Patents by Inventor Lee L. Johnson

Lee L. Johnson 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: 9677040
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: COLORADO ENERGY RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9438060
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently charging a battery. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes a constant current circuit configured to provide a direct current through the battery. The circuit also includes a pulsing current circuit that works with the constant current circuit and configured to simultaneously provide a series of pulsed current to the battery. In some embodiments, the series of current pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to the charging of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9428069
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides systems and methods for efficiently charging a battery of a vehicle using a regenerative braking system. In one aspect of the invention, the battery charging system includes a regenerative braking system that is configured to convert mechanical energy from braking of the vehicle into electrical energy. The battery charging system also includes a bank of capacitors that is configured to store the electrical energy generated by the regenerative braking system. The battery charging system also includes a circuit that is configured to feed into the battery at least a portion of the electrical energy stored in the bank of capacitors as a series of current pulses at a frequency that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the battery. The series of pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to charging the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9410258
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160215251
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9382633
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9325188
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently charging a battery. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes an oscillator that generates a series of current pulses at a frequency that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the battery. In some embodiments, the series of current pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to the charging of the battery. The constructive resonant ringing includes decaying oscillation of currents generated in response to a current pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9279101
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150295443
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently charging a battery. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes an oscillator that generates a series of current pulses at a frequency that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the battery. In some embodiments, the series of current pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to the charging of the battery. The constructive resonant ringing includes decaying oscillation of currents generated in response to a current pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20150216011
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently operating a lighting device, such as a light-emitting diode and a fluorescent lamp. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes an oscillator that generates a series of current pulses at a frequency that is at least 50,000 Hz and that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the circuit including the lighting device. The series of pulses is operated at a low duty cycle of no more than 15%. The lighting device has a manufacturer's specification for current consumption and power consumption for a specified luminosity. The circuit provides a current to the lighting device at no more than 1/500 of the manufacturer's specification to produce at least the specified luminosity. The lighting device also operates within the circuit at no more than 50% of the manufacturer's specification to produce the specified luminosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9006989
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently operating a lighting device, such as a light-emitting diode and a fluorescent lamp. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes an oscillator that generates a series of current pulses at a frequency that is at least 50,000 Hz and that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the circuit including the lighting device. The series of pulses is operated at a low duty cycle of no more than 15%. The lighting device has a manufacturer's specification for current consumption and power consumption for a specified luminosity. The circuit provides a current to the lighting device at no more than 1/500 of the manufacturer's specification to produce at least the specified luminosity. The lighting device also operates within the circuit at no more than 50% of the manufacturer's specification to produce the specified luminosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8917055
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently charging a battery. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes a constant current circuit configured to provide a direct current through the battery. The circuit also includes a pulsing current circuit that works with the constant current circuit and configured to simultaneously provide a series of pulsed current to the battery. In some embodiments, the series of current pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to the charging of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140210398
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides systems and methods for efficiently charging a battery of a vehicle using a regenerative braking system. In one aspect of the invention, the battery charging system includes a regenerative braking system that is configured to convert mechanical energy from braking of the vehicle into electrical energy. The battery charging system also includes a bank of capacitors that is configured to store the electrical energy generated by the regenerative braking system. The battery charging system also includes a circuit that is configured to feed into the battery at least a portion of the electrical energy stored in the bank of capacitors as a series of current pulses at a frequency that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the battery. The series of pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to charging the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8765452
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson, Ken Swartz, Donald E. Lenci
  • Publication number: 20140174944
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140178980
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140174945
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for processing cellulosic material to produce fermentable sugars are provided. Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140176000
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently operating a lighting device, such as a light-emitting diode and a fluorescent lamp. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes an oscillator that generates a series of current pulses at a frequency that is at least 50,000 Hz and that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the circuit including the lighting device. The series of pulses is operated at a low duty cycle of no more than 15%. The lighting device has a manufacturer's specification for current consumption and power consumption for a specified luminosity. The circuit provides a current to the lighting device at no more than 1/500 of the manufacturer's specification to produce at least the specified luminosity. The lighting device also operates within the circuit at no more than 50% of the manufacturer's specification to produce the specified luminosity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Colorado Energy Research Technologies
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140178959
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for increasing fermentation rates of microbes via biostimulation are provided. Electrodes are preferably positioned along an interior or exterior of a tube-shaped component to administer electromagnetic/electric pulses to a solution comprising a microbe. Systems can advantageously be used in new biofuels production plants, or in existing biofuels production plants without the need for significant retrofits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: COLORADO ENERGY RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson, Ken Swartz, Donald E. Lenci
  • Publication number: 20140176052
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently charging a battery. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes a constant current circuit configured to provide a direct current through the battery. The circuit also includes a pulsing current circuit that works with the constant current circuit and configured to simultaneously provide a series of pulsed current to the battery. In some embodiments, the series of current pulses includes constructive resonant ringing that is constructive with respect to the charging of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Colorado Energy Research Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne J. Powell, Robert D. Boehmer, Lee L. Johnson