Patents by Inventor Kenneth R. Hall
Kenneth R. Hall 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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Patent number: 8802905Abstract: A unique, integrated non-obvious pathway to convert biomass to biofuels using integration of chemical processes is described herein. The present invention is simple, direct, and provides for the shortest or minimum path between biomass and transportation fuels with alcohols as intermediates, while avoiding hydrogen use during processing. Furthermore, the present invention allows the manufacture of “drop-in” substitutable fuels to be used as-is without modifications instead of conventional petroleum based fuels. The processing described herein is done under mild conditions, under relatively low pressures and temperatures, and under non-corrosive conditions obviating use of special equipment or materials.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignees: The Texas A&M University System, Byogy Renewables, Inc.Inventors: Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Kenneth R. Hall, Harold Dennis Spriggs
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Publication number: 20120193103Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for recovering natural gas from a hydrate deposit near or at the sea floor. A rigid dome structure, supported by a floating vessel and movable along the sea floor, is placed over the hydrate deposit. Heated sea water may be pumped from the floating vessel through headers and nozzles in the rigid dome structure. The heated sea water preferably fluidizes the marine sand containing hydrate, releasing gas in the hydrate. The gas is collected in the rigid dome structure and moved through a pipe to the floating vessel, where it may be processed through a turbo-expander and liquefied.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Todd J. Willman
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Publication number: 20120095272Abstract: A unique, integrated non-obvious pathway to convert biomass to biofuels using integration of chemical processes is described herein. The present invention is simple, direct, and provides for the shortest or minimum path between biomass and transportation fuels with alcohols as intermediates, while avoiding hydrogen use during processing. Furthermore, the present invention allows the manufacture of “drop-in” substitutable fuels to be used as-is without modifications instead of conventional petroleum based fuels. The processing described herein is done under mild conditions, under relatively low pressures and temperatures, and under non-corrosive conditions obviating use of special equipment or materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2010Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Mahmoud M. El-Halwagi, Kenneth R. Hall, Harold Dennis Spriggs
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Patent number: 8153850Abstract: According to an embodiment, a biomass conversion subsystem produces methane and/or alcohol and residual biomass. A pyrolysis or a gasification subsystem is used to produce thermal energy and/or process gasses. The thermal energy may be stored thermal energy in the form of a pyrolysis oil. A fuel conversion subsystem produces liquid hydrocarbon fuels from the methane and/or alcohol using thermal energy and/or process gasses produced by the gasification or pyrolysis subsystem. Because the biomass production system integrates the residual products from biomass conversion and the residual thermal energy from pyrolysis or gasification, the overall efficiency of the integrated biomass production system is greatly enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Mark T. Holtzapple, Sergio C. Capareda
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Publication number: 20090239279Abstract: According to an embodiment, a biomass conversion subsystem produces methane and/or alcohol and residual biomass. A pyrolysis or a gasification subsystem is used to produce thermal energy and/or process gasses. The thermal energy may be stored thermal energy in the form of a pyrolysis oil. A fuel conversion subsystem produces liquid hydrocarbon fuels from the methane and/or alcohol using thermal energy and/or process gasses produced by the gasification or pyrolysis subsystem. Because the biomass production system integrates the residual products from biomass conversion and the residual thermal energy from pyrolysis or gasification, the overall efficiency of the integrated biomass production system is greatly enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2008Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: The Texas A & M University SystemInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Mark T. Holtzapple, Sergio C. Capareda
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Publication number: 20080280338Abstract: According to one embodiment, a biofuel processing system includes a biomass conversion system, a gasification reactor and/or a pyrolysis reactor, and a synthetic fuel creation system. The biomass conversion system uses a biological process to create a low-molecular-weight hydrocarbon stream from a biomass. The reactor generates heat and hydrogen using fresh biomass or undigested biomass from the biomass conversion system in which a portion of the heat is used by the biomass conversion system. The synthetic fuel creation system converts the low-molecular-weight hydrocarbon stream from the biomass conversion system and/or the reactor to liquefied fuel using another portion of heat from the reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Mark T. Holtzapple, Sergio C. Capareda
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Patent number: 7119240Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to an olefin includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily ethylene or acetylene, and reacting with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce the olefin, usually ethylene. A portion of the incoming natural gas may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions may be used to make electricity in a fuel cell. Alternatively, hydrogen may be burned to heat the natural gas to the selected range of temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Jerry A. Bullin, Philip T. Eubank, Aydin Akgerman, Rayford G. Anthony
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Patent number: 6681189Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a computerized method for determining a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a conduit having an obstruction flow meter includes receiving a &bgr; ratio value indicative of a &bgr; ratio of the obstruction flow meter, receiving a pressure differential value indicative of a pressure differential across the obstruction flow meter, receiving a density value indicative of a density of the fluid, receiving a discharge coefficient formula for the obstruction flow meter, the discharge coefficient formula being a function of the &bgr; ratio of the obstruction flow meter and an Euler number for the fluid flowing through the conduit, and determining, by the computer, the flow rate based on the received &bgr; ratio value, the received pressure differential value, the received density value, and the received discharge coefficient formula. The determined flow rate may either be the volumetric flow rate or the mass flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2001Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Gerald L. Morrison, Kenneth R. Hall
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Publication number: 20040002553Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to an olefin includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily ethylene or acetylene, and reacting with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to produce the olefin, usually ethylene. A portion of the incoming natural gas may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions may be used to make electricity in a fuel cell. Alternatively, hydrogen may be burned to heat the natural gas to the selected range of temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2003Publication date: January 1, 2004Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEMInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Jerry A. Bullin, Philip T. Eubank, Aydin Akgerman, Rayford G. Anthony
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Patent number: 6602920Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to a liquid includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily ethylene or acetylene, and reacting methane and the reactive hydrocarbons in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions may be used to make electricity in a fuel cell. Alternatively, hydrogen may be burned to heat the natural gas to the selected range of temperature.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Jerry A. Bullin, Philip T. Eubank, Aydin Akgerman, Rayford G. Anthony
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Patent number: 6523381Abstract: A sidebar for use for automotive locks and all sidebar locks includes an interruption in an edge along the surface to interrupt the inclined plane that is formed when the sidebar becomes canted relative to the longitudinal axis of the lock barrel as the result of the insertion of an incorrectly coded key, in particular a cousin key, into the lock barrel. In one embodiment, the interruption is provided by a gap at or near the longitudinal midpoint of the sidebar. The gap is of sufficient size to accommodate the sidebar biasing spring. In another embodiment, the interruption is provided by indenting the sides of the sidebar at the longitudinal midpoint of the sidebar. In a further embodiment, the sidebar groove in the sleeve is widened at a location corresponding to the longitudinal midpoint of the sidebar.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Strattec Security CorporationInventors: Alan J. Ritz, Kenneth R. Hall
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Patent number: 6422092Abstract: This invention is related to flow meter instrumentation. More particularly, the invention is related to obstruction flow meters which are used in series in a flow conduit to determine the volume flow rate of liquid and gas phases of fluid flowing within the conduit. Multiple flow meters including at least one obstruction type flow meter are positioned serially within a flow conduit such as a pipe. Mathematical equations are developed for each flow meter based upon measured quantities and phase flow rates within the liquid stream. These equations are then solved simultaneously to obtain the desired phase flow rates. Two flow meters are used to determine the gas and liquid flow rates. Alternately three flow meters are used to determine the flow rates of a gas and two liquid phases.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Gerald L. Morrison, James C. Holste, Kenneth R. Hall
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Patent number: 6345536Abstract: This invention is related to flow meter instrumentation. More particularly, the invention is related to obstruction flow meters which are used in series in a flow conduit to determine the volume flow rate of liquid and gas phases of fluid flowing within the conduit. Multiple flow meters including at least one obstruction type flow meter are positioned serially within a flow conduit such as a pipe. Mathematical equations are developed for each flow meter based upon measured quantities and phase flow rates within the liquid stream. These equations are then solved simultaneously to obtain the desired phase flow rates. Two flow meters are used to determine the gas and liquid flow rates. Alternately three flow meters are used to determine the flow rates of a gas and two liquid phases.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1998Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Gerald L. Morrison, James C. Holste, Kenneth R. Hall
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Publication number: 20020000085Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to a liquid includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily ethylene or acetylene, and reacting methane and the reactive hydrocarbons in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions may be used to make electricity in a fuel cell. Alternatively, hydrogen may be burned to heat the natural gas to the selected range of temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2001Publication date: January 3, 2002Inventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Jerry A. Bullin, Philip T. Eubank, Aydin Akgerman, Rayford G. Anthony
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Patent number: 6323247Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to a liquid includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily acetylene, and reacting methane and the reactive hydrocarbons in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, predominantly pentane. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions is used to heat the incoming natural gas, either with a hydrogen furnace or by electrical energy generated from the hydrogen. Little or no use of methane is required to supply energy for the process.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Inventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Jerry A. Bullin, Philip T. Eubank, Aydin Akgerman, Rayford G. Anthony
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Patent number: 6130260Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to a liquid includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily acetylene, and reacting methane and the reactive hydrocarbons in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, predominantly pentane. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions is used to heat the incoming natural gas, either with a hydrogen furnace or by electrical energy generated from the hydrogen. Little or no use of methane is required to supply energy for the process.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemsInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Jerry A. Bullin, Philip T. Eubank, Aydin Akgerman, Rayford G. Anthony
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Patent number: 6055846Abstract: The focus of this paper is to introduce a novel method for calibrating natural gas flowmeters. This new method can accommodate very large flow rates and it avoids common problems associated with current techniques for meter proving. In this method, the amount of gas accumulated in a vessel of fixed volume is determined by measuring the change in capacitance of the vessel with respect to time. Because the accumulator has a fixed volume the problems inherent with the mechanical motions involved in volumetric provers such as bell provers, piston provers and ball provers are eliminated. Accurate measurements can also be made in larger vessels than would be feasible for gravimetric provers, especially for in situ calibrations. Along with avoiding the fundamental problems associated with current provers, initial studies indicate that accuracies of .+-.0.1% are possible, even for flow rates in large pipelines.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Gerald L. Morrison, James C. Holste
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Patent number: 5461932Abstract: A flow impedance device is provided for an obstruction flowmeter for determining the flow rate of a compressible or incompressible fluid in a conduit. The flowmeter preferably includes means for measuring the temperature and pressure of the fluid as well as the pressure differential across the flow impedance device along with further means for computing a flow rate from the measured pressures. The flow impedance device may include a plate having a plurality of elongated openings arranged in a predetermined pattern. The plate is installed generally transverse to fluid flow in the conduit to force the fluid to flow through the plurality of elongated openings.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Texas A & M University SystemInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Gerald L. Morrison, James C. Holste
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Patent number: 5295397Abstract: A flow impedance device is provided for an obstruction flowmeter for determining the flow rate of a compressible or incompressible fluid in a conduit. The flowmeter has means for measuring the temperature and pressure of the fluid as well as the pressure differential across the flow impedance device, and further means for computing a flow rate from the measured pressures. The flow impedance device includes a plate having a plurality of elongated openings arranged in a predetermined pattern. The plate is installed generally transversely in the conduit to force the fluid to flow through the plurality of elongated openings.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1991Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Assignee: The Texas A & M University SystemInventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Gerald L. Morrison, James C. Holste
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Patent number: 4801380Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing micropores having diameters of less than 20 nanometers in straight sides in silicon film. The silicon film produced by this process may be attached to a substrate material and used as a filter in molecular separation processes.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1987Date of Patent: January 31, 1989Assignee: The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Donald L. Parker, Kenneth R. Hall, James C. Holste