Patents by Inventor Alexander Fridman

Alexander Fridman 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: 20150274554
    Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus for treating water by exposing the water to a pulsed plasma discharge. The pulsed plasma discharge is generated using a suitable electrode configuration to generate the plasma discharge in the fluid. Apparatus useful in the method may include a vessel, at least two electrodes for generating a plasma discharge in water, and a flow inlet and a flow outlet to allow water to be passed through the vessel. Also described is an in-line water treatment, where a pulsed plasma discharge is used in a pipe carrying moving water. Plasma based fluid treatment system may have many advantages in comparison to other treatment methods, such as very minimal maintenance, low operating power, and minimal pressure loss through the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER A. CAMPBELL, YOUNG I. CHO, ALEXANDER F. GUTSOL, ALEXANDER FRIDMAN, FRANK T. SNYDER, VINCENT SZARKO, ERIK YELK, JESSE ZANOLINI, VICTOR N. VASILETS
  • Publication number: 20150141986
    Abstract: The present invention is direct to a nano-probe corona tool and uses thereof A nano-probe corona tool is disclosed having a tip with a diameter in the nano-scale, typically around 100 nm. The nano-probe corona tool is constructed of electrically conductive material. On the other end of the tool, a pulsed voltage source outputs a pulsed voltage to generate a pulsed electrical potential at the tip. The pulsed electrical potential at the tip causes a plasma discharge corona to occur. Uses of the corona discharge include, but are not limited to, optical emission spectroscopy, in the enhancement of deposition of coatings and nanoscale welding, e.g., nanotube or nanowires to a contact pad and welding two nanowires together, and in nanoscale surgery. For example, a nano-probe comprising CNTs may be inserted into cell membranes. The resulting corona discharge may be used to destroy tumors within the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: DAVID STAACK, ALEXANDER FRIDMAN, ALEXANDER F. GUTSOL, YURY GOGOTSI, GENNADY FRIEDMAN
  • Patent number: 9010116
    Abstract: A vacuum source arbitration system is disclosed. In one example, vacuum is supplied to a vacuum reservoir via an ejector during a first condition, and vacuum is supplied to the vacuum reservoir via an engine intake manifold during a second condition. The approach may provide a desired level of vacuum in a reservoir while reducing engine fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Moses Alexander Fridman, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Mansour Beshay, Clifford E. Maki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 9011697
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of fluid including the step of exposing the fluid to a pulsed plasma discharge. The pulsed plasma discharge will be generated using a suitable electrode configuration to generate the plasma discharge in the fluid. Apparatus useful in the method may include a vessel, at least two electrodes for generating a plasma discharge in water, and a flow inlet and a flow outlet to allow water to be passed through the vessel. Also described is an in-line water treatment, where a pulsed plasma discharge is used in a pipe carrying moving water. Plasma based fluid treatment system may have many advantages in comparison to other treatment methods, such as very minimal maintenance, low operating power, and minimal pressure loss through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Christopher A. Campbell, Young I. Cho, Alexander F. Gutsol, Alexander Fridman, Frank T. Snyder, Vincent Szarko, Erik Yelk, Jesse Zanolini, Victor Vasilets
  • Patent number: 8992518
    Abstract: Non-thermal plasma is a partly ionized gas, which can be generated by a high-voltage electric field at a low pressure. Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for treating an enteric disease in vivo using non-thermal plasma. The disclosed apparatuses have a first conduit comprising a lumen and a tip; a first electrode disposed within the lumen of the first conduit; a second electrode comprised of a metal conduit disposed within the first conduit; an insulator disposed within the lumen of the first conduit, the insulator configured to electrically insulate the first electrode from the second electrode; and a gas channel disposed between the outer surface of the metal conduit and the inner surface of the first conduit, the gas channel being capable of feeding a gas from a gas source to the tip, wherein when the potential is applied, the gas is ionized to produce the non-thermal plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Gregory Fridman, Danil V. Dobrynin, Alexander Fridman, Gennady Friedman, Kalyan Chakravarthy, Sreekant Murthy
  • Patent number: 8968286
    Abstract: The present invention is direct to a nano-probe corona tool and uses thereof. A nano-probe corona tool is disclosed having a tip with a diameter in the nano-scale, typically around 100 nm. The nano-probe corona tool is constructed of electrically conductive material. On the other end of the tool, a pulsed voltage source outputs a pulsed voltage to generated a pulsed electrical potential at the tip. The pulsed electrical potential at the tip causes a plasma discharge corona to occur. Uses of the corona discharge include, but are not limited to, optical emission spectroscopy, in the enhancement of deposition of coatings and nanoscale welding, e.g., nanotube or nanowires to a contact pad and welding two nanowires together, and in nanoscale surgery. For example, a nano-probe comprising CNTs may be inserted into cell membranes. The resulting corona discharge may be used to destroy tumors within the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: David Staack, Alexander Gutsol, Alexander Fridman, Yury Gogotsi, Gennady Friedman
  • Publication number: 20150038584
    Abstract: Aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a method comprising contacting an fluid, optionally containing an added organic material, with a non-thermal plasma to form a disinfection composition, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid, and contacting a surface with the disinfection composition, wherein the surface is at least partially disinfected upon contact with the disinfection composition. Additional aspects of the present subject matter are directed to a method comprising forming a disinfection composition by contacting an organic material with a non-thermal plasma, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid. A further aspect of the present subject matter is directed to a disinfection composition comprising an organic material contacted by a non-thermal plasma, wherein the disinfection composition is a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicants: Philadelphia Health & Education Corporation d/b/a Drexel University College of Medicine, DREXEL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Gregory Fridman, Sin Park, Natalie Shainsky, Danil V. Dobrynin, Alexander Rabinovich, Gennady Friedman, Alexander Fridman, Moogega Cooper, Ari D. Brooks, Suresh G. Joshi, Alexander E. Poor, Utku K. Ercan, Mark Ingerman
  • Patent number: 8944528
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to reduce a hard brake pedal feel. A brake control variable is adjusted in anticipation of a hard pedal condition to increase hydraulic brake line pressure and maintain a normal pedal feel. A pedal force is inferred from brake line pressure relative to brake booster vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Moses Alexander Fridman, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20150000634
    Abstract: Methods for controlling vacuum within a brake booster by modifying powertrain operation include determining an intake manifold vacuum in response to actuation of a brake pedal. Increasing the intake manifold vacuum if the brake booster vacuum is less than a desired brake booster vacuum. In some embodiments, the transmission is downshifted to increase engine speed and intake manifold vacuum. In other embodiments, engine torque is reduced to increase intake manifold vacuum and the torque of the electric machine is increased to maintain a constant output torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Douglas Raymond MARTIN, Dale Scott CROMBEZ, Moses Alexander FRIDMAN
  • Patent number: 8906659
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are related to methods comprising contacting an endothelial cell in an endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The released angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, the angiogenic growth factor is fibroblast growth factor-2. Preferably, the non-thermal plasma may be an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge. Additional aspects of the present invention are directed to methods for treating a disease comprising promoting angiogenesis by contacting an endothelial cell in a endothelial cell population with a non-thermal plasma to release an angiogenic growth factor. The angiogenic growth factor may induce endothelial cell proliferation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Alisa Morss Clyne, Gennady Friedman, Alexander Fridman, Sameer Kalghatgi
  • Publication number: 20140311891
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for contacting a biological substrate. A non-thermal plasma device delivers a non-thermal plasma discharge using a dielectric conduit, an igniter electrode and a RF electrode. The dielectric conduit fluidicly communicates a gas therethrough and an igniter electrode ionizes at least a portion of the gas. The RF electrode, disposed circumferentially proximate to the exterior of the dielectric conduit, generates non-thermal plasma from the ionized gas. The non-thermal plasma is discharged from the dielectric conduit and contacts a biological substrate. The non-thermal plasma discharge may be suitable for tissue bonding and sterilization applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: GREGORY FRIDMAN, ALEXANDER FRIDMAN, ALEXANDER F. GUTSOL, GENNADY FRIEDMAN, DAVID STAACK
  • Publication number: 20140314621
    Abstract: Methods and devices for treating surfaces of objects using a non-thermal plasma are disclosed herein. The non-thermal plasma is generated through the use of an apparatus configured to generate a non-thermal plasma on its surface. The apparatus is comprised of a substrate that contains one or more electrodes of different polarity. The electrodes are placed within a layer of the substrate acting as a dielectric layer. The apparatus may also have additional layers to contain the dielectric layer. When an appropriate potential, being either an alternating current or pulsed high voltage potential, is applied and removed from the one or more electrodes, the gas on at least one surface of the apparatus becomes ionized and forms a non-thermal plasma. The electrodes can be configured to be of various shapes and sizes to modify or tune the plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: GREGORY FRIDMAN, ALEXANDER FRIDMAN, ALEXANDER F. GUTSOL, GENNADY FRIEDMAN
  • Patent number: 8864953
    Abstract: A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding arc discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding arc discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Alexander F. Gutsol, Alexander Fridman, Anatoliy Polevich, Michael J. Gallagher
  • Patent number: 8784657
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for cleaning a filter surface using a plasma discharge self-cleaning filtration system. The method involves utilizing plasma discharges to induce short electric pulses of nanoseconds duration at high voltages. These electrical pulses generate strong Shockwaves that disintegrate and dislodge particulate matter located on the surface of the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Young I. Cho, Alexander Fridman, Alexander F. Gutsol, Yong Yang
  • Publication number: 20140130775
    Abstract: A vacuum source arbitration system is disclosed. In one example, vacuum is supplied to a vacuum reservoir via an ejector during a first condition, and vacuum is supplied to the vacuum reservoir via an engine intake manifold during a second condition. The approach may provide a desired level of vacuum in a reservoir while reducing engine fuel consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Moses Alexander Fridman, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Mansour Beshay, Clifford E. Maki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Patent number: 8725248
    Abstract: Method for the non-thermal treatment of human or animal tissue with high-voltage electrical discharge plasma is disclosed. The disclosed method employs current through plasma and through tissue not for the purpose of heating the tissue, but instead to maintain the plasma proximate to the tissue being treated. Also disclosed is a method of limiting the current through plasma and through tissue to minimize tissue heating by placement of an insulator or semiconductor between an electrode and tissue resulting in generation of a high-voltage discharge similar to a dielectric barrier discharge. The disclosed non-thermal plasma treatment can be employed to promote coagulation of blood, sterilization, disinfection, re-connection of tissue, and treatment of tissue disorders without causing significant thermal tissue damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Alexander F. Gutsol, Alexander Fridman, Gennady Friedman, Gregory Fridman
  • Publication number: 20140124357
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a method of pre-treatment of adulterated water for distillation, including adulterated water produced during hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) of shale rock during natural gas drilling. In particular, the invention is directed to a method of treating adulterated water, said adulterated water having an initial level of bicarbonate ion in a range of about 250 ppm to about 5000 ppm and an initial level of calcium ion in a range of about 500 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, said method comprising contacting the adulterated water with a non-thermal arc discharge plasma to produce plasma treated water having a level of bicarbonate ion of less than about 100 ppm. Optionally, the plasma treated water may be further distilled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: YOUNG I. CHO, ALEXANDER FRIDMAN, ALEXANDER RABINOVICH, DANIEL J. CHO
  • Publication number: 20140102086
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to reduce a hard brake pedal feel. A brake control variable is adjusted in anticipation of a hard pedal condition to increase hydraulic brake line pressure and maintain a normal pedal feel. A pedal force is inferred from brake line pressure relative to brake booster vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Moses Alexander Fridman, Ralph Wayne Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8683800
    Abstract: A vacuum source arbitration system is disclosed. In one example, vacuum is supplied to a vacuum reservoir via an ejector during a first condition, and vacuum is supplied to the vacuum reservoir via an engine intake manifold during a second condition. The approach may provide a desired level of vacuum in a reservoir while reducing engine fuel consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Moses Alexander Fridman, Todd Anthony Rumpsa, Mansour Beshay, Cliff Maki, Ross Dykstra Pursifull
  • Publication number: 20140042368
    Abstract: A reactor for reforming a hydrocarbon, and associated processes and systems, are described herein. In one example, a reactor is provided that is configured to use non-equilibrium gliding arc discharge plasma. In another example, the reactor uses a vortex flow pattern. Two stages of reforming are described. In a first stage, the hydrocarbon absorbs heat from the wall of the reactor and combusts to form carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and water. In a second stage, a gliding arc discharge is use to form syngas, which is a mixture of hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. The heat generated by the combustion of the first stage transfers to the wall of the reactor and heated products of the second stage mix with incoming hydrocarbon to provide for partial recuperation of the reaction energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Drexel University
    Inventors: ALEXANDER GUTSOL, ALEXANDER FRIDMAN, ANATOLY POLEVICH, MICHAEL J. GALLAGHER