Electric Field Separation Apparatus (e.g., Electrical Precipitator, Electrostatic Type, Etc.) Patents (Class 96/15)
  • Patent number: 8211194
    Abstract: A dust remover includes a small container disposed above a work, an aperture provided on the small container. Air is supplied through the aperture to generate high-speed cyclone within the small container. A big container is formed with a suction opening through which dust containing air is sucked out and disposed above the small container to form a flow passage between the small container and the big container. A suction equipment is provided to suck dust containing air through the suction opening of the big container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Trinc.org
    Inventor: Makoto Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 8182563
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating apparatus for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a vacuum cleaner having such a separating apparatus for removing dust particles from a dust laden airstream. The separating apparatus includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a second cyclonic cleaning stage arranged downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, and an elongate filter arranged downstream from the second cyclonic cleaning stage, wherein the filter is at least partially surrounded by the first cyclonic cleaning stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Lucas Horne, Matthew Robert Jupe, David Colin Worker, Guillaume Kristian Steadman
  • Publication number: 20120107465
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of using electrons to perform at least one operation are disclosed. An apparatus may include groups of carbon nanotubes capable of emitting a relatively large number of electrons for use in performing operations such as sterilization, purification, deodorization, cleaning, cross-linking, pest control, pathogen control, chain-scissioning associated with surface modification, waste treatment, etc. Each group of carbon nanotubes may be aligned with a respective opening in a member, where the member may be coupled with a membrane capable of transmitting electrons. Electrons may be emitted from the carbon nanotubes by applying a vacuum to the carbon nanotubes and also applying an electric potential between the carbon nanotubes and the member. As such, electrons from a plurality of groups of carbon nanotubes may generate an electron flow that can be used to perform one or more operations on a fluid, object, or other type of component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: 4WIND SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventors: Cattien Van Nguyen, Bryan P. Ribaya
  • Publication number: 20120090614
    Abstract: Methods of preparing polymeric webs include hot melt blending of thermoplastic resins and processing aids. The process aids include hindered amine N-substituted succinimide oligomers. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media. Among the polymeric webs produced are electret webs. The processing aids also function as charge-enhancing additives for the electret webs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Fuming B. Li, John M. Sebastian, Marvin E. Jones, John M. Brandner, David A. Olson, Justin L. Keough
  • Patent number: 8128869
    Abstract: An air sanitization system including a reactive oxygen species generator, a variable speed fan, a pathogen sensor and a controller. The reactive oxygen species generator generates reactive oxygen species from an oxygen-containing gas and discharges the reactive oxygen species to a conditioned space. The variable speed fan directs the oxygen-containing gas to the reactive oxygen species generator at a controlled speed. The pathogen sensor senses a level of airborne pathogens in the conditioned space and generates a signal indicative of the level of pathogens sensed. The controller receives the signal from the pathogen sensor and varies the speed of the variable speed fan in response to the signal to decrease a speed of the variable speed fan in response to an increase in the level of airborne pathogens sensed by the pathogen sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hussmann Corporation
    Inventor: Ted Wayne Sunderland
  • Patent number: 8101130
    Abstract: A gas ionizer includes a photocatalyst activated with an electric field to emit electrons. The photocatalyst is also illuminated with an ultraviolet light source. The ionized gas is passed through a chamber between the photocatalyst and the ultraviolet light source. The photocatalyst may be titanium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Lee Fink
  • Publication number: 20110308384
    Abstract: A system for enhancing air quality by collecting airborne particles. The system includes at least one ground plane, at least one corona point, an ionization field strength adjustment mechanism and a cleaning mechanism. The at least one ground plane is operably mounted proximate to where the airborne particles are present. The at least one ground plane includes at least one ground plane surface. The least one corona point operably is mounted to the at least one ground plane for causing an accumulation of particles to be deposited on the at least one ground plane surface. The ionization field strength adjustment mechanism enables a distance between the at least one corona point and the at least one ground plane to be adjusted. The cleaning mechanism is capable of removing the accumulation of particles from the at least one ground plane surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: BAUMGARTNER ENVIRONICS. INC.
    Inventors: John Baumgartner, Matthew Baumgartner
  • Publication number: 20110296989
    Abstract: An electrostatic filter assembly configured to be installed in equipment for removing particulate matter entrained within a gas stream. The filter assembly functions in the removal and collection of the particulate matter from the gas stream. The equipment for removing particulate matter includes a high voltage discharge electrode for imparting an electric charge to the particulate matter whereby an electrical field is produced at the filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter element and a supporting structure for the filter element. The supporting structure is configured to establish at the filter assembly, under the operating conditions of the equipment for removing particulate matter, an electrical field having an intensity that produces no more than a selected amount of degradation at the filter element during operation of the equipment for removing particulate matter. Also a method of manufacturing such an electrostatic filter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: BHA Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Taylor, Karim Younsi, David F. Johnston, Yingneng Zhou, Yar+e,acu u+ee Najem M+e,acu e+ee ndez Hern+e,acu a+ee ndez, Prabhakar Neti
  • Patent number: 8070922
    Abstract: An oxygen generator includes a monolithic body having first and second channels extending longitudinally therein. An electrode is operatively disposed in the first channels and a counter-electrode is operatively disposed in the second channels. The second channels are formed in the monolithic body so each second channel is electrically isolated from, yet adjacent to a first channel, resulting in an alternating configuration of first and second channels. The first channels have fluid or oxygen flowing therethrough, while the second channels have the other of oxygen or fluid flowing therethrough. An output manifold, having an oxygen collection area separated from a fluid collection area, operatively engages with the monolithic body. The oxygen collection area receives substantially pure oxygen from one of the second or first channels, and the fluid collection area receives oxygen-depleted fluid from the other of the first or second channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Oxus America, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Nelson, Gerald R. Stabel, Joshua J. Titus, Alfred R. Webster
  • Publication number: 20110265312
    Abstract: Filter media are provided having improved conductivity to enhance filtration efficiency and/or dissipate static charge, and methods for making the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the filter media can include a filtration substrate, and at least one conductive coating disposed on at least a portion of the filtration substrate. In use, the conductive coating is coupled to an energy source and it is effective to emit ions when energy is delivered thereto to increase the efficiency of the filtration substrate and/or to dissipate or eliminate static charge generated during filtration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Hollingsworth & Vose Company
    Inventors: Wai M. Choi, Karin N. Soper
  • Patent number: 8012231
    Abstract: A particulate collection system, including a particulate matter analyzer and collecting filter, provides a method of analyzing and collecting samples from fluids, such as collecting particulate matter from air. A mass measuring unit and composition analyzing unit can be provided for either simultaneous or immediately consecutive measurements within a single instrument. The filter material can have an antistatic electricity characteristic and can be impregnated with reference material to enable calibration of the composition analyzing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Saitoh, Junji Kato, Masahiko Fujiwara, Masayoshi Shinohara
  • Patent number: 8012412
    Abstract: Described is an air and surface purifying device having a purifying cell structured for maximizing the realized photocatalytic reaction at a photocatalytic surface without using an additional ultraviolet bulb. The purifying cell positions at least three photocatalytic surfaces about a single ultraviolet bulb such that the photocatalytic surfaces substantially encompass the ultraviolet bulb and are saturated by ultraviolet light radiating from the ultraviolet bulb. Because the photocatalytic surfaces are saturated, the potential photocatalytic reaction at the photocatalytic surfaces is fully realized. Stated differently, the realized photocatalytic reaction is maximized. Because the purifying cell maximizes the realized photocatalytic reaction, the purifying cell maximizes the purifying capacity of the photocatalytic surface and, thus, the purifying cell itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Vollara, LLC
    Inventors: James Normark, Neal Morris, Allen Johnston
  • Publication number: 20110209619
    Abstract: A filter medium comprising a carrier layer (1) and a microfiber layer (2) applied thereon is characterized in that, with respect to the aim of providing a filter medium which has a relatively low pressure drop, and at the same time a good fraction separation rate and excellent dust storage capacity, the carrier layer (1) has first fibers, which are designed as endless bicomponent fibers and spunbonded fibers, and the microfiber layer (2) has second fibers, which are designed as endless melt-blown fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventors: Alexandra Lazarevic, Robert Bader, Rosemarie Immesberger, Heinz Reinhardt
  • Publication number: 20110185903
    Abstract: A pleated filter is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web of continuous monocomponent meltspun partially crystalline and partially amorphous oriented fibers of the same polymeric composition that are bonded to form a coherent and handleable web having a Gurley Stiffness of at least 100 mg and which further may be softened while retaining orientation and fiber structure. Rows of pleats are formed in the nonwoven web, and the web is cut to a desired size and shape to provide a pleated filter element containing a self-supporting porous monocomponent monolayer matrix of fibers bonded to one another at least some points of fiber intersection and having an average initial submicron efficiency of at least 15% at a 1.52 meters/sec face velocity. The filter element is deformation resistant without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, adhesive or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fox, John D. Stelter, Seyed A. Angadjivand, William T. Fay, Michael R. Berrigan, Douglas C. Sundet
  • Publication number: 20110185904
    Abstract: A reel-to-reel aerosol collection and storage system for capturing and storing a plurality of separate samples of aerosol particles using electrostatic precipitation technology for collecting such particles onto a tape mechanism for analysis at a future time. The particles are collected onto a region of the collection tape for a defined period of time and then that portion of the collection tape is advanced out of the collection zone and manipulated so as to form sealed pouches or pockets which can be either severed from the collection tape for individual storage in a temperature controlled storage container, or which can be stored on a take-up reel in a temperature controlled environment. The collected aerosol particles are stored with a buffer fluid to preserve and maintain the viability of the collected particles for future extraction and analysis. Several embodiments for forming sealed pouches or pockets and methods of storing the collected particles are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: MIDWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Langle, Michael F. Fischer, James M. Egan, Alexander J. Waller, Joseph W. Clement, Darren J. Radke
  • Publication number: 20110174157
    Abstract: An air filter including a plurality of air-pervious sheets of electret filtration material. The sheets are disposed in a parallel relationship to form a stack of sheets, and each of the sheets has a plurality of slits formed therein for subsequent expanding to form openings. The stack is connected together at opposing ends, such as by bonding. The sheets can be pleated by mounting in a frame. The frame has opposing ends to which the opposing ends of the stack are mounted. The filter media initially has no frame and is not pleated, but is in a flat pad form that is expanded to be installed into a frame. The frame is then mounted in an appliance, such as a room air filter. When the filter is inserted into the filter housing it is expanded and can take a pleated form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: COLUMBUS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Thaddeus J. Ptak, Russell Baldinger, Chrystal B. Gillilan
  • Publication number: 20110154987
    Abstract: Electret webs are presented which include a blend of a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The charge-enhancing additives include N-substituted amino carbocyclic aromatic materials. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Fuming B. Li, Feng Bai, John M. Sebastian, Marvin E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7964169
    Abstract: Molecular conversion processing of greenhouse gases of global warming effect and conversion units employing a solid particle trap. This is an industrial process capable of changing the chemical composition of the greenhouse gases from any source, such as the internal combustion engine, factory chimney and others, through the conversion of gas molecules to form new compounds such as clean gases. This is done by molecular conversion processing conversion unit with a solid particle trap, consisting of a plasma conversion chamber that produces a plasma jet, and an electrostatic filter for the collection of solid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventors: Ivan Gonçalves de Souza, Nito Angelo Debacher
  • Publication number: 20110132195
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrostatic non-woven intake filter, may include a fabric preparation process that weaves at least a kind of fiber fabric into a web, and a filter fabric manufacturing process that weaves the web into a felt that has at least a layer, and manufactures an electrostatic non-woven intake filter material that is a non-woven fabric having a fiber tissue having a semipermanent electrostatic force by allowing a binder and an electrostatic material to permeate the felt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sangil Lee, Jungmin Kim
  • Publication number: 20110100220
    Abstract: An article having at least one fluorinated porous layer having a basis weight of about 10 to about 300 grams per square meter and a thickness of about 0.20 to about 20 millimeters. The porous layer also exhibits a Q200 of greater than about 1.1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Moses M. David, Gina M. Buccellato, John S. Huberty, Seth M. Kirk
  • Patent number: 7927400
    Abstract: A filtration media that incorporates a static dissipative media layer for dissipating the static charge that builds up as a fluid, such a fuel, passes through the filtration media. The filtration media includes a filter media suitable for filtering fluid, and a static dissipative media layer. The static dissipative media layer has a surface resistivity level that is sufficient to classify the media layer as static dissipative rather than conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie Graber, Gary L. Rickle, Michael J. Monnin
  • Patent number: 7896950
    Abstract: Provided are plasma-aided gas storage methods and apparatus. In one embodiment, a porous powder bed assembly equipped with corona discharge electrodes is used to generate a non-equilibrium plasma of negatively ionized gas molecules which absorb onto porous particles, e.g., activated charcoal, to form a gas storage entity. Gas adsorbed onto the particles is desorbed at moderate temperatures by aid of ultraviolet light illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventor: Yashen Xia
  • Patent number: 7897118
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for moving air using an air-conditioning system therein, whereby the air-conditioning system preferably includes at least one emitter electrode, at least one collector electrode, at least one driver electrode disposed adjacent to the collector electrode, and/or at least one trailing electrode positioned downstream of the collector electrode. The collector electrode and the driver electrode are removable from the device. In one embodiment, the driver electrodes are removable from the device and/or the collector electrode. The ability of remove the collector electrode as well as driver electrode allow for easy cleaning of the electrodes. In one embodiment, the present device includes a removable exhaust grill upon which the driver electrode and/or the trailing electrode are coupled to. The removable grill allows the user to easily clean the driver electrode without having to remove the collector electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sharper Image Acquisition LLC
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Andrew J. Parker, Igor Y. Botvinnik, Shek Fai Lau, Gregory S. Snyder, John Paul Reeves
  • Patent number: 7892326
    Abstract: The present invention provides an air-permeable filtration media that includes an air-permeable backing and an adsorbent. The adsorbent is at least partially embedded in the air-permeable backing. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing an air-permeable filtration media. The present invention also provides a method of substantially removing contaminants from air, employing the air-permeable filtration media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Point Source Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Raetz, Gregory J. Raetz
  • Publication number: 20110016659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface treating appliance for separating particles from a fluid flow. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a domestic vacuum cleaner for separating particles, such as dirt and dust particles, from a dust laden airflow. The surface treating appliance includes a first cyclonic cleaning stage, a second cyclonic cleaning stage arranged downstream from the first cyclonic cleaning stage, and an electrostatic filter connected to a controlled high voltage power supply, the electrostatic filter being arranged separate from, but in fluid communication with, the first cyclonic cleaning stage and the second cyclonic cleaning stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: DYSON TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: James DYSON, Lucas HORNE
  • Publication number: 20100326549
    Abstract: The invention relates to method and systems wherein the fluid stream from an object to be evacuated is filtered before it enters into vacuum pump with the maximum purity to the level of 99% and up to the particle size of 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: Yadapalli Kondala Rao
  • Patent number: 7857890
    Abstract: An air cleaner including ozone removal is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The air cleaner includes an air channel in the air cleaner, an air moving unit located in the air channel and configured to create an airflow, and an ozone decomposing element located in and extending substantially fully across the air channel. The ozone decomposing element causes decomposition of ozone in the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Oreck Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher M. Paterson, Charles W. Reynolds
  • Publication number: 20100313760
    Abstract: A filter for an electronics cooling unit of a telecommunications base station, the electronics cooling unit adapted to receive fresh air into a housing of the cooling unit through an opening communicating with the external environment. The filter includes a structural support configured to be mounted to said housing, a gasket sealingly engaging the structural support and adapted to engage the housing; and a filter media supported by the structural support, the filter media being free of a membrane type layer and including a fiber entanglement selected to prevent ingress of water sufficient to pass a salt fog test consistent with GR-487-CORE and in accordance with ASTM B 117.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: Clarcor Air Filtration Products, Inc.
    Inventors: LaMonte A. Crabtree, Mike Harriman, Mike Raider
  • Publication number: 20100307974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polyaniline, comprising aniline units and organosulphur units, characterized in that the polyaniline is doped and has a number average degree of polymerization of approximately 5 to approximately 50. The scope of the invention also includes a process for the preparation of polyaniline, wherein aniline and at least one organosulphur unit are converted to a polyaniline derivative in an oxidative, acid-catalyzed polymerization reaction. A subject of the invention is also a coated substrate which is coated with the polyaniline according to the invention and also a process for the coating of the substrate. The scope of the invention furthermore also includes a coating composition which is suitable for the coating of the substrate. The invention thus also relates to a process for the preparation of the coating composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: SUD-CHEMIE AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Pettinger, Franz-Xaver Muller, Gerhard Illing, Mathias Ulbricht
  • Publication number: 20100307332
    Abstract: A synchronized supercharge electrostatic field UV germicidal air filtration device is a high efficiency absolute air cleaner. It incorporates a dual function ionization system, electrostatic field filtration system UV light germicidal function within one system. This invention allows the physical size of air cleaning device to be substantially reduced while the absolute filtration efficiency is highly improved. This device provides a filtered and sterilized air output quality down to submicron size with quantifiable results; while it can be physically fit into an office partition wall. Secondly, both high voltage power supporting ionization and high voltage power supporting the electrostatic energy field are provided by one high voltage transforming circuit making it the most cost effective air filtration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: PETER SILTEX YUEN
  • Patent number: 7828882
    Abstract: An illuminating air purifier is disclosed. In an embodiment, the illuminating air purifier includes an air ionizer, a back plate, and a light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Dan L. Dietz
  • Publication number: 20100269691
    Abstract: A system for enhancing air quality within a poultry production facility that includes an enclosure, at least one ground plane, at least one corona point and a corona point position adjustment mechanism. The enclosure is adapted to receive a plurality of poultry. The at least one ground plane is mounted with respect to the enclosure. The corona point position adjustment mechanism enables a distance between the at least one corona point and the at least one ground plane to be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Baumgartner Environics, Inc.
    Inventors: John Baumgartner, Matthew Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 7806952
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus, system, and method for enhancing air purification efficiency regarding a gaseous medium passing through an opening. Included is a high voltage source that creates an effective voltage field across the opening; and at least one charge bleeding element constructed and arranged to maintain an effective voltage field across the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fox, Marvin E. Jones, Larry J. Carson
  • Publication number: 20100236405
    Abstract: A substrate transfer device includes an atmosphere introduction unit and an atmosphere exhaust unit provided at a top and a bottom portion of a main body of the device, respectively; and a substrate transfer mechanism provided between the atmosphere introduction unit and the atmosphere exhaust unit. The substrate transfer device further includes a downward flow forming unit provided, adjacent to the atmosphere introduction unit, to allow an atmosphere to be introduced through the atmosphere introduction unit and to downwardly flow through the substrate transfer mechanism and be exhausted through the atmosphere exhaust unit; and a gas ionizing unit for ionizing the atmosphere and a particle collecting unit for collecting particles included in the atmosphere, the gas ionizing unit and the particle collecting unit being sequentially provided in the direction in which the atmosphere downwardly flows, between the downward flow forming unit and the substrate transfer mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Jun Yamawaku, Junji Oikawa, Hiroyuki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7799119
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microwave plasma exciter device which includes a waveguide (23) for concentrating the microwaves; and a plasma generator (110, 120) for forming a plasma, which are disposed in a microwave concentration zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude Et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Zenon Zakrzewski, Dariusz Czylkowski, Mariusz Jasinski, Michel Moisan, Daniel Guerin, Christian Larquet, Jean-Christophe Rostaing
  • Publication number: 20100173228
    Abstract: The present invention relates to nanostructured composites comprising a nanotube network which is at least partially embedded within a carbon layer. The present invention particularly relates to conducting nanostructured composites for use in the fields of energy conversion, energy storage and also the biomedical field. The present invention also relates to a process via CVD of carbon onto a catalyst layer on a substrate. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: University of Wollongong
    Inventors: Gordon George Wallace, Ju Chen, Andrew Ian Minett
  • Publication number: 20100154634
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing chemical sterilant molecules from a medium, such as a carrier gas. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing that defines an internal cavity. The housing has an inlet and an outlet fluidly communicating with the internal cavity. An electrode is dimensioned to be received in the internal cavity of the housing. The electrode is made of a material that is chemically active with respect to molecules of a chemical sterilant and conductive to electricity. The electrode is connected to a source of an electrical charge such that an electrical field gradient is formed in a region of space surrounding the electrode. The electrical field gradient is operable to force the chemical sterilant molecule toward the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Michael A. Centanni, Thaddeus J. Mielnik
  • Patent number: 7727297
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filtering contaminants, such as particulates and vapor phase contaminants, from a confined environment such as electronic or optical devices susceptible to contamination (e.g. computer disk drives) by providing an improved reduced fiber filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Dauber, Yutaka Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7691168
    Abstract: A charged multilayer filter includes a hydrocharged filtration layer containing a plurality of intertwined nanofibers that have a finite length of about 12 to about 300 mm, atop a porous roll-to-roll processable support layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fox, Marvin E. Jones
  • Publication number: 20100077924
    Abstract: The present invention relates to air purification techniques and provides an air purifier. The air purifier comprises a shell with an air inlet and an air outlet. An electric field filter, an air passage and a blower are disposed inside the shell. The electric field filter comprises a filter frame disposed at the air outlet and a grid base disposed under the filter frame. A filter is provided inside the filter frame. One end of the air passage connects with the grid base and the other end connects with the blower. The blower is disposed at the air inlet. The filter frame and the grid base are integrated as a hermetic whole. Due to the integrated configuration of the filter frame and the grid base, when removing out the electric field filter, the power is cut automatically. This effectively prevents an occurrence of the electroshock, and improves safety performance of the purifier. Furthermore, air leakage can be greatly reduced, for there is no gap between the filter frame and the grid base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: SHENZHEN QIBIN ENTERPRISES
    Inventors: Bing Zhao, Ming-Jen Wang, Junsui Wang
  • Publication number: 20100047115
    Abstract: The methods and apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention provide substantially complete and rapid air cleaning and/or disinfection in the rooms that are substantially closed to outside air and have the typical complement and arrangement of furniture and people present, i.e. a “normal”environment. A study of air flow patterns in a variety of room configurations and arrangements demonstrates that EFA location within the room as well as furniture and people play a crucial role in air movement and airflow throughout the room, in minimizing or eliminating “dead spots” of stagnant air, and in achieving a goal of cleaning and disinfecting substantially all of the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Kronos Advanced Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor A. Krichtafovitch, Gergey Karpov
  • Publication number: 20100024653
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conducting filter (110) adapted for removing airborne particles from the atmosphere and a filter assembly (150, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) comprising such a filter. The conducting filter is made from a polymer which has received significantly increased electrical conductivity by a doping process. Such doped polymer are referred to as synthetic metals. Thanks to the electric properties of the synthetic metal, the filter according to the invention, comprising such polymer, may be supplied with electrical charge and whereby maintain its efficiency with regards to the electrostatic properties during operation. In the filter assembly according to the invention, the conducting filter may be supplied with electrical charge by connecting it to a voltage source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Mikael NUTSOS
  • Patent number: 7652431
    Abstract: An electrostatic fluid accelerator having a multiplicity of closely spaced corona electrodes. The close spacing of such corona electrodes is obtainable because such corona electrodes are isolated from one another with exciting electrodes. Either the exciting electrode must be placed asymmetrically between adjacent corona electrodes or an accelerating electrode must be employed. The accelerating electrode can be either an attracting or a repelling electrode. Preferably, the voltage between the corona electrodes and the exciting electrodes is maintained between the corona onset voltage and the breakdown voltage with a flexible top high-voltage power supply. Optionally, however, the voltage between the corona electrodes and the exciting electrodes can be varied, even outside the range between the corona onset voltage and the breakdown voltage, in to vary the flow of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tessera, Inc.
    Inventor: Igor A. Krichtafovitch
  • Patent number: 7648789
    Abstract: A fuel cell gas separator (212) for use between two solid oxide fuel cells (210) and having a separator body with an anode-facing side and a cathode-facing side and with paths (234) of electrically conductive material therethrough in an electrode-contacting zone (236). In a first aspect, the electrically conductive material comprises a silver-glass composite, preferably containing 15 to 30 wt % glass. In this aspect the material of the separator body is preferably zirconia and the silver is commercially pure, a silver mixture or a silver alloy. In another aspect, the material of the separator body is zirconia, the electrically conductive material comprises silver or a silver-based material, a coating of nickel is formed on the electrode-contacting zone (236) on the anode-facing side preferably with an undercoating of Ag, and a coating of Ag—Sn alloy is formed on the electrode-contacting zone (236) on the cathode side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ceremic Fuel Cells Limited
    Inventors: Pulahinga Don Dayananda Rodrigo, Sathia K Aruliah, Sudath Amarasighe, Robert Randolph Hughan, Jeremy Carl Lawrence, Jarrod David Barker
  • Patent number: 7625428
    Abstract: Generally, systems for air and water purification using unpowered charged sorbent mediums (3) which may include layered double hydroxide (LDH) (1) compositions, lignin (2), and methods of sorbing inorganic or organic material(s) onto such mediums, including anionic contaminants (10), cationic contaminants (11), non-ionic organic contaminants (20), and even biological agents (7) such as bacteria or viruses present in liquids or gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: The University of Wyoming Research Corporation
    Inventors: Song Jin, Alan E. Bland, Terry H. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090277329
    Abstract: This inventions provides a method for the removal of smut, fine dust and exhaust gas particles from polluted air comprising providing a particle catch arrangement with a charged surface, the particle catch arrangement being arranged to generate a static electric field, wherein the electric field is at least 0.2 kV/m. The invention further provides a particle catch arrangement comprising a surface that can be charged, further comprising a generator arranged to generate charge to the surface that can be charged and to generate a static electric field of at least 0.2 kV/m, wherein the particle catch arrangement is part of or integrated with an object comprising street furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Technische Universiteit Delft
    Inventors: Willibrordus Nicolaas Johannes Ursem, Johannes Cornelis Maria Marijnissen, Rein Andre Roos
  • Publication number: 20090266235
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating particles preferentially accelerates particles to a rotating collector, which then reliably conveys collected particles to a discharge with minimal re-entrainment of the particles in the fluid stream. The collector minimizes energy transfer to the fluid and maximizes separation under conditions of high particle loading, fine particle content, or both. The separator may be operated in any vertical, horizontal or oblique orientation, or within devices whose orientation varies over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: John E. Kane, Robert L. Hance
  • Publication number: 20090241776
    Abstract: A smoke removal apparatus, capable of operating in a confined space without ventilation of the apparatus to the atmosphere to provide removal of smoke from air to be treated. The apparatus comprises one or more of the following filters: a mechanical filter (2); an electrostatic filter (3); and/or a chemical filter (4). The apparatus is arranged to collect smoke from a relatively higher position (5), pass smoke through the one or more filters/and expel treated air to a relatively lower position (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Brian Hunt, Peter Row, Alex Wheatley
  • Patent number: 7553440
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Inventor: William K. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7538556
    Abstract: A spot-type DC ionizer placed above a measurement plate of a charge plate monitoring device including a grid using a metal net attached to a nozzle opening. Compressed air is set at a value, and a use distance between the measurement plate and the nozzle opening is set. The ionizer measures an ion balance and variation for comparison with threshold values, and if the ion balance and variation are equal to or lower than respective threshold values, an accepted determination is made. Otherwise, a failed determination is made and a static elimination time is measured. If the static elimination time is longer than a threshold time, the static elimination time is measured while air pressure is increased, and an air pressure with the static elimination time equal to or shorter than the threshold time is determined as an optimal air pressure with the set use distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Tomohide Nakajima