Patents by Inventor Robert C. Dean, Jr.

Robert C. Dean, Jr. 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: 20240408723
    Abstract: An abrasive suspension jet cutting system, the system includes a cutting head. The cutting head has a feed assembly, nozzle and acceleration cavity therebetween. The feed assembly has a slurry orifice and a shielding fluid orifice. Within the acceleration cavity abrasive slurry and shielding fluid are accelerated together from the slurry orifice to the nozzle while maintaining a shielding fluid barrier substantially unmixed with the abrasive slurry around the abrasive slurry. The cutting head is further configured to have both the slurry and shielding fluid pass substantially unmixed through the nozzle thereby limiting nozzle wear. A wear control system is provided to reduce wear of the nozzle and other system components during start and stop. The system may further include a reclamation system that collects and reclaims used abrasive particles and fluid and returns them back to the cutting head to be reused thereby reducing system operational costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2024
    Publication date: December 12, 2024
    Inventors: Robert C. DEAN, JR., Erik Keith JOHNSON, Alex David PERKINS, Read Ferguson FROST
  • Publication number: 20210154799
    Abstract: An abrasive suspension jet cutting system, the system includes a cutting head. The cutting head has a feed assembly, nozzle and acceleration cavity therebetween. The feed assembly has a slurry orifice and a shielding fluid orifice. Within the acceleration cavity abrasive slurry and shielding fluid are accelerated together from the slurry orifice to the nozzle while maintaining a shielding fluid barrier substantially unmixed with the abrasive slurry around the abrasive slurry. The cutting head is further configured to have both the slurry and shielding fluid pass substantially unmixed through the nozzle thereby limiting nozzle wear. A wear control system is provided to reduce wear of the nozzle and other system components during start and stop. The system may further include a reclamation system that collects and reclaims used abrasive particles and fluid and returns them back to the cutting head to be reused thereby reducing system operational costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: Synticos, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, JR., Erik Keith Johnson, Alex David Perkins, Read Ferguson Frost
  • Patent number: 8025371
    Abstract: A device, method and system for causing a controlled collapse of cavities formed within liquid droplets wherein a pressurized jet comprising a liquid and nanoparticle material produces droplets from the breakup of the jet stream. The liquid droplets may be irradiated with energy to produce and expand cavities formed within the droplets by irradiation of the nanoparticles contained within the droplets or alternatively, a volatile fluid with or without a metal nanoparticle may form the cavity. The droplets are collided with a target to collapse the cavities within the droplets. The irradiating (if provided) and colliding are timed to enhance implosion energy resulting from the cavities' collapse. The implosion energy and the fuel in the cavity may be used to activate and sustain a fusion reaction or from any other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Synergy Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, Jr., R. Glynn Holt, Ronald A. Roy
  • Publication number: 20110228890
    Abstract: A device, method and system for causing a controlled collapse of cavities formed within liquid droplets wherein a pressurized jet comprising a liquid and nanoparticle material produces droplets from the breakup of the jet stream. The liquid droplets may be irradiated with energy to produce and expand cavities formed within the droplets by irradiation of the nanoparticles contained within the droplets or alternatively, a volatile fluid with or without a metal nanoparticle may form the cavity. The droplets are collided with a target to collapse the cavities within the droplets. The irradiating (if provided) and colliding are timed to enhance implosion energy resulting from the cavities' collapse. The implosion energy and the fuel in the cavity may be used to activate and sustain a fusion reaction or from any other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Synergy Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, JR., R. Glynn Holt, Ronald A. Roy
  • Patent number: 7611579
    Abstract: A system for synthesizing nanostructures using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is provided. The system includes a housing, a porous substrate within the housing, and on a downstream surface of the substrate, a plurality of catalyst particles from which nanostructures can be synthesized upon interaction with a reaction gas moving through the porous substrate. Electrodes may be provided to generate an electric field to support the nanostructures during growth. A method for synthesizing extended length nanostructures is also provided. The nanostructures are useful as heat conductors, heat sinks, windings for electric motors, solenoid, transformers, for making fabric, protective armor, as well as other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Nanocomp Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David Lashmore, Joseph J. Brown, Robert C. Dean, Jr., Peter L. Antoinette
  • Patent number: 7445319
    Abstract: A device, method and system for causing a controlled collapse of cavities formed within liquid droplets wherein a pressurized jet comprising a liquid and nanoparticle material and possibly fuel produces droplets from the breakup of the jet stream. The liquid droplets are irradiated with energy to produce and expand cavities formed within the droplets by irradiation of the nanoparticles contained within the droplets. The droplets are collided with a target to collapse the cavities within the droplets. The irradiating and colliding are timed to enhance implosion energy resulting from the cavities' collapse. The implosion energy and the fuel in the cavity may be used to activate and sustain a fusion reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Synergy Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, Jr., R. Glynn Holt, Ronald A. Roy
  • Patent number: 6667459
    Abstract: A configurable baffle to configure fluid flow through a nozzle. To improve the quality and accuracy of processing apparatus used in the cutting, welding, and heat treating of materials, a self-aligning nozzle includes a configurable baffle. This configurable baffle can be a metallic grid (e.g., a screen) or other type of membrane (e.g., porous, permeable, etc.). During its initial use in the processing apparatus, this configurable baffle is tailored with an energy beam, such as a laser beam or plasma jet, to create an optimal fluid flow velocity profile. When the configurable baffle deteriorates from use, it is easily replaced by another baffle or by using an in situ replacement mechanism. To ensure proper alignment between the nozzle and the energy beam, mating contoured surfaces are used among adjacent components. Threaded surfaces can also be employed to assist in achieving the proper coaxial alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Woods, Charles M. Hackett, Robert C. Dean, Jr., Sanjay Garg
  • Patent number: 6585774
    Abstract: A dynamic variable geometry fitting system with fluid-filled bladders and automatically regulating their volumes to provide a continuously secure fit. This system can vary volume continuously to accommodate natural variation in an amputee's residuum. It makes reliable suction retention of a prosthesis easier for the prosthetist to achieve while reducing the potential for tissue lesions. By maintaining a continuous, secure fit, the amputee's sense of confidence and willingness to use the prosthesis increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Simbex, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, Jr., Michael B. Mayor, David F. Nelson, Chad S. Braley, Mark W. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 6270445
    Abstract: Methods of use of a portable in-bed exercising machine are provided for strengthening and/or strength maintenance of the musculature and ligaments associated with an extremity. The exercise apparatus employs the principles of closed kinetic chain exercise of the extremity in both concentric and eccentric modes and for isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise. Each extremity is engaged separately allowing for bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal motion. As exemplified for lower extremities, force is actively applied to the feet with each lower extremity having the force level continuously adjustable from zero force to a force equal to or greater than body-weight The exercise motions and force applications use the same major muscle groups as functional activities such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs walling, jumping and jogging. Vertical support is provided for the lower extremity to stabilize and control the lower extremity motion within safe limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Simbex LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, Jr., Solomon Diamond, Elizabeth K. Deneen, Amanda G. Heermans, Gayle B. O'Neil, David S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6152855
    Abstract: A portable in-bed exercising machine is provided for strengthening and/or strength maintenance of the musculature and ligaments associated with an extremity. The exercise apparatus employs the principles of closed kinetic chain exercise of the extremity in both concentric and eccentric modes and for isometric, isotonic and isokinetic exercise. Each extremity is engaged separately allowing for bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal motion. As exemplified for lower extremities, force is actively applied to the feet with each lower extremity having the force level continuously adjustable from zero force to a force equal to or greater than body-weight. The exercise motions and force applications use the same major muscle groups as functional activities such as standing from a chair, climbing stairs, walking, jumping and jogging. Vertical support is provided for the lower extremity to stabilize and control the lower extremity motion within safe limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Synergy Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, Jr., Solomon Diamond, Elizabeth K. Deneen, Amanda G. Heermans, Gayle B. O'Neil, David S. Smith
  • Patent number: 5833861
    Abstract: Disclosed are chromatography methods and matrix geometries which permit high resolution, high productivity separation of mixtures of solutes, particularly biological materials. The method involves passing fluids through specially designed chromatography matrices at high flow rates. The matrices define first and second interconnected sets of pores and a high surface area for solute interaction in fluid communication with the members of the second set of pores. The first and second sets of pores are embodied, for example, as the interstices among particles and throughpores within the particles. The pores are dimensioned such that, at achievable high fluid flow rates, convective flow occurs in both pore sets, and the convective flow rate exceeds the rate of solute diffusion in the second pore set. This approach couples convective and diffusive mass transport to and from the active surface and permits increases in fluid velocity without the normally expected bandspreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: PerSeptive Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Noubar B. Afeyan, Fred E. Regnier, Robert C. Dean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5605623
    Abstract: Disclosed are chromatography methods and matrix geometries which permit high resolution, high productivity separation of mixtures of solutes, particularly biological materials. The method involves passing fluids through specially designed chromatography matrices at high flow rates. The matrices define first and second interconnected sets of pores and a high surface area for solute interaction in fluid communication with the members of the second set of pores. The first and second sets of pores are embodied, for example, as the interstices among particles and throughpores within the particles. The pores are dimensioned such that, at achievable high fluid flow rates, convective flow occurs in both pore sets, and the convective flow rate exceeds the rate of solute diffusion in the second pore set. This approach couples convective and diffusive mass transport to and from the active surface and permits increases in fluid velocity without the normally expected bandspreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: PerSeptive Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Noubar B. Afeyan, Fred E. Regnier, Robert C. Dean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5597497
    Abstract: A switch mechanism with a safety member for operating a tool or a weapon which reduces the probability of inadvertent operation. The switch mechanism comprises a trigger and a safety member disposed adjacent to the trigger for preventing the trigger from contacting an actuation switch. The safety member is shaped such that when it is positioned in a first position, it prevents the trigger from contacting the switch. In addition, the safety member is shaped such that when the safety member is positioned in a second position, it allows the trigger to contact the actuation switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Hypertherm, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Dean, Robert C. Dean, Jr., E. Hubbard Yonkers
  • Patent number: 5552041
    Abstract: Disclosed are chromatography methods and matrix geometries which permit high resolution, high productivity separation of mixtures of solutes, particularly biological materials. The method involves passing fluids through specially designed chromatography matrices at high flow rates. The matrices define first and second interconnected sets of pores and a high surface area for solute interaction in fluid communication with the members of the second set of pores. The first and second sets of pores are embodied, for example, as the interstices among particles and throughpores within the particles. The pores are dimensioned such that, at achievable high fluid flow rates, convective flow occurs in both pore sets, and the convective flow rate exceeds the rate of solute diffusion in the second pore set. This approach couples convective and diffusive mass transport to and from the active surface and permits increases in fluid velocity without the normally expected bandspreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: PerSeptive Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Noubar B. Afeyan, Fred E. Regnier, Robert C. Dean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5384042
    Abstract: Disclosed are chromatography methods and matrix geometries which permit high resolution, high productivity separation of mixtures of solutes, particularly biological materials. The method involves passing fluids through specially designed chromatography matrices at high flow rates. The matrices define first and second interconnected sets of pores and a high surface area for solute interaction in fluid communication with the members of the second set of pores. The first and second sets of pores are embodied, for example, as the interstices among particles and throughpores within the particles. The pores are dimensioned such that, at achievable high fluid flow rates, convective flow occurs in both pore sets, and the convective flow rate exceeds the rate of solute diffusion in the second pore set. This approach couples convective and diffusive mass transport to and from the active surface and permits increases in fluid velocity without the normally expected bandspreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: PerSeptive Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Noubar B. Afeyan, Fred E. Regnier, Robert C. Dean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5228989
    Abstract: Disclosed are chromatography methods and matrix geometries which permit high resolution, high productivity separation of mixtures of solutes, particularly biological materials. The method involves passing fluids through specially designed chromatography matrices at high flow rates. The matrices define first and second interconnected sets of pores and a high surface area for solute interaction in fluid communication with the members of the second set of pores. The first and second sets of pores are embodied, for example, as the interstices among particles and throughpores within the particles. The pores are dimensioned such that, at achievable high fluid flow rates, convective flow occurs in both pore sets, and the convective flow rate exceeds the rate of solute diffusion in the second pore set. This approach couples convective and diffusive mass transport to and from the active surface and permits increases in fluid velocity without the normally expected bandspreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: PerSeptive Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Noubar B. Afeyan, Fred E. Regnier, Robert C. Dean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5100783
    Abstract: Weighted microsponges formed of a porous, biostable matrix of a biocompatible polymer containing an inert weighing material are prepared suitable for use in culturing organisms in motive reactor systems. The matrix has an open to the surface pore structure with an average pore size in the range of from about 1 to about 150 microns and the pores occupy from about 70 to about 98% by volume of the microsponge. The microsponges have an average particle size of from about 100 to about 1000 microns and a specific gravity of above about 1.05. Biocompatible polymers that can be used are polysaccharides, proteins and synthetic polymers and the weighing material can be metals, metal alloys, metal oxides or ceramics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Verax Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, Jr., Frederick Cahn, Philip G. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5019270
    Abstract: Disclosed are chromatography methods and matrix geometries which permit high resolution, high productivity separation of mixtures of solutes, particularly biological materials. The method involves passing fluids through specially designed chromatography matrices at high flow rates. The matrices define first and second interconnected sets of pores and a high surface area for solute interaction in fluid communication with the members of the second set of pores. The first and second sets of pores are embodied, for example, as the interstices among particles and throughpores within the particles. The pores are dimensioned such that, at achievable high fluid flow rates, convective flow occurs in both pore sets, and the convective flow rate exceeds the rate of solute diffusion in the second pore set. This approach couples convective and diffusive mass transport to and from the active surface and permits increases in fluid velocity without the normally expected bandspreading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: PerSeptive Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Noubar B. Afeyan, Fred E. Regnier, Robert C. Dean, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4997753
    Abstract: Weighted collagen microsponges having a highly crosslinked collagen matrix are described suitable for use in culturing organisms in motive reactor systems. The microsponges have an open to the surface pore structure, and pore sizes and volumes suitable for immobilizing a variety of bioactive materials. The microsponges also have an average particle size in the range of about 100 to about 1000 microns and a specific gravity above about 1.05.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Verax Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, Jr., Frederick H. Silver, Richard A. Berg, Philip G. Phillips, Peter W. Runstadler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4978616
    Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor and reaction process, particularly well-suited for culturing cells, for example, for tissue culture and fermentation processes, are described which involve the treatment of at least a portion of the fluid exiting the fluidized bed reactor in a side loop in a manner to alter its temperature or composition, e.g., oxygenation, with recirculation of this treated fluid to the reactor as a portion of the fluid causing bed fluidization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Verax Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Dean, Jr., Peter V. Grela, Subhash B. Karkare, Peter W. Runstadler, Jr.