Patents Examined by Frank Lawrence, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8690990
    Abstract: A pre-purification method of feed air for cryogenic air separation, which includes; (a) an adsorption step wherein a compressed feed air is supplied in an adsorption column, wherein a moisture adsorbent and a carbon dioxide adsorbent are filled in this order from the side where the feed air is introduced in the column, to remove water and carbon dioxide from the feed air; (b) a decompression step wherein pressure in the adsorption column is reduced; (c) a heating step wherein the adsorbents in the decompressed column are heated and regenerated, and the heating step includes a total heating step wherein the moisture adsorbent and the carbon dioxide adsorbent are heated and a partial heating step wherein the moisture adsorbent is heated; (d) a cooling step wherein the adsorbents are cooled by introducing a purge gas, which is not heated, to the adsorption column; and (e) a pressurization step wherein the cooled adsorbents are pressurized by purified air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Morimitsu Nakamura, Masato Kawai, Hiroyuki Takei
  • Patent number: 8690981
    Abstract: This application discloses porous self-sealing media comprising a sintered mixture of an absorbent material and a thermoplastic. The self-sealing media block passage of organic solvents or organic solvents in aqueous mixtures, wherein the organic solvents are at concentrations greater than about 40%. The self-sealing media also block acidic solutions. The self-sealing media are useful in a variety of applications such as a pipette tip filter, in line filter, vent, non-mechanical check valve, safety valve, and suction canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Porex Corporation
    Inventor: Guoqiang Mao
  • Patent number: 8685146
    Abstract: Processes and apparatuses are provided for preparing liquified natural gas from a natural gas feed that comprises C5 to C7 hydrocarbons and C8 or greater hydrocarbons. An exemplary process includes effecting the preferential adsorption of the C8 or greater hydrocarbons from the natural gas feed over adsorption of hydrocarbons having less than 8 carbon atoms to provide a C8-depleted natural gas stream. The process continues with effecting the preferential adsorption of the C5 to C7 hydrocarbons from the C8-depleted natural gas stream over adsorption of hydrocarbons having less than 5 carbon atoms to form a C5 to C8-depleted natural gas stream. The C5 to C7 hydrocarbons are preferentially adsorbed with higher selectivity and capacity than adsorption of the C5 to C7 hydrocarbons during preferentially adsorbing the C8 or greater hydrocarbons. The C5 to C8-depleted natural gas stream is then liquified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Lubo Zhou, Shain-Jer Doong, Bradley P. Russell, Henry Rastelli
  • Patent number: 8685153
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adsorbent system, adsorbent cartridge, and external canister for removing gaseous contaminants from air or another gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, J. Anthony DelNegro, Thomas Daley
  • Patent number: 8685126
    Abstract: A device for filtering intake air of an internal combustion engine, including at least one filtering element including an inlet for air being treated, a first clean air outlet toward the engine, and a second air outlet toward the outside, and a ventilation mechanism driving the air from the second air outlet. The ventilation mechanism includes a fan wheel driven by a turbine set into motion by a gas flow taken from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Turbomeca
    Inventor: Olivier Pierre Descubes
  • Patent number: 8679215
    Abstract: An air filter having an inlet for air and an outlet for air comprises a body having a central channel, a first side with a first area, a second side having a second area, and a middle having a middle area, positioned between the first side and the second side. The middle area is less than the first area and less than the second area. A first fan is positioned in the body near the first side, and a second fan positioned in the body near the second side, and each fan blows air in the same direction. A filter cartridge is positioned in the central channel at the middle, wherein during operation air flows from the inlet to the filter cartridge to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Newform Techart Pte Ltd.
    Inventors: Yeow Choon Lim, Wee Chong Ou, Eng Wah Teo
  • Patent number: 8673059
    Abstract: Novel adsorbent contactors and methods are disclosed herein for use in temperature swing adsorption for gas separation applications, as well as for heat exchange applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Daniel P. Leta, Harry W. Deckman, Peter I. Ravikovitch, Bruce A. Derites
  • Patent number: 8673061
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the invention relate to methods for removing compositions comprising dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or related compounds, or odors associated with same. In several embodiments, systems including activated carbon filters, adsorbents, odor adsorbing fabrics, masks, clean air members and clean air supply assemblies are provided in order to perform said methods. In some embodiments the systems and methods facilitating the treatment of traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, atherosclerosis, spinal cord trauma, and neurodegenerative illnesses with compositions comprising DMSO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Abela Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Cozean, Colette Cozean, Efrain Gonzales, Stanley W. Jacob
  • Patent number: 8672144
    Abstract: Adsorbent filter media particularly suited for removal of biological contaminants in process liquids. A porous fixed bed of adsorbent material is formed, using only a granular adsorbent and a water-insoluble thermoplastic binder. The resulting composite filter allows for a higher amount of adsorbent with smaller adsorbent particles than conventional depth filters. Elimination of cellulose fiber, as well as the elimination of the thermoset binder, results in reduced contamination of the process liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: David P. Yavorsky
  • Patent number: 8663366
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device that removes humidity/moisture from a container or enclosed area. The device includes a plastic housing having a cavity chamber. A silica desiccant is in the cavity chamber. A color indicator indicates if the silica desiccant is active. A polyester screen/filter is heat welded to the raised circles on the bottom inside of the cavity chamber of the plastic housing. The polyester screen/filter ensures that the silica desiccant stays inside the housing even when the device is reactivated in a microwave or oven. A cover with a number of holes may be placed over the screen/filter and the screen/filter may be welded to the cover. The cover and housing may be made out of food safe polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey Brent Collins
  • Patent number: 8657922
    Abstract: A method which separates a component which is easily adsorbed by an adsorbent and a component which is not easily adsorbed by the adsorbent, from a feed gas which includes at least two kinds of components, with adsorption columns, wherein the adsorbent is filled in the adsorption columns and has strong adsorbability with respect to at least one kind of component included in the feed gas, and also has weak adsorbability with respect to at least one kind of other components included in the feed gas, and a temperature of the adsorbents which is filled in the column is maintained to be higher than the highest temperature of an ambient temperature around the adsorption columns which is variable throughout the year.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
    Inventors: Masaya Yamawaki, Yoshio Ishihara, Tadanobu Arimura
  • Patent number: 8657924
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a composite adsorbent comprising at least a zeolite-containing CO2 removal adsorbent and 10% or more of a metal oxide having a heat capacity of at least 20 cal/mol-° K (83.7 J/(mol·K). The composite is preferably used in a multi-layered adsorption system in a cyclic adsorption process. The adsorption system comprises two or more layers wherein the first layer is at least a water vapor removal adsorbent, such as activated alumina, and the second layer is the novel composite adsorbent. The adsorption system is preferably used in a PSA prepurification process prior to cryogenic air separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Zheng, Neil Andrew Stephenson, Philip Alexander Barrett
  • Patent number: 8651269
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid enclosure including a structural filler and an outer enclosure wall conformably coupled to the structural filler. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to a structural filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventor: Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8647409
    Abstract: An air compression system and method for an air separation plant in which air is compressed in a series of compression stages and a temperature swing adsorption unit adsorbs water vapor and carbon dioxide. The temperature swing adsorption unit is situated at a location of the compression stages such that air pressure upon entry into the adsorbent beds is between about 400 psia and about 600 psia. Each of the adsorbent beds of the unit have a minimum transverse cross-sectional flow area that will set the air velocity of the air to a level below that at which adsorbent bed fluidization would occur. Such operation allows fabrication costs of the adsorbent beds to be reduced because less adsorbent and smaller adsorbent beds are required while power consumption will be at a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Hashi, Michael C. Johnson, John Royal
  • Patent number: 8647418
    Abstract: An exhaust gas dry treatment device comprises an adsorption tower having: a box-shaped tower body; a plurality of reaction chambers have moving beds therein; a plurality of vertical partition plates which sequentially close between the end parts of the plurality of reaction chambers and between the end parts of the reaction chambers and the inner wall of the tower; an exhaust gas supply port allowing the inside of an inlet side wind box space which is formed in the tower body between the front tower wall and the reaction chamber end part to communicate with the inside of an exhaust gas supply duct; and an exhaust gas discharge port allowing the inside of an outlet side wind box space which is formed in the tower body between the rear tower wall and the reaction chamber end part to communicate with the inside of an exhaust gas discharge duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: J-POWER EnTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuninori Furuyama, Masahiro Miya, Ryo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8647417
    Abstract: A vacuum insulation unit having at least one thermally insulating, evacuatable porous core material which is sealed in an airtight manner and a sorption medium, wherein the sorption medium containing at least one porous metal-organic framework comprising at least one at least bidentate organic compound coordinated to at least one metal ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Andrea Eisenhardt, Joerg Krogmann, Emi Leung, Ulrich Mueller, Christoph Kiener
  • Patent number: 8641810
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for loading and/or unloading a substance into or from a sorption media. A substance is presented at an edge of the sorption media, which comprises parallel layers of a sorption material. To load (i.e., via absorption and/or adsorption) the substance into the sorption media, heat is transferred away from the sorption media, a loading voltage is applied to the sorption media, and/or a pressure is increased relative to the sorption media. To unload the substance from the sorption media, heat is transferred into the sorption media, a voltage of an opposite polarity from the loading voltage is applied to the sorption media, and/or a pressure is decreased relative to the sorption media. In some embodiments, the sorption media includes surface structures that may load molecules of the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8641804
    Abstract: Systems and methods to condition air are disclosed. An example system includes a desiccant heat transfer device to supply conditioned air to a facility, an air intake to receive air to be conditioned via the desiccant heat transfer device, and a make-up exhaust to provide exhaust air from a heat dissipating device in the facility to provide heated air to reactivate the desiccant heat transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Ratnesh Kumar Sharma, Chih C. Shih, Thomas W. Christian, Cullen E. Bash
  • Patent number: 8641803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-assisted hydrogen desorption method and apparatus, and more particularly, to a method for desorbing hydrogen from a self-catalyzing hydrogen storage material that is assisted by a carrier gas so as to further enable the portion of hydrogen containing in the self-catalyzing hydrogen storage material that can not be desorbed by conventional hydrogen desorption methods to be desorbed, and thus increase the amount of hydrogen to be released from the a self-catalyzing hydrogen storage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy Research Atomic Energy Council, Executive Yuan
    Inventors: Huan-Hsiung Tseng, Cheng-Hsiang Tung, Ming-Sheng Yu
  • Patent number: 8636836
    Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for exchanging heat from a solid to a liquid. Some embodiments pertain to removing heat from a pressure vessel in which a gas absorption reaction is occurring. Yet other embodiments pertain to pressure vessels in which hydrogen is being absorbed into a metal hydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Issam Mudawar, Milan Visaria, Hui Zhang, Timothee Pourpoint