Patents by Inventor Michael R. Phillips

Michael R. Phillips 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: 20240112554
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to security systems for securing an item of merchandise from theft or unauthorized removal. For example, the security system may include a sensor configured to be coupled to the item of merchandise, wherein the sensor includes an electrical connector. The security system also includes a base configured to removably support the sensor thereon, wherein the base includes an electronics module having a connector. The connector of the sensor and the connector of the electronics module are configured to electrically connect with one another when the sensor is supported on the base, and the sensor is configured to detect unauthorized removal of the item of merchandise from the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher Richard Helman, Kyle Baker, Jonathon D. Phillips, Daniel G. Dugas, Michael R. Johnston, Daniel C. Symons, A. Reneau Van Landingham, JR., Eric Brutke
  • Patent number: 11437152
    Abstract: A diode assembly for producing a pulsed fusion event in a z-pinch driver. The diode assembly includes an inner core formed of a fusionable fuel source material including a lithium compound formed of one or more lithium isotopes and one or more hydrogen isotopes. A lithium metal outer sheath is integrally formed around the inner core by decomposing a surface of the fusionable fuel source material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventors: Sam W. Brown, Michael R. Phillips, William T. Rogerson, Jr., Blake F. Scott
  • Patent number: 10632436
    Abstract: A hydrogen, lithium, and lithium hydride processing apparatus includes a hot zone to heat solid-phase lithium hydride to form liquid-phase lithium hydride; a vacuum source to extract hydrogen and gaseous-phase lithium metal from the liquid-phase lithium hydride; a cold zone to condense the gaseous-phase lithium metal as purified solid-phase lithium metal; and a heater to melt the purified solid-phase lithium metal in the cold zone and form refined liquid-phase lithium metal in the hot zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventors: Sam W. Brown, Larry S. Spencer, Michael R. Phillips, G. Louis Powell, Peggy J. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20170239633
    Abstract: A hydrogen, lithium, and lithium hydride processing apparatus includes a hot zone to heat solid-phase lithium hydride to form liquid-phase lithium hydride; a vacuum source to extract hydrogen and gaseous-phase lithium metal from the liquid-phase lithium hydride; a cold zone to condense the gaseous-phase lithium metal as purified solid-phase lithium metal; and a heater to melt the purified solid-phase lithium metal in the cold zone and form refined liquid-phase lithium metal in the hot zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Applicant: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventors: Sam W. Brown, Larry S. Spencer, Michael R. Phillips, G. Louis Powell, Peggy J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 9682859
    Abstract: A method is provided for extracting hydrogen from lithium hydride. The method includes (a) heating lithium hydride to form liquid-phase lithium hydride; (b) extracting hydrogen from the liquid-phase lithium hydride, leaving residual liquid-phase lithium metal; (c) hydriding the residual liquid-phase lithium metal to form refined lithium hydride; and repeating steps (a) and (b) on the refined lithium hydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventors: Sam W. Brown, Larry S. Spencer, Michael R. Phillips, G. Louis Powell, Peggy J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 9670064
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for producing heavy water. In one embodiment, a catalyst is treated with high purity air or a mixture of gaseous nitrogen and oxygen with gaseous deuterium all together flowing over the catalyst to produce the heavy water. In an alternate embodiment, the deuterium is combusted to form the heavy water. In an alternate embodiment, gaseous deuterium and gaseous oxygen is flowed into a fuel cell to produce the heavy water. In various embodiments, the deuterium may be produced by a thermal decomposition and distillation process that involves heating solid lithium deuteride to form liquid lithium deuteride and then extracting the gaseous deuterium from the liquid lithium deuteride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventors: Larry S. Spencer, Sam W. Brown, Michael R. Phillips
  • Patent number: 9193105
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for casting inorganic materials are provided. The inorganic materials include metals, metal alloys, metal hydrides and other materials. Thermal control zones may be established to control the propagation of a freeze front through the casting. Agitation from a mechanical blade or ultrasonic energy may be used to reduce porosity and shrinkage in the casting. After solidification of the casting, the casting apparatus may be used to anneal the cast part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventors: Sam W. Brown, Larry S. Spencer, Michael R. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140147376
    Abstract: A method is provided for extracting hydrogen from lithium hydride. The method includes (a) heating lithium hydride to form liquid-phase lithium hydride; (b) extracting hydrogen from the liquid-phase lithium hydride, leaving residual liquid-phase lithium metal; (c) hydriding the residual liquid-phase lithium metal to form refined lithium hydride; and repeating steps (a) and (b) on the refined lithium hydride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12,
    Inventors: Sam W. Brown, Larry S. Spencer, Michael R. Phillips, G. Louis Powell, Peggy J. Campbell
  • Patent number: 8679224
    Abstract: A method of producing high purity lithium metal is provided, where gaseous-phase lithium metal is extracted from lithium hydride and condensed to form solid high purity lithium metal. The high purity lithium metal may be hydrided to provide high purity lithium hydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Babcock & Wilcox Technical Services Y-12, LLC
    Inventors: Sam W. Brown, Larry S. Spencer, Michael R. Phillips, G. Louis Powell, Peggy J. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20130047789
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for extracting hydrogen from lithium hydride. The apparatus includes a container for melting lithium hydride and a vacuum source for extracting hydrogen from the molten lithium hydride. A source of hydrogen may be provided to re-hydride the lithium metal, such that the apparatus provides a rechargeable source of hydrogen. A method of producing high purity lithium metal is also provided, where gaseous-phase lithium metal is extracted from lithium hydride and condensed to form solid high purity lithium metal. The high purity lithium metal may be hydrided to provide high purity lithium hydride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: BABCOCK & WILCOX TECHNICAL SERVICES Y-12, LLC
    Inventors: Sam W. Brown, Larry S. Spencer, Michael R. Phillips, G. Louis Powell, Peggy J. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20040064968
    Abstract: An article and method for producing extremely small pore inorganic membranes. The method enables reduction of the pore size of a porous inorganic membrane, such as metal oxides, metal carbides, metal nitrides and cermets. Mean pore diameters of below about 10 Å. Can readily and efficiently be achieved. After the conventional formation of an inorganic membrane, the pore size of the membrane is progressively reduced in a controlled manner to deposit one or more layers of an inorganic compound on the pore walls. This is done by exposing the membrane to the vapor of an inorganic precursor compound. The compound reacts with hydroxyl groups and or absorbed water molecules on the surface of the membrane and is thus bonded to the surface. Water vapor, oxygen, or vapors containing one or more oxygen ligands such as an alcohol are used to hydrolyze the deposited material to the inorganic membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas E. Fain, Bruce B. Marshall, Kenneth D. Adcock, Michael R. Phillips, George E. Roettger
  • Patent number: 6649255
    Abstract: An article and method for producing extremely small pore inorganic membranes. The method enables reduction of the pore size of a porous inorganic membrane, such as metal oxides, metal carbides, metal nitrides and cermets. Mean pore diameters of below about 10 Å. Can readily and efficiently be achieved. After the conventional formation of an inorganic membrane, the pore size of the membrane is progressively reduced in a controlled manner to deposit one or more layers of an inorganic compound on the pore walls. This is done by exposing the membrane to the vapor of an inorganic precursor compound. The compound reacts with hydroxyl groups and or absorbed water molecules on the surface of the membrane and is thus bonded to the surface. Water vapor, oxygen, or vapors containing one or more oxygen ligands such as an alcohol are used to hydrolyze the deposited material to the inorganic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Douglas E. Fain, Sr., Bruce B. Marshall, Kenneth D. Adcock, Michael R. Phillips, George E. Roettger
  • Patent number: 4876629
    Abstract: A control housing for storing control boxes below ground level. The housing includes an arm for raising the controls out of the housing for access. A rotatable lift assembly is connectable to a position sensitive control box and maintains the position sensitive control in its original position as the arm is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Inventor: Michael R. Phillips