Patents Assigned to L'Exploitation Des
  • Process and the apparatus for the production of silicon hydrides
    Patent number: 4698218
    Abstract: Silicon hydrides are produced by acid hydrolysis of ternary silicon alloys. According to the process there are made to react an industrial ternary alloy of the formula M.sub.x M.sup.2.sub.y Si.sub.z, in which M.sup.1 is a reducing metal, M.sup.2 is an alkali alkaline-earth metal, with a dilute acid selected from hydracids and orthophosphoric acid, at a concentration of 2N to 6N, by adding the ternary alloy in the form of fine powder to the acid, the reaction being preformed between ambient temperature and 90.degree. C. The various hydrides are condensed, and separated by fractional evaporation under partial vacuum. The silicon hydrides--silane, disilane and higher polysilanes--after purification can be used as silicon vectors, depending on their chemical nature, particularly in the industries of electronic components, photovolaitic cells, photocopier drums and for frosting light bulbs by the dry method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Dominique Belot, Jean-Yves Rade, Jean-Francois Piffard, Christian Larquet, Philippe Cornut
  • Plasma welding or cutting system provided with a delay
    Patent number: 4692582
    Abstract: The plasma welding or cutting system comprises in particular a torch (2), a nozzle (3), a gas supply for the torch for supplying the torch with a plasma-producing gas, and an electrical supply for the torch for creating, maintaining or breaking an electric plasma welding or cutting arc. According to the invention, the system further comprises a delay system connected, on one hand, to the electrical supply for the torch, and, on the other hand, to the gas supply for the torch, the delay system being, when the torch is supplied by the gas supply and the electrical supply, responsive to the breaking of the electric arc of the torch and causing the closure of the gas supply after a predetermined period of time following the breaking of the electric arc so as to achieve the cooling of the torch and the maintenance of the nozzle against its seat during said period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Gerard Marhic
  • Method and apparatus for preparing frozen free-flowing food particles
    Patent number: 4687672
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for preparing frozen free-flowing particles of food product. Particles of solid food are supplied, or viscous food material is extruded, or liquid or semi-liquid food material is pumped through apertures, to a freezing stage. In the freezing stage, cryogenic substance is used to freeze the food material to a temperature at which the material is frangible. The frangible food material passes to a fracturing stage such as a fracturing mill, which produces frozen food particles of a size small enough to pass through discharge apertures of the fracturing stage. The discharged particles are screened to remove undersized particles which are recycled, the remaining frozen particles being generally within a defined size range and constituting the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Eugene C. Vitkovsky
  • Continuous microbiological production of acetic acid and vinegar
    Patent number: 4687668
    Abstract: Process for continuous production of vinegar by microbiological conversion with oxygen enrichment of ethanol into acetic acid. In a first phase, the micro-biological conversion of ethanol into acetic acid is performed in the presence of air. After consumption of the oxygen in the air, in a second phase, the addition of oxygen, controlled by the demand of the system, is provided by injection of pure oxygen, the aeration gas being recycled, and the gas mixture expelled as soon as the carbon dioxide content reaches the threshold of 7%. After closing of the recycling circuit, the superoxygenated atmosphere is reconstituted with pure oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Charles Ghommidh, Jean-Marie Navarro, Philippe Girardon, Jean Amen
  • Plasma welding or cutting torch provided with a nozzle cartridge
    Patent number: 4682005
    Abstract: The plasma welding or cutting torch comprises a hollow torch body (1) whose interior is connected to a source of plasma-producing gas, an electrode (2) disposed inside the body (1) and electrically connected to an electrical supply conductor, and a nozzle (3) provided with a plasma outlet orifice (34). This torch is characterized in that it comprises a cartridge (60) which cannot be disassembled and comprises an annular skirt (4) assembled by screwing with the torch body (1) and having a seat (18b) for the nozzle (3) which is freely slidably mounted in the skirt (4) and applied against the seat (18b) solely by the pressure of the plasma-producing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Lair Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Gerard Marhic
  • Process for making amino alcohols by electrochemical reduction of nitro alcohols
    Patent number: 4678549
    Abstract: A process for producing amino alcohols by electrosynthesis of nitro alcohols.Reduction of the nitro group is performed in three stages on a cathode made of a material having a strong hydrogen overpotential. During the second stage of reduction, the electronegative potential is higher, and in the last stage the sulfuric solution of amino alcohol obtained is subjected to a purification operation by electro-electrodialysis (EED), followed by an elimination of water.The process is particularly useful for the production of 2-nitro-2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-nitro-2-methyl-1, 3-propanediol, 2-nitro-2-ethyl-1, 3-propanediol, 2-nitro-1-butanol, tris(hydroxymethyl) nitromethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Maurice Rignon, Jean-Claude Catonne, Francoise Denisard, Jean Malafosse
  • Process and installation for the congelation of grounds by means of a cryogenic liquid
    Patent number: 4676694
    Abstract: The injection of liquid nitrogen into the probe (2) is regulated in an on-off manner so as to maintain the temperature of the ground at the coldest point above a value within the range of between -140.degree. C. and -160.degree. C. so as to cause calefaction of the liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen is alternately injected into the central passage (9) and into the annular passage (11) of the probe, these passages being thermally insulated from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: l'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre Karinthi, Maurice Gardent, Colette Regnier, Jean Tuccella
  • Method and installation for recovering the heaviest hydrocarbons from a gaseous mixture
    Patent number: 4666483
    Abstract: The gas to be treated is cooled and partly condensed in two steps (3-4, 5-6), and the condensed fractions are distilled in a column (9). A part of the condensed liquid at the top of the column is subcooled in the second exchanger 5, expanded, and vaporized in counter-current to the gas to be treated. This permits the obtainment of cooling temperatures on the order of -80.degree. C. by means of a refrigerating unit (13, 20) operating at a temperature on the order of -30.degree. to -40.degree. C. Application to the recovery of a mixture of propane, butane and pentane from a petroleum refinery residual gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George Claude
    Inventor: Pierre Gauthier
  • Device for storing tubes in a cryogenic container
    Patent number: 4665713
    Abstract: Each module (1) of this device comprises a bin (4), two removable drawers (5) and a removable intermediate partition (7). When the two drawers are in position, tubes (2) of small height can be stored. When the upper drawer and the partition (7) are withdrawn, tubes (3) of greater height can be stored. Each drawer is provided with a grating (6) for laterally maintaining the tubes. Application in the storage of biological specimens in liquid nitrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes George Claude
    Inventor: Daniel Delatte
  • Torche nozzle with internal gas mixing
    Patent number: 4653692
    Abstract: This nozzle includes an outer case (1) and a core (2) which define in succession: a series of passageways (15) having a zone for the injection of fuel gas and comburent gas, a mixing zone of small section and a primary homogenization zone of larger section; an annular secondary homogenization zone (16) whose section is substantially equal to the total section of the preceding zone; a single acceleration passage (17) having a decreasing section; and a single outlet conduit (18) having a constant section. Application in oxyacetylene torches consuming a few cubic meters per hour acetylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Denis Bolot, Francis Cuny, Didier Lasnier
  • Vessel for a cryogenic mixture and a process for drawing off the liquid
    Patent number: 4646525
    Abstract: The liquid is drawn from this vessel through a coiled tube (20) provided with a calibrated valve (21) at its inlet. The resulting drop in pressure is compensated for by means of a pressure raising circuit (27). Application in the storage of liquefied air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre Delacour, Roger Prost, Gerard Mondain-Monval
  • Hyperfrequency energy plasma torch
    Patent number: 4645973
    Abstract: The hyperfrequency energy is conveyed through a waveguide (1) having a rectangular section. A central plasmagenic gas and an annular sheathing gas are supplied through a T-shaped transverse pipe (2). The upper branches of the T extend in a sealed manner through the small sides of the waveguide. The stem of the T extends with clearance through an opening (7) formed in a large side of the waveguide and is provided with a nozzle (22) which is surrounded by a sleeve (3) terminating in a rolled-over flange (25). Application in the treatment of surfaces and the production of chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anomyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Guy Salinier, Jean-Paul Bossard
  • Device for fabricating frozen moulding moulds or cores
    Patent number: 4644995
    Abstract: The device comprises a fixed gassing box (1) a moulding box (2) and a head (2A) for receiving and discharging gas. The box (2) is provided with a massive block (7) of aluminium which forms a pattern-plate and has a multitude of orifices (8) extending therethrough. This block has a sufficient thermal inertia to form a frozen crust as soon as the moulding box (2) is filled with a pre-moistened sand or the like. This permits obtaining a high rate of production of frozen moulds or cores having a very good surface condition, a good stability of shape and high and homogeneous mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Daniel Goumy, Charles Defrancq
  • Process and installation for cooling a viscous and in particular food product
    Patent number: 4640099
    Abstract: The invention concerns the cooling of a viscous product. The product placed in a vessel 30 is cooled by a rotary pot 8 in which is generated, by sleeves 20 and 21, a deposit of carbonic acid snow 40. Application in the cooling of food products such as clear soups, thick soups, sauces, creams, pastes, gelled products, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventor: Claude Gibot
  • Plasma torches
    Patent number: 4625094
    Abstract: This invention relates to plasma torches in which, the gas entering the electrode holder is divided into a plasmagenic gas flow and into a cooling gas flow by two series of openings drilled in one and the same metal element forming the electrode holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Gerard Marhic, Didier Schaff, Francis Remy
  • Process and installation for cooling a powder by means of a refrigerating fluid
    Patent number: 4619113
    Abstract: A device for injecting a liquefied refrigerating fluid directly into a mass of detergent powder within a hopper the device being connected to a tank storing this fluid under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Gerard Dubrulle, Alain Roullet
  • Cryogenic liquid distributing device
    Patent number: 4612773
    Abstract: This device, which is in particular intended to inject liquid nitrogen in preserving cans so as to pressurize them, comprises an inverted cryogenic container (1,2) having a neck (3) closed by a detachable plate (10). All the elements (11,12,14,19,21) for operating the device extend through this plate in a sealed manner. The pouring conduit (14) has a calibrated orifice (17) mounted in the plate (10) and, above the latter, an electrically-operated valve immersed in the liquid. Application in the packing of flat beverages in metal cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1986
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre Pelloux-Gervais, Jean-Louis Neret
  • Gas and process for plasma arc cutting
    Patent number: 4611109
    Abstract: There is proposed as a plasma-producing gas, a gas containing the elements nitrogen and oxygen chemically combined in a nitrogen oxide and in particular nitrous oxide. These plasma-producing gases or mixture of gases stored in a bottle, a frame, a container, a tank, in the gaseous or liquid form at ambient or cryogenic temperature, are applicable to the plasma arc cutting of electrically conductive materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Larue, Georges Duboz, Claude Carsac, Gerard Marhic
  • Ground congelation process and installation
    Patent number: 4607488
    Abstract: A refrigerant liquid flows through congelation probes (S1, S2, . . . ). The temperature of the liquid supplied to each probe is regulated as a function of the rate of congelation of the ground around the various probes and/or is progressively increased as the congelation progresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Pierre Karinthi, Maurice Gardent, Colette Regnier, Jean Tuccella
  • Method and installation for treating a storage site
    Patent number: 4604115
    Abstract: The tank (1) is purged by gaseous nitrogen resulting from the vaporization of liquid nitrogen which has undergone an indirect heat exchange (2) with the gas issuing from the tank. This enables the purged products to be recovered. Application in the deballasting of ships transporting liquified petroleum gas or natural gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1986
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Michel Bonneton, Bernard Marchal