Patents by Inventor Patricia P. Davis

Patricia P. Davis 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: 7985709
    Abstract: The invention described herein involves a novel approach to the production of oxidation/reduction catalytic systems. The present invention serves to stabilize the tin oxide reducible metal-oxide coating by co-incorporating at least another metal-oxide species, such as zirconium. In one embodiment, a third metal-oxide species is incorporated, selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, hafnium, and ruthenium. The incorporation of the additional metal oxide components serves to stabilize the active tin-oxide layer in the catalytic process during high-temperature operation in a reducing environment (e.g., automobile exhaust). Moreover, the additional metal oxides are active components due to their oxygen-retention capabilities. Together, these features provide a mechanism to extend the range of operation of the tin-oxide-based catalyst system for automotive applications, while maintaining the existing advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Jordan, David R. Schryer, Patricia P. Davis, Bradley D. Leighty, Anthony N. Watkins, Jacqueline L. Schryer, Donald M. Oglesby, Suresh T. Gulati, Jerry C. Summers
  • Patent number: 7390768
    Abstract: The invention described herein involves a novel approach to the production of oxidation/reduction catalytic systems. The present invention serves to stabilize the tin oxide reducible metal-oxide coating by co-incorporating at least another metal-oxide species, such as zirconium. In one embodiment, a third metal-oxide species is incorporated, selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, hafnium, and ruthenium. The incorporation of the additional metal oxide components serves to stabilize the active tin-oxide layer in the catalytic process during high-temperature operation in a reducing environment (e.g., automobile exhaust). Moreover, the additional metal oxides are active components due to their oxygen-retention capabilities. Together, these features provide a mechanism to extend the range of operation of the tin-oxide-based catalyst system for automotive applications, while maintaining the existing advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Jordan, David R. Schryer, Patricia P. Davis, Bradley D. Leighty, Anthony Neal Watkins, Jacqueline L. Schryer, Donald M. Oglesby, Suresh T. Gulati, Jerry C. Summers
  • Publication number: 20030139290
    Abstract: The invention described herein involves a novel approach to the production of oxidation/reduction catalytic systems. The present invention serves to stabilize the tin oxide reducible metal-oxide coating by co-incorporating at least another metal-oxide species, such as zirconium. In one embodiment, a third metal-oxide species is incorporated, selected from the group consisting of cerium, lanthanum, hafnium, and ruthenium. The incorporation of the additional metal oxide components serves to stabilize the active tin-oxide layer in the catalytic process during high-temperature operation in a reducing environment (e.g., automobile exhaust). Moreover, the additional metal oxides are active components due to their oxygen-retention capabilities. Together, these features provide a mechanism to extend the range of operation of the tin-oxide-based catalyst system for automotive applications, while maintaining the existing advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Jordan, David R. Schryer, Patricia P. Davis, Bradley D. Leighty, Anthony Neal Watkins, Jacqueline L. Schryer, Donald M. Oglesby
  • Patent number: 6132694
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for oxidizing volatile organic compounds to carbon dioxide and water with the minimal addition of energy. A mixture of the volatile organic compound and an oxidizing agent (e.g. ambient air containing the volatile organic compound) is exposed to a catalyst which includes a noble metal dispersed on a metal oxide which possesses more than one oxidation state. Especially good results are obtained when the noble metal is platinum, and the metal oxide which possesses more than one oxidation state is tin oxide. A promoter (i.e., a small amount of an oxide of a transition series metal) may be used in association with the tin oxide to provide very beneficial results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: George M. Wood, Billy T. Upchurch, David R. Schryer, Patricia P. Davis, Erik J. Kielin, Kenneth G. Brown, Jacqueline L. Schyryer, Christine M. D'Ambrosia
  • Patent number: 4991181
    Abstract: A catalyst for the combination of CO and O.sub.2 to form CO.sub.2 which includes a platinum group metal--e.g., platinum; a reducible metal oxide having multiple valence states--e.g., SnO.sub.2 ; and a compound which can bind water to its structure--e.g., silica gel. This catalyst is ideally suited for application to high-powered, pulsed, CO.sub.2 lasers operating in a sealed or closed-cycle condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Billy T. Upchurch, Irvin M. Miller, David R. Brown, Patricia P. Davis, David R. Schryer, Kenneth G. Brown, John D. Van Norman
  • Patent number: 4912082
    Abstract: A catalyst for the combination of CO and O.sub.2 to form CO.sub.2 which includes a platinum group metal--e.g., platinum; a reducible metal oxide having multiple valence states--e.g., SnO.sub.2 ; and a compound which can bind water to its structure--e.g., silica gel. This catalyst is ideally suited for application to high-powered, pulsed, CO.sub.2 lasers operating in a sealed or closed-cycle condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represeted by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Billy T. Upchurch, Irvin M. Miller, David R. Brown, Patricia P. Davis, David R. Schryer, Kenneth G. Brown, John D. Van Norman