Patents Examined by Robert H. Spitzer
  • Patent number: 7018442
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for regenerating a NOx adsorber coupled with an exhaust of an engine. An actuator drives a throttle valve to a first position when regeneration of the NOx adsorber is desired. The first position is a position that causes the regeneration of the NOx adsorber. An actuator drives the throttle valve to a second position while regeneration of the NOx adsorber is still desired. The second position being a position that is more open than the first position and operable to regenerate a NOx adsorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: J. Joshua Driscoll, Dennis L. Endicott, Stephen A. Faulkner, Maarten Verkiel
  • Patent number: 7018448
    Abstract: A gas cabinet assembly for dispensing of gas to a process facility such as a semiconductor manufacturing tool. A purge gas dry scrubber is integrated with the gas flow circuitry and a venturi pump in the gas cabinet. Purge gas is flowed through the flow circuitry in the gas cabinet subsequent to on-stream dispensing of process gas through such flow circuitry, and forms a purge effluent including the residual process gas. The purge effluent is flowed through a dry scrubber unit to sorptively remove the process gas species from the purge effluent. The resultant process gas-depleted purge effluent is vented from the gas cabinet, e.g., into the ducting of the house exhaust system of the process facility. Monitoring of the relative depletion of the dry scrubbing medium in the dry scrubber may be carried out with endpoint detection, e.g., using colorimetric change techniques, toxic gas monitor devices, or PLC/CPU arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Wodjenski, Jose I. Arno
  • Patent number: 7018447
    Abstract: A method of cleaning the adsorbent media of a rotary concentrator in-situ while maintaining operation of the concentrator, including directing washing liquid into the sectors in the desorb plenum, then rotating the sectors one full revolution plus at least one sector into the desorb plenum to bring a second sector into the desorb plenum, washing the second sector and repeating the cycle until all of the adsorbent media is washed. The method may also include directing washing liquid into sectors not located in the desorb plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dürr Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald McAnespie
  • Patent number: 7014681
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing flexible and porous adsorbents based on oxidic and/or non-oxidic ceramic material containing carbon. The inventive method is characterized by the following steps: (a) producing a flat base matrix whose constituents are held together essentially by hydrogen bridge bonds, on a machine suited for producing paper; (b) applying and/or impregnating the surface of the base matrix, on one or both sides, with polymeric addition agents; (c) treating the base matrix under pyrolysis conditions at an increased temperature in an atmosphere containing essentially no oxygen. The invention also relates to membranes that can be produced according to the aforementioned method, to flexible material that can be produced by using these membranes, and to their use for separating and purifying fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Blue Membranes GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Noack, Jurgen Kunstmann, Gerald Frank, Christian Gnabs, Norman Bischofberger, Andreas Bán
  • Patent number: 7014680
    Abstract: A DDR type zeolite membrane formed on a substrate includes silica as a main component. The DDR type zeolite membrane separates at least one type of a gas component from a mixed gas containing at least two types of gases selected from a group consisting of carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), methane (CH4), normal butane (n-C4H10), isobutane (i-C4H10), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), ethane (C2H6), ethylene (C2H4), propane (C3H8), propylene (C3H6), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen monoxide (NO). Each single gas permeance at room temperature and 100° C. are different, respectively, in order to separate at least one selected gas component from the mixed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Nakayama, Kenji Suzuki, Manabu Yoshida, Kenji Yajima, Toshihiro Tomita
  • Patent number: 7014689
    Abstract: The invention relates to bodies for separating out a component contained in a gas mixture. The gas mixtures may, for example, be crude gases which contain hydrocarbons, such as natural gas, or exhaust gas. According to the object which is set, the bodies according to the invention are intended to be able to separate components out of gas mixtures over longer periods of time with an approximately constant performance. The body according to the invention has regions which are active in the separation and are formed from a porous shell. These bodies which have a porous shell can be used in a device, and at least one bed formed from a bulk mass of these bodies may be present within a vessel, with the gas mixture being passed through this bed in order for the undesired component to be separated out. The invention is particularly advantageously suited to separating sulfur compounds out of gas mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: IPC Process Center GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Constant Van Lookeren, Manfred Nebelung, Hagen Klemm
  • Patent number: 7014679
    Abstract: A process for removing oxygen from a copper plating solution is provided. The solution is passed through a degasser comprising a shell and hollow hydrophobic fiber porous membranes wherein the shell while a vacuum is drawn on the surfaces of the fibers opposite the fiber surfaces contacted by the solution. Gas passed through the fiber walls while liquid is prevented from infiltrating the fiber pores. The composition of the solution is monitored so that the composition can be retained substantially constant by adding components of the solution as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: Bipin Parekh, Saksatha Ly, Qunwei Wu
  • Patent number: 7014683
    Abstract: A method for the regeneration of humidity-laden drying cartridges includes heating to 220 to 300° C. and introducing it into a drying cartridge for regeneration. Subsequent cooling of the drying cartridge is achieved by a partial stream of air diverted from the dried process air. An arrangement suitable for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Wittmann Robot Systeme GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Vierling
  • Patent number: 7014690
    Abstract: An expandable desiccant element for removal of moisture from an air stream. Such expandable desiccant element includes at least one first expandable containment section capable of expanding a first predetermined amount, at least one second expandable containment section capable of expanding a second predetermined amount which is greater than the first predetermined amount connected to the first expandable containment section. Such at least one first expandable containment section and at least one second expandable containment section forming a predetermined shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew D. Mitsch, Brian L. Cunkelman
  • Patent number: 7014692
    Abstract: A scrubber for eliminating NO from air flowing through the scrubber, comprising a housing (1) having at least one inlet hole (2) and an outlet hole (4) and which is comprising filtering material (6). A second outlet hole (9) is provided in the housing (1) at a position situated at a distance from the first outlet hole (4) and any inlet hole (2) so that the air leaving the second outlet hole (9) will have flown at least through a depth of the filtering material (6) substantially corresponding to the depth of the filtering material (6) for the air flowing from the inlet hole (2) to the first outlet hole (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Aerocrine AB
    Inventors: Mikael Nilsson, Tryggve Hemmingsson
  • Patent number: 7011693
    Abstract: A PSA unit for purifying hydrogen in a fuel processor system. The PSA unit employs rotary valves that cycle the pressurization of vessels, including an adsorbent, between a high pressure state and a low pressure state. The purified hydrogen is released from the vessels through a purified gas output port when the vessels are in the high pressure state and the impurities are released through an exhaust port when the vessels are in the low pressure state. The PSA unit also employs a mass flow control device and a pressure sensor in the purified gas output port. A controller receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, and controls the flow through the mass flow control device and the speed of the rotary valves so that the proper pressure is maintained at the hydrogen output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kiran Mallavarapu, John B Ruhl, Craig S. Gittleman
  • Patent number: 7011695
    Abstract: Zeolite adsorbent, and method of production, exchanged with calcium and barium cations, for purifying or separating a gas or gas mixture, in particular air, so as to remove therefrom the impurities found therein, such as hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides (NxOy). The adsorbent is preferably an X or LSX zeolite and the gas purification process is of the TSA type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Serge Moreau, Elise Renou, Claire Szulman
  • Patent number: 7011694
    Abstract: Novel compositions suitable for fabrication of CO2-selective membranes are disclosed. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to compositions comprising polyimide/polyamine blends and copolymers, and to compositions comprising interfacially polymerized polyamides. In another aspect this invention is directed to novel CO2-selective membranes comprising such polyimide/polyamine blends and copolymers, and to novel CO2-selective membranes comprising interfacially polymerized polyamides. In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a novel water-gas-shift (WGS) reactor comprising the novel CO2-selective membranes. Advantageously, the use of the novel CO2-selective membrane allows alteration of the normal WGS reaction equilibrium, shifting the reaction towards production of H2. Carbon dioxide on the high pressure, feed gas side of the membrane reactor reacts with the novel membranes of the present invention at the interface between the feed gas and the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation
    Inventor: W. S. Winston Ho
  • Patent number: 7008470
    Abstract: A canister, for inhibiting a diffusion phenomenon in an adsorbent layer as much as possible and certainly adsorbing fed evaporated fuel to inhibit blow-by of the evaporated fuel into the atmosphere, is constituted by filling a first adsorbent layer of the canister with activated carbon A having a large evaporated fuel adsorption and a weak holding power, and filling a second and a third adsorbent layers with activated carbon B having an intermediate evaporated fuel adsorption and a weak holding power and therefore having characteristics that the residual amount of the low boiling point components in the evaporated fuel after purge is small, whereby after the high temperature standing of the canister, the discharge of the evaporated fuel into the atmosphere can be inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Makino, Ryuji Kosugi, Tomonari Toki
  • Patent number: 7008464
    Abstract: A system for removing moisture from a wet gas stream including a vessel having a contact area containing deliquescing salts that produces brine as water is absorbed, the brine flowing to a collection area in the bottom of the vessel. A venturi positioned in a wet gas inlet stream produces an area of reduced pressure that is applied to a brine flow path connected to the brine collection area. In this way, the brine is recirculated into intimate contact with the wet gas inlet stream causing the brine to be diluted with water extracted from the wet gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: National Tank Company
    Inventor: Jack A. Deetz
  • Patent number: 7008471
    Abstract: A canister is connected to a fuel tank to adsorb fuel vapor vaporized in the fuel tank and includes a canister housing and a canister main body, which is received in the canister housing and communicates with the fuel tank at one end. The canister housing includes an atmospheric port and a filter chamber, and the filter chamber receives a filter and communicates between the other end of the canister main body and the atmospheric port, which in turn communicates with the atmosphere. The filter includes an active carbon part, an atmosphere-side unwoven fabric and a tank-side unwoven fabric. The active carbon part includes active carbon granules, which adsorb fuel vapor vaporized in the fuel tank. The atmosphere-side unwoven fabric and the tank-side unwoven fabric sandwich the active carbon part therebetween in a flow direction of air, which passes through the active carbon part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Nippon Soken, Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Koyama, Hideaki Itakura
  • Patent number: 7005001
    Abstract: A fuel vapor storage canister is provided. The canister includes a vapor storage chamber of variable volume, a partition, vapor adsorbing material, and a volume compensator. The partition is movable within the canister and partially defines the vapor storage chamber. The vapor adsorbing material is located in the vapor storage chamber. The volume compensator includes a spring having at least three legs that are deflected by and exert pressure against the movable partition to control the volume of the vapor storage chamber. In one embodiment, the legs of the spring may be evenly spaced to exert a balanced pressure. The spring may include two pairs of opposing legs, where the spring rate between the pairs of legs may vary. The spring may be comprised of two angularly offset band springs and may be formed from a unitary member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Dayco Products, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Allen, James T. Dumas, Donald L. Gepper
  • Patent number: 7001446
    Abstract: This invention provides hydrogen-permeable membranes for separation of hydrogen from hydrogen-containing gases. The membranes are multi-layer having a central hydrogen-permeable layer with one or more catalyst layers, barrier layers, and/or protective layers. The invention also relates to membrane reactors employing the hydrogen-permeable membranes of the invention and to methods for separation of hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing gas using the membranes and reactors. The reactors of this invention can be combined with additional reactor systems for direct use of the separated hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Eltron Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane E. Roark, Richard MacKay, Michael V. Mundschau
  • Patent number: 7001445
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for cleaning ambient air of a vehicular adsorption unit (8). The vehicle includes a combustion engine (1) and a passenger ventilation system (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11). Adsorption takes place whether the engine (1) is running or not. During adsorption, a fan (11) forces ambient air from an inlet (6) to the ventilation system in a first direction, through an adsorption unit (8), and out of an outlet (10). To desorb when the engine is running, air is supplied to a heater (13). Heated air passes through the adsorption unit (8) to release pollutants and regenerate the unit. Pollutant-containing air passes through a second heater (4,16) and then through the first heater (13) to heat the ambient air. Finally, polluted air is drawn from the heat exchanger (13) to an intake conduit (3) of the engine (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Petersson, Jan Ke Karlsson
  • Patent number: 6997971
    Abstract: A cross-linked, supported polybenzimidazole membrane for gas separation is prepared by reacting polybenzimidazole (PBI) with the sulfone-containing crosslinking agent 3,4-dichloro-tetrahydro-thiophene-1,1-dioxide. The cross-linked reaction product exhibits enhanced gas permeability to hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane as compared to the unmodified analog, without significant loss of selectivity, at temperatures from about 20 degrees Celsius to about 400 degrees Celsius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Jennifer S. Young, Gregory S. Long, Brent F. Espinoza