Patents by Inventor Kenneth M. Sprouse

Kenneth M. Sprouse 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: 8011187
    Abstract: A combustor and injector system to inject a selected fuel into a combustor of a gas powered turbine. Generally, the injector is able to inject a selected fuel into a stream of an oxidizer to substantially mix the fuel with the oxidizer stream before any of the fuel in the fuel fan reaches an auto ignition temperature. Therefore the fuel may be substantially combusted at once and without any substantial hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M Sprouse, Shahram Farhangi, Alan V. von Arx, David R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7972572
    Abstract: A reactor vessel liner system includes a liner having a plurality of first conduits and a plurality of second conduits for conveying a coolant. The plurality of second conduits is located at least partially within corresponding ones of the plurality of first conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Fusselman, Stephen Arthur Yows, Bryan William McEnerney, Kenneth M. Sprouse
  • Publication number: 20110057060
    Abstract: A biomass torrefaction system includes a mill which receives a raw biomass feedstock and operates at temperatures above 400 F (204 C) to generate a dusty flue gas which contains a milled biomass product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Sprouse
  • Publication number: 20110036011
    Abstract: A method of producing a synthetic gas (syngas) includes injecting a plurality of reactant streams into a gasification reactor via at least one injection device having a plurality of injection annuli, an inner portion that extends annularly about a centerline extending through the at least one injection device, and an outer portion extending substantially annularly about the inner portion. At least a portion of the outer portion is oriented obliquely with respect to the at least one injection device centerline. The method also includes mixing at least a portion of each of the streams together such that a plurality of recirculation zones is defined by the streams. The method further includes producing a syngas within the recirculation zones via mixing at least a portion of each of the streams. The injection device includes an inner portion that extends annularly about a centerline extending through the injection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, Shahram Farhangi, Robert M. Saxelby
  • Patent number: 7740672
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently forming a gaseous material from a solid starting material. The produced gaseous material includes a CGE HHV having a high percentage of an original HHV of the starting material. The gaseous product may be used to form a plurality of materials for various purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Sprouse
  • Patent number: 7731783
    Abstract: A continuous pressure letdown system connected to a hopper decreases a pressure of a 2-phase (gas and solid) dusty gas stream flowing through the system. The system includes a discharge line for receiving the dusty gas from the hopper, a valve, a cascade nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the discharge line, a purge ring, an inert gas supply connected to the purge ring, an inert gas throttle, and a filter. The valve connects the hopper to the discharge line and controls introduction of the dusty gas stream into the discharge line. The purge ring is connected between the discharge line and the cascade nozzle assembly. The inert gas throttle controls a flow rate of an inert gas into the cascade nozzle assembly. The filter is connected downstream of the cascade nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews, Terry Langowski
  • Patent number: 7717046
    Abstract: A system for providing highly pressurized raw fuel to a pressure reactor. The system includes an inlet for receiving the raw fuel and a roller system communicating with the inlet. The roller system includes a plurality of independent rollers arranged in two converging planes. The rollers of the roller system successively compress the raw fuel as the raw fuel passes through the roller system between the rollers, such that the fuel is highly pressurized when it reaches an output end of the roller system. An outlet is located adjacent the output end of the roller system to dispense the pressurized raw fuel to the pressure reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M Sprouse, David R Matthews
  • Publication number: 20100119419
    Abstract: A fluidized-bed reactor for producing hydrogen from methane by steam reforming includes a flow splitter that splits a dense-phase flow of a gas having entrained calcium oxide particles into a plurality of equal flow streams. The reactor also incorporates an orifice plate having at least one high-velocity, rocket-style impinging injector for injecting reactants into the reactor bed. The injector includes a central orifice extending perpendicularly through the plate, and one or more adjacent peripheral orifices that extend through the plate at such an angle that respective streams of reactants injected into the reactor bed through the peripheral orifices impinge on a stream of reactants injected vertically into the reactor bed through the central orifice. The injector cooperates with adjacent base-bleed orifices in the plate to provide a uniform distribution and rapid mixing of the calcium oxide particles with a steam/methane gas mixture across the entire bottom of the reactor bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, Albert E. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20090226350
    Abstract: A reactor vessel liner system includes a liner having a plurality of first conduits and a plurality of second conduits for conveying a coolant. The plurality of second conduits is located at least partially within corresponding ones of the plurality of first conduits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Steven P. Fusselman, Stephen Arthur Yows, Bryan William McEnerney, Kenneth M. Sprouse
  • Publication number: 20090226349
    Abstract: A reactor vessel liner system includes a liner having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a plurality of passages extending between the inner wall and the outer wall. An attachment member extends outwards from the outer wall for securing the liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Stephen Arthur Yows, Steven P. Fusselman, Bryan William McEnerney, Kenneth M. Sprouse
  • Patent number: 7547419
    Abstract: A fluidized-bed reactor for producing hydrogen from methane by steam reforming includes a flow splitter that splits a dense-phase flow of a gas having entrained calcium oxide particles into a plurality of equal flow streams. The reactor also incorporates an orifice plate having at least one high-velocity, rocket-style impinging injector for injecting reactants into the reactor bed. The injector includes a central orifice extending perpendicularly through the plate, and one or more adjacent peripheral orifices that extend through the plate at such an angle that respective streams of reactants injected into the reactor bed through the peripheral orifices impinge on a stream of reactants injected vertically into the reactor bed through the central orifice. The injector cooperates with adjacent base-bleed orifices in the plate to provide a uniform distribution and rapid mixing of the calcium oxide particles with a steam/methane gas mixture across the entire bottom of the reactor bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M Sprouse, Albert E. Stewart
  • Patent number: 7547423
    Abstract: A gasifier system is provided that includes a gasification chamber spool that has a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) liner adapted to form a solidified slag protective layer on an interior surface of the liner from molten slag flowing through the gasification chamber spool. The gasification system additionally includes a heat exchanger (HEX) quench spool that also includes a CMC liner adapted to form a solidified slag protective layer on an interior surface of the liner from molten slag flowing through the HEX quench spool. Additionally, the HEX quench spool includes a parallel plate HEX core having a plurality of CMC panels. The CMC panels are adapted to form a solidified slag protective layer on exterior surfaces of each respective CMC panel from molten slag flowing through the HEX quench spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne
    Inventors: Kenneth M Sprouse, Shahram Farhangi, David R Matthews
  • Publication number: 20080289254
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently forming a gaseous material from a solid starting material. The produced gaseous material includes a CGE HHV having a high percentage of an original HHV of the starting material. The gaseous product may be used to form a plurality of materials for various purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Sprouse
  • Publication number: 20080173174
    Abstract: A continuous pressure letdown system connected to a hopper decreases a pressure of a 2-phase (gas and solid) dusty gas stream flowing through the system. The system includes a discharge line for receiving the dusty gas from the hopper, a valve, a cascade nozzle assembly positioned downstream of the discharge line, a purge ring, an inert gas supply connected to the purge ring, an inert gas throttle, and a filter. The valve connects the hopper to the discharge line and controls introduction of the dusty gas stream into the discharge line. The purge ring is connected between the discharge line and the cascade nozzle assembly. The inert gas throttle controls a flow rate of an inert gas into the cascade nozzle assembly. The filter is connected downstream of the cascade nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews, Terry Langowsky
  • Patent number: 7402188
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently forming a gaseous material from a solid starting material. The produced gaseous material includes a CGE HHV having a high percentage of an original HHV of the starting material. The gaseous product may be used to form a plurality of materials for various purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Sprouse
  • Patent number: 7387197
    Abstract: A pump for transporting particulate material includes an inlet, an outlet, a passageway, a first and second load beam, a first and second scraper seal, and a first and second drive assembly. The inlet introduces the particulate material into the passageway and the outlet expels the particulate material from the passageway. The passageway is defined by a first belt assembly and a second belt assembly that are opposed to each other. The first and second load beams are positioned within the first belt assembly and the second belt assembly, respectively. The first scraper seal and a second scraper seal are positioned proximate the passageway and the outlet. The first drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the first belt assembly and drives the first belt assembly and the second drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the second belt assembly and drives the second belt assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7360639
    Abstract: A screw feeder can be used to transport a high temperature particulate material. A housing contains the material within the screw feeder which includes an inlet and an outlet port. A screw is rotatably positioned within the housing to advance the material from the inlet port to the outlet port, which rotates axially. A labyrinth seal can be formed around and in communication with the screw to eliminate reverse movement of the material. A cooling medium can be directed into contact with at least the housing. A fluid can be injected through the screw to prevent blockage of the particulate material. A pressure differential is created from the inlet to the outlet port of at least 0.069 MPad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M Sprouse, Albert E Stewart
  • Publication number: 20080060914
    Abstract: A pump for transporting particulate material includes an inlet, an outlet, a passageway, a first and second load beam, a first and second scraper seal, and a first and second drive assembly. The inlet introduces the particulate material into the passageway and the outlet expels the particulate material from the passageway. The passageway is defined by a first belt assembly and a second belt assembly that are opposed to each other. The first and second load beams are positioned within the first belt assembly and the second belt assembly, respectively. The first scraper seal and a second scraper seal are positioned proximate the passageway and the outlet. The first drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the first belt assembly and drives the first belt assembly and the second drive assembly is positioned within an interior section of the second belt assembly and drives the second belt assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Sprouse, David R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7182803
    Abstract: A cyclone separator includes a body having a side entry fluid inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet both aligned substantially transverse to the fluid inlet, and has the first and second outlets opposing each other. A cyclone tube assembly is positioned within the body having at least a portion of the cyclone tube assembly positioned in a direct unobstructed alignment path with the fluid inlet. The cyclone tube assembly includes a plurality of cyclone tubes, each including a first tube section and a second tube section partially positioned within the first tube section. A ceramic material forms at least a portion of the second tube section of each cyclone tube. A first tube connection plate supports the first tube section of each of the cyclone tubes. A second tube connection plate supports the second tube section of each of the cyclone tubes. The first tube connection plate is angularly offset from the second tube connection plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Albert E Stewart, Jeffrey A Mays, Kenneth M Sprouse
  • Patent number: 7140184
    Abstract: A combustor and injector system to inject a selected fuel into a combustor of a gas powered turbine. Generally, the injector is able to inject a selected fuel into a stream of an oxidizer to substantially mix the fuel with the oxidizer stream before any of the fuel in the fuel fan reaches an auto ignition temperature. Therefore the fuel may be substantially combusted at once and without any substantial hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth M Sprouse, Shahram Farhangi, Alan V von Arx, David R Matthews