William Marsh Rice University

Yildiz Bayazitoglu

Rod W Shampine

Enrique V Barrera

Jeremy Gernand

A design for a microchannel steam microreformer has been developed to provide power in conjunction with a micro fuel cell for a portable, low-power device. The design is optimized for low pumping power and rapid operation as well as thermal efficiency, overall size, and complete generation of the available hydrogen. The design includes at least one microchannel having a grooved surface with a continuous groove oriented in a spiral configuration.

Spiral microreformer assembly

The present invention relates to fullerene, nanotube, or nanofiber filled metals and polymers. This invention stems from a cross-disciplinary combination of electromagnetic and acoustic processing and property enhancement of materials through fullerene or nanofiber additives. Containerless processing (CP) in the form of electromagnetic field enduced and/or acoustic mixing leads to controlled dispersion of fullerenes, nanotubes, or nanofibers in various matrices. The invention provides methods of mixing that highly disperse and align the fullerenes, nanotubes, or nanofibers within the matrices of metals and polymers. The invention provides new compositions of matter and multifunctional materials based on processing, composition, and degree of in situ processing.

Containerless mixing of metals and polymers with fullerenes and nanofibers to produce reinforced advanced materials

An electromagnetic levitator is disclosed, comprising: a plurality of longitudinal sections formed from a conducting material and arranged around a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal sections are connected to a power source such that when the levitator is in operation, current flowing through adjacent longitudinal sections creates opposing magnetic fields. The levitator has first and second ends defining a levitation zone therebetween. When alternating current is passed through the conductors, a levitation tunnel is formed in the levitation zone, with the levitation tunnel having zero magnetic flux density along its center and non-zero magnetic flux density at all other points.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Yildiz Bayazitoglu