With Control Means Responsive To Sensed Condition Patents (Class 96/109)
  • Publication number: 20120255446
    Abstract: An oxygen generator (10) similar to a suitcase includes a compressor unit (24) and an oxygen separating unit (38). These two units have, together with auxiliary components, substantially the same axial dimensions as one another and are arranged next to one another in the interior of a suitcase-shaped housing (68).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Duerr Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Eickhoff, Saad Abusamra
  • Publication number: 20120145006
    Abstract: A carbon canister as utilized relative to underground fuel storage tank vapor recovery, including for the capture and purging of hydrocarbon vapors as air is introduced into and released from an underground storage tank, and wherein, in one form intended primarily for use in Stage II Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister includes a valve activated by weight of saturated carbon and wherein, in another form intended primarily for use in Stage I Vapor Recovery systems, the carbon canister is a free breathing carbon canister with a surge protection device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Timothy Schroeder, Darrell Vilmer, Arthur C. Fink, JR.
  • Patent number: 8187367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable pressure swing adsorption (“PSA”) oxygen generator with at least one partition board disposed inside its housing; an oil-free compressor and a control valve assembly are disposed in one of the separated space isolated by at least one fixing board and the at least one partition board; wherein a fan is disposed inclined or vertically on the partition board outside of the isolated space so that air can be blown into the isolated space directly by an air outlet of the fan. The present invention is built in compact structure with small size and light weight to carry and move, and works safely with a choice of three different types of power supplies, which enable the oxygen generator of the present invention to be used more widely than conventional ones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Dong-lei Wang
  • Patent number: 8157892
    Abstract: Systems and methods for circulating air in an enclosed environment are disclosed. An inlet can be provided to receive an outside air from outside of the enclosed environment and an air handling unit coupled to the inlet to receive the outside air through the inlet and configured to receive a circulated air from the enclosed environment. The air handling unit can be configured to affect a temperature of at least one of the received outside air and the received circulated air. Based on the received outside air and the received circulated air, the air handling unit can be further configured to generate air for supplying to the enclosed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Enverid Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Udi Meirav
  • Patent number: 8110029
    Abstract: An integrated system [1000] is described for reducing operating costs of power plants while keeping gaseous pollutants in exhaust flue gasses, such as Mercury (Hg), below acceptable limits. Controller [1800] monitors and controls operation of a scrubber [1300], activator injection system [1400], sorbent injection system [1500] and a filter [1600]. Scrubber [1300] provides a neutralizer to remove SO2 emissions. Activator injection system [1400] provides and activator that increases affinity of the pollutant gasses for a sorbent. Sorbent injection system [1500] employs novel low friction injection lances [1590] that evenly distribute the sorbent particles. A filter [1600] collects the sorbent particles that cake onto filter bags [1620] that are periodically cleaned. A controller [1800] receives the costs of materials consumed and the filter bag life for the plant and performs an optimization of the multiple variables to minimize costs while keeping the pollutant emissions below a prescribed limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: David J. Matteson, James P. Sutton, Rebecca L. Tobiasz, Martin J. Kozlak
  • Patent number: 8110028
    Abstract: A process to purify biogases (i.e., landfill gas and municipal digester gas), to 5 enable such biogases to be utilized to generate electricity and heat. Biogases from these sources generally include small amounts of organosilicons (which are particularly harmful to power generation equipment, and especially harmful to micro-turbines, reciprocating internal combustion engines, and large turbines), and halogenated chemical species (which can foul expensive emission catalysts). A fluidized media bed reactor is configured to concentrate offending organics, and is coupled with another reactor vessel configured to strip the offending organics off saturated media with a hot inert gas. The removed organics are further concentrated into an inert gas stream that is conveyed to a small flare for greater than 99% destruction. The energy required to strip the organics from the spent media, and to energize the flare, is generated by the combustion of a small quantity of the purified biogas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: ESC Enviroenergy, LLC
    Inventor: Lowell Howard
  • Patent number: 8080095
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment steady state tracking desorption system achieves steady tracking of either a fixed sorbate output set point, or a set point that changes over time. The system includes an electrically heated thermal adsorption/desorption device A temperature sensor senses the temperature of an adsorbent material within the adsorption/desorption device. A sorbate sensor senses a sorbate level from an outlet of the adsorption/desorption device. A power sensor senses the power supplied by the desorption device. A controller interprets levels sensed by the temperature sensor, the sorbate sensor and the power sensor and provides a signal to achieve steady set point tracking of a sorbate level from the outlet of the adsorption/desorption device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Mark J. Rood, K. James Hay, Byung J. Kim, Hamidreza Emamipour, Zaher M. Hashisho
  • Patent number: 8070864
    Abstract: An apparatus to provide an oxygen concentrator that is a pressure swing adsorption-type oxygen concentrator equipped with; at least one adsorption bed filled with an adsorbent capable of selectively adsorbing nitrogen relative to oxygen, an air supply device to supply compressed air to the adsorption bed, a flow channel switching device to repeat at a predetermined timing an adsorption step to supply air from the air supply device to the adsorption bed to isolate concentrated oxygen and a desorption step to depressurize the adsorption bed to regenerate the adsorbent therein, and a flow rate setting device to set a volume of concentrated oxygen supplied to a user; comprising an exhaust pipe channel equipped with a leak valve in a flow channel between the air supply device and the adsorption bed to release a part of compressed air that is to be supplied to the adsorption bed into atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Teijin Pharma Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuru Uchiyama, Katsushi Fujimoto, Makoto Ando
  • Publication number: 20110259194
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the prevention of an exothermic reaction in the gas purifier of an ultra-high purity gas system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Schulte, Michael Henry Hawke, Keith Randall Pace, Thomas John Bergman, JR., Brian Donald Warrick, Sandro Di Santo, Rick Boyer
  • Patent number: 8025719
    Abstract: A regenerated sulfur recovery apparatus positioned in a sulfur recovery plant, which apparatus contains a sulfur purifier that cools gaseous sulfur and condensates it, forming liquid sulfur while removing impurities contained therein; the apparatus containing a steam supplying means for melting solid sulfur deposited on an inner wall of the sulfur purifier, a molten sulfur reservoir that recovers and stores the melted sulfur, a reservoir heating means that heats the reservoir, an exhaust gas line that directs to the outside an exhaust gas formed in the reservoir when the reservoir is heated by the reservoir heating means, and an inert gas supply means that supplies an inert gas to the reservoir, such that the inert gas supplied into the reservoir flows to the outside through the exhaust gas line when molten sulfur stored in the reservoir is discharged from the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Tokumasu, Kazuo Fujita, Fumio Kubo
  • Patent number: 8016925
    Abstract: A compact and highly portable combination pressure swing adsorption apparatus and product gas conservation device for medical use, to produce efficiently a gas with a high concentration of oxygen and to deliver the oxygen concentrated gas to a user at selectable times and in selectable doses, in which the operating components are detachably mounted together as a single unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventors: Norman R. McCombs, Robert Bosinski, Robert E. Casey, Michael R. Valvo
  • Patent number: 7981195
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to the prevention of an exothermic reaction in the gas purifier of an ultra-high purity gas system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Schulte, Michael Henry Hawke, Keith Randall Pace, Thomas John Bergman, Jr., Brian Donald Warrick, Sandro Di Santo, Rick Boyer
  • Publication number: 20110154985
    Abstract: A plant air purifier and associated method for purifying air, comprising: at least one grow container; a filter bed comprising a surface which is horizontal within 20 degrees of a horizontal plane; at least one plant which grows within the filter bed; a reservoir for containing water for watering the at least one plant; a mechanical watering device which waters the filter bed from the top down; a pump for pumping water from the reservoir to and through the mechanical watering device; and an air propulsion mechanism for propelling air through the filter bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Martin Mittelmark
  • Patent number: 7931733
    Abstract: A method and a system for providing a hypoxic environment inside an enclosed compartment with simultaneous removal of carbon dioxide and moisture produced by occupants; said method and system designed for fire prevention and for simulated altitude training, wellness and hypoxic therapy, including equine and other animal applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Igor K. Kotliar
  • Patent number: 7887623
    Abstract: An apparatus for collecting smoke and dust with a deodorizing function which has excellent capability for maintenance and an improved deodorizing and silencing effect, the apparatus having a housing and a bulkhead having an opening and disposed in the housing to separate a space for deodorizing and filtering exhaust gas from a space for discharging exhaust gas, a vacuuming device for vacuuming exhaust gas disposed in the space for discharging and communicating with the opening of the bulkhead, a filtering device for filtering exhaust gas disposed in the space for deodorizing and filtering and communicating with the vacuuming device through the opening of the bulkhead, and a deodorizing device for deodorizing the exhaust gas concentrically disposed at an outer side of the filtering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sintokogio Ltd.
    Inventors: Keisuke Takayanagi, Tomoyuki Suzuki, Hidenori Ikeno
  • Patent number: 7875100
    Abstract: A method is provided for indicating the useful service life of a gas filtration and purification system comprising steps of embedding two or more mass-responsive electronic sensors (e.g., surface acoustic wave devices) in a sorbent bed of a filtration cartridge, wherein the mass-responsive electronic sensors are coated with a non-conductive absorptive organic polymer; passing a gas containing a volatile chemical of interest through the filtration cartridge and in contact with the two mass-responsive electronic sensors; and measuring a difference in an electronic property between the two mass-responsive electronic sensors. In such a manner, the two mass-responsive electronic sensors act as internal references with respect to each other, thereby eliminating variations in temperature, interferents, pressure, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Wright
  • Patent number: 7866315
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator comprises a plurality of adsorbent columns, each having an inlet, an outlet and abed of adsorbent material. The oxygen concentrator also includes a vacuum pump for removing separated nitrogen rich gas from the column inlets, a control valve for controlling flow of fluids in and out of the columns, and a breakthrough sensor for signaling the position of a mass transfer zone (MTZ), the breakthrough sensor controlling operation of the control valve as a function of the breakthrough sensor signal. An electric control module (ECM) receives the signal from the breakthrough sensor, and adjusts the control valve based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: VBox, Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
  • Publication number: 20100294127
    Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph T. DOLENSKY
  • Patent number: 7824479
    Abstract: An apparatus for sampling air in an aircraft cabin comprises: a sensor 2 for detecting air contaminants, a processor 4, a data logger 6, means 8 for detecting when the apparatus is airborne, a control unit 10, a manual trigger 12, at least one adsorbent tube 18, valves 14, 16 or other means for isolating the adsorbent tube from contamination and a pump 20 for drawing air through the adsorbent tube. An alternative apparatus uses a Tedlar® bag. Methods of sampling air and uses of the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Building Research Establishment Ltd.
    Inventors: John Arthur Rowley, Derrick Robert Crump, Andrew Charles Dengel
  • Patent number: 7819958
    Abstract: A purge valve for use with an air drying system is provided. The valve includes a housing or body, a piston disposed within the body, and a valve in communication with the piston. The respective geometries of the piston body and the valve define a circumferential cavity between and around the piston body and the valve. A sealing means is disposed within the circumferential cavity for forming a seal between the valve and the body. A plurality of guide members attached to or formed integrally with the valve provide positional stability to the valve within the body and provide enhanced airflow in, through, and around the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bendix Commerical Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Fred W. Hoffman, Leonard A. Quinn, Randall W. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7771508
    Abstract: A method and system for the treatment of air, in particular for pneumatic brake systems of utility vehicles, is described. The method includes feeding compressed air to a compressed air storage tank through an air dryer, initiating a regeneration of the air dryer using regeneration air from the compressed air storage tank through the air dryer and discharged via a discharge valve, and calculating a theoretically required regeneration air quantity QReg,th. If a presence of condensate is not detected in a region downstream of the air dryer, a regeneration using the theoretically required regeneration air quantity QReg,th, is carried out. If the presence of condensate is detected, a regeneration is carried out using a corrected required regeneration air quantity QReg,corr, the corrected required regeneration air quantity QReg,corr being greater than the theoretically required regeneration air quantity QReg,th.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard Hilberer
  • Patent number: 7749303
    Abstract: A method is provided for indicating the useful service life of a gas filtration and purification system comprising steps of embedding two or more mass-responsive electronic sensors (e.g., surface acoustic wave devices) in a sorbent bed of a filtration cartridge, wherein the mass-responsive electronic sensors are coated with a non-conductive absorptive organic polymer; passing a gas containing a volatile chemical of interest through the filtration cartridge and in contact with the two mass-responsive electronic sensors; and measuring a difference in an electronic property between the two mass-responsive electronic sensors. In such a manner, the two mass-responsive electronic sensors act as internal references with respect to each other, thereby eliminating variations in temperature, interferents, pressure, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Wright
  • Patent number: 7708815
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a composite hydrogen storage material comprising active material particles and a binder, wherein the binder immobilizes the active material particles sufficient to maintain relative spatial relationships between the active material particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Angstrom Power Incorporated
    Inventor: Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7674541
    Abstract: The hydrogen gas supply device capable of detecting that the hydrogen gas storage volume of a tank has decreased to a predetermined value or less including a plurality of tanks each filled with a hydrogen storage alloy, an information obtaining device for obtaining information on the physical quantity of the plurality of tanks different from each other in hydrogen storage volume, and a signal outputting device for outputting information signal on the remaining amount of the hydrogen gas in the tanks by determining a hydrogen gas storage status of the plurality of tanks from information on the physical quantity, and detecting the decrease of the remaining amount of the hydrogen gas in all tanks in use to a predetermined value or less from the hydrogen gas storage status of the plurality of tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoji Ihara, Shuji Aoki
  • Patent number: 7670411
    Abstract: An air-cleaner includes a housing attached to an induction system of an internal combustion engine. The air-cleaner includes a filter element located within the housing and separating the internal of the housing into a dust side and clean side, the dust side having an introduction portion for introducing an external air into the housing, the clean side having a feeder portion for feeding a filtered air to an engine. The air-cleaner includes a plate-shaped adsorption element including an adsorbent to adsorb a vaporized fuel returned from an engine side and permitting an air to pass therethrough, the adsorption element arranged to cross the direction of an air flow and fitted to occupy the entire surface of the clean side in the housing. The adsorption element defines a port connecting the filter element and the feeder portion, and includes a valve disc to open or close the port. The valve disc is controlled to open during air inspiration for permitting an air to flow toward the feeder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Toyo Roki Seizo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hayato Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7655077
    Abstract: An air treatment system includes a recirculation line (24) through which air from the enclosed space can be recirculated, and a contaminant adsorption assembly (36) is provided in an auxiliary supply conduit (31). In the event that contaminants are detected in atmospheric air, air from the enclosed space can be recirculated for conditioning and then readmitted to the enclosed space. Oxygen that is breathed by occupants of the enclosed space can be replenished by admitting air from atmosphere, which is treated using the adsorption assembly and then mixed with air that is in the enclosed space or being recirculated for admission to the enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Domnick Hunter Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Michael Fielding
  • Patent number: 7524364
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for determining the condition of a pneumatic system air dryer are provided. An output of the pneumatic valve or of a conduit interconnected to the outlet of the pneumatic valve is positioned such that a discharge passed through the pneumatic valve while the valve is open is in view of an operator and/or is directed to a moisture sensor. Moreover, the discharge and/or an output device interconnected to the moisture sensor is in view of the operator while the operator is in a position to operate the pneumatic valve. An observation volume with a sight glass or window and/or a moisture sensor can be provided to facilitate the observation or detection of moisture or oil in the discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: James R. Burke
  • Patent number: 7449046
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement are provided for purifying gases which are fed to a fuel cell for operation. A filter system, which is designed to separate out particulates and polluting gases, is arranged in a feed passage for the respective gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Dirk Schroeter
  • Publication number: 20080202332
    Abstract: An apparatus for sampling air in an aircraft cabin comprises: a sensor 2 for detecting air contaminants, a processor 4, a data logger 6, means 8 for detecting when the apparatus is airborne, a control unit 10, a manual trigger 12, at least one adsorbent tube 18, valves 14, 16 or other means for isolating the adsorbent tube from contamination and a pump 20 for drawing air through the adsorbent tube. An alternative apparatus uses a Tedlar® bag. Methods of sampling air and uses of the apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: John Arthur Rowley, Derrick Robert Crump, Andrew Charles Dengel
  • Patent number: 7416569
    Abstract: A PSA mechanism has adsorption towers. Cleaning valves and off gas valves are connected to the adsorption towers. Valve positions of at least either the cleaning valves or the off gas valves are determined based on an operation suspension period of the PSA mechanism or internal conditions which vary depending on the operation suspension period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Sumi, Hikaru Okada, Satoshi Hanai, Hiroshi Machida
  • Publication number: 20080168902
    Abstract: An air-cleaner includes a housing attached to an induction system of an internal combustion engine. The air-cleaner includes a filter element located within the housing and separating the internal of the housing into a dust side and clean side, the dust side having an introduction portion for introducing an external air into the housing, the clean side having a feeder portion for feeding a filtered air to an engine. The air-cleaner includes a plate-shaped adsorption element including an adsorbent to adsorb a vaporized fuel returned from an engine side and permitting an air to pass therethrough, the adsorption element arranged to cross the direction of an air flow and fitted to occupy the entire surface of the clean side in the housing. The adsorption element defines a port connecting the filter element and the feeder portion, and includes a valve disc to open or close the port. The valve disc is controlled to open during air inspiration for permitting an air to flow toward the feeder portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: TOYO ROKI SEIZO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hayato Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7393380
    Abstract: A method for guaranteeing at least one characteristic of a fluid used for producing food products. This method utilizes a system for piping and delivering the fluid, combined with means for producing the products, in order to use the fluid for producing the products; the measuring a value of the characteristic; the comparing the measured value with a predetermined threshold value; the act of executing an action if the measured value departs from the threshold value; the combining the measured value with first information for identifying at least one product; and then the storing the associated value and the associated information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-François Vie, Henry Ledon, Philippe Girardon, Christel Girault
  • Publication number: 20080148934
    Abstract: A process for recovery of n-propyl bromide solvent includes mixing a solvent laden vapor stream with an additive and reclaiming the solvent using a carbon adsorption system. A carbon adsorption system and an additive dispensing system form a system for the recovery of n-propyl bromide. These processes and systems use an additive that includes an acid scavenger and a carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: PARTS CLEANING TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Joe McChesney, James R. Goodrich
  • Publication number: 20080060523
    Abstract: A gas generating system comprises an air separation module (ASM) in fluid communication with a nitrogen enriched air (NEA) line and an oxygen enriched air (OEA) line. A valve is positioned in the OEA line and an oxygen sensor is positioned in the NEA line. The valve can be modulated in response to the oxygen sensor to create a backpressure forcing more airflow into the NEA line. The OEA line can be backpressured until a predetermined NEA oxygen concentration is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: ROBERT TOM, JENNY GU, RYAN MURPHY, BENJAMIN TANG
  • Publication number: 20080034962
    Abstract: An air cleaner is provided according to the invention. The air cleaner includes a main power source, a backup power source, a state detector configured to detect a state of an air cleaner component, and a state memory element coupled to the state detector. The state memory element is configured to transfer a current state in the state memory element to a control circuit: using main electrical power from a main power source, receive the state in the state memory element from the state detector when the state memory element is receiving backup electrical power from a backup power source, and store the state in the state memory element using the backup electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Bruce Kiern
  • Patent number: 7255727
    Abstract: The invention concerns a treatment method which consists in using a pressure swing adsorption treatment unit (16) and causing said treatment unit (16) to follow a nominal operating cycle, based on nominal operating conditions and in order to ensure minimal performances of the feed gas treatment. It further consists in providing at least a pre-programmed auxiliary operating cycle, different from the nominal cycle, and, when the operating conditions differ from the nominal conditions to the extent that the treatment unit (16) no longer achieves its minimal performances, in imposing to the treatment unit (16) to follow the or one of the auxiliary cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Christian Monereau, Guillaume De Souza
  • Patent number: 7156903
    Abstract: A portable pressure swing adsorption apparatus and conservation device for medical use, and a sound enclosure for the apparatus having two isolating sections to enclose the apparatus, the enclosure having an inlet in one of the sections for allowing ambient air into the enclosure and an outlet in the other section for enabling waste gases from the apparatus to exit the enclosure and causing the ambient air and waste gases substantially to change direction within the enclosure before entering or exiting the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: AirSep Corporation
    Inventor: Norman R. McCombs
  • Patent number: 7150778
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for improving the useful life of sorbent beds, such as activated carbon filter beds. It is known that breakthrough in carbon filter beds first occurs at the low gas velocity regions of the filter bed, i.e., at the filter's edges. A recirculation jacket filter system diverts already filtered air from the downstream side of the filter bed toward the peripheral region of the upstream side of the filter bed so that contaminants near the filter's edges are reduced and filter life is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Lyle D. Dauber, David R. Peterson, Carl A. Betten, Thomas S. Thoner, D. Michael Reid
  • Patent number: 7115152
    Abstract: A regenerable filter system includes a flow path along which a stream of fluid flows between an inlet and an outlet. A first filtering unit is located in the flow path. The first filter unit includes first and second regenerable filter beds, wherein each bed has a first adsorbent for removing a first contaminant from the fluid stream. A first valve is located between the inlet and the first and second filter beds for selectively directing the fluid stream through one of the first and the second filter beds. The other of the first and second filter beds is removed from the flow path. A second filtering unit is located in the flow path between the first filtering unit and the outlet. The second filtering unit includes third and fourth regenerable filter beds for removing a second contaminant from the stream of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: David K. Friday, John L. Creed
  • 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: 7087101
    Abstract: A method of controlling a gas adsorption apparatus including a sieve bed containing molecular sieve bed material, the bed being cyclically operable in a charge mode to adsorb non-product gas from an air supply thereby to increase the concentration of a product gas in a product gas supply which passes to a product gas line and in a vent mode to desorb the adsorbed non-product gas which passes to a non-product gas line, and there being a passage to permit a restricted amount only of the product gas supply to pass from the product gas supply line to the bed when operating in vent mode, and wherein the method includes operating a variable flow device to permit an increased amount of the product gas supply to pass to the bed when operating in vent mode, under predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: Kraig Charles Murley, David John Peacey, Terence Oborne
  • Patent number: 7018442
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for regenerating a NOx adsorber coupled with an exhaust of an engine. An actuator drives a throttle valve to a first position when regeneration of the NOx adsorber is desired. The first position is a position that causes the regeneration of the NOx adsorber. An actuator drives the throttle valve to a second position while regeneration of the NOx adsorber is still desired. The second position being a position that is more open than the first position and operable to regenerate a NOx adsorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: J. Joshua Driscoll, Dennis L. Endicott, Stephen A. Faulkner, Maarten Verkiel
  • Patent number: 6962654
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying dissolved gases (such as oxygen, ozone, chlorine etc.) for chemical and biological processes is described. The methods and apparatus described are particularly suitable for use in the biodegradation of organic matter (such as in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment), and other uses. The apparatus may comprise a dissolved gas supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6833024
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for abatement of effluent from multi-component metal oxides deposited by CVD processes using metal source reagent liquid solutions which comprise at least one metal coordination complex including a metal to which is coordinatively bound at least one ligand in a stable complex and a suitable solvent medium for that metal coordination complex e.g., a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process for forming barium strontium titanate (BST) thin films on substrates. The effluent is sorptively treated to remove precursor species and MOCVD process by-products from the effluent. An endpoint detector such as a quartz microbalance detector may be employed to detect incipient breakthrough conditions in the sorptive treatment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Adanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Holst, Rebecca Faller, Glenn Tom, Jose Arno, Ray Dubois
  • Patent number: 6824594
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a modular air supply system for a vehicle, normally a truck or bus. The system comprises a base unit forming an interface to different modules of the air supply system. Such further modules may include an air treatment module, an electronic drier unit and air distribution module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Halder Brake Products AB
    Inventor: Sven-Olof Larsson
  • Patent number: 6811590
    Abstract: A gas concentrating method and apparatus is provided in which equalization is accomplished below two sieve beds, to thereby save compression energy, to reduce exit noise, and to obtain a gas whose gas purity with respect to an amount of flow has been enhanced. The gas concentrating method makes two sieve beds communicate with each other at their bottoms when a pressure difference between a pressurized pressure and a decompressed pressure is maximized in the multi-bed type sieve beds which alternately operate between pressurization and decompression, to equalize an internal pressure in the sieve beds. The gas concentrating apparatus includes a compressor (50), sieve beds (60-1, 60-2), solenoid valves (40-1, 40-2), an orifice (90), check valves (90-1, 90-2), a storage tank (100), a pressure controller (70), a flow meter (80), a controller (110), and a muffler (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Oxus Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae Soo Lee, Yoon Sun Choi
  • Publication number: 20040206237
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for abating toxic and/or hazardous gas species in a diluent gas stream line deriving from a by-pass line of a semiconductor process tool, comprising contacting the diluent gas stream with a dry resin sorbent material having an affinity for the toxic and/or hazardous gas species to effect the removal of at least a portion of the toxic and/or hazardous gas species by a chemisorbent or physisorbent reaction between the sorbent bed and the toxic gas component effectively reduces the concentration of the toxic gas component in the process diluent stream to below TLV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: John Michael Sherer
  • Publication number: 20040163535
    Abstract: An air dryer assembly for removing moisture and oil from a compressed air system includes a desiccant material received in a shell for adsorbing moisture as compressed air passes therethrough. A coalescing element is disposed between an inlet and outlet for removing oil aerosols from the compressed air. A check valve is disposed in parallel with the coalescing element and forces the compressed air to pass through the coalescing element as air flows from the inlet to the outlet. During a purge or reverse flow, compressed air bypasses the coalescing element and removes oil collected in the cartridge through the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: BENDIX COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: William P. Fornof, James P. Koenig, Leonard Quinn
  • Publication number: 20040159238
    Abstract: A gas scrubbing device for removing odorous gases from streams of natural gas or air. The device can be used either as conventional filter to filter excess odorous gas before the gas is discharged from the system or as a fume hood to capture any odorous vapor that might be released in the air at an odorant injection site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jan Strmen
  • Patent number: 6772741
    Abstract: A vapor recovery canister is provided and includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a first and second valve. The first and second valves are operable to restrict fluid flow into the canister, whereby the first valve is operable to selectively close the inlet port and the second valve is operable to selectively close the outlet port. In addition, the second valve includes at least one orifice formed therethrough for continuous fluid communication with an ambient air stream. In this manner, if both the first and second valves are in a closed position, an ambient air stream will be in fluid communication with an interior volume of the canister during a purging process through interaction of the orifice. The interaction of the orifice causes a high vacuum pressure within the canister, thereby increasing working capacity and reducing diurnal breathing loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignees: DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Behr America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan T. Pittel, Ann Weimer, Chris G. Hadre