Patents by Inventor Solomon Zaromb
Solomon Zaromb 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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Publication number: 20160347695Abstract: To alleviate global warming while providing a liquid fuel to replace gasoline, apparatus and methods are disclosed for generating methanol from natural gas via the syngas route. Said apparatus and methods can also serve to dispose of any CO2 that is captured from fuel burning exhausts, especially from motor vehicle exhausts. With a proper choice of reagent ratios, the energy required for the methanol generation may derive from exothermic reactions yielding enough heat to make up for the endothermic reaction energy involved in steam reforming of natural gas, thus obviating the need for any substantial electric energy input. Although steam reforming of natural gas may yield a methanol-rich fuel that will outcompete gasoline by a wide margin, it would still fail by itself to significantly alleviate global warming.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2015Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventor: SOLOMON ZAROMB
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Patent number: 8413420Abstract: To alleviate and possibly even reverse global warming while providing a liquid fuel to replace petroleum, apparatus and methods are disclosed for capturing CO2 from an air mixture and converting it to a useful substance, especially a methanol-containing fuel, utilizing preferably an MgO-loaded cartridge, which is converted partly into MgCO3 as it captures CO2 by a carbonation reaction and is reconverted into MgO by a calcination reaction while emitting a stream of substantially pure CO2. The emitted CO2 stream is reacted with hydrogen or water to yield a methanol-containing fuel or other useful chemical agent. The hydrogen is preferably derived from water electrolysis using inexpensive solar or wind driven electricity thereby also reducing the cost of such electricity by providing an economical energy storage means. Said air mixture may be the effluent from an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle or from other fossil fuel burning sources or from the ambient atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 7767150Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of an airborne chemical or biological analyte utilise:a substantially gas- and liquid-impermeable container; means for introducing a substantially analyte-free collection liquid into said container; means for rapidly sampling ambient air and transferring said analyte therefrom into said collection liquid, said sampling means comprising an air intake means and and an air venting means; and-means for removing from said container an analyte-enriched collection liquid; wherein said volume of air passes through a substantially horizontal air inlet and upwardly through a substantially vertical collector electrode tube with means for applying an electric field between said tube and a co-axial spiked wire- or rod-shaped discharge electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2004Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Inventors: Solomon Zaromb, Dennis J. Martell, Isaac Ray
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Patent number: 7472612Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of an airborne chemical or biological analyte utilize: a substantially gas- and liquid-impermeable container; means for introducing a substantially analyte-free collection liquid into said container; means for rapidly sampling ambient air and transferring said analyte therefrom into said collection liquid, said sampling means comprising an air intake means and and an air venting means; and means for removing from said container an analyte-enriched collection liquid; wherein said volume of air passes through a substantially horizontal air inlet and downward through a substantially vertical collector electrode tube with means for applying an electric field between said tube and a co-axial spiked wire- or rod-shaped discharge electrode.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: January 6, 2009Inventors: Solomon Zaromb, Dennis J. Martell
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Publication number: 20070113685Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of an airborne chemical or biological analyte utilize: a substantially gas- and liquid-impermeable container; means for introducing a substantially analyte-free collection liquid into said container; means for rapidly sampling ambient air and transferring said analyte therefrom into said collection liquid, said sampling means comprising an air intake means and and an air venting means; and means for removing from said container an analyte-enriched collection liquid; wherein said volume of air passes through a substantially horizontal air inlet and downward through a substantially vertical collector electrode tube with means for applying an electric field between said tube and a co-axial spiked wire- or rod-shaped discharge electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: May 24, 2007Inventors: Solomon Zaromb, Dennis Martell
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Patent number: 6762060Abstract: Air is sampled at a rate in excess of 100 L/min, preferably at 200-300 L/min, so as to collect therefrom a substantial fraction, i.e., at least 20%, preferably 60-100%, of airborne particulates. A substance of interest (analyte), such as lead, is rapidly solubilized from the the collected particulates into a sample of liquid extractant, and the concentration of the analyte in the extractant sample is determined. The high-rate air sampling and particulate collection may be effected with a high-throughput filter cartridge or with a recently developed portable high-throughput liquid-absorption air sampler. Rapid solubilization of lead is achieved by a liquid extractant comprising 0.1-1 M of acetic acid or acetate, preferably at a pH of 5 or less and preferably with inclusion of 1-10% of hydrogen peroxide. Rapid determination of the lead content in the liquid extractant may be effected with a colorimetric or an electroanalytical analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1995Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 6642057Abstract: The presence of carcinogens in air, soils, and other areas is detected by combining liquid-assisted air sampling with means for testing liquid samples for mutagenicity. Hazardous or illicit substances or pathogens which may be buried in the ground or otherwise concealed or present in contaminated food at various stages of food processing are detected using a two-line probe such that one of the lines directs exhaust air from the sampler onto suspect surfaces so as to dislodge and blow off droplets, particles or insects therefrom while the other line draws some of them into the sampler. Variants of said two-line probe can also serve to collect lead, hexavalent chromium or other harmful substances and bacterial, fungal or viral pathogens from crumbling walls or floors. Liquid-assisted air sampling can also serve to capture disease-transmitting insects and detect and identify insect-borne pathogens.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 6565811Abstract: The presence of carcinogens in air, soils, and other areas is detected by combining liquid-assisted air sampling with means for testing liquid samples for mutagenicity. Hazardous or illicit substances or pathogens which may be buried in the ground or otherwise concealed or present in contaminated food at various stages of food processing are detected using a two-line probe such that one of the lines directs exhaust air from the sampler onto suspect surfaces so as to dislodge and blow off droplets, particles or insects therefrom while the other line draws some of them into the sampler. Variants of said two-line probe can also serve to collect lead, hexavalent chromium or other harmful substances and bacterial, fungal or viral pathogens from crumbling walls or floors. Liquid-assisted air sampling can also serve to capture disease-transmitting insects and detect and identify insect-borne pathogens.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 6235173Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting selected chemical compounds in air or other gas streams at room or ambient temperature includes a liquid-free humidity-resistant amperometric sensor comprising a sensing electrode and a counter and reference electrode separated by a solid electrolyte. The sensing electrode preferably contains a noble metal, such as Pt black. The electrolyte is water-free, non-hygroscopic, and substantially water-insoluble, and has a room temperature ionic conductivity ≧10−4 (ohm-cm)−1, and preferably ≧0.01 (ohm-cm)−1. The conductivity may be due predominantly to Ag+ ions, as in Ag2WO4.4AgI, or to F− ions, as in Ce0.95Ca0.05F2.95. Electrical contacts serve to connect the electrodes to potentiostating and detecting circuitry which controls the potential of the sensing electrode relative to the reference electrode, detects the signal generated by the sensor, and indicates the detected signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1993Date of Patent: May 22, 2001Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 6087183Abstract: A portable high-throughput liquid-absorption air sampler [PHTLAAS] has an asymmetric air inlet through which air is drawn upward by a small and light-weight centrifugal fan driven by a direct current motor that can be powered by a battery. The air inlet is so configured as to impart both rotational and downward components of motion to the sampled air near said inlet. The PHTLAAS comprises a glass tube of relatively small size through which air passes at a high rate in a swirling, highly turbulent motion, which facilitates rapid transfer of vapors and particulates to a liquid film covering the inner walls of the tube. The pressure drop through the glass tube is <10 cm of water, usually <5 cm of water. The sampler's collection efficiency is usually >20% for vapors or airborne particulates in the 2-3.mu. range and >50% for particles larger than 4.mu..Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 5328851Abstract: A system for detecting trace concentrations of an analyte in air includes a preconcentrator for the analyte and an analyte detector. The preconcentrator includes an elongated tubular container comprising a wettable material. The wettable material is continuously wetted with an analyte-sorbing liquid which flows from one part of the container to a lower end. Sampled air flows through the container in contact with the wetted material with a swirling motion which results in efficient transfer of analyte vapors or aerosol particles to the sorbing liquid and preconcentration of traces of analyte in the liquid. The preconcentrated traces of analyte may be either detected within the container or removed therefrom for injection into a separate detection means or for subsequent analysis.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1992Date of Patent: July 12, 1994Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 5322611Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting selected chemical compounds in air or other gas streams at room or ambient temperature includes a liquid-free humidity-resistant amperometric sensor comprising a sensing electrode and a counter and reference electrode separated by a solid electrolyte. The sensing electrode preferably contains a noble metal, such as Pt black. The electrolyte is water-free, non-hygroscopic, and substantially water-insoluble, and has a room temperature ionic conductivity .gtoreq.10.sup.-4 (ohm-cm).sup.-1, and preferably .gtoreq.0.01 (ohm-cm).sup.-1. The conductivity may be due predominantly to Ag+ ions, as in Ag.sub.2 WO.sub.4.4AgI, or to F- ions, as in Ce.sub.0.95 Ca.sub.0.05 F.sub.2.95. Electrical contacts serve to connect the electrodes to potentiostating and detecting circuitry which controls the potential of the sensing electrode relative to the reference electrode, detects the signal generated by the sensor, and indicates the detected signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1991Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 5286465Abstract: A process for recovering zinc/rich and iron-rich fractions from the baghouse dust that is generated in various metallurgical operations, especially in steel-making and other iron-making plants, comprises the steps of leaching the dust by hot concentrated sulfuric acid so as to generate dissolved zinc sulfate and a precipitate of iron sulfate, separating the precipitate from the acid by filtration and washing with a volatile liquid, such as methanol or acetone, and collecting the filtered acid and the washings into a filtrate fraction. The volatile liquid may be recovered distillation, and the zinc may be removed from the filtrate by alternative methods, one of which involves addition of a sufficient amount of water to precipitate hydrated zinc sulfate at 10.degree. C., separation of the precipitate from sulfuric acid by filtration, and evaporation of water to regenerate concentrated sulfuric acid.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1992Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Inventors: Solomon Zaromb, Daniel B. Lawson
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Patent number: 5173264Abstract: A system for detecting trace concentrations of an analyte in air includes a preconcentrator for the analyte and an analyte detector. The preconcentrator includes an elongated tubular container comprising a wettable material. The wettable material is continuously wetted with an analyte-sorbing liquid which flows from one part of the container to a lower end. Sampled air flows through the container in contact with the wetted material with a swirling motion which results in efficient transfer of analyte vapors or aerosol particles to the sorbing liquid and preconcentration of traces of analyte in the liquid. The preconcentrated traces of analyte may be either detected within the container or removed therefrom for injection into a separate detection means or for subsequent analysis.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1990Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Solomon Zaromb, Ralph M. Bozen
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Patent number: 5106756Abstract: A method of gathering a library of response patterns for one or more sensor arrays used in the detection and identification of chemical components in a fluid includes the steps of feeding samples of fluid with time-spaced separation of known components to the sensor arrays arranged in parallel or series configurations. Modifying elements such as heating filaments of differing materials operated at differing temperatures are included in the configurations to duplicate operational modes designed into the portable detection systems with which the calibrated sensor arrays are to be used. The response patterns from the known components are collected into a library held in the memory of a microprocessor for comparison with the response patterns of unknown components.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1989Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 5055266Abstract: A method capable of detecting low concentrations of a pollutant or other component in air or other gas, utilizing a combination of a heating filament having a catalytic surface of a noble metal for exposure to the gas and producing a derivative chemical product from the component, and an electrochemical sensor responsive to the derivative chemical product for providing a signal indicative of the product. At concentrations in the order of about 1-100 ppm of tetrachloroethylene, neither the heating filament nor the electrochemical sensor is individually capable of sensing the pollutant. In the combination, the heating filament converts the benzyl chloride to one or more derivative chemical products which may be detected by the electrochemical sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1990Date of Patent: October 8, 1991Assignee: ARCH Development CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Stetter, Solomon Zaromb, Melvin W. Findlay, Jr.
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Patent number: 4977095Abstract: A system for detecting trace concentrations of an analyte in air and includes a preconcentrator for the analyte and an analyte detector. The preconcentrator includes an elongated tubular container in which is disposed a wettable material extending substantially the entire length of the container. One end of the wettable material is continuously wetted with an analyte-sorbing liquid, which flows to the other end of the container. Sample air is flowed through the container in contact with the wetted material for trapping and preconcentrating the traces of analyte in the sorbing liquid, which is then collected at the other end of the container and discharged to the detector. The wetted material may be a wick comprising a bundle of fibers, one end of which is immersed in a reservoir of the analyte-sorbing liquid, or may be a liner disposed on the inner surface of the container, with the sorbing liquid being centrifugally dispersed onto the liner at one end thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1989Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 4942135Abstract: A system for analysis of trace concentration of contaminants in air includes a portable liquid chromatograph and a preconcentrator for the contaminants to be analyzed. The preconcentrator includes a sample bag having an inlet valve and an outlet valve for collecting an air sample. When the sample is collected the sample bag is connected in series with a sorbing apparatus in a recirculation loop. The sorbing apparatus has an inner gas-permeable container containing a sorbent material and an outer gas-impermeable container. The sample is circulated through the outer container and around the inner container for trapping and preconcentrating the contaminants in the sorbent material. The sorbent material may be a liquid having the same composition as the mobile phase of the chromatograph for direct injection thereinto.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1989Date of Patent: July 17, 1990Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 4912051Abstract: A system for detecting analytes in air or aqueous systems includes a permeation absorption preconcentrator sampler for the analytes and analyte detectors. The preconcentrator has an inner fluid-permeable container into which a charge of analyte-sorbing liquid is intermittently injected, and a fluid-impermeable outer container. The sample is passed through the outer container and around the inner container for trapping and preconcentrating the analyte in the sorbing liquid. The analyte can be detected photometrically by injecting with the sorbing material a reagent which reacts with the analyte to produce a characteristic color or fluorescence which is detected by illuminating the contents of the inner container with a light source and measuring the absorbed or emitted light, or by producing a characteristic chemiluminescence which can be detected by a suitable light sensor. The analyte can also be detected amperometrically.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1989Date of Patent: March 27, 1990Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Solomon Zaromb
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Patent number: 4888295Abstract: A portable system for analyzing a fluid sample includes a small, portable, low-pressure and low-power chromatographic analyzer and a chemical parameter spectrometry monitor including an array of sensors for detecting, identifying and measuring the concentrations of a variety of components in the eluent from the chromatographic analyzer. The monitor includes one or more operating condition controllers which may be used to change one or more of the operating conditions during exposure of the sensors to the eluent from the chromatography analyzer to form a response pattern which is then compared with a library of previously established patterns. Gas and liquid chromatographic embodiments are disclosed. In the gas embodiment, the operating condition controllers include heated filaments which may convert electrochemically inactive components to electrochemically active products. In the liquid chromatography embodiment, low-power, liquid-phase equivalents of heated filaments are used with appropriate sensors.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1986Date of Patent: December 19, 1989Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Solomon Zaromb, Joseph R. Stetter