Patents by Inventor Douglas B. McKenna

Douglas B. McKenna has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11925763
    Abstract: A cartridge comprising layers of adsorbent sheet is described. The cartridge includes an indicator that characterizes the consumption state of the adsorbent within the cartridge. The indicator is applied in a way such that discrete areas of indicator are visible. These discontinuous areas of indicator may be applied to the outside surface of the cartridge. Alternatively, the discontinuous areas may be formed by cutting windows in the outermost layer of the cartridge and either coating indicator on the layer beneath the window, placing an indicator layer between the window and the layer beneath it or filling the window with an indicating plug of material so that the indicator is visible from the outside of the cartridge. The indicator layer and indicator plug embodiments allow the use of any indicator with any adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Vince Suddard, Glenn Shealy
  • Publication number: 20230118894
    Abstract: A cartridge comprising layers of adsorbent sheet is described. The cartridge includes an indicator that characterizes the consumption state of the adsorbent within the cartridge. The indicator is applied in a way such that discrete areas of indicator are visible. These discontinuous areas of indicator may be applied to the outside surface of the cartridge. Alternatively, the discontinuous areas may be formed by cutting windows in the outermost layer of the cartridge and either coating indicator on the layer beneath the window, placing an indicator layer between the window and the layer beneath it or filling the window with an indicating plug of material so that the indicator is visible from the outside of the cartridge. The indicator layer and indicator plug embodiments allow the use of any indicator with any adsorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Vince Suddard, Glenn Shealy
  • Publication number: 20210252247
    Abstract: A cartridge comprising layers of adsorbent sheet is described. The cartridge includes an indicator that characterizes the consumption state of the adsorbent within the cartridge. The indicator is applied in a way such that discrete areas of indicator are visible. These discontinuous areas of indicator may be applied to the outside surface of the cartridge. Alternatively, the discontinuous areas may be formed by cutting windows in the outermost layer of the cartridge and either coating indicator on the layer beneath the window, placing an indicator layer between the window and the layer beneath it or filling the window with an indicating plug of material so that the indicator is visible from the outside of the cartridge. The indicator layer and indicator plug embodiments allow the use of any indicator with any adsorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Vince Suddard, Glenn Shealy
  • Patent number: 10994091
    Abstract: A cartridge comprising layers of adsorbent sheet is described. The cartridge includes an indicator that characterizes the consumption state of the adsorbent within the cartridge. The indicator is applied in a way such that discrete areas of indicator are visible. These discontinuous areas of indicator may be applied to the outside surface of the cartridge. Alternatively, the discontinuous areas may be formed by cutting windows in the outermost layer of the cartridge and either coating indicator on the layer beneath the window, placing an indicator layer between the window and the layer beneath it or filling the window with an indicating plug of material so that the indicator is visible from the outside of the cartridge. The indicator layer and indicator plug embodiments allow the use of any indicator with any adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Vince Suddard, Glenn Shealy
  • Publication number: 20190262573
    Abstract: A cartridge comprising layers of adsorbent sheet is described. The cartridge includes an indicator that characterizes the consumption state of the adsorbent within the cartridge. The indicator is applied in a way such that discrete areas of indicator are visible. These discontinuous areas of indicator may be applied to the outside surface of the cartridge. Alternatively, the discontinuous areas may be formed by cutting windows in the outermost layer of the cartridge and either coating indicator on the layer beneath the window, placing an indicator layer between the window and the layer beneath it or filling the window with an indicating plug of material so that the indicator is visible from the outside of the cartridge. The indicator layer and indicator plug embodiments allow the use of any indicator with any adsorbent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Vince Suddard, Glenn Shealy
  • Patent number: 9266054
    Abstract: Provided herein are a parallel passage contractors, which may be useful in pressure swing adsorption (PSA), pressure and temperature swing adsorption (PTSA), or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) systems, having one or more self-supported adsorbent sheets arranged in multiple, overlapping layers mechanically spaced to allow gas flow. Also provided are systems utilizing such parallel passage contactors and methods for preparing the contactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Nicholas J. Dunlop
  • Publication number: 20140366738
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adsorbent cartridge assembly having at least one end cap, and systems related thereto, for removing gaseous contaminants from the air or other gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, J. Anthony DelNegro, Nicholas J. Dunlop
  • Publication number: 20140305309
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adsorbent system, adsorbent cartridge, and external canister for removing gaseous contaminants from air or another gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, J. Anthony DelNegro, Thomas Daley
  • Publication number: 20140272207
    Abstract: The present application provides an adsorbent strip that prevents window fogging, the strip including no more than 25 weight percent of polymer binder; and at least 75 weight percent of adsorbent particles. Also provided is a window spacer comprising the adsorbent strip and a partial window assembly, including a first pane of glass, a second pane of glass; and a window spacer comprising the adsorbent strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MICROPORE, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Vince Suddard
  • Patent number: 8821619
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adsorbent cartridge assembly having at least one end cap, and systems related thereto, for removing gaseous contaminants from the air or other gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, J. Anthony DelNegro, Nicholas J. Dunlop
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130276634
    Abstract: Provided herein are a parallel passage contractors, which may be useful in pressure swing adsorption (PSA), pressure and temperature swing adsorption (PTSA), or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) systems, having one or more self-supported adsorbent sheets arranged in multiple, overlapping layers mechanically spaced to allow gas flow. Also provided are systems utilizing such parallel passage contactors and methods for preparing the contactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Nicholas J. Dunlop
  • Patent number: 8413655
    Abstract: An adsorbent is described. The adsorbent may include a membrane and an adsorbent material encapsulated within the membrane. An inhalation device is also described. The inhalation device may include a housing and a membrane within the housing. The membrane may encapsulate an adsorbent material. The membrane may be positioned such that airflow through the housing passes across but not through the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Nicholas J. Dunlop
  • Publication number: 20120090470
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adsorbent cartridge assembly having at least one end cap, and systems related thereto, for removing gaseous contaminants from the air or other gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, J. Anthony DelNegro, Nicholas J. Dunlop
  • Publication number: 20110206572
    Abstract: This invention relates to an adsorbent system, adsorbent cartridge, and external canister for removing gaseous contaminants from air or another gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: MICROPORE, INC.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, J. Anthony DelNegro, Thomas Daley
  • Publication number: 20090301493
    Abstract: An adsorbent is described. The adsorbent may include a membrane and an adsorbent material encapsulated within the membrane. An inhalation device is also described. The inhalation device may include a housing and a membrane within the housing. The membrane may encapsulate an adsorbent material. The membrane may be positioned such that airflow through the housing passes across but not through the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Nicholas J. Dunlop
  • Patent number: 7329307
    Abstract: A method of processing carbon dioxide adsorbent for use in a CO2 removal system. The method includes combining a polymer, lithium hydroxide (LiOH), and lubricant that dissolves the polymer to form a first LiOH adsorbent. A structure may be formed using the first LiOH adsorbent. The lubricant may be extracted from the structured LiOH adsorbent using a solvent to form a second LiOH adsorbent. The solvent may be removed from the second LiOH adsorbent to form a third LiOH adsorbent. The third LiOH adsorbent may be hydrated to form a fourth LiOH adsorbent having a water content above an anhydrous level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Hrycak, Douglas B. McKenna
  • Patent number: 7326280
    Abstract: A CO2 removal system including a member having a first opening and a second opening to enable air flow containing carbon dioxide (CO2) to pass from the first opening to the second opening and lithium hydroxide (LiOH) supported by the member and having an initial water content above an anhydrous level. In one embodiment, LiOH adsorbent density is a maximum of approximately 1.0 g/cm3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Micropore, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael B. Hrycak, Douglas B. McKenna
  • Patent number: 5964221
    Abstract: A gas absorption rebreather canister containing at least one sheet embodying adsorbent material inside and a portion of the sheet spaced apart by a separating means. The sheet being arranged so that expelled gases entering the canister pass along the canister interior substantially parallel with a surface of the sheet. The sheets can be formed with an internal screen positioned between two gas-permeable, liquid-water resistant membranes and the adsorbent material positioned within interstices between the screen members. Also, the sheets can comprise a sheet of expanded porous PTFE having a microstructure of nodes interconnected with fibrils, said sheet containing gas adsorbent material. The sheet can be covered on each side by a sheet of expanded porous PTFE. This device effectively contains the adsorption material within the sheets even when exposed to liquid water. The result is a rebreather device that is safer, more efficient, and easier to use than any presently on the market.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas B. McKenna
  • Patent number: 5713711
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved container and interface for transporting or otherwise handling contamination-sensitive materials, such as semi-conductor wafers during processing. The container of the present invention employs a door-within-a-door design, allowing the container to connect with different interfaces on a single side. Employing a container of the present invention, manufacturers may connect a single container to different tools or mini-environments employing incompatible interfaces without the need to use different containers or to access the contents of a single container from different directions. The present invention is particularly useful in instances where a single interface standard, e.g., SEMI Standard SMIF interfaces, has not been uniformly adopted in a facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Bye/Oasis
    Inventors: Douglas B. McKenna, Donald R. Briner, Christopher D. Laramore