Patents by Inventor Robert G. Hockaday
Robert G. Hockaday 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: 7708553Abstract: This invention discloses a portable catalytic combustion heater. Fuel vapor and air are supplied to a catalyst which promotes the flameless combustion of the fuel, releasing heat. The fuel is supplied as a liquid, passes through a selectively permeable membrane such that fuel vapor exits the membrane and is fed to the catalyst. Additional features such as porous supports and means of enhancing and diminishing the catalytic rate of combustion and controlling the heat output are also shown. This invention can be used to heat apparel, blankets, food, dwellings, containers, machinery, insect attractants, humidifiers, and perfume generators.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Vacca Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Zachary R. Bradford, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz
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Publication number: 20090241549Abstract: A ramjet engine (3, 4, 5), flying at Mach 3 has 64% efficiency, and at Mach 4 has 76% efficiency. Ramjet engines are currently only used for supersonic flight and have not been used as stationary engines with mechanical output. The present invention, in addition to subsonic flight, can be operated as a stationary engine, and can expand the use of the ramjet engine for mechanical output in vehicles, power plants, and in generator sets for large buildings, homes, and industry. The present invention provides the means to use ramjet engines as stationary engines by building nearly adiabatic compressors (1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 15) and expanders (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11) capable of (de-)compression ratios up to about 92:1 to supply the high energy gas/air required by ramjet engines, and shows how to replace de Laval nozzles with sonic converters (49, 50, 51) that convert supersonic to subsonic flow and sonic converters (45, 46, 47) that convert subsonic to supersonic flow without having choke areas.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Rufus G. Clay, Robert G. Hockaday
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Publication number: 20090014056Abstract: With small dimensional optics, small photovoltaic cells have heat distribution surfaces, very high concentrations and subsequently high utilization of the semiconductors can be achieved. Discrete photodiodes can be formed as spherical and other geometric shaped, cells with high performance characteristics, precision dimensions, and low cost. This invention positions discrete photovoltaic cells by using their geometric shape, elastic electrical mounts, couples them to small optical concentrator systems of refractory and or reflective optics and makes electrical network connections to those photodiodes, reliably, adjusting for thermal expansion, and at low cost to form low cost and reliable electrical power arrays. The electrical connectors and network can form part of the reflective optics and heat removal system. The electrical interconnection system can also form a reliable network that is self-correcting and tolerant of point failures.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventor: Robert G. Hockaday
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Patent number: 7320261Abstract: A new simulator of the human head and animal bodies mimics moisture transpiration from eyes and skin and heat emission. The present invention used to demonstrate and quantify anti-fogging performance of goggles and apparel. Thin water permeable membranes are mounted onto a container containing a thermostatically controlled, heated and stirred reservoir of water as a simulation of the moisture source of the human eyes and skin. A light source and optical mesh patterns help illuminate water condensation on the inner lens of the goggles. The simulator results in a reliable and convenient demonstration and testing system for moisture condensation in goggle lenses, and heat and moisture apparel.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 22, 2008Assignee: Arena Industries, LLCInventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn
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Publication number: 20070184238Abstract: Artificial stoma formed with multilayered structures that actuate with humidity, temperature, chemical environment or light. These actuators can be incorporated into shoes, apparel, fuel cells, machinery, and buildings to control fluid flow or diffusion to regulate humidity, temperature, chemical environment, or light. These actuators can be used as sensors, modify structure, or appearance for greater function, comfort, or aesthetics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2007Publication date: August 9, 2007Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Liviu Popa-Simil, Laura A. Hockaday
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Patent number: 6994433Abstract: An eyewear has a gasket between the user and lenses that electrostatically filter the air flow of particulate while still permitting a gentle flow of air to maintain comfort to the wearer of the eyewear, and prevent fogging on the lenses. The electret filter material forms a perimeter around the eyes and lenses to remove, small to large particulates, from microns to millimeters. The filters can be formed with a choice of face contact gasket, baffles, coarse filters, and electret filter density. Baffles or coarse filters over the electret filters are used to protect the electret filter from damage from larger particles and transfer heat to the airflow.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Energy Related Devices, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz
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Patent number: 6953637Abstract: A selective gas permeable membrane allows hydrogen to vent from a battery while preventing other gases from entering the battery. The surface of the filter membrane also catalytically combusts hydrogen and oxygen if both are evolved inside the battery and retains the resulting water for use in the battery. The membrane is made with a porous plastic substrate coated with a thin metal film permeable to hydrogen, and additional coatings. These coatings protect the surfaces, and catalytically combust hydrogen and oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Energy Related Devices, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Zachary R. Bradford, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, F. Wade Uhrich, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
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Publication number: 20040209206Abstract: This invention discloses a portable catalytic combustion heater. Fuel vapor and air are supplied to a catalyst which promotes the flameless combustion of the fuel, releasing heat. The fuel is supplied as a liquid, passes through a selectively permeable membrane such that fuel vapor exits the membrane and is fed to the catalyst. Additional features such as porous supports and means of enhancing and diminishing the catalytic rate of combustion and controlling the heat output are also shown. This invention can be used to heat apparel, blankets, food, dwellings, containers, machinery, insect attractants, humidifiers, and perfume generators.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Zachary R. Bradford, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heatcliff L. Vaz
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Patent number: 6772448Abstract: A goggle resistant to fogging is provided. The goggle consists of a water wicking and thermal transfer face gasket combined with heat transfer inlets and outlets optimized for heat transfer to air flow through the goggle. With low airflow resistance in the vertically oriented inlets and outlets, the goggle ventilates by natural convection removing moisture and keeping the goggle from fogging. Simultaneously, the present goggle results in greater comfort for the user.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Energy Related Devices, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Zachary Bradford, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz
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Publication number: 20040105070Abstract: An eyewear has a gasket between the user and lenses that electrostatically filter the air flow of particulate while still permitting a gentle flow of air to maintain comfort to the wearer of the eyewear, and prevent fogging on the lenses. The electret filter material forms a perimeter around the eyes and lenses to remove, small to large particulates, from microns to millimeters. The filters can be formed with a choice of face contact gasket, baffles, coarse filters, and electret filter density. Baffles or coarse filters over the electret filters are used to protect the electret filter from damage from larger particles and transfer heat to the airflow.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz
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Patent number: 6645651Abstract: A system of two fuel ampoules that can deliver a reactant by diffusion through one of the ampoule walls to the other, such that when said reactant enters the second ampoule, it reacts with another reactant in said second ampoule, making hydrogen gas as a product. Both ampoules are stored in a fuel impermeable container. These ampoules used with small low power fuel cells which need a steady controlled uniform delivery of vaporous fuel such hydrogen and alcohols. This fueling system provides a simple safe fuel interactive system for small hydrogen fuel cells that prevents inadvertent hydrogen production by any single ampoule being exposed to water or typical consumer environments.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Zachary R. Bradford, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, F. Wade Uhrich, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
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Patent number: 6630266Abstract: A fuel ampoule for fuel cells delivers fuel by diffusion through the ampoule walls. The fuel ampoule is stored in a fuel impermeable container. These ampoules used with small low power fuel cells need a steady controlled uniform delivery of vaporous fuel such as alcohols. This fueling system avoids the leakage problems of liquid fuel, and may be easily packaged for small compact fuel cell systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Manhattan Scientifics, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
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Patent number: 6544400Abstract: A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications, using wicking to control the contact between a mixture of NaBH4, NaOH and H2O and a hydrolyzing catalyst to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure production supply of hydrogen. A small compact device packaged for storage, the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. The system is a small portable packaged hydrogen generator for small fuel cells to power applications that are currently powered by batteries. These packaged devices have higher energy per unit mass, higher energy per unit volume, are more convenient for energy users, environmentally less harmful, and less expensive than conventional power sources.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Manhattan Scientifics, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
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Publication number: 20020182459Abstract: A system of two fuel ampoules that can deliver a reactant by diffusion through one of the ampoule walls to the other, such that when said reactant enters the second ampoule, it reacts with another reactant in said second ampoule, making hydrogen gas as a product. Both ampoules are stored in a fuel impermeable container. These ampoules used with small low power fuel cells which need a steady controlled uniform delivery of vaporous fuel such hydrogen and alcohols. This fueling system provides a simple safe fuel interactive system for small hydrogen fuel cells that prevents inadvertent hydrogen production by any single ampoule being exposed to water or typical consumer environments.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Zachary R. Bradford, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, F. Wade Uhrich, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
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Publication number: 20020182482Abstract: A selective gas permeable membrane allows hydrogen to vent from a battery while preventing other gases from entering the battery. The surface of the filter membrane also catalytically combusts hydrogen and oxygen if both are evolved inside the battery and retains the resulting water for use in the battery. The membrane is made with a porous plastic substrate coated with a thin metal film permeable to hydrogen, and additional coatings. These coatings protect the surfaces, and catalytically combust hydrogen and oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Zachary R. Bradford, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, F. Wade Uhrich, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
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Publication number: 20010049045Abstract: A fuel ampoule for fuel cells delivers fuel by diffusion through the ampoule walls. The fuel ampoule is stored in a fuel impermeable container. These ampoules used with small low power fuel cells need a steady controlled uniform delivery of vaporous fuel such as alcohols. This fueling system avoids the leakage problems of liquid fuel, and may be easily packaged for small compact fuel cell systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
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Patent number: 6326097Abstract: Coupling miniature liquid fueled fuel cells with portable electrical devices, with or without rechargeable batteries, lead to new appliance configurations: charging holster, piggyback charger, fuel cell integral with rechargeable battery, fuel cell with voltage regulating electronics, supplying fuel through a tube with a valve or pump, and supplying power though an electric cable between the fuel cell and the electronic device and the fuel cell power pack having independent communication and functions from the portable electrical devices. In all of these configurations there may be a window showing the fuel level of a disposable fuel ampoule or refillable fuel tank. Fuel is distributed through disposable fuel ampoules in blister packages, or refueling bottles. Adjustable moisture and thermal internal insulation allows fuel cells to run at elevated temperatures. These design features permit greater performance, workability, and convenience to the user of these portable electronics.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Manhattan Scientifics, Inc.Inventor: Robert G. Hockaday
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Publication number: 20010045364Abstract: A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications, using wicking to control the contact between a mixture of NaBH4, NaOH and H2O and a hydrolyzing catalyst to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure production supply of hydrogen. A small compact device packaged for storage, the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. The system is a small portable packaged hydrogen generator for small fuel cells to power applications that are currently powered by batteries. These packaged devices have higher energy per unit mass, higher energy per unit volume, are more convenient for energy users, environmentally less harmful, and less expensive than conventional power sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
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Patent number: 6194095Abstract: A non-bipolar fuel cell stack configuration where non-bipolar fuel cell arrays, manufactured on reel-to-reel sheets of porous plastic substrate material, are electronically connected in parallel with air and/or oxidizing gas flowing between the arrays. Separator plates of conventional type bipolar fuel cell stacks are eliminated in this approach and many of the electrical contact problems associated with conventional fuel cell stack are overcome. The present invention enables large power fuel cells, with relatively low total mass, to be readily manufactured at low cost.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventor: Robert G. Hockaday
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Patent number: 5989685Abstract: A printing sheet that is adapted for printing in an inkjet printer or the like. The sheet has a plurality of pits in the top surface. The pits accept the ink and hold the ink in place. The bottom surface of the sheet has a permanent electrostatic charge. The sheet may be constructed by etching an electreet compatible plastic sheet and then polling the sheet. Alternatively, the sheet may be constructed by bonding a porous sheet to an electreet sheet.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Permacharge CorporationInventor: Robert G. Hockaday