Patents by Inventor Dieter Kita

Dieter Kita 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).

  • Patent number: 9366607
    Abstract: In a first mode, a monitoring system inputs humidified gas through at least a portion of a conduit. At least a portion of the water in the humidified gas adheres to the inner surface of the conduit, inhibiting contaminants in the gas sample from adhering to the inner surface. The water in the humidified gas may also push any contaminants adhered to the surface of the sample line back out the sample line. In a second mode, after previously passing the humidified gas through the conduit, the monitoring system controls a flow of a gas sample including the contaminants through the conduit to a gas analyzer. The one or more layer of water on the inner surface of the conduit prevents or reduces a buildup of undesirable contaminants on an inner surface of a conduit that conveys gas samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Thermo Environmental Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Yonquan Li, Daniel E. Glenn, K. Stephen Johnson, Jr., Dieter Kita
  • Publication number: 20140165705
    Abstract: In a first mode, a monitoring system inputs humidified gas through at least a portion of a conduit. At least a portion of the water in the humidified gas adheres to the inner surface of the conduit, inhibiting contaminants in the gas sample from adhering to the inner surface. The water in the humidified gas may also push any contaminants adhered to the surface of the sample line back out the sample line. In a second mode, after previously passing the humidified gas through the conduit, the monitoring system controls a flow of a gas sample including the contaminants through the conduit to a gas analyzer. The one or more layer of water on the inner surface of the conduit prevents or reduces a buildup of undesirable contaminants on an inner surface of a conduit that conveys gas samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Yonquan Li, Daniel E. Glenn, K. Stephen Johnson, JR., Dieter Kita
  • Patent number: 8679435
    Abstract: Configurations herein include a novel process and apparatus for generating and maintaining sulfur trioxide gas. The generation system and process operate to provide sulfur trioxide calibration gas for calibrating sulfur trioxide detection devices. The system and process provides a known, concentration of sulfur trioxide gas via a heated catalyst, which enables accurate calibration of measurement equipment. The system functions in part by controlling temperature, amount of moisture, residence time, catalyst selection, diluting generated sulfur trioxide and by locating the sulfur trioxide generator at a point of injection of a sulfur trioxide detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, Yongquan Li, Jeffrey Socha, Bryan A. Marcotte
  • Patent number: 8609045
    Abstract: A reaction chamber enables a reaction between received elemental mercury gas and an oxidizing agent gas. The reaction chamber includes a porous (or permeable) medium through which to pass the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas. Passing of the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas through the porous medium supports a number of useful functions. For example, the porous medium enhances mixing of the elemental mercury gas with the oxidizing agent gas to enhance a reaction. Also, the porous medium increases an amount of surface area in a reaction chamber on which reactions (e.g., heterogeneous surface reactions) can take place between the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas to form oxidized mercury gas. Accordingly, the reaction chamber configured to include a porous medium enhances a conversion of elemental mercury gas into oxidized mercury gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, Jeffrey Socha, Bryan A. Marcotte
  • Patent number: 8368896
    Abstract: Configurations herein include a novel process, system, etc., to measure a concentration of sulfur trioxide in a gas sample including sulfur trioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water. An example system can include an optical radiation source that generates an optical signal at a plurality of vibration-rotation transitions around at least one frequency selected from the group consisting of 1396.889 cm?1, 1396.908 cm?1, 1396.962 cm?1, 1397.003 cm?1, 1397.037 cm?1, 1397.047 cm?1, and 1397.052 cm?1. The optical signal is transmitted along an optical path through the gas sample. Based on adjusting a pressure of the gas sample, each of the plurality of vibration-rotation absorption transitions associated with the sulfur trioxide can be substantially isolated from interfering absorption by the sulfur dioxide and the water vapor in the gas sample. Based on a spectral analysis, the system generates a value indicative of a concentration of sulfur trioxide in the gas sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Yongquan Li, Jeffrey S. Socha, Dieter Kita
  • Patent number: 8351035
    Abstract: According to example configurations herein, a fluid sample flow including particulate matter passes through a conduit. One or more optical sensors monitor optical energy scattering off of the particulate matter in the fluid sample flow as it passes through the conduit. A magnitude of the optical energy sensed by the one or more optical sensors varies depending on particulate matter present in the fluid sample flow. An analyzer monitors the magnitude of the optical energy sensed by the one or more optical sensors and detects changes in the optical energy. A change in the optical energy can indicate a change in the particulate matter present in the fluid sample flow. In response to detecting the change in the optical energy, the analyzer initiates one or more functions such as recalibration, purging, execution of diagnostics, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Goohs, Pedro Lilienfeld, Dieter Kita, John G. Hiss
  • Publication number: 20120087856
    Abstract: Configurations herein include a novel process and apparatus for generating and maintaining sulfur trioxide gas. The generation system and process operate to provide sulfur trioxide calibration gas for calibrating sulfur trioxide detection devices. The system and process provides a known, concentration of sulfur trioxide gas via a heated catalyst, which enables accurate calibration of measurement equipment. The system functions in part by controlling temperature, amount of moisture, residence time, catalyst selection, diluting generated sulfur trioxide and by locating the sulfur trioxide generator at a point of injection of a sulfur trioxide detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Dieter KITA, Yongquan LI, Jeffrey SOCHA, Bryan A. MARCOTTE
  • Patent number: 8107080
    Abstract: According to example configurations herein, a system includes an inertial filter, a temperature controller, and analyzer. The inertial filter has multiple ports including a first port, a second port, and a third port. A sample gas flows between the first port and the third port of the inertial filter. The second port of the inertial filter outputs a portion of the gas flowing between the first port and the second port. The temperature controller controls a temperature of the inertial filter and/or the gas flowing through the inertial filter. The analyzer receives the portion of the gas flow outputted by the second port of the inertial filter and produces a value indicative of a concentration of sulfur trioxide in the portion of the gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Socha, Dieter Kita, Robert D. Bailey, Yongquan Li
  • Patent number: 8080083
    Abstract: An oxidized mercury converter utilizes a combination of heat, reduced pressure, and dilution when converting oxidized mercury in a gas sample into elemental mercury. The converter applies heat to a gas sample to thermally convert oxidized mercury within a gas sample into elemental mercury and an oxidizing component, and thereafter reduces the pressure of the gas sample to minimize combination of the elemental mercury with other oxidizing compounds present in the gas sample and/or with byproducts of the thermal conversion (e.g., the oxidizing components). The converter thus allows an accurate analysis of the total amount of mercury, both oxidized and elemental forms, present within a gas sample without the need to use consumable reagents in the mercury conversion process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, James H. Grassi, Jeffrey Socha, Dirk Appel
  • Patent number: 8052949
    Abstract: Configurations herein include a novel process and apparatus for generating and maintaining sulfur trioxide gas. The generation system and process operate to provide sulfur trioxide calibration gas for calibrating sulfur trioxide detection devices. The system and process provides a known, concentration of sulfur trioxide gas via a heated catalyst, which enables accurate calibration of measurement equipment. The system functions in part by controlling temperature, amount of moisture, residence time, catalyst selection, diluting generated sulfur trioxide and by locating the sulfur trioxide generator at a point of injection of a sulfur trioxide detection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, Yongquan Li, Jeffrey Socha, Bryan A. Marcotte
  • Publication number: 20100315638
    Abstract: According to example configurations herein, a fluid sample flow including particulate matter passes through a conduit. One or more optical sensors monitor optical energy scattering off of the particulate matter in the fluid sample flow as it passes through the conduit. A magnitude of the optical energy sensed by the one or more optical sensors varies depending on particulate matter present in the fluid sample flow. An analyzer monitors the magnitude of the optical energy sensed by the one or more optical sensors and detects changes in the optical energy. A change in the optical energy can indicate a change in the particulate matter present in the fluid sample flow. In response to detecting the change in the optical energy, the analyzer initiates one or more functions such as recalibration, purging, execution of diagnostics, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin J. Goohs, Pedro Lilienfeld, Dieter Kita, John G. Hiss
  • Publication number: 20100284006
    Abstract: According to example configurations herein, a system includes an inertial filter, a temperature controller, and analyzer. The inertial filter has multiple ports including a first port, a second port, and a third port. A sample gas flows between the first port and the third port of the inertial filter. The second port of the inertial filter outputs a portion of the gas flowing between the first port and the second port. The temperature controller controls a temperature of the inertial filter and/or the gas flowing through the inertial filter. The analyzer receives the portion of the gas flow outputted by the second port of the inertial filter and produces a value indicative of a concentration of sulfur trioxide in the portion of the gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Jeffrey Socha, Dieter Kita, Robert D. Bailey, Yongquan Li
  • Publication number: 20100284899
    Abstract: Configurations herein include a novel process and apparatus for generating and maintaining sulfur trioxide gas. The generation system and process operate to provide sulfur trioxide calibration gas for calibrating sulfur trioxide detection devices. The system and process provides a known, concentration of sulfur trioxide gas via a heated catalyst, which enables accurate calibration of measurement equipment. The system functions in part by controlling temperature, amount of moisture, residence time, catalyst selection, diluting generated sulfur trioxide and by locating the sulfur trioxide generator at a point of injection of a sulfur trioxide detection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, Yongquan Li, Jeffrey Socha, Bryan A. Marcotte
  • Patent number: 7736602
    Abstract: A reaction chamber enables a reaction between received elemental mercury gas and an oxidizing agent gas. The reaction chamber includes a porous (or permeable) medium through which to pass the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas. Passing of the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas through the porous medium supports a number of useful functions. For example, the porous medium enhances mixing of the elemental mercury gas with the oxidizing agent gas to enhance a reaction. Also, the porous medium increases an amount of surface area in a reaction chamber on which reactions (e.g., heterogeneous surface reactions) can take place between the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas to form oxidized mercury gas. Accordingly, the reaction chamber configured to include a porous medium enhances a conversion of elemental mercury gas into oxidized mercury gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, Jeffrey Socha, Bryan A. Marcotte
  • Publication number: 20100111788
    Abstract: An oxidized mercury converter utilizes a combination of heat, reduced pressure, and dilution when converting oxidized mercury in a gas sample into elemental mercury. The converter applies heat to a gas sample to thermally convert oxidized mercury within a gas sample into elemental mercury and an oxidizing component, and thereafter reduces the pressure of the gas sample to minimize combination of the elemental mercury with other oxidizing compounds present in the gas sample and/or with byproducts of the thermal conversion (e.g., the oxidizing components). The converter thus allows an accurate analysis of the total amount of mercury, both oxidized and elemental forms, present within a gas sample without the need to use consumable reagents in the mercury conversion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, James H. Grassi, Jeffrey Socha, Dirk Appel
  • Patent number: 7454952
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for monitoring total mercury within a gas sample in a substantially continuous manner and for calibrating for both elemental and oxidized mercury. A converter of the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) receives a gas sample containing vaporized mercury from a probe. The converter converts oxidized mercury present within the gas sample into an elemental mercury component and an oxidizing component using thermal cracking. The converter also reduces the pressure of the gas sample to minimize recombination of the elemental mercury component with the oxidizing components. A mercury analyzer of the system receives the reduced pressure gas sample from the converter and detects the fluorescence of the elemental mercury within the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, James H. Grassi, Jeffrey Socha, Dirk Appel
  • Patent number: 7454945
    Abstract: A calibration assembly generates elemental mercury and oxidized mercury for calibrating components of a mercury monitoring system, including making necessary adjustments to efficiencies of a mercury compound converter and an elemental mercury detector. The calibrator generates an elemental mercury sample having a known elemental mercury concentration, [Hg0]1 and combines an oxidizing component with the elemental mercury sample, thereby producing a reduced concentration of elemental mercury [Hg0]2 within the sample. The calibrator measures the concentration of elemental mercury [Hg0]2 within the sample and calculates a difference between the known elemental mercury concentration, [Hg0]1 and the reduced concentration [Hg0]2. The difference between [Hg0]1 and [Hg0]2 is substantially equal to the concentration of oxidized mercury produced by the calibrator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Thermo Electron, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, James H. Grassi, Jeffrey Socha, Bryan A. Marcotte
  • Patent number: 7354553
    Abstract: An improved elemental mercury analyzer utilizes a fluorescence assembly in combination with a fluorescence quenching reduction mechanism to detect the concentration of elemental mercury within an emission gas sample, via fluorescence of the mercury within the gas sample, while minimizing fluorescence quenching of the gas sample. In one arrangement, the analyzer contains the emission gas sample under a vacuum or negative pressure while detecting fluorescence of the elemental mercury within the emission gas sample. By performing fluorescence detection of the emission gas sample at reduced pressure relative to the pressure of the as-sampled emission gas, the analyzer reduces the number of particle collisions within the emission gas sample over a certain period of time. Such collisional deactivation, and/or the addition of oxygen depleted gas such as nitrogen to the gas sample, reduces fluorescence quenching of the emission gas sample, improving accuracy of detection of mercury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventors: Dirk Appel, James H. Grassi, Dieter Kita, Jeffrey Socha
  • Publication number: 20060245973
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for monitoring total mercury within a gas sample in a substantially continuous manner and for calibrating for both elemental and oxidized mercury. A converter of the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) receives a gas sample containing vaporized mercury from a probe. The converter converts oxidized mercury present within the gas sample into an elemental mercury component and an oxidizing component using thermal cracking. The converter also reduces the pressure of the gas sample to minimize recombination of the elemental mercury component with the oxidizing components. A mercury analyzer of the system receives the reduced pressure gas sample from the converter and detects the fluorescence of the elemental mercury within the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, James Grassi, Jeffrey Socha, Dirk Appel
  • Publication number: 20060243096
    Abstract: An oxidized mercury converter utilizes a combination of heat, reduced pressure, and dilution when converting oxidized mercury in a gas sample into elemental mercury. The converter applies heat to a gas sample to thermally convert oxidized mercury within a gas sample into elemental mercury and an oxidizing component, and thereafter reduces the pressure of the gas sample to minimize combination of the elemental mercury with other oxidizing compounds present in the gas sample and/or with byproducts of the thermal conversion (e.g., the oxidizing components). The converter thus allows an accurate analysis of the total amount of mercury, both oxidized and elemental forms, present within a gas sample without the need to use consumable reagents in the mercury conversion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Publication date: November 2, 2006
    Inventors: Dieter Kita, James Grassi, Jeffrey Socha, Dirk Appel