Patents by Inventor Michael C. Withiam

Michael C. Withiam 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).

  • Publication number: 20120121471
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an environmental control unit for use in air handling systems that provides highly effective filtration of noxious gases (such as ammonia). Such a filtration system utilizes novel metal-doped silica-based gels to trap and remove such undesirable gases from an enclosed environment. Such gels exhibit specific porosity requirements and density measurements. Furthermore, in order for proper metal doping to take effect, such gels must be treated while in a wet state. The combination of these particular properties and metal dopant permits highly effective noxious gas filtration such that uptake and breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior silica gel filtration products. Also included is the presence of an oxidizing agent (either in reduced or pre-deuced form) to aid in capturing nitrogen dioxide and preventing conversion of such a product to NO. Methods of using and specific filter apparatuses are also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Terry W. Nassivera, Michael C. Withiam, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, Ruth G. Heffes
  • Publication number: 20120118160
    Abstract: Environmental control in air handling systems that are required to provide highly effective filtration of noxious gases particularly within filter canisters that are ultrasonically welded enclosures is provided. In one embodiment, a filtration system utilizes a novel zeolite material that has been hardened to withstand ultrasonic welding conditions in order to reduce the propensity of such a material to destabilize and/or dust. Such a hardened zeolite thus enables for trapping and removal of certain undesirable gases (such as ammonia, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and nitrous oxide, as examples) from an enclosed environment, particularly in combination with metal-doped silica gel materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Ruth G. Heffes, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, Michael C. Withiam, Terry W. Nassivera
  • Patent number: 7803343
    Abstract: New silica gel materials and novel methods of producing such are provided. The method itself entails a manner of mixing the reactants together in a one-pot process such that the time required for aging is reduced without compromising the ability to target pore size production. In such a way, the pH of the reaction drives pore size development, thereby permitting a more efficient process to be followed in terms of expensive drying/heating steps being reduced timewise, if not altogether. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the resultant gel materials exhibit a certain pore size minimum while simultaneously exhibiting a degree of softness heretofore unavailable. As such, not only is this novel method more efficient in silica gel manufacture, but the resultant materials are completely novel as well. The gel materials made therefrom may be utilized in a variety of different end uses, such as cooking oil filtration, soft skin cleansers, dental abrasives, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Duen-Wu Hua, Michael C. Withiam, Francis R. W. Godwin, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7718184
    Abstract: Coated particles of metal (such as calcium) silicate that exhibit excellent odor neutralization and sebum absorption properties when present within certain cosmetic and/or personal care formulations and suspensions are provided. Uncoated calcium silicate exhibits a high pH level that may have a deleterious effect upon such cosmetic and/or personal care compositions, thereby rendering the overall composition ineffective for its intended purpose, particularly if the calcium silicate is present in its usual state at high loading levels. Alternatively, if certain materials present within personal care compositions exhibit a sufficiently low pH level, the effectiveness of such calcium silicates may be compromised as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Withiam, Donald P. Conley, Michael Simone
  • Patent number: 7585359
    Abstract: A filtration system including a novel combination of at least one metal-doped silica-based gel and zeolite materials to trap and/or modify, and remove undesirable gases (such as ammonia, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and nitrous oxide, as examples) from an enclosed environment is provided. The gel component exhibits specific porosity requirements and density measurements; the zeolite component is generally acidic and is preferably not reacted with any salts or like substances. Also included is the presence of an oxidizing agent on the gel materials to aid in capturing nitrogen dioxide and preventing conversion of such a product to NO. Methods of using and the application within specific filter apparatuses are also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Withiam, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, David Friday, Terry Nassivera
  • Patent number: 7559981
    Abstract: An environmental control for use in air handling systems that are required to provide highly effective filtration of noxious gases is provided. In one embodiment, a filtration system utilizes a novel combination of at least one metal-doped silica-based gel and zeolite materials to trap and/or modify, and remove such undesirable gases (such as ammonia, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and nitrous oxide, as examples) from an enclosed environment. The gel component exhibits specific porosity requirements and density measurements; the zeolite component is generally acidic and is preferably not reacted with any salts or like substances. The novel combination of such gels and zeolites permits highly effective noxious gas filtration over a wide range of known toxic industrial chemicals such that excellent breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior media filtration products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Friday, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, Michael C. Withiam
  • Patent number: 7553416
    Abstract: New silica gel materials and novel methods of producing such are provided. The method itself entails a manner of mixing the reactants together in a one-pot process such that the time required for aging is reduced without compromising the ability to target pore size production. In such a way, the pH of the reaction drives pore size development, thereby permitting a more efficient process to be followed in terms of expensive drying/heating steps being reduced timewise, if not altogether. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the resultant gel materials exhibit a certain pore size minimum while simultaneously exhibiting a degree of softness heretofore unavailable. As such, not only is this novel method more efficient in silica gel manufacture, but the resultant materials are completely novel as well. The gel materials made therefrom may be utilized in a variety of different end uses, such as cooking oil filtration, soft skin cleansers, dental abrasives, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Duen-Wu Hua, Michael C. Withiam, Francis R. W. Godwin, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7510602
    Abstract: An environmental control for use in air handling systems that are required to provide highly effective filtration of noxious gases is provided. In one embodiment, a filtration system utilizes a novel combination of at least one metal-doped silica-based gel and zeolite materials to trap and/or modify, and remove such undesirable gases (such as ammonia, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and nitrous oxide, as examples) from an enclosed environment. The gel component exhibits specific porosity requirements and density measurements; the zeolite component is generally acidic and is preferably not reacted with any salts or like substances. The novel combination of such gels and zeolites permits highly effective noxious gas filtration over a wide range of known toxic industrial chemicals such that excellent breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior media filtration products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: David K. Friday, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, Michael C. Withiam
  • Publication number: 20090071895
    Abstract: New silica gel materials and novel methods of producing such are provided. The method itself entails a manner of mixing the reactants together in a one-pot process such that the time required for aging is reduced without compromising the ability to target pore size production. In such a way, the pH of the reaction drives pore size development, thereby permitting a more efficient process to be followed in terms of expensive drying/heating steps being reduced timewise, if not altogether. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the resultant gel materials exhibit a certain pore size minimum while simultaneously exhibiting a degree of softness heretofore unavailable. As such, not only is this novel method more efficient in silica gel manufacture, but the resultant materials are completely novel as well. The gel materials made therefrom may be utilized in a variety of different end uses, such as cooking oil filtration, soft skin cleansers, dental abrasives, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Duen-Wu Hua, Michael C. Withiam, Francis R. W. Godwin, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20090004089
    Abstract: New silica gel materials and novel methods of producing such are provided. The method itself entails a manner of mixing the reactants together in a one-pot process such that the time required for aging is reduced without compromising the ability to target pore size production. In such a way, the pH of the reaction drives pore size development, thereby permitting a more efficient process to be followed in terms of expensive drying/heating steps being reduced timewise, if not altogether. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the resultant gel materials exhibit a certain pore size minimum while simultaneously exhibiting a degree of softness heretofore unavailable. As such, not only is this novel method more efficient in silica gel manufacture, but the resultant materials are completely novel as well. The gel materials made therefrom may be utilized in a variety of different end uses, such as cooking oil filtration, soft skin cleansers, dental abrasives, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Duen-Wu Hua, Michael C. Withiam, Francis R. W. Godwin, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20090001021
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an environmental control unit for use in air handling systems that provides highly effective filtration of noxious gases (such as ammonia). Such a filtration system utilizes novel undoped precipitated silica or silicon-based gels to temporarily trap and remove such undesirable gases from an enclosed environment and permit recycling of such gases subsequently thereto. Such precipitated silicas need to exhibit specific pore sizes, pore volumes, pore diameters, and particles sizes to be effective for such a purpose. The combination of these particular properties permits highly effective noxious gas filtration such that excellent uptake and breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior media filtration products. Methods of using and specific filter apparatuses are also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Michael C. Withiam, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair
  • Publication number: 20080156192
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an environmental control unit for use in air handling systems that provides highly effective filtration of noxious gases (such as ammonia). Such a filtration system utilizes novel metal-doped silica-based gels to trap and remove such undesirable gases from an enclosed environment. Such gels exhibit specific porosity requirements and density measurements. Furthermore, in order for proper metal doping to take effect, such gels must be treated while in a wet state. The combination of these particular properties and metal dopant permits highly effective noxious gas filtration such that uptake and breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior silica gel filtration products. Also included is the presence of an oxidizing agent to aid in capturing nitrous oxide and preventing conversion of such a product to NO. Methods of using and specific filter apparatuses are also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, Michael C. Withiam, David Friday, Terry Nassivera
  • Publication number: 20080156194
    Abstract: An environmental control for use in air handling systems that are required to provide highly effective filtration of noxious gases is provided. In one embodiment, a filtration system utilizes a novel combination of at least one metal-doped silica-based gel and zeolite materials to trap and/or modify, and remove such undesirable gases (such as ammonia, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and nitrous oxide, as examples) from an enclosed environment. The gel component exhibits specific porosity requirements and density measurements; the zeolite component is generally acidic and is preferably not reacted with any salts or like substances. The novel combination of such gels and zeolites permits highly effective noxious gas filtration over a wide range of known toxic industrial chemicals such that excellent breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior media filtration products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Michael C. Withiam, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, David Friday, Terry Nassivera
  • Publication number: 20080160156
    Abstract: The treatment of cooking oils and fats with specific types of precipitated silica materials to prolong the useful life of such oils and fats within restaurant settings. More particularly, such an invention encompasses the utilization of specific types of precipitated silica materials to filter such oils and/or fats. Such precipitated silica materials and treatments therewith aid to remove large amounts of free fatty acids after such oils and/or fats have been utilized to fry foodstuffs, as well as reduce the amount of additional oil and/or fat potentially necessary to bring the used oils and/or fats up to a level of permitted further utilization within a restaurant environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Michael C. Withiam, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair
  • Patent number: 7377965
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an environmental control unit for use in air handling systems that provides highly effective filtration of noxious gases (such as ammonia). Such a filtration system utilizes novel metal-doped silica-based gels to trap and remove such undesirable gases from an enclosed environment. Such gels exhibit specific porosity requirements and density measurements. Furthermore, in order for proper metal doping to take effect, such gels must be treated while in a wet state. The combination of these particular properties and metal dopant permits highly effective noxious gas filtration such that uptake and breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior silica gel filtration products. Methods of using and specific filter apparatuses are also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Withiam, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, David K. Friday
  • Publication number: 20080006153
    Abstract: An environmental control for use in air handling systems that are required to provide highly effective filtration of noxious gases is provided. In one embodiment, a filtration system utilizes a novel combination of at least one metal-doped silica-based gel and zeolite materials to trap and/or modify, and remove such undesirable gases (such as ammonia, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, and nitrous oxide, as examples) from an enclosed environment. The gel component exhibits specific porosity requirements and density measurements; the zeolite component is generally acidic and is preferably not reacted with any salts or like substances. The novel combination of such gels and zeolites permits highly effective noxious gas filtration over a wide range of known toxic industrial chemicals such that excellent breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior media filtration products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: David K. Friday, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, Michael C. Withiam
  • Publication number: 20080006012
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an environmental control unit for use in air handling systems that provides highly effective filtration of noxious gases (such as ammonia). Such a filtration system utilizes novel metal-doped silica-based gels to trap and remove such undesirable gases from an enclosed environment. Such gels exhibit specific porosity requirements and density measurements. Furthermore, in order for proper metal doping to take effect, such gels must be treated while in a wet state. The combination of these particular properties and metal dopant permits highly effective noxious gas filtration such that uptake and breakthrough results are attained, particularly in comparison with prior silica gel filtration products. Also included is the presence of an oxidizing agent to aid in capturing nitrous oxide and preventing conversion of such a product to NO. Methods of using and specific filter apparatuses are also encompassed within this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: David K. Friday, Fitzgerald A. Sinclair, Michael C. Withiam
  • Patent number: 7303767
    Abstract: Coated particles of metal (such as calcium) silicate that exhibit excellent odor neutralization and sebum absorption properties when present within certain cosmetic and/or personal care formulations and suspensions are provided. Uncoated calcium silicate exhibits a high pH level that may have a deleterious effect upon such cosmetic and/or personal care compositions, thereby rendering the overall composition ineffective for its intended purpose, particularly if the calcium silicate is present in its usual state at high loading levels. Alternatively, if certain materials present within personal care compositions exhibit a sufficiently low pH level, the effectiveness of such calcium silicates may be compromised as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Withiam, Donald P. Conley, Michael Simone
  • Patent number: 7303766
    Abstract: Coated particles of metal (such as calcium) silicate that exhibit excellent odor neutralization and sebum absorption properties when present within certain cosmetic and/or personal care formulations and suspensions are provided. Uncoated calcium silicate exhibits a high pH level that may have a deleterious effect upon such cosmetic and/or personal care compositions, thereby rendering the overall composition ineffective for its intended purpose, particularly if the calcium silicate is present in its usual state at high loading levels. Alternatively, if certain materials present within personal care compositions exhibit a sufficiently low pH level, the effectiveness of such calcium silicates may be compromised as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: J.M. Huber Corporation
    Inventors: Michael C. Withiam, Donald P. Conley, Michael Simone
  • Publication number: 20070154603
    Abstract: The treatment of cooking oils and fats with specific types of sodium magnesium aluminosilicate materials to prolong the useful life of such oils and fats within restaurant settings is provided. More particularly, such an invention encompasses the utilization of calcium-based aluminosilicate materials to filter such oils and/or fats or the incorporation of calcium silicate with or within previously utilized cooking oil filter materials (such as magnesium silicate) for the same purpose. Such calcium silicate-based materials and treatments therewith aid to remove greater amounts of free fatty acids after such oils and/or fats have been utilized to fry foodstuffs, as well as reduce the amount of additional oil and/or fat potentially necessary to bring the used oils and/or fats up to a level of permitted further utilization within a restaurant environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: July 5, 2007
    Inventor: Michael C. Withiam