With Electrical Discharge Patents (Class 422/186.03)
  • Patent number: 10869379
    Abstract: A plasma power generator wherein a plasma is generated by subjecting oxygen (O2) to a strong electromagnetic field. The oxygen plasma enters a chamber and is combined with free electrons from an electron-donation element thereby producing heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: SERENDIPITY TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Amen Dhyllon
  • Patent number: 10676353
    Abstract: The invention includes a gas processing system for transforming a hydrocarbon-containing inflow gas into outflow gas products, where the system includes a gas delivery subsystem, a plasma reaction chamber, and a microwave subsystem, with the gas delivery subsystem in fluid communication with the plasma reaction chamber, so that the gas delivery subsystem directs the hydrocarbon-containing inflow gas into the plasma reaction chamber, and the microwave subsystem directs microwave energy into the plasma reaction chamber to energize the hydrocarbon-containing inflow gas, thereby forming a plasma in the plasma reaction chamber, which plasma effects the transformation of a hydrocarbon in the hydrocarbon-containing inflow gas into the outflow gas products, which comprise acetylene and hydrogen. The invention also includes methods for the use of the gas processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Transform Materials LLC
    Inventors: David S. Soane, James Nathan Ashcraft, Jason Samuel Hummelt, Mark Ellis Soderholm, Mathew Leeds, Alexander Olson Santana, Matthew Elijah O'Reilly
  • Patent number: 10354845
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure pulsed arc plasma source and method of using including a housing having a housing opening therein; an insulator tube having an insulator tube opening therein, retained within the housing opening; and a conductive tube, retained within the insulator tube opening. A nozzle is retained by the housing. A feed path is defined in the conductive tube and the nozzle and a gas feed port is operatively coupled to the feed path. Feedstock is provided in the feed path and electrically coupled to the conductive tube. A pulsed DC power source provides a pulsed voltage to the conductive tube. The plasma source emits a discharge stream having a temperature that is less than 50° C. from the nozzle and a coating is formed on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Vasiliki Zorbas Poenitzsch, Ronghua Wei, Edward Langa, Kent E. Coulter
  • Patent number: 10342110
    Abstract: A plasma power generator wherein a plasma is generated by subjecting oxygen (O2) to a strong electromagnetic field. The oxygen plasma enters a chamber and is combined with free electrons from an electron-donation element thereby producing heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SERENDIPITY TECHNOLOGIES LLC.
    Inventor: Amen Dhyllon
  • Patent number: 10258069
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for sterilizing a food or a medical appliance. The apparatus includes a sterilization tank, electrode rods arranged to face each other at both sides of the bottom surface of the sterilization tank and made of a conductive metal selected from Pt, Au, Ag, Cu, Sn, and alloys thereof, the electrode rod at one side being connected to a positive (+) electrode and the electrode rod at the other side being connected to a negative (?) electrode, and a field effect transistor connected to the electrode rods through 2.0 to 5.0 mm thick electric wires. When electric power is applied to the electrode rods, a content in the sterilization tank is instantaneously sterilized by electrical energy. The apparatus can kill microbial bacteria by a physical process for instantaneous sterilization including applying electrical energy to an object in need of sterilization in a food or a medical appliance. Also disclosed is a method of using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Inventor: Hyo Sung Tak
  • Patent number: 9937479
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for the separation of hydrogen from natural gas feedstock to form hydrocarbon radicals. Aspects of the system include perpendicular magnetic and electric fields, a method of radical formation that separates hydrogen from the reaction process, and a separation method based on centrifugal forces and phase transitions. The gases rotate in the chamber due to the Lorentz force without any mechanical motion. Rotation separates gases and liquids by centrifugal force. The lighter species are collected from the mid region endpoint of the apparatus and fed back for further reaction. A new concept of controlled turbulence is introduced to mix various species. A novel magnetic field device is introduced comprised of two specially magnetized cylinders. A novel control of temperatures, pressures, electron densities and profiles by, RF, microwaves, UV and rotation frequency are possible especially when atomic, molecular, cyclotron resonances are taken into account.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: Alfred Y. Wong
  • Patent number: 9617478
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for converting carbon dioxide and/or methane into higher alkanes and hydrogen gas in a single reaction chamber using a catalyst and microwave radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ECOKAP TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Ben Zion Livneh
  • Patent number: 9288886
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a plasma system including a plasma device coupled to a power source, an ionizable media source and a precursor source. During operation, the ionizable media source provides ionizable media and the precursor ionizable media source provides one or more chemical species, photons at specific wavelengths, as well as containing various reactive functional groups and/or components to treat the workpiece surface by working in concert for synergetic selective tissue effects. The chemical species and the ionizable gas are mixed either upstream or midstream from an ignition point of the plasma device and once mixed, are ignited therein under application of electrical energy from the power source. As a result, a plasma effluent and photon source is formed, which carries the ignited plasma feedstock and resulting mixture of reactive species to a workpiece surface to perform a predetermined reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Colorado State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Il-Gyo Koo, Cameron A. Moore, George J. Collins
  • Patent number: 9034251
    Abstract: A method for providing at least one of a sanitizing, disinfecting, and sterilizing treatment to a product or object while inside a package by treatment with a combination of UV energy and ozone to the product while in the package. The ozone can be provided inside the package through a gas channel secured, in a gas-tight seal, to an opening of the package containing the product or object. The ozone can also be generated in the package by converting oxygen to ozone in the package while containing the product or object therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Inventor: Jose Gutman
  • Patent number: 9011697
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of fluid including the step of exposing the fluid to a pulsed plasma discharge. The pulsed plasma discharge will be generated using a suitable electrode configuration to generate the plasma discharge in the fluid. Apparatus useful in the method may include a vessel, at least two electrodes for generating a plasma discharge in water, and a flow inlet and a flow outlet to allow water to be passed through the vessel. Also described is an in-line water treatment, where a pulsed plasma discharge is used in a pipe carrying moving water. Plasma based fluid treatment system may have many advantages in comparison to other treatment methods, such as very minimal maintenance, low operating power, and minimal pressure loss through the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Drexel University
    Inventors: Christopher A. Campbell, Young I. Cho, Alexander F. Gutsol, Alexander Fridman, Frank T. Snyder, Vincent Szarko, Erik Yelk, Jesse Zanolini, Victor Vasilets
  • Patent number: 8992739
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a silicon-based nanocomposite anode active material for the lithium secondary battery and the lithium secondary battery using same, comprising the following steps: a first step of mounting a silicon-based wire between two electrodes, which are placed in a methanol-based solvent atmosphere, and manufacturing a dispersion solution in which silicon-based nanoparticles are dispersed by means of high-voltage pulse discharging; and a second step of manufacturing a silicon-based nanocomposite body by compositing the silicon-based nanoparticles in the solution and a different type of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yoon-cheol Ha, Chil-hoon Doh, Chu-hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 8991153
    Abstract: A method and system for treating emissions includes charging particles in an exhaust stream, producing one or more radicals, and oxidizing at least a portion of the charged particles with at least a portion of the produced radicals. At least a portion of the charged particles in the exhaust stream are then attracted on at least one attraction surface which is one of oppositely charged from the charged particles and grounded. The attracted particles are oxidized with another portion of the one or more produced radicals to self regenerate the at least one attraction surface. Downstream from where the attracted particles are oxidized, at least a portion of one or more first compounds in the exhaust stream are converted to one or more second compounds downstream from the attracting. Additionally, at least a portion of any remaining charged particles are oxidized into one or more gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rochester Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Ali Ogut, Chen Cheng
  • Patent number: 8968668
    Abstract: A microplasma device of the invention includes a microcavity or microchannel defined at least partially within a thick metal oxide layer consisting essentially of defect free oxide. Electrodes are arranged with respect to the microcavity or microchannel to stimulate plasma generation in said microcavity or microchannel upon application of suitable voltage and at least one of the electrodes is encapsulated within the thick metal oxide layer. Large arrays can be formed and are highly robust as lack of microcracks in the oxide avoid dielectric breakdown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: J. Gary Eden, Sung-Jin Park, Jin Hoon Cho, Seung Hoon Sung, Min Hwan Kim
  • Publication number: 20150053591
    Abstract: A system for processing hydrocarbon materials includes a waveguide having a lateral portion comprising housing having a first end portion configured to be connected to an energy generator, a closed opposite end portion, a primary axis extending from the first end portion to the second end portion, and a central portion having a circular opening. A reaction tube structure comprising an outer wall made of a dielectric material is positioned in or connected to the opening of the waveguide. When hydrocarbon feedstock and process gas are fed into the reaction tube structure and energy is received in the waveguide, energy is propagated to the reaction tube structure to form a plasma within the reaction tube structure and cause the feedstock and process gas to react and form into a product stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: George L. Skoptsov, Alan A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8961888
    Abstract: To provide a plasma generator having plasma-generating zone of increased volume. A plasma generator 110 has a cylindrical casing 11 made of a sintered ceramic produced from alumina (Al2O3) as a raw material. The casing 11 has a slit-like gas inlet 11i and a plurality of cylindrical gas outlets 11o. From the gas inlet 11i to the top of the plasma-generating zone P, the slit width (the front-to-back direction with respect to the sheet of FIG. 2.A, and the left-to right direction in FIG. 2.B) is adjusted to 1 mm, and gas outlets 11o each having an inner diameter of 1 to 2 mm are formed in straight line along the longitudinal direction of the plasma-generating zone P. The plasma-generating zone P has a square cross-section normal to the longitudinal direction having a side of 2 to 5 mm. Each of the surfaces of the electrodes 2a, 2b facing each other has a plurality of recesses (hollow portions).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignees: Nu Eco Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Hori, Hioryuki Kano
  • Publication number: 20150050193
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing graphene nanoribbon by continuous microwave is disclosed. The system comprises a microwave heating tank for heating carbon nanotube through microwave, a reaction tank for adding an oxidizing or reducing agent and a pipeline for connecting all devices of the system. A feed rate is controlled by a pump to enter raw material into the system via the pipeline, the nanotube is made to be a graphene nanoribbon by heating, adding the oxidizing agent, reheating, adding the reducing agent and reheating. Therefore, the graphene nanoribbon could be mass produced automatically in a short time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: CHANG GUNG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Chia-Liang SUN, Chun-Yi CHIU
  • Patent number: 8956508
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide from oxygen, hydrogen and optionally water. The invention more particularly relates to a method for preparing an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide in which at least a portion of the reactor is cooled down to a temperature lower than 15° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: Arkema France, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Dubois, Markus Brandhorst, Daniel Bianchi, Frederic Thevenet
  • Patent number: 8956574
    Abstract: A system operating in an environment having an ambient pressure, the system comprising: a reactor configured to combine a plasma stream, powder particles and conditioning fluid to alter the powder particles and form a mixture stream; a supply chamber coupled to the reactor; a suction generator configured to generate a suction force at the outlet of the reactor; a fluid supply module configured to supply the conditioning fluid at an original pressure; and a pressure regulation module configured to: receive the conditioning fluid from the fluid supply module, reduce the pressure of the conditioning fluid from the original pressure to a selected pressure relative to the ambient pressure regardless of any changes in the suction force at the outlet of the reactor, and supply the conditioning fluid at the selected pressure to the supply chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: SDCmaterials, Inc.
    Inventor: Fredrick P. Layman
  • Publication number: 20150024924
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a zeolite coating preparation assembly (1) and operation method wherein zeolite adsorbents are coated by crystallization process on various surfaces heated by induction. The objective of the present invention is to provide a zeolite coating preparation assembly (1) and operation method; by which time saving is achieved owing to heating by induction, material saving is achieved since large heating resistances and complicated reactors are not used; and which is thus more economical; and wherein thicker and more stable coatings with high diffusion coefficients are prepared by using a more practical reaction system in a shorter period of time in comparison to the known methods, and wherein mass production is enabled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: INVENTRAM FIKRI MULKIYET HAKLARI YONETIM TICARET VE YATIRIM ANONIM SIRKETI
    Inventors: Ayse Senatalar, Melkon Tatlier
  • Publication number: 20140374236
    Abstract: A liquid treatment device comprising: two antennae; an enclosure for holding a liquid including a solvent and a solute; a generator operatively connected to the two antennae to generate an oscillating voltage in each antenna, wherein each voltage is out of phase with the other to create an oscillating electric-field; and the liquid in the enclosure being subjected to the electric-field in the presence of a magnetic field to change the chemical and/or physical properties of the solute, without the liquid contacting the two antennae.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Bruce MOORE, Chris Ian MURPHY, Paul John PEARCE
  • Patent number: 8911596
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for generating hydrogen and synthetic carbon-free gas by plasma reforming-decomposing of Methane and other hydrocarbons for producing hydrogen and synthetic carbon-free gas through plasma discharge in hydrogen medium. The process involves applying an electrical potential between the electrodes while immersed in hydrogen medium. The plasma ionizes the medium, thereby generating hydrogen and synthetic gas by decomposing of hydrogen medium. The process further involves controlling the process by relocating the generated plasma between two or more further electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Hope Cell Technologies Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robert Vancina
  • Publication number: 20140363349
    Abstract: An aspect of at least one embodiment of the present invention is a device for cracking heavy hydrocarbons. A linear applicator is positioned within heavy oil containing aromatic molecules. A radio frequency electrical current source is electrically connected to the applicator at a first connection point and a second connection point to create a closed electrical loop. The radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the applicator that is sufficient to create a magnetic field and an electric field relative to the axis of the linear applicator. The device also includes a chamber positioned around the applicator generally between the first connection point and the second connection point to concentrate the magnetic field within a region surrounding the applicator and containing the heavy hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: FRANCIS EUGENE PARSCHE
  • Publication number: 20140363348
    Abstract: A chemical reaction apparatus includes: a horizontal flow-type reactor inside of which has been partitioned into multiple chambers by multiple partition plates, and a liquid content horizontally flows with an unfilled space being provided thereabove; a microwave generator that generates microwaves; and at least one waveguide that transmits the microwaves generated by the microwave generator to the unfilled space in the reactor. The content flows over each of the partition plates, and, in each chamber, a weir height on an inlet side is higher than a weir height on an outlet side by at least an overflow depth at the partition plate on the outlet side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicants: OSAKA UNIVERSITY, MICROWAVE CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akinori Ishizuka, Iwao Yoshino, Kunitaka Momota, Yasunori Tsukahara
  • Publication number: 20140356246
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for converting carbon dioxide and/or methane into higher alkanes and hydrogen gas in a single reaction chamber using a catalyst and microwave radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Ben Zion Livneh
  • Publication number: 20140356247
    Abstract: High-purity silicon is collected, and the amount of carbon dioxide is effectively curtailed. Oxygen is released from the first or second oxide by irradiating a mixture or compound of a first oxide such as magnesium oxide, potassium oxide, or calcium oxide and a second oxide such as carbon dioxide or silicon monoxide with a laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Takashi Yabe
  • Publication number: 20140356245
    Abstract: Dynamic filtration systems and associated methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a filtration system can include a filter device having a body portion positioned between first and second end portions and a filter media in a cavity defined by the body portion. The filter media can be configured to filter a predetermined substance from a ferrofluid. The filter device can further include a coil at the body portion, a first magnetic plate proximate the first end portion and a second magnetic plate proximate the second end portion. The coil can generate a first magnetic field across the body portion, and the first and second magnetic plates interact to form a second magnetic field across the body portion. The first and second magnetic fields can be configured to drive filtration of the ferrofluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Publication number: 20140356277
    Abstract: Methods for converting graphite oxide into graphene by exposure to electromagnetic radiation are described. As an example, graphene oxide may be rapidly converted into graphene upon exposure to converged sunlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Ramaprabhu SUNDARA, Eswaraiah VARRLA, Jyothirmayee Aravind SASIDHARANNAIR SASIKALADEVI
  • Patent number: 8894833
    Abstract: A beverage sterilisation device comprises a housing defining an inner space, and having a first and a second end. An electrically insulated fluid path-defining conduit extends through the inner space from the first end to the second end. A first electrode has a first part positioned adjacent to the fluid path and a second part extending perpendicular to the first part. A first counter electrode defines together with the first electrode a first capacitor, and a second electrode having a third part and a fourth part. The third part is positioned adjacent to the fluid path, and the fourth part extends substantially perpendicular to the third part. A second counter electrode defines together with the second electrode a second capacitor. The first counter electrode and the second counter electrode are short-circuited by an electrical connection, and a conductive device is electrically connected between the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Carlsberg Breweries A/S
    Inventors: Jan Norager Rasmussen, Steen Vesborg
  • Publication number: 20140343268
    Abstract: A nucleic acid purification device includes a housing and an adapter operatively attached to the housing. The adapter is configured to receive at least one well plate which includes a plurality of wells for receiving contents including at least a sample and a plurality of paramagnetic particles. The device also includes a motor disposed within the housing and configured to selectively move at least the adapter to thereby disrupt or shake the contents of the plurality of wells when the at least one well plate is received by the adapter. The device further includes at least one electromagnetic feature configured to selectively receive an electrical signal and thereby magnetize at least a portion of the plurality of paramagnetic particles when the plurality of paramagnetic particles are received by the plurality of wells and the at least one well plate is received by the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross HIGGINS
  • Patent number: 8883083
    Abstract: The present invention is an air cleaner that uses molecular sieves, such as zeolite or other microporous/nanoporous crystalline materials with pore sizes ranging from 4 ? to 20 ?, as a filter to remove contaminant gas. The contaminants are adsorbed into the porous material along with ions clusters, or any other oxidant generated by a generating device within the system. The contaminant gas is then catalytically decomposed in the confined space of the pore. In one embodiment, transition metal is incorporated into the porous material, and a heater is installed to substitute or accompany the oxidant-generating device. When the heater is turned on, the contaminant is decomposed within the pores of the materials with the transition metals acting as catalysts. Ultimately, the non-harmful byproducts are the small sized water molecutes and carbon dioxide molecules. Growth of bacteria is also suppressed under a clean and dry condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: RHT Limited
    Inventors: Kwok Yung Anthony Law, Yu Hang Christopher Chao, Sui Chun Law, Wan Chung Lam
  • Patent number: 8877134
    Abstract: The present invention, aiming at providing an exhaust gas treating system capable of increasing the exhaust gas treating volume, through increase of the diameter of the reaction tube, stabilizing the state of generation of plasma without requiring any water membrane, and improving the harmful matters removing performance by extending the plasma length, comprises a reaction tube 1 for introducing exhaust gas G, an upper electrode 2 disposed in the air on the top side of the reaction tube 1, a lower electrode 3 disposed on the bottom side of the reaction tube 1, and a spray nozzle 4 for spraying an electrolytic solution D between the upper electrode 2 and the lower electrode 3, so as to form a path of electric current between the electrodes 2, 3 and generate plasma P in the reaction tube 1, by spraying an electrolytic solution D between the upper electrode 2 and the lower electrode 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Clean Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Awaji, Takashi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8877135
    Abstract: A gaseous fluid-operated ozone supply unit includes a housing, output duct, ozone generator, air induction member and controller. The air induction member is located between the air inlet portion and ozone generator of the housing. The output duct has a coupling end and an extension end. The coupling end is connected with the ozone outlet, while the extension end is extended to a preset target for the ozone. The preset target must he capable of guiding the stream so that the output duct could generate negative pressure. The ozone supply unit provided enables to control ozone's opening and closing state through air-operated negative pressure. The ozone supply unit can maintain the flow rate and smoothness of the water supply passage, so as to remove impurities and dirt in water and prevent blocking or even disabling of active magnetic inductor for improved applicability and ease of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Geann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shiang-Shih Wang
  • Patent number: 8863496
    Abstract: A particulate matter control system includes: an electrode that is provided in an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine; a power supply that is connected to the electrode and that applies voltage; a particle number detecting unit that detects the particle number of particulate matter on a downstream side of the electrode; a calculation unit that calculates a reduction rate of the particle number at the time when voltage is applied on the basis of the particle number detected by the particle number detecting unit at the time when voltage is applied and the particle number detected by the particle number detecting unit at the time when no voltage is applied; and a determination unit that determines that there is a failure when the reduction rate of the particle number, calculated by the calculation unit, is smaller than a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinichi Mitani, Hiroshi Nomura, Eiji Murase
  • Patent number: 8864964
    Abstract: A system employs a closed electrolyzer vessel into which water is circulated, and an electrode plate assembly is immersed to dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Only water is used as the electrolyte fluid. An air injector in the water return line injects air bubbling for enhanced dissociation of water. The electrode plate assembly is formed by one or more unit stacks of 7-plates each, including two outer cathode plates, a middle anode plate, and spaced inner plates. The generated gases are maintained in a stable condition by an electromagnetic coil assembly that separates the hydrogen gas from oxygen gas. The system can obtain 180% reduction in fuel usage in a vehicle engine, and 20 times reduction in carbon exhaust. It can obtain a 500% increase in fuel efficiency in an electrical power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Tasos Inc.
    Inventor: Tasos Aggelopoulos
  • Publication number: 20140306160
    Abstract: A microwave plasma based entrained flow gasifier of biomass, including a furnace body and a fuel pretreatment system. The furnace body includes a fuel inlet disposed at the lower part of the furnace body, a syngas outlet disposed at the top of the furnace body, and a slag outlet disposed at the bottom of the furnace body. The fuel inlet presents in the form of nozzles. The fuel pretreatment system is disposed outside of the furnace body, and includes a fuel crushing apparatus, a sieving apparatus disposed downstream to the fuel crushing apparatus, a first fuel container for receiving particle size-qualified fuel, a second fuel container for receiving particle size-unqualified fuel, and a feeding hopper disposed downstream to the first fuel container. The first fuel container and the second fuel container are disposed side-by-side downstream to the sieving apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Yilong CHEN, Yanfeng ZHANG, Minggui XIA, Liang ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8852520
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma reactor for abating hazardous materials generated in a low-pressure process during a process of manufacturing a display or a semiconductor. A plasma reactor for abating hazardous materials according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a first ground electrode and a second ground electrode disposed at a distance from each other; a dielectric fixed between the first ground electrode and the second ground electrode; and at least one driving electrode disposed on an outer surface of the dielectric, being spaced apart from the first ground electrode and the second ground electrode and connected to an AC power supply unit to receive a driving voltage therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials
    Inventors: Min Hur, Min-Suk Cha, Young-Hoon Song, Jae-Ok Lee, Dae-Hoon Lee, Kwan-Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 8852521
    Abstract: The present disclosure is drawn to methods and systems for producing solutions containing ultrafine metal particles. The method for producing ultrafine metal particles in an aqueous medium includes providing a reaction chamber having a transition metal anode and a transition metal cathode disposed therein. The reaction chamber can also contain an aqueous medium. An anode and cathode are associated at a distance with respect to one another such that when activated by a power source, a discharge arc occurs between the anode and cathode within the aqueous medium. Activation of a power source causes the discharge arc to occur between the anode and the cathode, thereby generating ultrafine metal particles suspended within the aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Robert H. Todd, Christopher J. Lewis, Jonathan George
  • Publication number: 20140291138
    Abstract: An apparatus for growing nano-clusters includes a pair of electrodes separated by an electrode pair spacing and a field generation module that generates a corona discharge across the electrodes. The corona discharge generates an electromagnetic field near the electrodes. A voltage potential across the electrodes is a medium voltage. The field generation module includes a medium voltage module that generates a medium voltage waveform, which is transmitted to the electrodes to generate the corona discharge. The field generation module includes a broad frequency generation module that generates a broad spectrum of frequencies within the medium voltage waveform. A raw material feeder module feeds particles of a raw material through the electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field with the broad spectrum of frequencies is operative to separate at least a portion of the raw material fed through the electromagnetic field into free atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: James T. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 8840844
    Abstract: The plasma generating apparatus includes: an antenna chamber which is disposed adjacently to a plasma chamber that produces a plasma, and which is exhausted to vacuum; an antenna which is disposed in the antenna chamber, and which radiates a high-frequency wave; a partition plate which is made of an insulator, which separates the plasma chamber from the antenna chamber to block a gas from entering the antenna chamber, and which allows the high-frequency wave radiated from the antenna to pass through the partition plate; and a magnet device which is disposed outside the plasma chamber, and which generates a magnetic field for causing electron cyclotron resonance in the plasma chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Nissin Ion Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Fujita, Kibatsu Shinohara
  • Publication number: 20140251787
    Abstract: A nitric oxide generator generates nitric oxide from a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen such as air treated by a pulsating electrical discharge. The desired concentration of nitric oxide is obtained by controlling at least one of a frequency of the pulsating electrical discharge and duration of each electrical discharge pulse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Frederick John Montgomery, Cory Casper, Duncan P.L. Bathe, Tye Gribb
  • Publication number: 20140234947
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for making biofuels such as biodiesel and bioethanol or animal foodstuff by treating lignocellulosic material by subjecting the material to microwave radiation at the resonant frequency of the lignin to dissociate the lignin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: BIOFUELS WALES, LTD.
    Inventor: Roger Spencer Jones
  • Publication number: 20140205511
    Abstract: A method for continuously processing carbon fiber including establishing a microwave plasma in a selected atmosphere contained in an elongated chamber having a microwave power gradient along its length defined by a lower microwave power at one end and a higher microwave power at the opposite end of the elongated chamber. The elongated chamber having an opening in each of the ends of the chamber that are adapted to allow the passage of the fiber tow while limiting incidental gas flow into or out of said chamber. A continuous fiber tow is introduced into the end of the chamber having the lower microwave power. The fiber tow is withdrawn from the opposite end of the chamber having the higher microwave power. The fiber to is subjected to progressively higher microwave energy as the fiber is being traversed through the elongated chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Terry L. White, Felix L. Paulauskas, Timothy S. Bigelow
  • Publication number: 20140166478
    Abstract: Apparatus for sewage treatment, comprising: at least one tank (13), at least one inlet branch (14) to the tank (13), at least one outlet branch (15) from the tank (13), at least one microwave generator (9a) able to subject the sewage present internally of the tank (13) to at least one temperature raising treatment, at least a cooling circuit (19) of the microwave generator (9a), at least one blowing device (9b) connected to the tank (13). Blowing device (9b) is connected to an outlet (26) of the cooling circuit (19) and sending the heated gases arriving therefrom into the tank (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: De Asmundis Fulvio Antonio, Masoero Paolo
  • Patent number: 8753505
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes a first flow generator having an outlet for generating a first flow stream and a reaction chamber positioned in proximity to the outlet of the first flow generator and having a cavity adapted to receive the first flow stream from the first flow generator and reverse its direction within the confined space of the cavity. The flow generator may be a cavitation generator for producing multiple cavitation bubbles in the first slow stream, or a nozzle for generating a flow stream devoid of cavitation bubbles. A method for treating a liquid includes directing the liquid into a first flow generator configured to generate a first flow stream of the liquid, and directing the first flow stream from the first flow generator into a cavity of a reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Fluid-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: Allison Sprague
  • Publication number: 20140161680
    Abstract: A controllable, continuous-feed system and process for the reduction or depolymerization of organic materials using microwave energy in a reducing, substantially oxygen-reduced atmosphere. The microwave energy is generated by a plurality of magnetrons in a microwave tunnel. Gaseous products may be extracted from the microwave tunnel for recycling and/or analysis. A collector such as a liquid trap may be used to separately collect floating and sinking constituents of the solid products while preventing the escape of the reducing atmosphere from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventors: Steven L. Kantor, Stephen P. Simms
  • Publication number: 20140161681
    Abstract: The invention relates to waste processing and to producing hydrocarbons from domestic and industrial organic waste by pyrolysis. The inventive waste processing method involves carrying out the first and second pyrolysis stages, fractionating pyrolysis products and processing each fraction for producing useful products. The second pyrolysis stage is carried out simultaneously with the electromagnetic action produced on the pyrolysis products. The device for carrying out said method comprises a two-sectional pyrolysis reactor. An electromagnetic source is arranged on the second section of the reactor. The output of the second section is connected to a system for dividing the vaporous pyrolysis products. The technical result consists in increasing the waste processing effectiveness and producing solid, liquid and vaporous fuel components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Zakrytoe Aktsionernoye Obschestvo "Finansovo- Promyshlennaya Gruppa 'Tezaurum' "
    Inventor: Sergei G. GAGA
  • Publication number: 20140134057
    Abstract: Systems and methods of producing chemical compounds are disclosed. An example chemical production system includes an intake chamber having intake ports for entry of a gas mixture. An igniter ignites the gas mixture in the intake chamber. A nozzle restricts exit of the ignited gas mixture from the intake chamber. An expansion chamber cools the ignited gas with a cooling agent. The expansion chamber has an exhaust where the cooled gas exits the expansion chamber. A chemical compound product is formed in the expansion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce H. Peters
  • Publication number: 20140113980
    Abstract: The Centrifugal Fluid Ring Plasma Reactor employs a centrifugal impeller and a fluid barrier to mix multi-phase fluids and repeatedly move the mixture through a reaction zone, where the mixture contacts catalysts and/or is subjected to electromagnetic, mechanical, nuclear, and/or sonic energy to create ions, free radicals or activated molecules, which initiate or promote a desired reaction. In one embodiment, high-voltage electromagnetic energy is applied to Cobalt and Tungsten/Thorium electrodes in the reaction zone to create plasma. The Centrifugal Fluid Ring Plasma Reactor is suitable for converting carbon dioxide and methane into useful fuel products and for performing other multi-phase chemical reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: Richard Max MANDLE
  • Publication number: 20140090972
    Abstract: A photocatalytic process is disclosed for the reduction of carbon dioxide and water. The process comprises reacting carbon dioxide and water in the presence of a photocatalytic composition that is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in the range of from 200 to 700 nm. The photocatalytic composition is capable of chemisorbing carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: ANTECY B.V.
    Inventors: Paul O'CONNOR, Avelino CORMA CANOS, Hermenegildo GARCIA GOMEZ
  • Publication number: 20140042011
    Abstract: A nanometer-size-particle production apparatus is provided which can prevent the occurrence of waste fluids, and which makes quick and continuous syntheses feasible while suppressing damages to the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION EHIME UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Hattori, Shinfuku Nomura, Hiromichi Toyota, Shinobu Mukasa