Patents Assigned to Amalgamated Research, Inc.
  • Ion exchange process
    Patent number: 7846338
    Abstract: A method is described that relates to reducing amounts of regenerant waste or increasing the concentration of regenerant waste from ion exchange processes. A method is described that may allow a batch ion exchange process to compete on these factors with continuous or simulated continuous ion exchange processes, and/or to improve the efficiency in operation continuous or simulated continuous ion exchange processes. A specific application addressed is the treatment of water in the Coal Bed Methane Process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Kearney, Lawrence Velasquez
  • Shallow bed fluid treatment apparatus
    Patent number: 7390408
    Abstract: A column apparatus containing a shallow bed of material between fluid transporting fractals of large active surface area results in highly efficient processing with small equipment size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Kearney, Kenneth R. Peterson, Lawrence Valesquez
  • Regenerant reuse
    Patent number: 7157005
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for recycling the waste regenerant from softeners. The method includes passing a high concentration of monovalent ionic halide salt through a resin bed. The high monovalent cation concentration causes the divalent cations on the resin to be exchanged with the monovalent cations by osmotic forces. The regenerant is then treated to precipitate the divalent cations and replace them with monovalent cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Jacob, IV, Lawrence Velasquez
  • Toroidal vessel for uniform, plug-flow fluid distribution applications
    Patent number: 6994111
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved vessel body for use in uniform plug-flow fluid applications, such as chromatography and adsorption bed processes. The improved vessel is toroidal shaped and allows for a simpler distribution and collection system, which is likewise claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Cox
  • Fractal device for mixing and reactor applications
    Patent number: 6742924
    Abstract: Two or more independent and offset fluid transporting fractals allow the scaling and intermingling of two or more fluids separately and simultaneously prior to contacting the fluids with one another. The device provides rapid and homogeneous mixing and/or reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Kearney
  • Fractal stack for scaling and distribution of fluids
    Patent number: 6616327
    Abstract: Fluid transporting fractal devices, which can be employed whenever a controlled distribution and/or collection of fluids is desired, are constructed to position fractal stages of either progressively smaller or progressively larger scales along the direction of flow (Plates #1-#8). A preferred construction assigns generations of recursive fractal pattern to plates arranged in a stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Kearney, Kenneth R. Peterson, Michael W. Mumm
  • Method of displacement chromatography
    Patent number: 6602420
    Abstract: A plurality of chromatographic separation operations, including a first simulated moving bed operation, are coupled into a process which functions, preferably through the application of continuous displacement chromatography, to recover a fraction rich in small organic molecules, notably betaine and/or invert from sucrose solutions, enabling the subsequent production of a high purity sucrose product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Kearney, Vadim N. Kochergin
  • Method of displacement chromatography
    Patent number: 6379554
    Abstract: A plurality of chromatographic separation operations, including a first simulated moving bed operation, are coupled into a process which functions, preferably through the application of continuous displacement chromatography, to recover a fraction rich in small organic molecules, notably betaine and/or invert from sucrose solutions, enabling the subsequent production of a high purity sucrose product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Kearney, Vadim N. Kochergin
  • Simulated moving bed block displacement procedure
    Patent number: 6200390
    Abstract: A “block” of betaine is displaced from the circulation loop of an ion exclusion system configured as an SMB without disturbing the normal operation of the system. In practice, a betaine-concentrated fraction is withdrawn (17) from the circulating loop of the SMB while an equal volume of water is introduced (15) to the loop. The circulation loop thereby continues without disruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Kearney, Kenneth R. Peterson, Michael W. Mumm
  • Process for sugar beet juice clarification
    Patent number: 6051075
    Abstract: Diffusion juice of a sugar plant is heated under stable sucrose conditions, notably alkaline pH, and held above 70.degree. C. for sufficient duration to effect significant agglomeration. The agglomerated particulates are removed by phase separation procedures, leaving a clarified juice containing a very low, typically 0.1-0.5 volume percent, solids load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Vadim N. Kochergin, Lawrence Velasquez
  • Fractal cascade as an alternative to inter-fluid turbulence
    Patent number: 5938333
    Abstract: An artificial eddy cascade structure, useful as a fluid input and/or fluid collection device with respect to a contained volume of fluid, is provided as a fractal construct of recursively smaller fluid conduits of recursively greater number, whose terminal points fill the contained volume with a high degree of density. The cascade structure functions as an alternative to, or avoidance of, the inter-fluid turbulence normally associated with fluid transport, mixing, distribution and collection operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Kearney
  • Fractal device for mixing and reactor applications
    Patent number: RE42882
    Abstract: Two or more independent and offset fluid transporting fractals allow the scaling and intermingling of two or more fluids separately and simultaneously prior to contacting the fluids with one another. The device provides rapid and homogeneous mixing and/or reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M Kearney
  • Sugar juice purification process
    Patent number: RE36361
    Abstract: A process for purifying the raw .Iadd.sugar .Iaddend.juice (diffusion juice).Iadd., such as that .Iaddend.obtained from sugar beets.Iadd., .Iaddend.replaces the traditional liming and carbonation purification methods with ion exchange softening and chromatographic separation operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Kearney, Vadim Kochergin, Kenneth R. Peterson, Lawrence Velasquez