Patents by Inventor Russell J. Ballantyne

Russell J. Ballantyne 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).

  • Electric power generator including a thermophotovoltaic cell assembly, a composite ceramic emitter and a flame detection system
    Patent number: 5942047
    Abstract: A thermophotovoltaic generator apparatus includes a thermophotovoltaic converter assembly and a cooling fan positioned beneath the assembly for generating an updraft around the assembly. A fuel source is connected to the converter assembly by a fuel line. A new control system, which may include a non-metallic electrode for flame sensing and, regulates flow of fuel from the fuel source to the converter assembly. A housing encloses the cooling fan and the converter assembly. The converter assembly includes a fuel injector cup having a fuel inlet connected to the fuel source and a fuel outlet. A combustion chamber is positioned above the cup for receiving fuel from the fuel outlet and for allowing hydrocarbon combustion. A combustion fan is positioned between the cup and the cooling fan for generating an updraft into the combustion chamber. An infrared emitter is positioned around the combustion chamber for emitting infrared radiation when heated by combustion gases resulting from the hydrocarbon combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: JX Crystals Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis M. Fraas, Lucian G. Ferguson, John E. Samaras, Russell J. Ballantyne, James E. Avery