Patents by Inventor Shaojun Zhou

Shaojun Zhou 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: 20240074990
    Abstract: The present invention relates to application of gossypol and its optical isomers to preparation of an anti-Coronavirus drug. Specifically disclosed is application of pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, isotopes, stereoisomers, stereoisomer mixtures, and tautomers of the gossypol and its optical isomers to preparation of a drug for preventing and/or treating a disease caused by a Coronavirus. The Coronavirus is MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, or SARS-CoV-2. It is found in the present invention for the first time that the gossypol and its optical isomers can inhibit the activity of Coronavirus 3CL proteases to achieve an anti-Coronavirus effect. The half maximal inhibitory concentrations of gossypol and (?)-gossypol to SARS-CoV proteases and SARS-CoV-2 3CL proteases are all lower than 10 ?M. The anti-Coronavirus 3CL protease effect is good. Therefore, the gossypol and its optical isomers have the potential for use in the preparation of a drug for preventing and/or treating novel Coronavirus infections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Xiaolin XIE, Dezhu ZHANG, Zhao MA, Boyang LI, Xuhua ZHOU, Lei TIAN, Chengyuan LIANG, Taotao QIANG, Jingyi LI, Liang XIN, Shaojun ZHANG, Kangxiong WU, Xiuding YANG, Sundian LIU, Yuting LIU
  • Patent number: 11452970
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to use calcium cobalt zirconium perovskites as oxygen-selective sorbents for the separation of oxygen from a gas mixture such as air. Systems and high temperature oxygen detectors are also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the perovskite is configured as a membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: Qinghe Zheng, Marty Lail, Shaojun Zhou
  • Patent number: 11413572
    Abstract: A method with corresponding systems for reducing emission of amines to the atmosphere. The method includes a a) introducing a gas containing CO2 into an absorber; b) flowing the flue gas through an absorber having an absorbent with a water-lean solution having less than 50% water and one or more amines, with the absorbent capturing the CO2 and forming a reduced CO2 content gas having a baseline CO2 content; and c) washing the reduced CO2 content gas in a wash column with a wash solution comprising carbonic acid formed by addition of gaseous CO2 into the wash solution. In this method, the washing removes the amines from the reduced CO2 content gas and produces a reduced amine content gas exiting from the wash column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Research Triangle Institute
    Inventors: Aravind V. Rayer Rabindran, Vijay Gupta, Paul D. Mobley, Jak Tanthana, Shaojun Zhou, Finn Andrew Tobiesen, Thor Mejdell, Andreas Grimstvedt, Geir Haugen
  • Publication number: 20200398216
    Abstract: A method with corresponding systems for reducing emission of amines to the atmosphere. The method includes a a) introducing a gas containing CO2 into an absorber; b) flowing the flue gas through an absorber having an absorbent with a water-lean solution having less than 50% water and one or more amines, with the absorbent capturing the CO2 and forming a reduced CO2 content gas having a baseline CO2 content; and c) washing the reduced CO2 content gas in a wash column with a wash solution comprising carbonic acid formed by addition of gaseous CO2 into the wash solution. In this method, the washing removes the amines from the reduced CO2 content gas and produces a reduced amine content gas exiting from the wash column.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: ARAVIND V. RAYER RABINDRAN, Vijay Gupta, Paul D. Mobley, Jak Tanthana, Shaojun Zhou, Finn Andrew Tobiesen, Thor Mejdell, Andreas Grimstvedt, Geir Haugen
  • Publication number: 20200276536
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods to use calcium cobalt zirconium perovskites as oxygen-selective sorbents for the separation of oxygen from a gas mixture such as air. Systems and high temperature oxygen detectors are also provided. In a preferred embodiment, the perovskite is configured as a membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Inventors: Qinghe Zheng, Marty Lail, Shaojun Zhou
  • Patent number: 9975079
    Abstract: A multi-stage process for recovering acid gas from natural gas having high acid gas contents utilizes two or more membrane absorption contactors arranged in series. The first membrane absorption contactor uses a physical solvent to remove a high volume of acid gas transferred across a membrane, and to reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to a lower level that can be managed using chemical solvents. The second and, if needed, subsequent membrane absorption contactors can use a chemical solvent to remove acid gas transferred across the respective membranes and reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to very low levels, if needed, depending on product specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Shaojun Zhou, Howard S. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9901846
    Abstract: A process for removing carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide-loaded solvent uses two stages of flash apparatus. Carbon dioxide is flashed from the solvent at a higher temperature and pressure in the first stage, and a lower temperature and pressure in the second stage, and is fed to a multi-stage compression train for high pressure liquefaction. Because some of the carbon dioxide fed to the compression train is already under pressure, less energy is required to further compress the carbon dioxide to a liquid state, compared to conventional processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Shaojun Zhou, Howard S. Meyer, Shiguang Li
  • Publication number: 20170225116
    Abstract: A multi-stage process for recovering acid gas from natural gas having high acid gas contents utilizes two or more membrane absorption contactors arranged in series. The first membrane absorption contactor uses a physical solvent to remove a high volume of acid gas transferred across a membrane, and to reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to a lower level that can be managed using chemical solvents. The second and, if needed, subsequent membrane absorption contactors can use a chemical solvent to remove acid gas transferred across the respective membranes and reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to very low levels, if needed, depending on product specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Shaojun ZHOU, Howard S. MEYER
  • Patent number: 9631154
    Abstract: A multi-stage process for recovering acid gas from natural gas having high acid gas contents utilizes two or more membrane absorption contactors arranged in series. The first membrane absorption contactor uses a physical solvent to remove a high volume of acid gas transferred across a membrane, and to reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to a lower level that can be managed using chemical solvents. The second and, if needed, subsequent membrane absorption contactors can use a chemical solvent to remove acid gas transferred across the respective membranes and reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to very low levels, if needed, depending on product specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Shaojun Zhou, Howard S. Meyer
  • Patent number: 9487469
    Abstract: A method for separating the components of a mixture containing methyl methacrylate, water, and methanol in which the mixture is dehydrated in a first stage membrane unit, producing a dehydrated mixture. Methanol in the dehydrated mixture is removed in a second stage membrane unit, producing a retentate stream containing methyl methacrylate and substantially no said methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignees: Gas Technology Institute, The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Shiguang Li, Shaojun Zhou, Miao Yu
  • Publication number: 20160144295
    Abstract: A process for removing carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide-loaded solvent uses two stages of flash apparatus. Carbon dioxide is flashed from the solvent at a higher temperature and pressure in the first stage, and a lower temperature and pressure in the second stage, and is fed to a multi-stage compression train for high pressure liquefaction. Because some of the carbon dioxide fed to the compression train is already under pressure, less energy is required to further compress the carbon dioxide to a liquid state, compared to conventional processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Applicant: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: SHAOJUN ZHOU, Howard S. Meyer, Shiguang Ll
  • Publication number: 20160096732
    Abstract: A highly cost-efficient method and process for producing oxygen from a gaseous mixture such as air results in substantial energy savings compared to conventional methods. The gaseous mixture is fed to a membrane absorber in which oxygen from the gas is absorbed, through a first membrane by an oxygen-absorbing liquid that possesses suitable absorption and desorption properties. The resulting oxygen-rich carrier liquid is fed to a membrane desorber in which oxygen from the liquid is desorbed through a second membrane, suitably with the aid of a vacuum. The oxygen product suitably has greater than 95% purity, or greater than 99% purity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Shiguang LI, Shaojun Zhou, Howard S. Meyer, Miao Yu
  • Patent number: 9249934
    Abstract: Adsorbent pellets coated with an outer nano-porous layer can be loaded with gas at loading pressures of 250 bar or greater, enabling a much higher loading than can be achieved at low pressures. The nano-porous layer provides nano-valves which can be sealed with an adsorbate such as ethanol or a hydrocarbon to close the nano-valves. The closed nano-valves maintain the high loading pressure inside the adsorbent pellets, and thus maintain the gas loading, during storage of the loaded nano-valved adsorbent pellets at much lower pressure. To release the gas, the nano-porous layer can be heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the adsorbate and open the nano-valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignees: Gas Technology Institute, University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc., University of South Carolina
    Inventors: Shiguang Li, Shaojun Zhou, Howard S. Meyer, Miao Yu, Moises A. Carreon
  • Patent number: 9227889
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment can be a process for sweetening natural gas to liquefied natural gas specifications. The process can include providing a membrane contactor having a lumen side and a shell side. A feed natural gas is introduced to the lumen side of the membrane contactor. An absorption solvent is introduced to the shell side of the membrane contactor. CO2 and H2S are removed with the absorption solvent from the feed natural gas resulting in a sweetened natural gas containing less than 50 ppmv CO2 and less than 4 ppmv H2S. Corresponding or associated systems for such sweetening of natural gas are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Shaojun Zhou, Howard S. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20150328583
    Abstract: A multi-stage process for recovering acid gas from natural gas having high acid gas contents utilizes two or more membrane absorption contactors arranged in series. The first membrane absorption contactor uses a physical solvent to remove a high volume of acid gas transferred across a membrane, and to reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to a lower level that can be managed using chemical solvents. The second and, if needed, subsequent membrane absorption contactors can use a chemical solvent to remove acid gas transferred across the respective membranes and reduce the acid gas content in the natural gas to very low levels, if needed, depending on product specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Shaojun ZHOU, Howard S. MEYER
  • Publication number: 20150308623
    Abstract: Adsorbent pellets coated with an outer nano-porous layer can be loaded with gas at loading pressures of 250 bar or greater, enabling a much higher loading than can be achieved at low pressures. The nano-porous layer provides nano-valves which can be sealed with an adsorbate such as ethanol or a hydrocarbon to close the nano-valves. The closed nano-valves maintain the high loading pressure inside the adsorbent pellets, and thus maintain the gas loading, during storage of the loaded nano-valved adsorbent pellets at much lower pressure. To release the gas, the nano-porous layer can be heated to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the adsorbate and open the nano-valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: SHIGUANG LI, Shaojun Zhou, Howard S. Meyer, Miao Yu, Moises A. Carreon
  • Patent number: 9072987
    Abstract: A method for desorption of one or more gases from a liquid stream in which a liquid stream containing at least one gas is provided to the feed side of a porous membrane and a trans-membrane pressure drop from the feed side to the opposite gas side of the membrane is created, resulting in a portion of the liquid stream filling at least a portion of the pores of the porous membrane and desorption of at least a portion of the at least one gas from the liquid stream to the gas side of the porous membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Shiguang Li, Dennis Rocha, Shaojun Zhou, Howard Meyer, Benjamin Bikson, Yong Ding
  • Patent number: 9005345
    Abstract: An apparatus for gas separation a composite gas separation membrane having a gas separation layer disposed on a surface of a porous support. The gas separation layer has a plurality of gas permeable inorganic nano-particles embedded in a dense polymer forming substantially only discrete gas transport channels through the dense polymer layer, wherein direct fluid communication is provided from a feed side of the composite gas separator membrane to the porous support. Preferably, the inorganic nano-particles are porous molecular sieve particles, such as SAPO-34, ALPO-18, and Zeolite Y nano-particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Gas Technology Limited
    Inventors: Shiguang Li, Shaojun Zhou, Miao Yu, Moises A Carreon
  • Publication number: 20150045579
    Abstract: A method for separating the components of a mixture containing methyl methacrylate, water, and methanol in which the mixture is dehydrated in a first stage membrane unit, producing a dehydrated mixture. Methanol in the dehydrated mixture is removed in a second stage membrane unit, producing a retentate stream containing methyl methacrylate and substantially no said methanol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Shiguang LI, Shaojun ZHOU, Miao YU
  • Publication number: 20140309471
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment can be a process for sweetening natural gas to liquefied natural gas specifications. The process can include providing a membrane contactor having a lumen side and a shell side. A feed natural gas is introduced to the lumen side of the membrane contactor. An absorption solvent is introduced to the shell side of the membrane contactor. CO2 and H2S are removed with the absorption solvent from the feed natural gas resulting in a sweetened natural gas containing less than 50 ppmv CO2 and less than 4 ppmv H2S. Corresponding or associated systems for such sweetening of natural gas are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Shaojun ZHOU, Howard S. Meyer