Patents by Inventor Robert E. Falco

Robert E. Falco 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).

  • Methods and systems for efficient bioreactor mixing and light utilization embodying low process energy and scalability
    Patent number: 11028355
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide fluid flow coordinators, passive flow field modifiers, or even inwardly protruding helical spines which can be used in continuous, scalable, low energy usage, bioreactor systems perhaps to provide optimal mixing of microorganisms with nutrients, gases, or the like or even to move microorganisms, such as algae, in and out of light for effective and optimal growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SolarClean Fuels, LLC
    Inventor: Robert E. Falco
  • Methods and Systems for Efficient Bioreactor Mixing and Light Utilization Embodying Low Process Energy and Scalability
    Publication number: 20200369995
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention may provide fluid flow coordinators, passive flow field modifiers, or even inwardly protruding helical spines which can be used in continuous, scalable, low energy usage, bioreactor systems perhaps to provide optimal mixing of microorganisms with nutrients, gases, or the like or even to move microorganisms, such as algae, in and out of light for effective and optimal growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventor: Robert E. Falco
  • Drag reduction method and surface
    Patent number: 5133519
    Abstract: Rearward facing microsteps (11, 12, 20, 21) are provided in a wall surface (10, 10a, 10b, 19, 19a, 19b) to reduce shear friction drag caused by wall surface bounded turbulent shear flows. Microsteps combined with phased tangential flow injection adjacent the microsteps are also described. These reduce the drag caused by eddy currents. The surface is useful in any setting where turbulent flow occurs to create eddy currents such as airplanes, boats, vehicles, conduits and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Board of Trustees operating Michigan State University
    Inventor: Robert E. Falco