Patents by Inventor Robert A. Panora
Robert A. Panora 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: 11936327Abstract: A hybrid power-generator system includes an engine, an electric generator, first and second rectifiers, first and second DC-DC voltage converters, a DC bus, an inverter, and one or more controllers. The system provides a unique method of joining two power sources such that the relative proportion utilized can be changed to any value seamlessly, such as to avoid daily and/or seasonal variations in utility charges. Since the AC output portion of the circuit is independent of the utility grid, power can be supplied at variable frequencies to motor loads with significant positive impacts in load efficiency. Power increases required by the load(s) that occur rapidly can utilize the electrical grid to assist for the brief transient, allowing the engine, which is maintained at a fixed and wide-open-throttle position, to continue operation and in a more gradual process to resume its blend target for power generation.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2022Date of Patent: March 19, 2024Assignee: Tecogen Inc.Inventors: Joseph Gehret, Robert A. Panora, Jian Wen
-
Publication number: 20220416700Abstract: A hybrid power-generator system includes an engine, an electric generator, first and second rectifiers, first and second DC-DC voltage converters, a DC bus, an inverter, and one or more controllers. The system provides a unique method of joining two power sources such that the relative proportion utilized can be changed to any value seamlessly, such as to avoid daily and/or seasonal variations in utility charges. Since the AC output portion of the circuit is independent of the utility grid, power can be supplied at variable frequencies to motor loads with significant positive impacts in load efficiency. Power increases required by the load(s) that occur rapidly can utilize the electrical grid to assist for the brief transient, allowing the engine, which is maintained at a fixed and wide-open-throttle position, to continue operation and in a more gradual process to resume its blend target for power generation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Joseph Gehret, Robert A. Panora, Jian Wen
-
Patent number: 10774724Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system includes a first stage catalytic converter, a second stage catalytic converter, and a conduit extending from the first stage catalytic converter to the second stage catalytic converter. The conduit passes through an exhaust gas intercooler, between the first and second stage catalytic converts, that reduces the temperature of the exhaust to about 300° F. to about 500° F. Air is ejected into the exhaust conduit to increase the oxygen concentration in the exhaust before it passes through the second stage catalytic converter. The air can be ejected from an air ejection conduit that extends to an engine charger compressor or a compressed air conduit that extends from the engine charger compressor, such as a turbo charger and/or a supercharger, to the engine. A gas particulate filter can be disposed in the exhaust conduit or it can be integrated with the second stage catalytic converter, for example as a catalyzed gas particulate filter.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Tecogen, Inc.Inventors: Ahmed F. Ghoniem, Robert Panora, Jean Roy, Joseph Gehret
-
Publication number: 20180230883Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system includes a first stage catalytic converter, a second stage catalytic converter, and a conduit extending from the first stage catalytic converter to the second stage catalytic converter. The conduit passes through an exhaust gas intercooler, between the first and second stage catalytic converts, that reduces the temperature of the exhaust to about 300° F. to about 500° F. Air is ejected into the exhaust conduit to increase the oxygen concentration in the exhaust before it passes through the second stage catalytic converter. The air can be ejected from an air ejection conduit that extends to an engine charger compressor or a compressed air conduit that extends from the engine charger compressor, such as a turbo charger and/or a supercharger, to the engine. A gas particulate filter can be disposed in the exhaust conduit or it can be integrated with the second stage catalytic converter, for example as a catalyzed gas particulate filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2017Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Ahmed F. Ghoniem, Robert Panora, Jean Roy, Joseph Gehret
-
Publication number: 20180207582Abstract: A poison-resistant catalytic converter includes a washcoat having a support material comprised of titania and/or silica and a plurality of platinum group metal particles disposed in the support material. The washcoat is disposed on a substrate having a plurality of cells that define respective apertures. The catalytic converter is resistant to poisoning from sulfur and phosphorous compounds while operating at low temperatures. Applications include spark ignited internal combustion engines in combined heat and power systems, vehicles, combustion turbines, boilers and other applications for utilities, industry and vehicle emissions control.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2018Publication date: July 26, 2018Inventors: Jean Roy, Robert Panora, Daniel W. Ott, David J. Wallace
-
Patent number: 9956526Abstract: A poison-resistant catalytic converter includes a washcoat having a support material comprised of titania and/or silica and a plurality of platinum group metal particles disposed in the support material. The washcoat is disposed on a substrate having a plurality of cells that define respective apertures. The catalytic converter is resistant to poisoning from sulfur and phosphorous compounds while operating at low temperatures. Applications include spark ignited internal combustion engines in combined heat and power systems, vehicles, combustion turbines, boilers and other applications for utilities, industry and vehicle emissions control.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Tecogen Inc.Inventors: Jean Roy, Robert Panora, Daniel Ott, David Wallace
-
Patent number: 9631534Abstract: An assembly and method for reducing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and hydrogen gas in exhausts of internal combustion engines and simultaneously generating electrical power, wherein the exhaust is acted upon in a first stage catalytic converter and is at least in part passed through a thermoelectric generator for production of electrical power. The exhausts are thereafter directed to a second stage catalytic converter.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Tecogen Inc.Inventors: Jean Roy, Robert A. Panora, Joseph B. Gehret, Ranson Roser
-
Patent number: 9470126Abstract: A system for reducing ammonia in exhaust gas generated from a lean burn internal combustion engine includes an oxidation catalyst, a selective reduction catalyst (SCR), a cooling unit, and a three-way catalyst. Exhaust gas generated by the engine passes through the oxidation catalyst to oxidize carbon monoxide from the exhaust gas to form carbon dioxide. Nitrous oxide (NOx) compounds in the exhaust gas are reduced in the SCR to form nitrogen and water. The exhaust gas is then cooled in a cooling unit and then passed over the three-way catalyst. The three-way catalyst causes ammonia in the cooled exhaust stream to react to form less harmful compounds, such as nitrogen and water.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2015Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Tecogen Inc.Inventors: Joseph B. Gehret, Robert Panora, Ranson Roser, Jean P. Roy
-
Publication number: 20160279572Abstract: A poison-resistant catalytic converter includes a washcoat having a support material comprised of titania and/or silica and a plurality of platinum group metal particles disposed in the support material. The washcoat is disposed on a substrate having a plurality of cells that define respective apertures. The catalytic converter is resistant to poisoning from sulfur and phosphorous compounds while operating at low temperatures. Applications include spark ignited internal combustion engines in combined heat and power systems, vehicles, combustion turbines, boilers and other applications for utilities, industry and vehicle emissions control.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: September 29, 2016Inventors: Jean Roy, Robert Panora, Daniel Ott, David Wallace
-
Publication number: 20150252700Abstract: A system for reducing ammonia in exhaust gas generated from a lean burn internal combustion engine includes an oxidation catalyst, a selective reduction catalyst (SCR), a cooling unit, and a three-way catalyst. Exhaust gas generated by the engine passes through the oxidation catalyst to oxidize carbon monoxide from the exhaust gas to form carbon dioxide. Nitrous oxide (NOx) compounds in the exhaust gas are reduced in the SCR to form nitrogen and water. The exhaust gas is then cooled in a cooling unit and then passed over the three-way catalyst. The three-way catalyst causes ammonia in the cooled exhaust stream to react to form less harmful compounds, such as nitrogen and water.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2015Publication date: September 10, 2015Inventors: Joseph B. Gehret, Robert Panora, Ranson Roser, Jean P. Roy
-
Patent number: 9121326Abstract: An assembly and method for reducing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in exhausts of internal combustion engines, wherein the exhaust is acted upon in a first stage catalytic converter. A first portion of the first stage catalytic converter output is cooled and a second portion of the catalytic converter output is not cooled. The cooled and not cooled exhausts are united and directed to a second stage catalytic converter. Air is injected into a selected one of (1) the not cooled exhaust prior to the juncture thereof with the cooled exhaust, and (2) the combined cooled and not cooled exhausts after the juncture thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Tecogen Inc.Inventors: Joseph B. Gehret, Robert A. Panora, Ranson Roser
-
Publication number: 20140196438Abstract: An assembly and method for reducing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in exhausts of internal combustion engines, wherein the exhaust is acted upon in a first stage catalytic converter. A first portion of the first stage catalytic converter output is cooled and a second portion of the catalytic converter output is not cooled. The cooled and not cooled exhausts are united and directed to a second stage catalytic converter. Air is injected into a selected one of (1) the not cooled exhaust prior to the juncture thereof with the cooled exhaust, and (2) the combined cooled and not cooled exhausts after the juncture thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Tecogen, Inc.Inventors: Joseph B. Gehret, Robert A. Panora, Ranson Roser
-
Patent number: 8578704Abstract: An assembly and method for reducing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in exhausts of internal combustion engines, wherein the exhaust is acted upon in a first stage catalytic converter. A first portion of the first stage catalytic converter output is cooled and a second portion of the catalytic converter output is not cooled. The cooled and not cooled exhausts are united and directed to a second stage catalytic converter. Air is injected into a selected one of (1) the not cooled exhaust prior to the juncture thereof with the cooled exhaust, and (2) the combined cooled and not cooled exhausts after the juncture thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Tecogen, Inc.Inventors: Joseph B. Gehret, Robert A. Panora, Ranson Roser
-
Publication number: 20130004392Abstract: An assembly and method for reducing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and hydrogen gas in exhausts of internal combustion engines and simultaneously generating electrical power, wherein the exhaust is acted upon in a first stage catalytic converter and is at least in part passed through a thermoelectric generator for production of electrical power. The exhausts are thereafter directed to a second stage catalytic converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Inventors: Jean Roy, Robert A. Panora, Joseph B. Gehret, Ranson Roser
-
Publication number: 20110265451Abstract: An assembly and method for reducing nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons in exhausts of internal combustion engines, wherein the exhaust is acted upon in a first stage catalytic converter. A first portion of the first stage catalytic converter output is cooled and a second portion of the catalytic converter output is not cooled. The cooled and not cooled exhausts are united and directed to a second stage catalytic converter. Air is injected into a selected one of (1) the not cooled exhaust prior to the juncture thereof with the cooled exhaust, and (2) the combined cooled and not cooled exhausts after the juncture thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Inventors: Joseph B. Gehret, Robert A. Panora, Ranson Roser
-
Patent number: 4668390Abstract: Disclosed is a high efficiency deep fat fryer from whose fry tank fat is continuously withdrawn for heating and filtration. A pump circulates part of this fat through a helical- or serpentine-shaped finned-tube heat exchanger positioned between a gas-fired burner and the bottom of the fry tank. The remaining portion of fat is directed through a filter located in the bottom zone of the fry tank. The fryer includes a control system with sensors such as pressure switches for preventing damage to the fat at low flow rates and devices for expelling moisture trapped in the pump. The filter has an element of material such as carbon-impregnated cloth which may be quickly replaced without draining fat from the tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1985Date of Patent: May 26, 1987Assignee: Thermo Electron CorporationInventors: James R. Hurley, Robert A. Panora, Edward F. Searight, Kailash C. Shukla
-
Patent number: 4599990Abstract: This invention relates to a deep fat fryer of the external heat exchanger, pumped-recirculation type, and more specifically, discloses a control system for automatically heating and recirculating the fat either continuously or intermittently as needed to accommodate one or both of two conditions existing in such a fryer. First, during continuous circulation and frying vapor lock may occur at the pump impeller, inhibiting recirculation. Automatic shifting to intermittent operation is made to occur until the vapor "burps" itself from the pump. Additionally, when starting a fryer and using solid shortening, the pump and burner are operated intermittently until such time as the pump and heat exchanger are sufficiently full of melted shortening to permit continuous circulation. Upon sensing that full condition and our associated pressure, the system shifts automatically to continuous recirculation.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1985Date of Patent: July 15, 1986Assignees: Hobart Corporation, Thermo Electron CorporationInventors: Donald E. Fritzsche, Robert A. Panora, Matthew D. Bangert
-
Patent number: 4487691Abstract: Disclosed is a deep fat fryer with a filtration system to continuously filter liquid cooking fat circulated by a pump. A fryer filter with a filter element of material such as carbon-impregnated cloth is located in the bottom of a fry tank and is rotatable about a swivel joint between a horizontal operating position and a vertical servicing position. In the vertical position the upper end of the filter is above the surface of the fat in the fry tank and the filter element may readily be replaced without draining the tank and without risk of leakage of fat.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1984Date of Patent: December 11, 1984Assignee: Thermo Electron CorporationInventor: Robert A. Panora