Nitrogen Oxides Patents (Class 204/179)
  • Patent number: 9914669
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a liquid treatment system comprising a fluid input channel and a plasmatron coupled to the fluid input channel, the plasmatron operative to affix nitrogen to liquid received from the fluid input channel resulting in treated liquid. The system further comprises a liquid chamber connected to the plasmatron for storing treated liquid and a treated fluid output channel connected to the liquid chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Inventor: Jason Lane
  • Patent number: 9636972
    Abstract: A vehicle heater includes a first housing arrangement (12), a second housing arrangement (14) connected with the first housing arrangement (12) in an adjoining area (32), and at least one sensor (54) with a holding area (62). The holding area (62) is held in the adjoining area (32) in a support path between the first housing arrangement (12) and the second housing arrangement (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Haefner, Andreas Collmer, Andreas Alber, Andreas Wetzl, Oliver Sauter, Christoph Köberle, Jörg Zweckbronner, Frank Rudolf, Dieter Heybach
  • Patent number: 8951481
    Abstract: A system for creating a nitrate combined with a liquid. A corona discharge cell to generate an electrical field. The corona discharge cell further comprising a conduit to pass air through the electrical field to produce nitric oxide NO, wherein the air comprises a mixture of at least nitrogen N2 and oxygen O2, the conduit for combining the nitric oxide NO with the oxygen O2 to form nitrogen dioxide NO2. The corona discharge cell further comprising an injector for combining the nitrogen dioxide NO2 with the liquid to generate nitric acid HNO3 which combines with the liquid to generate the nitrate comprised of nitrate radical NO3 mixed with the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Russell J. Keller
  • Publication number: 20140251787
    Abstract: A nitric oxide generator generates nitric oxide from a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen such as air treated by a pulsating electrical discharge. The desired concentration of nitric oxide is obtained by controlling at least one of a frequency of the pulsating electrical discharge and duration of each electrical discharge pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Frederick John Montgomery, Cory Casper, Duncan P.L. Bathe, Tye Gribb
  • Patent number: 8371296
    Abstract: Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. Precise delivery of nitric oxide at therapeutic levels of 20 to 100 ppm and inhibition of reaction of nitric oxide with oxygen to form toxic impurities such as nitrogen dioxide can provide effective inhalation therapy for pulmonary hypertension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Geno, LLC
    Inventors: David H. Fine, Stephen J. MacDonald, David Rounbehler, David Wheeler, Jonathan L. Rolfe, George Jarvis
  • Patent number: 7959884
    Abstract: An air purifying apparatus includes an air flow generating device for generating a flow of air, a nozzle spraying water to the air flowing through the air flow generating device, a plasma module performing a plasma reaction on the air containing the water sprayed from the nozzle, and oxidizing NOx in the air and converting it into NO3, an eliminator eliminating the NO3 converted in the plasma module and the water contained in the air and passing pure air through the eliminator and out of the air purifying apparatus and a water tank storing the water received from the eliminator, thereby heightening the removal efficiency of NOx from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-Jung Yi, Seung-Ki Cha, Chang-su Lim
  • Publication number: 20100089742
    Abstract: A device and a method for generating a truly pulsed plasma flow are disclosed. The device includes a cathode assembly comprising a cathode and a cathode holder, an anode, and two or more intermediate electrodes, the anode and the intermediate electrodes forming a plasma channel expanding toward the anode. The intermediate electrode closest to the cathode may form a plasma chamber around the cathode tip. An extension nozzle forming an extension channel having a tubular insulator along at least a portion of its interior surface is affixed to the anode end of the device. During operation, a voltage is applied between the cathode and the anode and a current is passed through the cathode, the plasma, and the anode. The voltage and current profiles are selected to cause the rapid development of a plasma flow with required characteristics. A substantially uniform temperature and power density distribution of the plasma pulse is achieved in the extension nozzle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Nikolay Suslov
  • Patent number: 7617671
    Abstract: A motor exhaust ozonator adapter is connected with the end of a motor vehicle exhaust pipe for receiving and passing exhaust gas. One arm of the adapter is connected with the end of the exhaust pipe and another arm of the adapter houses a powerful ozone light for ozonating intake air. The ozonated air thereby converts carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and oxidizes other noxious chemicals therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Menelly
  • Patent number: 7600375
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an internal combustion engine, an exhaust system for conducting exhaust emitted by the engine, and a catalytic device associated with the exhaust system is disclosed, wherein the catalytic device comprises a catalytic conversion portion and a fuel cell portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Shane Elwart, James Kerns, Gopichandra Surnilla, David Bidner
  • Patent number: 7541010
    Abstract: A method of making an exhaust treatment element includes washcoating a substrate with a slurry that includes a catalyst support material. At least some of the catalyst support material from the slurry may be transferred to the substrate, and silver metal (Ag) is dispersed within the catalyst support material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Worn Park, Virgil Raymond Hester, Christie Susan Ragle, Carrie L. Boyer
  • Patent number: 7521031
    Abstract: A method for treating exhaust gas includes: adsorbing target components in the exhaust gas with an adsorbent (5); introducing a nitrogen gas with an oxygen concentration of 10 vol % or less and a purity of 90 vol % or more into the adsorbent (5); and applying (6, 7, 8) nonthermal plasma to the adsorbent (5). After the adsorbent (5) adsorbs the target components in the exhaust gas, the nitrogen gas is introduced into the adsorbent (5), and then an electric discharge is generated so that the nonthermal plasma of the nitrogen gas is applied to the adsorbent (5) and causes desorption of the target components and regeneration of the adsorbent (5). This method can remove the target components effectively from oxygen-containing exhaust gas by using nitrogen gas plasma with high activity as a result of ionization of a nitrogen gas and combining adsorption, desorption by the nitrogen gas plasma, and nitrogen plasma treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Osaka Industrial Promotion Organization
    Inventors: Masaaki Okubo, Toshiaki Yamamoto, Tomoyuki Kuroki
  • Patent number: 7498000
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming NO-containing gas flow to treat a biologic object are disclosed. The NO-containing gas flow is formed from a source gas comprising at least oxygen and nitrogen in a housing (1) comprising at least two electrodes (2,3) insulated from each other, a stationary dc arc discharge being generated and maintained between the electrodes. The NO-containing gas flow is formed from the source gas in the area between the electrodes (2,3) under the effect of the arc discharge and withdrawn through a cooled channel, enabling nitrogen oxide to be fixed in the flow and the temperature of the flow and the NO content therein to be brought to values required to provide efficient therapy of a biologic object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventors: Aleksandr Valerievich Pekshev, Andrei Borisovich Vagapov, Sergei Vitalievich Grachev, Nikolai Pavlovich Kozlov, Anatoly Borukhovich Shekhter
  • Patent number: 7060231
    Abstract: A plasma reactor for automotive exhaust gas applications which efficiently promotes diffusion, mass transfer and chemical reaction processes of atoms, ions and radicals, in that the ground (outer) electrode has an axially discrete pattern which provides alternating regions of active and passive electric field along the axial direction of the plasma reactor. As the exhaust gas passes axially along the plasma reactor, each active region produces plasma atoms, ions and radicals, which then have time to react with the NOx over the course of the adjacent passive region. In this manner, successive active regions produce copious atoms, radicals and ions, and the adjacent passive regions provide time for these radicals and ions to react with the NOx and hydrocarbons before the next active region is encountered by the moving stream of exhaust gas, thereby enhancing the performance of the plasma reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Byong K. Cho, Se H. Oh, Steven J. Schmieg
  • 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: 6818193
    Abstract: A plasma reactor including a first dielectric having at least one capillary defined therethrough, and a segmented electrode including a plurality of electrode segments, each electrode segment is disposed proximate an associated capillary. Each electrode segment may be formed in different shapes, for example, a pin, stud, washer, ring, or disk. 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 capillaries 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 to be treated may be fed into the capillaries in the first dielectric and exposed therein to the maximum plasma density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignees: Plasmasol Corporation, Stevens Institute of Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Christos Christodoulatos, George Korfiatis, Richard Crowe, Erich E Kunhardt
  • Publication number: 20040000476
    Abstract: A plasma reactor for automotive exhaust gas applications which efficiently promotes diffusion, mass transfer and chemical reaction processes of atoms, ions and radicals, in that the ground (outer) electrode has an axially discrete pattern which provides alternating regions of active and passive electric field along the axial direction of the plasma reactor. As the exhaust gas passes axially along the plasma reactor, each active region produces plasma atoms, ions and radicals, which then have time to react with the NOx over the course of the adjacent passive region. In this manner, successive active regions produce copious atoms, radicals and ions, and the adjacent passive regions provide time for these radicals and ions to react with the NOx and hydrocarbons before the next active region is encountered by the moving stream of exhaust gas, thereby enhancing the performance of the plasma reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Byong Kwon Cho, Se Hyuck Oh, Steven Jeffrey Schmieg
  • Publication number: 20040000475
    Abstract: A plasma reactor for automotive exhaust gas applications which efficiently promotes diffusion, mass transfer and chemical reaction processes of atoms, ions and radicals, in that the ground (outer) electrode has an axially discrete pattern which provides alternating regions of active and passive electric field along the axial direction of the plasma reactor. As the exhaust gas passes axially along the plasma reactor, each active region produces plasma atoms, ions and radicals, which then have time to react with the NOx over the course of the adjacent passive region. In this manner, successive active regions produce copious atoms, radicals and ions, and the adjacent passive regions provide time for these radicals and ions to react with the NOx and hydrocarbons before the next active region is encountered by the moving stream of exhaust gas, thereby enhancing the performance of the plasma reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Byong Kwon Cho, Se Hyuck Oh, Steven Jeffrey Schmieg
  • Patent number: 6517794
    Abstract: A method for removing nitrogen oxides from a lean flue gas. The method is carried out by: a) treating the flue gas in an electrical gas discharge, b) passing the thus treated flue gas over a basic storage material to store the nitrogen oxides in the form of nitrates and release of the treated flue gas to the environment, and c) regeneration of the storage material after depletion of its storage capacity by removing the storage material from the flue gas stream and treating it was a reducing regenerative gas stream while forming ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: DMC
    Inventors: Jürgen Gieshoff, Jürgen Lang
  • Patent number: 6508991
    Abstract: An emission control device and method are provided for treating exhaust to reduce pollutants contained therein. The device includes a first chamber through which the exhaust passes. First and second metal grids are disposed within the first chamber at a predetermined distance from each other. Voltage is supplied to the insulated first grid by an electrical induction coil at a predetermined frequency depending upon the application. Electrical charges are generated between the first and second grids which electrically ionizes the exhaust stream. The exhaust stream is then further treated at a second chamber having strata. The strata can further include or exclude noble metals for treatment of the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Global Environmental Concepts, LLC
    Inventor: Paul D. Keppel
  • Patent number: 6321531
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for the reduction of pollutants in a gas stream containing gas formed from the oxidation of fuel, such as, in the exhaust stream of a combustion engine. Radicals are produced using a corona discharge in the combustion gas stream of the engine, either in the precombustion gas stream or from water in the exhaust gas. When the radicals are produced from the exhaust gas stream, the radicals may be produced using a corona discharge placed directly in the exhaust stream leading to or within the catalytic converter, or a portion of the exhaust stream may be diverted to a remote corona discharge radical generator. The corona discharge in the generator produces radicals in the diverted exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas containing radicals is then conveyed to the exhaust gas stream at a point upstream of the outlet of the catalytic converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Litex, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Caren, Jack A. Ekchian, Tony Dekelaita, Ray Hallenbeck, Victor J. Nowak, John Pietrasik, Gregory J. Roth, Jeff Taus, Mike Tyle, Josef Yampolsky
  • Patent number: 6238525
    Abstract: A process for reducing the nitrogen oxides content of the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine includes treating the exhaust gas in an electric gas discharge such that at least one of nitrogen dioxide or nitric acid are formed from nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas; storing the nitrogen dioxides and/or the nitric acid in the form of nitrates on a nitrogen oxides storage material during phases when the engine operates with a greater than a stoichiometric air/fuel ratio (i.e., the storage phase); decomposing the nitrates to give nitrogen oxides during brief phases when the engine operates with a less than the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio (i.e., the desorption phase); and reducing the nitrogen oxides which are released from the storage material to nitrogen. The nitrogen oxides storage material may be located in an electric gas discharge zone, and the exhaust gas may be passed through the discharge and then over the storage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Degussa-Hüls Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Egbert Lox, Jürgen Gieshoff, Wolfgang Strehlau, Thomas Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 6118040
    Abstract: The method includes a step of creating a flow of the mixture, a step of generating an electron discharge at a velocity such as to create a zone in which the mixture is ionised and a step of directing a series of electron beams so as to intercept the flow of the mixture whereby the peripheral electron bonds of the polluting molecules and/or cells are broken by collision with the ions formed in the mixture. The apparatus includes an ionisation cell (10) having an anode (12) and an emitting cathode (13) excited at a negative voltage of the order of 50,000 volts. The cathode (13) has a series of pointed elements for emitting electron beams (30) which intersect in a zone (11) of interception of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Coral S.p.A.
    Inventors: Nevio Coral, Luciano Coral, Claudio Coral
  • Patent number: 6029442
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for the reduction of pollutants in the exhaust stream of a combustion engine. Radicals are produced using a corona discharge in the combustion gas stream of the engine, either in the precombustion gas stream or from water in the exhaust gas. When the radicals are produced from the exhaust gas stream, the radicals may be produced using a corona discharge placed directly in the exhaust stream leading to the catalytic convertor, or a portion of the exhaust stream may be diverted to a remote corona discharge radical generator. The corona discharge in the generator produces radicals in the diverted exhaust gas, and the exhaust gas containing radicals is then conveyed to the exhaust gas stream at a point upstream of the catalytic convertor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Litex, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert P. Caren, Leon Ekchian, Jack A. Ekchian
  • Patent number: 6027616
    Abstract: A method of treating industrial gases to remove contaminants is disclosed. Ions are generated in stream of injectable gas. These ions are propelled through the contaminated gas as it flows through a collection unit. An electric field is applied to the contaminated gas. The field causes the ions to move through the contaminated gases, producing electrical charges on the contaminants. The electrically charged contaminants are then collected at one side of the electric field.The injectable gas is selected to produce ions which will produce reactions with particular contaminants. The process is thus capable of removing particular contaminants. The process does not depend on diffusion as a transport mechanism and is therefore suitable for removing contaminants which exist in very low concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: MSE Technology Applications, Inc.
    Inventor: Sergei Babko-Malyi
  • Patent number: 5817283
    Abstract: A method of removing dioxide and nitrogen oxides from a gaseous stream where an alkaline earth compound is added, either in a wet scrubbing unit which substantially saturates the gaseous stream with water, or to a gaseous stream to which water has been added, and the gaseous stream then exposed to a coronal discharge, with dry calcium hydroxide added which reacts with nitric acid formed by the coronal discharge to form calcium nitrate. Alkaline earth sulfites or sulfates, formed by reaction of the alkaline earth compound with sulfur dioxide are removed from the gaseous stream and calcium nitrate, formed by reaction of injected dry calcium hydroxide with the nitric acid produced are separated from the gaseous stream and the gaseous stream, with sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides removed, is discharged to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Dravo Lime Company
    Inventors: Bruce W. Lani, Manyam Babu
  • Patent number: 5733360
    Abstract: A corona discharge reactor (10) and method for chemically activating various constituents of a gas stream by use of corona discharge is provided. The corona discharge reactor (10) includes within a conduit a discharge plate (30a,b) having a plurality of through openings (33) and a plurality of projecting corona discharge electrodes (31,31',35,35'), and an electrode plate (40a,b,c) having a plurality of through openings (43) displaced from and opposing the tips (32) of the corona discharge electrodes (31,31',35,35'). A pulsed energization scheme is employed to intermittently generate a uniformly distributed corona discharge cloud (1000) between the plurality of corona discharge electrode tips (32) and the electrode plate (40a,b,c) during passage of the gas stream through the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Environmental Elements Corp.
    Inventors: Paul L. Feldman, Krishnaswamy S. Kumar
  • Patent number: 5711859
    Abstract: A process for the conversion of N.sub.2 O into NO.sub.x (x=1 or 2) thereof, comprising forming a jet of gas to be treated comprising N.sub.2 O and directing the jet into the interstitial space of at least two divergent electrodes placed under an electric voltage, to create at least one electric discharge and/or arc, and is part of a low-temperature plasma generator. The generator works by formation of electric discharges sliding between the electrodes such that the gas circulates along the electrodes from the discharge region where these electrodes are closest to each other. Finally, the NO.sub.x gas formed is recovered. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc Chimie
    Inventors: Andre Caramel, Albin Czernichowski, Andre Gorius
  • Patent number: 5567658
    Abstract: A gas discharge through nitrous oxide or nitrogen is used to remove polymeric deposits that form on the surface of a layer of a spin-on glass that was etched in an atmosphere of carbon-fluorine compounds. Removal of the polymeric deposit greatly improves adhesion to the spin-on glass layer of subsequently deposited layers. The removal is accomplished without increasing any tendency of the spin-on glass layer to absorb moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Kun Wang, Cheng-Cheng Chang
  • Patent number: 5458748
    Abstract: This invention presents an NO.sub.x environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a sulfur tolerant, high water vapor (about 3% to about 18%) tolerant, packing-free coronal-catalyst. In one embodiment the invention comprises an NO.sub.x reduction apparatus of high water vapor tolerant coronal-catalyst adapted and configured for hypercritical presentation of an electrical field to an NO.sub.x bearing gas stream, where the electrical field has a minimum field power density of at least about 75 watts/cubic meter, and optionally, accompanying downstream scrubbers. In a particular embodiment, downstream wet or dry absorption arrest particular NO.sub.x reduction products NO.sub.2 and HNO.sub.3, optionally upon exposure to an arresting agent, including basic, caustic, or alkali materials such as CaO or NH.sub.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Thermo Power Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Breault, Christopher R. McLarnon, Frederick E. Becker
  • Patent number: 5433832
    Abstract: A moving fluid containing pollutants including NOx compounds is subjected to a relatively low-power alternating-current dielectric discharge for a relatively long time duration. In this manner, pollutants are oxidized and dissociated while the temperature of the fluid is kept low enough to prevent the formation of new NOx pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: ENOX Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley R. Rich, deceased, Alvaro Kaplan, Michael P. Manning
  • Patent number: 5284556
    Abstract: A moving fluid containing pollutants including NOx compounds is subjected to a relatively low-power alternating-current dielectric discharge for a relatively long time duration. In this manner, pollutants are oxidized and dissociated while the temperature of the fluid is kept low enough to prevent the formation of new NOx pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Assignee: PlasMachines, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley R. Rich
  • Patent number: 5240575
    Abstract: This invention presents an NO.sub.x environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a sulfur tolerant coronal-catalyst such as high dielectric coronal-catalysts like glass wool, ceramic-glass wool or zirconium glass wool and method of use. In one embodiment the invention comprises an NO.sub.x reduction apparatus of sulfur tolerant coronal-catalyst adapted and configured for hypercritical presentation to an NO.sub.x bearing gas stream at a minimum of at least about 75 watts/cubic meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Tecogen Inc.
    Inventors: Virendra K. Mathur, Ronald W. Breault, Christopher R. McLarnon, Frank G. Medros
  • Patent number: 5147516
    Abstract: This invention presents an NO.sub.x environment effective reduction apparatus comprising a sulfur tolerant coronal-catalyst such as high dielectric coronal-catalysts like glass wool, ceramic-glass wool or zirconium glass wool and method of use. In one embodiment the invention comprises an NO.sub.x reduction apparatus of sulfur tolerant coronal-catalyst adapted and configured for hypercritical presentation to an NO.sub.x bearing gas stream at a minimum of at least about 75 watts/cubic meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Tecogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Virendra K. Mathur, Ronald W. Breault, Christopher R. McLarnon, Frank G. Medros
  • Patent number: 5110579
    Abstract: A method is provided for making substantially transparent polycrystalline diamond film having a thickness greater than 50 microns which can be used in glazing applications and as a heat sink in microelectric applications. A mixture of hydrogen and methane is conveyed into a heated filament reacting zone which is adjacent to an appropriate substrate, such as a molybdenum substrate to produce non-adherent polycrystalline substantially transparent diamond film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Anthony, James F. Fleischer
  • Patent number: 5100630
    Abstract: A system for producing nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer using an electric arc discharge through air and phosphate rock in which the electric arc necessary for the process is generated by a magneto-electric generator powered by water pressure. The nitrogen and phosphorus oxides produced by the arc discharge are drawn into the water to serve as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. The net result of the invention is that the operator can provide nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer as he supplies water. The only inputs to this system are air, phosphate rock, and a source of water under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Inventor: Ronald J. Treharne
  • Patent number: 5078849
    Abstract: A crust breaker device used to break crusts of aluminum electrolysis cells includes a member to be driven for instance a piston/cylinder device with a piston rod in axial movement, essentially in a vertical direction. To a lower part of the member is connected a cutter bar or crow bar which is designed to be moved through the crust and make a hole therein. The cutter bar is connected to, but electrically isolated from the member by means of a fire proof material having insulation properties and that is cast and then hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro A.S.
    Inventor: Alf Sagbraten
  • Patent number: 4966666
    Abstract: The energizer of the instant invention includes an electric discharge apparatus for creating an electric discharge and a focusing mechanism for focusing the electric discharge on a fluid to be energized. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the focusing mechanism takes the form of a dielectric core which is constructed and arranged to focus the electric discharge into a passage formed about the periphery of the core thereby enabling the use of energy levels substantially higher than would be possible without the focusing means.A method of energizing a fluid is taught which includes introducing the fluid into a confined region, providing an electric discharge for energizing the fluid and focusing the discharge into the confined region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Waltonen Laboratories
    Inventor: James R. Waltonen
  • Patent number: 4915915
    Abstract: A system for producing nitrogen fertilizer using an electric arc process is described in which the electric arc necessary for the process is generated by piezoelectric elements actuated by a hammer mechanism powered by water pressure such as from a garden hose. The nitrogen oxides produced by the arc discharge are drawn into the water to serve as a source of nitrogen fertilizer. The net result of the invention is that the operator can provide nitrogen fertilizer as he supplies water to the same area. The only inputs to this system are air and a source of water under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Richard W. Treharne
  • Patent number: 4883570
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating high temperature plasmas for enhanced chemical processing of gaseous fluids, toxic chemicals, and the like, at a wide range of pressures, especially at atmospheric and high pressures includes an electro-magnetic resonator cavity, preferably a reentrant cavity, and a wave guiding structure which connects an electro-magnetic source to the cavity. The cavity includes an intake port and an exhaust port, each having apertures in the conductive walls of the cavity sufficient for the intake of the gaseous fluids and for the discharge of the processed gaseous fluids. The apertures are sufficiently small to prevent the leakage of the electro-magnetic radiation from the cavity. Gaseous fluid flowing from the direction of the electro-magnetic source through the guiding wave structure and into the cavity acts on the plasma to push it away from the guiding wave structure and the electro-magnetic source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Research-Cottrell, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip C. Efthimion, Dennis J. Helfritch
  • Patent number: 4877589
    Abstract: The fixation of nitrogen by electric arc process is made more efficient by this system which combines a low frequency electric discharge and a catalyst in such a way that an electric arc is formed entirely within a catalyst bed when the reactant gases to be reacted by the arc are admitted to the interior of the catalyst bed and form a cavity there as they expand outward, the bubble-like cavity formed within the mass of catalytic particles thereby providing a type of arc chamber from which plasma state gas particles immediately contact the catalyst particles as the plasma state, gas particles are thrust outwards from the arc zone. After the reactant gases react on catalyst particles, the outward pressure moves the product gases farther through the catalyst bed where the products are then shielded from destructive ultraviolet light from the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Inventor: Louis R. O'Hare
  • Patent number: 4820643
    Abstract: The effectiveness of a palladium-tin catalyst for subsequent plating thereon is determined by employing cyclic voltammetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Amelio, Kenneth R. Czarnecki, Gary K. Lemon, Voya Markovich, Carlos J. Sambucetti, Richard S. Zarr
  • Patent number: 4695358
    Abstract: A method for converting sulfur dioxide and/or nitrogen oxide gases to acid mist and or particle aerosols is disclosed in which the gases are passed through a streamer corona discharge zone having electrodes of a wire-cylinder or wire-plate geometry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Florida State University
    Inventors: Akira Mizuno, Judson S. Clements
  • Patent number: 4611109
    Abstract: There is proposed as a plasma-producing gas, a gas containing the elements nitrogen and oxygen chemically combined in a nitrogen oxide and in particular nitrous oxide. These plasma-producing gases or mixture of gases stored in a bottle, a frame, a container, a tank, in the gaseous or liquid form at ambient or cryogenic temperature, are applicable to the plasma arc cutting of electrically conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Larue, Georges Duboz, Claude Carsac, Gerard Marhic
  • Patent number: 4559206
    Abstract: An improved arc reactor device is disclosed for producing nitrogen oxides by an electric discharge process wherein the improvement is the addition of an igniter electrode and circuit responsive to the discharge electrode voltage causing arcing of the igniter electrode when the discharge electrode voltage rises to a set level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: Battelle Development Corporation
    Inventors: Richard W. Treharne, Charlton K. McKibben, Donald R. Moles
  • Patent number: 4505795
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of compounds from gas mixture by the plasma method, particularly useful for the production of nitric oxides from atmospheric air as a step in producing synthetic nitrogenous fertilizer. According to the novel method, a supersonic speed is imparted to the gaseous medium flowing through the reactor in which an electrical discharge is produced, and at least part of the energy of the gaseous medium exiting from the reactor is converted into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Inventor: Moshe Alamaro
  • Patent number: 4482525
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving nitrogen fixation includes a volumetric electric discharge chamber. The volumetric discharge chamber provides an even distribution of an electron beam, and enables the chamber to be maintained at a controlled energy to pressure (E/p) ratio. An E/p ratio of from 5 to 15 kV/atm of O.sub.2 /cm promotes the formation of vibrationally excited N.sub.2. Atomic oxygen interacts with vibrationally excited N.sub.2 at a much quicker rate than unexcited N.sub.2, greatly improving the rate at which NO is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Hao-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 4451436
    Abstract: A system and a method of nitrogen fixation is disclosed in which nitrogen and other gases such as oxygen are electrically activated and reacted on a catalyst-like material to provide a fixed nitrogen product in such a way that the reactant gases are first placed into an excited state by a single electrode electric discharge acting on a gas stream and then by means of the stream the reactants are contacted on the catalyst-like material on which they are then combined and the product compounds which are thereby formed are shielded by the same catalytic material from ultra violet radiation generated by the electric excitation, said shielding being to prevent subsequent disassociation of the product compounds, and the gas stream emerging on the downstream side of the catalyst carries the products to an absorption bed on which they are absorbed and concentrated and then reacted with a periodic flow of hydrogen to provide ammonia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Inventor: Louis R. O'Hare
  • Patent number: 4399012
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for achieving nitrogen fixation includes a volumetric electric discharge chamber. The volumetric discharge chamber provides an even distribution of an electron beam, and enables the chamber to be maintained at a controlled energy to pressure (E/p) ratio. An E/p ratio of from 5 to 15 kV/atm of O.sub.2 /cm promotes the formation of vibrationally excited N.sub.2. Atomic oxygen interacts with vibrationally excited N.sub.2 at a much quicker rate than unexcited N.sub.2, greatly improving the rate at which NO is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Inventor: Hao-Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 4318708
    Abstract: A method of investigation or control of catalysts or catalyst reactions wherein a gas or gas mixture is brought into contact with the catalyst (12). The properties of the catalyst and/or the progress of the reaction depending on the catalyst are determined or controlled by applying an electric field between the catalyst (12) and an electrode (10) which is arranged in the gas atmosphere spaced from the catalyst.The size of a corona current thereby produced between the catalyst and the electrode is measured and/or adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventor: Anders T. V. Hogberg
  • Patent number: H2102
    Abstract: Contaminants within the gaseous emission discharged from an incinerator are eliminated during passage in parallel through reactor chambers by chemical reaction induced during exposure to plasma generated within said chambers. The plasma is generated by corona-discharge breakdown of electric fields established about electrodes within the reactor chambers upon supply thereto of electrical pulse voltage exceeding a critical field breakdown value inversely proportional to a high chamber temperature of the gaseous emission under atmospheric pressure within the reactor chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Han S. Uhm