Patents by Inventor Steven Benson
Steven Benson 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: 20230024705Abstract: A method of midstream production of Ge and Ga from an REE extraction process is compatible with downstream industrial processes, and may produce Ge and Ga that is 90% pure as oxides, salts, or metals. A method for producing critical minerals includes vaporizing a feedstock comprising the critical minerals; cooling the vaporized feedstock to a condensation temperature of a critical mineral; and capturing the condensed critical mineral. Systems and methods disclosed herein for producing critical minerals are integrated into a rare earth extraction process to co-produce germanium and gallium concentrates.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2022Publication date: January 26, 2023Inventors: Steven Benson, Alexander Benson
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Publication number: 20220322495Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises one or more microheaters. In various embodiments, the microheaters provide for improved control of vaporization of an aerosol precursor composition and provide for reduced power requirements to achieve consistent aerosolization. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2022Publication date: October 6, 2022Inventors: William Robert Collett, Stephen Benson Sears, Dennis Lee Potter, Steven Lee Alderman, Mo Kebaili
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Publication number: 20220252530Abstract: A system for predicting rare earth elements (REEs) in a feedstock sample includes a measurement instrument that records a measurement for a sample, a processor communicatively coupled to the measuring instrument, and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and containing machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to correlate the measurement series using a model; and predict a presence of one or more rare earth element based at least in part on the correlation. A method for predicting rare earth elements includes measuring feedstock samples via XRF or PGNAA, to generate a measurements of elements of interest with a lower atomic weight than REEs; correlating the measurements with a model; and predicting a presence of one or more rare earth elements based at least in part on the correlation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2022Publication date: August 11, 2022Inventors: Matthew Fuka, Eric Kolb, Alexander Benson, Steven Benson
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Patent number: 10667562Abstract: The present disclosure provides components useful in heating, particularly heating of an aerosol precursor solution so as to vaporize the solution and form an aerosol. The disclosure particularly provides an electrically conductive, porous carbon heater. The heater may be combined with an aerosol precursor transport element that also is formed of carbon. The heater and transport element may form an atomizer that can be useful in an electronic smoking article, such as in a cartridge that is adapted for attachment to a control body. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a cartridge of an electronic smoking article, the cartridge being formed substantially completely of carbon.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Michael F. Davis, Balager Ademe, Chandra Kumar Banerjee, Susan K. Pike, David William Griffith, Jr., Steven Benson Sears, Evon L. Crooks, Karen V. Williams, Timothy Brian Nestor, David Bovender
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Patent number: 10669610Abstract: A method includes contacting a coal feedstock with an acidic solution to form residual coal and a leachate. The method further includes separating the residual coal from the leachate where the leachate contains rare earth elements and where the residual coal has preserved organic content and reduced inorganic content. Another method includes contacting a coal feedstock with a basic solution to form residual coal and a leachate. The method further includes separating the residual coal from the leachate where the leachate contains rare earth elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: University of North DakotaInventors: Daniel Laudal, Steven Benson
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Publication number: 20190090548Abstract: The present disclosure provides components useful in heating, particularly heating of an aerosol precursor solution so as to vaporize the solution and form an aerosol. The disclosure particularly provides an electrically conductive, porous carbon heater. The heater may be combined with an aerosol precursor transport element that also is formed of carbon. The heater and transport element may form an atomizer that can be useful in an electronic smoking article, such as in a cartridge that is adapted for attachment to a control body. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a cartridge of an electronic smoking article, the cartridge being formed substantially completely of carbon.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Michael F. Davis, Balager Ademe, Chandra Kumar Banerjee, Susan K. Pike, David William Griffith, JR., Steven Benson Sears, Evon L. Crooks, Karen V. Williams, Timothy Brian Nestor, David Bovender
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Publication number: 20190090549Abstract: The present disclosure provides components useful in heating, particularly heating of an aerosol precursor solution so as to vaporize the solution and form an aerosol. The disclosure particularly provides an electrically conductive, porous carbon heater. The heater may be combined with an aerosol precursor transport element that also is formed of carbon. The heater and transport element may form an atomizer that can be useful in an electronic smoking article, such as in a cartridge that is adapted for attachment to a control body. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides a cartridge of an electronic smoking article, the cartridge being formed substantially completely of carbon.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: Michael F. Davis, Balager Ademe, Chandra Kumar Banerjee, Susan K. Pike, David William Griffith, JR., Steven Benson Sears, Evon L. Crooks, Karen V. Williams, Timothy Brian Nestor, David Bovender
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Publication number: 20180271620Abstract: A method of forming an aligner includes dipping a positive mold of teeth in a liquid material to form a liquid layer and curing the liquid layer to form a shell. The shell may include an inner layer including material from the liquid material and an outer layer including material from another liquid material. Prior to dipping the mold in the liquid material, features may be coupled to the layer. The features may be selected from the group consisting of an archwire, a sensor, and a bracket. The mold includes model teeth and a gingival margin on a base. Dipping may be to a predefined depth. A fluid level of the material is positioned proximate the gingival margin. The fluid level may define the edge of the shell. A set of aligners including at least one aligner having an edge that defines an opening and the edge is as-formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2018Publication date: September 27, 2018Inventors: Andres Rodriguez, Steven Benson Li, Benjamin Mark Nazeck
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Publication number: 20180265948Abstract: A method includes contacting a coal feedstock with an acidic solution to form residual coal and a leachate. The method further includes separating the residual coal from the leachate where the leachate contains rare earth elements and where the residual coal has preserved organic content and reduced inorganic content. Another method includes contacting a coal feedstock with a basic solution to form residual coal and a leachate. The method further includes separating the residual coal from the leachate where the leachate contains rare earth elements and where the residual coal has reduced inorganic content, but preserved organic content.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2017Publication date: September 20, 2018Inventors: Daniel Laudal, Steven Benson
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Patent number: 8910640Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic smoking article that provides for improved aerosol delivery. Particularly, the article comprises a wicking element useful for improving delivery of aerosol precursor to a heating element. In particular, the wick can take on a brush-like configuration. The present disclosure further relates to methods of forming an aerosol in a smoking article.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco CompanyInventors: Steven Benson Sears, Grady Lance Dooly, David William Griffith, Jr., Andries Don Sebastian, Yi-Ping Chang
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Patent number: 8277542Abstract: The present invention relates to use of carbon-based sorbents such as activated carbon for controlling vapor phase mercury emissions in coal-fired power plant flue gases or waste incineration flue gases. The invention features new methods that improve the performance of carbonaceous sorbents for mercury control compared to the previous methods. One method consists of injecting the sorbent (consisting of at least some carbonaceous material) into the flue gas where the flue gas temperature is at a value above about 1100° F. and below about 2000° F. The invention also consists of injecting the sorbent within or upstream of an economizer section in a coal-fired power boiler. Injecting the sorbent at the locations indicated above, rather than further downstream, provides increased residence time for contact between the flue gas and the sorbent resulting in increased mercury capture, improved sorbent utilization, and improved fly ash properties.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Inventors: Srivats Srinivasachar, Steven A. Benson
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Patent number: 7981835Abstract: A system and method for producing activated carbon comprising carbonizing a solid carbonaceous material in a carbonization zone of an activated carbon production apparatus (ACPA) to yield a carbonized product and carbonization product gases, the carbonization zone comprising carbonaceous material inlet, char outlet and carbonization gas outlet; activating the carbonized product via activation with steam in an activation zone of the ACPA to yield activated carbon and activation product gases, the activation zone comprising activated carbon outlet, activation gas outlet, and activation steam inlet; and utilizing process gas comprising at least a portion of the carbonization product gases or a combustion product thereof; at least a portion of the activation product gases or a combustion product thereof; or a combination thereof in a solid fuel boiler system that burns a solid fuel boiler feed with air to produce boiler-produced steam and flue gas, the boiler upstream of an air heater within a steam/electricity gType: GrantFiled: May 14, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Srivats Srinivasachar, Steven Benson, Charlene Crocker, Jill Mackenzie
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Publication number: 20100113267Abstract: A system and method for producing activated carbon comprising carbonizing a solid carbonaceous material in a carbonization zone of an activated carbon production apparatus (ACPA) to yield a carbonized product and carbonization product gases, the carbonization zone comprising carbonaceous material inlet, char outlet and carbonization gas outlet; activating the carbonized product via activation with steam in an activation zone of the ACPA to yield activated carbon and activation product gases, the activation zone comprising activated carbon outlet, activation gas outlet, and activation steam inlet; and utilizing process gas comprising at least a portion of the carbonization product gases or a combustion product thereof; at least a portion of the activation product gases or a combustion product thereof; or a combination thereof in a solid fuel boiler system that burns a solid fuel boiler feed with air to produce boiler-produced steam and flue gas, the boiler upstream of an air heater within a steam/electricity gType: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Srivats Srinivasachar, Steven Benson, Charlene Crocker, Jill Mackenzie
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Publication number: 20100038325Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving water quality using a gasification system. Whereas water is normally a deterrent to the combustion process, water is beneficial to the gasification of carbonaceous materials. The method and apparatus uses this, and other aspects, to utilize several processes to improve water quality by means of gasification in new and beneficial ways.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventors: Steven Benson, Daniel J. Stepan, Richard Shockey, Nikhil Patel, Michael L. Swanson, Michael J. Holmes, Jaroslav Solc, Carsten Heide
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Publication number: 20100018395Abstract: The present invention relates to use of carbon-based sorbents such as activated carbon for controlling vapor phase mercury emissions in coal-fired power plant flue gases or waste incineration flue gases. The invention features new methods that improve the performance of carbonaceous sorbents for mercury control compared to the previous methods. One method consists of injecting the sorbent (consisting of at least some carbonaceous material) into the flue gas where the flue gas temperature is at a value above about 1100° F. and below about 2000° F. The invention also consists of injecting the sorbent within or upstream of an economizer section in a coal-fired power boiler. Injecting the sorbent at the locations indicated above, rather than further downstream, provides increased residence time for contact between the flue gas and the sorbent resulting in increased mercury capture, improved sorbent utilization, and improved fly ash properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2009Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Srivats Srinivasachar, Steven A. Benson
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Publication number: 20090317320Abstract: A system and method for producing activated carbon comprising carbonizing a solid carbonaceous material in a carbonization zone of an activated carbon production apparatus (ACPA) to yield a carbonized product and carbonization product gases, the carbonization zone comprising carbonaceous material inlet, char outlet and carbonization gas outlet; activating the carbonized product via activation with steam in an activation zone of the ACPA to yield activated carbon and activation product gases, the activation zone comprising activated carbon outlet, activation gas outlet, and activation steam inlet; and utilizing process gas comprising at least a portion of the carbonization product gases or a combustion product thereof; at least a portion of the activation product gases or a combustion product thereof; or a combination thereof in a solid fuel boiler system that burns a solid fuel boiler feed with air to produce boiler-produced steam and flue gas, the boiler upstream of an air heater within a steam/electricity gType: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Applicant: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTERInventors: Srivats SRINIVASACHAR, Steven BENSON, Charlene CROCKER, Jill MACKENZIE
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Patent number: 7628969Abstract: An apparatus and a method that uses generated alkaline, alkaline-earth, and/or silica/alumina aerosols as a multifunctional additive to scavenge sulfur oxides in flue gas, minimize poisoning effects of sulfur oxides on mercury sorbent performance, and enhance particulate matter capture in electrostatic precipitators and other particulate filter devices by conditioning the fly ash.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center FoundationInventors: Michael J. Holmes, John H. Pavlish, Ye Zhuang, Steven A. Benson, Edwin S. Olson, Jason D. Laumb
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Patent number: 7574968Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for use in combustion system for capturing gas phase pollutants such as SO3. In one example, the invention uses a computer model to model the combustion system. Particles are injected into the combustion system to capture the gas phase pollutants. The model is used to determine the injection location, as well as the size and amount of the particles to be injected.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignees: Energy & Environmental Research Center, Marsulex Environmental Technologies Corporation, Alstom Technolog LtdInventors: Donald McCollor, Steven Benson, Bernard Hamel, Robin Rhodes
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Publication number: 20090047200Abstract: An apparatus and a method that uses generated alkaline, alkaline-earth, and/or silica/alumina aerosols as a multifunctional additive to scavenge sulfur oxides in flue gas, minimize poisoning effects of sulfur oxides on mercury sorbent performance, and enhance particulate matter capture in electrostatic precipitators and other particulate filter devices by conditioning the fly ash.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTERInventors: Michael J. Holmes, John H. PAVLISH, Ye ZHUANG, Steven A. BENSON, Edwin S. OLSON, Jason D. LAUMB
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Publication number: 20070274886Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for removing and recovering metalloids from gasification systems. Also disclosed are methods for on-line removal of deposited entrained materials from a heat exchanger unit. A method is provided for on-line removal and recovery of deposits from fossil fuel gasification systems to improve plant performance and recover a valuable metalloid. Plant performance will be improved by decreasing impedance to gas flow and decreasing downtime required to clean the gas cooling system by providing an effective method to remove deposits while the gasification system is operating. In the preferred embodiment of the method, the deposits rich in condensed metals and metalloids are captured on heat transfer surfaces within the range of temperatures of about 400° C. to about 600° C., the temperature of the heat transfer surface is cycled causing the deposit to spall from the steel surface, and the deposits are removed from the gasifier without impacting gasifier operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Applicant: MICROBEAM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Steven Benson, Margaret Laumb