Patents Represented by Attorney Christopher J. Cronin
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Patent number: 7730727Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for cogeneration ducting applications in which at least a desired effective flow stream control is maintained for stable combustion. A flow stream is directed through a flow control system to achieve the desired effective uniform flow rate and composition.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventors: Quan Yuan, Tailai Hu, Pavol Pranda
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Patent number: 7718405Abstract: A fermentation process uses substantially pure oxygen as the sole gas introduced into a fermentation vessel while fermentation reactions are active. The oxygen is introduced at multiple locations along the height of the vessel, and is preferably introduced in the vicinity of the blades of an impeller. The invention enhances the rate at which oxygen can be transferred to the fermentation medium, and is especially useful for fermentation media which become very viscous as the process continues. The invention can be used in the manufacture of viscous products such as xanthan gum, or other products having viscosities greater than about 100 cp.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventor: Sudhir Brahmbhatt
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Patent number: 7704732Abstract: An integrated industrial plant includes various systems, all of which use a cryogenic liquid obtained from a common source. One system includes a fermentation unit, in which cold air, chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid, absorbs excess heat generated by the fermentation. Another system is a lyophilization unit, in which a refrigeration step is performed through the use of air that has been chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid. Another system is a device for freezing discrete samples of biological products, the samples being frozen by partial immersion in the cryogenic liquid. The invention substantially reduces the use of electric power, and provides systems which operate economically and reliably.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2006Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventor: Sudhir R. Brahmbhatt
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Patent number: 7691318Abstract: The invention provides a spinnerette assembly for forming hollow fibers. The spinnerette assembly contains an extrusion orifice and a fiber-forming material passage in communication with the extrusion orifice. A hollow needle extends through the extrusion orifice in a concentric manner to define an annular passage surrounding the needle. The fiber-forming material passage includes a fiber-forming material inlet port extending from a surface of the spinnerette assembly to an interior of the assembly and a transverse passage extending from the fiber-forming material port to the annular passage surrounding the needle. A bore forming fluid passage communicates with the interior of the needle.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: L'Air Liquide - Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Samuel Earl Moore
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Patent number: 7683357Abstract: A gas species monitoring system includes a laser, a fiber amplifier configured to receive an input signal from the laser and generate an amplified signal, and a variable optical attenuation system configured to receive at least a portion of the amplified signal and generate an attenuated signal for delivery to a measurement point, where the measurement point includes a gaseous fluid. The system further includes a detector configured to receive and process a signal from the measurement point so as to obtain a measured signal that correlates with the presence of a gas species within the gaseous fluid at the measurement point, and a processor in communication with at least the variable optical attenuation system and the detector. The processor controls the variable optical attenuation system based upon the measured signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignees: American Air Liquide, Inc., Physical Sciences, Inc.Inventors: William A. Von Drasek, Shawn D. Wehe, Mark G. Allen
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Patent number: 7655067Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing aluminum in a furnace consisting in introducing an aluminum-containing material and possibly one or several types of salt into the furnace, melting said material by heating with the aid of at least one burner supplied with a combustive material and fuel in such a way that a molten aluminum possibly covered with a slag containing, in particular alumina and at least one salt is produced and in measuring a carbon monoxide and/or hydrogen concentration in the furnace atmosphere or in a smoke at the exit of the furnace. Oxygen content in the combustive material supplying at least one burner is greater than 10% by volume, preferably greater than 21% by volume.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: L'Air Liquide-Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillande pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Nicolas Lucas, Bernard Zamuner
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Patent number: 7648558Abstract: Methods for treating aluminum in a furnace. An aluminum charge is introduced into a furnace and melted with heat from at least one burner. The burner is supplied with at least one oxidizer and at least one fuel. The oxidizer is made up of at least 10% oxygen by volume. The concentration of a first gas is measured in the furnace atmosphere or in a flue gas exiting the furnace. The oxidation of the molten aluminum is then reduced by holding the flow rate of the oxidizer steady while varying the flow rate of the fuel, according to the concentration of a second gas in the furnace or in the flue gas exiting the furnace. The concentration of the second gas is determined by comparing the measured species concentration and the intrinsic concentration which would be present absent the aluminum charge.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Bruno Allemand, Jean-Claude Vuillermoz
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Patent number: 7648569Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injecting two-phase (gas+solid) carbon dioxide into a gas stream. Liquid carbon dioxide is cryogenically expanded into two-phase carbon dioxide, which is then injected into the center of the stream. An inerting gas is also injected into the stream along with the two-phase carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George ClaudeInventors: Dominique Bras, José Buil
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Patent number: 7645319Abstract: The invention relates to a method for renovating a combined system consisting of a blast furnace supplied with an oxidant fluid received at least partly from an air/gas separation unit (ASU). The method consists in injecting, before renovation, at least 50% of the flow rate of the blower feeding the blast furnace into an ASU to produce oxygen whose purity is greater than 90% by volume of O2 which feeds the blast furnace, in controlling the blower airflow rate and the pressure of the air derived therefrom by a regulator which measures the flow rate and/or pressure at the input and/or output of a cleaning stage which is mounted upstream of the separation unit to control the flow rate and pressure of the air derived from the blower. The fluid feeding the blast furnace consists of pure oxygen or diluted by air produced by the cryogenic separation unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Richard Dubettier-Grenier, Michel Devaux, Jean-Marc Peyron
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Patent number: 7638972Abstract: A system for monitoring a group of electrochemical cells (C1, . . . , Ci, . . . , Cn) arranged in series, wherein each cell (Ci) is provided for outputting a DC voltage (Vi) greater than a minimum value (Vmin). According to the invention, said monitoring system includes a corresponding set of n electronic components (D1, . . . , Di, . . . , Dn) arranged in series, wherein each component (Di) is biased by the DC voltage (Vi) of a corresponding cell (Ci) by means of a low-frequency connecting element (Li), and has a conductivity threshold voltage (Vs) no lower than said minimum value (Vmin); and a means (D) for measuring a high-frequency conductivity parameter of all of said components. The system is useful in fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: L'Air Liquide - Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Pierre Charlat
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Patent number: 7637280Abstract: A fluid distribution and control valve for respiratory gas delivery systems. The valve has a body which is defined by four internal zones. Each zone is connectable to an external fluid circuit and a mobile structure. The mobile structure can move into four positions. The different positions of the mobile structure determine which of the zones are in fluid communication with each other. The valve may also be used to in a pilot's mask to supply oxygen to the pilot from a main source or from a secondary source.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Inventors: Didier Gaget, Jean Arnault
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Patent number: 7637109Abstract: A power generation system includes a gas generator configured to receive an oxygen stream and a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel stream at an inlet of the gas generator, and a turbine section disposed downstream from the gas generator to receive and expand a combustion product stream from the gas generator. A heat exchange section is provided to facilitate heat exchange between a liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply from a LNG supply source and at least one other stream flowing within the system such that at least a portion of the LNG stream is converted to the gaseous hydrocarbon fuel stream that is to be delivered to the gas generator and the at least one other stream is cooled to a selected temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignees: American Air Liquide, Inc., Clean Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ovidiu Marin, Ravikiran Sangras, Keith Pronske
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Patent number: 7591290Abstract: Safe filling is provided by a housing (8) controlling the pump (6) of the mobile tank (1) receiving, via a secondary hose (10), the pressure prevailing in the container (2) to be filled, a programmable logic enabling the pump to operate when the pressure measured in the container is within a predetermined range, adaptable according to the type of container. The invention is applicable in particular to gas containers.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Emmanuel Bourgeois, André Marion, Robert Wallez, Jean-Marc Rozo
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Patent number: 7582138Abstract: Apparatus and methods of supplying a highly enriched oxygen gas steam on board an aircraft. The gas stream is generated by an oxygen concentrator which concentrates atmospheric air by using at least one adsorber. The adsorber is made of a faujasite zeolite and has a Si/Al ratio between 1 and 1.5. The faujasite zeolite is also exchanged with silver by about 10%. Once generated, the gas stream is supplied to the airways of a person onboard an aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Stéphane Lessi, Nicolas Schmutz
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Patent number: 7569093Abstract: A filtering system for monitoring fluid emissions from a process includes a plurality of filter assembly sections arranged in a parallel fluid flow manner with respect to each other so as to selectively receive a sample fluid (e.g., a sample gas) entering at an inlet of the system. Each filter assembly section includes a filter unit to filter particulate materials from a fluid flowing through the filter, first and second valves disposed at upstream and downstream locations of the filter unit, and a blowback flow path configured to selectively direct a cleaning fluid through the filter unit in a direction that opposes a direction in which the sample fluid flows through the filter unit. Each filter assembly section can be selectively isolated from other portions of the system so as to prevent the sample fluid from flowing through the filter assembly section while allowing a cleaning fluid to be delivered through the blowback flow path of the filter assembly section.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventors: Pavol Pranda, William A. Von Drasek, Kenneth A. Mulderink
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Patent number: 7547349Abstract: Methods of supplying an oxygen rich mixture to the occupants of an aircraft. The mixture is produced through a pressure swing adsorption system which has both an adsorption/production phase and a desorption/regeneration phase. The duration of one cycle of the adsorption system is less than ten seconds. The system makes use of a high-performance adsorbent which has a particle size of less than about 0.8 mm. The feed air which is introduced to the system has an inlet temperature between 50° C. and 90° C.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Stéphane Lessi
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Patent number: 7527673Abstract: A polyimide MMC membrane useful for the production of oxygen-enriched air or nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons or nitrogen, and the separation of helium or hydrogen from various streams. Membranes of polyimide polymers, such as polyimide polymers sold under the tradename P-84, are mixed with molecular sieve materials, such as SSZ-13, to make MMC membranes. The MMC membranes of the invention provide improved membrane performance compared to polymer only membranes, particularly when used to form asymmetric film membranes or hollow fiber membranes. The MMC films exhibit consistent permeation performance as dense film or asymmetric membranes, and do not interact with components of the process streams, such as organic solvents. The membranes of the invention exhibit particularly surprisingly good selectivity for the fluids of interest.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Sudhir S. Kulkarni, David J. Hasse
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Patent number: 7524359Abstract: Methods and apparatus for purifying gases having organic impurities, including the use of granulated porous glass. The method of the invention includes the following steps. An impure gas comprising a first gas and an organic compound is provided. A packed bed of granulated porous glass is provided. The impure gas is allowed to flow into the packed bed, thereby preferentially adsorbing at least some of the organic compound on the granulated porous glass to yield a purified gas having a concentration of the organic compound that is lower than that of the impure gas. The purified gas is allowed to flow out of the packed bed.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventor: Frederick W. Giacobbe
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Patent number: 7494533Abstract: Methods and apparatus for purifying gases having organic impurities, including the use of granulated porous glass. A system for purifying an impure gas includes a source of an impure gas, a purification element operatively associated with the source of impure gas for purifying the impure gas, and a conduit operatively associated with the purification element for receiving a flow of purified impure gas from the purification element and directing the purified impure gas to a container or point of use. The impure gas includes a first gas and an organic compound. The purification element includes a vessel containing a packed bed of granulated porous glass.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventor: Frederick W. Giacobbe
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Patent number: 7476636Abstract: Mixed matrix composite (MMC) membranes with minimal macrovoids and defects are provided by the current invention. MMC Membranes are needed that have minimal macrovoids and defects, provide consistent and good selectivity and permeability performance, provide the mechanical strength required to withstand high membrane differential pressures, and exhibit sufficient flexibility and can easily be formed into desirable membrane forms. MMC Membranes made from a spinning dope that is stabilized with an electrostabilizing additive, particularly an acid additive, results in membranes, particularly hollow fiber membranes that have minimal macrovoids and defects. Thus, membranes of the current invention are particularly suitable for high trans-membrane pressure applications, particularly for separating oxygen/nitrogen, hydrogen/hydrocarbon, and carbon dioxide/hydrocarbon components of a stream.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploration des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Sudhir S. Kulkarni, David J. Hasse, Dean W. Kratzer