Patents by Inventor R. Douglas Carpenter

R. Douglas Carpenter 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: 20160175816
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
  • Patent number: 9272920
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
  • Publication number: 20140072499
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
  • Publication number: 20130216921
    Abstract: A system is provided for delivering energy to an electronic device, where the system comprises a metal-air battery having one or more metal-air cells within a housing, a first surface having at least one air hole therein for permitting the influx of air from the surrounding ambient into the interior of the battery housing for exposure to the one or more cells, and a cover that may be entirely or partially moved relative to the air hole for selectively controlling the exposure of the air hole to the ambient when it is desired to generate energy for discharge to the rechargeable power source. The system may include a carriage for positioning the battery therewithin in a removable and/or repositionable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin Maloney, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20120308467
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
  • Patent number: 8211594
    Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20120094216
    Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
  • Publication number: 20120087854
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia at mid- to low-pressures using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles . Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a packed bed of supported nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that form the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventor: R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20120082611
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventor: R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20120082612
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
  • Publication number: 20120028163
    Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20120014073
    Abstract: A device comprising a substrate with first and second layers is prepared by applying a cellulosic base layer on the substrate followed by a silver nanoparticle coating. The nanoparticle coating is durable and highly electrically conductive. This conductive substrate maybe used for the application of integrated circuitry components, and does not outgas upon application of reflow solder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: R. Douglas CARPENTER, Christopher William Winn
  • Publication number: 20110300471
    Abstract: An electrode comprising a primary and secondary metal nanoparticle coating on a metallic substrate is prepared by dispersing nanoparticles in a solvent and layering them onto the substrate, followed by heating. The enhanced surface area of the electrode due to the catalytic nanoparticles is dramatically enhanced, allowing for increased reaction efficiency. The electrode can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen, or a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, Robert Dopp, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20110171100
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventor: R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20110165055
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
  • Publication number: 20110158889
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia at mid- to low-pressures using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a packed bed of supported nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that form the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventor: R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20110155571
    Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
  • Patent number: 7955755
    Abstract: Cathodes suitable for use in direct methanol fuel cells are disclosed. A cathode can comprise a composition supported on a conductive substrate, where the composition comprises: reactive nano-particles each consisting essentially of a core of metal and/or metal alloy and a shell of an oxide of the metal and/or metal alloy in the core; platinum and/or platinum alloy particles devoid of an oxide shell; and an ionomer. The metal nanoparticles can comprise one or more of palladium, chromium, manganese, nickel, iron, copper, gold, lanthanum, cerium, tin, sulfur, selenium, cobalt, silver, and alloys thereof. Direct methanol fuel cell incorporating these cathodes are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20110130269
    Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20110091796
    Abstract: A composition useful in electrodes provides higher power capability through the use of nanoparticle catalysts present in the composition. Nanoparticles of transition metals are preferred such as manganese, nickel, cobalt, iron, palladium, ruthenium, gold, silver, and lead, as well as alloys thereof, and respective oxides. These nanoparticle catalysts can substantially replace or eliminate platinum as a catalyst for certain electrochemical reactions. Electrodes, used as anodes, cathodes, or both, using such catalysts have applications relating to metal-air batteries, hydrogen fuel cells (PEMFCs), direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), direct oxidation fuel cells (DOFCs), and other air or oxygen breathing electrochemical systems as well as some liquid diffusion electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: QUANTUMSPHERE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter