Patents by Inventor Scott R. Segal

Scott R. Segal 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).

  • Patent number: 6668763
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for in-situ production of hydrogen (H2) by alcohol decomposition for emission reduction from internal combustion engines. Hydrogen is generated by a catalytic process for in-situ production from alcohols, either neat, or in a hydrocarbon mixture, such as gasoline. The in-situ production of hydrogen is achieved using a solid basic catalytic bed provided with the internal combustion engine. The preferred catalyst is a copper (Cu) containing layered double hydroxide (LDH)-derived catalyst, such as a Cu/Al LDH-derived catalyst. At least a portion of an alcohol containing fuel is passed through the catalyst bed to generate hydrogen gas from the alcohol substantially without producing carbon monoxide. The fuel and generated hydrogen gas is injected into the internal combustion engine. Catalytic reactions are provided at temperatures in a range between ambient and 500° C., preferably between 150° C. through 400° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Anderson, Kathleen Carrado-Gregar, Christopher L. Marshall, Scott R. Segal
  • Publication number: 20030168023
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for in-situ production of hydrogen (H2) by alcohol decomposition for emission reduction from internal combustion engines. Hydrogen is generated by a catalytic process for in-situ production from alcohols, either neat, or in a hydrocarbon mixture, such as gasoline. The in-situ production of hydrogen is achieved using a solid basic catalytic bed provided with the internal combustion engine. The preferred catalyst is a copper (Cu) containing layered double hydroxide (LDH)-derived catalyst, such as a Cu/Al LDH-derived catalyst. At least a portion of an alcohol containing fuel is passed through the catalyst bed to generate hydrogen gas from the alcohol substantially without producing carbon monoxide. The fuel and generated hydrogen gas is injected into the internal combustion engine. Catalytic reactions are provided at temperatures in a range between ambient and 500° C., preferably between 150° C. through 400° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Anderson, Kathleen Carrado-Gregar, Christopher L. Marshall, Scott R. Segal