Hydrocarbon Sorbed Patents (Class 95/143)
  • Publication number: 20090229555
    Abstract: A storage system for an absorbing gas including a plurality briquette units situated within the storage tank is disclosed. In some embodiments each briquette unit includes a liner or open vessel, and compressed gas-absorbing particulate matter associated with the liner for external support In some embodiments, the liner or vessel maintains the form of the briquette unit. The liner or vessel do not form a pressure tight vessel, and in some embodiments, the local pressure rating of the liner or vessel is less than the gas pressure within the storage tank. Exemplary gas-absorbing materials include but are not limited to methane and hydrogen adsorbing materials such as activated carbon, zeolite, and other appropriate hydrocarbon gas and/or hydrogen adsorbing materials. Optionally, each briquette unit includes a wrapper for preventing circulation of said particulate matter within the storage tank. Optionally, the storage system includes a mechanism for supplying or removing heat to at least one briquette unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: ANGSTORE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Yuri Ginzburg, Vadim Beilin, Baruch Foux, Lev Zaidenberg
  • Publication number: 20090216059
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the selective separation of methane (“CH4”) from higher carbon number hydrocarbons (“HHC”s) in streams containing both methane and higher carbon number hydrocarbons (e.g. ethylene, ethane, propylene, propane, etc.) utilizing a zeolitic imidazolate framework (“ZIF”) material. Preferably, the stream to be separated is fed to the present process in a substantially gaseous phase. In preferred embodiments, the current invention is utilized in a process to separate methane from higher carbon number hydrocarbons in natural gas streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Sebastian C. Reyes, Jose G. Santiesteban, Zheng Ni, Charanjit S. Paur, Pavel Kortunov, John Zengel, Harry W. Deckman
  • Publication number: 20090178560
    Abstract: The invention provides for the utilization of microchannel apparatus in a process for the cooling of a gaseous mixture comprising ethylene oxide and in a process for the concentration or purification of ethylene oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Dominicus Maria REKERS, Mathias Jozef Paul SLAPAK
  • Publication number: 20090151562
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing heavy hydrocarbons and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas. The combination of a silica-gel and an activated carbon adsorber allow for a significant reduction in the overall bed volume required for removal of hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Bradley P. Russell, Mark E. Schott, Gordon T. Cartwright
  • Patent number: 7547350
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon trap that includes a sheet paper element and a plurality of fingers. The paper element is at least partially formed of a material capable of adsorbing and desorbing gaseous hydrocarbons. The paper element is arranged into a plurality of adjacent sheet members. The fingers are disposed between and support adjacent pairs of the sheet members so that each adjacent pair of the sheet members forms a flow channel. A method for filtering gaseous hydrocarbons from an air flow is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Miniature Precision Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J Callahan, Mark T Van de Bogert
  • Publication number: 20090133576
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas pressure container having a minimum volume of 1 m3 and a prescribed maximum filling pressure for the uptake, storage and delivery of a fuel gas which is gaseous under storage conditions and is suitable for powering a vehicle by combustion of the fuel gas, wherein the gas pressure vessel has a filter through which the fuel gas can flow at least during uptake or during delivery, with the filter being suitable for removing possible impurities in the fuel gas from the stream and the impurities being able to reduce the storage capacity for the fuel gas of an adsorbent used for the storage of the fuel gas. The invention further relates to the use of such a gas pressure container for filling a further gas pressure container which is present in or on a vehicle and comprises an adsorbent for the storage of the fuel gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Markus Schubert, Ulrich Muller, Michael Hesse, Kerstin Schierle-Arndt, Kai Oertel, Ian Faye, Thorsten Allgeier, Jan-Michael Graehn
  • Publication number: 20090120284
    Abstract: An active adsorbent pollutant reducing system includes a canister containing activated carbon, a pump and a series of valves connected to the canister and the pump. The valves and pump of the system are controlled so that vapor/air in the ullage of a gasoline storage tank is pumped to the canister/adsorbent material when tank pressure reaches a first level with vapor being adsorbed and air being discharged to atmosphere. When a second tank pressure level, lower than the first tank pressure level, is achieved, the valves are controlled to reconfigure the pump and canister so that continued pump operation pulls a vacuum on the canister resulting in adsorbed gasoline vapor being purged from the adsorbent material and returned to the storage tank. Tank pressure, HC content in the vapor flow and canister weight can be used for control of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
  • Patent number: 7524359
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for purifying gases having organic impurities, including the use of granulated porous glass. The method of the invention includes the following steps. An impure gas comprising a first gas and an organic compound is provided. A packed bed of granulated porous glass is provided. The impure gas is allowed to flow into the packed bed, thereby preferentially adsorbing at least some of the organic compound on the granulated porous glass to yield a purified gas having a concentration of the organic compound that is lower than that of the impure gas. The purified gas is allowed to flow out of the packed bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick W. Giacobbe
  • Patent number: 7507273
    Abstract: A scalable technology for purifying ethanol, wherein the vaporization of ethanol is coupled with a chromatographic rectification process comprising feeding a vaporized ethanol/water mix onto a plurality of molecular sieve beds to produce dehydrated ethanol vapor, which can then be condensed to recover purified dehydrated ethanol liquid. The scalable technology process is suitable for farm-scale production of fuel-grade ethanol, having the added benefit of allowing wet distillers grains to be used on-site as live-stock feed. By reducing energy requirements, costs and pollution, the output can be scaled to produce fuel-grade ethanol at quantities of anywhere from about 1000 gallons per year to upwards of hundreds of millions of gallons per year. Particularly beneficial versions utilize a plurality of smaller molecular sieve beds in series and use heat generated during desorption and regeneration of the molecular sieve beds as an energy source to aid in the vaporization step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: 6Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Cecil T. Massie
  • Patent number: 7507274
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process and apparatus for separating a first fluid from a fluid mixture comprising the first fluid. The process comprises: (A) flowing the fluid mixture into a microchannel separator in contact with a sorption medium, the fluid mixture being maintained in the microchannel separator until at least part of the first fluid is sorbed by the sorption medium, removing non-sorbed parts of the fluid mixture from the microchannel separator; and (B) desorbing first fluid from the sorption medium and removing desorbed first fluid from the microchannel separator. The process and apparatus are suitable for separating nitrogen or methane from a fluid mixture comprising nitrogen and methane. The process and apparatus may be used for rejecting nitrogen in the upgrading of sub-quality methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Steven T. Perry, Ravi Arora, Dongming Qiu, Michael Jay Lamont, Deanna Burwell, Terence Andrew Dritz, Jeffrey S. McDaniel, William A. Rogers, Jr., Laura J. Silva, Daniel J. Weidert, Wayne W. Simmons, G. Bradley Chadwell
  • Publication number: 20090025554
    Abstract: A method of purifying an exhaust gas by means of an “adsorption unit (adsorption columns (7a, 7b)) including an adsorbent layer packed with precoated mesoporous active carbon” capable of alternately switched operations of adsorption and desorption, wherein prior to the treatment by means of the adsorption unit, a concentration increase is effected by means of a “pre-treatment unit (honeycomb rotor (11) or stationary honeycomb) including an adsorbent layer packed with precoated mesoporous active carbon” for concentrating of any dilute volatile hydrocarbon contained in the exhaust gas. Consequently, there can be provided a method of purifying large amounts of exhaust gas with dilute volatile hydrocarbon concentration, in which without emission of carbon dioxide, any volatile hydrocarbon contained can be recovered with extreme easiness as a liquid. Further, there can be provided a purification method in which “zero emission” is attained with respect to volatile hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicants: SYSTEM ENG SERVICE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tahara, Hiroshi Nochi
  • Patent number: 7468097
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of hydrogen from carbon nanotubes saturated with hydrocarbon gas or greenhouse gas is described. The hydrogen that is produced is substantially free from carbon dioxide. Additionally, the method described is useful for converting the carbon elements of the hydrocarbon gas or greenhouse gas into a de novo synthesis of carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: University of North Texas
    Inventors: Don Henley, Timothy J. Imholt
  • Patent number: 7442233
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved integrated process for the removal of heavy hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water from a raw natural gas feed stream. More specifically, the integrated process of the present invention comprises a three step process involving the adsorption of heavy hydrocarbons and water on an adsorbent bed selective for the same, a subsequent aqueous lean amine treatment for the absorptive removal of acid gases, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, and an adsorptive removal of water. The process of the present invention results in a highly purified natural gas product stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: BASF Catalysts LLC
    Inventor: Michael J. Mitariten
  • Publication number: 20080253950
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon trap comprises an Ag-zeolite which is heated by a unique steaming regimen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Xinsheng LIU, Xinyi WEI
  • Publication number: 20080236389
    Abstract: The present invention relates to adsorbent honeycomb monoliths and other porous monoliths impregnated with alkaline and/or caustic salts of alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal. The impregnated monoliths have high adsorption capacity and low flow resistance, yet with minimized flammability, suitable for use in removal of acidic, malodorous and/or harmful gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Mead Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Leedy, Jack F. Eichelsbacher, Thomas H. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7419601
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are articles for removing contaminants from a fluid, such as a liquid or gas, the article comprising carbon nanotubes, which comprise at least one molecule or cluster attached thereto or located therein, wherein the carbon nanotubes are present in the article in an amount sufficient to reduce the concentration of contaminants in fluid that come into contact with the article. A method of making the nanomesh material used in such articles is also disclosed, as are methods of purifying fluids using these articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Seldon Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher H. Cooper, Alan G. Cummings, Mikhail Y. Starostin, Charles P. Honsinger
  • Patent number: 7404846
    Abstract: Method for the separation of a gas mixture comprising providing a PSA system with at least one adsorber vessel containing adsorbent material that is selective for the adsorption of carbon monoxide and nitrogen, passing a feed gas mixture containing at least hydrogen and carbon monoxide and optionally containing nitrogen through the adsorbent material in a feed step and withdrawing a purified hydrogen product from the adsorber vessel, wherein the feed step has a duration or feed time period of about 30 seconds or less. The adsorbent material is characterized by any of (1) a Henry's law constant for carbon monoxide between about 2.5 and about 5.5 (mmole/g)/atm; (2) a carbon monoxide heat of adsorption between about 6.0 and about 7.5 kcal/gmole; (3) a Henry's law constant for nitrogen greater than about 1.5 (mmole/g)/atm; and (4) a selectivity of carbon monoxide to nitrogen between about 5.0 and about 8.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Christopher Golden, Edward Landis Weist, Jr., Paul Anthony Novosat
  • Patent number: 7399342
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with purge control systems, and hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same. The PSA assemblies are operated according to a PSA cycle to produce a product hydrogen stream and a byproduct stream from a mixed gas stream. The byproduct stream may be delivered as a fuel stream to a heating assembly, which may heat the hydrogen-producing region that produces the mixed gas stream. The PSA assemblies may be adapted to regulate the flow of purge gas utilized therein, such as according to a predetermined, non-constant profile. In some embodiments, the flow- of purge gas is regulated to maintain the flow rate and/or fuel value of the byproduct stream at or within a determined range of a threshold value, and/or to regulate the flow of purge gas to limit the concentration of carbon monoxide in a heated exhaust stream produced from the byproduct stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventor: Travis A. Bizjak
  • Publication number: 20080127949
    Abstract: An inlet conduit for an engine air induction system is provided, the inlet conduit having a plurality of openings located about a portion of the inlet conduit, the plurality of openings being disposed in a cavity of the inlet conduit; a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed in the cavity, the hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member covering the plurality of openings; and a covering member secured to the inlet conduit, the covering member being configured to cover and seal the hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member within the cavity, the covering member having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface facing the hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member while the exterior surface is flush with an exterior surface of the inlet conduit when the covering member is secured to the inlet conduit and wherein hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system af
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Michael L. Herald, Berry Carter
  • Patent number: 7381242
    Abstract: A method of PSA gas separation for a gas mixture containing hydrogen and hydrocarbon impurities. The gas mixture is put in contact with silica gel and activated carbon so as to adsorb the impurities in the gas mixture. Hydrogen rich and waste gas flows are produced. The waste gas flow may be sent to the combustible network of a petrochemical site, without having to make a pressure adjustment to the waste gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Société Anonyme á Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Guillaume De Souza, Pascal Tromeur
  • Patent number: 7381244
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for removal of radon from indoor air. The process having the step of contacting indoor air with an adsorbent, that is a silver-exchanged zeolite. The apparatus for the removal of radon from indoor air comprises a silver exchanged zeolite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Warren Tyndall, Timothy Christopher Golden, Thomas Stephen Farris, Fred William Taylor, Wayne Robert Furlan, John Joseph Rabasco
  • Publication number: 20080121104
    Abstract: There is provided herein a composition which comprises a silicone copolymer and/or terpolymer component containing a polyether moeity (a); and, a water-soluble and/or water dispersible gas-processing component (b); said composition being substantially free of metal oxide-filled non-polyether moiety-containing silicone fluid. There is also provided herein a method for processing a gas comprising treating the gas with said composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: David George Quinn
  • Patent number: 7344586
    Abstract: An evaporative emissions filter for an engine air induction system. The evaporative emissions filter includes a hydrocarbon vapor-adsorbent member disposed within the air induction system outside the direct air flow path. A mechanism is provided for mounting the evaporative emissions filter within the air induction system. Hydrocarbon vapors present in the air induction system after engine shut-down are substantially retained in the adsorbent member until air flows through the air induction system after the engine starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Zulauf, Daniel E. Bause, Robert L. Smith, Ronald P. Rohrbach, Richard J. Berkey, Bryon W. Stremler, Peter D. Unger
  • Patent number: 7326821
    Abstract: This invention is to a process for removing dimethyl ether from an olefin stream. The process includes contacting the olefin stream with a molecular sieve that has improved capacity to adsorb the dimethyl ether from the olefin stream. The molecular sieve used to remove the dimethyl ether has low or no activity in converting the olefin in the olefin stream to other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Risch, John Di-Yi Ou
  • Patent number: 7309378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying a syngas of the CO/H2 or N2/H2 type, which consists in removing CO2 and possibly other gaseous impurities (water, etc.) before the gas undergoes a cryogenic process. These impurities are adsorbed by the gas stream to be purified passing over an NaLSX-type zeolite and then desorbed during a regeneration step which may be performed by raising the temperature (TSA) and/or reducing the pressure (PSA or VSA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: Stephane Bancon, Remi Le Bec
  • Patent number: 7309379
    Abstract: Moving bed adsorber and desorber apparatus and methods, wherein adsorbent material (e.g., beads of resin) moves over a series of vane members and a fluid flow passes between the vane members and through the flowing bed of adsorbent. An adsorbent depth regulator is positioned a spaced distance from the vanes to regulate the depth of the flowing adsorbent bed. In some embodiments, the adsorbent flow may be divided into 2 or more separate streams that pass over 2 or more separate arrays of vane members. Also disclosed are shell and tube desorber apparatus wherein the shell and tube are positioned at certain angle(s) to optimize flow and recovery of contaminant from an adsorbent material and/or wherein vacuum is applied to the adsorbent concurrently with heat to enhance the desorption of contaminant from the adsorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: TW Environmental, Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Dai, legal representative, XiangFeng Dai, deceased
  • Patent number: 7297181
    Abstract: An ammonia purification system includes a hydrocarbon removal station that removes hydrocarbons from gaseous ammonia via adsorption, a moisture removal station that removes water from gaseous ammonia via adsorption, and a distillation station including a distillation column connected with a condenser to facilitate removal of impurities from ammonia and condensation of gaseous ammonia to form a purified liquid ammonia product. The system further includes a storage tank to receive purified ammonia, a remote station connected with the storage tank, and a vaporizer connected with the storage tank. The vaporizer is configured to receive and vaporize liquid ammonia from the storage tank and deliver gaseous ammonia back to the storage tank so as to facilitate pumping of the ammonia to the remote station based upon a vapor pressure established within the storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignees: Air Liquide America L.P., American Air Liquide Inc.
    Inventors: Derong Zhou, John P. Borzio, Mindi Xu, Hwa-Chi Wang, Tran Vuong
  • Patent number: 7294172
    Abstract: A gas recovery system comprising a source of gas having a preselected concentration of a desired component (9), at least one application (1) that adds impurities to said gas, and at least one an adsorption system (6) that purifies said gas to produce a purified gas for re-use in application (1), wherein said at least one adsorption system includes at least one adsorbent bed (A) having at least three layers of adsorbents. A recovery process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Safdar Allie Baksh, Scot Eric Jaynes, Bernard Thomas Neu, James Smolarek, Mark Thomas Emley
  • Patent number: 7272942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for purifying exhaust gas, especially a solvent-containing exhaust gas from refrigerator recycling, wherein the dried, pressurized exhaust gas is cryogenically condensed, the condensed components are separated from the remaining exhaust gas, the cold and purified pressurized exhaust gas is passed through an adsorber to adsorbe the remaining condensed components, the adsorber is purged with a warmed gas stream, namely either a warmed inert gas stream or the purified exhaust gas respectively at reduced pressure, and the desorbed gas is recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Erler, Peter Zollner, Klaus Hermanns, Norbert Hagenbruck
  • Patent number: 7252700
    Abstract: A method and mobile system for cleaning dirty gas from a newly stimulated gas well. The entire system is supported on a trailer or other mobile support so that it can be driven from well site to well site for short-term, post-stimulation use only. The system comprises a gas separator, such as a membrane separator. The system also includes a pretreatment assembly for preparing the gas for the gas separator. The pretreatment assembly may include separators, a heater, a guard vessel and a polishing filter. A chiller or heat exchanger cools the treated gas to a marketable temperature. A generator and a hydraulics plant provide power to the system. Each mobile system will be designed to treat gases with widely different operating conditions varying from well to well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Ronald L. Strahan
  • Patent number: 7250074
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a process for separating methane or nitrogen from a fluid mixture comprising methane and nitrogen, the process comprising: (A) flowing the fluid mixture into a microchannel separator, the microchannel separator comprising a plurality of process microchannels containing a sorption medium, the fluid mixture being maintained in the microchannel separator until at least part of the methane or nitrogen is sorbed by the sorption medium, and removing non-sorbed parts of the fluid mixture from the microchannel separator; and (B) desorbing the methane or nitrogen from the sorption medium and removing the desorbed methane or nitrogen from the microchannel separator. The process is suitable for upgrading methane from coal mines, landfills, and other sub-quality sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Velocys, Inc.
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Dongming Qiu, Terence Andrew Dritz, Paul Neagle, Robert Dwayne Litt, Ravi Arora, Michael Jay Lamont, Kristina M. Pagnotto
  • Patent number: 7250150
    Abstract: A chemical reaction is performed with separation of the product(s) and reactant(s) by pressure swing adsorption (PSA), using an apparatus having a plurality of adsorbers cooperating with first and second valve assemblies in a PSA module. The PSA cycle is characterized by multiple intermediate pressure levels between higher and lower pressure of the PSA cycle. Gas flows enter or exit the PSA module at the intermediate pressure levels as well as the higher and lower pressure levels, entering from compressor stage(s) or exiting into exhauster or expander stages, under substantially steady conditions of flow and pressure. The PSA module comprises a rotor containing the adsorbers and rotating within a stator, with ported valve faces between the rotor and stator to control the timing of the flows entering or exiting the adsorbers in the rotor. The reaction may be performed within a portion of the rotor containing a catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: QuestAir Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bowie G. Keefer, Denis J. Connor
  • Patent number: 7191548
    Abstract: A tumbler is provided for removing odors, such as smoke, from clothing. The tumbler comprises a rotating basket in which clothing tumbles, a blower which causes air to flow through said basket and an ozone source which releases ozone into the air which flows into the basket. The tumbler includes a controller which activates the ozone source after the basket and blower have been activated; and continues to operate the blower and basket after deactivation of the ozone source to provide for a purge period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Cissell Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Naom Salameh, Stanley T. Wheeler, Judith P. Folk
  • Patent number: 7160361
    Abstract: Disclosed herein an evaporative emission treatment device comprising: a housing; and an adsorption member disposed in the housing, the adsorption member comprising an adsorption component comprising an activated carbon textile made from a novoloid precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Meiller, Charles H. Covert, Robert A. Zaso, Jonathan M. Oemcke, Christopher S. Tupps
  • Patent number: 7144445
    Abstract: Process for purifying or separating a gas or gas mixture using a monolithic adsorbent for the separation or purification of gases or gas mixtures, having a cellular structure with open porosity in the form of a solid foam permeable to the gas molecules. The gas phase of the adsorbent possesses an essentially convex structure and the solid phase an essentially concave structure. The solid foam has a density of greater than or equal to 500 kg/m3 and an open porosity of between 20 and 60%. The gas is air or an H2/CO mixture. The process is of the VSA, PSA or TSA type. This process can be used in particular in OBOGS-type systems to supply passengers of the vehicle or a device participating in the traction of the vehicle and/or in its electrical supply, in particular a fuel cell. This process can also be used in medical oxygen concentrators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Vincent Gueret, Serge Moreau
  • Patent number: 7115160
    Abstract: Particles may be used to filter harmful biological material from an fluid stream such as air. The particles can be arranged into a bed to filter the harmful biological material from the fluid. The particles include a biocidal agent which is used to destroy the harmful biological material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Fitch, Majid Entezarian, James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7101414
    Abstract: A method of reducing the sorbate concentration of a process fluid stream using a sorption bed system includes the following steps. A mass of a sorbent material is rotated so that, in a cycle of operation, a given volume of the sorbent mass sequentially passes through first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth zones, before returning to the first zone. A process fluid stream is passed through the sorbent mass in the first zone, and a regeneration fluid stream is passed through the sorbent mass in the fourth zone. A first isolation fluid stream is recycled in a closed loop, independent of the process fluid stream and the regeneration fluid stream, between the sorbent mass in the second zone and in the sixth zone. A second isolation fluid stream, meanwhile, is recycled in a closed loop, independent of the process fluid stream, the regeneration fluid stream, and the first isolation fluid stream, between the sorbent mass in the third zone and in the fifth zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Munters Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Dinnage, Stephen C. Brickley
  • Patent number: 7080505
    Abstract: A vehicular atmosphere cleansing system utilizes a regenerative wheel having flow channels extending through the wheel coated with an adsorbant. An atmosphere stream passes through a first position dependent portion of the wheel where VOC's including HC's are adsorbed while a heated atmosphere stream passes through a second position dependent regenerative portion of the wheel whereat VOC's are desorbed. The adsorbant is activated carbon having particles of micropore size adhered to the substrate by a silicone binder producing high adsorption efficiencies while withstanding relatively high regenerative heat temperatures resulting from exhaust gas sensible heat. A hydrocarbon senses HC in the desorbed heated atmosphere stream to rotatively and sequentially index pie shaped, segmented portions of the wheel into the wheel's regenerative region while also functioning as the main component of an OBD device for the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald S. Koermer, Jeffrey B. Hoke, Ronald M. Heck, Terence C. Poles, Edward T. Wolynic
  • Patent number: 7037359
    Abstract: A device, system, and method for collecting grease on rooftop exhaust fans, comprising a gasket formed of sorbent material. The gasket is dimensioned for placement between an exhaust fan and a base for the exhaust fan. When placed between the exhaust fan and the base for the exhaust fan, grease is absorbed and retained by the gasket during operation of the exhaust fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Steven R. McCauley
  • Patent number: 7029516
    Abstract: Filters for removing particulate and gaseous organic and inorganic materials from a fluid stream are disclosed. The filters may contain a polymer matrix and optional sequestering agents. Methods of making filters are also disclosed. Methods of using filters to remove one or more materials from a fluid stream, such as an air stream, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel P. Campbell, Jim Suggs, Jeffrey L. Moore, Srinivas Somayajula, Thomas R. Mohs
  • Patent number: 7029518
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing contamination of a substrate or a substrate surface, and particularly relates to prevention of contamination of raw materials, semi-finished products, base materials of products and substrate surface in a high-tech industry such as an in the production of semiconductors and liquid crystals. A gas coming into contact with a base material or substrate is purified by dust removing apparatus and adsorption and/or absorption apparatus so that the concentration of fine particles in the gas is below class 1,000 and a non-methane hydrocarbon concentration is below 0.2 ppm. Thereafter, the base material or the substrate surface is exposed to this gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ebara Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Fujii, Tsukuru Suzuki, Hidetomo Suzuki, Kazuhiko Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7025803
    Abstract: A system and a process for recovering high concentrations of methane from crude natural gas and solid waste landfill exhaust gas uses a sequential combination of a pressure swing adsorber unit operation to remove volatile organic compounds from the crude feed gas mixture followed by a membrane separation unit operation. The membrane separation uses a membrane which is selectively gas permeable to reject transmission of methane and thus to produce a permeate depleted in methane relative to the feed mixture. The permeate is also free of volatile organic compounds and is recycled to the pressure swing adsorber unit operation to regenerate saturated adsorbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Counsel de Surveillance Pour L'Etude et L'Exploration des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Wascheck, Charles L. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7022158
    Abstract: An adsorbent article having a base body or matrix onto which is applied an adsorptive coating. The body or matrix can be a honeycomb matrix or structure having a plurality of cells defining a plurality of passages extending through the body. The adsorptive coating comprises an adsorptive media, such as activated carbon or ion exchange resin, that is bound by a polymeric adhesive or resin. The adsorbent article has a minimal pressure loss therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin John Seguin, Steven Alan Carter, Andrew James Dallas, Lefei Ding, Brian Nghia Hoang, Jon Dennis Joriman
  • Patent number: 7022161
    Abstract: A process for eliminating organic oxygen-containing molecules such as alcohols and organic present in an organic or gaseous effluent is characterized in that the elimination is carried out by adsorbing said organic oxygen-containing molecules onto alumina agglomerates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Axens
    Inventor: Christophe Nedez
  • Patent number: 7022162
    Abstract: It is the object of the invention to provide a material for retaining polyhalogenated compounds, the material avoiding the drawbacks of activated carbon and polyolefins. The object is accomplished by the use of a material for retaining polyhalogenated compounds, having a filler, which is suitable for adsorbing polyhalogenated compounds, and a polyolefin matrix, into which the material is completely incorporated and enclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Kreisz, Hans Hunsinger
  • Patent number: 7018447
    Abstract: A method of cleaning the adsorbent media of a rotary concentrator in-situ while maintaining operation of the concentrator, including directing washing liquid into the sectors in the desorb plenum, then rotating the sectors one full revolution plus at least one sector into the desorb plenum to bring a second sector into the desorb plenum, washing the second sector and repeating the cycle until all of the adsorbent media is washed. The method may also include directing washing liquid into sectors not located in the desorb plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dürr Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald McAnespie
  • Patent number: 7018449
    Abstract: Particles may be used to filter oleo material such as grease from a flow of fluid such as a gas. The particles can be arranged into a bed to filter the oleo material from the fluid. The filtrate substance collect on the inorganic particles. The particles are re-usable, in that they can be subjected to filtrate-separation techniques, e.g., solvent extraction, detergent washing, and centrifugal separation, to separate the oleo material from the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Plastic Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Fitch, Majid Entezarian, James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7011693
    Abstract: A PSA unit for purifying hydrogen in a fuel processor system. The PSA unit employs rotary valves that cycle the pressurization of vessels, including an adsorbent, between a high pressure state and a low pressure state. The purified hydrogen is released from the vessels through a purified gas output port when the vessels are in the high pressure state and the impurities are released through an exhaust port when the vessels are in the low pressure state. The PSA unit also employs a mass flow control device and a pressure sensor in the purified gas output port. A controller receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, and controls the flow through the mass flow control device and the speed of the rotary valves so that the proper pressure is maintained at the hydrogen output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kiran Mallavarapu, John B Ruhl, Craig S. Gittleman
  • Patent number: 7011695
    Abstract: Zeolite adsorbent, and method of production, exchanged with calcium and barium cations, for purifying or separating a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, so as to remove therefrom the impurities found therein, such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NxOy). The adsorbent is preferably an X or LSX zeolite and the gas purification process is of the TSA type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Serge Moreau, Elise Renou, Claire Szulman
  • Patent number: RE39098
    Abstract: Pelletized adsorbent compositions and methods of adsorbing toxic target compounds are provided for the destructive adsorption or chemisorption of toxic or undesired compounds. The pelletized adsorbents are formed by pressing together powder nanocrystalline particles comprising a metal hydroxide or a metal oxide at pressures of from about 50 psi to about 6000 psi to form discrete self-sustaining bodies. The pelletized bodies should retain at least about 25% of the surface area/unit mass and total pore volume of the starting metal particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Klabunde, Olga Koper, Abbas Khaleel