Patents Examined by Jonas N. Strickland
  • Patent number: 7238639
    Abstract: An oxygen storage material based on cerium oxide with at least one other oxide of the metals silicon and zirconium, wherein the cerium oxide and the other oxides are present in the form of a mixed oxide. The material is obtainable in that hydroxidic precursors of the mixed oxide are first prepared in a manner known per se using a wet-chemical route, these precursors are optionally dried at temperatures between 80 and 300° C. and the dried precursors are then treated under a hydrogen-containing atmosphere at a temperature between 600 and 900° C. for a period of 1 to 10 hours. The reductive thermal treatment endows the material with a greatly improved dynamic behavior as compared with conventional calcination in air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Umicore AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lothar Mussmann, Dieter Lindner, Martin Votsmeier, Egbert Lox, Thomas Kreuzer
  • Patent number: 7045114
    Abstract: Reactors and processes are disclosed that can utilize high heat fluxes to obtain fast, steady-state reaction rates. Porous catalysts used in conjunction with microchannel reactors to obtain high rates of heat transfer are also disclosed. Reactors and processes that utilize short contact times, high heat flux and low pressure drop are described. Improved methods of steam reforming are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Anna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Yong Wang, Robert S. Wegeng, Yufei Gao
  • Patent number: 7033547
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treating an apparatus and a vehicle vehicles equipped with the apparatus, wherein a liquid-including substance having salt including oxygen acid radical of nitrogen is installed in an exhaust gas passage to treat exhaust gas having carbon-containing particles and nitrogen oxides for removal of these harmful components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Yataro Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 7026262
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and process for prolonging the residence time of catalyst in a chamber for regenerating catalyst. Spent catalyst, perhaps from an FCC reactor, is introduced into a chamber of a regeneration vessel between lower and higher combustion gas distributors. The velocity of gas from the lower distributor is insufficient to entrain catalyst from the bed, and gas from the higher distributor when combined with gas rising from the lower distributor is sufficient to generate a fast fluidized flow condition. The second distributor elevates the location of the transition from turbulent bed to fast fluidized conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Paolo Palmas, David A. Lomas
  • Patent number: 7022647
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating cermet materials and methods of utilizing the same such as in filtering particulate and gaseous pollutants from internal combustion engines having intermetallic and ceramic phases. The cermet material may be made from a transition metal aluminide phase and an aluminia phase. The mixture may be pressed to form a green compact body and then heated in a nitrogen-containing atmosphere so as to melt aluminum particles and form the cermet. Filler materials may be added to increase the porosity or tailor the catalytic properties of the cermet material. Additionally, the cermet material may be reinforced with fibers or screens. The cermet material may also be formed so as to pass an electrical current therethrough to heat the material during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventor: Peter C. Kong
  • Patent number: 7018783
    Abstract: In order to form three or more steps on a substrate with high precision, a first mask is formed to an area on the substrate corresponding with every other step, and also etching is performed on the area of the substrate to which the first mask is not formed, a second mask is formed to an area on the substrate to which the first mask has not been formed, and also etching is performed on the area on the substrate to which the first and the second masks are not formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Iwasaki, Ichiro Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7018948
    Abstract: A process of activating a fresh catalyst or regenerating a deactivated catalyst which is used in a hydro-oxidation process, preferably, the hydro-oxidation of an olefin in the presence of oxygen and hydrogen to an olefin oxide. The hydro-oxidation catalyst preferably comprises at least one metal selected from gold, silver, the platinum group metals, the lanthanide metals, and combinations thereof, incorporated onto a titanium- , vanadium- , or zirconium-containing support, more preferably, a titanium-containing support, such as titanium oxide or a titanosilicate. The activation or regeneration process involves contacting the fresh catalyst or the deactivated catalyst with ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Deborah H. Parker, Robert G. Bowman, Howard W. Clark, George E. Hartwell, Alex Kuperman
  • Patent number: 7018604
    Abstract: The present invention provides new compounds for use in proton exchange membranes which are able to operate in a wide variety of temperature ranges, including in the intermediate temperature range of about 100° C. to 700° C., and new and improved methods of making these compounds. The present invention also provides new and improved methods for making chalcogenide compounds, including, but not limited to, non-protonated sulfide, selenide and telluride compounds. In one embodiment, the proton conductivity of the compounds is between about 10?8 S/cm and 10?1 S/cm within a temperature range of between about ?50 and 500° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation Inc
    Inventors: Steven A. Poling, Steve W. Martin, Jacob T. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7014825
    Abstract: Perovskite-type catalyst consists essentially of a metal oxide composition and methods of using them are provided. The metal oxide composition is represented by the general formula Aa?xBxMOb, in which A is a mixture of elements originally in the form of single phase mixed lanthanides collected from bastnasite; B is a divalent or monovalent cation; M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements of an atomic number of from 23 to 30, 40 to 51, and 73 to 80; a is 1 or 2; b is 3 when a is 1 or b is 4 when a is 2; and x is a number defined by 0?x<0.5. Methods of making and using the perovskite-type catalysts are also provided. The perovskite-type catalyst may be used to reduce nitrogen oxides, oxidize carbon monoxide, and oxidize hydrocarbons in an exhaust stream from a motor vehicle. Methods of such a use are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Catalytic Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Golden
  • Patent number: 7011809
    Abstract: A ?-alumina catalyst support having improved attrition resistance produced by a method comprising the steps of treating a particulate ?-alumina material with an acidic aqueous solution comprising water and nitric acid and then, prior to adding any catalytic material thereto, calcining the treated ?-alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Sasol Technology (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Alan H. Singleton, Rachid Oukaci, James G. Goodwin
  • Patent number: 7008608
    Abstract: Provided is a lithium-cobalt-manganese oxide having the formula Li[CoxLi(1/3?x/3)Mn(2/3?2x/3)]O2(0.05<X<0.9) which provide a stable structure and a superior discharge capacity, and the method of synthesizing of the same. The method of synthesizing the oxides according to the present invention comprises: preparing an aqueous solution of lithium salt, cobalt salt, and manganese salt; forming a gel by burning the aqueous solution; making oxide powder by burning the gel; forming a fine oxide powder having a layered structure by the twice of treatments. The lithium-cobalt-manganese oxide synthesized according to the present invention has a stable and superior electrochemical characteristic. The oxide is synthesized by simple and low cost heat treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Yong Joon Park, Young Sik Hong, Xianglan Wu, Kwang Man Kim, Young Gi Lee, Kwang Sun Ryu, Soon Ho Chang
  • Patent number: 6991771
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing SO2, NO, and NO2 from a gas stream having the steps of oxidizing a portion of the NO in the flue gas stream to NO2, scrubbing the SO2, NO, and NO2 with an ammonia scrubbing solution, and removing any ammonia aerosols generated by the scrubbing in a wet electrostatic precipitator. The process can also remove Hg by oxidizing it to HgO and removing it in the wet electrostatic precipitator. Ammonium sulfate, a valuable fertilizer, can be withdrawn from the scrubbing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Powerspan Corp.
    Inventors: Joanna L. Duncan, Christopher R. McLarnon, Francis R. Alix
  • Patent number: 6989343
    Abstract: A granular photocatalytic material in the form of pellets or tablet is produced by compressing a photocatalyst mixture containing photocatalytic particles and a filler in air, a vacuum, or an inert gas at a temperature of 0 to 200° C., a pressure of 500 to 6000 kg/cm2, and a pressing time of 0.01 to 60 seconds. An alkali slurry is applied on the surface of the granular photocatalytic material. A method of restoring a function of granular photocatalytic material comprises washing the surface of the granular photocatalytic material with the slurry or an alkali solution of sodium hydroxide An apparatus for decomposing and removing toxic organic matter comprises a means of bringing the granular photocatalytic material into contact with the toxic organic matter in a liquid or air, and a means of irradiating the granular photocatalytic material with light having a wavelength of 400 nm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Osawa, Yoichi Nagasaki, Jun Yamamoto, Kunimasa Muroi
  • Patent number: 6987078
    Abstract: A process for the regeneration of a deactivated zeolite beta catalyst such as rare earth promoted zeolite beta catalyst deactivated in the course of an aromatic alkylation reaction. A zeolite beta conversion catalyst deactivated with the deposition of coke is heated to a temperature in excess of 300° C. in an oxygen-free environment. An oxidative regeneration gas is supplied to the catalyst bed with oxidation of a portion of a relatively porous coke component to produce an exotherm moving through the catalyst bed. At least one of the temperature and oxygen content of the gas is progressively increased to oxidize a porous component of the coke. Regeneration gas is supplied having at least one of an increased oxygen content or increased temperature to oxidize a less porous refractory component of the coke. The regeneration process is completed by passing an inert gas through the catalyst bed at a reduced temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Kelly, James R. Butler
  • Patent number: 6982235
    Abstract: A process for regenerating a solid catalyst which has been used for producing propylene oxide through an epoxidation reaction of propylene with an organic peroxide in a reactor packed with the solid catalyst, which comprises allowing a liquid to flow through the catalyst packed in the reactor at a temperature not lower than the maximum reaction temperature of the epoxidation reaction. According to the present invention, a catalyst can be regenerated with extremely high efficiency without taking the catalyst to be regenerated out of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Junpei Tsuji, Toshikazu Ohmae
  • Patent number: 6974564
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream. The method is characterized in that at a temperature above 170° C. the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent that as the active component is comprised of a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds. According to a preference, the sorbent is kaolin, that may or may not be in the dehydrated form of meta-kaolin and is optionally obtained by thermal conversion of a material chosen from paper waste or residue from the paper industry. By this method it is possible to remove mercury at temperatures higher than room temperature. The invention also relates to a method for the removal of mercury from a gas stream, wherein the gas stream is contacted with a sorbent at a temperature above 50° C., which sorbent comprises as active substance a mixture of substantially silica-alumina compounds and/or calcium compounds, as well as with an oxidator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: CDEM Holland B.V.
    Inventors: Joseph Jan Biermann, Nicolaas Voogt
  • Patent number: 6962681
    Abstract: Systems and apparatus for increasing combustion efficiency during combustion of a carbon-containing fuel such as a fossil fuel. The systems and apparatus utilize catalytically reactive particles within a reaction chamber, typically silica or alumina, that interact with waste exhaust gases produced during combustion of the fuel in order to produce a degrading atmosphere of hydroxy radicals or other reactive species. The degrading atmosphere apparently migrates to the source of combustion and increases the efficiency of combustion as evidenced by the reduction or elimination of soot and other pollutants normally produced. Typically, the reaction chamber is maintained at a temperature in a range from about 30° C. to about 600° C. Moisture is provided by the waste exhaust gases in order to catalyze formation of hydroxyl radicals by the catalytically reactive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Maganas Oh Radicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Maganas, Alan L. Harrington
  • Patent number: 6960329
    Abstract: A method of removing mercury from flue gas containing mercury and particulate solids emanating from a fossil-fuel energy conversion plant and passing through a flue gas duct. The method includes (a) contacting the mercury in the flue gas with a solution containing at least one chloride-containing salt dissolved in a solvent by injecting the solution into the flue gas duct at an injection location, in order to oxidize mercury into HgCl2, (b) heating the solution prior to or after step (a) to at least about 300° C., and (c) removing oxidized mercury from the flue gas with a device for removing particulate solids from the flue gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Kumar Muthusami Sellakumar
  • Patent number: 6960701
    Abstract: A process for the destruction of vesicants, nerve agents, and related chemical compounds is described. Blister-type chemical agents such as lewisite and mustards, as well as G or V Class nerve agents and phosphorus-containing pesticides, are reacted with a neutralent solution of a persulfate, preferably potassium peroxymonosulfate, and a peroxide, preferably hydrogen peroxide, at temperatures ranging from ambient to boiling for a time sufficient to reduce the residual agent concentration to levels acceptable for disposal in a routine manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: EAI Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin M. Morrissey
  • Patent number: 6960335
    Abstract: Nanostructured and layered lithium manganese oxide powders and methods of producing same. The powders are represented by the chemical formula, LixMn1-yMyO2, where 0.5<x<1.33, 0?y?0.5 and have an average primary particle diameter from 5 nm to 300 nm, preferably between 5 and 100 nm, and M is at least one cation dopant. The powders can be formed into active cathode materials in Li-ion and Li rechargeable batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Nanopowder Enterprises Inc
    Inventors: Amit Singhal, Ganesh Skandan