Patents by Inventor Ralph J. Slone

Ralph J. Slone 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: 6682709
    Abstract: Gas-phase methods and systems for reducing NOx emissions and other contaminants in exhaust gases, and industrial processes using the same, are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, hydrocarbon(s) autoignite and autothermally heat an exhaust gas from an industrial process so that NH3, HNCO or a combination thereof are effective for selectively reducing NOx autocatalytically. Preferably, the reduction of NOx is initiated/driven by the autoignition of hydrocarbon(s) in the exhaust gas. Within the temperature range of about 900-1600° F., the introduced hydrocarbon(s) autoignite spontaneously under fuel-lean conditions of about 2-18% O2 in the exhaust gas. Once ignited, the reactions proceed autocatalytically, heating the exhaust gas autothermally. Under some conditions, a blue chemiluminescence may be visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Noxtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Sudduth, Ralph J. Slone, Vishwesh Palekar, Madhu Ramavajala
  • Patent number: 6475350
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing pollutants from gas streams using a reactor assembly. The reactor assembly includes an inlet, an outlet, at least two electrodes, a catalyst bed, and plasma generated from the electrodes. Electrical energy is applied, and catalytic surfaces enhanced by the plasma results in the reduction of NOx to N2 and oxidation of particulates and hydrocarbons to CO2. Furthermore, the present invention removes NOx, particulate, and hydrocarbons from O2 rich pollutant streams without the need for supplemental additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Noxtech Inc
    Inventors: Vishwesh Palekar, Ralph J. Slone
  • Publication number: 20020028170
    Abstract: Gas-phase methods and systems for reducing NOx emissions and other contaminants in exhaust gases, and industrial processes using the same, are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, hydrocarbon(s) autoignite and autothermally heat an exhaust gas from an industrial process so that NH3, HNCO or a combination thereof are effective for selectively reducing NOx autocatalytically. Preferably, the reduction of NOx is initiated/driven by the autoignition of hydrocarbon(s) in the exhaust gas. Within the temperature range of about 900-1600° F., the introduced hydrocarbon(s) autoignite spontaneously under fuel-lean conditions of about 2-18% O2 in the exhaust gas. Once ignited, the reactions proceed autocatalytically, heating the exhaust gas autothermally. Under some conditions, a blue chemiluminescence may be visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventors: Bruce C. Sudduth, Ralph J. Slone, Vishwesh Palekar, Madhu Ramavajala
  • Patent number: 6348178
    Abstract: Gas-phase methods and systems for reducing NOx emissions and other contaminants in exhaust gases, and industrial processes using the same, are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, hydrocarbon(s) autoignite and autothermally heat an exhaust gas from an industrial process so that NH3, HNCO or a combination thereof are effective for selectively reducing NOx autocatalytically. Preferably, the reduction of NOx is initiated/driven by the autoignition of hydrocarbon(s) in the exhaust gas. Within the temperature range of about 900-1600° F., the introduced hydrocarbon(s) autoignite spontaneously under fuel-lean conditions of about 2-18% O2 in the exhaust gas. Once ignited, the reactions proceed autocatalytically, beating the exhaust gas autothermally. Under some conditions, a blue chemiluminescence may be visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Noxtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Sudduth, Ralph J. Slone, Vishwesh Palekar, Madhu Ramavajjala
  • Publication number: 20010001435
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing pollutants from gas streams using a reactor assembly. The reactor assembly includes an inlet, an outlet, at least two electrodes, a catalyst bed, and plasma generated from the electrodes. Electrical energy is applied, and catalytic surfaces enhanced by the plasma results in the reduction of NOx to N2 and oxidation of particulates and hydrocarbons to CO2. Furthermore, the present invention removes NOx, particulate, and hydrocarbons from O2 rich pollutant streams without the need for supplemental additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Publication date: May 24, 2001
    Applicant: Vishwesh Palekar et al
    Inventors: VISHWESH PALEKAR, RALPH J. SLONE
  • Patent number: 6066303
    Abstract: Gas-phase methods and systems for reducing NOx emissions and other contaminants in exhaust gases, and industrial processes using the same, are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, hydrocarbon(s) autoignite and autothermally heat an exhaust gas from an industrial process so that NH.sub.3, HNCO or a combination thereof are effective for selectively reducing NOx autocatalytically. Preferably, the reduction of NOx is initiated/driven by the autoignition of hydrocarbon(s) in the exhaust gas. Within the temperature range of about 900-1600.degree. F., the introduced hydrocarbon(s) autoignite spontaneously under fuel-lean conditions of about 2-18% O.sub.2 in the exhaust gas. Once ignited, the reactions proceed autocatalytically, heating the exhaust gas autothermally. Under some conditions, a blue chemiluminescence may be visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Noxtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Sudduth, Ralph J. Slone, Vishwesh Palekar, Madhu Ramavajjala
  • Patent number: 5985222
    Abstract: Gas-phase methods and systems for reducing NOx emissions and other contaminants in exhaust gases, and industrial processes using the same, are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, hydrocarbon(s) autoignite and autothermally heat an exhaust gas from an industrial process so that NH.sub.3, HNCO or a combination thereof are effective for selectively reducing NOx autocatalytically. Preferably, the reduction of NOx is initiated/driven by the autoignition of hydrocarbon(s) in the exhaust gas. Within the temperature range of about 900-1600.degree. F., the introduced hydrocarbon(s) autoignite spontaneously under fuel-lean conditions of about 2-18% O.sub.2 in the exhaust gas. Once ignited, the reactions proceed autocatalytically, heating the exhaust gas autothermally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: NoxTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Sudduth, Ralph J. Slone, Vishwesh Palekar, Madhu Ramavajjala
  • Patent number: 5693300
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for reducing the NO.sub.x content of a gas stream containing NO.sub.x by reacting the gas stream with activated species. The activated species may be produced by providing a fluid reactant selected from HNCO, NH.sub.3, and H.sub.2 NNH.sub.2 and passing the fluid reactant across a catalyst. The activated species are believed to include free radicals selected from the group consisting of .circle-solid.NCO, .circle-solid.NH.sub.2, .circle-solid.NH, .circle-solid.H, .circle-solid.N, .circle-solid.OH, .circle-solid.NC, and mixtures thereof. The activation step takes place out of contact with the gas stream, so the catalyst or other activated species generator is not exposed to the gas stream. The activation step allows the contacting step and subsequent reaction of the activated species and the NO.sub.x to proceed more quickly, more completely, or at a lower temperature than would otherwise occur without the activation step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Noxtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph J. Slone
  • Patent number: 5342599
    Abstract: Composition, method and apparatus for providing a surface stabilized source of HNCO by adsorbing gaseous or liquid HNCO on the surface of a substrate. HNCO stabilized in this manner is not reactive and is stable at or above ambient temperature. The HNCO can be provided by heating a reactant source material, such as urea. The substrate can be heated to release HNCO. The present invention is especially useful as a source of HNCO for reducing NO.sub.x in gas streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph J. Slone
  • Patent number: 5007284
    Abstract: A new bench tester for laboratory simulation of piston ring and cylinder wear according to the invention includes tests made using liner segments which bear against a reciprocating piston ring. Temperatures up to 550.degree. C. and loads and speeds representative of the most severe top ring conditions may be imposed. A precision oil spray system delivers the desired quantity and quality of oil to the wear interface. The computer controlled simulator duplicates the desired test cycle, and displays and stores data on friction forces and friction coefficients as the test proceeds. The invention provides a suitable simulator for production and prototype ring and liner combinations, including ceramic coatings for potential use in advanced diesel engines. The importance of the method of oil delivery on test repeatability is emphasized. Some comparisons with Cameron Plint bench tests and firing engine results are presented and good correlations were found with respect to the relative ranking of material pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Ralph J. Slone