Patents Examined by Colleen M Raphael
  • Patent number: 10221193
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the photoinitiated transformation of a transformable reactive substrate. The method includes an initial step in which a protected ketone photoinitiator species which is present in the substrate is deprotected to form the corresponding ketone photoinitiator species for use in a subsequent photoinitiated reaction in the method. The ketone group of the photoinitiator is protected by an unsubstituted 1, 3 dioxolane group. Also disclosed are a composition which may be used in the method, the use of the protected ketone photoinitiator in a photoinitiated reaction, as well as the protected ketone photoinitiators themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Lintfiled Limited
    Inventors: Robert A. W. Johnstone, Rui Manuel da Silva Loureiro
  • Patent number: 10208384
    Abstract: Processes for the liberation of oxygen and hydrogen from water are provided allowing for mass scale production using abundant sources of catalyst materials. A metal oxide based anode is formed by the simple oxidation of metal in air by heating the metal for a specified time period. The resultant anode is then contacted with water and subjected to a voltage from an external source or driven by electromagnetic energy to produce oxygen at the surface of the anode by oxidation of water. These processes provide efficient and stable oxygen or hydrogen production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Hongfei Jia, Debasish Banerjee
  • Patent number: 10207927
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means of producing nitric oxide (NO) by photolysis of nitrous oxide (N2O) at ultraviolet wavelengths. One application is the production of a known concentration of NO in a diluent gas for calibration of analytical instruments that measure nitric oxide in gases such as exhaled breath, ambient air and automobile exhaust. A potentially important medical application is the production of NO for inhalation therapy, an advantage being that very little toxic NO2 gas is produced. The method is useful for producing NO for industrial applications as well. Advantages of this method of NO production include the use of a single, inexpensive, readily available reagent gas of very low toxicity. Furthermore, the concentration of NO produced can be easily controlled by varying the ultraviolet (UV) lamp intensity and relative gas flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: LUDLUM MEASUREMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter C. Andersen, Craig J. Williford, John W. Birks
  • Patent number: 10202695
    Abstract: A photoelectrolysis system includes at least one photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell having at least one photoanode and at least one photocathode. A light concentrator provides concentrated light to PEC cell. The PEC cell electrolyzes the electrolyte into H2 and O2 in response to excitons generated by the concentrated light on the PEC cell. An electrolyte flow apparatus moves the electrolyte over surfaces of one or both of the photoanode and the photocathode at a flow rate that is based on one or more characteristics of the photoelectrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventor: David E. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 10196749
    Abstract: Electrochemically reacting a lanthanide or actinide in solvent at a working electrode; wherein the solvent comprises an organic solvent such as acetonitrile which have a dielectric constant of at least three; wherein the solvent system further comprises an electrolyte; wherein the working electrode comprises an ionically conducting or permeable film such as a fluorosulfonate film; wherein at least one ligand such as triflate distinct from the ionically conducting or permeable film is present; wherein the ligand is chemically similar to a structure in the ionically conducting or ionically permeable film; and optionally wherein the electrochemical oxidation or reduction is carried out under the influence of a magnetic field which favorably enhances the reaction. Improved electrochemical methods, identification, and separation can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventor: Johna Leddy
  • Patent number: 10188119
    Abstract: An apparatus for synergistically combining a plasma with a comminution means such as a fluid kinetic energy mill (jet mill), preferably in a single reactor and/or in a single process step is provided by the present invention. Within the apparatus of the invention potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and subsequently into angular momentum by means of wave energy, for comminuting, reacting and separation of feed materials. Methods of use of the apparatus in the practice of various processes are also provided by the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Foret Plasma Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Patent number: 10189708
    Abstract: A process and catalyst for the in situ generation of hydrogen via the microwave irradiation of a ruthenium chitosan composite catalyst has enabled the convenient reduction of nitro compounds in aqueous medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventors: Rajender S. Varma, Nasir Baig, Mallikarjuna Nadagouda
  • Patent number: 10183267
    Abstract: A process for converting light alkanes from a natural gas production stream to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons is provided. The method includes transporting the natural gas stream to an electron beam reactor, such as a steel flow-type radiation reactor connected hermetically to an accelerator beam window. The gas stream is exposed to electron beam radiation to generate an upgraded and substantially liquefied hydrocarbon stream. The method then includes transporting the substantially liquefied hydrocarbon stream into a scrubber to remove non-condensed gases. The remaining liquid hydrocarbon stream is then transported as condensate to a distillation tower, where high octane products are separated through fractionation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventors: Ashley Day, Francis Beland
  • Patent number: 10173193
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a base having first and second inlets. Inner and outer cylinders are disposed on the base, with the outer cylinder being concentric with the inner cylinder. An inner surface of the inner cylinder defines an internal volume. An outer surface of the inner cylinder and an inner surface of the outer cylinder define a chamber space. An ultraviolet lamp is disposed within the internal volume. A top cover is positioned over the inner and outer cylinders and in a sealing relationship with the cylinders. The top cover has a first passageway in flow communication with the chamber space, and a second passageway in flow communication with the internal volume. The first inlet is in flow communication with the chamber space and the second inlet is in flow communication with the internal volume. A system including a process chamber and an ammonia radical generator also is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mohamed Sabri, Karl Leeser
  • Patent number: 10143993
    Abstract: A generator for processing gases to be delivered to a process chamber used to process a substrate includes a housing that encloses an internal volume. An ultraviolet (UV) bulb is disposed within the internal volume of the housing. The UV bulb has a bulb diameter that fits within the internal major dimension of the housing. A first region, which surrounds the UV bulb, channels a first gas around the UV bulb to cool the UV bulb. A second region, which surrounds the first region, channels a second gas between an input to and an output from the housing. The second region is oriented relative to the UV bulb such that UV energy therefrom interacts with the second gas as this gas flows through the second region. The interaction of the UV energy with the second gas results in the generation of a gas mix that is supplied from the output of the housing into the process chamber, where at least one component of the gas mix is to be used in processing of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Karl Leeser
  • Patent number: 10143991
    Abstract: A process for preparing crystalline particles of an active principal in the presence of ultrasonic irradiation that comprises contacting a solution of a solute in a solvent in a first flowing stream with an anti-solvent in a second flowing stream causing the mixing thereof, wherein the flow rate ratio of the anti-solvent: solvent is higher than 20:1, and collecting crystals that are generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Circassia Limited
    Inventors: James Robinson, Graham Ruecroft
  • Patent number: 10092891
    Abstract: TGF-? growth factor and its latent complex are conjugated to magnetic micro- or nanoparticles and to magnetic micro- or nanodiscs. By exposing the resulting conjugates to magnetic fields, the TGF-? growth factor can be released from its latent complex in vivo, potentially making it useful in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. And by exposing a conjugate of TGF-? growth factor and a magnetic particle to a sufficiently strong, radiofrequency magnetic field, the TGF-? growth factor can be denatured and thereby deactivated, potentially making it possible to avoid triggering tumorigenesis, atherosclerosis, fibrotic disease, and cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Incorporated
    Inventors: Adam Monsalve, Jon P. Dobson
  • Patent number: 10087533
    Abstract: A method for reducing carbon dioxide is provided. In the present method, used is an anode electrode comprises a stacked structure of a photoelectric conversion layer, a metal layer, and an InxGa1-xN layer (where 0<x?1). The InxGa1-xN layer is of i-type or n-type. The metal layer is interposed between the photoelectric conversion layer and the InxGa1-xN layer. When irradiating the anode electrode with light, a first light part included in the light is absorbed by the InxGa1-xN layer and a second light part included in the light travels through the InxGa1-xN layer. The second light part is absorbed by the photoelectric conversion layer to generate electric power in the photoelectric conversion layer. The second light part has a longer wavelength than the first light part. The carbon dioxide contained in the first electrolyte solution is reduced on the cathode electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeyuki Sekimoto, Masahiro Deguchi, Satoshi Yotsuhashi, Hiroshi Hashiba, Yuka Yamada, Shuichi Shinagawa
  • Patent number: 10067043
    Abstract: An instrument and method for high pressure microwave assisted chemistry are disclosed. The method includes the steps of applying microwave radiation to a sample in a sealed vessel while measuring the temperature of the sample and measuring the pressure generated inside the vessel and until the measured pressure reaches a designated set point, opening the vessel to release gases until the pressure inside the vessel reaches a lower designated set point, closing the vessel, and repeating the steps of opening the vessel at designated pressure set points and closing the vessel at designated pressure set points to the sample until the sample reaction reaches a designated high temperature. The designated set points can controllably differ from one another as the reaction proceeds. Microwave energy can be applied continuously or intermittently during the opening and closing steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Barclay, Joseph J. Lambert, William E. Jennings, David L. Herman
  • Patent number: 10068968
    Abstract: Nanotube filaments comprising carbon, boron and nitrogen of the general formula BxCyNz, having high-aspect ratio and high-crystallinity produced by a pressurized vapor/condenser method and a process of production. The process comprises thermally exciting a boron-containing target in a chamber containing a carbon source and nitrogen at a pressure which is elevated above atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: JEFFERSON SCIENCE ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Jordan, R. Roy Whitney, Michael W Smith, Jae-Woo Kim, Cheol Park
  • Patent number: 10065168
    Abstract: A vessel system for high-pressure reactions is disclosed. The system includes a plugged polymer cylinder reaction vessel with a pressure vent opening extending radially through the wall of the reaction vessel and a supporting frame into which the vessel is received. Complementing keying structure elements on the vessel and on the frame limit the orientation of the reaction vessel in the supporting frame and the radially extending vent opening to a defined single position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Goldstein, Wyatt P. Hargett, III
  • Patent number: 10058848
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides for a method of conducting a chemical reaction involving the powder catalyst, in particular ferromagnetic catalyst. The method is characterized in that while conducting a chemical reaction, particles of the catalyst comprising a ferromagnetic material are put into oscillation by the oscillating magnetic field with a frequency greater than 0.1 Hz and a magnetic field induction greater than 0.01 mT. Oscillating magnetic field here is a field the induction vector of which changes its direction in time. Putting catalyst particles into oscillation increases the efficiency of the chemical reaction by several dozen to several hundred percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: INSTYTUT ELEKTROTECHNIKI
    Inventors: Wojciech Lipiec, Edward Orlowski, Marek Malinowski, Jacek Chmielowiec, Grzegorz Pasciak
  • Patent number: 10052606
    Abstract: Methods for the photoreduction of molecules are provided, the methods comprising illuminating an amino-terminated diamond surface comprising amino groups covalently bound to the surface of diamond with light comprising a wavelength sufficient to excite an electronic transition defined by the energy band structure of the amino-terminated diamond, thereby inducing the emission of electrons from the amino-terminated diamond surface into a sample comprising molecules to be reduced, wherein the emitted electrons induce the reduction of the molecules to form a reduction product; and collecting the reduction product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: WISCONSIN ALUMNI RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Robert John Hamers, Di Zhu, Marco Diego Torelli
  • Patent number: 10047444
    Abstract: Provided is a method for generating hydrogen. The method comprising (a) preparing a hydrogen generation device comprising a container, a photo-semiconductor electrode comprising a substrate, a light-blocking first conductive layer, and a first semiconductor photocatalyst layer, a counter electrode, a conductive wire for electrically connecting the first conductive layer to the counter electrode, and a liquid stored in the container, and (b) irradiating the first semiconductor photocatalyst layer with light to generate hydrogen on the counter electrode. The first conductive layer is interposed between the substrate and the first semiconductor photocatalyst layer. At least a part of the first semiconductor photocatalyst layer is in contact with the liquid. At least a part of the counter electrode is in contact with the liquid. The liquid is selected from the group consisting of an electrolyte aqueous solution and water. The substrate is formed of a resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Tamura, Kazuhito Hato, Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Kurabuchi, Yoshihiro Kozawa, Ryousuke Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 10035124
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of converting a first alcohol to a second alcohol that includes forming a mixture including a superparamagnetic catalyst and a feedstock, wherein the feedstock includes the first alcohol, and exposing the mixture to a fluctuating magnetic field to form a product, wherein the product includes a second alcohol having a longer carbon chain length than the first alcohol. A flow-through method is described for converting a first alcohol to a second alcohol, wherein the second alcohol has a longer carbon chain length than the first alcohol. Also described is a method of converting glycerol to butanol that includes forming a mixture including a superparamagnetic catalyst and a feedstock, wherein the feedstock includes glycerol, and exposing the mixture to a fluctuating magnetic field to form a product, wherein the product includes butanol. A flow-through method is described for converting glycerol to butanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Arockiadoss Thevasahayam