Control Element Is Fluid Pressure Sensitive Patents (Class 422/112)
  • Publication number: 20090110609
    Abstract: A pressurization device is for a flexible enclosure disposable within an environment having air at a pressure and configured to define an interior chamber having a sufficient volume to entirely contain at least one person and containing air. The device includes a gas generator configured to generate and release a gas into the enclosure chamber such that the enclosure air pressure is increased or maintained above the environment air pressure to prevent entry of environment air into the enclosure chamber. The generator is preferably configured to generate the gas by a chemical reaction, and preferably includes a quantity of at least one reactant, such as sodium nitrate, sulfuric acid or ammonium chloride, and initiates chemical reaction of the reactant to generate the gas. Furthermore, the pressurization device is preferably incorporated into an air treatment system including an oxygen generator that generates and discharges oxygen into the enclosure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Edward V. Roscioli
  • Publication number: 20090104085
    Abstract: A reducing agent spray control system designed to control an exhaust emission control device such as a urea SCR device for automotive internal combustion engines. The exhaust emission control device includes an injector injecting a spray of a reducing agent into an exhaust pipe of the engine to reduce a selected component such as NOx in exhaust gas to purify the exhaust gas and a pump regulating the pressure of the reducing agent to be sprayed by the injector. The system works to control the pump so as to bring the pressure of the reducing agent to be sprayed by the injector into agreement with a target value, as determined based on the state of the exhaust gas, to ensure the efficiency of purification of the exhaust gas without sacrificing the service life of the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ataru ICHIKAWA
  • Patent number: 7521027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for circulation of a gaseous and/or liquid fluid through at least one solid particle bed equipped with at least one bypass means acting on at least one part of said fluid through at least one part of a solid particle bed, said bypass means comprising: a pipe whose top end discharges above the upper surface of the catalyst bed and whose bottom end discharges below said surface, and a valve that is made to be actuated in the open position when the differential pressure through the solid particle bed is greater than a predetermined value, said valve including means allowing the automatic variation of the passage section of the fluid based on the fluid flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Institut Francais Due Petrole
    Inventors: Christophe Boyer, Abdelhakim Koudil
  • Publication number: 20090087349
    Abstract: A hydrogen iodide manufacturing method which includes a step of producing aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide and sulfuric acid by causing iodine-containing aqueous solution and sulfur dioxide to react with each other in a pressurized condition. The pressurized condition may be of not lower than 0.1 MPa in gauge pressure. The method may further include: a separation step of adding iodine to the aqueous solution of hydrogen iodide and separating an upper phase containing sulfuric acid relatively to a large extent and a lower phase containing hydrogen iodide relatively to a large extent; and a step of producing hydrogen iodide by adding sulfur dioxide to the upper phase in a pressurized condition and extracting the produced hydrogen iodide to the lower phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Ryouta TAKAHASHI, Hideki Nakamura, Kazuo Murakami, Haruhiko Takase, Noboru Jimbo, Kazuya Yamada
  • Publication number: 20090056080
    Abstract: Reactor vessel for an apparatus for forming particles of a target substance, includes: a first tube having an inlet end for receiving a supercritical antisolvent fluid and an outlet end for transmitting particles formed within the reactor vessel, and a second tube, coaxial with the first tube and having an inlet end for receiving a solvent containing a solute of a target substance to be precipitated and an outlet end within the first tube for allowing contacting the supercritical antisolvent fluid with the solvent. The reactor vessel may be easily scaled up by connecting the outlet end of each first tube of a plurality of first tube/second tube pairs to a single container for receiving the formed particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE PAUL CEZANNE AIX MARSEILLE III
    Inventor: Olivier BOUTIN
  • Publication number: 20090035624
    Abstract: A device for generating a gas by causing a reactive fluid to come into gas producing contact with a reactive particulate material The device includes a first storage body for containing a reactive fluid and a second storage body for containing a reactive particulate material. A conduit is provided for directing a flow of reactive fluid from the first body and into the second body. A reverse flow prevention valve is connected to the conduit to prevent back flow of produced gas from the second storage body and into the first storage body. A fuel supply opening is provided on the second storage body and a fluid introduction inlet is provided on the first storage body. A fluid diffuser is located in the second storage body for diffusing fluid in said particulate material. Also included is an opening and closing valve arrangement located adjacent an outlet of the conduit and having an external operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Koji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7479169
    Abstract: A gas supplying system for fuel cell includes a reformer generating a reformed gas by reforming a mixed raw material including a fuel and a first water, a piping network distributing the reformed gas to fuel cell systems each of which is installed in different rooms or buildings, a drain recovery unit recovering a water condensed from the reformed gas in the piping network. The piping network has a circulating route. By the circulation route, the reformed gas does not stay in the piping network so that the water condensation in the piping is suppressed. The water in the piping is removed by the drain recovery unit. According to this configuration, the clogging and corrosion of the piping caused by the condensed water is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuki Yagi, Shigeru Nojima, Hirohisa Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7473397
    Abstract: A device for analysis of a sample, the device comprising: a first layer having a network of passages and chambers through which fluid is caused to flow during analysis; a second layer in which a plurality of chambers are formed, the chambers containing fluids for use in the analysis; an inlet in either the first or the second layer into which a sample to be analysed can, in use, be placed, and a third layer providing a frangible fluid seal between the chambers of the second layer and the network of the first layer so that, in use, a break in the third layer permits fluid from a chamber in the second layer to pass into the network of the first layer to enable analysis of the sample to be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: The Technology Partnership PLC
    Inventors: Neil Griffin, Nicki Sutton, Allan Carmichael, Sam Charles William Hyde, John Matthew Somerville
  • Publication number: 20090004047
    Abstract: In an air sterilization system that includes a UV kill chamber for sterilizing air that is to be supplied to users, the effectiveness of killing or neutralizing pathogens is increased by including not only a UV light source of a certain intensity but also including a particle filter and providing short duration high intensity UV radiation. In the case of a user specific system that includes a face mask to supply air to a specific user, exhaled air from the face mask may be sterilized as well, either by using the same kill chamber or by using a separate kill chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Eric C. Hunter, Jocelyn L. Hunter, Bernard L. Ballou, JR., John H. Hebrank, Laurie E. McNeil
  • Patent number: 7470406
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering catalyst in a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst injection system are provided. In one embodiment, apparatus for metering catalyst in a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst injection system includes a low pressure storage vessel coupled to a pressure vessel that defines a high pressure side of the apparatus, where the determination of the amount of catalyst transferred is made on the low pressure side of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Evans
  • Patent number: 7470293
    Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems for hydrogen generation assemblies having a hydrogen-producing region and a heating assembly. The delivery system provides a hydrogen-production fluid to the hydrogen-producing region and provides a heating fuel to the heating assembly. The delivery system includes a pressure vessel having an interior cavity containing the heating fuel and the hydrogen-production fluid, which are disposed in the pressure vessel in a pressurizing—pressurized relationship, in which the heating fuel is discharged from the pressure vessel under it own pressure and the hydrogen-production fluid is discharged under pressure applied by the heating fuel. The feedstock delivery system may separately discharge the hydrogen-production fluid and the heating fuel and may include a pressure transmitter disposed between the hydrogen-production fluid and the heating fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Publication number: 20080311007
    Abstract: Pressure equalizing device comprising a fluid container for attachment to a receptacle such as a vial to permit pressure equalization between the fluid container and the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device comprises a flow channel that is arranged to provide fluid communication into or out of the fluid container when the pressure equalizing device is attached to the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device also comprises a fluid inlet that contains a one-way valve that permits fluid to flow into the fluid container via said fluid inlet and that prevents fluid from flowing out of the fluid container via said fluid inlet and filter-receiving means that are arranged to permit fluid flowing into or out of the fluid container to be filtered when the filter-receiving means comprises a filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Elisabet Helmerson
  • Publication number: 20080299003
    Abstract: A portable steam sterilizer for surgical instruments includes a tray configured to hold the instruments and a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber includes a cavity portion and a handle portion. The cavity portion includes a set of walls and is configured to releasably receive the tray, while the handle portion is coupled to the tray for selectively inserting and removing the tray respectively into and from within the cavity portion. The handle portion is sealingly engageable with the cavity portion to thereby define the pressure chamber. A steam inlet fluidly communicates the pressure chamber with a source of steam to selectively permit steam to flow from the source of steam and into the pressure chamber. A steam outlet fluidly communicates the pressure chamber with a steam management assembly to selectively permit steam to flow from the pressure chamber and into the steam management assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: MIDMARK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael J. Coyle, Ronald A. Gatchell, Richard L. Jones, Philip Marc Stewart, James E. Clapp, Dennis L. Harris
  • Patent number: 7452511
    Abstract: A novel chlorine dioxide production apparatus, or reactor, is disclosed. The reactor receives reactants from two or more feed pipes under pressure, and the reactants react in a reaction chamber that operates under elevated pressure and within a specified temperature range. A gaseous product, such as chlorine dioxide, is generated and is released directly into a liquid stream for bleaching, disinfection, and other purposes. Also disclosed is a novel system for production of quantities of chlorine compounds from commercial grades of starting materials, and methods of using the reactor in situ for bleaching, and for disinfection, decontamination, and sterilization of flows of water or other liquids. An automated system for multiple points of addition of chlorine dioxide to a flow to be treated is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventors: Wilfried J. Schmitz, David Francis
  • Patent number: 7452391
    Abstract: Hydrogen generators and integrated hydrogen generator/fuel cells systems are operated by determining the condition of the hydrogen generator and the condition of the fuel to the hydrogen generator for selection of predetermined flow rates for each of the externally-provided raw materials. The processes of the invention can provide rapid transitions between hydrogen production rates while enabling enhanced efficiency and stability during transient operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: HyRadix Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley P. Russell, John R. Harness, Paul G. Blommel, Daniel R. Sioui, Suheil F. Abdo, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Robert J. Sanger
  • Publication number: 20080267830
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for treating sulfur at an elevated pressure. Embodiments of the apparatus comprises a vessel into which the sulfur is injected and a device for alleviating the pressure of the sulfur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: S & B ENGINEERS AND CONSTRUCTORS, LTD.
    Inventor: Ronald E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7438863
    Abstract: The invention is a multi-catalyst injection system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of catalyst storage regions associated with a vessel and a metering device associated with the vessel. The metering device is configured to provide a metric indicative of an amount of catalyst dispensed from a selected one of the catalyst storage regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Evans
  • Publication number: 20080178576
    Abstract: A system for removing particulates from the exhaust gas of a vehicle internal combustion engine, particularly during those times that the emission of such particulates into the atmosphere would be of greatest danger to persons in the vicinity of the vehicle, includes a valve connected to the vehicle exhaust manifold for normally directing exhaust to the atmosphere, when in the non-activated condition. The valve directs exhaust to a particulate filter, when in the activated condition. Starting of the engine activates the valve for a predetermined period of time. The valve optionally is GPS-controlled and can be disabled manually or automatically by a switch, which detects the backpressure in the exhaust system. An exhaust pressure sensor monitors the exhaust backpressure, and a circuit device responsive to the exhaust pressure maintains the valve continuously in the non-activated condition, when the exhaust backpressure reaches a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: MEIER DIESEL FILTERS, INC.
    Inventors: John Meier, Cris Pasto
  • Patent number: 7404916
    Abstract: Cellular or compact polyurethane moldings are produced by conveying at least one isocyanate component and at least one polyol component by a metering machine in dispensing manner into a mixing chamber via component lines to form a polyurethane reaction mixture. Subsequently, the polyurethane reaction mixture is discharged from the mixing chamber into a mold. The pressures of the components are registered by means of pressure transducers in the component lines and are transmitted to a monitoring device. The temporal profiles of the pressures are compared with reference pressure values stored in the monitoring device. A malfunction is signalled in the event of deviation of at least one of the measured pressure profiles from the reference pressure profile beyond a predetermined tolerance threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hennecke GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Begemann, Klaus Sieben, JĂĽrgen Wirth, Wolfgang Pawlik
  • Publication number: 20080170970
    Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum processing chamber comprising a particle removing function and capable of improving the yield and process efficiency for processing samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Toru Ito, Kotaro Fujimoto, Eiji Matsumoto, Atsushi Yoshida, Kouta Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7399328
    Abstract: A hydrogen gas station is disclosed comprising, a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-rich reformed gas through reforming reaction of an organic compound, a gas supply port configured to communicate with a gas supply pipe to supply the reformed gas to a plurality of fuel cells, and a gas recovery port configured to communicate with a gas recovery pipe to receive an off gas containing hydrogen unconsumed from the fuel cells, the hydrogen gas station being configured to consume the off gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiro Ukai, Kiyoshi Taguchi, Hidenobu Wakita, Seiji Fujihara, Yukimune Kani
  • Publication number: 20080159927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system for performing parallel chemical experiments. The system comprises an array of parallel flow through reactors each comprising a reaction chamber, a reactor inlet and a reactor outlet connected to the reactor chamber. Downstream of each reactor a corresponding active pressure regulating arrangement is provided for actively regulating the reactor pressure. The pressure regulating arrangement comprises a passage for reactor effluent with an inlet connected to the reactor outlet and an outlet for discharging reactor effluent at a reduced pressure with respect to the reactor pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: AVANTIUM INTERNATIONAL B.V.
    Inventors: Martin Smit, Gerardus Johannes Maria Gruter
  • Publication number: 20080138253
    Abstract: An autoclave comprises an enclosure 10 defining a chamber 12, steam supply means 20, 22 arranged to supply steam to the chamber, steam venting means 34, 40, 58, 60 arranged to vent steam from the chamber, and control means 100, 102 arranged to control operation of the autoclave. The control means comprises a first controller 100 and a second controller 102, each controller being arranged to define a respective set of conditions required for a change of state of the autoclave, to monitor a parameter of the autoclave and determine therefrom whether its respective conditions have been met, and the control means is arranged to allow the change of state only if both sets of conditions have been met.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Eschmann Holdsings Limited
    Inventors: Roger Francis Golder, Terence George Copeland
  • Patent number: 7368088
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing a purified aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. The apparatus includes at least one purifier tower packed with an ion exchange resin, a chelate resin or an adsorption resin for receiving a charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing impurities so as to effect contact thereof with the ion exchange resin, chelate resin or adsorption resin, thereby purifying the charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which apparatus further comprises a feed pump of given output capable of causing the charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution to flow to the purifier tower, a flow sensor capable of sensing a flow rate of charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution being fed to the purifier tower by means of the feed pump, and a flow control unit capable of controlling the output of the feed pump on the basis of a detection result of the flow sensor so as to maintain the flow of charged aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution being fed to the purifier tower at a constant rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Santoku Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fujio Tanaka, Takashi Adachi, Toshimi Suzuki, Mutsuro Noguchi, Tomoaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7368087
    Abstract: A gas re-use system for carbon fiber manufacturing processes based on hydrocarbon thermal decomposition. The system permits re-use of the output gas from the carbon fiber manufacturing process, a process based on the use of an industrial gas as the main raw material. The system can comprise a feedback pipeline provided with force and filtering means to raise the pressure from the reaction furnace output manifold to its input. There are also return and bleed lines operated separately to assure suitable pressure ranges at the same time both in the reaction furnace input area and extraction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Grupo Antolin-Ingenieria, S.A.
    Inventors: CĂ©sar Merino Sanchez, Andres Melgar Bachiller
  • Patent number: 7354463
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a hydrogen-enriched reformate. The apparatus includes a fuel processor for producing a reformate having fluctuations in a pressure and/or flow rate and means for reducing the fluctuations. The reformate comprises impurities that are removed by a purification unit having a plurality of adsorbent beds. A valve assembly controls the flow of reformate to the adsorbent beds based upon sensed product data generated by a product sensor. A compression unit optionally compresses the reformate prior to entering the purification unit. Means for reducing fluctuations in the pressure and/or flow rate include a buffer and/or a conduit for providing a controlled flow of a supplemental fluid to an inlet of the compression unit. A product valve can control the flow of hydrogen-enriched reformate out of the purification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: W. Spencer Wheat, Hongqiao Sun, Bhaskar Balasubramanian, Vesna R. Mirkovic
  • Patent number: 7354510
    Abstract: A mechanism for introducing pressurized air into an extracting cartridge comprises an air pump, an on-off valve, and a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure within the extracting cartridge. The on-off valve is turned on in order to introduce the pressurized air into the extracting cartridge. When the internal pressure detected by the pressure sensor has become equal to a predetermined pressure range for a pressurization upper limit, the on-off valve is turned off in order to confine the area within the extracting cartridge in the pressurized state, the pressure being thereby exerted upon a sample liquid, a washing liquid, or a recovery liquid having been injected into the extracting cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Keiichi Fujimoto, Nobuyuki Torisawa
  • Patent number: 7341652
    Abstract: A system and method for capillary electrophoresis are provided for analyzing a macromolecule prepared from a complex liquid mixture. In particular applications, methods and apparatus are provided for separating and analyzing a solution containing a denatured macromolecule by employing a stationary capillary electrophoresis apparatus. An apparatus for capillary electrophoresis includes an inlet chamber and a capillary electrophoresis column. One end of the column is fixed at the interior of the inlet chamber. The column has a length of at least about 20 centimeters. Also included is a liquid source adapted for automatic control. The liquid source supplies a liquid sample through an input valve into the inlet chamber so that the sample is in fluid communication with the end of the column. A method for capillary electrophoresis includes automatically supplying the liquid sample to the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Groton Biosytems, LLC
    Inventor: George E. Barringer, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080025880
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to generate hydrogen. A liquid permeable material with one or more cavities contains a solid anhydrous chemical hydride and an anhydrous activating agent. A housing that is heat and pressure resistant houses the liquid permeable material, and a liquid. One or more liquid sources inject the liquid into the housing such that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the liquid permeable material. A gas outlet port releases hydrogen gas produced by a reaction comprising the solid anhydrous chemical hydride, the anhydrous activating agent, and the liquid. A hydrogen output regulator controls the amount of hydrogen gas that the gas outlet port releases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: Trulite, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Shurtleff, Eric Ladd, John Patton, Chris Brydon, Ken Pearson
  • Patent number: 7320749
    Abstract: A system and method for control of a gas and/or chemical for treatment of a fluid, and for monitoring the operation of such a system. In one embodiment, the system comprises a reactor for receipt of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical for dissolving, mixing, diffusing, or infusing the gas and/or chemical into the fluid, and a controller to control the flow of the fluid and the gas and/or chemical into the reactor, and to monitor the operation of the system in accordance with predetermined operating conditions. In another embodiment, the system also comprises a gas/chemical generation system for generation of the gas and/or chemical to be introduced into the reactor. The present invention permits for the control of the system based on numerous dynamic conditions to optimize operation and to minimize safety hazards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Eco-Oxygen Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard E. Speece, David A. Clidence
  • Patent number: 7276209
    Abstract: Systems and methods create an air-gas mixture supply for an endothermic generator. The systems and methods convey a hydrocarbon gas under pressure through a valve, to thereby form an air-gas mixture supply for the endothermic generator. The systems and methods sense an actual air-gas ratio of the air-gas mixture supply. The systems and methods receive from an operator a set point air-gas ratio. The systems and methods compare the actual value to the set point value and generate a deviation. The systems and methods generating a control signal to operate the valve based upon the deviation, and, preferably, to minimize the deviation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Atmosphere Engineering Co., LLC
    Inventor: Jason Jossart
  • Patent number: 7267699
    Abstract: A fuel processing system including a filter for reforming a hydrocarbon fuel and its operation is disclosed. The system includes a first chamber for receiving a hydrocarbon fuel and combining it with air or water; a reformer in fluid connection with and down stream of the first chamber, which receives the hydrocarbon fuel combined with either air or water to reform the fuel to a reformate stream, which contains a hydrogen rich atmosphere; a second chamber in fluid connection with the reformer which is capable of receiving the reformate stream from the reformer; a water inlet connected to the second chamber capable of introducing water to the reformate stream; and a filter in fluid connection with and down stream of the second chamber, which is capable of preventing a substantial portion of any solid particles contained in the reformate stream from passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Motohisa Kamijo
  • Patent number: 7192561
    Abstract: A high-pressure reactor which has a hydraulically controlled pressure-relief valve. The mechanical design of the corresponding hydraulic system in combination with the control technology used facilitates particularly fast opening of the pressure-relief valve in the case of pressure or temperature jumps in the high-pressure reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Groos, Klaus Hammer
  • Patent number: 7186285
    Abstract: Disclosed is a semiconductor exposure apparatus which includes a chamber for accommodating therein a main unit of the exposure apparatus, a gas controlling unit for controlling a gas in the chamber, a chemical filter for attracting a chemical substance in a controlling gas, and a dust removing filter for catching a dust particle in a controlling gas, wherein a gas blowing area of the chemical filter is smaller than that of the dust removing filter wherein said chemical filter and said dust removing filter are disposed separately from each other. The chemical filter is mounted obliquely with respect to a direction of flow of a supplied gas. A gas rectifying device is disposed at a gas inlet side of the chemical filter and the dust removing filter. The chemical filter can be a pleat filter, and it is mounted so that the pleat thereof is orthogonal to the direction of flow of the supplied air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hitoshi Nakano, Kiyoshi Arakawa
  • Patent number: 7144739
    Abstract: A pressure-sealing, pressure-monitoring closure for non-invasively sealing a reaction vessel to a defined release pressure in microwave-assisted chemistry is disclosed. The closure includes a pressure-resistant, microwave-transparent reaction vessel, one portion of which defines a mouth, a flexible pressure-transmitting releasable cover assembly on the mouth of the vessel, a pressure transducer on the cover and external to the vessel for monitoring the pressure in the vessel as exerted against the flexible cover, and a clamp for urging the vessel, the cover and the transducer together under a defined force so that when the pressure in the vessel exceeds the defined force, the cover can flex and release the pressure from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7135048
    Abstract: A fuel processing assembly adapted to produce hydrogen gas from a volatile feedstock. The fuel processing assembly includes a fuel processor, such as a steam reformer. The fuel processing assembly further includes a feed assembly adapted to deliver a volatile feedstock, such as propane, to the fuel processor. In some embodiments, the fuel processing system includes a fuel cell stack that includes at least one fuel cell adapted to produce electrical power from hydrogen gas produced by the fuel processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: IdaTech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, Thomas G. Herron
  • Patent number: 7125519
    Abstract: The present invention is directed a system for coupling a macroactuator to a movable element of a micromachined device. The system includes a micromachined device, a first body for holding a macroactuator, a macroactuator mechanically mounted on the first body, a second body having a bore for receiving the first body, a screw arrangement for fixing the axial position of the first body within the bore of the second body, and a plate arrangement for mounting the micromachined device on the second body. The plate arrangement is mounted in such a way that the macroactuator exerts a predetermined force or pressure on a movable element of the micromachined device. The present invention further is directed to a pipetting module that includes the micromachined device and the macroactuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas Szita, Rudolf Buser, Olivier Elsenhans
  • Patent number: 7115091
    Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope, which can be cleaned by sterilization. In certain embodiments, a method of sterilizing includes sterilizing the endoscope or portion thereof in a sterilization chamber while maintaining a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Optim, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Robert J. Krupa
  • Patent number: 7105033
    Abstract: A system for generating hydrogen gas utilizes a volume exchange housing for the storage of a fuel material that reacts to generate hydrogen gas and a hydrogen separation chamber. The system includes a gas permeable membrane or membranes that allow hydrogen gas to pass through the membrane while preventing aqueous solutions from passing therethrough. The system is orientation independent. A throttle valve is also used to self regulate the reaction generating the hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Millennium Cell, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Strizki, Richard M. Mohring
  • Patent number: 7097689
    Abstract: A process and system for purifying an impure gas to produce a purified gas in a gas purification system and protecting the system from damage by a) passing a portion of a first gas stream into a reactor vessel, which exits as a second purified gas stream; b) combining a portion of the second purified gas stream with another portion of the first gas stream to form a combined gas stream; and c) passing the combined gas stream into a sensing device to regulate the flow of the first and second gas streams into the reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Fredric Billingham, Jerry Michael Mahl
  • Patent number: 7056480
    Abstract: A fuel reforming system comprises a reforming catalyst section (4) performing reformate reactions on supplied fuel gas, a membrane hydrogen separator (5) extracting hydrogen from the reformate gas, a supply device (8–14) supplying combustion gas for heating the membrane reactor (2), a sensor (16) for detecting the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) and a controller. The supply device supplies combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) before the reforming catalyst section starts reformate reactions during startup of the membrane reactor (2). Furthermore the supply device stops supply of combustion gas to the membrane reactor (2) when the temperature of the membrane hydrogen separator (5) is greater than or equal to a target temperature. Thereafter the fuel supply device supplies fuel to the fuel reforming catalyst section (4). In this manner, hydrogen embrittlement in the membrane hydrogen separator can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7052659
    Abstract: A method and system for high-throughput screening of multiphase reactions are provided. In an exemplary embodiment the method includes the steps of sequentially loading a plurality of discrete combinations of reactants into a longitudinal reaction zone; reacting each of the combinations as it passes through the reaction zone to provide a continuously or an incrementally varying reaction product; and sequentially discharging the reaction product of each of combination from the reaction zone as reaction of each combination is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: James Norman Cawse
  • Patent number: 6984362
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a sealed vacuum chamber which contains a processing portion; a pressure controlling system which keeps the internal pressure of the sealed vacuum chamber constant at a predetermined level by exhausting the ambient gas in the sealed vacuum chamber; and an ambient gas recirculating system which recirculates the ambient gas exhausted from the sealed vacuum chamber back into the sealed vacuum chamber; wherein the ambient as recirculated by the ambient gas recirculating system is blown into the sealed vacuum chamber so that a gas flow is generated in a predetermined direction along the processing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Hara, Yutaka Tanaka, Shigeru Terashima, Takayuki Hasegawa, Shin Matsui
  • Patent number: 6974559
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering catalyst in a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst injection system are provided. In one embodiment, apparatus for metering catalyst in a fluid catalytic cracking catalyst injection system includes a low pressure storage vessel coupled to a pressure vessel that defines a high pressure side of the apparatus, where the determination of the amount of catalyst transferred is made on the low pressure side of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Intercat Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Evans
  • Patent number: 6964753
    Abstract: A continuous static polymerization reactor unit for the production of liquid polymers, in particular high viscosity organopolysiloxanes, in a predetermined viscosity range comprises a reactor (1) a supply means (10,25) for supplying monomers and/or oligomers to an inlet means (2), and an outlet means (5). The inlet means (2) is adapted for the introduction of a reaction mixture into a reaction chamber (3), and a means for introducing at least one viscosity controlling agent into the supply means is provided to form a reaction mixture with monomers and/or oligomers (11,13,15,12,14,16). The unit is adapted to maintain the values of temperature and flow rate of the resulting reaction mixture/polymer in the reaction chamber (3) substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Dow Corning S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Marc Gilson
  • Patent number: 6924149
    Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Turner, G. Cameron Dales, Lynn VanErden, Johannes A. M. Van Beek, Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, William C. Rust
  • Patent number: 6890490
    Abstract: A gas compressor and a bypass that bypasses the gas compressor are provided between a hydrogen absorbing tank and a hydrogen gas consumer device such as, for example, a fuel cell. When the hydrogen gas generating pressure is low during an initial period of the hydrogen gas releasing operation of the hydrogen absorbing tank, the gas compressor is operated. When the hydrogen gas generating pressure of the hydrogen absorbing tank becomes sufficiently high due to normalization of the operation of the fuel cell or the like, the gas compressor is stopped, and hydrogen gas is supplied to the fuel cell via the bypass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Kabushiki Kaisha Toyoda Jidoshokki Seisakusho
    Inventors: Nobuo Fujita, Hidehito Kubo
  • Patent number: 6872373
    Abstract: A flue gas processing apparatus for removing sulfur oxide contained in a gas, including a desulfurization tower through which the gas flows, the desulfurization tower including a catalyst unit having at least one activated carbon fiber board which adsorbs the sulfur oxide and a water-supply device configured to supply water to the catalyst unit so as to form sulfuric acid from the sulfur oxide adsorbed to the at least one activated carbon fiber board, the water-supply device being positioned above the catalyst unit in the desulfurization tower, and a pressurizing device configured to apply pressure to the gas supplied to the desulfurization tower so as to flow the gas through the catalyst unit by the pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Tatsuhara, Akinori Yasutake, Takashi Kurisaki, Norihisa Koyayashi
  • Patent number: 6863871
    Abstract: A dynamic sealing structure for pressure vessels used in microwave assisted chemistry is disclosed. The structure includes a cylindrical vessel liner and a removable liner cap, each formed of a microwave transparent material. The liner has a circular mouth with a lip formed of respective first and second beveled edges, with the first beveled edge forming an interior edge of the circular mouth and the second beveled edge forming an exterior edge of the circular mouth. The cap includes respective interior and exterior faces, with a sleeve depending from the interior face and having a circumference that engages the interior surface of the vessel liner for being urged under pressure against the interior surface of the vessel liner. The interior face of the cap comprising a circular channel outward of the sleeve and having a circumference that engages the lip of the vessel liner, and with the channel comprising two beveled edges that respectively engage both beveled edges of the lip of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: Wyatt Price Hargett, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040265211
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for producing a single wall carbon nanotube (12) may comprise a process chamber (16) and a hot wire (18) positioned within the process chamber (16). A power supply (20) operatively associated with the hot wire (18) heats the hot wire (18) to a process temperature. A gaseous carbon precursor material (14) operatively associated with the process chamber (16) provides carbon for forming the carbon nanotube (12). A metal catalyst material (24) contained within the process chamber (16) catalyzes the formation of the carbon nanotube (12). A process enhancement gas (22), such as hydrogen, may be employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Anne C. Dillon, Archie Harvin Mahan