Using Sonic Or Ultrasonic Energy Patents (Class 204/157.42)
  • Patent number: 11397138
    Abstract: A method for analyzing the structure of an insoluble pigment compound is disclosed. In some embodiments, a method comprise determining a molecular weight of the pigment compound, the insoluble pigment compound by ultrasonic treatment in a solvent to form partial structural compounds, analyzing the elemental composition and the structure of partial structural compounds by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, respectively and determining the structure of the insoluble pigment compound from the analysis of the partial structural compounds and the molecular weight of the insoluble pigment compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventors: Yeu Young Youn, Sooyoung Kwak, Young Hee Lim, Hye Sung Cho, Yeon Hwa Lee
  • Patent number: 11285704
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a product includes a composite film comprising a polymer layer directly adjacent a graphene layer. According to another embodiment, a process includes layering a graphene layer onto a polymer layer to form a composite film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.
    Inventors: Michael Stadermann, Patrick Campbell, Philip E. Miller, Chantel Aracne-Ruddle, Sung Ho Kim, Francisco J. Espinosa-Loza
  • Patent number: 10941437
    Abstract: A molecular manipulation system for investigating molecules, having a sample holder constructed to hold a sample comprising a plurality of molecules attached on one side to a surface in the sample holder and on another side attached to a microbead of a plurality of microbeads. The system having; an acoustic wave generator to generate an acoustic wave exerting a force on the microbeads in the sample; and a detector device to detect a response of the plurality of microbeads in the sample on the force exerted by the acoustic wave to investigate the molecules attached to the microbeads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: AFS TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Erwin Johannes Gerard Peterman, Gijs Jan Lodewijk Wuite, Gerrit Sitters, Douwe Kamsma
  • Patent number: 10882017
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for synthesis of condensed, nano-carbon materials to create nanoparticles. In one embodiment the system may have a source of liquid precursor, a flow control element and a shock wave generating subsystem. The flow control element is in communication with the source of the liquid precursor and creates a jet of liquid precursor. The shock wave generating subsystem drives a shock wave through at least a substantial portion of a thickness of the jet of liquid precursor to sufficiently compress the jet of liquid precursor, and to increase a pressure and a temperature of the jet of liquid precursor, to create solid state nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Mike Armstrong, Sorin Bastea
  • Patent number: 10468152
    Abstract: An optically transparent and electrically conductive film composed of metal nanowires or carbon nanotubes combined with pristine graphene with a metal nanowire-to-graphene or carbon nanotube-to-graphene weight ratio from 1/99 to 99/1, wherein the pristine graphene is single-crystalline and contains no oxygen and no hydrogen, and the film exhibits an optical transparence no less than 80% and sheet resistance no higher than 300 ohm/square. This film can be used as a transparent conductive electrode in an electro-optic device, such as a photovoltaic or solar cell, light-emitting diode, photo-detector, touch screen, electro-wetting display, liquid crystal display, plasma display, LED display, a TV screen, a computer screen, or a mobile phone screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Global Graphene Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Yi-jun Lin, Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
  • Patent number: 10427118
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing reactor configured for mixing of plant nutrients for greater absorption using cavitation. The reactor includes a venturi nozzle fluidly connected to a nozzle device having at least one annular shaped plate comprised of a plurality of apertures constructed and arranged to create cavitation. The nozzle device is fluidly coupled to a first ultrasonic reactor having a plurality of variable frequency ultrasonic transducers mounted within the first ultrasonic reactor for generating acoustic cavitation of the bulk mixed plant nutrients. The first ultrasonic transducer is fluidly connected to a second ultrasonic reactor having a plurality of variable frequency ultrasonic transducers mounted within the second ultrasonic reactor for generating acoustic cavitation of the bulk mixed plant nutrients. The second ultrasonic reactor discharge is fluidly coupled to a plate static mixer constructed and arranged to create hydrodynamic mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Brisben Water Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Naresh N. Mahamuni
  • Patent number: 10329164
    Abstract: A system for and method of cleaving a bond between a first atom and a second atom in a molecule of a material are presented. One embodiment of the technique includes selecting a first electromagnetic radiation frequency, the first electromagnetic radiation frequency including a product of a golden mean and a base frequency associated with at least one of the first atom and the second atom. Such an embodiment further includes directing a first electromagnetic radiation at the material, where the first electromagnetic radiation has a frequency equal to the first electromagnetic radiation frequency, and where the first electromagnetic radiation frequency is sufficient to cleave the bond between the first atom and the second atom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Gregory C. D. Young
  • Patent number: 10273159
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of producing a graphene from a graphite material. The method comprises the step of dispersing the graphite material in a solution, followed by shearing and exfoliating the graphite material produce a graphene-containing solution. The present method does not involve the use of chemical reagent and/or sonication treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: CHUNG YUAN CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Wei-Jen Liu, Pin-Chun Lin
  • Patent number: 9890263
    Abstract: A composition and a method are provided for graphene reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Graphene nanoplatelets comprising a suitable initial surface area are added to a solvent for producing PET. In some embodiments, the solvent comprises ethylene glycol. The solvent and graphene nanoplatelets are sonicated to disperse the nanoplatelets within the solvent. The solvent and graphene nanoplatelets are centrifuged to remove nanoplatelet agglomerates within the solvent. A supernatant solution of dispersed graphene nanoplatelets and solvent is decanted and then used for in-situ polymerization of the graphene reinforced PET comprising a continuous matrix of PET with a dispersed graphene reinforcement phase. The graphene reinforcements comprise a minimal number of layers of two-dimensional mono-atomic carbon sheets. In some embodiments, the number of layers ranges between 1 layer and 7 layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Niagara Bottling, LLC
    Inventors: Jay Clarke Hanan, Vahid Shabafrooz, Sudheer Bandla
  • Patent number: 9874739
    Abstract: This optical fiber scanner has an elongated optical fiber, a vibration transmission member which has a column-like shape and has a penetrating hole through which the optical fiber penetrates, and a piezoelectric element provided on an outer surface of the vibration transmission member, wherein the penetrating hole is a fitted hole which is formed from a proximal end of the vibration transmission member to a middle of the vibration transmission member and the optical fiber is fitted, and the penetrating hole is an accommodation hole which is formed from the middle to a distal end of the vibration transmission member, which has a large inner diameter than an outer diameter of the optical fiber, and which accommodates a distal end portion of the optical fiber with a gap between the optical fiber and the accommodation hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tsuruta, Yasuaki Kasai, Yoshiro Okazaki, Hirokazu Yokota, Kazutoshi Kumagai
  • Patent number: 9850596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to composites comprising rigid-rod polymers and graphene nanoparticles, processes for the preparation thereof, nanocomposite films and fibers comprising such composites and articles containing such nanocomposite films and fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: TJC Polymer Inc.
    Inventors: Thuy D. Dang, John D. Busbee
  • Patent number: 9731981
    Abstract: A rare earth adsorbent of an embodiment has a chelidonic acid monoamide group as a ligand, and contains a functional group represented by the following general formula (1): wherein: X is selected from hydrogen or an alkali metal; R1 is a bonding group with a simple polymer; and R2 is a functional group selected from hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, and an aryl group, and may be substituted by nitrogen or oxygen or contain a functional group containing the atoms in a side chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomohito Ide, Akiko Suzuki, Toshihiro Imada
  • Patent number: 9249026
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing graphene from a biomass-derived carbonaceous mesophase, which includes: soaking a base substance into an ethanol solution of a biomass-derived carbonaceous mesophase; after a certain period of time, taking out and drying the base substance, a layer of biomass-derived carbonaceous mesophase film being attached to the surface of the base substance; subjecting the base substance to a heat treatment under the protection of a hydrogen atmosphere, then a stacked graphene film was formed on the surface of the base substance; and further subjecting the base substance to ultrasonic dispersion in an alcohol solvent to separate the graphene film and the base substance, then a graphene alcohol was formed. The preparation process of the present invention is easy to implement. The raw material biomass-derived carbonaceous mesophase has abundant sources and is low in cost. The preparation process has low energy consumption, and is applicable to mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignees: Shanghai Jiaotong University, SHANGHAI SWITCHDIY DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Binyuan Zhao, Yuxiang Chen, Yijian Lai, Yuesheng Ning, Lei Wang, Jie Zhou, Tongxiang Fan
  • Patent number: 9236156
    Abstract: A preparing method of a reduced graphene oxide film, a reduced graphene oxide film prepared by the preparing method, a graphene electrode including the reduced graphene oxide film, an organic thin film transistor including the graphene electrode, and an antistatic film including the reduced graphene oxide film are provided. The method for preparing a reduced graphene oxide film comprises: coating a graphene oxide-dispersed solution on a substrate to form a graphene oxide thin film; and reducing the graphene oxide thin film using a chemical reduction method and a pressure-assisted thermal reduction method to form a reduced graphene oxide film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Sung Hyun Kim, Jyongsik Jang, Kyoung-Hwan Shin
  • Patent number: 9157157
    Abstract: A coupled electrochemical system for its use is disclosed, where a polyol feed, especially a biomass polyol containing feed is reduced in a reducing solution including HI and a metal ion capable of converting I2 to HI during polyol reduction to hydrocarbon or iodohydrocarbon products and where the metal ions are capable of electrochemical reduction so that the system can be run on a batch, semi-continuous or continuous basis. The system is capable of producing hydrocarbon solvent, fuels and lubricating oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: THE UNIVESITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventor: J. Michael Robinson
  • Publication number: 20150144480
    Abstract: An industrial microwave ultrasonic reactor has an inner wall liner. A microwave generation device is formed by microwave units distributed on an outer sidewall, or by a microwave pipe disposed outside the reactor and microwave units distributed on the microwave pipe. One end of the microwave pipe communicates with the bottom of the reactor via a connection pipe I, and the other end communicates with the top via a return pipe. A shield is disposed outside the microwave generation device to separate the microwave units from the outside, and a heat removal device is disposed outside the shield. An ultrasonic wave generation device is formed by 10 to 30 sets of ultrasonic pulse units disposed at intervals along the outer sidewall. Each set has 10 to 50 members distributed along the circumferential direction of the reactor. A stirring shaft is fixed below a stirring motor and extends into the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: EXPLOITER MOLYBDENUM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weigen Zhao, Longfei Zhao, Nian Li, Jiafu Fan
  • Publication number: 20150111974
    Abstract: A method for generating a hydrogen plasma field include a step for preparing ionized hydrogen water in which hydrogenated hydrogen with ion binding properties or ortho hydrogen molecules have been dissolved. The method also includes a step for irradiating the resulting solution with vacuum ultraviolet light. The vacuum ultraviolet light preferably includes waves with a wavelength of 193 nm. Applying this method for generating a hydrogen plasma field to an oil emulsification step enables an emulsified oil to be better refined and converted to atomized particles through exposure to sunlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Taneaki Oikawa
  • Patent number: 9011698
    Abstract: A method and devices comprise a low frequency high energy ultrasound system having at least one sonotrode projecting into a reactor vessel through which the liquid passes via at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. To avoid cavitation at the sonotrode, in a close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure/amplitude combination close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line is generated at which considerably reduced or no cavitation occurs and in the adjacent region in the vessel at least in a region and at least at times a pressure/amplitude combination is maintained below the pressure-amplitude characteristic line at which cavitation is generated. A device has an inlet orifice arranged such that the liquid impacts directly onto the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface, and is shaped that in the close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line prevails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Hielscher GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hielscher, Holger Hielscher, Thomas Hielscher
  • Patent number: 8986512
    Abstract: Provided in this invention is a process for producing chemically functionalized nano graphene materials, known as nano graphene platelets (NGPs), graphene nano sheets, or graphene nano ribbons. Subsequently, a polymer can be grafted to a functional group of the resulting functionalized graphene. In one preferred embodiment, the process comprises a step of mixing a starting nano graphene material having edges and two primary graphene surfaces, an azide or bi-radical compound, and an organic solvent in a reactor, and allowing a chemical reaction between the nano graphene material and the azide compound to proceed at a temperature for a length of time sufficient to produce the functionalized nano graphene material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
  • Patent number: 8986515
    Abstract: A combined production-functionalization process for producing a chemically functionalized nano graphene material from a pre-intercalated, oxidized, or halogenated graphite material, comprising: (A) Producing exfoliated graphite from the pre-intercalated, oxidized, or halogenated graphite material, wherein the graphite material is selected from the group consisting of natural graphite, artificial graphite, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, carbon nano-fiber, graphitic nano-fiber, meso-carbon micro-bead, graphitized coke, and combinations thereof; (B) Dispersing the exfoliated graphite and an azide or bi-radical compound in a liquid medium to form a suspension; (C) Subjecting the suspension to ultrasonication with ultrasonic waves of a desired intensity for a length of time sufficient to produce nano graphene platelets and to enable a chemical reaction to occur between the nano graphene platelets and the azide or bi-radical compound to produce the functionalized nano graphene mat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
  • Publication number: 20150057376
    Abstract: A method for generating hydrogen plasma includes a step for preparing a solution in which hydrogenated hydrogen with ion binding properties or ortho hydrogen molecules have been dissolved. The method also includes exposing the solution to ultrasonic waves or microwaves. Preferably, microbubbles are agitated by projecting ultrasonic waves or microwaves as solar energy, generating hydrogen plasma when the microbubbles burst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: TAANE CO.
    Inventor: Taneaki Oikawa
  • Publication number: 20150020329
    Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus includes a housing with an on-board reactive oxygen species generator which produces reactive oxygen species in situ from fluid stored within an on-board supply tank of the surface cleaning apparatus, and further delivers the generated reactive oxygen species to a cleaning pad attached to the housing of the surface cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Eric J. Hansen, Michael T. Dillane, Juan C. Flores-Escribano, Jeffrey A. Scholten
  • Patent number: 8877018
    Abstract: The present teachings describe a process for converting a HOGaPc Type I polymorph to the HOGaPc Type V polymorph. The process includes obtaining a slurry comprising hydroxy gallium phthalocyanine (HOGaPc) Type I polymorph. The slurry is mixed at a resonant frequency of the slurry by applying a low frequency acoustic field for a time sufficient to convert the HOGaPc Type I polymorph to the HOGaPc Type V polymorph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Sarah J. Robinson, Marko Saban, Yulin Wang, Sandra J. Gardner, Cuong Vong
  • Patent number: 8613789
    Abstract: A process for producing particle-reinforced composite materials through utilization of an in situ reaction to produce a uniform dispersion of a fine particulate reinforcement phase. The process includes forming a melt of a first material, and then introducing particles of a second material into the melt and subjecting the melt to high-intensity acoustic vibration. A chemical reaction initiates between the first and second materials to produce reaction products in the melt. The reaction products comprise a solid particulate phase, and the high-intensity acoustic vibration fragments and/or separates the reaction products into solid particles that are dispersed in the melt and are smaller than the particles of the second material. Also encompassed are particle-reinforced composite materials produced by such a process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Qingyou Han, Zhiwei Liu
  • Publication number: 20130264188
    Abstract: The present teachings describe a process for converting a HOGaPc Type I polymorph to the HOGaPc Type V polymorph. The process includes obtaining a slurry comprising hydroxy gallium phthalocyanine (HOGaPc) Type I polymorph. The slurry is mixed at a resonant frequency of the slurry by applying a low frequency acoustic field for a time sufficient to convert the HOGaPc Type I polymorph to the HOGaPc Type V polymorph.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sarah J. Robinson, Marko Saban, Yulin Wang, Sandra J. Gardner, Cuong Vong
  • Patent number: 8545682
    Abstract: An in-line cleaning and sanitation apparatus for cleaning a liquid, the apparatus including electronic oxidation means to increase the oxidation reduction potential of the liquid, and ionization means to produce ions having an algaecidal or bactericidal effect into the liquid, in that order together with ultrasonic cleaning means to introduce sound waves into the liquid, and wherein the ionization means, the ultrasonic cleaning means and the electronic oxidation means are operated simultaneously for a period to clean and sanitize the liquid in the absence of added salt, chlorine or other chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Enviro Swim Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Phillip Henry Jones, Gary Arthur Stutt
  • Publication number: 20130200313
    Abstract: Hybrid particles that comprise a coating surrounding a chalcopyrite material, the coating comprising a metal, a semiconductive material, or a polymer; a core comprising a chalcopyrite material and a shell comprising a functionalized chalcopyrite material, the shell enveloping the core; or a reaction product of a chalcopyrite material and at least one of a reagent, heat, and radiation. Methods of forming the hybrid particles are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: ROBERT V. FOX, RENE RODRIGUEZ, JOSHUA J. PAK, CHIVIN SUN
  • Publication number: 20130153406
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing metal oxide nanoparticles are provided. The method uses a bubble generation ultrasonic synthesis method. A gas is injected into a metal oxide preliminary composition solution to promote length growth of nanoparticles. After a basic chemical species solution is mixed with the metal oxide preliminary composition solution, ultrasonic waves are applied to form a reactant. The reactant is refined to manufacture metal oxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles may have excellent dispersibility and a uniform thin film may be formed by the nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jiyoung Oh, SangChul Lim, Chul Am Kim
  • Publication number: 20130102084
    Abstract: Methods of forming graphene by graphite exfoliation, wherein the methods include: providing a graphite sample having atomic layers of carbon; introducing a salt and a solvent into the space between the atomic layers; expanding the space between the atomic layers using organic molecules and ions from the solvent and the salt; and separating the atomic layers using a driving force to form one or more sheets of graphene; the graphene produced by the methods can be used to form solar cells, to perform DNA analysis, and for other electrical, optical and biological applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Univeristy
    Inventors: Kian Ping Loh, Junzhong b
  • Publication number: 20130005917
    Abstract: Provided in this invention is a process for producing chemically functionalized nano graphene materials, known as nano graphene platelets (NGPs), graphene nano sheets, or graphene nano ribbons. Subsequently, a polymer can be grafted to a functional group of the resulting functionalized graphene. In one preferred embodiment, the process comprises a step of mixing a starting nano graphene material having edges and two primary graphene surfaces, an azide or bi-radical compound, and an organic solvent in a reactor, and allowing a chemical reaction between the nano graphene material and the azide compound to proceed at a temperature for a length of time sufficient to produce the functionalized nano graphene material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
  • Publication number: 20130001068
    Abstract: A combined production-functionalization process for producing a chemically functionalized nano graphene material from a pre-intercalated, oxidized, or halogenated graphite material, comprising: (A) Producing exfoliated graphite from the pre-intercalated, oxidized, or halogenated graphite material, wherein the graphite material is selected from the group consisting of natural graphite, artificial graphite, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, carbon fiber, graphite fiber, carbon nano-fiber, graphitic nano-fiber, meso-carbon micro-bead, graphitized coke, and combinations thereof; (B) Dispersing the exfoliated graphite and an azide or bi-radical compound in a liquid medium to form a suspension; (C) Subjecting the suspension to ultrasonication with ultrasonic waves of a desired intensity for a length of time sufficient to produce nano graphene platelets and to enable a chemical reaction to occur between the nano graphene platelets and the azide or bi-radical compound to produce the functionalized nano graphene mat
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
  • Publication number: 20130004412
    Abstract: Provided herein are aqueous sonolysis methods involving mixing a precursor transition metal salt, with a Pd-water slurry and sonicating the resulting reaction mixture to synthesize the palladium-based transition metal oxides. Also provided herein are palladium-based transition metal oxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventor: Sivasankaran Sankaranarayana Iyer
  • Publication number: 20120294793
    Abstract: A method comprises: physically attaching one or more of metals, metal compounds or oxides to walls of carbon nanotubes; treating the metals, metal compounds or oxides to bond the metals, metal compounds, or oxides chemically to the carbon nanotubes; removing the metals, metal compounds or oxides from the walls of the carbon nanotubes resulting in defected carbon nanotubes; and unzipping the defected carbon nanotubes into graphene sheets or ribbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Weixing Chen, Xinwei Cui
  • Publication number: 20120282161
    Abstract: A process for the production of biocides possessing fungicidal and bactericidal properties is described wherein bentonite is activated with ions of sodium and the obtained intermediate product is intercalated by ions of metals of bactericidal action such as Ag+, Cu2+, Zn2+ by reaction in water solutions of inorganic salts of these metals, under the action of ultrasounds having a frequency of 20-50 Khz and intensity of 10-100 WT/cm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Ara Arshavirovich Abramyan, Mikhail Mefodievich Afanasyev, Viacheslav Ivanovich Beklemyshev, Konstantin Vitalievich Filippov, Igor Ivanovich Makhonin, Umberto Orazio Giuseppe Maugeri, Vladimir Aleksandrovich Solodovnikov
  • Patent number: 8303778
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating motion in a thin liquid film on a substrate, in particular in a capillary gap, in which at least one ultrasound wave is sent right through the substrate in the direction of the liquid film, and a device for carrying out the inventive method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Rathgeber, Matthias Wassermeier
  • Publication number: 20120269716
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing graphene, and more particularly to a method of preparing graphene sheets, which can prepare graphene sheets from a turbostratic graphitic structure such as carbon fiber in higher yield without using a strong oxidizing agent, and to graphene sheets prepared thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Il Kwon Oh, Vadahanambi Sridhar, Jin Han Jeon
  • Patent number: 8287699
    Abstract: Provided in this invention is a process for producing chemically functionalized nano graphene materials, known as nano graphene platelets (NGPs), graphene nano sheets, or graphene nano ribbons. Subsequently, a polymer can be grafted to a functional group of the resulting functionalized NGPs. In one preferred embodiment, the process comprises (A) dispersing a pristine graphite material and an azide or bi-radical compound in a liquid medium comprising to form a suspension; and (B) subjecting the suspension to direct ultrasonication with to ultrasonic waves of a desired intensity or power level for a length of time sufficient to produce nano graphene platelets and to enable a chemical reaction to occur between the nano graphene platelets and the azide or bi-radical compound to produce the functionalized nano graphene material. Concurrent production and functionalization of NGPs directly from pristine graphitic materials can be achieved in one step and in the same reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
  • Patent number: 8273302
    Abstract: A component separating device includes a flow channel, an acoustic wave generator for generating an acoustic wave in the flow channel, a first inlet channel for introducing a fist solution containing solid particles into the flow channel, a second inlet channel for introducing a second solution, and outlet channels for discharging a solution from the flow channel. A density grade generator is provided at the first inlet channel for forming a density grade of the solid particles. This component separating device extracts the solid particles into a high-purity solution at a high collecting rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Makoto Takahashi, Masaya Nakatani, Soichiro Hiraoka, Hiroshi Ushio, Akiyoshi Oshima
  • Publication number: 20120228556
    Abstract: Technologies are generally described for forming graphene and structures including graphene. In an example, a system effective to form graphene may include a source of carbon atoms and a reaction chamber configured in communication with the source of carbon atoms. The reaction chamber may include a first and second layer of a host material. The host material may include a crystalline compound with a layer structure with a layer spacing in a range from about 1.5 ? to about 33 ?. The reaction chamber may be adapted effective to move at least six carbon atoms from the source into the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber may be configured effective to move the at least six carbon atoms in between the first and the second layer. The reaction chamber may be adapted effective to react the carbon atoms under reaction conditions sufficient to form the graphene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: David Max Roundhill
  • Patent number: 8226801
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing pristine or non-oxidized nano graphene platelets (NGPs) that are highly conductive. The method comprises: (a) providing a pristine graphitic material comprising at least a graphite crystallite having at least a graphene plane and an edge surface; (b) dispersing multiple particles of the pristine graphitic material in a liquid medium containing therein no surfactant to produce a suspension, wherein the multiple particles in the liquid have a concentration greater than 0.1 mg/mL and the liquid medium is characterized by having a surface tension that enables wetting of the liquid on a graphene plane exhibiting a contact angle less than 90 degrees; and (c) exposing the suspension to direct ultrasonication at a sufficient energy or intensity level for a sufficient length of time to produce the NGPs. Pristine NGPs can be used as a conductive additive in transparent electrodes for solar cells or flat panel displays (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
  • Publication number: 20120130053
    Abstract: A method of synthesizing ligand-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is disclosed. The method comprises: a) providing an amine-modified silica particle; b) providing a solution comprising Au+3 ions; c) suspending the amine-modified silica particle in the solution comprising Au+3 ions; d) allowing the Au3+ ions to be adsorbed and/or immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified silica particle; e) exposing the Au3+ ions immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified silica particle to radiation to obtain bare gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) adsorbed and/or immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified silica particle, wherein the bare AuNPs are without organic surface modifications; and f) reacting a ligand with the bare AuNPs adsorbed and/or immobilized onto the surface of the amine-modified SiNP and thereby obtain ligand-conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: NATIONAL HEALTH RESEARCH INSTITUTES
    Inventors: CHIA-HUNG LEE, WEI-NENG LIAO, SHIH-HSUN CHENG, JEN-KUN CHEN, CHUNG-SHI YANG, LEU-WEI LO, YEU-KUANG HWU, FONG-SIAN LIN
  • Publication number: 20120103788
    Abstract: A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet and an outlet, (b) a throat having a first opening, a second opening and a central axis, wherein the first opening is connected to the outlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, (c) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20120100446
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage materials and methods of reversibly storing and generating hydrogen using sonication and hydrocarbon nanostructures are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
    Inventor: Boon Keng Teo
  • Publication number: 20120061231
    Abstract: A gas sensor element includes a solid electrolyte body having oxygen ion conductivity and electrode layers formed on both surfaces of the solid electrolyte body configuring a pair of electrodes. The gas sensor element detects concentration of a selected component included in a measured gas. In the gas sensor element, closed pores having an average pore diameter of 5 nm or more and 120 nm or less are dispersed in the electrode layers, porosity measured by cross-sectional observation of the electrode layers is 1% or more and 18% or less, and 90% or more of the closed pores is dispersed within metal grains forming the electrode layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyomi KOBAYASHI, Zhenzhou Su
  • Patent number: 8052848
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to chemical reactions and processes, and in particular to a method for enhancing the rate of a chemical reaction and to apparatus for carrying out the method. The invention more particularly relates to methods and apparatus which utilize microwave and ultrasonic energy to enhance chemical reaction rates; and in specific instances, the invention relates to methods, processes and apparatus for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels. The methods, processes and apparatus of the invention are useful for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels; and also useful for production of reaction products of esterification and/or transesterification reactions including fatty acid alkyl esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventor: Matthew M. Kropf
  • Publication number: 20110240459
    Abstract: An ultrasound system is disclosed that includes a tub, a reaction chamber, an ultrasound probe positioned within the reaction chamber, and a cooling jacket surrounding the tub for exchanging heat with the tub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Francisco Rivera Ferrer
  • Publication number: 20110226609
    Abstract: This system and method for producing nanomaterials allows for the production of relatively high concentrations of nanoparticles with a minimum of expense, time and energy. Ultrasonic waves, produced at a power of approximately 50 W with a frequency of 26.23 kHz, are projected on a material sample while, simultaneously, a fluid stream jet is projected on the material sample. The ultrasonic waves, in the presence of the fluid jet, create cavities that explode at the surface of the solid material, leading to creation of cracks in the material surface. With the increase in the number of cracks in the material, the solid material erodes. The eroded material, which is on the nanometer scale, is collected on a suitable substrate, such as silicon. This method allows for the preparation of nanoparticles from any solid material, in particular very hard materials, such as diamond, silicon carbide and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Soliman Mahmoud Soliman Abdalla, Fahad M.M. Al-Marzouki, Ali Mohamed Abdel-Daiem
  • Publication number: 20110206593
    Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. Target molecules include ammonia for waste reclamation and treatment, PCB remediation, and targeted drug delivery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Richard W. Fahs, II, Matthew D.W. Fahs
  • Patent number: 7998449
    Abstract: Methods of making nanoparticles are disclosed. The nanoparticles include carbon nanotubes and fullerenes, but the methods can be extended to produce other nanotubes, nanocrystals, proteins, nanospheres, etc. The disclosed methods generate cavitation in fluids to create the necessary conditions for nanoparticle formation. Disclosed methods for generating cavitation include explosions and oscillation of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Heiko Ackermann
  • Patent number: 7976684
    Abstract: An ultrasound system is disclosed that includes a tub, a reaction chamber, an ultrasound probe positioned within the reaction chamber, and a cooling jacket surrounding the tub for exchanging heat with the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Inventor: Francisco Rivera Ferrer