Patents by Inventor Steve J. Wiersma

Steve J. Wiersma 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).

  • Apparatus and method for thermal membrane distillation
    Patent number: 4419187
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for improved thermal membrane distillation utilizes a composite membrane comprised of a microporous lyophobic layer having deposited thereon an essentially nonporous lyophilic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: International Power Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dah Y. Cheng, Steve J. Wiersma
  • Composite membrane for a membrane distillation system
    Patent number: 4419242
    Abstract: A composite membrane separates a distilland and a distillate, such as salt water and fresh water. The composite membrane comprises a thin lyophobic microporous layer or membrane and a thin lyophilic layer or membrane on both sides of the lyophobic membrane or on the distillate side. Evaporation and condensation takes place within the micropores of the lyophobic membrane. The lyophilic layer on the distilland side prevents intrusion of distilland into the pores of the lyophobic layer. The lyophilic layer on the distillate side changes the surface curvature of the liquid/vapor interface in a manner which enhances the distillation rate through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: International Power Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dah Y. Cheng, Steve J. Wiersma
  • Composite membrane for a membrane distillation system
    Patent number: 4316772
    Abstract: A composite membrane separates a distilland and a distillate, such as salt water and fresh water. The composite membrane comprises a thin lyophobic microporous layer or membrane and a thin lyophilic layer or membrane on both sides of the lyophobic membrane or on the distillate side. Evaporation and condensation takes place within the micropores of the lyophobic membrane. The lyophilic layer on the distilland side prevents intrusion of distilland into the pores of the lyophobic layer. The lyophilic layer on the distillate side changes the surface curvature of the liquid/vapor interface in a manner which enhances the distillation rate through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1982
    Inventors: Dah Y. Cheng, Steve J. Wiersma