Patents Examined by Betsey Morrison Hoey
  • Patent number: 6736966
    Abstract: A portable oxidant generator for generating a chlorine or chlor-oxygen solution suitable for sterilizing contaminated drinking water, thereby providing a water disinfection system and potable water. The oxidant generator includes an electrolytic chamber and a power supply or source. The chamber holds a salt brine solution such that the solution is in contact with an anode and cathode included in the chamber. The power supply provides electrical charge that is passed between the anode and cathode through the salt brine solution. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a combination manual pump/switch is activated and injects electrolyte into the cell chamber and electrolyzes the solution. In one embodiment, as electrolysis proceeds, hydrogen gas is liberated and causes a gas pressure within the cell chamber thereby forcing the freshly generated oxidant solution from the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: MIOX Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney E. Herrington, Frank Hand
  • Patent number: 6716340
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for treating water in a device using water as a circulating medium comprises an extractor line for removing water from the device and ozone generation means for producing and conveying a supply of ozone. A contactor/mixer member is provided and has an entry passage for receiving water from the extractor line and ozone from the ozone generation means. The contactor/mixer member has contacting passages for receiving a water and ozone mixture from the entry passage and is configured so as to create turbulence to intimately mix the water and ozone along at least a portion of its length. A return line is provided for receiving and transporting the water and ozone mixture from the contacting passages back to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Inventor: Will Craig Meyer
  • Patent number: 6709601
    Abstract: In addition to the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83), a hydrothermal treatment system (60) includes an effluent stream splitting arrangement (86) for receiving hydrothermal reaction effluent and splitting this effluent to produce two separate effluent streams. These separated effluent streams are used to heat at least a water stream and first reactant material stream before these streams are injected into the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83). A first split effluent heat exchange arrangement (81) places one split effluent stream in a heat exchange relationship with the water input to the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83). A second split effluent heat exchange arrangement (79, 80) places the other split effluent stream in a heat exchange relationship with both the first reactant material and the water input to the contactor and reactor arrangement (10, 83).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Hydroprocessing, L.L.C.
    Inventors: William Tracy Wofford, III, James Walton Griffith, Richard Wayne Humphries, Justin Wade Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6699370
    Abstract: In a process for decomposing pollutants by bringing pollutants contained in air into contact with air that contains chlorine, under irradiation by light, at least part of a chlorine-generating solution present in a chlorine generation region is fed to a means for forming the functional water by electrolysis to effect regeneration and is again fed to the chlorine generation region. Also disclosed is a pollutant decomposition system used in such a process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Kuriyama, Kinya Kato, Masahiro Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6685840
    Abstract: A method of making a solid water treatment product with an optimal rate of dissolution is described and claimed. A fluorescent tracer is used to determine the rate of dissolution of the solid water treatment product and the composition and method of manufacturing the solid water treatment product are adjusted as needed to make the rate of dissolution optimal. The solid water treatment product can be used in many industrial water treatment systems. When the solid water treatment product is used, the amount of solid water treatment product present in the water of the industrial water system can be determined, and adjusted, by using a fluorometer to measure the fluorescent signal of the fluorescent tracer present in the product and relating that measurement to the amount of product in the water itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Ondeo Nalco Company
    Inventor: Steven R. Hatch
  • Patent number: 6685827
    Abstract: A water treatment device, method and system with the water treatment device having a container for holding a water treatment material therein with the water treatment device including a shroud extending in a direction generally normal to a flow of debris laden water with the shroud inhibiting direct flow of debris into a water inlet in the water treatment device by directing water and debris over the shroud and around the water treatment device while a portion of the water can be directed laterally into the water treatment material within the water treatment device to thereby purify the water that flows over the water treatment materials with the water treatment device including multiple spaced and positioned water inlets so that the likelihood of the water inlet being completely obstructed is remote.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: King Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6673249
    Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for maximizing the efficiency of hydrate-based desalination or other water purification in open-water or partially open-water installations are disclosed. In one embodiment, water is accessed from depth where the ambient temperature is as cold as possible, which depth is other than the maximum depth of the hydrate fractionation column used in the process. The accessed water preferably is brought to reduced pressures so that gases other than hydrate-forming gases that are dissolved in the water to be treated are exsolved. Using pre-pressurized sources of hydrate-forming substances, including deep-sea natural gas deposits or supplies of liquified natural gas being transported by sea, are also disclosed. A multiple column, detachable column fractionation installation is disclosed, as is a hybrid installation having an underwater hydrate formation portion and a land-based dissociation and heat-exchange section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Marine Desalination Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael D. Max
  • Patent number: 6669853
    Abstract: This invention relates to compositions, which are useful in removing dissolved oxygen from a fluid stream, preferably an aqueous stream. The compositions comprise blend of an oxime and a primary hydroxylamine. This invention also relates to a process for removing oxygen from an aqueous system, which comprises adding an oxime and a primary hydroxylamine to a fluid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Ashland Inc.
    Inventors: Kostan B. Charkhutian, Bruce L. Libutti, Frank L. M. De Cordt, Martti Samuli Ahomäki
  • Patent number: 6663783
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell for use within a system and process for removing contaminants from water and wastewater, where the water or wastewater is transported through several stations for purification and is ultimately transformed into purified water that can be safely discharged to the environment. The electrochemical cell includes a housing, a removable cartridge and oppositely charged electrical headers, the removable cartridge having conductive plates that are in electrical communication with the electrical headers, such that successive conductive plates are oppositely charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: McKay Creek Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert J. Stephenson, Bruce D. Tennant, Donald Hartle
  • Patent number: 6660168
    Abstract: A continuous method is provided for dissolving a solid oxidizer into an aqueous solution which yields a stream of the aqueous solution having a constant or near constant concentration of solid oxidizer. The method of the present invention includes (a) disposing a bed of solid oxidizer into a container; (b) introducing an aqueous solution below the top surface of the bed; and (c) removing any solution above the top surface of the bed while maintaining a constant or near constant level of aqueous solution above the bed. Preferably, step (c) is performed at about atmospheric pressure. This method can be achieved with a feeder that includes a tank for containing a bed of solid oxidizer and a disperser for introducing the aqueous solution into the tank. A sensor/control unit is provided for sensing a combined bed and aqueous solution volume within the tank and maintaining the combined volume within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Lonza Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Gerdon Sweeny, James Howard Harvey
  • Patent number: 6656367
    Abstract: A method for estimating incoming pollution loads during operation of a municipal wastewater treatment plant involves the step of continuously measuring the conductivity and turbidity of the raw water to be treated. The concentration of a pollutant in the raw water to be treated is estimated as a function of the measured conductivity and turbidity. The flow rate of the raw water to be treated is also continuously measured. The load of the pollutant in the raw water to be treated is estimated as a function of the estimated concentration of the pollutant and the measured flow rate. The estimated pollutant load allows adjustment of downstream treatment for eliminating the estimated total load of the pollutant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ondeo Services
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Audic, Philippe Caulet, Rémy Gerard, Myriam Lefebure
  • Patent number: 6652758
    Abstract: An improved method of treating wastewater to remove ammonia and fluoride is provided. The method comprises the steps of chemical destruction of ammonia with an oxidizing agent, followed by treatment with calcium salts to precipitate insoluble calcium fluoride, and filtration to remove the precipitate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Ionics, Incorporated
    Inventor: Gerald A. Krulik
  • Patent number: 6652759
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating waste water including nitrogen-containing organic compounds to convert these compounds into harmless gases without performing a post-treatment. The method comprises spraying waste water in a heated space to gasify the waste water into waste gas, and oxidizing the waste gas by contacting it with a catalyst to convert the nitrogen-containing organic compounds into harmless gases. An apparatus for treating waste water using the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignees: NEC Corporation, Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Taira, Keiji Hirano, Junji Okamura, Mitsuaki Ikeda, Kunio Sano
  • Patent number: 6649071
    Abstract: A treatment effective for removing or substantially reducing the amount of Cr+6 present in drinking water or wastewater is described. The method includes adding a stannous salt of a non-carbon acid, in an amount effective to reduce most or substantially all of the chromic ion in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: A. S. Incorporated
    Inventor: William E. Stapp
  • Patent number: 6641723
    Abstract: An oxygenated water dispensing system and method of operating the same for dispensing oxygen enriched water from at least one water source. Upon insertion of a payment into a payment acceptor system, a portion of oxygenated water is dispensed. In a second embodiment, a water source, either pressurized or non-pressurized in operatively attached to a soda fountain for dispensing water having an enhanced oxygen content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Oxygen8, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis E. Crowley, Jason K. Ritton
  • Patent number: 6638434
    Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the level of dissolved oxygen in water, including the stops of mixing air or oxygen and nitrogen gas so as to be dissolved in retained water in a closed tank. The retained water is circulated by a pressure pump, activated by a ceramic pipe and an infrared ray irradiation device and then injected into the water in the closed tank. The mixing ratio of the air or oxygen and nitrogen gas mixed with to retained water is adjusted, the pressure in the pressure tank is changed, and the injecting pressure of the gas injection nozzle is changed. Sludge or the like is removed from the water by filtering, the oxidation-reduction potential of the water is adjusted to a desired level, and the water is sterilized by an ultraviolet ray irradiation device and brought back to the closed tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Mikasa
    Inventor: Masayuki Otsuki
  • Patent number: 6630073
    Abstract: An apparatus and water treatment method uses Sonically Induced Dissociative Reactions (SIDR) and Multi-bubble Sonoluminescence (MBSL) to facilitate Sonically Bounds State Oxidation (SBSO) within a SIDR chamber. Included within the SIDR chamber is counter-flow ultrasonic radiation and an optional binding agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Eugene A. Moskal, H. Willard Spencer, III
  • Patent number: 6623649
    Abstract: A process is provided which makes it possible to separate off cyclic acetals from wastewater streams to a substantial extent, by passing the wastewater stream over a heterogeneous acid catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: BP Koln GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Bister, Alexander Gammersbach, Axel Gohrt, Joachim Grub, Stefanie Konig
  • Patent number: 6623648
    Abstract: Disclosed are an oxidation catalyst suitable for use in treatment of nonbiodegradable wastewater, a method for preparing the same, a method for recycling the same and a method for treating wastewater using the same. The oxidation catalyst comprises an activated carbon support having surface reformed with a tin compound, in the form of particles, powders and pellets, and metal ions impregnated to surface of the support. The preparation method of the oxidation catalyst comprises reforming surface of an activated carbon support in the form of particles, powders and pellets, impregnating various metal ions to surface of the support, drying the metal-impregnated support, and sintering the metal-impregnated support. In addition, the recycling method of the oxidation catalyst comprises drying the oxidation catalyst used for treatment of nonbiodegradable wastewater, and warming-up at 50-100° C. in a double boiler or sintering at 150-500° C. in a furnace the dried oxidation catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: ZEO-Tech. Co., LTD
    Inventor: Geun-Seok Lee
  • Patent number: 6623650
    Abstract: There is disclosed a process for treating sewage or similar organic sludge to produce a pasteurized and dried product comprising the steps of: drying the sludge to substantially the desired dry solids content of the product; and thereafter adding an alkaline admixture to the dried sludge in order to pasteurize and/or stabilize the sludge and thereby produce the product without employing subsequent drying by aeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: R3 Management Limited
    Inventor: Robin Millard