Patents by Inventor Robert J. Klingler
Robert J. Klingler 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: 9181467Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface shale formations. The methods utilize in-situ reaction of kerogen involving liquid phase chemistry at ambient temperatures at pressures for the subsurface shale formation. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen to render it mobile using metal particulate catalysts. In the methods disclosed herein a fluid comprising metal is provided to the subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen in an inorganic matrix. A reducing agent is provided to the subsurface shale formation. The kerogen is converted by contacting the kerogen with a metal particulate catalyst formed from the metal; and a mobile kerogen-based product is formed. At least a portion of the mobile kerogen-based product is recovered. The kerogen-derived product can be upgraded to provide commercial products.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLCInventors: Robert J. Klingler, Randall E. Winans, Darren R. Locke, Marcus O. Wigand, Mark Dean Looney
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Patent number: 8592075Abstract: The invention relates to a unique battery having a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and method of making the same. The Applicant's invented battery employs a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode that acts as a separator, electrolyte, and electrode, within the same monolithic structure. The chemical composition, physical arrangement of molecules, and physical geometry of the pores play a role in the sequestration and conduction of ions. In one preferred embodiment, ions are transported via the ion-hoping mechanism where the oxygens of the Al2O3 wall are available for positive ion coordination (i.e. Li+). This active membrane-electrode composite can be adjusted to a desired level of ion conductivity by manipulating the chemical composition and structure of the pore wall to either increase or decrease ion conduction.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Patent number: 8541129Abstract: The present invention relates to a physicochemically-active porous membrane for electrochemical cells that purports dual functions: an electronic insulator (separator) and a unidirectional ion-transporter (electrolyte). The electrochemical cell membrane is activated for the transport of ions by contiguous ion coordination sites on the interior two-dimensional surfaces of the trans-membrane unidirectional pores. One dimension of the pore surface has a macroscopic length (1 nm-1000 ?m) and is directed parallel to the direction of an electric field, which is produced between the cathode and the anode electrodes of an electrochemical cell. The membrane material is designed to have physicochemical interaction with ions. Control of the extent of the interactions between the ions and the interior pore walls of the membrane and other materials, chemicals, or structures contained within the pores provides adjustability of the ionic conductivity of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2010Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: U.S. Department of EnergyInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Publication number: 20130161008Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for extracting a kerogen-based product from subsurface shale formations. The methods utilize in-situ reaction of kerogen involving liquid phase chemistry at ambient temperatures at pressures for the subsurface shale formation. These methods rely on chemically modifying the shale-bound kerogen to render it mobile using metal particulate catalysts. In the methods disclosed herein a fluid comprising metal is provided to the subsurface shale formation comprising kerogen in an inorganic matrix. A reducing agent is provided to the subsurface shale formation. The kerogen is converted by contacting the kerogen with a metal particulate catalyst formed from the metal; and a mobile kerogen-based product is formed. At least a portion of the mobile kerogen-based product is recovered. The kerogen-derived product can be upgraded to provide commercial products.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicants: Argonne National Laboratory, CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Robert J. KLINGLER, Randall E. Winans, Darren R. Locke, Marcus O. Wigand, Mark D. Looney
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Patent number: 8227105Abstract: The invention relates to a unique battery having a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and method of making the same. The Applicant's invented battery employs a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode that acts as a separator, electrolyte, and electrode, within the same monolithic structure. The chemical composition, physical arrangement of molecules, and physical geometry of the pores play a role in the sequestration and conduction of ions. In one preferred embodiment, ions are transported via the ion-hoping mechanism where the oxygens of the Al2O3 wall are available for positive ion coordination (i.e. Li+). This active membrane-electrode composite can be adjusted to a desired level of ion conductivity by manipulating the chemical composition and structure of the pore wall to either increase or decrease ion conduction.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Patent number: 8119273Abstract: The invention relates to a unique battery having an active, porous membrane and method of making the same. More specifically the invention relates to a sealed battery system having a porous, metal oxide membrane with uniform, physicochemically functionalized ion channels capable of adjustable ionic interaction. The physicochemically-active porous membrane purports dual functions: an electronic insulator (separator) and a unidirectional ion-transporter (electrolyte). The electrochemical cell membrane is activated for the transport of ions by contiguous ion coordination sites on the interior two-dimensional surfaces of the trans-membrane unidirectional pores. The membrane material is designed to have physicochemical interaction with ions. Control of the extent of the interactions between the ions and the interior pore walls of the membrane and other materials, chemicals, or structures contained within the pores provides adjustability of the ionic conductivity of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of EnergyInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Katarina J. Ruscic, Devin N. Sears, Luis J. Smith, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Patent number: 7901830Abstract: The instant invention relates a solid-state electrochemical cell and a novel separator/electrolyte incorporated therein. A preferred embodiment of the invented electrochemical cell generally comprises a unique metal oxyhydroxide based (i.e. AlOOH) separator/electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. A preferred novel separator/electrolyte comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxyhydroxide, preferably AlOOH and a salt which are mixed and then pressed together to form a monolithic metal oxyhydroxide-salt membrane.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Patent number: 7887970Abstract: The instant invention relates a solid-state electrochemical cell and a novel separator/electrolyte incorporated therein. The invented electrochemical cell generally comprising: a unique metal oxyhydroxide based (i.e. AlOOH) separator/electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. The novel separator/electrolyte comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxyhydroxide, preferably AlOOH and a salt which are mixed and then pressed together to form a monolithic metal oxyhydroxide-salt membrane.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Patent number: 7737691Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for characterizing thin film materials. The method, apparatus, and system includes a container for receiving a starting material, applying a gravitational force, a magnetic force, and an electric force or combinations thereof to at least the starting material, forming a thin film material, sensing an NMR signal from the thin film material and analyzing the NMR signal to characterize the thin film of material.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke, Rocio Diaz, Lela Vukovic
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Patent number: 7501483Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for constructing uniform macroscopic films with tailored geometric assemblies of molecules on the nanometer scale. The method, apparatus, and system include providing starting molecules of selected character, applying one or more force fields to the molecules to cause them to order and condense with NMR spectra and images being used to monitor progress in creating the desired geometrical assembly and functionality of molecules that comprise the films.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke, Rocio Diaz, Lela Vukovic
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Publication number: 20080309337Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for characterizing thin film materials. The method, apparatus, and system includes a container for receiving a starting material, applying a gravitational force, a magnetic force, and an electric force or combinations thereof to at least the starting material, forming a thin film material, sensing an NMR signal from the thin film material and analyzing the NMR signal to characterize the thin film of material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: December 18, 2008Inventors: Rex E. GERALD, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke, Rocio Diaz, Lela Vukovic
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Patent number: 7456630Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for characterizing thin film materials. The method, apparatus, and system includes a container for receiving a starting material, applying a gravitational force, a magnetic force, and an electric force or combinations thereof to at least the starting material, forming a thin film material, sensing an NMR signal from the thin film material and analyzing the NMR signal to characterize the thin film of material.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: U Chicago Argonne LLCInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke, Rocio Diaz, Lela Vukovic
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Patent number: 7268552Abstract: A Toroid Cavity Detector (TCD) is provided for implementing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of chemical reactions under conditions of high pressures and temperatures. A toroid cavity contains an elongated central conductor extending within the toroid cavity. The toroid cavity and central conductor generate an RF magnetic field for NMR analysis. A flow-through capillary sample container is located within the toroid cavity adjacent to the central conductor to subject a sample material flowing through the capillary to a static magnetic field and to enable NMR spectra to be recorded of the material in the capillary under a temperature and high pressure environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Michael J. Chen, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke, Marc ter Horst
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Patent number: 7226549Abstract: A solid state ion conducting electrolyte and a battery incorporating same. The electrolyte includes a polymer matrix with an alkali metal salt dissolved therein, the salt having an anion with a long or branched chain having not less than 5 carbon or silicon atoms therein. The polymer is preferably a polyether and the salt anion is preferably an alkyl or silyl moiety of from 5 to about 150 carbon/silicon atoms.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2002Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLCInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Jerome W. Rathke, Robert J. Klingler
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Patent number: 6720769Abstract: A detecting method and detector expands the capabilities of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. A Rotational Exchange Gradient Imager (REGI) allows for real-time, in situ investigation of materials subjected to the effects of centrifugal force by NMR analysis. The REGI comprises a cylindrical stator formed of an electrically conductive, non-magnetic material, a rotor contained in the cylindrical stator formed of an electrically non-conductive, non-magnetic material, and a conductor located along a central axis of the cylindrical stator. A sample is contained within the rotor. The stator and central conductor serve to generate the RF magnetic field for NMR analysis. The rotor containing the sample is rotated within a stable air bearing formed between the cylindrical stator and rotor.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II., Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Patent number: 6674283Abstract: Imaging apparatus are used in a toroid cavity detector for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis to hold samples relative to a principal detector element which is a flat metal conductor, the plane of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toroid cavity. A sample is held adjacent to or in contact with the principal detector element so that the sample can be subjected to NMR analysis when a static main homogeneous magnetic field (B0) produced by a NMR magnetic device is applied to the toroid cavity and an RF excitation signal pulse is supplied from a potentiostat to the principal detector element so that an alternately energized and de-energized magnetic field (B1) is produced in the sample and through the toroid cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Publication number: 20030138702Abstract: A solid state ion conducting electrolyte and a battery incorporating same. The electrolyte includes a polymer matrix with an alkali metal salt dissolved therein, the salt having an anion with a long or branched chain having not less than 5 carbon or silicon atoms therein. The polymer is preferably a polyether and the salt anion is preferably an alkyl or silyl moiety of from 5 to about 150 carbon/silicon atoms.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Rex E. Gerald, Jerome W. Rathke, Robert J. Klingler
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Publication number: 20030052678Abstract: A detecting method and detector expands the capabilities of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis. A Rotational Exchange Gradient Imager (REGI) allows for real-time, in situ investigation of materials subjected to the effects of centrifugal force by NMR analysis. The REGI comprises a cylindrical stator formed of an electrically conductive, non-magnetic material, a rotor contained in the cylindrical stator formed of an electrically non-conductive, non-magnetic material, and a conductor located along a central axis of the cylindrical stator. A sample is contained within the rotor. The stator and central conductor serve to generate the RF magnetic field for NMR analysis. The rotor containing the sample is rotated within a stable air bearing formed between the cylindrical stator and rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGOInventors: Rex E. Gerald, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Publication number: 20030016019Abstract: Imaging apparatus are used in a toroid cavity detector for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis to hold samples relative to a principal detector element which is a flat metal conductor, the plane of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toroid cavity. A sample is held adjacent to or in contact with the principal detector element so that the sample can be subjected to NMR analysis when a static main homogeneous magnetic field (B0) produced by a NMR magnetic device is applied to the toroid cavity and an RF excitation signal pulse is supplied from a potentiostat to the principal detector element so that an alternately energized and de-energized magnetic field (B1) is produced in the sample and through the toroid cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2002Publication date: January 23, 2003Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGOInventors: Rex E. Gerald, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke
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Patent number: 6469507Abstract: Imaging apparatus are used in a toroid cavity detector for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis to hold samples relative to a principal detector element which is a flat metal conductor, the plane of which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the toroid cavity. A sample is held adjacent to or in contact with the principal detector element so that the sample can be subjected to NMR analysis when a static main homogeneous magnetic field (B0) produced by a NMR magnetic device is applied to the toroid cavity and an RF excitation signal pulse is supplied from a potentiostat to the principal detector element so that an alternately energized and de-energized magnetic field (B1) is produced in the sample and through the toroid cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: The University of ChicagoInventors: Rex E. Gerald, II, Robert J. Klingler, Jerome W. Rathke