Patents Examined by Gary P. Straub
  • Patent number: 5994611
    Abstract: The disclosure describes plastic formed products comprising:one selected from the group consisting of a thermoplastic resin and a thermosetting resin; and0.1 to 10 wt % of at least one selected from the group consisting of ferric oxide hydroxide particles, hematite particles, magnetite particles and maghemite particles;wherein (1) the average major axial diameter or the plate diameter of said ferric oxide hydroxide particles is 0.02 or 2.0 .mu.m and the average aspect ratio or the plate ratio thereof is 2 to 20, (2) the average particle size of said hematite particles, magnetite particles and maghemite particles is 0.01 to 1.0, the BET specific surface area thereof is 1 to 120 m.sup.2 /g and the water content on the surfaces thereof is not less than 0.02 wt %/m.sup.2 /g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Toda Kogyo Corporation
    Inventors: Masaharu Nishihara, Masaaki Nishikawa, Suminori Tanaka, Nanao Horiishi, Satoru Saito, Naruo Yokoyama, Kazuyuki Hayashi, Masayuki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5994610
    Abstract: A method of preventing thermite reactions during the high temperature incineration (slag temperature greater than 1200.degree. C.) of waste material streams containing aluminum and iron (steel) by mixing a low melting SiO.sub.2 containing material such as water glass or a mixture of sand with NaHCO.sub.3 or Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3 with the waste material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Inna G. Talmy, James A. Zaykoski, Curtis A. Martin, Jon W. Cofield
  • Patent number: 5993505
    Abstract: A controlled release fertiliser composition is provided having a fertiliser compound in a granular core with a coating applied on the core material. The fertiliser composition is structured to enable a cumulative release of fertiliser compound of less than 10% of the total weight of the fertiliser compound in the granular core within 30 days after exposure of the fertiliser composition to moisture and the coating consists of a single layer of a uniform, substantially continuous polymer film which is present on at least 90% of the granular core material A process is also provided for producing the fertiliser composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Edze Jan Tijsma, Johannes Gijsbertus Antonius Terlingen, Seija Helena Aalto, Hendrikus Gijsbertus Adrianus van Kaathoven
  • Patent number: 5989513
    Abstract: A process for biologically enhancing an iron-based redox process for catalytic oxidation of a sulfide compound such as hydrogen sulfide from a gas in a redox system wherein said catalyst comprises a ferric compound and at least one organic chelant capable of holding ferric and ferrous ions in solution at processing temperatures and conditions suitable for generation and retrieval of elemental sulfur, comprising the steps of oxidation of a sulfide compound by a gas with a redox system comprising ferric ions, removal of elemental sulfur from said system, and reoxidation of ferrous ions in the redox system in the presence of a culture of bacteria comprising Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and leptospirillium ferrooxidans at a pH at least as high as about 7.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Gas Research Institute
    Inventor: Charanjit Rai
  • Patent number: 5990373
    Abstract: Methods for adsorbing toxic target chemical compounds such as HCN, P(O)(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.3)(CN)(N(CH.sub.3).sub.2), ClCN, (CF.sub.3).sub.2 C.dbd.CF.sub.2, Zn(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3).sub.2, Hg(CH.sub.3).sub.2, Fe(CO).sub.5, (P)(O)(CH.sub.3)(F)[OCH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 ], S(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 Cl).sub.2, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 C(O)CH.sub.2 Cl, C(O)Cl.sub.2, C.sub.6 Cl.sub.5 OH, C.sub.6 H.sub.3 (OH)(NO.sub.2).sub.3, C.sub.6 H.sub.5 (Br)(CN), C.sub.6 H.sub.5 CH.sub.2 CN and (CF.sub.3)C.dbd.CF.sub.2 are provided wherein such compounds (either as gases, liquids or solids) are contacted with nanoscale oxide adsorbents, such as MgO and CaO, preferably at a temperature in the range of -70 to 90.degree. C. and at atmospheric pressure. The preferred adsorbents have an average particle size of from about 1-20 nm, and have a total pore volume of at least about 0.5 cc/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Kansas State University Research Foundation
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Klabunde
  • Patent number: 5989507
    Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising at least one first support, at least one first precious metal component, at least one second support, and at least one second precious metal component. The total amount of the first precious metal component comprises from 1 to 99 weight percent based on the total of the first and second precious metal components. The average particle size of the second support is greater than the average particle size of the first support. The present invention includes a method to prepare the catalyst composition and a method to use the catalyst composition as a three-way catalyst. The composition results in a coated layer from a slurry where the more supported first precious metal component is in the bottom half and more supported second precious metal component is in the top half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Engelhard Corporation
    Inventors: Shiang Sung, Rudolf M. Smaling
  • Patent number: 5989515
    Abstract: A process for producing a stable acidic aqueous alumina sol containing 50 to 300 nm of elongate secondary particles which are elongated in only one plane and formed by edge-to-edge coagulation of rectangular plate-like primary particles having a length of one side of 10 to 30 nm when observed through an electron microscope, the process comprises the steps of:(A) adding an alkali to an aqueous alumina sol containing fibrous colloidal particles of an amorphous alumina hydrate to produce a reaction mixture having a pH of 9 to 12,(B) subjecting the reaction mixture obtained in the step (A) to a hydrothermal treatment at a temperature of 110 to 250.degree. C. to produce an aqueous suspension containing an alumina hydrate having a boehmite structure, and(C) desalting the aqueous suspension obtained in the step (B) by adding water and an acid by ultrafiltration to form an acidic aqueous alumina sol having a pH of 3 to 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitane Watanabe, Yoshiyuki Kashima, Kiyomi Ema
  • Patent number: 5989514
    Abstract: The stoichiometry and/or crystal structure of vanadium oxide particles are altered by heating initial particles of vanadium oxide under mild conditions. The temperature is generally at least about 300.degree. C. less than the melting point of both the initial vanadium oxide particle and the product vanadium oxide particles. Preferred initial particles are vanadium oxide nanoparticles. The heating can be performed under an oxidizing atmosphere or an inert atmosphere, depending on the particular initial particles and the desired product particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: NanoGram Corporation
    Inventors: Xiangxin Bi, James T. Gardner, Sujeet Kumar, Nobuyuki Kambe
  • Patent number: 5986160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of destroying hazardous vapor phase or aqueous phase organic compound(s) by providing a polymeric siloxane based solvent in a vessel and adding the hazardous organic compound(s) and ozone to the solvent. The solvent may also comprise a mixture of polymeric siloxane based solvent and fluorinated hydrocarbon solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventors: Dibakar Bhattacharyya, Susan Mawhinney
  • Patent number: 5984993
    Abstract: A method and composition are provided for controlling odor from waste products. The composition comprises a combination of chlorite salt and nitrate salt. The method includes the step of contacting the waste products or their surrounding airspace with the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Vulcan Materials Company
    Inventors: Eric L. Mainz, David B. Griffith
  • Patent number: 5985236
    Abstract: A novel isomer of ammonium octamolybdate ("AOM") and method for producing the same. A new AOM isomer ("X-AOM") is described which is characterized by a distinctive Raman spectral profile compared with other AOM isomers including .alpha. and .beta.-AOM. To produce the novel isomer, ammonium dimolybdate ("ADM") is combined with molybdenum trioxide (MoO.sub.3) and water to yield a mixture. When mixing these materials, optimum results are achieved if at least one of the foregoing molybdenum-containing reagents is added in a gradual, non-instantaneous manner so that the selected reagent is not added to the mixture in a single large mass. This gradual delivery procedure, along with a carefully controlled prolonged heating stage (e.g. in excess of 3 hours) contributes to a maximum yield of high purity X-AOM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Cyprus Amax Minerals Company
    Inventors: Mohamed H. Khan, James A. Cole, Timothy G. Bruhl, Wendell S. Elder, Gary A. Glasgow, Vijaykumar M. Wagh
  • Patent number: 5984994
    Abstract: Sealant compositions for sulfur coated fertilizer particles are mixtures of wax materials and additives which provide improved moisture barrier properties and abrasion resistance. The sealants have penetration values measured by ASTM D-1321 of at least 20 at 25.degree. C., and congealing points measured by ASTM D-938 of between about 50.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C. The sealed fertilizer particles are conditioned with particulate materials with a surface area of at least about 2 m.sup.2 /g and an oil absorption of at least about 100%. A method for the production of abrasion resistant sulfur coated fertilizers is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Alice P. Hudson
  • Patent number: 5985222
    Abstract: Gas-phase methods and systems for reducing NOx emissions and other contaminants in exhaust gases, and industrial processes using the same, are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, hydrocarbon(s) autoignite and autothermally heat an exhaust gas from an industrial process so that NH.sub.3, HNCO or a combination thereof are effective for selectively reducing NOx autocatalytically. Preferably, the reduction of NOx is initiated/driven by the autoignition of hydrocarbon(s) in the exhaust gas. Within the temperature range of about 900-1600.degree. F., the introduced hydrocarbon(s) autoignite spontaneously under fuel-lean conditions of about 2-18% O.sub.2 in the exhaust gas. Once ignited, the reactions proceed autocatalytically, heating the exhaust gas autothermally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: NoxTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Sudduth, Ralph J. Slone, Vishwesh Palekar, Madhu Ramavajjala
  • Patent number: 5986161
    Abstract: Hazardous compounds are chemically treated to remove various pollutants by subjecting the compounds (samples) to various process steps, including selecting specific solvents and using them, treating the sample at room temperature or below (30.degree. C. or lower); separating fatty acids mixed with heavy metal and semi-metal compounds as well as the separation of organic substances (including halogenated compounds) added to heavy metals and semi-metals; and using sodium nitrite and sodium 1-naphthylamine-4-sulfonate in combination from specific solvents, thereby in the sample, adsorbing and fixating halogen substances related to air pollution, coagulation resulting from the decomposition of fatty acids and the fixation of such compounds by quicklime and graphite and the stable fixation of heavy-metal oxide and semi-metal compounds using solvents having redox action and the formation of their complex salts and compounds, the above being accomplished by a continuous processing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventors: Yukoh Akae, Kazuo Kote
  • Patent number: 5985229
    Abstract: A solid silica derivative which is represented by the general formula H.sub.n SiO.sub.(4-n)/2 wherein n is a real number larger than 0 but smaller than 2 and which contains Si--H bond, said solid silica derivative being able to be easily produced in a high yield by subjecting to hydrolysis-condensation an alkoxysilane represented by the mean general formula H.sub.n --Si(OR.sup.0).sub.4-n in which R.sup.0 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, plural R.sup.0 groups may be the same as or different from one another and n is a real number greater than 0 but smaller than 2, using water in an amount of (4-n)/2 moles or more per mole of the alkoxysilane at a pH of 10.5 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Toagosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Yamada, Katsuyoshi Harada
  • Patent number: 5985223
    Abstract: A process for the removal of a high percentage of NOx and SOx from the gaseous effluent of a metal pickling operation comprising passing the effluent through an aqueous scrubber, treating the gaseous effluent from the scrubber with ozone, passing the effluent from the ozone treatment through a second aqueous scrubber thereby removing at least 80 vol % of the NOx and SOx present in the original effluent. The scrubbing solutions in both of the scrubbers preferably have a pH of from 7 to 14, more preferably 10 to 14. The scrubbing solutions in both scrubbers are caustic solutions containing sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide. The NOx and SOx in the scrubbers are converted into nitrate salts and sulfate salts, which are removed from the scrubbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: The Boc Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Neeraj Saxena, Robert Francis Workosky, Mark H. Anderson, Shuen-Cheng Hwang
  • Patent number: 5985227
    Abstract: A process is provided for removing sulfur compounds, such as carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide, mercaptans and hydrogen sulfide out of a gas, such as methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen and methane, by saturating the sulfur compound contaminated gas with steam; hydrolyzing any carbonyl sulfide, carbon disulfide and mercaptans in the gas stream into hydrogen sulfide by contacting the steam and sulfur compound contaminated gas with a catalyst containing an inorganic support uniformly impregnated with a mixture of at least one oxide selected from Group VI transition metals and at least two oxides selected from Groups I, II, VI and VIII transition metals at a temperature of about 20.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C.; oxidizing the hydrogen sulfide in the gas exiting the previous hydrolysis step by contacting the hydrogen sulfide containing gas together with at least a stoichiometric quantity of air and/or oxygen with the catalyst at a temperature of about 15.degree. C. to about 50.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Otto Immel, Harald Muller
  • Patent number: 5985231
    Abstract: A process is provided for the catalytic conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide by feeding a gaseous flow containing carbon monoxide and water droplets into a reactor containing a catalyst and reacting the carbon monoxide with steam in the reactor to obtain carbon dioxide. The flow rate of the gaseous flow containing carbon monoxide and water droplets is accelerated upstream of the catalyst via passage through a venturi-type element so that the water droplets are split into smaller water droplets which either migrate toward the center of the gaseous flow or become evaporated into steam, thereby minimizing pressure drops across the catalyst and minimizing damage to the catalyst due to the impact of the water droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ammonia Casale S.A.
    Inventors: Ermanno Filippi, Gianfranco Bedetti
  • Patent number: 5980855
    Abstract: A method for lithiating a metal compound with lithium metal in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the lithiated metal compound is useful as a cathode in an electrochemical battery, is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Rentech, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale R. Shackle, Benjamin Chaloner-Gill
  • Patent number: 5979470
    Abstract: A method for on-line cleaning of sulfur deposits collected in the absorber column in a Stretford-type process by washing the sulfur deposits with hot caustic solutions while H.sub.2 S is removed from sour gas in the absorber column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Charles Arnold Herich