Patents by Inventor Klaus Lackner

Klaus Lackner 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: 20210387133
    Abstract: A device for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide is disclosed. The device includes a release chamber having an opening and a sorbent regeneration system. The device also includes a capture structure coupled to the release chamber, having at least one collapsible support and a plurality of tiles spaced along the collapsible support. Each tile has a sorbent material. The capture structure is movable between a collection configuration and a release configuration. The collection configuration includes the capture structure extending upward from the release chamber to expose the capture structure to an airflow and allow the sorbent material to capture atmospheric carbon dioxide. The release configuration includes the collapsible support being collapsed and the plurality of tiles being sufficiently enclosed inside the release chamber that the sorbent regeneration system may operate on the plurality of tiles to release captured carbon dioxide from the sorbent material and form an enriched gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Klaus Lackner, Shreyans Kedia, Venkatram Choodamani, Robert Page
  • Publication number: 20210370230
    Abstract: A method for enhancing a sorbent membrane for carbon dioxide capture is disclosed. The method includes applying a layer of a hydrophobic material to at least one surface of the sorbent membrane. The hydrophobic material may be one of a polysioxane, a silicone compound, and a fluoroacrylic copolymer. The sorbent membrane may be an anionic exchange membrane, and may have a quaternary ammonium functional group. The layer of hydrophobic material reduces the amount of water used in the carbon dioxide capture process, and relaxes the water quality constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Inventors: Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner
  • Patent number: 11131063
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention a method for producing a composite paper by providing a particulate sorbent, providing a paper pulp, and mixing the particulate sorbent and the paper pulp to develop a mixture. The method includes producing an article from the mixture that includes the particulate sorbent at least partially distributed through at least a portion of the article. Further, the at least one article is configured and arranged to uptake and release carbon dioxide as a function of moisture content. Some embodiments of the invention include a composite paper-like assembly including at least a first and second layer including hydrophobic fibers, and sorbent particles and/or a sorbent loaded paper sandwiched between the first and second porous sheets. Some further embodiments include a method for producing a material that supports a moisture swing by providing a material including activated carbon, and infusing the activated carbon with ionic salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner
  • Publication number: 20210090540
    Abstract: A lighted pedal board includes a main body and a rotatable lighted arm that can be positioned between a horizontal, resting position and any other angle above the main body. In one embodiment, the arm is upright over a top face of the main body so that light shines on the top face of the pedal board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wilfer, Roland Schmidt, Klaus Lackner
  • Publication number: 20210060483
    Abstract: A device and method for carbon dioxide capture using circumscribed hollow membranes is disclosed. The device includes a hollow membrane unit having an inner conduit composed of a vapor membrane, and an outer conduit having an inside surface circumscribing the inner conduit forming a lumen. The outer conduit includes a CO2 pump membrane. The device also includes a mechanical pump maintaining a pressure differential between the lumen and the atmosphere, providing a product stream of CO2-rich gas from the lumen. The vapor membrane is sufficiently hydrophobic and porous to contain liquid water while also allowing water vapor formed by evaporation to pass through into the lumen. As water vapor passes from the lumen to the atmosphere through the CO2 pump membrane, a carbon concentration gradient is formed and maintained across the CO2 pump membrane. The carbon concentration gradient actively pumps CO2 out of the atmosphere and into the lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Inventor: Klaus Lackner
  • Publication number: 20200398214
    Abstract: A system and method for passive collection of atmospheric carbon dioxide is disclosed. The system includes a harvest chamber having a first opening and a sorbent regeneration system. The system also includes a capture body coupled to and movable by a support structure. The capture body includes a sorbent material and is movable by the support structure to be in a collection configuration wherein at least a portion of the capture body is in contact with a natural airflow outside the harvest chamber such that atmospheric carbon dioxide is captured by the sorbent material, and a release configuration wherein at least a portion of the capture body holding captured carbon dioxide is operated upon by the regeneration system inside the harvest chamber such that captured carbon dioxide is released to form an enriched gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Klaus Lackner, Shreyans Kedia, Brinton Carlson, Robert Page, Venkatram Choodamani, Allen Wright
  • Publication number: 20200340184
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention a method for producing a composite paper by providing a particulate sorbent, providing a paper pulp, and mixing the particulate sorbent and the paper pulp to develop a mixture. The method includes producing an article from the mixture that includes the particulate sorbent at least partially distributed through at least a portion of the article. Further, the at least one article is configured and arranged to uptake and release carbon dioxide as a function of moisture content. Some embodiments of the invention include a composite paper-like assembly including at least a first and second layer including hydrophobic fibers, and sorbent particles and/or a sorbent loaded paper sandwiched between the first and second porous sheets. Some further embodiments include a method for producing a material that supports a moisture swing by providing a material including activated carbon, and infusing the activated carbon with ionic salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner
  • Patent number: 10711400
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention a method for producing a composite paper by providing a particulate sorbent, providing a paper pulp, and mixing the particulate sorbent and the paper pulp to develop a mixture. The method includes producing an article from the mixture that includes the particulate sorbent at least partially distributed through at least a portion of the article. Further, the at least one article is configured and arranged to uptake and release carbon dioxide as a function of moisture content. Some embodiments of the invention include a composite paper-like assembly including at least a first and second layer including hydrophobic fibers, and sorbent particles and/or a sorbent loaded paper sandwiched between the first and second porous sheets. Some further embodiments include a method for producing a material that supports a moisture swing by providing a material including activated carbon, and infusing the activated carbon with ionic salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner
  • Patent number: 10413858
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide capture and release method of forming a MOF matrix material including at least one metal-organic-framework crystal that includes at least one metal ion or metal ion cluster coordinated to polydentate organic ligands. The method includes forming a positive moisture swing CO2 host by application of at least a portion of the MOF matrix material to at least a portion of a good, and exposing the good to a feed gas. The method also includes altering the absorption and desorption of CO2 in the CO2 host through a swing absorption/desorption process of moisture content, where an equilibrium pressure of CO2 over the CO2 host is based at least in part on the moisture content. The metal-organic-framework crystal can be UIO-66 including Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by terephthalate acid ligands, and/or Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by amino-terephthalic acid ligands, and/or Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by nitro-terephthalic acid ligands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Bin Mu, Mitchell Armstrong, Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner
  • Publication number: 20180105780
    Abstract: The present application focuses on systems and methods that utilize one or more carbon dioxide (CO2) sorbent substrates and a swing cycle, e.g., a moisture swing cycle, to increase the partial pressure of the CO2 in a gaseous feedstock, which is delivered through a membrane to a bioreactor, such as a membrane carbonation photobioreactor. Such systems and processes offer an effective means for concentrating and capturing CO2 obtained from air and delivering the concentrated CO2 to a photobioreactor through a membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Bruce RITTMANN, Klaus LACKNER, Justin FLORY, Megha PATEL, Allen WRIGHT
  • Publication number: 20180058008
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention a method for producing a composite paper by providing a particulate sorbent, providing a paper pulp, and mixing the particulate sorbent and the paper pulp to develop a mixture. The method includes producing an article from the mixture that includes the particulate sorbent at least partially distributed through at least a portion of the article. Further, the at least one article is configured and arranged to uptake and release carbon dioxide as a function of moisture content. Some embodiments of the invention include a composite paper-like assembly including at least a first and second layer including hydrophobic fibers, and sorbent particles and/or a sorbent loaded paper sandwiched between the first and second porous sheets. Some further embodiments include a method for producing a material that supports a moisture swing by providing a material including activated carbon, and infusing the activated carbon with ionic salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner
  • Publication number: 20170182453
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide capture and release method of forming a MOF matrix material including at least one metal-organic-framework crystal that includes at least one metal ion or metal ion cluster coordinated to polydentate organic ligands. The method includes forming a positive moisture swing CO2 host by application of at least a portion of the MOF matrix material to at least a portion of a good, and exposing the good to a feed gas. The method also includes altering the absorption and desorption of CO2 in the CO2 host through a swing absorption/desorption process of moisture content, where an equilibrium pressure of CO2 over the CO2 host is based at least in part on the moisture content. The metal-organic-framework crystal can be UIO-66 including Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by terephthalate acid ligands, and/or Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by amino-terephthalic acid ligands, and/or Zr6O4(OH)4(CO2)12 clusters linked by nitro-terephthalic acid ligands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Applicant: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: BIN MU, Mitchell Armstrong, Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner
  • Patent number: 9387433
    Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing carbon dioxide from dilute sources are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: (a) directing a first substantially gaseous stream including a first amount of carbon dioxide to a primary scrubber; (b) in the primary scrubber, removing a portion of the first amount of carbon dioxide thereby forming a second substantially gaseous stream including a second amount of carbon dioxide; (c) directing the second substantially gaseous stream to a secondary scrubber; (d) in the secondary scrubber, removing a portion of the second amount of carbon dioxide thereby forming a third substantially gaseous stream; (e) mixing substantially all of the portion of the second amount of carbon dioxide removed in step (d) with the first substantially gaseous stream before it enters the primary scrubber; and (f) repeating steps (a) thru (e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Klaus Lackner, Allen Wright
  • Publication number: 20140219899
    Abstract: Methods and systems for capturing carbon dioxide from dilute sources are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include the following: (a) directing a first substantially gaseous stream including a first amount of carbon dioxide to a primary scrubber; (b) in the primary scrubber, removing a portion of the first amount of carbon dioxide thereby forming a second substantially gaseous stream including a second amount of carbon dioxide; (c) directing the second substantially gaseous stream to a secondary scrubber; (d) in the secondary scrubber, removing a portion of the second amount of carbon dioxide thereby forming a third substantially gaseous stream; (e) mixing substantially all of the portion of the second amount of carbon dioxide removed in step (d) with the first substantially gaseous stream before it enters the primary scrubber; and (f) repeating steps (a) thru (e).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Klaus Lackner, Allen Wright
  • Publication number: 20080087165
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner
  • Publication number: 20080031801
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods and systems for extracting, capturing, reducing, storing, sequestering, or disposing of carbon dioxide (CO2), particularly from the air. The CO2 extraction methods and systems involve the use of chemical processes, mineral sequestration, and solid and liquid sorbents. Methods are also described for extracting and/or capturing CO2 via condensation on solid surfaces at low temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Klaus Lackner, Patrick Grimes, Samuel Krevor, Frank Zeman
  • Publication number: 20070187247
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for recovering a hydroxide based sorbent from carbonate or another salt by electrochemical means involving separation schemes that use bipolar membranes and at least one type of cationic or anionic membrane. The methods can be used in an air contactor that removes carbon dioxide from the air by binding the carbon dioxide into a solvent or sorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Klaus Lackner, Allen Wright
  • Publication number: 20060289003
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for carbon dioxide from air, which comprises exposing solvent covered surfaces to air streams where the airflow is kept laminar, or close to the laminar regime. The invention also provides for an apparatus, which is a laminar scrubber, comprising solvent covered surfaces situated such that they can be exposed to air streams such that the airflow is kept laminar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: December 28, 2006
    Inventors: Klaus Lackner, Allen Wright
  • Publication number: 20060186562
    Abstract: An air/liquid exchanger comprising an open-cell foam 102 supporting a liquid sorbent. The exchanger may be used for removing trace gaseous components from the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner, Eddy Peters
  • Publication number: 20060051274
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for removing carbon dioxide from air, which comprises exposing solvent covered surfaces to air streams where the airflow is kept laminar, or close to the laminar regime. The invention also provides for an apparatus, which is a laminar scrubber, comprising solvent covered surfaces situated such that they can be exposed to air stream. In another aspect, the invention provides a method and apparatus for separating carbon dioxide (CO2) bound in a solvent. The invention is particularly useful in processing hydroxide solvents containing CO2 captured from air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Allen Wright, Klaus Lackner