Absorption/adsorption Of Gas Or Vapor Released From Treated Material Patents (Class 34/472)
  • Patent number: 10551122
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the continuous sublimation of a substance includes cascading a material containing a substance capable of sublimation, such as water, between a plurality of trays vertically stacked within a processing zone provided within a processing chamber. A substantially atmospheric environment is maintained within the processing zone at a temperature whereby the substance sublimes forming a sublimate within the environment. The environment containing the sublimate is contacted with a drying agent such as a desiccant to maintain the environment whereby the substance sublimes at substantially atmospheric pressure and at the controlled temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Wyssmont Company Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Weisselberg
  • Patent number: 10213949
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the moisture content of biodegradable and bioresorbable polymer resin during extrusion above a lower limit that allows for plasticization of the polymer resin melt and below an upper limit to reduce or prevent molecular weight loss are disclosed. Methods are further disclosed involving plasticization of a polymer resin for feeding into an extruder with carbon dioxide and freon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: ABBOTT CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEMS INC.
    Inventors: Bethany Steichen, Stephen Pacetti, Manish Gada, Thierry Glauser, Lothar Kleiner, Yunbing Wang, James Oberhauser, Ni Ding
  • Patent number: 9214647
    Abstract: Disclosed is an organic light emitting diode device including a substrate, an organic light emitting element disposed on the substrate, a polymer resin layer covering the organic light emitting element, and a getter disposed between the organic light emitting element and the polymer resin. The getter may include a moisture absorbing material and a binder having a volatilization degree of about 400 ppm or less when heated at a temperature ranging from about 60° C. to about 120° C. for about 2 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung-Duk Lee, Jong-Hyuk Lee, Yoon Hyeung Cho, Min-Ho Oh, So-Young Lee, Sun-Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20150059201
    Abstract: A system reduces moisture within a clothes dryer. The system includes a housing comprising holes which permit the moisture from to enter and leave the housing. A cartridge is located within the housing. The cartridge is filled with a desiccant. The clothes dryer blows air continuously across the cartridge in many directions subjecting the desiccant to moist air in order to remove the moisture from the moist air and dry clothes in the clothes dryer faster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: ZAIN ABEDIEN NABOULSI, JR.
  • Patent number: 8943850
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: 7AC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Vandermeulen, Jack I. Hanoka, Chaim Hanoka
  • Patent number: 8828127
    Abstract: A regeneration controller for an air dryer on a vehicle includes a location identifier that determines a current location, a regeneration profile identifier that selects a regeneration profile based on the current location, and a regeneration initiator that initiates regenerations of the air dryer based on the regeneration profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Asmis
  • Publication number: 20140230268
    Abstract: A method for operating a dishwasher having a sorption drying device includes performing a desorption process using the sorption drying device according to a selected cleaning cycle of the dishwasher. The desorption process is capable of releasing moisture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Guenther Ennen, Martin Kornberger, Stefan Tiekoetter
  • Patent number: 8721769
    Abstract: Device for compressing and drying gas includes a compressor and a dryer using a drying agent for drying gas connected thereto. The compressor includes two or more compressor elements with an inlet and an outlet which are connected together in series to form a first low-pressure stage. One or more subsequent high-pressure stages are each connected with their inlet to the outlet of a previous compressor element via a pressure pipe and an outlet pipe in which an after cooler is incorporated. The dryer has a drying section and a regeneration section. The drying section is filled with a drying agent for drying the gas and has an inlet connected to the outlet pipe of the compressor device, and an outlet that supplies compressed and dried gas. The regeneration section dries moist drying agent by a regeneration gas which is guided there via an inlet and an outlet with a regeneration pipe connected to the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower, N.V.
    Inventor: Constantijn Friso Vermeer
  • Patent number: 8707579
    Abstract: In a method for operating an adsorption dryer, a process air flow, generated by at least one blower, is routed at least at times through an adsorption apparatus and over a textile goods in care during a textile care process in a “dry” operating mode to thereby charge a reversibly dehydratable adsorbent of the adsorption apparatus with moisture. A charge state of the adsorbent with water is detected and is displayed at least after the end of the “drying” textile care process. The absorbent is desorbed at least in part during a subsequent, selected and started textile care process in a “refresh” operating mode, and the desorbed moisture is routed as a moist process air flow into a receptacle for refreshing textile goods which are stored or hung in a stationary manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Kohlrusch, Ulf Müller, Andreas Stolze
  • Patent number: 8668765
    Abstract: A drying system includes a desiccant wheel that dries incoming air. The dried air is heated using a heating element to promote drying of an article within the drying system. A portion of the heated air is diverted to a secondary air path that leads away from the drum holding the article. The diverted portion is used to regenerate an area of the desiccant wheel. A secondary heating element is used to promote regeneration and located in the secondary air path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Protege Enterprises
    Inventors: Charles Robert Dewald, III, Thomas L. Cristello
  • Patent number: 8640359
    Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus for drying substrates with a solvent vapor after treating the substrates with a treating liquid, includes a solvent vapor supply device for supplying the solvent vapor into a treating chamber, an exhaust device for exhausting gas from the chamber through an exhaust pipe, a drain pipe connected to the chamber for draining the treating liquid from the chamber, a gas-liquid separator at the other end of the exhaust pipe for receiving the gas from the exhaust device, and connected to the other end of the drain pipe for receiving the treating liquid from the drain pipe, the gas-liquid separator separating the gas and the liquid, and a mixer mounted on the exhaust pipe for mixing deionized water into the gas exhausted by the exhaust device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoaki Aihara
  • Patent number: 8601718
    Abstract: A method which allows items, contained in a processing chamber, to be effectively and efficiently dried from an economical point of view and the energy consumption to be thus maintained as low as possible, despite a very high drying power. The method includes subjecting a medium in a container to at least one of an evaporation step and a sublimation step, whereby the medium is cooled, and absorbing via a reversibly dehydratable material in a sorber vapor produced by the medium in the container, whereby the reversibly dehydratable material is thereby heated. Air supplied from a processing chamber to the cooled medium is cooled and dehumidified. This air is then heated via contact with the reversibly dehydratable material and fed back into the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Egbert Classen, Bernd Müller
  • Patent number: 8580013
    Abstract: An air dryer cartridge is provided for a compressed air supply system, in particular a compressed air supply system of a commercial vehicle, with a drying agent box which is filled with a drying agent. The drying agent box can be coupled in an axial direction to a connecting flange of the compressed air supply system. A seal, which is designed as a non-return valve and, in the fitted state of the air dryer cartridge, acts in a sealing manner between the drying agent box and the connecting flange, is arranged on the drying agent box. A method for operating the air dryer cartridge on the compressed air supply system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard Hilberer
  • Publication number: 20130269207
    Abstract: A condensation dryer, in particular a tumble dryer, having a heat exchanger (2). In the heat exchanger (2) moisture, which has been absorbed in a drying chamber (1), is separated from an air circuit (3). The condensation dryer includes a sorption unit (5). The sorption unit (5) is connectable to a liquid reservoir (7). Between the liquid reservoir (7) and the sorption unit (5) a cooling fluid flow (4) can be generated. The cooling fluid flow (4) passes through the heat exchanger (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Jerome Grunewald
  • Patent number: 8137440
    Abstract: A dryer and a drying apparatus attachable to a dryer are disclosed. A wheel having desiccant material is located in line and in close proximity with a heating element. The wheel includes a first portion positioned in an inlet air path and a second portion positioned in an outlet air path. The desiccant material removes water molecules from air within the inlet air path, and lowers the vapor pressure of the incoming air. In the outlet air path, heated air flows through the second portion to transfer energy to the desiccant material. The wheel rotates to change the desiccant material within the portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Protégé Enterprises
    Inventors: Charles Robert Dewald, III, Thomas L. Cristello
  • Publication number: 20100207050
    Abstract: The formation of cracks is suppressed in a drying process for a water-containing wet gel without modifying the gel and without using a reagent. A water-containing wet gel is dried by removing water and then removing the remaining solvent. For example, a wet-gel container storing water-containing wet gel, containing a wet gel and a solvent, is heated. The solvent is vaporized into an upper space of the wet-gel container. The solvent-containing gas diffuses into a dehydrating agent container, and water is removed by a dehydrating agent. This state is maintained for one to two days to remove almost all amount of water from the solvent. Thereafter, the dehydrating agent container is detached and the wet gel, from which water has been removed, is heated to almost completely remove the solvent, and further heated at a higher temperature to completely remove the solvent to obtain a crack-free dry gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: TOKYO METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Koichi Kajiwara, Ryohei Maehana, Shungo Kuwatani, Kiyoshi Kanamura
  • Patent number: 7758828
    Abstract: Problems associated with deposition of contaminants from air streams in transport ducts in the wood products industry and other sources of such contaminants are at least minimized by close coupling a cyclone separator/scrubber to the source of the air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Turbosonic Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Spink, Robert A. Allan
  • Publication number: 20100146810
    Abstract: A conditioning apparatus (1) for the air supply stream of a drying chamber (2) of an enameling line has a fresh air duct (8) and an air supply duct (10) connected thereto through which a fresh air or air supply stream can be directed into the drying chamber (2); an exhaust air duct (13) and an escaping air duct (14) connected thereto through which an exhaust air stream can be guided out of the drying chamber (2) or out of an escaping air duct into the surrounding area; an absorption or adsorption device (4) which is arranged in the escaping air duct (14) and in the air supply duct (10) and in which the air supply stream can be dehumidified and heated to a predetermined level of humidity by means of the escaping air stream; a device for heat recovery (6) which is arranged upstream of the absorption or adsorption device (4) in the escaping air duct (14) and which is arranged downstream of the absorption or adsorption device (4) in the air supply duct (10) and in which the air supply stream which is dehumidified
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Norbert Struensee
  • Publication number: 20100122470
    Abstract: A dehumidifier is used for restoring a water damaged electronic device. The dehumidifier comprises a sealable watertight container having a wall with an inside surface. The container has an interior chamber, and an open end. The open end has a releasable seal. The wall has an anti-static property, which prevents electrostatic charges from damaging the electronic device. The wall is a moisture barrier. The interior chamber is large enough to receive the electronic device. A desiccant material is placed within a water vapor-permeable enclosure, which is disposed within the interior chamber. The desiccant material is a hydrophilic material such as silica gel, calcium carbonate, molecular sieve, activated clay, or alumina. The container wall is generally transparent. A humidity indicator is placed within the interior chamber. An optional heater is placed within the interior chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: Bradley C. Davis, Gregory Montgomery
  • Publication number: 20100101107
    Abstract: According to a method for drying fuels in the form of dust, particularly to be fed to a gasification process, such as coal, petroleum coke, biological waste, or the like, wherein the fuel (1) is crushed in a mill (2) and fed to a filter/separator (3) by means of a propellant and drying gas, and at least part of the propellant/drying gas in the circuit is returned to the mill (2) after heating, the known disadvantages are not only to be avoided, but particularly a cost-effective milling and drying method and a corresponding system are to be provided, having low emissions and a low inert gas requirement. This is achieved according to the method in that part of the propellant/drying gas flow is cooled down and dehumidified in a spray tower (6), or the like, wherein part of the dried gas exiting the spray tower is fed to the environment and/or a firing process, and the other part is returned to the propellant/drying gas flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Uhde GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Kowoll, Eberhard Kuske
  • Publication number: 20100031528
    Abstract: The invention provides a process for controlling the moisture content, of a supply gas for use in drying a product, which process comprises the steps of: (a) providing the supply gas; (b) optionally heating the supply gas; (c) determining the temperature and the moisture content of the supply gas; (d) contacting the supply gas with a rotating desiccant wheel, whereby the rotating speed of the desiccant wheel is controlled by means of the data on the temperature and the moisture content as obtained in step (c) in combination with the corresponding sorption isotherm of the desiccant; and (e) recovering the dehumidified supply gas as obtained in step (d). The invention further provides a dehumidified gas obtainable by said process, a dehumidifier system, a process for drying a product comprising bringing the product into contact with a dehumidified gas as obtained in accordance with the invention, and a product obtainable by said drying process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwete- nschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Jan Coen Akkerman, Moniek Afra Boon, Paulus Josephus Theodorus Bussmann
  • Publication number: 20090193679
    Abstract: A method for roasting a load of plant biomass, includes the following stages: generation of a treatment gas stream by a thermal generating apparatus, the treatment gas stream being an inert gas consisting essentially of CO2; generation of a bed of material at high temperature, called the thermal base; treatment of the load of biomass with the treatment gas stream, the treatment gas stream being laden with gaseous components including a water steam and volatile organic compounds originating from the load of biomass during the treatment; and recycling of at least a portion of the water steam by passing at least a portion of the laden gas stream through the thermal base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond Guyomarc'h
  • Patent number: 7503128
    Abstract: A hopper for dehumidifying loose particulate material, of the type constituted by a container for the particulate material, which is provided, in an upper region, with a covering provided with a manifold for loading the hopper; an air dehumidification device being functionally connected to the hopper; an area for venting the air that is present in the container being provided on the covering and being functionally associable with the intake of the air dehumidification device. The hopper further comprises air filtering elements which are arranged substantially at the venting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Moretto S.p.A.
    Inventor: Renato Moretto
  • Publication number: 20080276484
    Abstract: A dryer and a drying apparatus attachable to a dryer are disclosed. A wheel having desiccant material is located in line and in close proximity with a heating element. The wheel includes a first portion positioned in an inlet air path and a second portion positioned in an outlet air path. The desiccant material removes water molecules from air within the inlet air path, and lowers the vapor pressure of the incoming air. In the outlet air path, heated air flows through the second portion to transfer energy to the desiccant material. The wheel rotates to change the desiccant material within the portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Charles Robert Dewald, III, Thomas L. Cristello
  • Patent number: 7007402
    Abstract: A system and method for drying particulate material in a dual flow hopper employs multiple flow paths by which heated gas is inserted into the hopper at different levels. Gas is extracted from the hopper and is divided for flow along two flow paths, one of the flow paths receiving gas that has been dried and the other flow path receiving gas that has not been dried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Novatec, Inc.
    Inventor: W. John Gillette
  • Patent number: 6892473
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a process for removing water from a hydride gas, and particularly ammonia, by contacting the hydride gas with a drying agent under conditions for effecting removal of the water. The improvement for significantly reducing the water content to trace levels in said hydride gas resides in the use of at least Group 1 metal oxide and at least one Group 2 metal oxide as a drying agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Ling Chiang, Roger Dean Whitley, Dingiun Wu, Chun Christine Dong, Madhukar Bhaskara Rao
  • Patent number: 6871419
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flat and activable drying device for reducing the moisture content of a gas space surrounding said device and to a method for producing a device of this type. The inventive drying device contains a flat matrix with at least one regenerable drying agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG
    Inventors: Franz-Josef Becker, Robert-Peter Klein
  • Patent number: 6772534
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing moisture from air which includes a moist air inlet area, a dry air outlet area, a regeneration air inlet area, a regeneration air outlet area and a desiccant medium. A drying fan is provided for drawing the moist air through the moist air inlet area, through the desiccant, as to exit the unit through the dry air outlet area. A regeneration fan is provided for drawing regeneration air through the regeneration air inlet area, through the desiccant medium, so as to exit the unit through the regeneration air outlet area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Bel-Art Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Gomes, Paul Thom, David Landsberger
  • Publication number: 20030172546
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing moisture from air which includes a moist air inlet area, a dry air outlet area, a regeneration air inlet area, a regeneration air outlet area and a desiccant medium. A drying fan is provided for drawing the moist air through the moist air inlet area, through the desiccant, as to exit the unit through the dry air outlet area. A regeneration fan is provided for drawing regeneration air through the regeneration air inlet area, through the desiccant medium, so as to exit the unit through the regeneration air outlet area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Applicant: Bel-Art Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis Gomes, Paul Thom, David Landsberger
  • Publication number: 20030079370
    Abstract: A system for separating hydrocarbons from a material which includes a process chamber, a process pan operatively connected to the process chamber and removable therefrom, a blower operatively connected to the process chamber and to a heat source, the blower adapted to force heated air into the process chamber through the material disposed on the process pan, the forced heated air adapted to vaporize hydrocarbons and other contaminants disposed on the material, and at least one condenser operatively connected to the process chamber and adapted to condense the vaporized hydrocarbons and other contaminants is disclosed. Further, a method for separating hydrocarbons from a material which includes passing a stream of heated air over the material to volatilize the hydrocarbons, passing the stream of heated air containing the hydrocarbons through at least one condenser to form liquid hydrocarbons, collecting the liquid hydrocarbons, and recirculating the heated air is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Gary E. Fout, Jerry T. Connaughton
  • Patent number: 6470594
    Abstract: A highly moisture-sensitive element and method of making such element includes an encapsulation enclosure encapsulating all of the highly moisture-sensitive electronic devices on a substrate and a sealing material positioned between the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure to form a complete seal between the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure around each highly moisture-sensitive electronic device or around groups of highly moisture-sensitive electronic devices, wherein the substrate or encapsulation enclosure, or both, contain vent holes and vent hole seal material or wherein the seal material contains gaps prior to spacing the substrate and the encapsulation enclosure within a predetermined range and the gaps are filled in by spreading the sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Boroson, John Schmittendorf, Peter G. Bessey, Jeffrey P. Serbicki
  • Patent number: 6457259
    Abstract: A transportable skid for drying and testing generator stator windings includes a platform supporting a compressor adapted to supply compressed air to the stator winding; a dryer arranged to receive and dry compressed air from the compressor; a buffer tank arranged to receive a relatively small portion of compressed air from the compressor after passing through the dryer; and a receiving tank arranged to receive compressed air from the buffer tank and the compressor after passing through the dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marc Bilofsky, Steve Czvizler, Tom McGonagle
  • Patent number: 6453576
    Abstract: In a gas dryer for use in a gas transmission line in which a bed of desiccant tablets is suspended in the flow of gas, making an aqueous solution of the desiccant salts from the moisture taken from the gas, the solution is inhibited from generating solids and precipitates in a sump area by conducting the heat of hydration from the bed area to the sump area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Clearwater, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin W. Smith, Lori G. Acor, Joseph Miller, Mark J. Wanner
  • Patent number: 6446355
    Abstract: Liquid is removed from disks by apparatus and methods for drying a disk that has been wet in a liquid bath. The disk and the bath are separated at a controlled rate to form a monolayer of liquid on the disk as the disk is positioned in a gas-filled volume. The separation may be by moving the disk out of the liquid bath, and the controlled rate is generally not less than the maximum rate at which a meniscus will form between the liquid bath and the surface of the disk when the liquid bath and the disk are separated. The gas-filled volume is defined by a hot chamber that continuously transfers thermal energy to the disk in the gas-filled volume. Hot gas directed into the volume and across the disk and out of the volume continuously transfers thermal energy to the disk. The directing of the gas out of the volume is independent of the separation of the bath and the disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver David Jones, Kenneth C. McMahon, Jonathan Borkowski, Scott Petersen, Donald Stephens, Yassin Mehmandoust, James M. Olivas
  • Patent number: 6391091
    Abstract: A monolithic hygroscopic material shaped to facilitate a circulation flow of ambient air. The hygroscopic material may be used to remove various compounds from an ambient gas and may be reactivated to restore its drying capacity. The tendency of the material to seek equilibrium may be utilized to achieve dehumidification or humidification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: James P. McMahon
  • Patent number: 6289606
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for control of moisture content of material such as thermoplastic pellets (80) in a hopper (30) is controlled by supplying dehumidified air from a dessicant bed (90) to the hopper (30) and returning air from the hopper (30) to the dessicant bed (90). A dew point sensor (10) in the return air path determines the moisture content of the material (80) in the hopper (30), and when the dew point drops to a pre-set level, a diverter (134) causes the return air flow to bypass the dessicant bed (90) and to be re-supplied to the hopper (30) without dehumidification. Two dessicant beds are provided, one of which is on-process while the dessicant in the other is regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Novatec, Inc.
    Inventors: W. John Gillette, Paul M. Frank
  • Patent number: 6280504
    Abstract: A hygroscopic material having at least one passageway or channel therethrough. In a dehumidifier embodiment, the material is shaped to provide a surface area to facilitate gas flow, and drying of an ambient gas by creating a chimney effect which facilitates mixing of the gas. This causes the heavier water vapor or other compound containing gas to contact adsorbent material adjacent to the passageway or channel, adsorb at least some of the compound, and cause the lighter gas to exit the passageway or channel. The dehumidifier may have various shapes and sizes and can be reactivated to restore its drying capacity. When utilized as a humidifier, the material desorbs or adds the constituent (such as water vapor) to the gas and a downdraft rather than a chimney effect is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: James P. McMahon
  • Publication number: 20010003874
    Abstract: Moisture content of material such as thermoplastic pellets (80) in a hopper (30) is controlled by supplying dehumidified air from a dessicant bed (90) to the hopper (30) and returning air from the hopper (30) to the dessicant bed (90). A dew point sensor (10) in the return air path determines the moisture content of the material (80) in the hopper (30), and when the dew point drops to a pre-set level, a diverter (134) causes the return air flow to bypass the dessicant bed (90) and to be re-supplied to the hopper (30) without dehumidification. Two dessicant beds are provided, one of which is on-process while the dessicant in the other is regenerated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: W. John Gillette, Paul M. Frank
  • Patent number: 6226890
    Abstract: A method of desiccating an environment surrounding a moisture-sensitive electronic device sealed within an enclosure, includes selecting a desiccant comprised of solid particles having a particle size range 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Boroson, Jeffrey P. Serbicki, Peter G. Bessey
  • Patent number: 6189238
    Abstract: A portable purge system for transporting materials, such as semiconductor wafers used in the manufacture of ICs, comprises a carrier having compartments for releasably receiving and enclosing the materials therein. The carrier is flooded with an inert gas such as nitrogen so as to adsorb the nitrogen on the surface of the materials, dilute contaminants, and purge the contaminants from the carrier. The carrier and the flooding means are mounted in a transport case. A humidifier is connected to the flooding means so that the materials will adsorb water and thereby further resist adsorption of hydrocarbon contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mindaugas F. Dautartas, Ofer Sneh
  • Patent number: 6070576
    Abstract: A gas storage and dispensing system, including a gas storage and dispensing vessel, holding a physical adsorbent medium having sorptive affinity for the gas, and desorptive thereof under dispensing conditions. The gas may be an organoleptic gas, a gaseous therapeutic agent, or the like. The gas storage and dispensing system may be constructed with the gas storage and dispensing vessel in gas flow communication with a bladder that is actually manually or mechanically actuated to effect compression and release thereof, to achieve pressure differential-mediated desorption of the gas from the physical adsorbent medium, and discharge of desorbed gas from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene G. Banucci, Steven J. Hultquist
  • Patent number: 5948399
    Abstract: A method of producing ammonia water (aqua ammonia) by means of desorbing an ammonia laden sorbent, preferably a zeolite molecular sieve or silica gel into water. The method includes placing an activated sorbent material into a sealed vessel, such as a pressure pot, and exposing it to ammonia gas for a period of time. After loading by exposure to ammonia gas, the loaded sorbent is then placed into an air and water tight container for storage. The pouch can be stored for extended lengths of time prior to use of the contents. When ready for use, the contents of the pouch are dropped into a container of water. In one preferred use of the loaded sorbents, the container of water is a toilet bowl. In another preferred embodiment, the container is a separate disposal pouch, such as a small plastic bag capable of holding an ostomy pouch, sanitary napkin or incontinence pad. After use, the ostomy pouch or other device can be made to dissolve by placing the used pouch in ammonia water at a pH of 10.3 or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Mark W. McGlothlin
  • Patent number: 5910450
    Abstract: A process for enriching substance emissions released from an object in the form of gases, vapors or aerosols, wherein the substance emissions are fed to an adsorption layer by diffusion or penetration and are enriched in the adsorption layer. The substance emission of an object is selectively detected according to the present invention by the adsorption layer being fixed on the surface of the object emitting pollutant, which surface is to be analyzed, by means of an adhesive tape projecting over the adsorption layer on all sides to offer adhesive surfaces for application to the object and to hermetically seal the adsorption layer against the ambient air. A nondestructive adsorption system is also provided, with direct or immediately following analysis for the rapid qualitative and/or quantitative determination of pollutants (e.g., gases, vapors, dusts) by means of a chemical or biological reaction, in which, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andreas Manns, Thomas Wuske, Dirk Zastrow, Sabine Grantz
  • Patent number: 5846696
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving the keeping of photographic elements comprising placing said elements in a container and placing a material comprising a blend of polymer and molecular sieve particles in said container with said element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Arunachalam Tulsi Ram, Brett Zippel Blaisdell, Diane Marie Carroll-Yacoby
  • Patent number: 5765291
    Abstract: A compressed gas system comprises a pressure generator and a consuming installation, a gas drier disposed between the pressure generator and the consuming installation, and an in-flow line connecting the pressure generator to the gas drier. Desirably, an out-flow line connects the gas drier to the consuming installation. A by-pass line also connects the pressure generator to the gas drier in parallel to the in-flow line. The by-pass line includes a pressure-controlled blocking device, such as a check valve, which allows the passage of gas from the pressure generator to the gas drier only when a predetermined opening pressure has been reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Deike
  • Patent number: 5731157
    Abstract: An allergen immunoassay method features the use of a combination of a) closely controlled 1) elevated temperatures for assay reactions, 2) low temperatures for reagents and samples, 3) times for assay steps and especially assay reaction times, 4) reagent concentrations, and 5) reagent amounts; b) the use of a fast and accurate method of sample preparation that removes dust and contaminants; c) the stabilization of samples to avoid auto- and antibody degradation and unwanted effects of sample contaminants; and d) the formation of a colored product to determine the amount of a specific allergen. This combination provides an assay that can be completed in a few hours while retaining the precision, accuracy, sensitivity and response curve of previous methods requiring much longer periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: The Procter and Gamble Company
    Inventors: Larry S. Miller, Balwant S. Bhullar, Richard S. Tuttle, Victor S. Moore
  • Patent number: 5673493
    Abstract: An air drying cartridge for use in an air drying system is disclosed. The air drying cartridge comprises a telescoping casing resiliently self adjustable in height which has an inner cylindrical apertured wall and an outer cylindrical apertured wall. The inner apertured wall has a facing surface, an upper end and a lower end. The outer apertured wall has a facing surface, an upper end and a lower end. The facing surface of the inner apertured wall is disposed to face the facing surface of the outer apertured wall thereby defining an opening therebetween. The air drying cartridge also includes a porous filter liner, a pair of sealing caps and a moisture absorbing material for extracting moisture from air flowing through the air drying cartridge. The porous filter liner is situated adjacent to each of the facing surfaces within the opening. One of the pair of sealing caps affixes to the upper ends of the apertured walls and another affixes to the lower ends of the apertured walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Company
    Inventors: Michael V. Kazakis, T. Kevin Castle
  • Patent number: 5457897
    Abstract: A process for drying a gas stream having a periodically fluctuating moisture content which assures that a predetermined dew point temperature is not exceeded at any time by conducting the gas stream through a moisture adsorbing medium having a reversible moisture adsorption capacity is greater than the average moisture content of the gas stream, and an apparatus for carrying out this process comprising a source of a flowing gas, such as air, which has a fluctuating moisture content, connected to a gas utilizing device via a chamber filled with an adsorbing medium which adsorbs moisture in a reversible manner and which has a moisture adsorption capacity which is greater than the average moisture content of the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Somos GmbH
    Inventor: Achim Becker
  • Patent number: 5444029
    Abstract: A method for regenerating an activated charcoal filter for a spray paint booth exhaust which includes the following steps:a passing a first gas flow of uncontaminated inlet air through the filter;preheating the first gas flow;combining the preheated first gas flow with additional uncontaminated air to form a preheated second gas flow at a predetermined temperature for achieving substantially complete desorption of the activated charcoal filter;recirculating the preheated second gas flow through the filter for desorbing filtered contaminants into the second gas flow;conveying the second gas flow to a heat contributing heat exchanging point for further preheating;pyrolytically oxidizing the further reheated gas flow, at a preselected elevated temperature, thereby oxidizing substantially all of the suspended particles therein;passing a resulting oxidized flow, at elevated temperature, to the heat exchanging point for cooling the oxidized gas flow and contributing exchanged heat to the second gas flow to achieve
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Omia
    Inventor: Guy Martin
  • Patent number: 5359787
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for delivering hygroscopic, corrosive chemicals such as hydrogen chloride from a source such as a tube trailer to a use point such as a semiconductor fabrication tool minimizing infiltration of moisture, and entrainment of particulates, while still reducing moisture contents below 100 parts per billion and achieving appropriate pressure drops without two phase flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis J. Mostowy, Jr., Naser M. Chowdhury