Electrostatic Field Or Electrical Discharge Patents (Class 422/186.04)
  • Publication number: 20130259762
    Abstract: A devulcanization apparatus for devulcanizing a plurality of cross-linked elastomer particles. The apparatus includes a first conveyor functioning as a high voltage electrode and a second conveyor functioning as a ground electrode. A generator is operable to apply an alternating electric field between the first and second conveyors. A devulcanization region is provided between the first and second conveyors in which the cross-linked elastomer particles are placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: VERTEX L.L.C.
    Inventor: MICHEL MARC
  • Publication number: 20130259798
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for optimizing a hydrogen producing system is provided. The method of optimizing the hydrogen producing system comprises producing hydrogen gas using a hydrogen producing formulation and removing a chemical substance that reduces the hydrogen gas producing efficiency. Further, the hydrogen producing system comprises a hydrogen producing catalyst, a hydrogen generating voltage applied to the hydrogen producing catalyst to generate hydrogen gas, and a catalyst regenerating device to regenerate the hydrogen producing catalyst to a chemical state capable of generating the hydrogen gas when a hydrogen generating voltage is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Marine Power Products Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Carey
  • Patent number: 8545764
    Abstract: A microplasma array for the production of low-temperature plasmas at or near atmospheric pressures is described. The walls of holes made in a substrate at regular intervals with respect to one another form hollow electrodes and are coated with metal. The hollow electrodes are supplied individually or as a group from one side of the substrate with an electrical excitation in the GHz-region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Forschungsverbund Berlin E.V.
    Inventor: Roland Gesche
  • Publication number: 20130248770
    Abstract: A process for passivation of surfaces of heat exchange apparatus exposed to a synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide, includes the steps of: adding arsine to the synthesis gas to provide a total As concentration in the synthesis gas in range 0.001 to 10 ppmv, (ii) exposing the mixture of hot synthesis gas and arsine to the shell-side surfaces of said heat exchange apparatus to reduce the interaction between the carbon monoxide present in said gas and metals in said surfaces, (iii) recovering a cooled synthesis gas from the shell-side of said apparatus, and (iv) passing the cooled synthesis gas, optionally after further cooling, through a sorbent bed to remove arsenic compounds from the synthesis gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: JOHNSON MATTHEY PLC
    Inventors: Peter Edward James Abbott, Martin Fowles
  • Patent number: 8540942
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to novel methods and novel devices for the continuous manufacture of nanoparticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s). The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e.g., created and/or the liquid is predisposed to their presence (e.g., conditioned)) in a liquid (e.g., water) by, for example, preferably utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. At least one subsequent and/or substantially simultaneous adjustable electrochemical processing technique is also preferred. Multiple adjustable plasmas and/or adjustable electrochemical processing techniques are preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventors: David Kyle Pierce, Mark G. Mortenson, David A. Bryce
  • Patent number: 8535615
    Abstract: To provide a radical sterilization apparatus which can generate hydroxy (OH) radical and oxygen (O) radical at a high density to thereby surely and economically sterilize a subject to be treated. While maintaining a storage unit in which a medical instrument is stored at a low pressure by using a low pressure-maintaining unit, vapor is supplied form a vapor-supplying unit into the storage unit. Then, oxygen in this vapor is converted into radicals by a radical-forming unit to give hydroxy (OH) radical and oxygen (O) radical. Thus, the hydroxy radical and the oxygen (O) radical can be maintained each as a single radical over a long period of time and can be generated at a high density, which makes it possible to surely and economically sterilize the medical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Saga University
    Inventors: Nobuya Hayashi, Saburoh Satoh
  • Publication number: 20130232807
    Abstract: A hand dryer assembly including a blower assembly for generating a moving air stream. The moving air stream passes through an air channel to an air outlet where it exits the hand dryer assembly. An ionization assembly is disposed along the air channel and emits charged ions directly into the moving air stream, sanitizing the hands of the user, the moving air steam, and the ambient air that is entrained into the moving air stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Michael E. Robert, Charles H. Waddell, Joseph A. Christiansen
  • Publication number: 20130230435
    Abstract: The present disclosure is a method and system for electrochemically co-producing a first product and a second product. The system may include a first electrochemical cell, a first reactor, a second electrochemical cell, at least one second reactor, and at least one third reactor. The method and system for for co-producing a first product and a second product may include co-producing a glycol and an alkene employing a recycled halide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Liquid Light, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle Teamey, Jerry J. Kaczur, Emily Barton Cole
  • Patent number: 8524162
    Abstract: A plasma reaction apparatus and method applied to reformation of fuel by generating and using rotating arc plasma in a furnace, the chemical treatment of a persistent gas, and the apparatus for decreasing NOx by an occlusion catalyst. A raw material for a reaction is allowed to flow into the furnace through a hole, causing it to flow within the furnace in a continuous swirl. Furthermore, an expanded plasma reaction zone is provided by a wide area chamber which is formed on an upper part of the furnace and has a greater width than that of a lower part of the furnace, and thus a plasma being generated can be expanded by the expanded plasma zone and delayed from flowing out of the furnace by corners of the wide area chamber that is spaced from a plasma inducing electrode therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials
    Inventors: Dae Hoon Lee, Kwan Tae Kim, Young Hoon Song, Min Suk Cha, Jae Ok Lee, Seock Joon Kim
  • Publication number: 20130218049
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing at least a portion of the surface of a stethoscope is provided. Methods and devices are provided by which a device or apparatus can generate a sterilizing plasma such that a stethoscope, or portion of a stethoscope, can be placed within or near the device or apparatus so that the plasma disinfects and/or sterilizes and/or decontaminates at least a portion of the stethoscope. A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a self-disinfecting and/or self-sterilizing and/or self-decontaminating stethoscope and stethoscope disinfecting and/or sterilization apparatus for disinfecting and/or sterilizing, respectively, all or at least a portion of a stethoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Karl R. Zawoy, Subrata Roy, Daniel William Pituch
  • Publication number: 20130217564
    Abstract: A method of synthesising diamond, the method comprising; (i) providing, in the presence of an atomic hydrogen plasma and/or in the presence of atomic hydrogen radicals, in a dissolution zone a liquid metal saturated with carbon with respect to graphite precipitation; (ii) transferring at least a portion of the liquid metal from the dissolution zone to a deposition zone, (vi) exposing the liquid metal in the deposition zone to atomic hydrogen plasma and/or to atomic hydrogen radicals, the temperature of the liquid metal in the deposition zone being lower than the temperature of the liquid metal in the dissolution zone such that the liquid metal in the deposition zone is saturated, preferably supersaturated, with carbon with respect to diamond precipitation; (vii) precipitating carbon from the liquid metal in the deposition zone to synthesise diamond; and (viii) optionally removing the synthesised diamond from the metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Doreen Stoneham
  • Publication number: 20130213796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process, and respective operating apparatus, for modifying the structure of a sludge, in particular an organic sludge originating from a purification treatment of waste water, of the civil and industrial type, to be subjected to dehydration and/or drying, wherein the sludge is exposed to the action of an electric field generated by direct current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: AMBIENTE E NUTRIZIONE S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppina Cerea
  • Patent number: 8512509
    Abstract: In a showerhead assembly, a path splitting manifold comprises a gas supply inlet and a planar floor and plural gas outlets extending axially through the floor and azimuthally distributed about the floor. The path splitting manifold further comprises a plurality of channels comprising plural paths between the inlet and respective ones of the plural outlets. A gas distribution showerhead underlies the floor of the manifold and is open to the plural outlets. In certain embodiments, the plural paths are of equal lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kallol Bera, Shahid Rauf
  • Publication number: 20130202766
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for affecting cells using low voltage high electric fields (LVHEF). In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for reduction of microbial contamination using low voltage high electric fields. The devices of the disclosure are generally capable of affecting cells in a portion of a volume of matter of interest using one or more arrangements of electrodes configured to generate high electric fields powered by low voltages (LVHEF). In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for exposure of cells to a low voltage high electric field such that at least a portion of the cells in a portion of the volume of interest are killed. While only a portion of the matter is treated at a single time, the treatments are repeated. Over time, the portion of matter in the treated volume is mixed with untreated matter and re-treated with LVHEF until the entire volume of matter of interest is treated to the desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Elmedtech, LLC
    Inventor: Elmedtech, LLC
  • Patent number: 8500852
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems, and devices for carrying out sorption (adsorption and absorption) for separating and/or purifying fluid mixtures are disclosed. Medical oxygen generators, dehumidifying units, sorptive heat pumps, ozone generators and Peltier devices are also disclosed. The sorption methods involve pressure swing operation of at least two sorption units. Energy from the desorbing and decompressing fluid is substantially recovered and used within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Separation Design Group, LLC
    Inventor: S. Douglas Galbraith
  • Publication number: 20130183225
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bulk crystal growth using non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasmas. This method and apparatus pertains to growth of any compound crystal involving one or more crystal components in a liquid phase (also known as the melt or solution), in communication with a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma source comprised of one or more other crystal components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: The Regents of the University of California
  • Patent number: 8475723
    Abstract: A Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Generation Cell (DBDPGC) includes a plurality of hot electrodes interspersed with a plurality of ground electrodes whereby a power supply connected between the hot and ground electrodes creates a non-thermal plasma between the electrodes. The hot electrodes are hermetically sealed. A cleaning solution is applied to the electrodes to wash gas stream contaminants and/or reaction by products off the electrodes at times during operation of the cell when desired to clean the electrodes to maintain cell efficiency. A catalyst solution can be applied to the electrodes after cleaning. Where a plurality of cells are electrically connected in parallel, shorts in a cell can be detected by sensing the difference in currents feed to each of the plurality of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: IONO2X Engineering, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Allan D. Keras
  • Publication number: 20130164173
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing plasma comprises a first electrode and a porous element. The first electrode is in direct contact with a first side of the porous element. A second electrode is positioned adjacent a second side of the porous element, at least a portion of the second electrode being spaced from the second side of the porous element so as not to be in direct contact with the second side of the porous element. A plasma generating region is defined adjacent the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Elwood G. Norris
  • Publication number: 20130161232
    Abstract: Provided herewith is a novel method of controllably processing a dielectric fluid by creating discharges within the dielectric fluid from mobile charge carriers contained within the dielectric fluid. Generally, the dielectric fluid and the mobile charge carriers are between two electrodes which apply a voltage to the charge carriers. In one embodiment, the dielectric fluid is a hydrocarbon fluid such as a heavy crude oil or a fuel. In one embodiment the charge carrier comprises water droplets. In another embodiment, the mobile charge carriers are metallic balls. In both instances the discharges initiate from the mobile charge carriers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: THE TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
    Inventors: David A. Staack, Robert P. Geiger
  • Patent number: 8460520
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge water from plants, such as sewerage and industrial plants, by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. Polarity may be switched periodically to assist in eliminating or minimizing clogging. In illustrated embodiments, electrode arrays are contained in housings of dielectric material to form modules, To increase processing capacity, the modules are arranged in parallel arrays. Alternatively, a single module is scaled up for large or industrial applications or scaled down for personal use. Instead of housing the electrode arrays in modules through which liquid passes, the electrode arrays for some batch applications are dipped in the water or aqueous solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: David Rigby
  • Patent number: 8460613
    Abstract: A uniform electrical field dielectric barrier discharge reactor consists of an electrode unit, a dielectric catalyst container and an insulative housing. Each electrode plate of the electrode unit includes an insulative plane frame structure, and discharge needles evenly distributed on the insulative plane frame structure. The dielectric catalyst container is a hollow solid member internally coated with a metallic catalyst coating layer. The flow directing plate is made of a conducting substrate, having two opposite sides thereof covered by a metallic catalyst coating layer. The invention is practical for use in an air purifier, fluid sterilizer or waste water treatment equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Kun-Liang Hong
  • Patent number: 8453430
    Abstract: A configuration for purifying or cleaning an exhaust-gas flow of an internal combustion engine includes at least an ionization device, an agglomeration device, and a (catalytically active) radial honeycomb body around a duct. The exhaust-gas is diverted from the duct into the radial honeycomb body, while the agglomerated particles are caught in a particle separator of the duct. A method for purifying or cleaning an exhaust-gas flow of an internal combustion engine and a motor vehicle including an exhaust system having the configuration, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: EMITEC Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Jan Hodgson, Rolf Brück
  • Patent number: 8454899
    Abstract: A gas reforming device including: a flow passage forming body flow passage through which process gas flows; a cathode provided on a cross section of the flow passage; an anode provided apart from the cathode, and including a bar-like portion; and a pulse power supply that applies a pulse voltage between the cathode and the anode. The cathode includes: an opening array body that has at least a surface thereof made of an insulator, and has a planar structure in which openings through which the process gas passes are arrayed; and a grounding electrode provided on a peripheral portion of the flow passage. A tip end of the bar-like portion of the anode is located in an inside of the flow passage of the process gas, and is spaced apart from the opening array body in a direction parallel to a direction where the process gas flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohiro Shimizu, Yuuichirou Imanishi, Sozaburo Hotta
  • Publication number: 20130136683
    Abstract: A self sustained system for sorbent production includes a thermal reactor for pyrolytic decomposing organic waste material in order to generate synthetic gases and sorbents; sorbent and gas separation unit; gas cleaning unit and gas turbine, supplying energy back to the system. Rice husk is fed continuously into a thermal reactor at a controlled feed rate. The plasma torch is used to heat the reactor to a sufficient temperature, as to convert the rice husk ‘feed’ material to a synthetic gas and solid carbon rich sorbent. Oxygen and steam are added in control quantities to optimize efficiency of production of synthetic gas composition and sorbent quality. The synthetic gas is directed through a heat exchanger, where heat is extracted for producing the process steam. Cooled synthetic gas is used to power a gas turbine as a fuel to produce electricity. In one embodiment the waste material is a rice husk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: George Paskalov, Ildar Gafarov
  • Publication number: 20130136654
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for decontaminating and sterilizing chemical and biological agents, which can efficiently decontaminate and sterilize high precision electronic devices, communication devices, computers or inside of vehicles and air planes contaminated with chemical and biological agent by using mixture of non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma and oxidizing peroxide vapor. The apparatus according to the present invention comprises a decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a first fluid supplying line L1 and a second fluid supplying line L2, which are installed in the form of closed circuit between the inlet 11 and outlet 12 of the decontamination and sterilization chamber 10; a peroxide vapor supplier which is installed on the first fluid supplying line; and a non-thermal atmospheric pressure air plasma reactor 70 which is installed on the second fluid supplying line L2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Sam Gon Ryu, Hae Wan Lee
  • Publication number: 20130136655
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilising an article. The method comprises placing an article in a sterilisation container, generating oxidizing plasma radicals at atmospheric pressure, and providing the oxidizing plasma radicals to the sterilisation container to sterilise the article in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Felipe Soberon, Shane Glynn, Paul Maguire, Stephen Daniels
  • Patent number: 8425853
    Abstract: A plasma generation apparatus and method, which achieve both sterilization and deodorization of attached bacteria even under the condition that steam or fine droplets of water are present. A pair of electrodes is prepared, plasma discharge is carried out by applying designated voltage between the pair of electrodes, fluid passage holes are provided at corresponding parts of respective electrodes so as to communicate with each other, and steam or fine droplets of water are applied to the fluid passage holes and plasma generated around the fluid passage holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Miyamoto Makoto, Nakayama Yoko, Kumagai Yuuki, Takenoshita Kazutoshi
  • Patent number: 8419816
    Abstract: Provided is a gas isolation valve which separates reactive materials, principally gases, contained in a high temperature reactor from the surrounding atmosphere. The valve is of modular construction with each module having a gas providing section and a gas removal section. Any number of modules can be provided in series. A central chamber, open at each end gives unimpeded access to the high temperature reactor. It is through the central chamber that the product of the reactor is removed and harvested. In the case of Ilas invention the product is carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Q-Flo Ltd.
    Inventors: Martin Pick, Stephen Cash
  • Patent number: 8420021
    Abstract: There is provided an ignition or plasma generation apparatus that eliminates the need for resonance means in a combustion chamber and simplifies the electrode structure within the combustion chamber in an instance where energy from each of a spark discharge and microwaves is used to ignite an air-fuel mixture gas in an internal combustion engine. The ignition or plasma generation apparatus includes a mixing circuit for mixing a high-voltage pulse from a high-voltage pulse generator and microwave energy from a microwave generator; and an ignition plug into which an output from the mixing circuit is supplied, the plug used for introducing the output into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The output supplied from the mixing circuit to the ignition plug is supplied in a manner in which the microwave energy and the high-voltage pulse are superimposed on each other on a same transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Imagineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Minoru Makita, Yuji Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20130087444
    Abstract: A process for selective removal of a gaseous product (P) from a gaseous system comprising said product and other components (R1, R2), wherein the gaseous system is admitted to a first environment, which is separated from a second environment by a boundary wall, and a permeation membrane (3, 300) forms at least part of said boundary wall; a spatially non-uniform electric field (4) is generated between a first electrode or first plurality of electrodes (1, 301) located in the first environment and a second electrode or second plurality of electrodes (2, 302) located in the second environment, so that field lines of said non-uniform electric field cross said membrane, and a dielectrophoretic force generated on particles of said gaseous component (P) is at least part of a driving force of the permeation through said membrane, an amount of said product (P) being selectively removed from the first environment and collected in the second environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Ammonia Casale SA
    Inventor: Sergio Panza
  • Publication number: 20130078178
    Abstract: A system for use in fabrication of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) includes a wafer having a circuitry and a plurality of CNT seed sites. The system also includes a base assembly configured to support the wafer. The system further includes a first tube disposed over the wafer and configured to surround the CNTs that form on the seed sites. The circuitry in the wafer is configured to conduct at least one static charge. The wafer includes a top surface having a plurality of CNT seed sites, each seed site coupled to the circuitry and configured to receive one of the at least one static charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicants: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Samsung Austin Semiconductor
    Inventors: Robert Stebbins, Russell Olson
  • Patent number: 8405046
    Abstract: The output wavelengths of an electrodeless lamp are controlled by passing a fluid over the surface of the lamp to control its temperature. The stabilized temperature prevents thermal runaway of the lamp and stabilizes the output wavelengths of the lamp. When the fluid passing over the lamp is water, the lamp can be used for sanitary treatment of the water. Lamp radiation can be enhanced by shaping the electrodeless lamp to provide maximally effective photonic output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: David Richard NeCamp
  • Patent number: 8398927
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube manufacturing apparatus includes a plasma generating unit that generates plasma including ions, radicals, and electrons, from gas; a carbon nanotube manufacturing unit that manufactures carbon nanotubes from the radicals; a shielding electrode unit that is provided between the plasma generating unit and the carbon nanotube manufacturing unit and prevents the ions and the electrons from entering the carbon nanotube manufacturing unit; and a bias applying unit that applies a voltage to the shielding electrode unit, wherein the shielding electrode unit includes at least two first shielding electrodes that are arranged one above another, each of the first shielding electrodes having at least one opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yuichi Yamazaki, Tadashi Sakai, Naoshi Sakuma, Masayuki Katagiri, Mariko Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130058857
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for carrying out a pH-influenced chemical and/or biological reaction. In some embodiments, the pH-influenced reaction involves the conversion of CO2 to a dissolved species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Michael C. Stern, Fritz Simeon, Trevor Alan Hatton
  • Patent number: 8388914
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing silane that use electrolysis to regenerate reactive components therein are disclosed. The methods and systems may be substantially closed-loop with respect to halogen, an alkali or alkaline earth metal and/or hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Puneet Gupta, Henry Erk, Alexis Grabbe
  • Publication number: 20130052092
    Abstract: An atmospheric pressure plasma jet device for converting carbon dioxide into organic products by using an atmospheric pressure plasma technique, comprising: an inner electrode made of a conductive metal, and having an insulating layer covering a portion of the inner electrode; a first conductive metal wall surrounding the inner electrode with a predetermined distance apart, such that a cavity is formed between the inner electrode and the first conductive metal wall, and a through hole is formed on a side of the first conductive metal wall, such that a reactant can flow into the cavity; and a diffusing unit including an insulating component and a conductive metal component. Wherein the insulating component is disposed on a side of the insulating layer, and covers another portion of the inner electrode. The conductive metal component further covers the insulating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Arnold Chang-Mou Yang, Chun-Chih Chang, Chung-Sung Tan
  • Publication number: 20130053760
    Abstract: A device and method for generating a physical plasma in hoses of long and simultaneously constricted lumen, flexible or rigid dielectric hoses, tubes or other hollow bodies in the low, normal or overpressure range, which are partially or completely filled or flushed by process medium of gas or gas mixtures, one or more liquids, liquids including gas bubbles, liquid-gas mixtures, aerosols and/or foam, for purposes of cleaning, activating, coating, modifying and biologically decontaminating, disinfecting, sterilizing the inner walls of the hoses or the process medium itself. The device includes a high voltage supply and a process medium supply, at least one electrically conductive grounded electrode and at least one electrically conductive high voltage electrode, both embedded in the wall of the hose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Leibniz-Institut Fuer Plasmaforschung und Technologie e.V.
    Inventors: Joerg Ehlbeck, Klaus-Dieter Weltmann, Manfred Stieber, Joern Winter, Kim Winterweber
  • Patent number: 8382992
    Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive-second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, said field comprising a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform, comprising a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 2 kHz: and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Bio Concept, LLC
    Inventor: Sven Mierswa
  • Publication number: 20130043119
    Abstract: Provided are electronegative-ion-aided methods and apparatus to achieve reduction of carbon dioxide gas into useful products. In one embodiment, using different methods of discharge, the electronegative gases forms non-equilibrium electronegative ions, so that carbon dioxide reduction occurs for the production of organic compounds. When carbon dioxide is introduced into the container containing at least one electronegative gas, such as water, ammonia, bromine or iodine vapor, it reacts to form organic compounds, such as ethanol, methanol, and oxalic acid in the case of water, urea in the case of ammonia, and tetraiodomethane in the case of iodine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Yashen Xia, Feng Chen
  • Patent number: 8377384
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the generation of hydrogen peroxide from an electrochemical (EC) cell arrangement. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises an EC cell having anode and cathode electrodes with a cation exchange membrane disposed between them to form anode and cathode compartments. An aqueous salt solution is supplied to the anode compartment and water and oxygen are supplied to the cathode compartment. An electric potential applied across the anode and cathode electrodes initiates an electrochemical process that results in the formation of an acid anolyte solution in the anode compartment and an alkaline catholyte solution in the cathode compartment. The anolyte solution and the catholyte solution are combined in a neutralizing chamber to form a neutral aqueous solution comprising hydrogen peroxide, salt, and water. The hydrogen peroxide is separated from the neutral aqueous solution by conventional means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Bunn, Alan Z. Ullman, David Stelman
  • Patent number: 8379198
    Abstract: Three-dimensional metal dielectric structures are disclosed with chiral symmetry that elicit surface plasmons. The plasmons may have propagational circular polarization wherein the frequency of such propagating plasmons may be tuned by design to couple with the electronic transitions or fundamental vibrations, including phonons, of a molecular species. The plasmon-molecule coupling, combined with the propagational polarization afforded by the chiral structure may be further exploited to mediate the chemical transformations involving molecules with spatial chirality and/or to detect molecules with spatial chirality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Michael A. Miller, Diana L. Strickland
  • Patent number: 8372345
    Abstract: An ozone generating apparatus includes a base container for holding water, and a head assembly connected to the upper edge of the base container, the head assembly containing a plurality of ozone generating cells each having a dielectric tube and an electrode assembly coaxially disposed within the associated dielectric tube. The dielectric tubes and electrode assemblies are disposed and connected such that the tube and/or electrode assembly of each ozone generating cell can be accessed independently of all other ozone generating cells, and such that the possibility of cascade failure of all remaining ozone generating cells upon failure of a single cell is substantially eliminated. The base container is provided with a process back flood prevention structure to protect the ozone generating cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Wayne Wolf
  • Patent number: 8367006
    Abstract: A platinum microparticles generator comprises a linear first electrode, a board-shaped second electrode, and an applying means. The first electrode contains at least platinum. The second electrode comprises an outlet opening, which is a circular through-hole, located so as to face one end of the first electrode. The applying means applies a voltage between the first and second electrodes. Then, the first electrode has an outside diameter in a range of 0.03 [mm] to 0.10 [mm]. Further, the outlet opening has an inside diameter in a range of 1.0 [mm] to 4.5 [mm]. Thus, the platinum microparticles generator can emit a sufficient amount of platinum microparticles while restraining generation of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Machi, Hiroshi Suda, Yasuhiro Komura
  • Patent number: 8361401
    Abstract: A vortex reactor is provided. The vortex reactor includes a substantially cylindrical shaped portion forming a reaction chamber therein, wherein said substantially cylindrical shaped portion forms a first charged electrode; a circumferential flow apparatus fluidly connected to the reaction chamber for creating a circumferential fluid flow; a second charged electrode; and an outlet for releasing said circumferential fluid flow. Also provided are methods of processing particulate solids using the vortex reactor of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Drexel University, Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois
    Inventors: Alexander Fridman, Alexander F. Gutsol, Young I. Cho, Lawrence Kennedy, Alexei Saveliev, Andrey Romanets, Igor Martveev, Kenneth Blank
  • Patent number: 8354066
    Abstract: Antibodies are provided. For as example, an antibody capable of binding an artificial receptor which comprises a hydroquinone monolayer and is incapable of binding the artificial receptor when comprising a benzoquinone monolayer. Also provided are methods and systems using same for control delivery of a molecule-of-interest into a tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventors: Uri Sivan, Yoram Reiter, Arbel Artzy-Schnirman
  • Publication number: 20130008354
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems to produce a bicarbonate solution from one or more of natural substances and to contact the bicarbonate solution with cathode electrolyte in an electrochemical system to produce a product containing carbonate or combination of carbonate and bicarbonate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: BRENT R. CONSTANTZ, William Randall Seeker, Kyle Self, Ryan J. Gilliam
  • Patent number: 8349266
    Abstract: Provided is a plasma generator which can eliminate breakage due to thermal stress without deteriorating plasma generating efficiency. A plasma generator 1 has an base member 3 provided with a discharge space 5 and a pair of electrodes 9 provided on the base member 3 while sandwiching the discharge space 5 therebetween, wherein at least one electrode 7 of the pair of electrodes 9 has a plurality of electrode layers 15 provided at positions different from each other in a facing direction of the pair of electrodes 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichiro Ishizaki
  • Patent number: 8349154
    Abstract: The invention relates to modified electrodes for ER fluids prepared by adding a rough, wear-resisting, and low conductive modified layer on the surface of metallic electrodes. The material for the modified layer can be at least one from diamond, alumina, titanium dioxide, carborundum, titanium nitride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, adhesive, and adhesive film. Through the addition of the modified layer, the adhesion of the ER fluid to electrodes is increased so that the shear stress measured near the plates is close to the intrinsic value, which makes the ER fluid applicable, while reducing the leakage current and increasing the breakdown voltage of the ER fluid equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Kunquan Lu, Rong Shen, Xuezhao Wang
  • Patent number: 8343317
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatuses for forming films using CVD. One or more method and apparatus embodiments include preventing the formation of bonds and/or breaking bonds that permit polymers to form in an exhaust line of a CVD apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Carlson
  • Patent number: 8337766
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sorting ions in order to produce hydrogen gas from water. A first electric field source is electrically isolated from water by an insulating layer. A first conductive deionization surface is positioned within a field line of said first electric field source. An electric conductor is connected to said first conductive deionization surface and is adapted to discharge charge built up due to attracted ions located on the first conductive deionization surface. Hydrogen is produced on said first conductive deionization surface when said first conductive deionization surface is positioned within the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: HPT (Hydrogen Production Technology) AG
    Inventor: David Haitin