Patents Assigned to VITO NV
  • Patent number: 11962019
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon based electrode with a large geometrical surface area comprising a frame of an electrically conductive material with several cut-outs with a surface area, which cut-outs are separated from each other by portions of the conductive material, wherein carbon based sub-electrodes dimensioned so as to a least cover the surface area of the cut-outs are positioned in the cut-outs and conductively connected to at least part of each of the portions of the conductive material adjacent to the carbon based sub-electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Lambertus Bouwman, Diana Van Houtven, Deepak Pant, Yolanda Alvarez Gallego, Karolien Vanbroekhoven
  • Patent number: 11896968
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing lanthanide doped layered double hydroxides (Ln-doped LDHs). The method includes the steps of preparing a carbonate free alkaline solution; preparing a solution of metal salts comprising a salt of a lanthanide; co-precipitating the alkaline solution and the solution of metal salts to form a mixture and Ln-doped LDH precipitate wherein the pH of the mixture is maintained at a constant value; aging the precipitate; and separating the precipitate from the solution. The alkaline solution is an aqueous ammonia solution. The present disclosure is also related to lanthanide-doped layered double hydroxides (La-doped LDHs) obtainable by such a method, as well as to the use of the lanthanide-doped layered double hydroxides obtainable by such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignees: VITO NV, UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
    Inventors: Elena Mihaela Seftel, Bart Michielsen, Steven Mullens, Pegie Cool, Vera Meynen
  • Patent number: 11897000
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for sorting powder particles into ranges of particles according to one or more of a density, size and/or shape of the particles, wherein the device (1) comprises a particle sorting chamber (2) with at least one sloping side wall (3), which side wall (3) slopes from a lower part (4) of the sorting chamber (2) towards an upper part (5) thereof, wherein the lower part (4) of the sorting chamber (2) is larger dimensioned than the upper part (5), wherein at the upper part (5) of the particle sorting chamber (2) an inlet (6) is provided for supplying a flow of the powder particles to be sorted to the sorting chamber (2), wherein a particle outlet (7) is provided in the upper part (5) of the sorting chamber (2) for conducting sorted particles from the sorting chamber (2) through a duct (8) to at least one particle sedimentation classifier (9), wherein in the lower part (4) of the sorting chamber (2) means (11) are provided for generating an upward rotating gas flow in th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignees: Value Ash Technologies NV, Vito NV
    Inventors: Roeland Geurts, Ruben Snellings, Michel Loots, Vladimir Zyryanov
  • Patent number: 11898259
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the electrochemical conversion of CO2 and provides the use of Gas Diffusion Electrode with an aprotic solvent in such conversion of CO2 as well as an electrochemical cell for use in such conversion. The application and electrochemical cell as herein provided are particularly useful in the conversion of CO2 into oxalate/oxalic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Vito NV
    Inventors: Maximilian Konig, Metin Bulut, Jan Vaes, Elias Klemm, Deepak Pant
  • Patent number: 11756201
    Abstract: A method and system for performing characterization of one or more materials. One or more materials are scanned by means of a sensory system including an X-ray sensor configured to perform multi-energy imaging for obtaining at least a lower-energy X-ray image and a higher-energy X-ray image. Images obtained by means of the sensory system are segmented, and for each segmented object, data indicative of an area density and data indicative of an atom number by analysis of the lower-energy X-ray image and the higher-energy X-ray image, and data indicative of the area density and atom number is determined by means of a calibrated model. Data indicative of a mass is calculated based on the data indicative of the area density and the data indicative of the area of each of the segmented objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Roeland Geurts, Kris Broos, Mieke Quaghebeur
  • Patent number: 11702505
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of an epoxy resin. This process includes providing lignin, one or more acids and/or esters derived from epoxidized vegetable oil(s), optionally a solvent and optionally a catalyst, to form a reactive mixture. The reactive mixture is mixed and cured in the presence of a curing agent to form the epoxy resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Pablo Ortiz, Richard Vendamme
  • Patent number: 11598765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flatbed air-liquid interface exposure module for exposing a plurality of cells at an air-liquid interface to nanoparticles, the flatbed air-liquid interface exposure module comprising a moisturizing section, an exposure section, and an aerosol duct. Further provided are related systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignees: VITO NV, Paris-Lodron-Universität Salzburg
    Inventors: Evelien Frijns, Johan Van Laer, Sandra Verstraelen, An Jacobs, Albert Duschl, Martin Himly, Pierre Madl
  • Patent number: 11597902
    Abstract: An assembly includes a housing with opposite first and second layers. The first and second layers are spaced apart to define a confined interior space. A semi-permeable membrane is attached to the first layer, the semi-permeable membrane covering a porous area portion of the first layer. An outlet port and an inlet port are in fluid communication with the interior space. The assembly includes a first circulator for circulating a first fluid between the outlet port and the inlet port, and a second circulator for circulating a second fluid along an exterior surface of the semi-permeable membrane. The second circulator includes a fluid duct attached to or integrated within the housing. The fluid duct is isolated from the interior space and is porous to provide fluid access to an exterior surface of the semi-permeable membrane. The semi-permeable membrane forms a barrier allowing exchange of compounds across the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: VITO NV (VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK NV)
    Inventors: Willy Doyen, Bart Molenberghs, Helene De Wever, Mahboubi Soufiani Amir, Mohammad Taherzadeh
  • Patent number: 11591414
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating larvae into a pulp fraction and a liquid fraction, including the steps of introducing living larvae into a grinding apparatus whist adding water, grinding the larvae by means of counter-rotating screws and separating the ground biomass of larvae into a pulp and liquid fraction. In particular, the invention is applicable to the larvae of the black soldier fly and produces a chitin-rich pulp and a fat-and-protein-rich liquid fraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignees: CIRCULAR ORGANICS N.V., VITO NV
    Inventors: Stefaan Depraetere, Els D'Hondt, Maarten Uyttebroek, Bert Van Den Bosch, Johan Jacobs
  • Patent number: 11577203
    Abstract: A planar membrane cartridge includes a support and a semi-permeable membrane layer. The support includes a first layer attached to a second layer and defining a front face and a back face of the support. At least one of the first layer and the second layer form a first embossment and a second embossment. Respective back faces of the first layer and the second layer are attached to each other along edges of the first embossment and of the second embossment, such that the first embossment defines a fluid compartment between the first layer and the second layer and the second embossment defines an internal channel between the first layer and the second layer which is isolated from the fluid compartment. An area of the first layer corresponding to the first embossment is covered by the semi-permeable membrane layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: VITO NV (VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK NV)
    Inventors: Bart Molenberghs, Chris Dotremont
  • Patent number: 11547988
    Abstract: Methods use a catalytic composition built up from a ceramic material including a catalytic material and a first inorganic binder and a second inorganic binder and a catalytic structure made thereof. Preferably, the structure is made by a colloidal ceramic shaping technique. The structure is used for catalytic or ion exchange applications. The catalytic structures have excellent mechanical, physicochemical and catalytic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignees: VITO NV (VLAAMSE INSTELLING VOOR TECHNOLOGISCH ONDERZOEK NV), UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
    Inventors: Steven Mullens, Lidia Protasova, Jasper Lefevere
  • Patent number: 11484842
    Abstract: A method of obtaining a compound may include adding a substrate to a medium in a reactor, and reacting the substrate in the reactor to form the compound. A first stream is separated from the reaction liquid through a first membrane. A second stream is separated from the reaction liquid through a second membrane. The first membrane is a filtration membrane and the second membrane is configured for liquid-gas or liquid-liquid extraction The first membrane and the second membrane are at least partially immersed in the medium and are moved relative to the reactor during the separation steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Wouter Van Hecke, Helmut Elslander, Karolien Vanbroekhoven, Helene De Wever, Herman Beckers
  • Publication number: 20220266337
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing paste composition for manufacturing a three-dimensional shaped article of a material of interest, said paste composition including 70-99.8 wt. % with respect to the weight of the composition of particles of the material of interest, the material of interest being one or more compounds selected from the group of metals and metal alloys and mixtures thereof, at least one binder component, at least one additive component, which is a lubricant, one or more solvents which are miscible with each other, wherein the sum of the concentration of the at least one additive component and the at least one binder is between 0.06 wt. % and 10.0 wt. %, with respect to the weight of the paste composition, and wherein at least one of the additive component and the binder component or the mixture thereof are shear-thinning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Applicant: VITO NV
    Inventors: Steven MULLENS, Ivo THIJS, Bart MICHIELSEN, Marleen ROMBOUTS, Jo VERWIMP, Marijn GYSEN, Jasper LEFEVERE
  • Patent number: 11401230
    Abstract: A method of recovering an organic acid from an aqueous solution may include extracting the organic acid dissolved in the aqueous solution into a water immiscible extraction phase. The water immiscible extraction phase has an extractant for the organic acid. The method may also include separating the extraction phase from the aqueous solution, adding an alcohol to the extraction phase separated from the aqueous solution, and forming an ester from the organic acid and the alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Kathy Elst, Helene De Wever
  • Publication number: 20220212174
    Abstract: A process prepares an oxygen carrier for a chemical looping process including providing a material A having a first transition metal and/or an oxide of the first transition metal. The first transition metal is selected from chemical element groups 6-11 of the Periodic System. Material A is subjected to a reaction with H2 to reduce the first transition metal and/or oxide to form a reduced material B. Material B is treated with a salt solution of a second transition metal selected to have a standard reduction potential larger than the first transition metal. A portion of the first transition metal in the reduced material B is replaced by the second transition metal. A molar ratio of the first transition metal with respect to the second transition metal in material B ranges between 2:1 and 100:1. An oxygen carrier is obtained with the method and is regenerated using steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2020
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Applicant: VITO NV
    Inventors: Yoran DE VOS, Marijke JACOBS, An VERBERCKMOES, Pascal VAN DER VOORT, Isabel VAN DRIESSCHE
  • Patent number: 11378581
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the determination of the monoisotopic mass of a macromolecule from a mass Mmono spectrometry spectrum of said macromolecule based on the experimentally determined most abundant mass, with accuracy in the low parts-per-million (ppm) range. The method uses a simple, double-linear model for predicting the monoisotopic mass based on the experimentally determined most abundant mass, comprising the steps of (a) deriving the most abundant mass MMostAb from the spectrum; and (b) calculating the monoisotopic mass MMono from the most abundant mass MMostAb, using MMono=a+?MMOSTAB+?; wherein ? is a scalar slope obtainable by fitting the slope of monoisotopic mass versus most abundant mass for a plurality of macromolecules from a macromolecule database; and ? is a scalar residue of the form ?=?int+sfrac, ?int being an integer, and ?frac being a sawtooth function of MMostAb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignees: VITO NV, Universiteit Antwerpen
    Inventors: Dirk Valkenborg, Jef Hooyberghs, Frank Sobott, Kris Laukens, Frederik Lermyte
  • Patent number: 11341396
    Abstract: A deep approximation neural network architecture which extrapolates data over unseen states for demand response applications in order to control distribution systems like product distribution systems of which energy distribution systems, e.g. heat or electrical power distribution, are one example. The method is a model-free control technique mainly in the form of Reinforcement Learning (RL) where a controller learns from interaction with the system to be controlled to control product distributions of which energy distribution systems, e.g. heat or electrical power distribution, are one example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Bert Claessens, Peter Vrancx
  • Publication number: 20220140643
    Abstract: An energy storage system including an energy storage string formed by rechargeable cells connected in series and an energy management device including a master control unit and at least a first local control unit associated to a first rechargeable cell. A storage string connecting circuit is coupling a positive string terminal with a negative string terminal and a cell connecting circuit is coupling a positive and a negative cell terminal of the first rechargeable cell. The storage string connecting circuit includes a first capacitor device forming with the energy storage string a first closed-loop LC-circuit, and/or the cell connecting circuit includes a second capacitor device forming with the first rechargeable cell a second closed-loop LC-circuit. A master AC signal generator and a local signal generator are configured for generating a first and a second AC pulse in respectively the storage string connecting circuit and the cell connecting circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: VITO NV
    Inventor: Boudewijn KNOOREN
  • Patent number: 11213709
    Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods for degrading MTBE, TBA and/or HCHO using abacierial consortium comprising one or more strains selected from Methylibium LD3, Hydrogenophaga LD1 and/or Mycobacterium LD6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Leen Bastiaens, Queenie Simons, Linde Debor, David Moreels
  • Patent number: 11192095
    Abstract: A catalytic composition is built up from a ceramic material including a catalytic material and a first inorganic binder and a second inorganic binder and a catalytic structure made thereof. Preferably, the structure is made by a colloidal ceramic shaping technique. The structure is usable for catalytic or ion exchange applications as well. It is demonstrated that the catalytic structures have excellent mechanical, physicochemical and catalytic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignees: Vito NV (Vlaamse Instelling Voor Technologisch Onderzoek NV), Universiteit Antwerpen
    Inventors: Steven Mullens, Lidia Protasova, Jasper Lefevere