Liquid Patents (Class 209/155)
  • Patent number: 11260323
    Abstract: A means to exploit the Dean Vortices for dynamic filtering on a macro scale intended for application in utility and industrial processes is disclosed. This method relies on an apparatus of computed construction to optimize the centripetal force and minimize the effect of gravity on the separation and effectiveness of the Dean Vortices. The method is also supported by an apparatus of construction which results in an optimized elliptical flow channel that enhances the formation and persistence of the Dean Vortices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: James William Masten, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11023376
    Abstract: A multiprocessor system includes a plurality of nodes and at least one memory, each node containing at least one processor; a first cache configured to store a plurality of first cache lines, the first cache being private to at least one node from among the plurality of nodes; and a second cache configured to store a plurality of second cache lines, the second cache being at a higher level than the first cache, wherein at least one of the first cache lines includes a first associated pointer pointing to a location of one of the second cache lines, and wherein at least one of the second cache lines includes a second associated pointer pointing to a location of one of the first cache lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Erik Ernst Hagersten
  • Patent number: 10662402
    Abstract: Acoustic perfusion devices for separating biological cells from other material in a fluid mixture are disclosed. The devices include an inlet port, an outlet port, and a collection port that are connected to an acoustic chamber. An ultrasonic transducer creates an acoustic standing wave in the acoustic chamber that permits a continuous flow of fluid to be recovered through the collection port while keeping the biological cells within the acoustic chamber to be returned to the bioreactor from which the fluid mixture is being drawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Erik Miller, Benjamin Ross-Johnsrud, Walter M. Presz, Jr., Kedar Chitale, Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Lauryn Winiarski
  • Patent number: 10561964
    Abstract: Hydrophobic particles such as coal and hydrophobized mineral fines can be readily separated from hydrophilic impurities by forming agglomerates in water using a hydrophobic liquids such as oil. The agglomerates of hydrophobic particles usually entrap large amounts of water, causing the moisture of the recovered hydrophobic particles to be excessively high. This problem can be overcome by dispersing the hydrophobic agglomerates in a hydrophobic liquid that can be readily recycled. The dispersion can be achieved using specially designed apparatus and methods that can create a turbulence that can help destabilize the agglomerates in a recyclable hydrophobic liquid and facilitate the dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Roe-Hoan Yoon, Gerald Luttrell, Nikhil Gupta
  • Patent number: 10543435
    Abstract: A means to exploit the Dean Vortices for dynamic filtering on a macro scale intended for application in utility and industrial processes is disclosed. This method relies on an apparatus of computed construction to optimize the centripetal force and minimize the effect of gravity on the separation and effectiveness of the Dean Vortices. The method is also supported by an apparatus of construction which results in an optimized elliptical flow channel that enhances the formation and persistence of the Dean Vortices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventor: James William Masten, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10541374
    Abstract: An electronically pure carbon nanotube ink, includes a population of semiconducting carbon nanotubes suspended in a liquid, the ink being essentially free of metallic impurities and organic material, and characterized in that when incorporated as a carbon nanotube network in a metal/carbon nanotube network/metal double diode, a nonlinear current-bias curve is obtained on application of a potential from 0.01 V to 100 V. The ink can be used to prepare air-stable n-type thin film transistors having performances similar to current thin film transistors used in flat panel displays amorphous silicon devices and high performance p-type thin film transistors with high-? dielectrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Carbon Nanotube Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Huaping Li
  • Patent number: 10379030
    Abstract: A MEMS-based particle manipulation system which uses a particle manipulation stage and optical confirmation of the manipulation. The optical confirmation may be camera-based, and may be used to assess the effectiveness or accuracy of the particle manipulation stage. In one exemplary embodiment, the particle manipulation stage is a microfabricated, fluid valve, which sorts a target particle from non-target particles in a fluid stream. The optical confirmation stage is disposed in the microfabricated fluid channels at the input and output of the microfabricated sorting valve. The laser interrogation regions may be used to assess the effectiveness or accuracy of the sorting, and to control or adjust sort parameters during the sorting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Owl biomedical, Inc.
    Inventors: John S Foster, Kevin E. Shields, Mehran R. Hoonejani, Mark A. Naivar, Yareeve Zemel
  • Patent number: 10308928
    Abstract: Acoustophoretic devices and methods for concentrating targeted biological cells in a reduced volume using multi-dimensional acoustic standing waves are disclosed. The methods include flowing a mixture of a host fluid and the biological cells through an acoustophoretic device. The acoustophoretic devices include an inlet, an outlet, and a flow chamber having an ultrasonic transducer-reflector pair. Biological cells, such as T cells, are separated from a host fluid for utilization in allergenic or autologous cell therapies. The disclosed devices and methods are capable of concentrating biological cells to at least 100 times their original cell concentration. The disclosed methods and devices are further capable of decreasing an original feed volume to a final concentrated volume that is less than one percent of the original feed volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Jason Dionne, Goutam Ghoshal
  • Patent number: 10071383
    Abstract: A flow chamber is provided through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate. The flow chamber comprises at least one multi-phase water inlet through which multi-phase water enters the flow chamber, a water outlet through which water exits the flow chamber, a solids outlet through which particles having a density at or above a pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber, and a low density outlet through which particles having a density below the pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber. Also provided are one or more ultrasonic transducers and one or more reflectors corresponding to each transducer to acoustically filter the fluid and cause particles/fluid to be selectively diverted to one of the outlets. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Dionne, Bart Lipkens, Edward Rietman
  • Patent number: 9869618
    Abstract: A method of forming an aggregate of objects in a channel including a liquid, the method including: a) providing objects in at least a region of the channel, and b) forming an aggregate of the objects by submitting them to a modulated pulsed acoustic field, wherein the modulated pulsed acoustic field applied at step b) is modulated in amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE, ECOLE SUPERIEURE DE PHYSIQUE ET DE CHIMIE INDUSTRIELLES DE LA VILLE DE PARIS
    Inventors: Mauricio Hoyos, Luz Angelica Castro Camacho
  • Patent number: 9725710
    Abstract: An acoustophoresis device includes an acoustic chamber with a piezoelectric element located within its volume. The piezoelectric element vibrates and generates acoustic standing waves from both sides, so that particles can be separated from fluid passing through the acoustic chamber. This permits the element to be cooled more efficiently, reducing transient heat loads in the fluid traveling through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Brian McCarthy, Ben Ross-Johnsrud, Jason Barnes, Dane Mealey, Thomas J. Kennedy, III
  • Patent number: 9633581
    Abstract: A method for recycling materials having an affixed label is disclosed. The present invention also includes labels and adhesives that is readily removable from a material during a process for recycling the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Heederik, Jos Van Noort, Lenneke Van Der Bent, Graham Yeadon
  • Patent number: 9562846
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for validating the human visual inspection process or an optical analysis instrument for use with biological particles may include inspecting a standard particle solution using the optical analysis instrument. The standard particle solution may include a known concentration of standard particles suspended in solution with the standard particles having a defined size and shape distribution. The standard particles may have a refractive index that is substantially similar to a refractive index of the biological particles. The method may include assessing a concentration of standard particles in the standard particle solution from the inspection. The method may include assessing a difference between the assessed concentration of standard particles and the known concentration of standard particles. The method may include modifying one or more parameters of the optical analysis instrument based on the assessed difference between the concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventors: Francisco Kole, Johannes G. M. Christiaanse, Greg Kirk, Winfred Tee Chow
  • Patent number: 9480935
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating particles and/or toxins from a sample fluid. A method according to one embodiment comprises simultaneously passing a sample fluid and a buffer fluid through a chamber such that a fluidic interface is formed between the sample fluid and the buffer fluid as the fluids pass through the chamber, the sample fluid having particles of interest therein; applying a force to the fluids for urging the particles of interest to pass through the interface into the buffer fluid; and substantially separating the buffer fluid from the sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond P. Mariella, Jr., George M. Dougherty, John M. Dzenitis, Robin R. Miles, David S. Clague
  • Patent number: 9333510
    Abstract: A particle sorting system includes an inlet and an inertial focusing microchannel disposed in a substrate and having a downstream expanding region at a distal end, wherein the inlet is connected to an upstream end of the microchannel. A source of different shaped particles is connected to the inlet, wherein the source of different shaped particles are configured for continuous introduction into the inlet. A plurality of outlets is connected to the microchannel at the downstream expanding region. Fluidic resistors are located in the respective outlets. Different resistances may be used in the outlets to capture enriched fractions of particles having particular particle shape(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Dino Di Carlo, Mahdokht Masaeli, Elodie Sollier
  • Patent number: 9260693
    Abstract: An improved actuator for use in a microfluidic particle sorting system utilizes a staggered packing scheme for a plurality of actuators used to selectively deflect a particle in an associated sorting channel from a stream of channels. An actuator block may be provided for housing a two-dimensional array of actuators, each configured to align with an actuation port in an associated sorting chip containing a plurality of sorting channels. The actuator block may include a built-in stressing means to pre-stress each actuator housed by the block. An actuator comprising a piezo-electric stack may employ contact-based electrical connection rather than soldered wires to improve packing density. The actuator may be an external actuator. That is, the external actuator is external to the substrate in which the sorting channels are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: CYTONOME/ST, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Johnson, John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande, Hugh Lewis, Bernard Bunner
  • Publication number: 20150129466
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for processing waste incineration ashes (A), in particular domestic waste incineration ashes (HMVA), in which the ashes are classified into a plurality of fractions of different grain size distributions in a processing plant (11) separated from the actual waste incineration process. The ashes (A) are classified exclusively using a wet classification process in the processing plant (11), only wet classification processes that are gentle to the grains being used, and the wet classification process is performed in such a way that all of the ashes (A) are classified into at least one fine fraction (I) loaded with harmful substances and at least one coarse fraction (II, III) that contains only a small amount of harmful substances or no harmful substances at all.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Friedrich-Wilhelm Evers, Alexandra Beckmann
  • Patent number: 9005455
    Abstract: A device for extracting a liquid phase from a suspension, the device being characterized in that it comprises: a main duct for conveying a flow of said suspension, the duct being of a length that is sufficient to enable a layer of said suspension to develop that is depleted in solid phase; flow disturbance means for disturbing the flow of said suspension, said means being provided in the main duct and being adapted to cause at least one recirculation vortex to form so as to increase locally the thickness of said depleted layer; and liquid extraction means disposed in a region of the device where said suspension is enriched in liquid phase as a result of said recirculation vortex. A method of extracting a liquid phase from a suspension, the method comprising injecting said suspension into such a device at a flow rate suitable for causing at least one recirculation vortex to be formed, and extracting a fraction of said suspension that is enriched in liquid as a result of said vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Achard, Elodie Sollier, Yves Fouillet, Hervé Rostaing
  • Patent number: 8962235
    Abstract: A method for sorting particles, in particular cells A and B. The method uses a single channel with only one input and only one output. A particle mix A and B in a fluid is introduced into the channel and particles within the channel are sorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: Michael MacDonald, Kishan Dholakia, Igor Andreev
  • Publication number: 20140370284
    Abstract: Inorganic fiber having the following composition ratio and comprising 40 wt % or less of shots each having a diameter of 45 ?m or more: [Composition ratio of inorganic fiber] SiO2 66 to 82 wt %; CaO 10 to 34 wt %; MgO 0 to 3 wt %; Al2O3 0 to 5 wt %; and the total of SiO2, CaO, MgO and Al2O3 is 98 wt % or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Takashi Nakajima, Ken Yonaiyama, Tetsuya Mihara, Tomohiko Kishiki
  • Patent number: 8869987
    Abstract: An improved technique for particle separation is provided. A serpentine structure is utilized in a continuous fluid flow environment to allow for suitable separation of particles to occur in a manner that does not require external application of forces to initiate the separation. The geometry of the serpentine structure and associated forces generated in connection with fluid flow therein suffice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Meng H. Lean, Ashutosh Kole, Jeonggi Seo
  • Publication number: 20140262973
    Abstract: An assembly for a high output hydrodynamic separation unit includes, in one form, several components or parts. Top and bottom plates serve as caps for and distribute force through layers of separation channels. The compressive forces seal the channels and prevent leakage from the channels. An optional middle plate may also be provided to create smaller subsets of the layers of separation channels. At least one connector is provided to the combination of components to compress the layers of separation channels. In a variation, an optional outer shell may encase the unit to provide support and compress the stack with a unique threaded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: David Mathew Johnson, Ashutosh Kole, Kai Melde
  • Patent number: 8812236
    Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling fluids by creating a proper particle size analysis and distribution curve of particle sizing within drilling fluid. The particle size distribution curve is maintained with a maximum particle sizing of 6 microns so as to not allow for coarser drilled solids to degrade beyond the point of mechanical separation to prevent a build-up of low gravity solids that can no longer be removed from the drilling fluid during the drilling operation due to their size. An optimal drilling system requires that drilling fluids be modified through the following process to attain the appropriate particle sizing distribution to: make the most efficient use of the drilling operation, reduce the amount to drilling fluids utilized, and reduce formation damage. The method generates corrective actions to modify the drilling fluids or adjust solids control equipment parameters, to obtain a unique particle size distribution throughout the drilling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Particle Size Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas W. Freeman, Paula S. DeWitte, Robert W. Troy
  • Patent number: 8795605
    Abstract: Non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of apparatus(es) and method(s) are described for the conveyance of fluid media and entrained materials between two or more locations, each possessing a different cross-sectional area. Equidistant pathways incorporated into uniquely designed conduits enable this transference to occur with minimal band spreading and separation resolution loss due to undesirable flow patterns that arise from end effects. The design enables the conduits to be employed with locations of almost any description including process channels, surfaces, or even open volume of any size and used for almost any purpose. The conduits and/or associated locations may be empty of any contents or filled with gelatinous, porous, granular, or particulated material. The design of non-limiting exemplary embodiment(s) of apparatus(es) and method(s) may be easily adapted or configured as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Fred C. Senftleber
  • Patent number: 8783466
    Abstract: This invention provides a method and an apparatus for quickly continuously fractionating biomolecules, such as DNAs, proteins and carbohydrates by taking advantage of differential bidirectional transport of biomolecules with varying physico-chemical characteristics, for example size, charge, hydrophobicity, or combinations thereof, through periodic arrays of microfabricated nanofilters. The passage of biomolecules through the nanofilter is a function of both steric and electrostatic interactions between charged macromolecules and charged nanofilter walls, Continuous-flow separation through the devices of this invention are applicable for molecules varying in terms of any molecular properties (e.g., size, charge density or hydrophobicity) that can lead to differential transport across the nanofilters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Jongyoon Han, Jianping Fu
  • Publication number: 20140174994
    Abstract: A method and device for the sorting and focusing of suspended particles is disclosed. The device has a micro-fluidic channel, at least one inlet and a number of outlets for providing, sorting and receiving particles. A patterned array of grooves is present inside the micro-fluidic channel. The inlets and outlets are connected to the micro-fluidic channel. The particles are sorted by the array of grooves. The method consists of providing particles in a flow-focused manner to one end of the micro-fluidic channel using at least one inlet. The particles are sorted by the array of grooves present in the micro-fluidic channel. Particles are collected by a number of outlets which are connected to the other end of the micro-fluidic channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY, IMEC
    Inventors: Jorge A. Bemate, Chengxun Liu, Liesbet Lagae, German Drazer
  • Patent number: 8580223
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a composition including at least one water-soluble complex having a water-soluble separation agent including a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group; and a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube in an aqueous solution. Further embodiments describe a method of separating metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes including providing carbon nanotubes having an admixture of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes; and combining the admixture with a water-soluble separation agent in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, in which the water-soluble separation agent includes a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
    Inventors: Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao, Subi Jacob George, Rakesh Voggu, Kotagiri Venkata Rao
  • Patent number: 8573404
    Abstract: In one general aspect, an instrument for measuring characteristics of particles suspended in a fluid is disclosed. It includes a closed wall surface defining a fractionation channel having a input opening, an output opening, and a flow axis that spans downstream from the input opening for the channel to the output opening. A force application subsystem has a force application output oriented perpendicular to at least part of the flow axis of the fractionation channel. A particle characteristic measurement subsystem is located hydraulically downstream from at least a portion of the closed wall surface defining the fractionation channel, and includes a sensor positioned to sense a property of the suspended particles in the potential measurement subsystem as well as a signal output responsive to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Malvern Instruments, Ltd.
    Inventor: Fraser McNeil-Watson
  • Patent number: 8529760
    Abstract: A device and method of using same, wherein the device includes a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam, the collimated light source beam comprising a beam cross-section. The device further includes at least one body defining a first channel in a first plane, the first channel comprising a first channel cross-section, the first channel being oriented to receive the collimated light source beam such that the beam cross-section completely overlaps the first channel cross-section. Optionally, the body defines a second channel in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane, wherein the body defines a third channel in a third plane orthogonal to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Alexander V. Terray
  • Publication number: 20130206648
    Abstract: Isolated non-naturally occurring populations of spermatozoa (15) having high purity and technologies to differentiate spermatozoa (28) based on characteristics such as mass, volume, orientation, or emitted light including methods of analysis and apparatus such as beam shaping optics (30) and detectors (32).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: XY, LLC
    Inventor: XY, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130180894
    Abstract: A method and apparatus involving the configuration of an open capillary channel for size-based separation of analytes is described. The open capillary channel contains numerous turns of defined angles separated by intervening linear or curvilinear segments of capillary tubing. The configuration of the channel allows analyte differentiation based on diffusion coefficients and thus separates analytes by size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: DA YU ENTERPRISES, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald O'Keefe
  • Patent number: 8485363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating solid materials on the basis of a mutual difference in density, wherein the materials to be separated are brought into contact with a magnetic fluid across which fluid a density gradient is generated by means of a magnetic field such that fractions of solid materials of different densities are obtained, said device being provided with a magnet, an inflow chamber, a separation chamber, and means for discharging fractions of solid materials of different densities in separation, wherein the magnetic fluid flows from the inflow chamber to the separation chamber, wherein the magnet is arranged above the separation chamber, and wherein at least one duct for the supply of the solid materials to be separated is located below the inflow chamber and the separation chamber and encloses an angle with the inflow chamber and the separation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Bakker Holding Son B.V., AKG Polymers B.V.
    Inventors: Gerrit Dinand Klein Nagelvoort, Hendrik Jan Klein Nagelvoort, Erwin Johannes Bakker
  • Patent number: 8459464
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for the discrimination of particles using sedimentation field-flow fractionation operating without the use of rotating seals. Multiple lines of fluid and electrical communication are provided through a centrifugation unit comprising a fishhook-shaped umbilical conduit traveling from a stationary frame through a rotating guide frame to the separation channel. Twisting and tangling of the umbilical conduit enclosed communication lines are prevented by rotating the guide frame and separation channel in the same direction about an axis at an angular velocity ratio of 1:2. The design eliminates maintenance problems associated with rotating seals, simplifies channel installation and adjustment, and enables the use of multiple channels and the simultaneous application of multiple modes of field-flow fractionation either in concert or in a two-dimensional format.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Fred C. Senftleber
  • Patent number: 8449858
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the purification of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by continuous liquid extraction are disclosed. Carbon nanotubes are introduced to a flow of liquid that enables the separation of CNTs from impurities due to differences in the dispersibility of the CNTs and the impurities within the liquid. Examples of such impurities may include amorphous carbon, graphitic nanoparticles, and metal containing nanoparticles. The continuous extraction process may be performed in one or more stages, where one or more of extraction parameters may be varied between the stages of the continuous extraction process in order to effect removal of selected impurities from the CNTs. The extraction parameters may include, but are not limited to, the extraction liquid, the flow rate of the extraction liquid, the agitation of the liquid, and the pH of the liquid, and may be varied, depending on the impurity to be removed from the CNTs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Carbon Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Haddon
  • Patent number: 8443981
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing heavy material from ore in a water environment includes an upstanding tube, a reservoir, and a pulsator connected between the upstanding tube and the reservoir. The pulsator cyclically causes the upstanding tube to move downward, and fluid pressure within reservoir causes it to move back upward. This vertical pulsation of the upstanding tube effects the separation of heavy material from lighter material contained within the ore. The pulsator includes a member and diaphragm which are cyclically forced downward into the reservoir by a cam-driven rocker arm. A given downward movement of the member and diaphragm results in an amplified upward movement of the ore and the water within the upstanding tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Clinton Brent Eldridge
  • Publication number: 20130098808
    Abstract: System and method for treating particulate solids comprises a screw feeder for transporting a water-based slurry of contaminated particulate solids through an ultrasound signal of sufficient size, strength and duration to cause the contaminants to separate from the particulate solids. One or more stacks of ultrasonic transducers arranged around the screw feeder may be employed in which the diameter of each transducer preferably is substantially the same as the pitch of the screw feeder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: WAVE PARTICLE PROCESSING
    Inventors: WAVE PARTICLE PROCESSING, Jo-Ann Reif
  • Patent number: 8418855
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating solid particles of different densities, using a magnetic process fluid. The solid particles are thoroughly mixed in a small partial flow of the process fluid. The small turbulent partial flow is added to a large laminar partial flow of the process fluid, after which the obtained mixture of the respective partial process fluids is conducted over, under, or through the middle of two magnet configurations, wherein the particles are separated into lighter particles at the top of the laminar process fluid and heavier particles at the bottom of the laminar process fluid, each of which are subsequently removed with the aid of a splitter. After that furthermore the particles of low density and the particles of high density are separated from the respective process streams, dried and stored. Finally, the process fluid from which the particles have been removed is returned to the original starting process stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Peter Carlo Rem, Simon Peter Maria Berkhout
  • Patent number: 8397918
    Abstract: A separator for separating a first component and a second component from within a mixed fluid includes a plurality of discs, a separator chamber, and a disc rotator. The discs are spaced apart along a disc axis The separator chamber encircles the plurality of discs. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis relative to the separator chamber. The separator chamber includes a chamber inlet that receives the mixed fluid, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The disc rotator rotates the plurality of discs about the disc axis so that the mixed fluid is spun around the separator chamber about the disc axis to separate the heavier second component from the first component. The first component is directed out of the separator through the first outlet and the second component is directed out of separator through the second outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Keith A. Langenbeck
  • Patent number: 8381913
    Abstract: A method for separating seeds of different densities in a process stream, wherein the seeds are introduced into a magnetic process fluid for the formation of the process stream, which process stream is subjected to a magnetic field for the realization of a density stratification in the process stream, such that the individual seeds in the process stream assume a density-dependent position, after which the seeds located in or near a predetermined position or positions in the process stream, are separated from the remaining seeds in the process stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignees: Technische Universiteit Delft, Western Seed International B.V.
    Inventors: Peter Carlo Rem, Simon Peter Maria Berkhout, Jacques Rene Alphons De Koning
  • Patent number: 8356714
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles includes a first planar wall and a spaced apart second planar wall parallel to the first planar wall. The first planar wall and the second planar wall define a passage therebetween, which is disposed along a fluid flow axis. A first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges extends into the passage from the first planar wall. The first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges is disposed along a diagonal direction relative to the fluid flow axis. When a fluid is moved through the passage in a direction corresponding to the fluid flow axis, particles of a first type will tend to move in a first direction that is diagonally away from the fluid flow axis and particles of a second type, different from the first type, will tend to move in a second direction that is different from the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Todd A. Sulchek, Alexander Alexeev, Gonghao Wang
  • Publication number: 20120325727
    Abstract: A flow chamber is provided through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate. The flow chamber comprises at least one multi-phase water inlet through which multi-phase water enters the flow chamber, a water outlet through which water exits the flow chamber, a solids outlet through which particles having a density at or above a pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber, and a low density outlet through which particles having a density below the pre-defined threshold exit the flow chamber. Also provided are one or more ultrasonic transducers and one or more reflectors corresponding to each transducer to acoustically filter the fluid and cause particles/fluid to be selectively diverted to one of the outlets. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Dionne, Bart Lipkens, Edward A. Rietman
  • Publication number: 20120318719
    Abstract: An improved technique for particle separation is provided. A serpentine structure is utilized in a continuous fluid flow environment to allow for suitable separation of particles to occur in a manner that does not require external application of forces to initiate the separation. The geometry of the serpentine structure and associated forces generated in connection with fluid flow therein suffice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Meng H. Lean, Ashutosh Kole, Jeonggi Seo
  • Publication number: 20120277902
    Abstract: Particle processing systems and methods utilize a sort monitoring system to monitor an operational characteristic for a particle sorting system. The operational characteristic may be related to the performance and operation of a sorter or a group of sorters in the particle sorting system. The operational characteristic may be monitored based on monitoring particles for an output of a sorter or of a group of sorters. Operational characteristics which may be monitored include sort error, sort fraction, yield, purity and recovery percentage. The sort monitoring system may evaluate the monitored operational characteristic, for example, as related to sort performance, and take an action, for example, a corrective action or a notifying action, based on the evaluation of the operational characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: CYTONOME/ST, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Charles Sharpe, Donald F. Perrault, JR., Blair Morad
  • Patent number: 8276760
    Abstract: An improved technique for particle separation is provided. A serpentine structure is utilized in a continuous fluid flow environment to allow for suitable separation of particles to occur in a manner that does not require external application of forces to initiate the separation. The geometry of the serpentine structure and associated forces generated in connection with fluid flow therein suffice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Meng H. Lean, Ashutosh Kole, Jeonggi Seo
  • Publication number: 20120234731
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for the discrimination of particles using sedimentation field-flow fractionation operating without the use of rotating seals. Multiple lines of fluid and electrical communication are provided through a centrifugation unit comprising a fishhook-shaped umbilical conduit traveling from a stationary frame through a rotating guide frame to the separation channel. Twisting and tangling of the umbilical conduit enclosed communication lines are prevented by rotating the guide frame and separation channel in the same direction about an axis at an angular velocity ratio of 1:2. The design eliminates maintenance problems associated with rotating seals, simplifies channel installation and adjustment, and enables the use of multiple channels and the simultaneous application of multiple modes of field-flow fractionation either in concert or in a two-dimensional format.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: FRED C. SENFTLEBER
  • Publication number: 20120234732
    Abstract: The invention provides a spiral separator module 3.010 including at least one trough segment 4.012 having an up stream edge and a downstream edge, each trough segment 4.012 being adapted to interface with at least one other corresponding trough segment 4.012 of a second spiral separator module to form a continuous section of a spiral trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Graeme Cooke, Mark Palmer
  • Patent number: 8246928
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a composition including at least one water-soluble complex having a water-soluble separation agent including a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group; and a semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube in an aqueous solution. Further embodiments describe a method of separating metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes and semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes including providing carbon nanotubes having an admixture of semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and metallic single-walled carbon nanotubes; and combining the admixture with a water-soluble separation agent in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, in which the water-soluble separation agent includes a planar portion, at least one pi electron on the planar portion and at least one electron withdrawing group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research
    Inventors: Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao, Subi Jacob George, Rakesh Voggu, K. Venkata Rao
  • Patent number: 8206590
    Abstract: A method is described for separating and processing liquid-borne particles within an aliquot thereof following injection into a field flow fractionator. Said fractionation method may be employed also to capture, for subsequent segregation, specific predefined classes of such particles. The unique fractionation method disclosed contains means to control the applied transverse flow at each designated location along the length of said channel. In one embodiment of the method a separate compartment lies below each distinct location and corresponding membrane supporting permeable frit segment of the fractionator, providing the individual means to control the localized flow through the membrane section thereabove. Employment of a corresponding concentric compartment implementation achieves the same type of compartmentalized cross flow when applied to a hollow fiber fractionation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Wyatt Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Philip J. Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20120132570
    Abstract: Methods of separating one type of nanoparticle from another type of nanoparticle in a mixture including more than one type of nanoparticle are disclosed. The methods may include suspending a mixture of the various types of nanoparticles in a liquid and modifying a characteristic of the liquid. Thereafter, a force may be applied to the nanoparticles within the mixture causing one type of nanoparticles to separate from another type of nanoparticles. The applied force may be the force of gravity, or it may be an induced force such as a centrifugal force applied with a centrifuge or similar apparatus. Upon the occurrence physical separation, sub-populations of nanoparticles may be removed from the suspension or segregated. Alternatively the methods may include modifying a type of nanoparticle in suspension. Alternative embodiments include nanoparticles modified in suspension to provide for separation from other types of nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: CABOT SECURITY MATERIALS INC.
    Inventors: Borzoyeh Shojaei, George Hanki Chan
  • Patent number: 8162149
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices utilizing a fluid displacer in a closed-loop fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas D. Perroud, Kamlesh D. Patel, Ronald F. Renzi