Organic Compound Containing Layer Patents (Class 96/12)
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Patent number: 7811362Abstract: An oil gas separation membrane combines a gas permeable yet oil and temperature resistant bulk polymer membrane such as poly(tetrafluoroethylene) and poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-hexafluoropropylene); a porous metal support such as sintered metal frit disk made with stainless steel, bronze or nickel; and an highly gas permeable adhesive that bonds firmly the bulk polymer membrane and the metal frit surface together. The adhesive is either a homogenous polymer that has desirable gas permeability, or a coalescent porous polymer particulates network. A gas sensor employing the oil gas separation membrane for detecting and monitoring fault gases of oil filled electrical equipment requires no mechanical wearing or moving part such as pump and valve and the gas sensor is operated normally under various temperature and pressure conditions.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2004Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: RenYan Qin
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Patent number: 7806962Abstract: The present invention is for novel high performance cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes and the use of such membranes for separations such as for CO2/CH4, H2/CH4 and propylene/propane separations. More specifically, the invention involves the preparation of cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The cross-linkable MMMs were prepared by incorporating microporous molecular sieves or soluble high surface area microporous polymers (PIMs) as dispersed microporous fillers into a continuous cross-linkable polymer matrix. The cross-linked MMMs were prepared by UV-cross-linking the cross-linkable MMMs containing cross-linkable polymer matrix such as BP-55 polyimide. Pure gas permeation test results demonstrated that both types of MMMs exhibited higher performance for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations than those of the corresponding cross-linkable and cross-linked pure polymer matrices.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Jeffrey J. Chiou, Stephen T. Wilson
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Publication number: 20100242733Abstract: First, a first porous body is manufactured by stretching, in a uniaxial direction, a sheet made of polytetrafluoroethylene having a standard specific gravity of 2.155 or more, and a second porous body is manufactured by stretching, in biaxial directions, a sheet made of polytetrafluoroethylene. Next, the first porous body is integrated with the second porous body by stretching a laminate of the first porous body and the second porous body in the same direction as the uniaxial direction while heating the laminate at a temperature equal to or higher than a melting point of polytetrafluoroethylene. Thus, a porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane is produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATIONInventor: Shunichi Shimatani
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Publication number: 20100236410Abstract: A layered filter membrane with improved anti-clogging characteristics is provided. In one embodiment, a filter membrane includes multiple polymer layers, each with different pore diameters formed by stretching the polymer layers. Furthermore, the multiple filter layers are coupled together before being stretched and the different pore sizes are formed during co-stretching of the filter layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Nusrat Farzana, David Kazemi
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Patent number: 7789940Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus (1) includes a support configured to support a patterning device (MA), the patterning device configured to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern. The apparatus has a substrate (W) table configure to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The apparatus also has a purge gas supply system (100) configured to provide a purge gas near a surface of a component of the lithographic projection apparatus. The purge gas supply system (100) includes a purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to generate a purge gas mixture which includes at least one purging gas and moisture. The purge gas mixture generator has a moisturizer (150) configured to add the moisture to the purge gas and a purge gas mixture outlet (130) connected to the purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to supply the purge gas mixture near the surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Entegris, Inc.Inventors: Bipin S. Parekh, Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Robert S. Zeller, Russell J. Holmes
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Patent number: 7784619Abstract: A filter membrane, methods of making such filter membrane and apparatus employing such filter membrane are disclosed, in which the filter membrane is a monolithic polymeric membrane that includes a polymeric filter layer including a micron-scale precision-shaped pores and a polymeric support layer that has a precision-shaped porous support structure for the filter layer. Several methods are disclosed for making such a membrane using micromachining techniques, including lithographic, laser ablation and x-ray treatment techniques. Several filter apparatus employing such a membrane are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2008Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: James D. Jacobson
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Publication number: 20100212504Abstract: Problem to be Solved: To provide a gas separation membrane having an excellent performance balance (balance between gas permeation performance and gas separation ability) as a gas separation membrane. Solution: A gas separation membrane comprising a porous support member and a gas separating resin layer formed on the porous support member, wherein the porous support member has a mode diameter as measured by a mercury porosimeter of from 0.005 ?m to 0.3 ?m, and a pore size distribution index as measured by the mercury porosimeter of from 1 to 15.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: August 26, 2010Inventors: Atsushi Shimizu, Masao Kondo, Junichi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7771521Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a polyimide-based hybrid material which is industrially and advantageously utilized because of having better gas permeability, electric characteristics, heat resistance, mechanical strength, and the like as compared with the conventional polyimide-based hybrid materials, while keeping chemical resistance, forming characteristics (process characteristics), and the like inherently possessed by polyimide. Provided is a hyperbranched polyimide-based hybrid material constituted of an organic-inorganic polymer hybrid, wherein the organic-inorganic polymer hybrid has a hyperbranched polyimide moiety and an inorganic oxide moiety which are combining each other via covalent bond and constituting a composite structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignees: National University Corporation Nagoya Institute of Technology, Ibiden Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuharu Yamada, Tomoyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 7771518Abstract: An asymmetric hollow-fiber gas separation membrane is made of a soluble aromatic polyimide that is composed of a specific repeating unit. The tetracarboxylic acid component of the unit has a diphenylhexafluoropropane structure and a biphenyl structure. The diamine component of the unit essentially contains diaminobenzoic acids and any of diaminodibenzothiophenes, diaminodibenzothiophene=5,5-dioxides, diaminothioxanthene-10,10-diones, and diaminothioxanthene-9,10,10-triones.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Toshimune Yoshinaga, Kenji Fukunaga, Yutaka Kanetsuki, Hiroshi Uchida, Minoru Shigemura, Nozomu Tanihara
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Patent number: 7763097Abstract: A device for removal of at least a portion of carbon dioxide from an aqueous fluid includes at least one membrane through which carbon dioxide can pass to be removed from the fluid and immobilized carbonic anhydrase on or in the vicinity of a first surface of the membrane to be contacted with the fluid such that the immobilized carbonic anhydrase comes into contact with the fluid. The first surface exhibits carbonic anhydrase activity of at least 20% of maximum theoretical activity of the first surface of the membrane based on monolayer surface coverage of carbonic anhydrase in the case that the carbonic anhydrase is immobilize on the first surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: University of Pittsburgh—of the Commonwealth System of Higher EducationInventors: William J. Federspiel, Alan J. Russell, Heung-Il Oh, Joel L. Kaar
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Patent number: 7749312Abstract: An air conditioning system comprising a gas-impermeable wall defining a space for air conditioning, and a selective separating member disposed in the wall as a part of the wall, having a function of allowing preferential permeation of oxygen and carbon dioxide and at the same time, blocking the permeation of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and a fine solid component, in which the selective separating member comprises an organic polymer and satisfies the relationship of P1/P2>10 wherein P1 is the permeation coefficient of oxygen and carbon dioxide and P2 is the permeation coefficient of hydrocarbon, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and a fine solid component.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2007Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Kenji Takigawa, Tetsuo Toyama, Hitoshi Hayashi
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Publication number: 20100162892Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane wherein said membrane comprises a continuous non-porous layer comprising a polymerized composition that comprised prior to polymerization at least one type of compound having a molecular weight of at least 1500 Da and comprising at least 75 weight % of oxyethylene groups and at least two polymerizable groups each comprising a non-substituted vinyl group. The invention further relates to the use of this membrane for separating polar gases and vapors.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: FUJIFILM MANUFACTURING EUROPE B.V.Inventors: Akira Kase, Yujiro Itami
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Publication number: 20100126352Abstract: A process for preparing a membrane comprising the steps of: (i) Providing a composition comprising a polymerizable compound having at least 25 oxyethylene groups and at least two non-substituted vinyl groups; (ii) Applying said composition to a support thereby forming a continuous layer on the support; (iii) Polymerizing said composition thereby forming a non-porous polymer film. Also claimed are the resultant membranes and their uses, e.g. for separating polar and non-polar gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Yujiro Itami, Akira Kase
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Patent number: 7717271Abstract: A membrane structure is provided. The membrane structure includes a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer has a plurality of unconnected pores. Each of the unconnected pores is in fluid communication with at least one of the interconnected pores of the first layer. A method of making a membrane structure is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a first layer having a plurality of interconnected pores; and disposing a second layer on the first layer. Disposing a second layer includes depositing a conducting layer on the first layer; and anodizing the conducting layer to convert the conducting layer into a porous layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Vidya Ramaswamy, James Anthony Ruud, Melissa Suzanne Sander, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku, Mohan Manoharan, Milivoj Konstantin Brun, Seth Thomas Taylor
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Publication number: 20100116131Abstract: A process of producing an asymmetric membrane of multicomponent polyimide. The process includes the steps of (1) preparing a multicomponent polyimide blend solution by mixing a polyimide component A having a number-averaged polymerization index NA and a polyimide component B having a number-averaged polymerization index NB, wherein NA and NB satisfies equation 1: 2.35×NA?2.09<NB<450×NA?1.12??1 (2) subjecting the multicomponent polyimide blend solution to further polymerization and imidation reaction, and (3) causing a phase inversion in the resulting multicomponent polyimide blend solution to form an asymmetric membrane. The polyimide component A is raw materials of polyimide A containing a fluorine atom in the chemical structure thereof and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials. The polyimide component B is raw materials of polyimide B and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: UBE INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Toshimune YOSHINAGA, Kenji FUKUNAGA, Yoji KASE
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Patent number: 7699911Abstract: Ozone resistant O2/N2 gas separation membranes comprise a polymer membrane and an ozone reacting component, such as an antioxidant. The antioxidant may be included in the support layer of a composite membrane or included in the entire structure of an asymmetric membrane. The antioxidants in the separation membrane reduce oxidation and deterioration of the actual separation layer of the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Shaojun J. Zhou, Stephen F. Yates
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Patent number: 7695550Abstract: An apparatus that comprises a membrane having a plurality of fluid-support-structures and openings located between the fluid-support-structures. The fluid-support-structures have at least one dimension that that is about 1 millimeter or less. The apparatus also comprises a wicking material positioned adjacent to a surface of the membrane. When a fluid locatable on a surface of the fluid-support-structures penetrates the fluid-support-structures, at least a portion of the fluid passes through the openings and into the wicking material.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.Inventors: Thomas Nikita Krupenkin, Victor Alexander Lifton, Joseph Ashley Taylor, Brijesh Vyas
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Publication number: 20100071557Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for producing membranes, the compositions comprising at least 0.1% by weight of highly branched polymer, at least 0.5% by weight of linear polymer and at least 30% by weight of solvent. The present invention additionally describes membranes obtainable from the compositions, and methods of producing these membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2007Publication date: March 25, 2010Applicant: Evonik Degussa GmbHInventors: Matthias Seiler, Stefan Bernhardt, Rolf Schneider, Roland Wursche, Franz-Erich Baumann
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Patent number: 7658784Abstract: Composite materials are provided. A representative material is configured as a composite membrane for gas separation, vapor separation, or pervaporation. The composite membrane comprises at least a first polymer and a second polymer. Processes for the production of composite materials, in particular composite membranes, also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: GKSS-Forschungszentrum GeesthachtInventors: Detlev Fritsch, Klaus-Viktor Peinemann, Dominique De Figueiredo Gomes
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Publication number: 20100024651Abstract: A membrane contactor system for removing a component from a gas, comprising a housing defining a gas flow path; a microporous membrane positioned in the housing to allow the gas to flow across the membrane, wherein the membrane comprises a structure of nodes connected by fibrils in which surfaces of the structure of nodes and fibrils define a plurality of interconnecting pores extending through the microporous membrane, wherein the plurality of interconnecting pores are configured to allow the component to diffuse therethrough; and an oleophobic coating disposed on the microporous membrane to form a coated membrane and configured to provide oleophobicity to the coated membrane without blocking the plurality of interconnecting pores.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Vishal Bansal
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Patent number: 7655075Abstract: A method for producing a filter element involving applying a membrane layer to a carrier substrate, etching a membrane chamber, producing pores in the membrane layer, subjecting the membrane layer to an additional treatment to increase the mechanical strength.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2004Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: NFT Nonofiltertechnik Gesellschaft Mit Beschrankter HaftungInventor: Wilfried Hofmann
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Patent number: 7651555Abstract: An onsite chemistry air filtration system to remove gaseous contaminants from air is disclosed. The onsite chemistry air filtration system of the present invention comprises: a conventional particulate filtration section, a photochemical filtration section, a static gas phase filtration section and a catalytic filtration section. The conventional particulate filtration section captures solids and condensables. In the photochemical filtration section, UV lamps generate bio-destruction and surface photochemical activity on a semiconductor catalyst material, provide a radiation source to irradiate airborne contaminant molecules and to energize their states to promote reactions and generate airborne ozone and radicals. In the static gas phase filtration section, gas phase filtration media is used to capture contaminants, concentrate them in a relatively confined space and allow airborne generated chemistries to concentrate and react in-situ, thereby creating a regeneration effect on the media.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2006Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Inventors: Jeffrey L. Roseberry, Robert A. Darling
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Publication number: 20100000411Abstract: Filter media, as well as related assemblies, systems and methods. Filter media may contain one or more layers formed of a meltblown material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: Hollingsworth & Vose CompanyInventors: John A. Wertz, David T. Healey, William S. Freeman, John L. Manns, Mark Rowlands
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Publication number: 20090320684Abstract: A container for use with a hemodialysis apparatus having a vent structure is described. The vent structure is porous, and allows air in the container to vent when the container is being filled with fluid, but expands when the vent structure becomes wet, when filling is complete, thereby closing off the pores and inhibiting (e.g., preventing) fluid from flowing through the vent structure, and reentry of air into the container. The vent structure can also include a micro-porous membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE NORTH AMERICAInventors: Colin Weaver, Martin Joseph Crnkovich, Thomas Irvin Folden
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Patent number: 7637983Abstract: Metal-organic framework (MOF)-polymer mixed matrix membranes (MOF-MMMs) have been prepared by dispersing high surface area MOFs (e.g. IRMOF-1) into a polymer matrix (e.g. Matrimid 5218). The MOFs allow the polymer to infiltrate the pores of the MOFs, which improves the interfacial and mechanical properties of the polymer and in turn affects permeability. Pure gas permeation tests show the incorporation of 20 wt-% of IRMOF-1 in Matrimid 5218 polyimide matrix results in 280% improvement in CO2 permeability without a loss of CO2/CH4 selectivity compared to those of the pure Matrimid 5218 membrane. This type of MOF-MMMs has significantly improved gas separation performance with dramatically high CO2 permeability (>35 barrer) and higher than 29 CO2/CH4 selectivity at 50° C. under 100 psig pressure, which are attractive candidates for practical gas separation applications such as CO2 removal from natural gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Beth McCulloch, Stephen T. Wilson, Annabelle I. Benin, Mark E. Schott
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Patent number: 7628841Abstract: A process of producing an asymmetric membrane of multicomponent polyimide. The process includes the steps of (1) preparing a multicomponent polyimide blend solution by mixing a polyimide component A having a number-averaged polymerization index NA and a polyimide component B having a number-averaged polymerization index NB, wherein NA and NB satisfies equation 1: 2.35×NA?2.09<NB<450×NA?1.12??1 (2) subjecting the multicomponent polyimide blend solution to further polymerization and imidation reaction, and (3) causing a phase inversion in the resulting multicomponent polyimide blend solution to form an asymmetric membrane. The polyimide component A is raw materials of polyimide A containing a fluorine atom in the chemical structure thereof and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials. The polyimide component B is raw materials of polyimide B and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: UBE Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Toshimune Yoshinaga, Kenji Fukunaga, Yoji Kase
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Patent number: 7615104Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with an oxygen permeable membrane formed from a multiple of layers. The layers include a sealant layer, an oxygen permeability layer and a porous backing layer. The layered composite oxygen permeable membrane maximizes the oxygen transfer rate and minimizes the fuel leakage rate.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignees: United Technologies Corporation, Membrane Technology & Research, Inc.Inventors: Haralambos Cordatos, Louis J. Spadaccini, Ingo Pinnau
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Patent number: 7604746Abstract: The present application discloses a composite membrane comprising (a) a support member that has a plurality of pores extending through the support member and (b) a cross-linked copolymer comprising (i) a cationic monomer and an anionic monomer and/or (ii) a zwitterionic monomer, which cross-linked copolymer fills the pores of the support member, the cross-linked copolymer having a permeability for a fluid that is dependent on the polarity of the fluid, wherein the permeability increases with increasing polarity. The present application also discloses a process for the preparation of the composite membrane, a pervaporation apparatus comprising the composite membrane, and methods for the use of the composite material in separation and dehydration processes.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: McMaster UniversityInventors: Ronald F. Childs, Jie Yu
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Patent number: 7604781Abstract: Multiphasic reactions, especially those reactions using a phase transfer catalyst, are conducted in microchannel apparatus. Advantageously, these reactions can be conducted with two, planar microlayers of reactants in adjacent laminar flow streams. Microchannel apparatus and methods for conducting unit operations such as reactions and separations in microchannel apparatus is also described. Microchannel apparatus can provide advantages for controlling reactions and separating products, solvents or reactants in multiphase reactions.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: John H. Brophy, Bruce F. Monzyk
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Publication number: 20090242478Abstract: A carbon membrane laminated body includes: a porous substrate, a first porous carbon membrane as a carbon membrane underlayer disposed on a surface of the porous substrate, and a second porous carbon membrane as a carbon membrane separation layer disposed on a surface of the carbon membrane underlayer, having a smaller film thickness, and a smaller average pore diameter, compared with those of the carbon membrane underlayer. It is preferable to form the carbon membrane underlayer and the carbon membrane separation layer by carbonizing a carbon membrane underlayer precursor disposed on a surface of the porous substrate and the carbon membrane separation layer precursor disposed on a surface of the carbon membrane underlayer precursor at 400 to 1000° C. in a non-oxidation atmosphere. The carbon membrane laminated body is a separation membrane excellent in both separation performance and flux when it is used as a separation membrane of a mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2009Publication date: October 1, 2009Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Akimasa Ichikawa, Miyuki Yabuki
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Patent number: 7582137Abstract: A device for use in a fluid system includes a flow perturbation element within a fluid channel. The flow perturbation element has a gas permeable surface for removing dissolved gas from passing fluid. A gas permeable membrane is coated on the gas permeable surface and allows the dissolved gas transport out of passing fluid into a gas-removal channel. The gas permeable membrane may be coated on the fuel perturbation elements using any of a variety of methods.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Alexander G. Chen, Louis J. Spadaccini, Louis Chiappetta, Haralambos Cordatos
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Publication number: 20090205500Abstract: The invention discloses a composition comprising a hybrid composite organic-inorganic membrane. The hybrid organic-inorganic membrane according to the present invention may comprise an amorphous porous layer incorporating organic functionalities. The amorphous porous layer may be deposited on a porous alumina substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The amorphous porous layer may comprise a single top-layer (STL), multiple top-layers (MTL) or mixed top-layers (XTL). The substrate may comprise a single layer or multiple graded layers of alumina.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventors: Shigeo Ted Oyama, Yunfeng Gu, Joe D. Allison, Garry C. Gunter, Scott A. Scholten
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Publication number: 20090199717Abstract: An electrospinning fine fiber production methodology for generating a significant amount of fibers with diameters of less than 100 nanometers is provided. Also, a filter media composite comprising a substrate layer and an electrospun fine fiber layer having a increased efficiency relative to pressure drop and/or a controlled pore size distribution is provided. According to some embodiments nylon is electrospun from a solvent combination of formic and acetic acids.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: CLARCOR Inc.Inventors: Thomas B. Green, Scotty L. King, Lei Li
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Patent number: 7572321Abstract: A membrane 12 that exhibits superior condensation resistance regardless of the type of moisture-permeable resin, that has satisfactory adhesion between a porous film and a reinforcing member, and that can be manufactured in a simple manner. The membrane 12 is a laminated article 23 containing a porous film 20 and a reinforcing member 40, and the reinforcing member 40 has a moisture-permeable resin layer 30 on the side of an interface 50 with the porous film 20. To reliably form the moisture-permeable resin layer (moisture-permeable resin film) 30, the average pore diameter of the porous film 20 is preferably 0.01 to 10 ?m, and the porosity of the reinforcing member 40 is preferably 30 to 95%. According to the membrane 12 of the present invention, even if the moisture-permeable resin is water-soluble (for example, polyvinyl alcohol), condensation resistance is still satisfactory.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2005Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Assignee: Japan Gore-Tex, Inc.Inventors: Keiichi Yamakawa, Takashi Imai
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Patent number: 7569099Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a multiple of non-metallic fuel plates, gaskets, oxygen permeable membranes, porous substrate plates, and vacuum frame plates. Intricate 3-dimension fuel channel structures such as laminar flow impingement elements within the fuel channel dramatically enhance oxygen diffusivity in the FSU. The fuel plates are manufactured from a relatively soft non-metallic material. The non-metallic fuel plates and gasket arrangement provide an effective sealing interface between the fuel plate and oxygen permeable membrane, since compression may be applied to the plates without damaging the relatively delicate oxygen permeable membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Charles C. Coffin, Thomas G. Tillman, He Huang, Brian M. Welch
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Publication number: 20090173229Abstract: There is provided a membrane material for a gas folder having abrasion resistance and flex resistance usable as a gas holder, in addition to strength of a base fabric, and having high gas barrier properties. A membrane material for a gas holder, which is used in a gas holder for storing or recovering gas, comprising at least 4 layers of a protective layer, a base fabric layer, a gas barrier layer and a protective layer laminated in this order.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2007Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicants: TEIJIN FIBERS LIMITED, Osaka Research Center, Skypia Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Nagase, Hiroyuki Mori, Mikio Kusaka, Yasuo Motoishi
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Patent number: 7556677Abstract: There is provided an asymmetric integrally skinned membrane comprising a polyimide and another polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, sulfonated polyetheretherketones and mixtures thereof. The membrane which is substantially insoluble in an organic solvent and substantially defect-free can be useful as a separation membrane.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: Vaperma Inc.Inventors: Richard Cranford, Christian Roy
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Publication number: 20090151562Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Bradley P. Russell, Mark E. Schott, Gordon T. Cartwright
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Publication number: 20090101008Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Alan C. West, Jennifer L. Wade
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Patent number: 7510595Abstract: The present invention includes a method, composition and apparatus for forming a nanoparticle filled polymer having similar gas selectivity and greater gas permeability than the native polymer. The nanoparticle filled polymer includes one or more polymeric materials and one or more nanoparticles dispersed within the one or more polymeric materials that increasing the permeability of the nanoparticle filled polymers relative to the permeability of the native polymer membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Benny D. Freeman, Scott Matteucci, Haiqing Lin
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Patent number: 7497896Abstract: Methods for treating a gas mixture of at least propylene and propane, in order to separate the propylene from the propane. The gas mixture is brought into contact with a membrane enables the selective permeation of the propylene with respect to the propane. A propylene-enriched permeate and a propane-enriched retentate is formed. The propylene concentration of the permeate in the membrane is then reduced with a sweeping gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George ClaudeInventors: Emmanuelle Bromet, Guillaume De Souza, Olivier Riu
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Patent number: 7491262Abstract: There is provided a nanocomposite membrane comprising an Ag-nanoparticle/polymer nanocomposite, in which the Ag-particles are uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix, and a support membrane for supporting the nanocomposite, as well as a process of preparing said membrane. The nanocomposite membrane of the present invention comprising a neutral Ag-nanoparticle as an olefin carrier, which is chemically stable, has excellent long-term operation performance characteristics as well as high selectivity and permeability. Thus, it can be advantageously used for the separation of olefin from an olefin/paraffin mixture.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Yong Soo Kang, Kook Heon Char, Sang Wook Kang
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Publication number: 20090031897Abstract: The present invention is for novel high performance cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes and the use of such membranes for separations such as for CO2/CH4, H2/CH4 and propylene/propane separations. More specifically, the invention involves the preparation of cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The cross-linkable MMMs were prepared by incorporating microporous molecular sieves or soluble high surface area microporous polymers (PIMs) as dispersed microporous fillers into a continuous cross-linkable polymer matrix. The cross-linked MMMs were prepared by UV-cross-linking the cross-linkable MMMs containing cross-linkable polymer matrix such as BP-55 polyimide. Pure gas permeation test results demonstrated that both types of MMMs exhibited higher performance for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations than those of the corresponding cross-linkable and cross-linked pure polymer matrices.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Chunqing Liu, Jeffrey J. Chiou, Stephen T. Wilson
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Patent number: 7485173Abstract: The present invention is for novel high performance cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes and the use of such membranes for separations such as for CO2/CH4, H2/CH4 and propylene/propane separations. More specifically, the invention involves the preparation of cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The cross-linkable MMMs were prepared by incorporating microporous molecular sieves or soluble high surface area microporous polymers (PIMs) as dispersed microporous fillers into a continuous cross-linkable polymer matrix. The cross-linked MMMs were prepared by UV-cross-linking the cross-linkable MMMs containing cross-linkable polymer matrix such as BP-55 polyimide. Pure gas permeation test results demonstrated that both types of MMMs exhibited higher performance for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations than those of the corresponding cross-linkable and cross-linked pure polymer matrices.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Chunqing Liu, Jeffrey J. Chiou, Stephen T. Wilson
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Patent number: 7473302Abstract: The present invention provides a durable liquid housing container and a durable liquid supply apparatus which use a gas-liquid separation membrane. Thus, a gas-liquid separation membrane (2) located at an air vent in a liquid housing container (1) includes a fibril portion (2A) composed of fibrous portions and an annular node portion (2B) which bundles the ends of fibrous portions of the fibril portion (2A) and which is closed so as to surround the fibril portion (2A).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2005Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hikaru Ueda
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Publication number: 20080290020Abstract: Nano-composite membranes and methods for making them are described. The nano-composite membranes a made from a layer of oriented carbon nanotubes fixed in a polymeric matrix. Methods for efficient, facile, and inexpensive fabrication of the nano-composite membranes using a filtration method are also described. The carbon nanotubes may also be modified with chemical functional groups to promote their orientation in the carbon nanotube layer or to confer to them other properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2007Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventors: Eva MARAND, Sangil KIM
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Patent number: 7452405Abstract: A system for producing an auxiliary fuel stream containing a low concentration of sulfur compounds from a primary fuel stream includes a first separation stage to separate a portion of a primary fuel stream into a first vapor permeate stream and a first retentate stream, a first separation stage partial condenser connected to the first vapor permeate stream condensing a portion of the first vapor permeate stream into a first liquid stage stream and a first vapor stage stream, and a second separation stage partial condenser condensing a portion of the first vapor stage stream into a second liquid stage. The first vapor permeate stream is preferable sent through a vapor phase reactive desulfurization catalyst reactor to condition any sulfur compounds present into species that can be easily separated from the fuel stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Kandaswamy Duraiswamy, Richard Root Woods
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Patent number: 7442303Abstract: A filter membrane, methods of making such filter membrane and apparatus employing such filter membrane are disclosed, in which the filter membrane is a monolithic polymeric membrane that includes a polymeric filter layer including a micron-scale precision-shaped pores and a polymeric support layer that has a precision-shaped porous support structure for the filter layer. Several methods are disclosed for making such a membrane using micromachining techniques, including lithographic, laser ablation and x-ray treatment techniques. Several filter apparatus employing such a membrane are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Baxter International Inc.Inventor: James D. Jacobson
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Patent number: 7435284Abstract: A parallel-plate diffusion gas dehumidifier has a treatment zone having at least one water-permeable membrane. The gas dehumidifier includes an untreated gas inlet, a treatment zone bounded by water-permeable membranes, a support structure for the membranes, access to a source of vacuum, and a dehumidified gas outlet. The cross section of the treatment zone may be provided in various shapes, for example, rectangular. The gas dehumidifier inlet and outlet include flow transitions that minimize the obstruction of particles passing through the dehumidifier. The dehumidifier may be used in particle sampling systems to dehumidify the sample gas prior to introducing the sample gas to a mass measuring device and mass flow controller. Methods of operating the gas dehumidifier and the particle sampling system are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: Thermo Electron CorporationInventors: James Domenick Piccinini, Lauren R. Basch, Adam Bailey
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Patent number: 7429287Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for sweetening a raw natural gas feed stream using a multi-stage membrane separation process, and in embodiments a two-stage membrane separation process. The method and system also include use of a gas turbine which operates with an impure fuel gas stream (such as in the sense of having a relatively high CO2 and H2S acid gas contaminant content) as derived from a permeate gas stream obtained in at least the second stage of a membrane separation process, or later stages if more than two stages are employed. In embodiments, the gas turbine is coupled with an electrical generator, which generates electrical power that drives a compressor for the second stage (or higher) of the membrane separation process, as well as other process equipment associated therewith, such as air coolers and process pumps. Alternatively, the gas turbine can be coupled mechanically to the compressor employed.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 30, 2008Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventor: Stephen R. Frantz