Patents by Inventor Rodney J. Andrews

Rodney J. Andrews 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: 20100279009
    Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus for continuous production of aligned carbon nanotubes are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises dispersion of a metal catalyst in a liquid hydrocarbon to form a feed solution, and volatilizing the feed solution in a reactor through which a substrate is continuously passed to allow growth of nanotubes thereon. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises a reactor, a tube-within-a-tube injector, and a conveyor for passing a substrate through the reactor. The present invention further discloses a method for restricting the external diameter of carbon nanotubes produced thereby comprising passing the feed solution through injector tubing of a specified diameter, followed by passing the feed solution through an inert, porous medium. The method and apparatus of this invention provide a means for producing aligned carbon nanotubes having a defined external diameter, suitable for large scale production in an industrial setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: David N. Jacques, Rodney J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 7504078
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuous production of aligned carbon nanotubes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reactor, an injector for delivering a feed solution into the reactor, and a conveyor for passing through the reactor a substrate on which nanotubes may be formed and grown. The apparatus further may include an inert, porous medium through which the feed solution may be passed. The apparatus produces aligned carbon nanotubes of a predetermined external diameter, and is suitable for large scale production of aligned carbon nanotubes in an industrial setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: David N. Jacques, Rodney J. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20090053115
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuous production of aligned carbon nanotubes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a reactor, an injector for delivering a feed solution into the reactor, and a conveyor for passing through the reactor a substrate on which nanotubes may be formed and grown. The apparatus further may include an inert, porous medium through which the feed solution may be passed. The apparatus produces aligned carbon nanotubes of a predetermined external diameter, and is suitable for large scale production of aligned carbon nanotubes in an industrial setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: David N. Jacques, Rodney J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 7160531
    Abstract: Novel methods and apparati for continuous production of aligned carbon nanotubes are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises dispersion of a metal catalyst in a liquid hydrocarbon to form a feed solution, and volatilizing the feed solution in a reactor through which a substrate is continuously passed to allow growth of nanotubes thereon. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises a reactor, a tube-within-a-tube injector, and a conveyor belt for passing a substrate through the reactor. The present invention further discloses a method for restricting the external diameter of carbon nanotubes produced thereby comprising passing the feed solution through injector tubing of a specified diameter, followed by passing the feed solution through an inert, porous medium. The method and apparati of this invention provide a means for producing aligned carbon nanotubes of a particular external diameter which is suitable for large scale production in an industrial setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: David N. Jacques, Rodney J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 6872403
    Abstract: An augmented synthetic resin is provided. That resin includes carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polymethylmethacrylate matrix. The method of preparing this synthetic resin includes the mixing and disaggregating of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Pienkowski, Rodney J. Andrews
  • Patent number: 6599961
    Abstract: An augmented synthetic resin is provided. That resin includes carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polymethylmethacrylate matrix. The method of preparing this synthetic resin includes the mixing and disaggregating of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: David A. Pienkowski, Rodney J. Andrews
  • Publication number: 20020001620
    Abstract: An augmented synthetic resin is provided. That resin includes carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polymethylmethacrylate matrix. The method of preparing this synthetic resin includes the mixing and disaggregating of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: David A. Pienkowski, Rodney J. Andrews