With Heating Or Cooling Patents (Class 95/73)
  • Publication number: 20150122123
    Abstract: An electrode is arranged on one wall surface of a flow path of an exhaust atmosphere in a solvent separating apparatus, an electric field is applied to vaporized solvent in the exhaust atmosphere so as to concentrate only the solvent in the exhaust atmosphere in the direction toward the electric field, and the solvent is discharged to the outside of the solvent separating apparatus together with a portion of the exhaust atmosphere in the periphery of the solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Terutsugu SEGAWA, Koichi NAGAI, Naofumi HINO
  • Patent number: 8992736
    Abstract: A process for quenching, separating and collecting targeted components of a hot pyrolysis product stream from the pyrolysis of biomass is provided. The process utilizes sequential steps of rapid quenching and electrostatic precipitation comprising injecting a coolant comprising at least one of nitrogen, a noble gas and mixtures thereof into a hot pyrolysis vapor to selectively condense a first fraction of components from the hot pyrolysis vapor at a first predetermined temperature which is then collected by electrostatic precipitation in a first electrostatic precipitator at about the first predetermined temperature, where a wall temperature of the first electrostatic precipitator is maintained slightly higher than the first predetermined temperature. The sequential steps of coolant injection and collection are repeated at progressively cooler temperatures in order to selectively collect one or more fractions of the hot mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignees: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc., Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Daren E. Daugaard, Samuel T. Jones, Dustin L. Dalluge, Robert C. Brown
  • Patent number: 8852325
    Abstract: A device for collecting particles that have a high electron affinity, particularly explosive particles, from a gas, includes a flow channel (12a) in which at least one electrically positive collector electrode (20a) and at least one ionising electrode (18a) are arranged, between which an electrical field is present so that the particles having high electron affinity can be indirectly charged by corona discharge on the ionising electrode (18a) and can be displaced towards the collector electrode (20a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: EADS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Beer, Gerhard Müller, Jan Spannhake, Wolfgang Legner
  • Publication number: 20140290480
    Abstract: A process for dedusting a dust laden vapor gas mixture (VGM) obtained by pyrolysis of a material containing hydrocarbons includes treating the dust laden VGM in a dry electrostatic precipitator at a temperature in a range from 380 to 480° C. so as to separate dust from the VGM. Then, the VGM is cooled to a temperature in a range from 310 to 360° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ENEFIT OUTOTEC TECHNOLOGY OÜ
    Inventors: Hermann Sieger, Christian Binder, Nikola Anastasijevic, Andreas Orth
  • Patent number: 8545599
    Abstract: A thermal management apparatus includes an electrohydrodynamic fluid accelerator in which an emitter electrode and another electrode are energizable to motivate fluid flow. One of the electrodes includes a solid solution formed of a solvent metal having a first performance characteristic and a solute material having a second performance characteristic. The first and second performance characteristics are exhibited substantially independently in the electrode as the solvent metal and solute material remain substantially pure within the solid solution. A method of making an EHD product includes providing an electrode with such a solid solution and positioning the electrode relative to another electrode to motivate fluid flow when energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventor: Giles Humpston
  • Patent number: 8491703
    Abstract: A supply air device including supply air nozzles, through which incoming air is led into a mixing chamber and further into a room so that the supply air device induces a secondary air flow from the room. An electric particle filter and/or a cell gas filter, through which the circulating or secondary air flow is led.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Seppo Enbom, Matti Lehtimäki
  • Patent number: 8316852
    Abstract: Device for extracting particles from exhaled breath, comprising a cooling system (16) for creating droplets by condensation of the water vapor contained in the exhaled breath; a droplet recovery unit (7) provided with a side wall (2) having a grid form and converging towards an outlet opening (9), allowing the droplets attracted towards said side wall (2) to flow along the latter towards the outlet opening (9); and a discharge electrode (1) mounted inside the droplet recovery unit (7), said side wall (2) of said droplet recovery unit (7) defining a counter electrode to said discharge electrode (1) in order to attract droplet-collecting particles carried by exhaled breath towards said side wall (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, CNRS
    Inventors: Patrick Pouteau, Jean Luc Achard
  • Patent number: 8236093
    Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of pollutants in a combustion flue gas having a first temperature is provided. The method includes the step of providing an organic Rankine cycle apparatus utilizing a working fluid and including at least one heat exchanger is arranged in thermal communication with the flue gas. The method further includes the step of reducing the temperature of the flue gas to a second temperature less than the first temperature by vaporizing the working fluid within the heat exchanger utilizing thermal energy derived from the flue gas. The method further includes the step of filtering the flue gas through at least one filter disposed downstream of the heat exchanger to remove pollutants from the flue gas. An associated system configured to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the combustion flue gas is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: BHA Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Warren Taylor, James Easel Roberts, Charles Michael Booth
  • Publication number: 20120174773
    Abstract: A gas purification apparatus capable of removing fine particles of substantially any size without lowering the efficiency of gas supply. A loader module of a substrate processing apparatus includes a fan filter unit for producing a downward flow of atmospheric air in the internal space of a transfer chamber. The fan filter unit includes a fan for generating an atmospheric air flow, a filter of mesh structure for trapping and removing particles mixed in the atmospheric air flow, an irradiation heater disposed between the fan and the filter, and a high temperature part disposed in the atmospheric air flow and higher in temperature than the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi MORIYA
  • Patent number: 8187362
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing pollutants in a gas stream are disclosed. The gas stream is introduced into a condensation chamber to condense the gas stream. It then proceeds into a first reaction chamber adapted to electrochemically alter the gas stream. From there, the gas stream is directed into a reduction chamber adapted to reduce pollutants and a resonance chamber adapted to ionize the gas stream. The gas stream is then directed into a second reaction chamber adapted to further reduce pollutants in the stream. After treatment, the gas stream may be discharged into the atmosphere or recirculated through the apparatus to further reduce pollutants in the gas stream, the latter providing for a closed-looped system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Global Solutions Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward O. Taylor
  • Patent number: 8152907
    Abstract: A gas purification apparatus capable of removing fine particles of substantially any size without lowering the efficiency of gas supply. A loader module of a substrate processing apparatus includes a fan filter unit for producing a downward flow of atmospheric air in the internal space of a transfer chamber. The fan filter unit includes a fan for generating an atmospheric air flow, a filter of mesh structure for trapping and removing particles mixed in the atmospheric air flow, an irradiation heater disposed between the fan and the filter, and a high temperature part disposed in the atmospheric air flow and higher in temperature than the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Moriya
  • Publication number: 20120017759
    Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound wave generator, a fluid cavity coupled to the ultrasound wave generator, an array of micro-machined ultrasonic-assisted electrospray nozzles coupled to the fluid cavity, an electrode configured to impart a charge onto the fluid output of the electrospray nozzles, and a carbon dioxide release unit configured to receive the ionic liquid after absorption of carbon dioxide by the ionic liquid and to remove carbon dioxide from the ionic liquid such that the regenerated ionic liquid can be recycled for additional carbon dioxide capture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Gu, Adam Dewey McBrady, Wei Yang, Tariq Samad
  • Patent number: 8097072
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for reducing pollutants in a gas stream are disclosed. The gas stream is introduced into a condensation chamber to condense the gas stream. It then proceeds into a first reaction chamber adapted to electrochemically alter the gas stream. From there, the gas stream is directed into a reduction chamber adapted to reduce pollutants and a resonance chamber adapted to ionize the gas stream. The gas stream is then directed into a second reaction chamber adapted to further reduce pollutants in the stream. After treatment, the gas stream may be discharged into the atmosphere or recirculated through the apparatus to further reduce pollutants in the gas stream, the latter providing for a closed-looped system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Global Solutions Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward Orville Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120003131
    Abstract: An apparatus for dissipating energy into the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine includes a container for confining a flow path for exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine where the container has an inlet and an outlet. A porous, electrically conductive mesh is placed in the container such that exhaust gas can flow through the conductive mesh. At least two electrical terminals are in permanent electrical contact with the conductive mesh. An electrical power supply completes an electrical circuit through the conductive mesh with the power supply having two or more electrical outputs electrically connected to an equal number of electrical terminals on the conductive mesh. The apparatus provides a filter, heater, electrical load and silencer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: RYPOS, INC.
    Inventors: Osama Ibrahim, Klaus Peter, Noah Loren, Peter Willey, Zachary L. Nardi, Amin Saeid, John Swenson, James McDonald
  • Patent number: 8002876
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic filter method and electrostatic filter for separating particles from industrial waste gases, wherein an optimal electric charging or ionization in the ionization zone are performed in a high-voltage zone and its unchanged ducts with one high-voltage supply source to ensure the subsequent particle separation in the separation zone at sufficient field strength which requires minimal energy input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Balcke-Durr GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Jakob Frank, Helga Frank, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20110197759
    Abstract: A method is described for treating gas exhaust from a polysilicon etch process, which uses a plasma abatement device to treat the gas. The device comprises a stainless steel gas chamber having a gas inlet for receiving the gas and a gas outlet. As the gas may contain a halocompound and water vapour, the chamber is heated to a temperature that inhibits adsorption of water on the surface within the chamber, thereby inhibiting corrosion of the gas chamber. The gas is then conveyed to the gas chamber for treatment, and the temperature of the chamber is maintained above said temperature during treatment of the gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: THE BOC GROUP PLC
    Inventors: James Robert Smith, Andrew James Seeley, Derek Martin Baker, Marilena Radoiu
  • Publication number: 20110162523
    Abstract: A plasma method and apparatus for purifying an offgas containing inorganic and organic pollutants. A plasma torch (26) is formed by interaction of the offgas (6) with an electric field (E) created by a voltage (V) applied between one or more couples of electrodes (16) arranged upstream/along a purification chamber (1); the electric field is such that an electric discharge takes place which ionizes the offgas (6) and causes a redistribution of atoms/molecules, thus creating longer molecules, which form a liquid residue (23), and shorter molecules, which form a purified gas (7). The gas undergoes an expansion that is caused by a diverging portion (21) of the purification chamber and assists preliminary cooling of the of fgas/purified gas (6/7). A tube-bundle exchanger (2) is provided and has a cross section larger than the outlet port (14) of the chamber to allow further expansion/cooling. A scrubber (3) is arranged downstream exchanger (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: RE.CO 2 S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mario Fabbri, Enrico Sonno
  • Patent number: 7959717
    Abstract: An air conditioning system with an electrostatically atomizing function includes an electrostatically atomizing unit and a ventilation duct which flows conditioned air. The electrostatically atomizing unit generates a mist of charged minute water particles. The electrostatically atomizing unit is provided with a discharge port which locates adjacent to an air outlet of the ventilation duct. The mist of the charged minute water particles flows into an airflow which is sent from the ventilation duct. The mist of the charged minute water particles effectively spreads to the space by the air flow without dissipating inside the ventilation duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Yano, Toshihisa Hirai, Kishiko Hirai, legal representative, Sumio Wada, Akihide Sugawa, Tatsuhiko Matsumoto, Shousuke Akisada
  • Publication number: 20110097253
    Abstract: A method producing a volume of purified F2 comprising removing HF from a F2 feed and removing CF4 from the F2 feed, wherein a concentration of HF in the volume of purified F2 is less than 1 ppm (v/v) and a concentration CF4 in the volume of purified F2 is less than 10 ppm (v/v).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: FLUOROMER LLC
    Inventors: Yuichi Iikubo, Stephen Owens
  • Patent number: 7931734
    Abstract: Embodiments of a method for selecting particles, such as based on their morphology, is disclosed. In a particular example, the particles are charged and acquire different amounts of charge, or have different charge distributions, based on their morphology. The particles are then sorted based on their flow properties. In a specific example, the particles are sorted using a differential mobility analyzer, which sorts particles, at least in part, based on their electrical mobility. Given a population of particles with similar electrical mobilities, the disclosed process can be used to sort particles based on the net charge carried by the particle, and thus, given the relationship between charge and morphology, separate the particles based on their morphology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education, on behalf of the Desert Research Institute
    Inventors: Hans Moosmüller, Rajan K. Chakrabarty, W. Patrick Arnott
  • Patent number: 7909912
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for enhancing condensation and separation in a fluid separator, wherein: —a fluid mixture is accelerated to a transonic or supersonic velocity in a throat section of a flow channel and thereby expanded and cooled such that at least some initially gaseous components become supersaturated and condense; —at least some condensed components are removed from the fluid mixture in the flow channel at a location downstream of the throat section; and —condensation of at least some supersaturated components is enhanced by illuminating the fluid mixture flowing through the flow channel by a radiation source (10), such as an Ultraviolet (UV) light source which excites and/or ionizes and induces mercury, water, aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide and/or other components to condense thereby forming condensation nuclei for other supersaturated fluid components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Twister B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Antonie Tjeenk Willink, Marco Betting, Jeroen Geldorp, Bart Prast
  • Patent number: 7862649
    Abstract: A particulate matter detection device includes a collection electrode that collects the particulate matter, a discharge electrode that allows a corona discharge to occur when a voltage is applied between the collection electrode and the discharge electrode, a measurement electrode, the impedance between the collection electrode and the measurement electrode changing when the collection electrode has collected the particulate matter, and a measurement section that detects a change in the impedance between the collection electrode and the measurement electrode, the particulate matter detection device detecting the particulate matter by charging the particulate matter contained in the gas by utilizing the corona discharge, collecting the charged particulate matter by the collection electrode by utilizing an electrostatic force, and detecting a change in the impedance between the collection electrode that has collected the particulate matter and the measurement electrode using the measurement section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sakuma, Yasumasa Fujioka, Atsuo Kondo
  • Patent number: 7833324
    Abstract: A wet electrostatic precipitator is disclosed to include a condensation-growth chamber, a precipitation chamber connecting with the condensation-growth chamber, three dual-sleeve members mounted in the precipitation chamber, three discharge electrodes connecting with the dual-sleeve members, two insulating members covering on the inner surface of the precipitation chamber, and two ground electrodes mounted on the outside of the precipitation chamber. Thus, a uniform water film is formed on the surface of the insulating members to wash away the particles from waste gas. The condensation-growth chamber is provided for the particles to grow therein and thereby enhances the collection efficiency. The insulating member acts as a shield between the discharge electrodes and the ground electrodes and thereby avoids a short circuit or sparks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tzu-Mimg Chen, Shou-Nan Li, Chuen-Jinn Tsai, Sheng-Jen Yu, Guan-Yu Lin
  • Patent number: 7833314
    Abstract: Purification method and apparatus for purifying a gas stream by oxygen removal. The apparatus includes primary and secondary oxygen separation zones and tubular electrically driven oxygen separation elements. There are more elements in the primary zone than the secondary zone so that low concentrations of oxygen can be obtained in a purified stream and turbulent flow conditions can also be obtained that will permit purification to very low levels. In addition, a junction is provided to connect the tubular separation elements to metallic elements such as manifolds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Andrew Lane, David M. Reed
  • Patent number: 7824475
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention a device for purification of air is provided, including a metal plate electrical connections connected to the metal plate in order to impress a voltage on the metal plate, a heating element for heating the metal plate, and a nozzle connected to a water supply in order to spray the metal plate with water. In further embodiments the device includes a metallic cylinder, a fan disposed at one end of the cylinder and a restriction disposed at the other end of the cylinder, together with live coils for providing an electric field, where the centre of the electric field around the coils coincides with the location of the device's other units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventors: Hans-Jacob Fromreide, Tomm Slater
  • Patent number: 7815714
    Abstract: A particulate filtration system for removing particulates suspended in a fluid that includes: 1) a filter element; 2) a pre-collector body component operably connected to the filter element and capable of receiving an electrical charge to attract and remove particles suspended in the fluid; and 3) means for cooling the pre-collector body component. The means for cooling the pre-collector body component may include a convective cooling channel through which a coolant flows. The system may further include a discharge electrode spaced apart from the pre-collector body component. The discharge electrode may be capable of receiving an electrical charge causing a difference in the electronic potential between the pre-collector body component and the discharge electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Taylor, Charles Sedman
  • Publication number: 20100229724
    Abstract: A particulate matter detection device (100) includes a first electrode (10) that includes a conductive section (12) and a dielectric (14) that covers the conductive section (12), and a second electrode (20) that is disposed opposite to the first electrode (10) at an interval of 0.3 to 3.0 mm. Charged particulate matter contained in a fluid that passes through the space between the first electrode (10) and the second electrode (20), or particulate matter that is contained in a fluid and charged by a discharge that occurs due to application of a voltage between the electrodes (10) and (20) is electrically adsorbed on at least one of the electrodes (10) and (20), and the particulate matter adsorbed on the electrodes (10) and (20) is detected by measuring a change in electrical properties of the first electrode (10), or a change in electrical properties of the electrodes (10) and (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro TOKUDA, Atsuo Kondo, Takeshi Sakuma, Takashi Egami
  • Patent number: 7780761
    Abstract: A gas sampling canister has an electrospray nozzle for creating an ionic fluid electrospray plume. A gas sample intake is positioned to provide a gas sample flowing through the ionic fluid electrospray plume. A cooled counter electrode is positioned to collect the electrospray plume such that selected chemicals in the gas sample are captured by ionic fluid accumulating on the cooled counter electrode. A system and method for sampling gas are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Alex Gu, Wei Yang, Matthew S. Marcus, Adam Dewey McBrady
  • Patent number: 7758675
    Abstract: Gas treatment equipment including a corona electrode and a dust-collection electrode facing the corona electrode, and forming corona discharge in gas passing between the corona electrode and the dust-collection electrode by applying a high voltage between them to collect components in the gas wherein a gas turbulence accelerator is located in the vicinity of the surface of the dust-collection electrode facing the corona electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Kenta Naito, Satoru Senbayashi, Yuichi Hamada, Akira Mizuno, Junichi Kasai, Yoshinobu Tamura
  • Publication number: 20100132561
    Abstract: The present invention describes directly using particles collected with an electrostatic precipitator for the detection of explosives and other compounds of interest. The method and apparatus of analyzing particles involves directly measuring particles on the collection electrodes or thermally desorbing them into an ion mobility spectrometer and/or other analytical instruments. One aspect of the present invention is a particulate charging method. Another aspect of the present invention provides a means of high charging of the particulates while minimizing their collection in the charging stage. The present invention also provides a means for efficiently collecting the particulates in a second stage for sampling in a compact electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Excellims Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie Bromberg, Ching Wu, Mark A. Osgood
  • Patent number: 7722707
    Abstract: A discharge unit (30) and a heat exchanger (20) are disposed in an air passageway (15). In the discharge unit (30), a rod-like discharge electrode (31) and a plate-like counter electrode (32) are disposed perpendicular to the flow of air, and lie along the heat exchanger (20). Upon application of voltage to both the electrodes (31, 32), streamer discharge is performed between the electrodes (31, 32), whereby an active species capable of decomposition of a component to be processed is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Tanaka, Kenkichi Kagawa, Kanji Motegi, Ryuji Akiyama
  • Patent number: 7708814
    Abstract: Carbon dioxide contained within exhaust gas is combined with bivalent metal ions such as calcium ions or the like in concentrated salt water to form precipitated calcium carbonate and then can be expelled out. Such an environmental friendly design is realized by a bottle upside down device with a bottle neck exit on a bottom. A piston inside the device can be elevated to a top portion to produce a near vacuum air pressure inside the device. All the brine, exhaust gas, and oxygen, ozone drawn together into the device can be accelerated to form, at least, precipitated calcium carbonate to reduce carbon dioxide contained within the exhaust gas. Chemical reaction is accelerated by a high voltage discharger below the piston and by flashing a portion of water to atomize the brine. A heater can heat up the near vacuum device to accelerate chemical reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Chia-Chang Liu
  • Patent number: 7621985
    Abstract: An air purifier to improve air quality for breathing is disclosed. A magnetized torch module that passes a large air flow is designed. The emission spectroscopy of the torch indicates that the plasma effluent carries an abundance of reactive atomic oxygen (RAO), which can effectively kill all kinds of microbes. The invention employs two torch modules which run alternately to generate non-thermal plasma for air treatment via both thermal/non-thermal processes. The air flow through the on-torch module is mainly treated thermally. A controlling air valve is designed to direct the exiting airflow of the off-torch module to pass through the plasma torch of the on-torch module for non-thermal treatment. The controlling air valve also works to turn the torch modules on and off synchronizing with the closing and opening of the two air valves in the controlling air valve. This device purifies ambient air in a fast rate and kills microbes thoroughly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Adventix Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Spencer P. Kuo
  • Patent number: 7601204
    Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a cabinet having air inlet and outlet openings and an intense field dielectric air filtration system disposed in the cabinet between the inlet and outlet openings. The filtration system includes a field charging unit and a filter unit. The filter unit may be mounted for removal from the cabinet on spaced apart support brackets connected to the cabinet or to a frame of the field charging unit. Electrical contact elements may be supported by the support brackets for engagement with corresponding contact elements on the filter unit and charging unit for establishing electrical communication between a power supply and the charging unit and filter unit, respectively. A shorting bar is aligned with the contact members on the filter unit for discharging high voltage potential upon removal of the filter unit from the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Trane International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Woodruff, Kirk W. Beason, Larry Stephen Bias, Robert G. Roycroft, Lester D. Sherrow, Stephen J. Vendt
  • Patent number: 7585352
    Abstract: A method and apparatus electrically charges particulates that need to be removed from a moving air stream. Various methods of corona charging of particulates are used in the fields of electrostatic precipitation of dust, printers and copying machines. This invention is preferably specifically aimed at improving the separation and collection of particulates from dust, mist or vapor generating devices. In another embodiment, a grid electrostatic precipitator, in combination with a corona pre-charger, is used to remove diesel exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: John P. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20090165648
    Abstract: The subject matter of the invention are electrostatic filter method and electrostatic filter for separating particles from industrial waste gases, whereas an optimal electric charging or ionization in the ionization zone are performed in a high-voltage zone and its unchanged ducts with one high-voltage supply source to ensure the subsequent particle separation in the separation zone at sufficient field strength which requires minimal energy input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2006
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: BALCKE-DURR GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Jakob Frank, Helga Frank
  • Publication number: 20090158926
    Abstract: A particulate filtration system for removing particulates suspended in a fluid that includes: 1) a filter element; 2) a pre-collector body component operably connected to the filter element and capable of receiving an electrical charge to attract and remove particles suspended in the fluid; and 3) means for cooling the pre-collector body component. The means for cooling the pre-collector body component may include a convective cooling channel through which a coolant flows. The system may further include a discharge electrode spaced apart from the pre-collector body component. The discharge electrode may be capable of receiving an electrical charge causing a difference in the electronic potential between the pre-collector body component and the discharge electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Taylor, Charles Sedman
  • Patent number: 7510599
    Abstract: A device for purification of a gas flow containing condensable vapors including a shell (7) defining a sealed volume, a cooler to quench the gas flow, a rotating assembly (42) having a rotor (44) and a cylindrical separation and filtration skirt (54) composed of serrated circular rings (56) mounted on the rotor and rotating with it; a support tube (48) mounted on the rotor (44) and carrying a turbulator-scraper device (50) a cylindrical electrode (94) surrounding the separation and filtration skirt (54) and a central counter-electrode (78) to create an electrostatic field in the shell (7), a purified gas outlet tube, a condensates outlet pipe (40) and impact separation plates (64) fixed on the rings of the skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Meryl Brothier, Jean-Pierre Turchet, Pierre Estubier
  • Patent number: 7431752
    Abstract: An air purifier includes an outer case having an air purifying cavity, an ionizer module, and an ozone reduction module. The ionizer module includes a power unit and an ionizing electrode. The ozone reduction module is electrically connected to the power unit for generating heat within the air purifying cavity, wherein when a temperature within the air purifying cavity reaches a preset temperature, a level of ozone generated by the ionizing electrode unit is substantially minimized and controlled for preventing excess generation of ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: ZhuHuan Liang
  • Publication number: 20080202335
    Abstract: A system and method for ionization detection in electrically enhanced air filtration systems is described. One embodiment includes a system for electrically enhanced air filtration, the system comprising an electrically enhanced filter comprising a filter and an ionizing electrode disposed on an upstream side of the filter; a control device connected to the electrically enhanced filter, wherein the control device can control the electrically enhanced filter; and an ionization detector, wherein the ionization detector is adjacent to the electrically enhanced filter and wherein the ionization detector is connected to the control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Peter J. McKinney, Adam J. Cohen
  • Patent number: 7381245
    Abstract: An arrangement for treating room air has a first air quality sensor in an external air conduit of an air conditioning device. An ionization apparatus, an ozone sensor, an air humidity sensor, an airflow sensor, and at least one air temperature adjusting device are arranged in the supply conduit between air conditioning device and room. Chamber or hood devices forming a component of the room are coupled to the supply conduit. A side of the chamber or hood devices has openings ensuring convection of the supply air into the room. A recirculating air conduit branches off an exhaust conduit to the air-conditioning device. A second air quality sensor is arranged in the recirculating air conduit. A control device is connected to first air quality sensor, ozone sensor, air humidity sensor, airflow sensor, second air quality sensor, and the air temperature adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: LK Luftqualität AG
    Inventor: Werner Fleischer
  • Publication number: 20080072756
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for effectively filtering particulate matter from exhaust gas. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provides a system for capturing diesel-powered vehicle particulate matter in exhaust gas, the system including: a detour channel at the interior of the entrance to the diesel particulate filter, an electrode located in front of the detour channel and operable to ionize the particulate matter, and a control unit operable to control operation of the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Kangsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 7347889
    Abstract: An ultrasonic solution separator including an ultrasonic atomization chamber supplied with a solution containing a target material; an ultrasonic oscillator producing mist from the solution in the ultrasonic atomization chamber with ultrasonic oscillation; a power supply for ultrasonics connected to the ultrasonic oscillator, and a collection portion transporting the mist produced by the ultrasonic oscillator with a carrier gas and aggregating and collecting the mist included in the carrier gas. The power supply supplying high-frequency power to the ultrasonic oscillator so that the ultrasonic oscillator oscillates at an ultrasonic frequency. The ultrasonic separator aggregates and collects the mist produced in the ultrasonic atomization chamber by means of the collection portion. With this ultrasonic solution separator, the temperature of carrier gas in the ultrasonic atomization chamber is at least 5° C. higher than the carrier gas in the collection portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Ultrasound Brewery
    Inventors: Kazuo Matsuura, Masanori Sato
  • Publication number: 20080053307
    Abstract: An air purifier includes an outer case having an air purifying cavity, an ionizer module, and an ozone reduction module. The ionizer module includes a power unit and an ionizing electrode. The ozone reduction module is electrically connected to the power unit for generating heat within the air purifying cavity, wherein when a temperature within the air purifying cavity reaches a preset temperature, a level of ozone generated by the ionizing electrode unit is substantially minimized and controlled for preventing excess generation of ozone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventor: ZhuHuan Liang
  • Patent number: 7318288
    Abstract: A pollution abatement apparatus comprises an electrified filter bed preceded by a cyclonic mix chamber to remove wood fines and fly ash in a flue gas stream from a wood chip dryer heated by hot gas from an energy system that includes a wood waste combustor. The cyclonic mix chamber has dual inlets, one supplied with flue gas from the dryer and the other supplied with hot gas from the energy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Karim Zahedi, Arya Zahedi
  • Patent number: 7318858
    Abstract: A system for separating oxygen from air operates at a pressure less than atmospheric. The oxygen separation system includes an entry port for ambient air, and at least two separate exhaust ports through which separate exhaust streams are drawn by separate suction sources. The oxygen separation system further includes a low-energy ionization portion that favors creation of molecular oxygen ions, and a higher-energy portion disposed between the ionization portion and one of the exhaust ports. A plurality of gas-permeable electrodes are charged to different voltages to provide the different portions inside the separator. An exhaust stream taken from the anode side of the separator is enriched in oxygen relative to ambient air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Parsa Investment, L.P.
    Inventor: Komad Parsa
  • Publication number: 20070295207
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electrostatic collection device and method for extracting impurities from gas. The collection devices includes at least one electrical field for charging particles, where the particles are in a gas, and at least one collection surface for collecting charged particles. The device further includes at least one heating element for heating the at least one collection surface to vaporize the collected particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: SCEPTOR INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: RICHARD R. THOMAS, FREEMAN SWANK, ANDREW FAIRCHILD
  • Patent number: 7311756
    Abstract: An indoor air quality system for a structure is provided. The indoor air quality system includes a ventilation system and a corona discharge apparatus. The ventilation system directs air through the structure. The corona discharge apparatus is positioned within the ventilation system and is operable to filter the air and to move the air through the ventilation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventor: Nicholas Ashworth
  • Patent number: 7273516
    Abstract: A plate heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a first air stream and a second air stream includes a plurality of plates limiting first and second exchange chambers which are serially arranged in a transversal direction with respect to the plates. A first air stream of outside air passes through the first exchange chambers, a second air stream originating from ventilated rooms passes through the second exchange chambers. The heat exchanger further includes an ionization device for ionizing particles entrained in the first air stream so that the particles deposit at conductive plates of the first exchange spaces, a water distribution system for periodically discharging water into the first exchange spaces for cleaning the plates of the heat exchanger from deposited particles, and a water collection device for discharging collected water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Mentus Holding AG
    Inventor: Urs A. Weidmann
  • Patent number: 7258730
    Abstract: Disclosed is an air purifier with a small size, having an excellent air purifying capacity, capable of preventing a large amount of ozone from being generated, the ozone harmful to a human body. The air purifier includes a case, a pair of discharge electrodes provided at upper and lower parts of the case, a ground electrode provided between the pair of discharge electrodes, a pair of insulating dielectric layers provided on upper and lower surfaces of the ground electrode, and a power source coupled respectively to the ground electrode and the discharge electrode so as to supply voltage thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ho Seon Choi, In Ho Choi, Ho Jung Kim