Patents by Inventor Robert D. Litt
Robert D. Litt 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).
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Patent number: 9643151Abstract: An integrated microchannel reactor and heat exchanger comprising: (a) a waveform sandwiched between opposing shim sheets and mounted to the shim sheets to form a series of microchannels, where each microchannel includes a pair of substantially straight side walls, and a top wall formed by at least one of the opposing shim sheets, and (b) a first set of microchannels in thermal communication with the waveform, where the waveform has an aspect ratio greater than two.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 9, 2017Assignee: VELOCYS, INC.Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Timothy M. Werner, Bin Yang
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Publication number: 20160354753Abstract: An integrated microchannel reactor and heat exchanger comprising: (a) a waveform sandwiched between opposing shim sheets and mounted to the shim sheets to form a series of microchannels, where each microchannel includes a pair of substantially straight side walls, and a top wall formed by at least one of the opposing shim sheets, and (b) a first set of microchannels in thermal communication with the waveform, where the waveform has an aspect ratio greater than two.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Timothy M. Werner, Bin Yang
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Publication number: 20150045459Abstract: An integrated microchannel reactor and heat exchanger comprising: (a) a waveform sandwiched between opposing shim sheets and mounted to the shim sheets to form a series of microchannels, where each microchannel includes a pair of substantially straight side walls, and a top wall formed by at least one of the opposing shim sheets, and (b) a first set of microchannels in thermal communication with the waveform, where the waveform has an aspect ratio greater than two.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Timothy M. Werner, Bin Yang
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Patent number: 8889087Abstract: An integrated microchannel reactor and heat exchanger comprising: (a) a waveform sandwiched between opposing shim sheets and mounted to the shim sheets to form a series of microchannels, where each microchannel includes a pair of substantially straight side walls, and a top wall formed by at least one of the opposing shim sheets, and (b) a first set of microchannels in thermal communication with the waveform, where the waveform has an aspect ratio greater than two.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Timothy M. Werner, Bin Yang
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Publication number: 20140186229Abstract: An integrated microchannel reactor and heat exchanger comprising: (a) a waveform sandwiched between opposing shim sheets and mounted to the shim sheets to form a series of microchannels, where each microchannel includes a pair of substantially straight side walls, and a top wall formed by at least one of the opposing shim sheets, and (b) a first set of microchannels in thermal communication with the waveform, where the waveform has an aspect ratio greater than two.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Timothy M. Werner, Bin Yang
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Patent number: 8497308Abstract: A process for carrying out at least two unit operations in series, the process comprising the step of: (a) directing a feed stream into an integrated assembly which comprises a first microchannel unit operation upon at least one chemical of the feed stream to generate a distributed output stream that exits the first microchannel unit operation in a first set of discrete microchannels isolating flow through the discrete microchannels; and (b) directing the distributed output stream of the first microchannel unit operation into a second microchannel unit operation as a distributed input stream, to continue isolating flow between the first set of discrete microchannels, and conducting at least one operation upon at least one chemical of the input stream to generate a product stream that exits the second microchannel unit operation, where the first microchannel unit operation and the second unit operation share a housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2007Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Timothy M. Werner, Bin Yang
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Patent number: 8221528Abstract: Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb a solute and then energy or heat is removed to absorb a solute using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between a solute and other gases in a solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Ravi Arora, Qiu Dongming, Micheal Jay Lamont, Maddalena Fanelli, Wayne W. Simmons, Laura J. Silva, Steven Perry
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Patent number: 8029604Abstract: Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb methane and then energy or heat is removed to absorb methane using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between methane and nitrogen in a solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Qiu Dongming, Laura J. Silva, Micheal Jay Lamont, Maddalena Fanelli, Wayne W. Simmons, Steven Perry
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Publication number: 20100280136Abstract: A process for carrying out at least two unit operations in series, the process comprising the step of: (a) directing a feed stream into an integrated assembly which comprises a first microchannel unit operation upon at least one chemical of the feed stream to generate a distributed output stream that exits the first microchannel unit operation in a first set of discrete microchannels isolating flow through the discrete microchannels; and (b) directing the distributed output stream of the first microchannel unit operation into a second microchannel unit operation as a distributed input stream, to continue isolating flow between the first set of discrete microchannels, and conducting at least one operation upon at least one chemical of the input stream to generate a product stream that exits the second microchannel unit operation, where the first microchannel unit operation and the second unit operation share a housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2007Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Timothy M. Werner, Bin Yang
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Patent number: 7820725Abstract: A process for carrying out at least two unit operations in series, the process comprising the step of: (a) directing a feed stream into an integrated assembly which comprises a first microchannel unit operation upon at least one chemical of the feed stream to generate a distributed output stream that exits the first microchannel unit operation in a first set of discrete microchannels isolating flow through the discrete microchannels; and (b) directing the distributed output stream of the first microchannel unit operation into a second microchannel unit operation as a distributed input stream, to continue isolating flow between the first set of discrete microchannels, and conducting at least one operation upon at least one chemical of the input stream to generate a product stream that exits the second microchannel unit operation, where the first microchannel unit operation and the second unit operation share a housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt
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Publication number: 20100024645Abstract: Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb a solute and then energy or heat is removed to absorb a solute using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between a solute and other gases in a solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Ravi Arora, Qiu Dongming, Micheal Jay Lamont, Maddalena Fanelli, Wayne W. Simmons, Laura J. Silva, Steven Perry
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Publication number: 20090071335Abstract: Methods of using microchannel separation systems including absorbents to improve thermal efficiency and reduce parasitic power loss. Energy is typically added to desorb methane and then energy or heat is removed to absorb methane using a working solution. The working solution or absorbent may comprise an ionic liquid, or other fluids that demonstrate a difference in affinity between methane and nitrogen in a solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Qiu Dongming, Laura J. Silva, Micheal Jay Lamont, Maddalena Fanelli, Wayne W. Simmons, Steven Perry
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Publication number: 20090043141Abstract: A microchannel apparatus comprising a conduit including a microchannel mixing section, a microchannel reaction section, a microchannel heat transfer section, and a separation section, where the microchannel mixing section includes direct injection inlets, where the microchannel mixing section is downstream from the reaction section, and where the separation section is downstream from the reaction section. Further exemplary embodiments are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Terry Mazanec, Wayne Simmons, John Brophy, Fred Pesa, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt, Dongming Qiu, Laura J. Silva, Micheal J. Lamont, Maddalena Fanelli
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Patent number: 7445650Abstract: A method of starting up and shutting down a microchannel process is provided. Included are the steps of providing a first multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an endothermic reaction, a second multi-planar process unit, preferably adapted to process an exothermic reaction, providing a containment vessel, the containment vessel containing at least a portion of the first, and preferably the second, process unit. In startup, the microchannel process is first checked for pressure integrity by pressurizing and checking the important components of the process for leaks. Subsequently, the process units are heated by introducing a dilute low-thermal energy density material, preferably to the second process unit, followed by the introduction of a dilute high-thermal energy density material, and adjusting the proportion of high-thermal energy density material as required. In shutdown, a purge material from the containment vessel is introduced into the first, and preferably the second, process unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2005Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Christopher P. Weil, Robert D. Litt, William Allen Rogers, Jr., Richard K. Bennett, Elizabeth A. De Lucia
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Publication number: 20080058434Abstract: A process for carrying out at least two unit operations in series, the process comprising the step of: (a) directing a feed stream into an integrated assembly which comprises a first microchannel unit operation upon at least one chemical of the feed stream to generate a distributed output stream that exits the first microchannel unit operation in a first set of discrete microchannels isolating flow through the discrete microchannels; and (b) directing the distributed output stream of the first microchannel unit operation into a second microchannel unit operation as a distributed input stream, to continue isolating flow between the first set of discrete microchannels, and conducting at least one operation upon at least one chemical of the input stream to generate a product stream that exits the second microchannel unit operation, where the first microchannel unit operation and the second unit operation share a housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2006Publication date: March 6, 2008Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Robert D. Litt
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Patent number: 6838069Abstract: Apparatus, materials, and methods for removing ammonia from fluid using metal hydroxides (e.g. zinc hydroxide) and metal cation loaded media (e.g. zinc loaded ion exchange resins); the metal hydroxides and metal cation loaded media may be regenerated with a weak acid (pKa between 3 and 7). Alternatively, ammonia is removed from fluids by using H2SO4 and ZnSO4 and metal cation loaded media; the metal cation loaded media may be regenerated with H2SO4 and ZnSO4; the ammonia containing H2SO4 and H2SO4 may be concentrated as necessary to form (NH4)2SO4.ZnSO4.6H2O (ammonium zinc sulfate hexahydrate) crystals. These crystals are removed from the mother liquor and heated to temperatures exceeding 200° C. releasing NH3 and H2O vapor upon the decomposition of the crystals.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Scott J. Blonigen, Alex G. Fassbender, Robert D. Litt, Bruce F. Monzyk, Richelle Neff
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Publication number: 20030215377Abstract: Apparatus, materials, and methods for removing ammonia from fluids using metal hydroxides (e.g. zinc hydroxide) and metal loaded media (e.g. zinc loaded ion exchange resins); the metal hydroxides and metal loaded media may be regenerated with a weak acid (pKa between 3 and 7). Alternatively, ammonia is removed from fluids by using H2SO4 and ZnSO4 and metal loaded media; the metal loaded media may be regenerated with H2SO4 and ZnSO4; the ammonia containing H2SO4 and ZnSO4 may be concentrated as necessary to form (NH4)2SO4.ZnSO4.6H2O (ammonium zinc sulfate hexahydrate) crystals. These crystals are removed from the mother liquor and heated to temperatures exceeding 200° C. releasing NH3 and H2O vapor upon the decomposition of the crystals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2003Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Scott J. Blonigen, Alex G. Fassbender, Robert D. Litt, Bruce F. Monzyk, Richelle L. Neff
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Patent number: 6558643Abstract: Methods for direct reduction of ammonia from waste streams by the steps of reacting an aqueous ammonia containing waste stream with a solution of a strong acid and a metal salt, wherein the cation in said metal salt of said solution is selected from the group consisting of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pd, Zn; and wherein an ammonium-double salt is formed with said metal salt in an ammonia depleted waste stream; and treating said depleted waste stream to crystallize an ammonium-metal double salt therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Scott J. Blonigen, Alexander G. Fassbender, Robert D. Litt, Bruce F. Monzyk, Richelle Neff
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Publication number: 20010037976Abstract: Apparatus, materials, and methods for removing ammonia from fluids using metal hydroxides (e.g. zinc hydroxide) and metal loaded media (e.g. zinc loaded ion exchange resins); the metal hydroxides and metal loaded media may be regenerated with a weak acid (pKa between 3 and 7). Alternatively, ammonia is removed from fluids by using H2SO4 and ZnSO4 and metal loaded media; the metal loaded media may be regenerated with H2SO4 and ZnSO4; the ammonia containing H2SO4 and ZnSO4 may be concentrated as necessary to form (NH4)2SO4.ZnSO4.6H2O (ammonium zinc sulfate hexahydrate) crystals. These crystals are removed from the mother liquor and heated to temperatures exceeding 200° C. releasing NH3 and H2O vapor upon the decomposition of the crystals.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2000Publication date: November 8, 2001Inventors: Scott J. Blonigen, Alexander G. Fassbender, Robert D. Litt, Bruce F. Monzyk, Richelle Neff
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Publication number: 20010033816Abstract: Apparatus, materials, and methods for removing ammonia from fluids using metal hydroxides (e.g. zinc hydroxide) and metal loaded media (e.g. zinc loaded ion exchange resins); the metal hydroxides and metal loaded media may be regenerated with a weak acid (pKa between 3 and 7). Alternatively, ammonia is removed from fluids by using H2SO4 and ZnSO4 and metal loaded media; the metal loaded media may be regenerated with H2SO4 and ZnSO4; the ammonia containing H2SO4 and ZnSO4 may be concentrated as necessary to form (NH4)2SO4.ZnSO4.6H2O (ammonium zinc sulfate hexahydrate) crystals. These crystals are removed from the mother liquor and heated to temperatures exceeding 200° C. releasing NH3 and H2O vapor upon the decomposition of the crystals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Scott J. Blonigen, Alexander G. Fassbender, Robert D. Litt, Bruce F. Monzyk, Richelle Neff