Patents by Inventor Kenneth E. Starling

Kenneth E. Starling 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).

  • High energy density storage of methane in light hydrocarbon solutions
    Patent number: 6111154
    Abstract: Method for storing methane in light hydrocarbons at moderate temperatures and pressures such that the resulting solution has a high energy density. The method includes combining methane at a 50 to 80 mole percent concentration with a light hydrocarbon, such as butane, propane or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Then the resulting solution is maintained at a temperature of between -1.degree. C. and 38.degree. C. and a pressure of between 8 and 14 MPa. Under these parameters, the solution has an energy density which is 40 to 67 percent that of gasoline. A motor vehicle fuel storage apparatus for the method includes an insulated storage tank containing the 50 to 80 mole percent methane solution and a cooling mechanism for maintaining the methane solution between -1.degree. C. and 38.degree. C. The cooling mechanism may be an arrangement of expansion valves, or connection to the air conditioning system of the vehicle, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Richard G. Mallinson, Kenneth E. Starling, Jeffrey H. Harwell
  • High energy density storage of methane in light hydrocarbon solutions
    Patent number: 5900515
    Abstract: Method for storing methane in light hydrocarbons at moderate temperatures and pressures such that the resulting solution has a high energy density. The method includes combining methane at a 50 to 80 mole percent concentration with a light hydrocarbon, such as butane, propane or liquid petroleum gas (LPG). Then the resulting solution is maintained at a temperature of between -1.degree. C. and 38.degree. C. and a pressure of between 8 and 14 MPa. Under these parameters, the solution has an energy density which is 40 to 67 percent that of gasoline. A motor vehicle fuel storage apparatus for the method includes an insulated storage tank containing the 50 to 80 mole percent methane solution and a cooling mechanism for maintaining the methane solution between -1.degree. C. and 38.degree. C. The cooling mechanism may be an arrangement of expansion valves, or connection to the air conditioning system of the vehicle, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Regents of The University of Oklahoma
    Inventors: Richard G. Mallinson, Kenneth E. Starling, Jeffrey H. Harwell