Patents Examined by Maribel Medina Sanabria
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Patent number: 6630006Abstract: A method is provided for performing array microcrystallizations to determine suitable crystallization conditions for a molecule, the method comprising: forming an array of microcrystallizations, each microcrystallization comprising a drop comprising a mother liquor solution whose composition varies within the array and a molecule to be crystallized, the drop having a volume of less than 1 microliter; storing the array of microcrystallizations under conditions suitable for molecule crystals to form in the drops in the array; and detecting molecule crystal formation in the drops by taking images of the drops.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Bernard D. Santarsiero, Raymond C. Stevens, Peter G. Schultz, Joseph M. Jaklevic, Derek T. Yegian, Earl W. Cornell, Robert A. Nordmeyer
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Patent number: 6620398Abstract: A method for the production of ammonia. The method includes the reduction of steam using a metal species such as iron or tin to form pure hydrogen gas and the reaction of hydrogen gas with nitrogen gas to form ammonia. The nitrogen gas can be formed by extracting the oxygen from air through the oxidation of a metal, yielding nitrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Alchemix CorporationInventors: J. Kelly Kindig, Robert R. Odle, Thomas E. Weyand, Boyd R. Davis
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Patent number: 6596249Abstract: The present invention relates to non-noble metal combustion catalyst for carbon monoxide comprising Cu—Al/Ce—Al complex oxides and aluminum oxide support. The catalysts comprise Ce—Al complex oxide and Cu—Al complex oxide successively loaded on the aluminum oxide support, wherein the loading weight ratio is 0.02-0.10 for Ce—Al—O/Al2O3 and 0.05-0.15 for Cu—Al—O/Al2O3, and the Cu—Al complex oxide is dispersed in cluster form on the surface of the aluminum oxide support pre-covered with high dispersed nanoparticles of the Ce—Al complex oxide. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for preparing the catalysts and their use as combustion promoter with high catalytic activity, high hydrothermal stability and ability of reducing NOx exhaust in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process of petroleum refining.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: Peking UniversityInventors: Bingxiong Lin, Wanjing Zhang, Yingjun Liu, Shijie Li, Neng Li
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Patent number: 6562309Abstract: A photocatalytic device for photocatalytically treating evaporative emissions comprises a substrate with a photocatalyst. A shell is disposed about the substrate, and can optionally comprises one or more sections of transparent material capable of being penetrated by an ultra violet light. Additionally, sealing agent can optionally be disposed between the shell and sections of transparent material to provide a gas tight seal.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David H. Burke, Thomas E. Archer, III
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Patent number: 6479026Abstract: The present invention provides a method of denitrating exhaust gas, which can control the NOx removal efficiency of exhaust gas at 90% or higher while suppressing the release of unreacted ammonia to 0.1 ppm or less. The method carries out denitration of exhaust gas for removing nitrogen oxides with catalytic reduction by introducing a nitrogen-oxide-containing gas into a catalyst-filled reaction chamber and adding ammonia as reducing agent in an excessive amount to the same chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Kozo Iida, Shigeru Nojima, Yoshiaki Obayashi, Atsushi Morii
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Patent number: 6471929Abstract: A photocatalyst having superior durability; a manufacturing method for the photocatalyst and a method and apparatus for decomposing a gas, where a film which is fullerene-based but different from the evaporated fullerene film is used. The photocatalyst has a fullerene polymer film layered on a substrate. There may be carried fine metal particles on the fullerene polymer film. These fine metal particles are carried by sputtering, evaporation or coating on the fullerene polymer film. The apparatus for decomposing the gas includes a light source and a fullerene polymer film. In effecting gas decomposition, the gas to be processed is contacted with the fullerene polymer film under light illumination.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Misao Kusunoki, Tomikazu Watanabe, Shigehide Yamamichi, Masafumi Ata, Shinichi Mizuno, Matthias Ramm
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Patent number: 6447741Abstract: A mesoporous aluminophosphate material includes a solid aluminophosphate composition modified with at least one element selected from zirconium, cerium, lanthanum, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and vanadium. This mesoporous aluminophosphate material has a specific surface area of at least 100 m2/g, an average pore size less than or equal to 100 Å, and a pore size distribution such that at least 50% of the pores have a pore diameter less than 100 Å. The material can be used as a support for a catalytic cracking catalyst. Additionally, a method for making such a mesoporous aluminophosphate material is disclosed. The method, which preferably avoids use of organic reagents or solvents, includes providing an aqueous solution containing an inorganic phosphorus component; an inorganic aluminum containing component; and an inorganic modifying component containing at least one element selected from zirconium, cerium, lanthanum, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and vanadium.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil CorporationInventors: Arthur W. Chester, Frederick E. Daugherty, Charles T. Kresge, Hye-Kyung C. Timken, James C. Vartuli
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Patent number: 6440385Abstract: A composite material comprising a mechanical mixture of aluminum oxide(s) and/or aluminum hydroxide(s) and aluminum (Al) metal, which when submerged in water, produces hydrogen gas at or near to neutral pH. The phenomenon has been demonstrated reproducibly. The evolution of hydrogen gas is dependent on several factors, namely, temperature, pH, proportion and particle size of ingredients and mixing conditions. The water split reaction proceeds for the mass ratio of Al to the oxide or hydroxide varying in the entire range up to the 99% of additive(s). The reaction proceeds in a pH range of water, 9>pH>4, and water temperature, from about 10° C. to 90° C.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: The University of British ColumbiaInventor: Asok C. D. Chaklader
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Patent number: 6440378Abstract: A noble metal composite colloid composed of a plurality of noble metals is constructed to be loaded on a porous oxide support. The noble metals are loaded in particles which are larger than the conventional grains in the atomic state. Thus, vapor pressure decreases and volatile components, such as PtO2, are suppressed from dislocation or diffusion. In addition, affinity of the noble metals with the support is improved, and are suppressed from moving on the support. Thus, nobel metal grain growth is suppressed, decreases in catalytic activity is minimized and durability is improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hirohito Hirata, Shinji Tsuji
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Patent number: 6423279Abstract: A compact endothermic catalytic reaction apparatus for converting hydrocarbon feedstock and methanol to useful gases, such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, comprising a tubular endothermic catalytic reactor, a radiant combustion chamber and an annular convection section. Thus tubular endothermic catalytic reactor receives radiant energy from a metal fiber burner that is disposed within the radiant combustion chamber. Combustion products from the radiant chamber enter an annular convection section wherein heat is transferred by forced convection to the tubular endothermic catalytic reactor. The combination of radiant and convective heat transfer results in a compact design of high thermal efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: Harvest Energy Technology, Inc.Inventor: David W. Warren
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Patent number: 6416731Abstract: Process for catalytic steam reforming of a carbonaceous feedstock with improved resistance to sulphur poisoning and sintering characterized by contacting the feedstock with a nickel catalyst supported on magnesium aluminum spinel, MgO·xAl2O3, wherein the spinel support has a specific surface area Asp[m2/g] higher than 400·exp(−Tc/400° C.) obtained by calcination at a temperature Tc[° C.].Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/SInventors: Jesper Dohrup, Claus J. H. Jacobsen, Christian Olsen
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Patent number: 6403045Abstract: A method for treating residues derived from garbage and/or industrial waste incineration fumes including the steps of desalting the residues by washing with sodium carbonate in sufficient amount or slightly in excess to solubilize all the salts including the sulphates and precipitate the soluble calcium, the pH being higher than 11, then carrying out a solid/liquid separation to obtain a desalinated cake; leaching the desalinated cake with sodium carbonate in sufficient amount or slightly in excess to obtain, by reaction with the lime present in the cake or added thereto if necessary, the alkalinity required for solubilising amphoteric metals, the pH being higher than 12, and obtaining by solid/liquid separation a cake and a supernatant which is neutralised with carbon dioxide, and filtering the recovered solution to obtain metal hydroxide sludge and an aqueous sodium carbonate solution; and neutralising the resulting residues at a pH between 6.5 and 8.5.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: FIBACInventors: Daniel Daviller, Laurent Rizet
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Patent number: 6403046Abstract: In many situations where the maximum NOx reduction capabilities of conventional SCR systems are not necessary, and alternative SNCR systems may not economically provide desired NOx reduction, a staged SCR/SNCR system is believed to be the most appropriate solution available. By means of the present invention, a system has been developed for delivering NOx reduction agents from a common urea feedstock, when it is appropriate to use combined NOx treatment stages (i.e. SNCR within the boiler followed by in-duct SCR and/or catalyzed air preheater elements). For the SNCR stage, the urea from the common feedstock is diluted prior to injection into the boiler and, for the SCR stage, the urea from the common feedstock is used to produce ammonia using hydrolysis. Urea solution which is not converted to ammonia in the hydrolyzer, is used for dilution of the solution being delivered to the SNCR system.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Hera, LLCInventor: Felix E. Spokoyny
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Patent number: 6395252Abstract: The present invention is a method for the continuous production of hydrogen. The present method comprises reacting a metal catalyst with a degassed aqueous organic acid solution within a reaction vessel under anaerobic conditions at a constant temperature of ≦80° C. and at a pH ranging from about 4 to about 9. The reaction forms a metal oxide when the metal catalyst reacts with the water component of the organic acid solution while generating hydrogen, then the organic acid solution reduces the metal oxide thereby regenerating the metal catalyst and producing water, thus permitting the oxidation and reduction to reoccur in a continual reaction cycle. The present method also allows the continuous production of hydrogen to be sustained by feeding the reaction with a continuous supply of degassed aqueous organic acid solution.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Ut-Battelle, LLCInventors: John Paul Getty, Mark T. Orr, Jonathan Woodward
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Patent number: 6395251Abstract: A steam-hydrocarbon reformer in which a portion of a reaction tube containing a center return tube extends within a furnace enclosure. The reaction tube receives fluid at a lower end portion disposed externally of the furnace enclosure and discharges fluid through a close coupled process fluid cooler also disposed externally of the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Inventor: Steven R. Cotting
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Patent number: 6383463Abstract: A process for the denitration of combustion exhaust gas from combustion equipment by passing the exhaust gas through an ammonia reduction denitrator, comprises providing a bypass having a low-temperature denitrator installed therein; while the temperature of the exhaust gas is not high enough to allow the ammonia reduction denitrator to function properly, as encountered immediately after starting the combustion equipment, passing the exhaust gas through the bypass to perform the denitration thereof by means of the low-temperature denitrator; when the ammonia reduction denitrator has come to function properly, closing the bypass to perform the denitration of the exhaust gas by means of the ammonia reduction denitrator; and regenerating a catalyst within said low-temperature denitrator while the by-pass is closed.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignees: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Osaka Gas Company LimitedInventors: Isao Mochida, Akinori Yasutake, Toshihiko Setoguchi, Norihisa Kobayashi, Hitoshi Nakamura, Takahiro Kasuh, Masaaki Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 6358486Abstract: Bimodal amporphous inorganic material that in a pore size distribution plot has distinct mesopore and micropore peaks. A process for producing a bimodal material or a material that contains essentially only mesopores involves heating an inorganic oxide in the presence of material that bonds to the inorganic oxide by hydrogen bonding.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: ABB Lummus Global Inc.Inventors: Zhiping Shan, Thomas Maschmeyer, Jacobus C. (Cornelis) Jansen
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Patent number: 6342194Abstract: A process for treating NF3 useful as a dry etching gas and cleaning gas in processes for producing LSI, TFT, and solar cell and in an electron photographic processes.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Central Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Takayuki Ishibashi, Shinsuke Nakagawa
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Patent number: 6338833Abstract: Process for the preparation of a hydrogen and/or carbon monoxide rich gas from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising partial oxidation of the feedstock with an oxidant supplied by permeation through a membrane and steam reforming of the feedstock in presence of a steam reforming catalyst being arranged on permeation side of the membrane, wherein steam reforming activity of catalyst is reduced at inlet region of the catalyst bed.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/SInventor: Kim Aasberg-Petersen
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Patent number: 6315977Abstract: A process for producing a production gas mixture comprising hydrogen, by thermocatalytic decomposition of an initial mixture which comprises at least one hydrocarbon, comprising the steps of: 1 feeding the initial mixture to a system comprising, in succession, at least a first reaction zone R1 and a second reaction zone R2, each of the reaction zones including a catalyst, comprising a concentration of a metal, which is capable on contact with the hydrocarbon of forming carbon nanotubes, wherein the zones R1 and R2: are separate within at least two different consecutive reactors or consecutive within the same reactor, and are subjected to at least one of an increasing temperature gradient and an increasing metal concentration gradient in the catalyst; 2 reacting the initial mixture in the first catalytic reaction zone R1 to form a first intermediate mixture comprising an enhanced H2 concentration compared to the initial mixture; 3 feeding the first intermediate mixture into the second catalytic reaction zType: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Serban Cantacuzene