Patents by Inventor Zachary HARTWIG

Zachary HARTWIG 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).

  • Publication number: 20230361549
    Abstract: Described are cable joints and related structures and techniques for coupling high temperature superconducting (HTS) cables. A cable joint includes a conductive member having a length which defines the length of the joint and having first and second mounting regions shaped to accept first and second HTS cable with an interface layer comprised of a malleable metal disposed between a surfaces of the first and second mounting regions and surfaces of the first and second HTS cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC
    Inventors: Zachary HARTWIG, Philip MICHAEL, Brandon N. SORBOM, James IRBY, Rui VIEIRA, William BECK, Erica SALAZAR, Vincent FRY
  • Patent number: 11810712
    Abstract: Described herein are concepts, system and techniques which provide a means to construct robust high-field superconducting magnets using simple fabrication techniques and modular components that scale well toward commercialization. The resulting magnet assembly—which utilizes non-insulated, high temperature superconducting tapes (HTS) and provides for optimized coolant pathways—is inherently strong structurally, which enables maximum utilization of the high magnetic fields available with HTS technology. In addition, the concepts described herein provide for control of quench-induced current distributions within the tape stack and surrounding superstructure to safely dissipate quench energy, while at the same time obtaining acceptable magnet charge time. The net result is a structurally and thermally robust, high-field magnet assembly that is passively protected against quench fault conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brian Labombard, Robert S. Granetz, James Irby, Rui Vieira, William Beck, Daniel Brunner, Jeffrey Doody, Martin Greenwald, Zachary Hartwig, Philip Michael, Robert Mumgaard, Alexey Radovinsky, Shunichi Shiraiwa, Brandon N. Sorbom, John Wright, Lihua Zhou
  • Patent number: 11783953
    Abstract: Disclosed are a superconductor having improved critical current density when exposed to high-energy neutron radiation and high magnetic fields, such as found in a compact nuclear fusion reactor, and a method of making the same. The method includes, prior to deployment in the exposure environment, irradiating a polycrystalline (e.g. cuprate) superconductor with ionic matter or neutrons at a cryogenic temperature to create “weak” magnetic flux pinning sites, such as point defects or small defect clusters. Irradiation temperature is chosen, for example as a function of the superconducting material, so that irradiation creates the beneficial flux pinning sites while avoiding detrimental widening of the boundaries of the crystalline grains caused by diffusion of the displaced atoms. Such a superconductor in a coated-conductor tape is expected to be beneficial when used, for example, as a toroidal field coil in a fusion reactor when cooled well below its critical temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Brandon Nils Sorbom, Zachary Hartwig, Dennis G. Whyte
  • Publication number: 20220336130
    Abstract: Described herein are concepts, system and techniques which provide a means to construct robust high-field superconducting magnets using simple fabrication techniques and modular components that scale well toward commercialization. The resulting magnet assembly—which utilizes non-insulated, high temperature superconducting tapes (HTS) and provides for optimized coolant pathways—is inherently strong structurally, which enables maximum utilization of the high magnetic fields available with HTS technology. In addition, the concepts described herein provide for control of quench-induced current distributions within the tape stack and surrounding superstructure to safely dissipate quench energy, while at the same time obtaining acceptable magnet charge time. The net result is a structurally and thermally robust, high-field magnet assembly that is passively protected against quench fault conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicants: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Commonwealth Fusion System LLC
    Inventors: Brian LABOMBARD, Robert S. GRANETZ, James IRBY, Rui VIEIRA, William BECK, Daniel BRUNNER, Jeffrey DOODY, Martin GREENWALD, Zachary HARTWIG, Philip MICHAEL, Robert MUMGAARD, Alexey RADOVINSKY, Syun'ichi SHIRAIWA, Brandon N. SORBOM, John WRIGHT, Lihua ZHOU
  • Patent number: 11417464
    Abstract: Described herein are concepts, system and techniques which provide a means to construct robust high-field superconducting magnets using simple fabrication techniques and modular components that scale well toward commercialization. The resulting magnet assembly—which utilizes non-insulated, high temperature superconducting tapes (HTS) and provides for optimized coolant pathways—is inherently strong structurally, which enables maximum utilization of the high magnetic fields available with HTS technology. In addition, the concepts described herein provide for control of quench-induced current distributions within the tape stack and surrounding superstructure to safely dissipate quench energy, while at the same time obtaining acceptable magnet charge time. The net result is a structurally and thermally robust, high-field magnet assembly that is passively protected against quench fault conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Commonwealth Fusion Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brian Labombard, Robert S. Granetz, James Irby, Rui Vieira, William Beck, Daniel Brunner, Jeffrey Doody, Martin Greenwald, Zachary Hartwig, Philip Michael, Robert Mumgaard, Alexey Radovinsky, Syun'ichi Shiraiwa, Brandon N. Sorbom, John Wright, Lihua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20220005614
    Abstract: A superconductor having improved critical current density when exposed to high-energy neutron radiation and high magnetic fields, such as found in a compact nuclear fusion reactor, and a method of making the same are described. According to some aspects, the method includes, prior to deployment in the exposure environment, irradiating a polycrystalline superconductor with ions and/or neutrons at a cryogenic temperature to create “weak” magnetic flux pinning sites, such as point defects or small defect clusters. Irradiation temperature is chosen, for example as a function of the superconducting material, so that irradiation creates the beneficial flux pinning sites while avoiding detrimental widening of the boundaries of the crystalline grains caused by diffusion of the displaced atoms. Such a superconductor in a coated-conductor tape is expected to be beneficial when used as a toroidal field coil in a fusion reactor when cooled well below its critical temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Brandon Nils SORBOM, Zachary HARTWIG, Dennis G. WHYTE
  • Publication number: 20210313104
    Abstract: Described herein are concepts, system and techniques which provide a means to construct robust high-field superconducting magnets using simple fabrication techniques and modular components that scale well toward commercialization. The resulting magnet assembly—which utilizes non-insulated, high temperature superconducting tapes (HTS) and provides for optimized coolant pathways—is inherently strong structurally, which enables maximum utilization of the high magnetic fields available with HTS technology. In addition, the concepts described herein provide for control of quench-induced current distributions within the tape stack and surrounding superstructure to safely dissipate quench energy, while at the same time obtaining acceptable magnet charge time. The net result is a structurally and thermally robust, high-field magnet assembly that is passively protected against quench fault conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Brian Labombard, Robert S. Granetz, James Irby, Rui Vieira, William Beck, Daniel Brunner, Jeffrey Doody, Martin Greenwald, Zachary Hartwig, Philip Michael, Robert Mumgaard, Alexey Radovinsky, Syun'ichi Shiraiwa, Brandon N. Sorbom, John Wright, Lihua Zhou
  • Patent number: 11094439
    Abstract: Described herein are concepts, system and techniques which provide a means to construct robust high-field superconducting magnets using simple fabrication techniques and modular components that scale well toward commercialization. The resulting magnet assembly—which utilizes non-insulated, high temperature superconducting tapes (HTS) and provides for optimized coolant pathways—is inherently strong structurally, which enables maximum utilization of the high magnetic fields available with HTS technology. In addition, the concepts described herein provide for control of quench-induced current distributions within the tape stack and surrounding superstructure to safely dissipate quench energy, while at the same time obtaining acceptable magnet charge time. The net result is a structurally and thermally robust, high-field magnet assembly that is passively protected against quench fault conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian Labombard, Robert S. Granetz, James Irby, Rui Vieira, William Beck, Daniel Brunner, Jeffrey Doody, Martin Greenwald, Zachary Hartwig, Philip Michael, Robert Mumgaard, Alexey Radovinsky, Syun'ichi Shiraiwa, Brandon N. Sorbom, John Wright, Lihua Zhou
  • Publication number: 20200402693
    Abstract: Described herein are concepts, system and techniques which provide a means to construct robust high-field superconducting magnets using simple fabrication techniques and modular components that scale well toward commercialization. The resulting magnet assembly—which utilizes non-insulated, high temperature superconducting tapes (HTS) and provides for optimized coolant pathways—is inherently strong structurally, which enables maximum utilization of the high magnetic fields available with HTS technology. In addition, the concepts described herein provide for control of quench-induced current distributions within the tape stack and surrounding superstructure to safely dissipate quench energy, while at the same time obtaining acceptable magnet charge time. The net result is a structurally and thermally robust, high-field magnet assembly that is passively protected against quench fault conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Alexey RADOVINSKY, Brian LABOMBARD, Daniel BRUNNER, Robert S. GRANETZ, James IRBY, Rui VIEIRA, William BECK, Jeffrey DOODY, Martin GREENWALD, Zachary HARTWIG, Philip MICHAEL, Robert MUMGAARD, Syun'ichi SHIRAIWA, Brandon N. SORBOM, John WRIGHT, Lihua ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20200350083
    Abstract: Disclosed are a superconductor having improved critical current density when exposed to high-energy neutron radiation and high magnetic fields, such as found in a compact nuclear fusion reactor, and a method of making the same. The method includes, prior to deployment in the exposure environment, irradiating a polycrystalline (e.g. cuprate) superconductor with ionic matter or neutrons at a cryogenic temperature to create “weak” magnetic flux pinning sites, such as point defects or small defect clusters. Irradiation temperature is chosen, for example as a function of the superconducting material, so that irradiation creates the beneficial flux pinning sites while avoiding detrimental widening of the boundaries of the crystalline grains caused by diffusion of the displaced atoms. Such a superconductor in a coated-conductor tape is expected to be beneficial when used, for example, as a toroidal field coil in a fusion reactor when cooled well below its critical temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Brandon Nils SORBOM, Zachary HARTWIG, Dennis G. WHYTE
  • Publication number: 20200211744
    Abstract: Described herein are concepts, system and techniques which provide a means to construct robust high-field superconducting magnets using simple fabrication techniques and modular components that scale well toward commercialization. The resulting magnet assembly—which utilizes non-insulated, high temperature superconducting tapes (HTS) and provides for optimized coolant pathways—is inherently strong structurally, which enables maximum utilization of the high magnetic fields available with HTS technology. In addition, the concepts described herein provide for control of quench-induced current distributions within the tape stack and surrounding superstructure to safely dissipate quench energy, while at the same time obtaining acceptable magnet charge time. The net result is a structurally and thermally robust, high-field magnet assembly that is passively protected against quench fault conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Brian LABOMBARD, Robert GRANETZ, James IRBY, Rui VIEIRA, William BECK, Daniel BRUNNER, Jeffrey DOODY, Martin GREENWALD, Zachary HARTWIG, Philip MICHAEL, Robert MUMGAARD, Alexey RADOVINSKY, Syun'ichi SHIRAIWA, Brandon N. SORBOM, John WRIGHT, Lihua ZHOU