Patents by Inventor G. Duncan Hitchens
G. Duncan Hitchens 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).
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Patent number: 6866806Abstract: A method for securing an anode, a cathode and an ion exchange membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode within a premolded thermoplastic frame. The frame both secures the anode the cathode and the ion exchange membrane within the frame and further maintain the anode, cathode and membrane in intimate contact. Additionally, injection molding around the premolded thermoplastic frame may be performed or alternatively, injection molding around a plurality of thermoplastic frames.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Assignee: Lynntech International, Ltd.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Publication number: 20040009095Abstract: The present invention provides a universal decontamination formulation and method for detoxifying chemical warfare agents (CWA's) and biological warfare agents (BWA's) without producing any toxic by-products, as well as, decontaminating surfaces that have come into contact with these agents. The formulation includes a sorbent material or gel, a peroxide source, a peroxide activator, and a compound containing a mixture of KHSO5, KHSO4 and K2SO4. The formulation is self-decontaminating and once dried can easily be wiped from the surface being decontaminated. A method for decontaminating a surface exposed to chemical or biological agents is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2003Publication date: January 15, 2004Inventors: Anthony Giletto, William White, Alan J. Cisar, G. Duncan Hitchens, James Fyffe
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Patent number: 6620210Abstract: Methods of using ozone have been developed which sterilize instruments and medical wastes, oxidize organics found in wastewater, clean laundry, break down contaminants in soil into a form more readily digested by microbes, kill microorganisms present in food products, and destroy toxins present in food products. The preferred methods for killing microorganisms and destroying toxins use pressurized, humidified, and concentrated ozone produced by an electrochemical cell.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 6569353Abstract: The present invention provides a universal decontamination formulation and method for detoxifying chemical warfare agents (CWA's) and biological warfare agents (BWA's) without producing any toxic by-products, as well as, decontaminating surfaces that have come into contact with these agents. The formulation includes a sorbent material or gel, a peroxide source, a peroxide activator, and a compound containing a mixture of KHSO5, KHSO4 and K2SO4. The formulation is self-decontaminating and once dried can easily be wiped from the surface being decontaminated. A method for decontaminating a surface exposed to chemical or biological agents is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Giletto, William White, Alan J. Cisar, G. Duncan Hitchens, James Fyffe
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Publication number: 20030080467Abstract: The present invention provides for the electrochemical generation of ozone for use in “point-of-use” applications. The electrochemical ozone generators or systems of the present invention may be used to provide disinfected water, ozone-containing water, and/or ozone gas. Disinfected water may be produced by introducing ozone gas into a potable or purified water source for the purpose of disinfecting or controlling the microorganisms in the water source. Ozonated water or ozone gas may be produced and provided for various anti-microbial and cleansing applications of the consumer, such as washing food, clothing, dishes, countertops, toys, sinks, bathroom surfaces, and the like. Furthermore, the ozone generator may be used to deliver a stream of ozone-containing water for the purpose of commercial or residential point-of-use washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments and medical equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 6555055Abstract: A system having a fluid source and a pasteurizer coupled with a disinfectant unit in flow communication with the fluid source for use in disinfecting dental or other water lines. The combination of pasteurizer and disinfectant unit is adapted to receive water from the fluid source. A fluid delivery unit is provided in flow communication with the pasteurizer and disinfectant unit combination. The disinfectant unit has a means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen and a means for generating hydrogen peroxide in flow communication with the means for supplying hydrogen and oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Adrain Denvir, G. Duncan Hitchens, Thomas D. Rogers
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Publication number: 20030070691Abstract: Antimicrobial solutions formed by ozonating a liquid containing organic precursor molecules. The preferred organic precursor molecules include carboxylic acids, most particularly octanoic acid with or without acetic acid, and alcohols, most particularly at least about 70 weight percent ethanol. The ozonating step is preferably performed on the liquid containing the, organic precursors before diluting with water or other solvent to form a use solution for contacting and cleaning a microbially contaminated surface or other medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Anthony Giletto, Waheguru Pal Singh, G. Duncan Hitchens, Charles Blankenburg, Steven Drabek, Kyle Uselton
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Publication number: 20030039729Abstract: Methods of using ozone have been developed which sterilize instruments and medical wastes, oxidize organics found in wastewater, clean laundry, break down contaminants in soil into a form more readily digested by microbes, kill microorganisms present in food products, and destroy toxins present in food products. The preferred methods for killing microorganisms and destroying toxins use pressurized, humidified, and concentrated ozone produced by an electrochemical cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: February 27, 2003Applicant: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 6518307Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling microbial populations in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. The method comprises the step of orally administering an effective amount of a peracid to an animal. Percarboxylic acids useful in this invention include peracetic acid, perpropionic acid, perbutyric acid, peroctanoic acid, perglycolic acid, perglutaric acid, persuccinic acid, perlactic acid, percitric acid, perdecanoic acid or mixtures thereof. These percarboxylic acids have been found to provide good antimicrobial action with good stability in aqueous streams. In addition to peracetic, peroctanoic and perdecanoic, particularly preferred percarboxylic acids include perpropionic, perbutyric, perglycolic, perlactic and percitric acids.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignees: Lynntech, Inc., The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: K. Scott McKenzie, Anthony Giletto, G. Duncan Hitchens, Billy M. Hargis, Kelly L. Herron
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Publication number: 20020188026Abstract: Dry dipercarboxylic acid material and methods of using dry dipercarboxylic acid particulates to form novel sterilizing solutions or liquid chemical germicides. The dipercarboxylic acids or organic diperoxygen compounds can be synthesized and isolated as solid powders with an extended shelf life. The powders are also soluble in water for quickly preparing liquid disinfectant solutions, whenever and wherever desired, from a potable water source. The dry dipercarboxylic acid materials are selected from diperglutaric acid, diperadipic acid, diperpimelic acid, dipersuberic acid, and diperazelaic acid. Upon dissolution into water, these compounds have demonstrated the ability to inactivate high numbers of spores, including sterilization of medical equipment in 10 minutes at room temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Applicant: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Waheguru Pal Singh, Anthony Giletto, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 6458257Abstract: The present invention provides for the electrochemical generation of ozone for use in “point-of-use” applications. The electrochemical ozone generators or systems of the present invention may be used to provide disinfected water, ozone-containing water, and/or ozone gas. Disinfected water may be produced by introducing ozone gas into a potable or purified water source for the purpose of disinfecting or controlling the microorganisms in the water source. Ozonated water or ozone gas may be produced and provided for various anti-microbial and cleansing applications of the consumer, such as washing food, clothing, dishes, countertops, toys, sinks, bathroom surfaces, and the like. Furthermore, the ozone generator may be used to deliver a stream of ozone-containing water for the purpose of commercial or residential point-of-use washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments and medical equipment.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Lynntech International LTDInventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Publication number: 20020115719Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling microbial populations in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. The method comprises the step of orally administering an effective amount of a peracid to an animal. Percarboxylic acids useful in this invention include peracetic acid, perpropionic acid, perbutyric acid, peroctanoic acid, perglycolic acid, perglutaric acid, persuccinic acid, perlactic acid, percitric acid, perdecanoic acid or mixtures thereof. These percarboxylic acids have been found to provide good antimicrobial action with good stability in aqueous streams. In addition to peracetic, peroctanoic and perdecanoic, particularly preferred percarboxylic acids include perpropionic, perbutyric, perglycolic, perlactic and percitric acids.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2001Publication date: August 22, 2002Applicant: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: K. Scott McKenzie, Anthony Giletto, G. Duncan Hitchens, Billy M. Hargis, Kelly L. Herron
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Publication number: 20020107288Abstract: Dry dipercarboxylic acid material and methods of using dry dipercarboxylic acid particulates to form novel sterilizing solutions or liquid chemical germicides. The dipercarboxylic acids or organic diperoxygen compounds can be synthesized and isolated as solid powders with an extended shelf life. The powders are also soluble in water for quickly preparing liquid disinfectant solutions, whenever and wherever desired, from a potable water source. The dry dipercarboxylic acid materials are selected from diperglutaric acid, diperadipic acid, diperpimelic acid, dipersuberic acid, and diperazelaic acid. Upon dissolution into water, these compounds have demonstrated the ability to inactivate high numbers of spores, including sterilization of medical equipment in 10 minutes at room temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2000Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Waheguru Pal Singh, Anthony Giletto, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 6387241Abstract: Methods of using ozone have been developed which sterilize instruments and medical wastes, oxidize, organics found in wastewater, clean laundry, break down contaminants in soil into a form more readily digested by microbes, kill microorganisms present in food products, and destroy toxins present in food products. The preferred methods for killing microorganism and destroying toxins use pressurized, humidified, and concentrated ozone produced by an electrochemical cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 6342528Abstract: The invention is a process for preventing microbial growth in the digestive tract of living vertebrate animals, particularly food animals. Control of microbial growth is achieved by the step of applying a percarboxylic acid or a mixture of percarboxylic acids to an aqueous stream which is subsequently consumed orally by the animal. The formulation can also be mixed into food items or into particulate or similar materials, or packaged in ingestible capsules, whereby the active ingredient enters the body of the animal through the oral cavity through feeding behavior, or food scavenging, or particulate scavenging activities of the animal. Formulations may also be sprayed onto the outside of the animal and taken orally.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: K. Scott McKenzie, Anthony Giletto, G. Duncan Hitchens, Billy M. Hargis, Kellie L. Herron
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Patent number: 6265205Abstract: This invention is a novel method for bioremediation of soil and ground water based on supplying hydrogen (H2) to naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria in the soil or ground water. These organisms use the hydrogen as an electron donor to perform adventitious chemical reactions including the dehalogenation of chlorinated organic compounds. The hydrogen can be supplied from a number of sources, including; stored hydrogen, hydrogen generated above ground on site, either electrochemically or by reforming a fuel source, or by electrolysis in the soil, either using an electric current supplied from above ground or an electric current generated by the corrosion of metal particles in the ground. For the last of these cases, a novel multi-metallic particle especially useful for the generation of hydrogen, and a method for making these particles, are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: G. Duncan Hitchens, Drahomira Brejchova, Alan J. Cisar, Dalibor Hodko, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6221224Abstract: A system for managing fluids used during electroremediation of contaminants in a porous medium, such as soil is disclosed. The system monitors the fluid gain and loss from the electrode wells and maintains optimal fluid levels in the wells on an individual basis. The system may use a sensor element for measuring the metal ion content of the electrode well fluid. A method for using the fluid management system is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1998Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: LynnTech, Inc.Inventors: G. Duncan Hitchens, Dalibor Hodko
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Patent number: 6210537Abstract: The present invention provides electronically conducting polymer films formed from photosensitive formulations of pyrrole and an electron acceptor that have been selectively exposed to UV light, laser light, or electron beams. The formulations may include photoinitiators, flexibilizers, solvents and the like. These solutions can be used in applications including printed circuit boards and through-hole plating and enable direct metallization processes on non-conducting substrates. After forming the conductive polymer patterns, a printed wiring board can be formed by sensitizing the polymer with palladium and electrolytically depositing copper.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1995Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens, Dalibor Hodko, Eric T. Clarke, David L. Miller, Donald L. Parker
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Patent number: 6193867Abstract: Methods for controlling electroosmotic flow through a porous medium by applying an electric field between a plurality of electrodes positioned in a porous medium, supplying an acid solution to at least one of the electrodes and/or the soil, and supplying a zeta potential modifying compound to at least one of the electrodes is disclosed. The methods can be used to separate organic as well as inorganic contaminants from porous mediums.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventor: G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 6183623Abstract: The invention relates to a process for electrochemically converting anhydrous hydrogen halide, such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen bromide and hydrogen iodide, to essentially dry halogen gas, such as chlorine, fluorine, bromine and iodine gas, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for electrochemically converting anhydrous hydrogen chloride to essentially dry chlorine gas. This process allows the production of high-purity chlorine gas. In this process, molecules of essentially anhydrous hydrogen chloride are transported through an inlet of an electrochemical cell. The molecules of the essentially anhydrous hydrogen chloride are oxidized at the anode of the cell to produce essentially dry chlorine gas and protons, which are transported through the membrane of the cell. The transported protons are reduced at the cathode to form either hydrogen gas, water or hydrogen peroxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Anuncia Gonzalez-Martin, G. Duncan Hitchens, Oliver J. Murphy