleophile. Some of the fluorine substituents are replaced by nucleophilic substitution. If desired, the remaining fluorine can be completely or partially eliminated to produce single wall carbon nanotubes having substituents attached to the side wall of the nanotube. The substituents will, of course, be dependent on the nucleophile, and preferred nucleophiles include alkyl lithium species such as methyl lithium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: John L. Margrave, Edward T. Mickelson, Robert Hauge, Peter Boul, Chad Huffman, Jie Liu, Richard E. Smalley, Ken Smith, Daniel T. Colbert
  • Patent number: 4908567
    Abstract: The optical inspection apparatus consists of an explosion-proof light projector and a viewing periscope. In one embodiment, an external power source connects to an explosion-proof housing protectively enclosing a lamp. In another embodiment, the lamp, batteries, and a circuit are included within the explosion-proof housing, providing a fully portable, self-contained and explosion-proof light projector. A viewing periscope is provided for examination of meter tubes, tanks vessels and other enclosed machinery. An explosion-proof connector is also disclosed providing an explosion-proof and thermally resistant interface between a light source and a fiberoptic light guide. A timing circuit disclosed prolonging the operation time of the light projector on one charge of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Assignee: Welker Engineering Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Welker, Ken Smith
  • Patent number: 4850669
    Abstract: The optical inspection apparatus consists of an explosion-proof light projector and a viewing periscope. In one embodiment, an external power source connects to an explosion-proof housing protectively enclosing a lamp. In another embodiment, the lamp, batteries, and a circuit are included within the explosion-proof housing, providing a fully portable, self-contained and explosion-proof light projector. A viewing periscope is provided for examination of meter tubes, tanks vessels and other enclosed machinery. An explosion-proof connector is also disclosed providing an explosion-proof and thermally resistant interface between a light source and a fiberoptic light guide. A timing circuit is also disclosed prolonging the operation time of the light projector on one charge of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1989
    Assignee: Welker Engineering Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Welker, Ken Smith
  • Patent number: 4777567
    Abstract: The optical inspection apparatus consists of an explosion-proof light projector and a viewing periscope. In one embodiment, an external power source connects to an explosion-proof housing protectively enclosing a lamp. In another embodiment, the lamp, batteries, and a circuit are included within the explosion-proof housing, providing a fully portable, self-contained and explosion-proof light projector. A viewing periscope is provided for examination of meter tubes, tanks vessels and other enclosed machinery. An explosion-proof connector is also disclosed providing an explosion-proof and thermally resistant interface between a light source and a fiberoptic light guide. A timing circuit is also disclosed prolonging the operation time of the light projector on one charge of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Welkee Engineering Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Welker, Ken Smith
  • Patent number: 4052830
    Abstract: This invention relates to corner fillet by which is meant members which are adapted to lie across and occupy corners of for example rooms where a floor joins a wall or a skirting board attached to the wall, the corner fillet being used to screen or conceal the edge of the carpet laid on the floor, or to properly finish off the floor/wall joint so as to enhance its appearance.A corner fillet according to the invention is also usable as a glazing strip in place of the conventional glazing systems using putty or beading.Other uses of a corner fillet according to the invention will become apparent from the following description.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1977
    Assignee: John Barry Potter
    Inventor: Ken Smith