Patents Assigned to Scimist, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8414748
    Abstract: A cell design for systems of mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) of materials includes inactive surface coatings, such as polyvinylidene fluoride, polypropylene, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene polymers or a glass glaze or metallic oxide, on all interior surfaces of the electrochemical cell to prevent . A further cell design for systems of mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) included conduits for connecting plural catholyte chambers or for connecting plural anolyte chambers which are embedded within walls of a molded unibody constructed box and slots for parallel arrangement of membranes and porous electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer, Michael L. Mastracci, Kent E. Maggard
  • Patent number: 7871508
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process and apparatus are used to process biological and organic materials to provide hydrogen and oxygen for use as fuel in numerous types of equipment. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures to avoid any possible formation of either dioxins or furans. The oxidation process may be enhanced by the addition of ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7691251
    Abstract: Sharps are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the sharps with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize sharps and the biological waste on the sharps and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7531708
    Abstract: A mixed waste mediated electrochemical oxidation process (MEO) process and apparatus for the dissolution of transuranic elements, and/or compounds thereof in transuranic waste, low level waste (LLW), low level mixed waste, special case waste, and greater than class C LLWS, and also the destruction of the non-fluorocarbon organic component in the waste. The MEO process and apparatus operates in three different modes: dissolution, destruction, and decontamination. In the first mode, dissolution, the process runs until the transuranics such as a mixed oxide or carbide, and/or mixture of oxides or carbides of uranium and plutonium are totally dissolved into solution. The second mode, destruction, the process is operated such that the mixed waste materials are reduced to CO2, water and small amounts of inorganic salts. The third mode, decontamination, involves contaminated equipment. In the decontamination mode the MEO process destroys the mixed wastes that have contaminated the equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7531080
    Abstract: A medicated electrochemical oxidation process is used for sterilization/disinfection of contaminated instruments and infectious waste. Contaminated instruments and waste are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the infectious waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the infectious waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable infectious waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100 degree celsius. The oxidation process will be enhanced by the addition of reaction of reaction enhancements, such as: ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7531710
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process and apparatus for the use of mediated electrochemical oxidation for the oxidation, conversion/recovery, and decontamination of inorganic solids, liquids, and gases where higher oxidation states exist. Inorganic materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the inorganic materials with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the inorganic waste molecules and are converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7517445
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat, oxidize and destroy food waste materials, such as manure, biological residue, hay, straw, animal byproducts, bones, horns, blood, biological items, pathological waste and combined waste. Food waste is introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced by anodic oxidation in an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The process takes place at temperatures between zero degrees centigrade and below the boiling point of the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7488409
    Abstract: Animal waste is contacted with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms. The redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place between zero degrees centigrade and slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte, avoiding formation of either dioxins or furans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7479215
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat, oxidize and destroy halogenated hydrocarbon waste materials. The waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the halogenated hydrocarbon waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7387719
    Abstract: Mediated electrochemical oxidation to treats, oxidizes and destroys biological waste, medical, infectious, pathological, animal, sanitary, mortuary, ship, veterinary, pharmaceutical and combined waste. Electrolytes contain oxidized forms of reversible redox couples produced. Oxidized forms of redox couples are produced by anodic oxidation or reaction with oxidized forms of other redox couples. Oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the biological waste molecules and are reduced and reoxidized. The redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste and intermediate reaction products have undergone oxidation. Temperatures between ambient and 100° C. avoid formation of dioxins or furans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer