Electrostatic Field Or Electrical Discharge Patents (Class 204/164)
  • Patent number: 7198754
    Abstract: A biological material detection apparatus which detects a charged biological material such as a gene or protein contained in a sample liquid is disclosed. A biological material detection element includes a substrate, at least one first electrode formed on the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes which are arrayed at predetermined intervals around the first electrode on the substrate along the circumferential direction and to which ligands that react with predetermined biological materials are respectively immobilized. A sample liquid is introduced toward the first electrode on the substrate. The introduced sample liquid is moved radially toward the second electrodes by electrical control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Akihiro Kasahara, Yoshio Ishimori
  • Patent number: 7189578
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling flow motion in a channel/cavity in a microfluidic system includes positioning at least one pair of electrodes in and/or proximate to the channel/cavity. A buffer solution is placed in the channel/cavity, the buffer solution having at least one dielectric property that varies in response to changes in temperature of the solution. An AC/DC voltage is applied to the electrodes to generate an electric field in the channel/cavity; the AC voltage having a known magnitude and frequency and the DC voltage having a known magnitude. The magnitude of the AC/DC voltage is adjusted to cause Joule heating of the buffer solution in the channel/cavity. The geometry and position of the electrodes is adjusted to generate a temperature gradient in the buffer solution, thereby causing a non-uniform distribution of the dielectric property within the solution in the channel/cavity. The dielectric non-uniformity produces a body force and flow in the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jianjun Feng, Sivaramakrishnan Krishnamoorthy, Vinod Bhagwan Makhijani
  • Patent number: 7183114
    Abstract: A method to determine the concentration ratio of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide in the gaseous product of a fluidized bed reactor for producing titanium tetrachloride. The hot fluidized bed of the reactor is used as the source of infrared radiation which radiation is directed through the gaseous products in upper portion of the reactor through a window in the reactor to an infrared spectrometer. The concentration ratio can be used to control the temperature of the fluidized bed reactor by controlling the amount of cool titanium tetrachloride that is introduced into the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Tronox LLC
    Inventors: Donald Theodore Turnbaugh, Jr., Alan J. Morris, Johnny Balcom Perkins
  • Patent number: 7169250
    Abstract: Nanofibrous articles can be manufactured by a process that includes preparation of a surface of a substrate to provide an adhesion mechanism for securing the nanofibers to the surface. The nanofibers can be dispersed in an area near the substrate for the purpose of being adhered to the surface. If an ordered arrangement of nanofibers is required, an electric field can be provided in the area where the nanofibers are dispersed to selectively control an ordering of the nanofibers as they are adhered to the surface by the adhesion mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Kim, Bonnie J. Bachman, Stephen O. Bozzone
  • Patent number: 7163670
    Abstract: A membrane for hydrogen recovery from streams containing hydrogen sulfide is provided. The membrane comprises a substrate, a hydrogen permeable first membrane layer deposited on the substrate, and a second membrane layer deposited on the first layer. The second layer contains sulfides of transition metals and positioned on the on a feed side of the hydrogen sulfide stream. The present invention also includes a method for the direct decomposition of hydrogen sulfide to hydrogen and sulfur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: John Ackerman, legal representative, Pradeep K. Agarwal, deceased
  • Patent number: 7156959
    Abstract: A system and method for the removal of metals such as mercury from a gas stream. The method involves contacting a gas stream containing the target metals with reactive chemical species generated in a plasma device. The metal to be removed is chemically converted into forms enabling capture in either conventional particulate removal devices or in a wet scrubber for the capture of a soluble chemical species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Continental Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Herbst
  • Patent number: 7156958
    Abstract: A method of producing hollow carbon nanocapsules. First, an arc chamber including a graphitic cathode and a graphitic anode is provided and an inert gas is introduced into the arc chamber. Next, a voltage is applied across the cathode and the anode by a pulse current with the voltage sufficient to generate a carbon arc reaction between the cathode and the anode. Finally, deposit formed on the cathode is collected. The deposit includes a hollow carbon nanocapsule main product and a carbon nanotube byproduct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Iiidustrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Gan-Lin Hwang
  • Patent number: 7150859
    Abstract: A device for fabricating a high-density microarray for cDNA or protein having an arbitrary pattern comprises an electrospray part for electrostatically spraying solutions containing a plurality of kinds of biologically active samples one by one, a support part supporting sample chips on which samples in the solutions sprayed from the electrospray part are deposited, a mask part disposed between the electrospray part and the support part and having holes the number of which is the same as that of the sample chips so as to selectively deposit the samples simultaneously in the adequate positions corresponding to the sample chips, a moving part for fabricating microarrays at a time by relatively moving the sample chip support part and the mask part and depositing the samples on the sample chips. Therefore the device can fabricate a large number of inexpensive high-density microarrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignees: Riken, Fuence Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamagata, Kozo Inoue
  • Patent number: 7147821
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a gaseous medium containing contaminating particles, such as microorganisms, bacteria, or viruses. The inventive method consists of generating an accelerated electron flux; the electron flux interacting with the gaseous medium, whereby the particles are broken or destroyed by ionization as a result of the interaction and the gaseous medium is sterilized. The invention can be used to treat the atmospheres of refrigerated vessels in refrigerators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Rasar Holding N.V.
    Inventor: Henri Louis Drean
  • Patent number: 7147758
    Abstract: Methods for treating polymeric substrates by placing the substrate in a gaseous mixture and subjecting it to a dielectric barrier electrical discharge. The gaseous mixture, which has a pressure around atmospheric, contains a carrier gas, a reducing gas and an oxidizing gas. The amount of the oxidizing gas in the gas mixture is between about 50 ppm and about 2000 ppm by volume, while the amount of the reducing gas in the gas mixture is between about 50 ppm and 30000 ppm by volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignees: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A' Directolre et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude Et. l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, SOFTAL Electronic Erik Blumentfeld GmbH Co
    Inventors: Panayotis Cocolios, François Coeuret, Franck Forster, Jean-Louis Gelot, Bernd Martens, Eckhard Prinz, Géraldine Rames-Langlade, Alain Villermet
  • Patent number: 7132996
    Abstract: An RF driver circuit and an orthogonal antenna assembly/configuration, are disclosed as part of a method and system for generating high density plasma. The antenna assembly is an orthogonal antenna system that may be driven by any RF generator/circuitry with suitable impedance matching to present a low impedance. The disclosed RF driver circuit uses switching type amplifier elements and presents a low output impedance. The disclosed low-output impedance RF driver circuits eliminate the need for a matching circuit for interfacing with the inherent impedance variations associated with plasma. Also disclosed is the choice for capacitance or an inductance value to provide tuning for the RF plasma source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Plasma Control Systems LLC
    Inventors: John D. Evans, Patrick A. Pribyl
  • Patent number: 7128816
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is utilized for producing colloidal dispersions of nanoparticles of electrically conducting materials. The colloidal dispersions are produced in a dense media plasma reactor comprising at least one static electrode and at least one rotating electrode. The plasma reaction sputters off minute particles of the electrically conducting material from which the electrodes are made. Methods of using the colloidal dispersions thus made are also described. Colloidal dispersions of silver produced in this manner are highly effective for bactericidal purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ferencz S. Denes, Sorin O. Manolache, Noah Hershkowitz
  • Patent number: 7118728
    Abstract: A method for making ferrite powder may include providing ferrite feed materials in a form of particles having different sizes and irregular shapes, and exposing the ferrite feed materials to a plasma to provide a more spherical shape to irregularly shaped particles to thereby make the ferrite powder. An apparatus for making ferrite powder may include a feeder for ferrite feed materials and a plasma generator for exposing the ferrite feed materials to a plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Steward Advanced Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry G. Paris, Danny R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7118726
    Abstract: A method of making an oxide compound, comprising subjecting a base material to a source of heat that produces a localized temperature in the range of 2,000 to 5,500 degrees Celsius that vaporizes the base material which is drawn upward above the surface of the base material where it oxidizes, after which the resulting oxide compound is collected. A method of making bismuth trioxide, comprising providing an electric arc between electrodes, wherein elemental bismuth is in touching proximity to one of the electrodes. The bismuth is evaporated, drawn upward off the surface of the molten metal, forms the bismuth oxide on contact with oxygen, and the particles of bismuth oxide are collected. A method of making an oxide using an electric arc to evaporate a base material which then reacts with oxygen, and collecting the resulting oxides of base material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Clark Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Clark, Larry B. Hunnel
  • Patent number: 7112263
    Abstract: A pattern electrode having a predetermined pattern and a connecting electrode connected to the pattern electrode are formed on one surface of a single-polarized ferroelectric substance crystal. An electric field is applied across the ferroelectric substance crystal with corona charging or electron beam irradiation from the side of the other surface of the ferroelectric substance crystal. A polarization inversion region having a shape corresponding to the predetermined pattern is thus formed in the ferroelectric substance crystal. The electric field is applied in a state, in which an electrical insulating material is located on the other surface of the ferroelectric substance crystal and at a position corresponding to at least a position of a certain area of the connecting electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasukazu Nihei
  • Patent number: 7105079
    Abstract: High purity metal oxide products and byproduct hydrogen are manufactured by immersing sacrificial electrodes, formed of the metal moiety of the metal oxide product, in water and striking an electrical arc between the electrodes. The metal oxide product and hydrogen are formed at the electrical arc plasma zone between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Spheric Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C. Waldeck, Romuald Drlik
  • Patent number: 7098462
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for ionizing airborne particulates. The system includes an insulating substrate and a first electroplated structure on the insulating substrate. This first electroplated structure includes an anchor and a probe structure on the anchor that is separate from the insulating substrate. A second electroplated structure is included on the insulating substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Beelee Chua, Anthony S. Wexler, Norman C. Tien, Debbie A. Niemeier, Britt A. Holmén
  • Patent number: 7094322
    Abstract: A self-sustained atmospheric pressure system for absorbing or scattering electromagnetic waves using a capillary discharge electrode configuration plasma panel and a method for using the same. Of particular interest is the application of this system to vary the level of exposure or duration of an object to electromagnetic waves, or as a diffraction grating to separate multiple wavelength electromagnetic waves into its respective wavelength components. The generation of the non-thermal plasma is controlled by varying the supply of power to the plasma panel. When a substantially uniform plasma is generated the plasma panel absorbs substantially all of the incident electromagnetic waves thereby substantially prohibiting exposure of the object (disposed downstream of the plasma panel) to the electromagnetic waves. If the generated plasma is non-uniform the plasma panel reflects at least some of the electromagnetic waves incident on its surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Plasmasol Corporation Wall Township
    Inventors: Kurt M. Kovach, Seth Tropper, Richard Crowe, Edward J. Houston, George Korfiatis, Erich Kunhardt
  • Patent number: 7045099
    Abstract: In a treatment method of room air by air ionization, sensors such as air-quality sensors, an airflow sensor, an air humidity sensor, an ozone sensor, are provided. Parameters such as oxidizable air components, relative humidity, flow velocity, flow volume, ozone level, and intensity of oxygen ions are measured. The level of ionization power of the ionization apparatus is determined by an electronic control device based on the measured parameters. The ionization power is lowered, when a predetermined ozone value is detected, and, when the ozone level continues to increase after lowering the ionization power indicating an external ozone source, ozone decomposition is initiated by changing a time period of the applied periodic alternating voltage, supplied in the form of alternating pulses or packages of alternating pulses of a preset number or a combination of alternating pulses and packages of alternating pulses of a preset number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Lk Luftqualität AG
    Inventor: Werner Fleischer
  • Patent number: 7037468
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a non-thermal plasma or corona discharge generated at multiple points and distributed to decontaminate surfaces and objects contaminated with chemical or biological agents. The corona discharge can be generated using very short high voltage pulses. The pulsed corona discharge can be directed at a contaminated surface through the unbraided strands at an end of a dielectric covered conductor. Another pulsed discharge embodiment incorporates a primary coil surrounding a chamber having a void filled with a plurality of secondary coils. A silent corona discharge can be generated using a variety of different configurations of a dielectric coated electrode and a bare electrode. The silent discharge is produced at all intersections between the dielectric covered electrode and the bare electrode. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a blanket-like structure that is useful for decontaminating surfaces or decontaminating a fluid passing between spaced-apart bare electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: MesoSystems Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Hammerstrom, Joseph G. Birmingham, James S. Millar
  • Patent number: 7037484
    Abstract: Processes and systems for generating hydrogen gas from resonant cavities are disclosed. A preferred version includes separating a resonant cavity into two compartments with a dielectric type diaphragm, injecting gases such as ammonia into one compartment and generating electromagnetic energy from an antenna, microwave generator or waveguide into the other compartment so that a plasma discharge is formed in the cavity, and hydrogen gas can be selectively released from an outport of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 7011790
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially disinfecting biological fluid of a mammal, which comprises pathogens in addition to normal cellular fractions. The method includes placing the biological fluid in a reaction volume and contacting a non-thermal plasma with the biological fluid to thereby kill at least a portion of the pathogens within the biological fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Regents of The University of Minnesota
    Inventors: R. Roger Ruan, Hongbin Ma, Paul L. Chen, Shaobo Deng, Xiangyang Lin, Duane P.M. Oyen, Robert J. Bowman
  • Patent number: 6998027
    Abstract: A compact capacitively coupled electrode structure for use in a gas plasma reactor/generator is disclosed. The electrode structure comprises a parallel plate type anode and cathode spaced to define a gas flow path or volume therebetween. A plurality of electrically conductive fin elements are interposed in the space between the anode and cathode. The fin elements substantially increase the ratio of electrode surface area to volume, and subdivide the gas flow path or volume, thereby substantially increasing the efficiency of plasma gas processing that is possible over a broad range of operating parameters, without substantially increasing the spacing between the anode and cathode. Static or closed operation is also disclosed. Also disclosed is a multi-anode/multi-cathode electrode assembly embodying the basic electrode structure and a highly efficient and compact gas plasma reactor/generator employing the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: DryScrub, ETC
    Inventor: Kin-Chung Ray Chiu
  • Patent number: 6994830
    Abstract: In a non-thermal plasma reactor (300), at least a component of the active material (320) is selected or modified to provide the capability to adsorb or trap a predetermined chemical species in the gas flow thereby to increase the effective residence time of said species relative to the residence time of unadsorbed species in the gas flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Accentus plc
    Inventors: David Raybone, James Timothy Shawcross, Anthony Robert Martin, Suzanne Elizabeth Thomas
  • Patent number: 6991768
    Abstract: An odor removal system to neutralize odors and VOC emissions in commercial and/or industrial air streams utilizes Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) to create a range of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to cause the oxidation and/or reduction of odor causing molecules and VOC's. The ROS is generated by drawing atmospheric and/or odorous air through a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Generation Cell (DBDPGC). The gas is activated by passing it through the non-thermal plasma field in the DBDPGC, producing the ROS that are then immediately mixed into the odorous gas to be treated. If the odorous gas is passing through the NTP field, it is inherently mixed. When large volumes of gas, and/or extremely high odor loads in large gas volumes must be treated, multiple units can be combined in parallel. The DBDPGC has hermetically sealed hot electrodes and may be used in other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: IONO2X Engineering L.L.C.
    Inventors: Allan D. Keras, Douglas P. Lanz
  • Patent number: 6991906
    Abstract: To measure or exert optically-induced forces on at least one particle in the focus of an optical cage, the following steps are taken: a) the focus is positioned in a microelectrode arrangement with a three-dimensional electrical field that has a field gradient which forms an electrical capture area, and the focus is at a distance from the capture are and b) the amplitude of the electrical field, the light power of the light beam forming the optical cage, and/or the distance of the capture area from the focus are varied to detect which varied field property moves the particle from the focus to the capture area or vice versa, or at least to temporarily move the particle into the capture area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Evotec Biosystems AG
    Inventors: GĂĽnter Fuhr, Thomas Schnelle, Torsten MĂĽller, Hermine Hitzler, Karl-Otto Greulich, Shamoi Monajembashi
  • Patent number: 6974561
    Abstract: The present invention includes an improved electrostatic device for energizing fluids, in particular water based fluids, which will be used to provide a benefit to living organisms, machinery, processes and substances. The improved device of the invention will include an electrostatic voltage spike signal generator, two or more radio frequency signal generators, one or more antennas, optional one or more signal boosters and a fluid conduit. When fluid is treated with the improved device of the invention, the fluid will become energized and can be used to provide significant benefits in applications such as milk production, flower production, fruit production, crop production, vegetable production, shrimp production, egg production, meat production, gasoline combustion, waste fluid combustion, scale removal, water purification, fluid tracking, fluid sterilization and more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Howard Thomason
  • Patent number: 6972118
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the industrial production of a new form of hydrogen, oxygen and other gases. The invention includes a pressure resistant piping system filled with a gas compressed to a desired pressure. A magnetic field within the piping system is generated using electric power. The gas is circulated through the electric arc causing the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hadronic Press, Inc.
    Inventor: Ruggero Maria Santilli
  • Patent number: 6958134
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulates from the air creates an airflow using no moving parts. The conditioner includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrodes, a second array of collector electrodes, and a high voltage generator. Preferably, a third or leading or focus electrode is located upstream of the first array of emitter electrodes, and/or a trailing electrode is located downstream of the second array of collector electrodes. The device can also include an interstitial electrode located between collector electrodes, an enhanced collector electrode with an integrally formed trailing end, and an enhanced emitter electrode with an enhanced length in order to increase emissivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Jim L Lee
  • Patent number: 6955745
    Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of spark processing silicon and resulting materials. The subject invention also relates to electroluminescent devices incorporating the materials produced by the subject method. The subject method for spark-processing can enhance the EL output, as compared with conventional spark-processed (sp) silicon. The enhancement of EL output can be due, at least in part, to increasing the light emitting area. The subject method can smooth the sp surface, so as to allow more complete coverage of the sp area with a continuous, semitransparent, conducting film. The smoothening of the sp surface can be accomplished by, for example, introducing into the spark plasma a volatile liquid, such as methanol, ethanol, acetone, in which particles can be suspended and/or in which a heavy ion salt is dissolved. The particles preferably float in the volatile liquid, rather than settle quickly. In a specific embodiment, silicon particles in the range of about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Nigel D. Shepherd, Rolf E. Hummel
  • Patent number: 6955794
    Abstract: A plasma reactor including a first dielectric having at least one slot defined therethrough, and a segmented electrode including a plurality of electrode segments, each electrode segment is disposed proximate an associated slot. Each electrode segment may be formed in different shapes, for example, a plate, bar, rim, or plug. The electrode segment may be hollow, solid, or made from a porous material. The reactor may include a second electrode and dielectric with the first and second dielectrics separated by a predetermined distance to form a channel therebetween into which the plasma exiting from the slots defined in the first dielectric is discharged. The fluid to be treated is passed through the channel and exposed to the plasma discharge. If the electrode segment is hollow or made of a porous material, then the fluid/gas to be treated may be fed into the slots defined in the first dielectric and exposed therein to the maximum plasma density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Plasmasol Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Houston, Jr., Kurt Kovach, Richard Crowe, Seth Tropper, Michael Epstein
  • Patent number: 6926872
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for processing crude oil, or oil-base or water-base liquid waste into a clean burning combustible gas via a submerged electric arc between at least one pair of consumable electrodes, which have a geometry permitting the operation for at least one month prior to their replacement, are completely contained inside a pressurized vessel, and have copper holders that are placed at a minimal possible mutual distance so as to minimize the power loss in the propagation of electricity through the electrodes, while having the other dimensions essentially unrestricted to maximize life. The invention is complemented with three optional recirculating flows substantially through the electric arc: i) a flow of the produced combustible gas; ii) a flow of the liquid feedstock; and iii) a flow of a liquid additive rich in a substance missing in the liquid feedstock for the production of the combustible gas with desired features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Hadronic Press, Inc.
    Inventor: Rugerro Maria Santilli
  • Patent number: 6923890
    Abstract: A method for activating chemical reactions using a non-thermal capillary discharge plasma (NT-CDP) unit or a non-thermal slot discharge plasma (NT-SDP) unit (collectively referred to as “NT-CDP/SDP”). The NT-CDP/SDP unit includes a first electrode disposed between two dielectric layers, wherein the first electrode and dielectric layers having at least one opening (e.g., capillary or a slot) defined therethrough. A dielectric sleeve inserted into the opening, and at least one second electrode (e.g., in the shape of a pin, ring, metal wire, or tapered metal blade) is disposed in fluid communication with an associated opening. A non-thermal plasma discharge is emitted from the opening when a voltage differential is applied between the first and second electrodes. Chemical feedstock to be treated is then exposed to the non-thermal plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: PlasmaSol Corporation
    Inventors: Pascal J. Ricatto, Edward J. Houston, Richard Crowe
  • Patent number: 6921462
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing aligned carbon nanotube thermal interface structures using batch and continuous manufacturing processes. In a batch process a capacitor is immersed in a bath containing a slurry of thermoplastic polymer containing randomly oriented carbon nanotubes and energized to create an electrical field to orient the carbon nanotubes prior to curing. In a continuous process, slurry carried by a conveyor receives the nanotube aligning electric field from capacitors positioned on both sides of the conveyor bearing the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen W. Montgomery, Tomm V. Aldridge
  • Patent number: 6906280
    Abstract: A fast pulsed nonthermal plasma reactor includes a discharge cell and a charging assembly electrically connected thereto. The charging assembly provides plural high voltage pulses to the discharge cell. Each pulse has a rise time between one and ten nanoseconds and a duration of three to twenty nanoseconds. The pulses create nonthermal plasma discharge within the discharge cell. Accordingly, the nonthermal plasma discharge can be used to remove pollutants from gases or break the gases into smaller molecules so that they can be more efficiently combusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Louis A. Rosocha
  • Patent number: 6905577
    Abstract: The present invention relates to both a method and a device for removing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from gaseous streams in conduits, chimneys and/or exhaust ducts. The method is especially useful in eliminating a large variety of pollutants, and especially organic odorous pollutants such as mercaptans and sulfurous compounds. The method is based on the principle of direct oxidation of the pollutants by ozone and the conversion of these pollutants into non-harmful products, and comprises the steps of: a) providing an electrical corona discharge reactor capable of producing ozone; b) supplying an electric current to the corona discharge reactor; and c) causing the gaseous effluents to flow through the reactor. With this method, the volatile organic compounds contained in the gaseous effluents are oxidised by the ozone produced by the corona discharge reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Ozomax Inc.
    Inventor: Amir Salama
  • Patent number: 6899854
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus useable with colorant and media includes a colorant applicator at which colorant is provided, and a nanotube assembly that emits electron beams to selectively charge the colorant on the colorant applicator, such that one of the charged and uncharged colorant is electrically attractable to the media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Brother International Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Darty
  • Patent number: 6896790
    Abstract: An apparatus for oxidatively destructing a trace injurious substance includes a structure with anodes, each integrally provided with an electrically conductive oxide on their surface and made of a metal. A partition made of a porous ceramic or resin is provided between the anodes and surrounded by cathodes made of a metal plate having inner walls on both sides to which a noble metal is fused, such that at least two chambers with spaces are formed in a plane symmetrical arrangement to provide an apparatus for oxidatively destructing a trace injurious substance contained in polluted water. The apparatus has a rectangular wave discharging device for applying an electric field to the spaces, such that polluted water flows through the inner space of one of the chambers and is subjected to the irradiation of an electric field, and the supernatant thereafter flows through the inner space of the other chamber and is subjected to the irradiation of an electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Japan Science & Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Maekawa, Chuanping Feng
  • Patent number: 6896785
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process and apparatus for carrying out plasma electrolytic oxidation of metals and alloys, forming ceramic coatings on surfaces thereof at a rate of 2-10 microns per minute. The process comprises the use of high-frequency current pulses of a certain form and having a given frequency range, combined with the generation of acoustic vibrations in a sonic frequency range in the electrolyte, the frequency ranges of the current pulses and the acoustic vibrations being overlapping. The process makes it possible to introduce ultra-disperse powders into the electrolyte, with the acoustic vibrations helping to form a stable hydrosol, and to create coatings with set properties. The process makes it possible to produce dense hard microcrystalline ceramic coatings of thickness up to 150 microns. The coatings are characterised by reduced specific thickness of an external porous layer (less than 14% of the total coating thickness) and low roughness of the oxidised surface, Ra 0.6-2.1 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Isle Coat Limited
    Inventors: Alexander Sergeevich Shatrov, Victor Iosifovich Samsonov
  • Patent number: 6888041
    Abstract: A decomposition apparatus is provided that includes an excimer lamp emitting UV light for decomposing an organic compound and a decomposition container provided with the excimer lamp for decomposing the organic compound in a liquid or a gas. In the decomposition apparatus, since the UV light irradiated from the excimer lamp is emitted to the liquid or the gas, the organic compound in the liquid or the gas can be decomposed easily by the simple decomposition apparatus and method. The decomposition apparatus and method are effective to decompose the organic compound, such as dioxin (polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxin), PCB (polychiorinated biphenyl), trichloroethylene or the like, polluting the air or water to purify the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignees: Quark Systems Co., Ltd., M. Watanabe & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6884326
    Abstract: A method of producing a synthesis gas by a reforming reaction of an organic compound with a reforming agent, in which the reforming reaction is performed using nonthermal plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Shigeru Futamura, Hajime Kabashima, Hisahiro Einaga
  • Patent number: 6884405
    Abstract: A fullerene/nanotubes mixture is produced during a periodical pulsed auto-regulated action of the electric current arc-discharge in the multi-component hydrocarbon medium with limited fullerenes' solubility, besides, the action is continued until the medium dissolves C60. Higher fullerenes absorbed by the ultra-thin graphite particles are separated from C60 dissolved in the liquid medium by sedimentation, whereas the carbon nanotubes are separated from the ultra-thin graphite particles by treating with a boiling concentrated HN03 acid and by low speed centrifuging/acid mixture until the black sediment of the ultra-thin graphite particles is precipitated to the bottom. The periodically pulsed auto-regulated regime of the electric-current arc-discharge is performed by contact breaking an electric circuit due to lifting spherical contactors by gaseous products released during the action and by switching the circuit due to the contacts' going down under action of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Rosseter Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Vladislav Andreevitch Ryzhkov
  • Patent number: 6881315
    Abstract: A fractionating apparatus is used for fractionating sample into micro-structures different in size, and includes a fractionating unit formed with a fractionating passage; the fractionating passage is defined in a groove formed in a substrate of the fractionating unit, and pillar patches are formed in the groove at intervals wider than the gap among the pillar patches; while the sample is migrated through the fractionating passage, small-sized DNA molecules are trapped in the pillar patches, and large-sized DNA molecules are smoothly migrated through the wide intervals; this results in that the large-sized DNA molecules reaches the end of the fractionating passage faster than the small-sized DNA molecules without clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Iida, Hisao Kawaura, Masakazu Baba, Toshitsugu Sakamoto, Toru Sano, Noriyuki Iguchi
  • Patent number: 6873515
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of removing electrostatic charges from a clean room with a laminar flow apparatus. The laminar flow apparatus is disposed on a ceiling of the clean room. An ion generator at a first height and a transportation system at a second height are disposed in the laminar flow. An output tip of an emitter of the ion generator faces toward the ceiling to enlarge a divergent angle between positive and negative ions, effectively removing the electrostatic charges from the clean room and from a carrier in the transportation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Kuang-Yeh Chang
  • Patent number: 6863783
    Abstract: Methods of forming electrostatically charged gelatin are provided. Gelatin is extracted by an acid extraction method (12) thereby producing a gelatin dispersion (14), the pH of which is adjusted to the isoelectric point of the gelatin. The pH of the gelatin dispersion (14) is then further adjusted (22) so as to cause the gelatin to assume an electrostatic charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Meow Mix Company
    Inventors: Charles Lin, Jay Dahlgren, Scott Morris, Richard Thompson
  • Patent number: 6860972
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for detecting the location of an interface between phases. In one embodiment, the process comprises: introducing a reaction mixture into a vessel wherein the reaction mixture is the product of an at least two phase interfacial reaction, and a difference in densities between at least two of the phases is less than or equal to about 1 g/cc, separating the reaction mixture into the phases with an interface located therebetween, measuring electrical inductance of the reaction mixture at different latitudinal locations; and determining the location of the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Karithik Balakrishnan, Danny L. McNeil, Martin Herke Oyevaar, Claude Tinney, Cornelis Adrianus Maria van Gool, Anthony Warren, Xiaolin Wu, Mingjie Zhu
  • Patent number: 6861036
    Abstract: An improved method for charging ultrafine particles in coronas (e.g., unipolar or bipolar corona discharges) by exposing the particles to X-ray irradiation. Experimental tests have verified that positive corona in the presence of X-ray irradiation results in maximum or optimum charging efficiency, followed by a negative corona in the presence of X-ray irradiation, X-ray radiation only (without corona), negative corona only (without X-ray irradiation), and finally positive corona only (without X-ray irradiation). This method and system is particularly well suited for use with bioaerosol particles wherein exposure to the corona discharge and X-ray irradiation serves to both capture and inactivate the bioaerosol particles using a single device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Washington University in St. Louis
    Inventors: Pratim Biswas, Norikazu Namiki, Pramod Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 6858196
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for synthesis and collection of higher order chemical compounds from lower order precursors. The apparatus includes a first silent electric discharge reactor configured to synthesize an intermediate product (e.g., disilane) from a precursor chemical (e.g., monosilane). A second silent electric discharge reactor is connected downstream of the first reactor. This second reactor is configured to convert the intermediate product into the higher order chemical compound (e.g., trisilane). Multiple condensation traps are also connected to receive effluent from the second reactor, which will generally include the compound of interest as well as unreacted precursor and intermediate product. In the illustrated embodiment, a parallel second condensation traps is also included to shunt flow and continue collection while the chemical of interest is removed for purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: ASM America, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Todd
  • Patent number: 6852200
    Abstract: A gas treatment system and method for using the same is disclosed. The gas treatment system, comprises: a non-thermal plasma reactor; and a catalyst composition disposed within said non-thermal plasma reactor, said catalyst composition comprising a MZr4(PO4)6, wherein M is a metal selected from the group consisting of platinum, palladium, ruthenium, silver, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and combinations comprising at least one of said foregoing metals. The process comprises exposing said gas to a plasma field and to the catalyst composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. LaBarge, Mark Hemingway, Joachim Kupe, Haskell Simpkins
  • Publication number: 20040262146
    Abstract: A sterilization system applies power in the form of bipolar pulsed DC to a plasma during a gas/plasma sterilization procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Robert C. Platt, Anthony Lemus, Alfredo M. Choperena