Patents by Inventor Michael J. Knapke

Michael J. Knapke 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: 11794140
    Abstract: A process and device for enhancing the chemical protection capability of a collective protection filter whereby the process stream exiting the collective protection filter is passed through an Auxiliary Filter. The auxiliary filter containing an ammonia removal media, such as zirconium hydroxide impregnated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2/Zr(OH)4), an oxidizing media, preferably zirconium hydroxide impregnated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4/Zr(OH)4), and a methyl bromide removal media, preferably activated carbon impregnated with triethylenediamine (TEDA/carbon). The auxiliary filter and process are configured to remove toxic industrial chemicals including NH3, NOx (mixtures of NO and NO2) and CH2O, and CH3Br.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Gregory Peterson, Ryan Ballantyne, Michael Boruch, William Clark, Bruce Corso, William B Feaver, Nicole Puckace, Jeffery Stephen Hoene, Joseph Hunt, Neil Kennihan, Craig LaMoy, Robert Kinter, Michael J Knapke, Mark Noltimier, Michael Pompeii, Chris Ritchey, Joseph A Rossin, Rachel L Rossin, Richard Warder, Jr
  • Publication number: 20210129063
    Abstract: A filter is provided for removing contaminants from a gas flow (e.g., an air flow). Multiple panel filters are arranged in a filter housing. The panel filters are arranged parallel or near-parallel to a main gas flow direction and spaced apart to define elongated gas flow channels between adjacent panel filters, each elongated gas flow channel extending generally in the gas flow direction. The elongated gas flow channels include inlet channel(s) and outlet channel(a) arranged in an alternating manner, the inlet channel(s) configured receiving the gas flow at the inlet end and the outlet channel(s) outputting a filtered gas flow from the outlet end. Gas flow redirecting structures are arranged to redirect the gas flow in each inlet channel through adjacent panel filter(s) and into adjacent outlet channel(s). The filter may provide a pressure drop of less than 3 iwg, less than 1 iwg, or less than 0.3 iwg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: GUILD ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Knapke, Joseph A. Rossin, Mark Noltimier
  • Patent number: 10934177
    Abstract: Various embodiments may include a system for removing contaminants from contaminated water comprising: a distillation still supplying heat to contaminated water to boil the contaminated water; a vent allowing a vapor stream to exit the distillation still; an oxidation unit removing additional contaminants from the vapor stream; an outlet discharging a purified water stream from the oxidation unit; and a heat exchanger transferring heat from the purified water stream leaving the oxidation unit to the vapor stream exiting the distillation still before the vapor stream enters the oxidation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: GUILD ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Henry C. Berns, Jr., David L. Church, Michael J. Knapke, Daniel Moeller, Joseph A. Rossin
  • Publication number: 20200071193
    Abstract: Various embodiments may include a system for removing contaminants from contaminated water comprising: a distillation still supplying heat to contaminated water to boil the contaminated water; a vent allowing a vapor stream to exit the distillation still; an oxidation unit removing additional contaminants from the vapor stream; an outlet discharging a purified water stream from the oxidation unit; and a heat exchanger transferring heat from the purified water stream leaving the oxidation unit to the vapor stream exiting the distillation still before the vapor stream enters the oxidation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Applicant: GUILD ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Henry C. Berns, JR., David L. Church, Michael J. Knapke, Daniel Moeller, Joseph A. Rossin
  • Patent number: 10472259
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to water purification. The teachings thereof may be embodied in processes for removing contaminants from contaminated water. An example process may include: boiling or evaporating a contaminated water to distill the contaminated water; removing a vapor stream from the boiling or evaporating contaminated water; delivering the vapor stream to an oxidation unit; removing additional contaminants from the vapor stream in the oxidation unit; and discharging a purified water stream from the oxidation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: GUILD ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Henry C. Berns, David L. Church, Michael J. Knapke, Daniel Moeller, Joseph A. Rossin
  • Patent number: 9999853
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes for filtering undesired chemicals in streams of contaminated air for supply to confined areas. The processes provide (1) contacting air with a filter comprising by volume from about 5% to about 95% impregnated zirconium hydroxide, from about 5% to about 95% activated impregnated carbon, and optionally, up to about 50% ammonia removal material; and (2) supplying the contacted air to a confined area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: GUILD ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Knapke, Joseph A. Rossin
  • Publication number: 20180155213
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to water purification. The teachings thereof may be embodied in processes for removing contaminants from contaminated water. An example process may include: boiling or evaporating a contaminated water to distill the contaminated water; removing a vapor stream from the boiling or evaporating contaminated water; delivering the vapor stream to an oxidation unit; removing additional contaminants from the vapor stream in the oxidation unit; and discharging a purified water stream from the oxidation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: GUILD ASSOCIATES INC.
    Inventors: Henry C. Berns, David L. Church, Michael J. Knapke, Daniel Moeller, Joseph A. Rossin
  • Publication number: 20170312685
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes for filtering undesired chemicals in streams of contaminated air for supply to confined areas. The processes provide (1) contacting air with a filter comprising by volume from about 5% to about 95% impregnated zirconium hydroxide, from about 5% to about 95% activated impregnated carbon, and optionally, up to about 50% ammonia removal material; and (2) supplying the contacted air to a confined area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Michael J. Knapke, Joseph A. Rossin
  • Patent number: 9352175
    Abstract: A method for extending the service life of a Collective Protection (CP) filter includes: providing at least one CP filter comprising a filter bed; and passing an airstream through a supplemental bed configured to enhance the filter bed by promoting reactions that facilitate the removal of one or more of chemical warfare agents and toxic threat compounds. An apparatus for extending the service life of a Collective Protection (CP) filter, the apparatus including: a CP filter comprising a filter bed; and a supplemental bed configured so as to enhance the filter bed by promoting reactions that facilitate the removal of chemical warfare agents and toxic chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Gregory W. Peterson, Michael A. Pompeii, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Patent number: 8071062
    Abstract: A method for oxidizing an amount of CO in a CO-containing gas stream, e.g., a combustion stream from fuel combustion, is provided. The method comprises exposing the CO-containing gas stream to a catalytic coating at reaction conditions, including at least 8 vol. % O2 and a temperature of at least 600° C. At these reaction conditions, the method comprises generating gaseous intermediate oxidizing species at the catalytic coating for oxidation of the carbon monoxide within the CO-containing gas stream as a homogeneous reaction to improve CO removal efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Patent number: 7988940
    Abstract: A process and system (18) for reducing NOx in a gas using hydrogen as a reducing agent is provided. The process comprises contacting the gas stream (29) with a catalyst system (38) comprising sulfated zirconia washcoat particles (41), palladium, a pre-sulfated zirconia binder (44), and a promoter (45) comprising at least one of titanium, zinc, or a mixture thereof. The presence of zinc or titanium increases the resistance of the catalyst system to a sulfur and water-containing gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Patent number: 7989385
    Abstract: Improved processes for activating a catalyst system used for the reduction of nitrogen oxides are provided. In one embodiment, the catalyst system is activated by passing an activation gas stream having an amount of each of oxygen, water vapor, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen over the catalyst system and increasing a temperature of the catalyst system to a temperature of at least 180° C. at a heating rate of from 1-20°/min. Use of activation processes described herein leads to a catalyst system with superior NOx reduction capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Patent number: 7976805
    Abstract: A process for the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in a gas stream (29) in the presence of H2 is provided. The process comprises contacting the gas stream with a catalyst system (38) comprising zirconia-silica washcoat particles (41), a pre-sulfated zirconia binder (44), and a catalyst combination (40) comprising palladium and at least one of rhodium, ruthenium, or a mixture of ruthenium and rhodium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Publication number: 20110105314
    Abstract: Improved processes for activating a catalyst system used for the reduction of nitrogen oxides are provided. In one embodiment, the catalyst system is activated by passing an activation gas stream having an amount of each of oxygen, water vapor, nitrogen oxides, and hydrogen over the catalyst system and increasing a temperature of the catalyst system to a temperature of at least 180° C. at a heating rate of from 1-20°/min. Use of activation processes described herein leads to a catalyst system with superior NOx reduction capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Publication number: 20100300061
    Abstract: A process for the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in a gas stream (29) in the presence of H2 is provided. The process comprises contacting the gas stream with a catalyst system (38) comprising zirconia-silica washcoat particles (41), a pre-sulfated zirconia binder (44), and a catalyst combination (40) comprising palladium and at least one of rhodium, ruthenium, or a mixture of ruthenium and rhodium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Publication number: 20100303697
    Abstract: A process and system (18) for reducing NOx in a gas using hydrogen as a reducing agent is provided. The process comprises contacting the gas stream (29) with a catalyst system (38) comprising sulfated zirconia washcoat particles (41), palladium, a pre-sulfated zirconia binder (44), and a promoter (45) comprising at least one of titanium, zinc, or a mixture thereof. The presence of zinc or titanium increases the resistance of the catalyst system to a sulfur and water-containing gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Publication number: 20100226842
    Abstract: A method for oxidizing an amount of CO in a CO-containing gas stream, e.g., a combustion stream from fuel combustion, is provided. The method comprises exposing the CO-containing gas stream to a catalytic coating at reaction conditions, including least 8 vol. % and a temperature of at least 600° C. At these reaction conditions, the method comprises generating gaseous intermediate oxidizing species at the catalytic coating for oxidation of the carbon monoxide within the CO-containing gas stream as a homogeneous reaction to improve CO removal efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Patent number: 7718153
    Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction process with a palladium catalyst for reducing NOx in a gas, using hydrogen as a reducing agent. A zirconium sulfate (ZrO2)SO4 catalyst support material with about 0.01-2.0 wt. % Pd is applied to a catalytic bed positioned in a flow of exhaust gas at about 70-200° C. The support material may be (ZrO2—SiO2)SO4. H2O and hydrogen may be injected into the exhaust gas upstream of the catalyst to a concentration of about 15-23 vol. % H2O and a molar ratio for H2/NOx in the range of 10-100. A hydrogen-containing fuel may be synthesized in an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle power plant for combustion in a gas turbine to produce the exhaust gas flow. A portion of the fuel may be diverted for the hydrogen injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Patent number: 7695703
    Abstract: A process for producing a stable high-temperature catalyst for reduction of nitrogen oxides in combustion exhaust gases at operating temperatures from 300° C. to over 700° C. without the need for exhaust dilution. A zeolite material is steam-treated at a temperature and duration sufficient to partially de-aluminize the zeolite to approximately a steady state, but not sufficient to fully collapse its chemical structure. Iron is added to the zeolite material. The zeolite material is calcined at a temperature, humidity, and duration sufficient to stabilize the zeolite material. Examples and specifications for ranges, order, and durations of steaming, calcining, and other steps are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke
  • Publication number: 20090285740
    Abstract: A selective catalytic reduction process with a palladium catalyst for reducing NOx in a gas, using hydrogen as a reducing agent. A zirconium sulfate (ZrO2)SO4 catalyst support material with about 0.01-2.0 wt. % Pd is applied to a catalytic bed positioned in a flow of exhaust gas at about 70-200° C. The support material may be (ZrO2—SiO2)SO4. H2O and hydrogen may be injected into the exhaust gas upstream of the catalyst to a concentration of about 15-23 vol. % H2O and a molar ratio for H2/NOx in the range of 10-100. A hydrogen-containing fuel may be synthesized in an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle power plant for combustion in a gas turbine to produce the exhaust gas flow. A portion of the fuel may be diverted for the hydrogen injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS POWER GENERATION, INC.
    Inventors: Anatoly Sobolevskiy, Joseph A. Rossin, Michael J. Knapke