Patents Examined by Cameron J Allen
  • Patent number: 11774195
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cooling tower having a fill media, water distribution system, plenum, and an ultraviolet (UV) light emitter. The water distribution system distributes water to the fill media. A flow of air passes through the fill media and past a flow of the water and out of the cooling tower via an outlet. The plenum is defined by a volume between the fill media and the outlet. The UV light emitter is disposed in the plenum and configured to inactivate or kill organisms in a drift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Mortensen, Joseph Evans
  • Patent number: 11766670
    Abstract: An anion exchange membrane includes a porous structural framework and bismuth atoms bonded to pore surfaces of the porous structural framework. Each bismuth atom is bonded to a pore surface by way of one or two oxygen atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: 1s1 Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Sukanta Bhattacharyya, Daniel Sobek
  • Patent number: 11760662
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a porous and water-permeable electrode for electrocatalysis comprising: a porous and water-permeable reactive electrochemical membrane (“REM”) comprising: a porous and water-permeable support membrane; wherein the support membrane comprises a titanium metal; and an electrocatalytic coating on at least a portion of the metal support membrane, the electrocatalytic coating being a tin oxide bilayer comprising: a first layer adjacent to and directly contacting the metal support membrane; wherein the first layer comprises tin oxide doped with antimony; and a second layer adjacent to and directly contacting the first layer; wherein the second layer forms a surface of the REM such that the second layer is in direct contact with an aqueous solution when the REM is in contact with the aqueous solution; wherein the second layer comprises tin oxide doped with antimony and nickel or cerium. Preferably, the support membrane is formed of a titanium metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignees: California Institute of Technology, Clarkson University
    Inventors: Yang Yang, Michael R. Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 11753321
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electro-Fenton-like (EFL) platform wherein an electrochemically produced acidic environment supports heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction for high throughput water treatment. The platform enables treatment of contaminated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Akram Alshawabkeh, Long Chen
  • Patent number: 11753315
    Abstract: A portable water bottle includes a water bottle body having water stored therein; and a sterilizing module for irradiating the inside of the water bottle body with sterilizing ultraviolet rays. The sterilizing module further includes a housing having an ultraviolet outlet through which the sterilizing ultraviolet rays pass; a light source module for emitting the sterilizing ultraviolet rays; and a power storage member for supplying power to the light source module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: SEOUL VIOSYS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Woong Ki Jung, Byeong Cheol Joo, Jae Young Choi
  • Patent number: 11754778
    Abstract: A photoreactor including a reservoir configured to hold water, the reservoir defining an inlet and an outlet, and a multiplicity of optical fiber assemblies positioned in the reservoir. Each optical fiber assembly includes one or more optical fibers coated with a composition comprising a photoresponsive polymer and a light source optically coupled to the one or more optical fibers. The photoresponsive polymer undergoes a change from an initial state to an irradiated state when irradiated with light from the light source, and photoresponsive polymer in the irradiated state is adapted to bind an ion from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignees: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University, Board of Regents; The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Paul K. Westerhoff, Shahnawaz Sinha, Juan Noveron
  • Patent number: 11746032
    Abstract: A method for treating wastewater having one or more of suspended solids, dissolved solids, biological oxygen demand includes solids filtration followed by a bi-polar/bi-directional flow through ionic module fitted with anionically/cationically charged plates followed by a sub-sonic resonance module followed by another bi-polar/bi-directional flow through ionic module followed by a ultra-sonic resonance module followed by one or more anion/cation collection membrane modules. Recycle is provided in each step, wherein each step may be repeated, and wherein one or more of the steps can be bypassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Fluent Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Philip C. Shehane
  • Patent number: 11731894
    Abstract: A mobile treatment system is provided for treating contaminates in water, particularly during emergency situations such as natural disasters and planned attacks. The mobile treatment system includes a mobile framework; one or more treatment modules mounted on the mobile framework; a piping system in fluid communication with the one or more treatment modules, said piping system comprising one or more pumps configured to convey water to and from the one or more treatment modules; and at least one power source to provide power to the one or more pumps and one or more treatment modules. The treatment modules may include pre-filtration, chlorination treatment that generates chlorine by electrolysis, activated carbon treatment, and treatment using a disinfecting, silver coated composite material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignees: GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, WATERSTEP
    Inventors: James A. Goodrich, John Hall, Roy C. Haught, Mark Hogg, Kurtis Daniels
  • Patent number: 11724215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for disintegrating particles (3) of a suspension with ultrasonic sound, the device (1) comprising: a channel (10) for a suspension, wherein the channel (10) comprises a particle-processing portion (12), at least one pump (20) configured and arranged to adjust a flow velocity of the suspension in the channel (10), at least one ultrasonic sound source (30), arranged such at the channel (10) that an ultrasonic field generated by the ultrasonic sound source (30) extends at least in the particle-processing portion (12) inside the channel (10), wherein the device (1) comprises an instrumentation and control system configured to regulate the flow velocity of the suspension such that particles (3) of the suspension are arrangeable in a predefined spatial particle distribution in the particle-processing portion (12) of the channel (10) by adjusting the flow velocity of the suspension with respect to an inertial force (40) acting on the suspension, wherein the inertial force (40
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignees: LEIBNIZ-INSTITUT FÜR PLASMAFORSCHUNG UND TECHNOLOGIE E.V., PRE POWER, RECYCLING, ENERGYSERVICE GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Brüser, Stephan Reuter, Norbert Rossow
  • Patent number: 11684725
    Abstract: A disposable syringe for use with a pneumatic driver. The syringe has an elongated barrel with a cap secured to the proximal end that has a through bore. A filter is secured to the cap interior of the barrel that covers an opening in the through bore interior of the barrel. The pneumatic driver includes a source of pressurized air; a support for receiving and locating the syringe; and a supply block configured to receive pressurized air from the source and having an outlet for delivery of pressurized air. The supply block is movable between a first position spaced apart from the cap of the syringe and a second position in contact with the cap with fluid communication being established between the outlet of the supply block and the through-bore in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Brown
  • Patent number: 11680001
    Abstract: Devices and associated methods described herein in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can, for example, treat acidity and remove suspended solids and heavy metals from acid mine and acid rock drainage, as well as from other acidic and various aqueous fluids of various pH. The disclosed system includes a cavitation/electro-coagulation reaction chamber, solids separation, and other optional components including a passive media contact reaction chamber, and/or an oxidation/reduction electrode assembly to facilitate or expand upon parameters requiring treatment. The disclosed system can be packaged in small housing units suitable for insertion within mine tunnels or adits, but may also be expanded for large scale applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Yost Brothers LLC
    Inventors: Karl William Yost, Richard W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 11680002
    Abstract: A method for treating wastewater having one or more of suspended solids, dissolved solids, biological oxygen demand includes solids filtration followed by a bi-polar/bi-directional flow through ionic module fitted with anionically/cationically charged plates followed by a sub-sonic resonance module followed by another bi-polar/bi-directional flow through ionic module followed by a ultra-sonic resonance module followed by one or more anion/cation collection membrane modules. Recycle is provided in each step, wherein each step may be repeated, and wherein one or more of the steps can be bypassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Fluent Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Philip C. Shehane
  • Patent number: 11667550
    Abstract: A water-disinfecting apparatus includes a vessel with a cathode, an insert with a photoanode, an ultraviolet light source configured to be positioned in the insert, and a power source. The cathode forms an electrically conductive layer on an inner surface of the vessel. The photoanode is configured to be positioned in the cathode. The power source is configured to be operably coupled to the cathode, the photoanode, and the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Paul K. Westerhoff, Francois Perreault, Sergio Garcia-Segura, Shahnawaz Sinha, Ana Barrios, Renato Martin Montenegro Ayo
  • Patent number: 11667547
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating oil from water in produced oil without requiring large separation tanks in which the fluid is heated, using a simple, energy efficient separation process, are described. Centrifugal forces, by themselves, are not effective for completely separating a two-component fluid, especially when the densities of the fluids are similar, such as for heavy oil. By combining both primary and secondary acoustic forces, and taking advantage of centrifugal forces from fluid flow, such that acoustic radiation forces initiate the process of droplet accumulation, and contribute to droplet coalescence, centrifugal separation is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: AWE Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dipen N. Sinha
  • Patent number: 11661358
    Abstract: Plasma discharges and electromagnetic fields may be applied to a liquid, such as water, for desalinization purposes and to treat unwanted material in the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Inventors: Desmond A. Fraser, Hossein Ghaffari Nik, Richard B. McMurray, Akrem Hassen Adem Aberra, Shelley Marie Grandy, Patrick J. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11661351
    Abstract: A structuring assembly for structuring water in a water treatment system. The structuring assembly comprising a body portion, a tubular first layer defining an interior channel for passage of water, a plurality of structuring bodies positioned in the channel and a dampening layer positioned about the first tubular layer. In application in the water treatment system, as water passes through the channel and over the structuring bodies, dissolved oxygen content of the water is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Wilton Water Solutions LLC
    Inventors: George Peter Klug, Bruce William Quast, William Russel Parker
  • Patent number: 11655009
    Abstract: A light emitting device (1) is provided that can be used in various contexts, including the context of realizing an anti-fouling action on surfaces. The light emitting device (1) comprises light emitting units (10) being arranged in a plane filling pattern (20) for covering at least a substantial portion of a surface. Individual light emitting units (10) are electrically interconnected through connection areas (12, 13) as present on the light emitting units (10) for providing electrical access to an internal electrical circuit (11) thereof, wherein the light emitting units (10) overlap at the positions of at least portions of the connection areas (12, 13) thereof. Further, it may be so that at least one of the connection areas (12, 13) of the individual light emitting units (10) is electrically connected simultaneously to respective connection areas (12, 13) of at least two other light emitting units (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Bart Andre Salters, Roelant Boudewijn Hietbrink, Michael Maria Johannes Van Lierop
  • Patent number: 11649175
    Abstract: A UV reactor irradiates a flow of fluid with UV radiation. The reactor comprises: a fluid conduit defined by a heat conducting conduit body comprising one or more heat conducting walls for permitting a flow of fluid therethrough; a UV-LED operatively connected to a PCB and oriented for directing radiation into the fluid conduit. The PCB comprises a heat conducting substrate having a first surface. The conduit body is in thermal contact with the first surface of the heat conducting substrate. Heat is dissipated from the UV-LED via the heat conducting substrate, the thermal contact between the first surface of the heat conducting substrate and the heat conducting conduit body, and from the one or more heat conducting walls of the heat conducting conduit body to the fluid flowing through the fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
    Inventor: Fariborz Taghipour
  • Patent number: 11643342
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods of purification of liquid from colloidal particles. More specifically, disclosed are systems and methods for treating water by effecting aggregation of colloidal particles and thus improving their sedimentation, by enhancing grouping of the particles using accelerating, decelerating, and reversing velocity gradients within the liquid. The disclosed methods and systems for water treatment allow for continuous treatment of a contaminated water stream in a single flocculation and sedimentation vessel (i.e. a hybrid process).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: B.G. Negev Technologies & Applications Ltd., at Ben-Gurion University
    Inventors: David Katoshevski, Asher Brenner, Daphne Meidan, Eran Halfi
  • Patent number: 11639297
    Abstract: The direct solar desalination system with enhanced desalination has a main chamber having a slanted transparent top and vertical sidewalls. Saltwater is fed to the top of a series of plates, with the top plate and every other plate slanting into the chamber, while the intervening plates slant back toward the chamber wall. The lower edge of the plates that are slanted into the chamber have a plurality of copper channels or wires extending between the plate's edge and the opposite chamber wall. Saltwater that does not flow down the channels/wires drips down to the next plate and so forth, and any remaining saltwater is collected at the bottom of the chamber. The channels/wires are coated with a photothermal layer to enhance evaporation. The fresh water condenses on the bottom surface of the slanted top, flows down the surface, and is collected at the bottom of the shortest sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Fadi Alnaimat, Mohammed Ziauddin