Heather L Rose

US Patent:

7871036, Jan 18, 2011

Filed:

Apr 26, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/767615

Inventors:

Robert M. Zubrin - Indian Hills CO, US
Mark H. Berggren - Golden CO, US
Dan Harber - Greeley CO, US
Heather Ann Rose - Lakewood CO, US

Assignee:

Pioneer Astronautics - Lakewood CO

International Classification:

B64B 1/62

US Classification:

244 98, 244 31, 244 32, 446220

Abstract:

A balloon launch unit produces lift gas to enable balloon launch or to allow the prolongation of balloon flight. A method of using the balloon launch unit can include reforming a fuel source by reaction with water to generate hydrogen-rich lift gas mixtures, and injecting the lift gas into a balloon. A reforming operation can include causing the combustion of a combustible material with ambient oxygen for the release of energy; and heating a reforming combination of reaction fuel and water with the energy released from the combustion of the combustible material, to a temperature above that required for the reforming reaction wherein the fuel and water sources are reformed into lift gas. The amount of the combustible material combusted is sufficient to result in the release of enough energy to heat an amount of the reforming reaction fuel and water sources to the temperature above that required for the reforming reaction.

US Patent:

20070278344, Dec 6, 2007

Filed:

Jun 6, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/422486

Inventors:

Robert M. Zubrin - Indian Hills CO, US
Mark H. Berggren - Golden CO, US
Dan Harber - Greeley CO, US
Heather Ann Rose - Lakewood CO, US

Assignee:

Pioneer Invention, Inc. d/b/a Pioneer Astronautics - Lakewood CO

International Classification:

B64B 1/40

US Classification:

244 31

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus are described for producing lift gas to enable balloon launch or to allow the prolongation of balloon flight. In one example, the method may include reforming a fuel source by reaction with water to generate hydrogen-rich lift gas mixtures, and injecting the lift gas into a balloon. The reforming operation may include causing the combustion of a combustible material with ambient oxygen for the release of energy; and heating a reforming combination of reaction fuel and water with the energy released from the combustion of the combustible material, to a temperature above that required for the reforming reaction wherein the fuel and water sources are reformed into lift gas. In one example, the amount of the combustible material combusted is sufficient to result in the release of enough energy to heat an amount of the reforming reaction fuel and water sources to the temperature above that required for the reforming reaction to proceed. Membrane or other gas separation devices may also be used to reduce the molecular weight of the lift gas produced by the reformer, thereby improving its quality for balloon flight applications. The lift gas may be used to launch balloons from the ground. It may also be used to extend the flight duration of balloons in the atmosphere.

US Patent:

20160168477, Jun 16, 2016

Filed:

Feb 17, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/046076

Inventors:

- Lakewood CO, US
Michael T Kelly - Lakewood CO, US
Heather A Rose - Lakewood CO, US
Robert M Zubrin - Golden CO, US

Assignee:

Pioneer Energy Inc. - Lakewood CO

International Classification:

C10G 3/00
C07C 41/01
C07C 29/152

Abstract:

The present invention discloses a system for converting synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons with comparable energy content to gasoline within mixed catalyst bed single reactor or double reactor systems. Varying catalyst composition and temperature profiles allow for significant tailoring of reaction conditions to the specific feedstocks or the desired products.

US Patent:

20140171691, Jun 19, 2014

Filed:

Dec 11, 2013

Appl. No.:

14/103615

Inventors:

- Lakewood CO, US
Michael T. Kelly - Lakewood CO, US
Heather A. Rose - Lakewood CO, US
Robert M. Zubrin - Golden CO, US

Assignee:

PIONEER ENERGY INC. - Lakewood CO

International Classification:

C07C 1/22
C07C 41/09

US Classification:

568698, 585324, 585322, 585418

Abstract:

The present invention discloses a system for converting methanol or synthesis gas to liquid hydrocarbons with comparable energy content to gasoline within a mixed bed single reactor or double reactor systems. Varying catalyst composition and temperature profiles allow for significant tailoring of reaction conditions to the specific feedstocks or the desired products.