Patents by Inventor Victoria S. Stenkamp

Victoria S. Stenkamp 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: 7926793
    Abstract: Advanced wicking structures and methods utilizing these structures are described. The use of advanced wicking structures can promote rapid mass transfer while maintaining high capillary pressure through the use of small pores. Particularly improved results in fluid contacting processes can be achieved by enhanced mixing within a wicking layer within a microchannel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Victoria S. Stenkamp, Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Robert S. Wegeng
  • Publication number: 20090211735
    Abstract: Advanced wicking structures and methods utilizing these structures are described. The use of advanced wicking structures can promote rapid mass transfer while maintaining high capillary pressure through the use of small pores. Particularly improved results in fluid contacting processes can be achieved by enhanced mixing within a wicking layer within a microchannel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Victoria S. Stenkamp, Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Robert S. Wegeng
  • Patent number: 7540475
    Abstract: Advanced wicking structures and methods utilizing these structures are described. The use of advanced wicking structures can promote rapid mass transfer while maintaining high capillary pressure through the use of small pores. Particularly improved results in fluid contacting processes can be achieved by enhanced mixing within a wicking layer within a microchannel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Victoria S. Stenkamp, Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Robert S. Wegeng
  • Patent number: 7520917
    Abstract: A microchannel device includes several mass transfer microchannels to receive a fluid media for processing at least one heat transfer microchannel in fluid communication with a heat transfer fluid defined by a thermally conductive wall, and at several thermally conductive fins each connected to the wall and extending therefrom to separate the mass transfer microchannels from one another. In one form, the device may optionally include another heat transfer microchannel and corresponding wall that is positioned opposite the first wall and has the fins and the mass transfer microchannels extending therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Robert S. Wegeng, Greg A. Whyatt, David L. King, Kriston P. Brooks, Victoria S. Stenkamp
  • Publication number: 20090035622
    Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods of treating a hydrocarbon fuel to reduce organic sulfur components so as to be amenable to small-scale and/or field-based applications. Embodiments of the invention involve the performance of a vapor-phase hydrodesulfurization operation using steam reformate. The steam reformate is a hydrogen source for the hydrodesulfurization and is provided by an integrated steam reformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: David L. King, Xiwen Huang, Feng Zheng, Victoria S. Stenkamp, Ward E. Tegrotenhuis, Dale A. King, Greg A. Whyatt
  • Patent number: 7344576
    Abstract: Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Victoria S. Stenkamp
  • Patent number: 7272941
    Abstract: Wick-Containing apparatus capable of separating fluids and methods of separating fluids using wicks are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Victoria S. Stenkamp
  • Patent number: 7051540
    Abstract: Wick-Containing apparatus capable of separating fluids and methods of separating fluids using wicks are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Victoria S. Stenkamp
  • Patent number: 6974496
    Abstract: The present invention provides compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling. Novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption are also described. In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Robert S. Wegeng, Scot D. Rassat, Victoria S. Stenkamp, Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Dean W. Matson, M. Kevin Drost, Vilayanur V. Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 6875247
    Abstract: Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Victoria S. Stenkamp
  • Patent number: 6869462
    Abstract: A microchannel contactor and methods of contacting substances in microchannel apparatus are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined with microchannel heat exchange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Scot D. Rassat, Victoria S. Stenkamp
  • Publication number: 20040069144
    Abstract: The present invention provides compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling. Novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption are also described. In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Robert S. Wegeng, Scot D. Rassat, Victoria S. Stenkamp, Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Dean W. Matson, M. Kevin Drost, Vilayanur V. Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 6666909
    Abstract: Laminated, multiphase separators and contactors having wicking structures and gas flow channels are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined with microchannel heat exchange. Integrated systems containing these components are also part of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Robert S. Wegeng, Greg A. Whyatt, Victoria S. Stenkamp, Phillip A. Gauglitz
  • Publication number: 20030221554
    Abstract: A microchannel contactor and methods of contacting substances in microchannel apparatus are described. Some preferred embodiments are combined with microchannel heat exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Scot D. Rassat, Victoria S. Stenkamp
  • Patent number: 6630012
    Abstract: The present invention provides compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling. Novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption are also described. In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Robert S. Wegeng, Scot D. Rassat, Victoria S. Stenkamp, Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Dean W. Matson, M. Kevin Drost, Vilayanur V. Viswanathan
  • Publication number: 20030015093
    Abstract: The present invention provides compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling. Novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption are also described. In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Robert S. Wegeng, Scot D. Rassat, Victoria S. Stenkamp, Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Dean W. Matson, M. Kevin Drost, Vilayanur V. Viswanathan
  • Publication number: 20020144600
    Abstract: Methods of separating fluids using capillary forces and/or improved conditions for are disclosed. The improved methods may include control of the ratio of gas and liquid Reynolds numbers relative to the Suratman number. Also disclosed are wick-containing, laminated devices that are capable of separating fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Ward E. TeGrotenhuis, Victoria S. Stenkamp
  • Patent number: 5310977
    Abstract: A microwave susceptor having projections such as linear ridges which define circulation channels such as linear grooves. The susceptor may include apertures at the ridge apexes and the groove nadirs for allowing food secretions such as grease and steam, to pass through the susceptor. A strut may be releasably coupled to the susceptor for increasing the structural integrity of the susceptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Victoria S. Stenkamp, Curtis L. Larson, Pierre H. LePere