Patents by Inventor Sean P. Fitzgerald
Sean P. Fitzgerald 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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Publication number: 20250073623Abstract: A laundry appliance is provided and includes a cabinet, a tub disposed within the cabinet, and a drum disposed within the tub. The drum is rotatable within the tub and a fluid flow system disposed within the cabinet. The fluid flow system includes a separator configured to separate microplastics from fluid within the fluid flow system. The laundry appliance also includes a particulate reservoir disposed within the cabinet and operable between a static condition and a compressed condition. The particulate reservoir including a capsule disposed within the cabinet and configured to receive microplastics, a cap coupled to the capsule, and a nozzle extending outward from the capsule. The nozzle is configured to permit flow of the microplastics into the capsule in the static condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2023Publication date: March 6, 2025Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONInventors: Rodrigo Strzelecki Berndsen, Tibor Budicky, Brent M. Burgess, Jalindar S. Dawange, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Richard L. Hammond, Omar R. Murad, Bruno T. Ramasco, Ryan J. Van Zoest, Wei Zheng, Rachael K. Acker, Eric J. Vasko
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Patent number: 9962697Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus in which one fluid passes through an orifice or orifices and mixes with another fluid as it flows through a microchannel.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2014Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Kai Jarosch, David J. Hesse, Sean P. Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 9500414Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and systems in which there is partial boiling of a liquid in a mini-channel or microchannel. The partial boiling removes heat from an exothermic process.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: VELOCYS INC.Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, David J. Hesse, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Bin Yang, Ravi Arora, Laura J. Silva, G. Bradley Chadwell, Kai Jarosch, Dongming Qiu
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Patent number: 9475026Abstract: Novel manifolds and methods of flow through manifolds are described. Apparatus and techniques are described in which flow from a relatively large volume header is equally distributed to process channels. Methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Fitzgerald, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, Dongming Qui (deceased), Thomas D. Yuschak, Laura J. Silva, Wm. Allen Rogers, Kai Jarosch, Matthew B. Schmidt
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Patent number: 9452407Abstract: Novel methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are described. Examples include: assembly from thin strips rather than sheets; and hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) to form devices with a hermetically sealed wall. Laminated microchannel articles having novel features are also described. The invention includes processes conducted using any of the articles described.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Timothy M. Werner, Matthew B. Schmidt, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, James A. Mathias, Abhishek Gupta, David J. Kuhlmann, Thomas D. Yuschak
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Patent number: 9452402Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for free flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Robert S. Wegeng, Yong Wang, David Vanderwiel, Jennifer L. Marco
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Patent number: 9441777Abstract: Provided is a process and apparatus for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a millichannel apparatus, which millichannel apparatus may comprise a heat exchanger which may be integrated with a millichannel reactor to form an integrated millichannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated millichannel apparatus to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the millichannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: James A. Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Dongming Qui, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
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Patent number: 9192929Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Paul W. Neagle, Dongming Qui, Matthew B. Schmidt, Steven T. Perry, David J. Hesse, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, Ying Peng, James A. Matthias, Nathan P. Gano, Richard Q. Long, Wm. Allen Rogers, Ravi Arora, Wayne W. Simmons, Barry L. Yang, David J. Kuhlmann, Yong Wang, Thomas D. Yuschak, Thomas Forte, John Arthur Monahan, Robert Jetter
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Patent number: 9134079Abstract: The invention provides apparatuses and techniques for controlling flow between a manifold and two or more connecting microchannels. Flow between plural connecting microchannels, that share a common manifold, can be made more uniform by the use of flow straighteners and distributors that equalize flow in connecting channels. Alternatively, flow can be made more uniform by sections of narrowed diameter within the channels. Methods of making apparatus and methods of conducting unit operations in connecting channels are also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2010Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Ravi Arora, Robert Luzenski, Thomas D. Yuschak
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Publication number: 20140377144Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus in which one fluid passes through an orifice or orifices and mixes with another fluid as it flows through a microchannel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, KAI JAROSCH, DAVID J. HESSE, SEAN P. FITZGERALD
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Publication number: 20140332081Abstract: Novel manifolds and methods of flow through manifolds are described. Apparatus and techniques are described in which flow from a relatively large volume header is equally distributed to process channels. Methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2013Publication date: November 13, 2014Applicant: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. FITZGERALD, Anna Lee TONKOVICH, Ravi ARORA, Dongming QIU, Thomas D. YUSCHAK, Laura J. SILVA, Wm. Allen ROGERS, Kai JAROSCH, Matthew B. SCHMIDT
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Publication number: 20140246625Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Paul W. Neagle, Dongming Qiu, Matthew B. Schmidt, Steven T. Perry, David J. Hesse, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, Ying Peng, James A. Mathias, Nathan P. Gano, Richard Q. Long, Wm. Allen Rogers, Ravi Arora, Wayne W. Simmons, Barry L. Yang, David J. Kuhlmann, Yong Wang, Thomas D. Yuschak, Thomas Forte, John Arthur Monahan, Robert Jetter
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Publication number: 20140134547Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for free flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2013Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Robert S. Wegeng, Yong Wang, David Vanderwiel, Jennifer L. Marco
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Publication number: 20140109976Abstract: Provided is a process and apparatus for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a millichannel apparatus, which millichannel apparatus may comprise a heat exchanger which may be integrated with a millichannel reactor to form an integrated millichannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated millichannel apparatus to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the millichannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2013Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: James A. Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Dongming Qui, Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
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Patent number: 8685365Abstract: Provided is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: James A. Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Annalee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
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Patent number: 8646472Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus in which one fluid passes through an orifice or orifices and mixes with another fluid as it flows through a microchannel.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Kai Jarosch, David J. Hesse, Sean P. Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 8569202Abstract: The present invention provides catalysts, reactors, and methods of steam reforming over a catalyst. Surprisingly superior results and properties obtained in methods and catalysts of the present invention are also described. For example, a coated catalyst was demonstrated to be highly stable under steam reforming conditions (high temperature and high pressure of steam). Methods of making steam reforming catalysts are also described.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Velocys Corp.Inventors: Junko M. Watson, Francis P. Daly, Yong Wang, Steven T. Perry, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Laura J. Silva, Rachid Taha, Enrique Aceves de Alba, Ya-Huei Chen, Robert Rozmiarek, XiaoHong Li
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Patent number: 8557186Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for free flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Robert S. Wegeng, Yong Wang, David Vanderwiel, Jennifer L. Marco
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Publication number: 20130186607Abstract: Provided is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: VELOCYS, INC.Inventors: James A. Mathias, G. Bradley Chadwell, Dongming Qiu, Annalee Y. Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Matthew B. Schmidt, Sean P. Fitzgerald, David J. Hesse, Thomas D. Yuschak, Bin Yang
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Patent number: 8492164Abstract: Novel manifolds and methods of flow through manifolds are described. Apparatus and techniques are described in which flow from a relatively large volume header is equally distributed to process channels. Methods of making laminated, microchannel devices are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Sean P. Fitzgerald, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Ravi Arora, Matthew B. Schmidt, Dongming Qiu, Thomas D. Yuschak, Laura J. Silva, William Allen Rogers, Kai Jarosch