Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Hamlin

Thomas J. Hamlin 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: 10918985
    Abstract: A filter cell element for use in a housing to form a filtering assembly. The filter element has a media pack having an interior and a separator element having a passage therein for radial fluid communication between the media pack interior and an edge of the media pack. An overmold seal at the media pack edge seals the media pack to the separator element. Methods of making the filter element and methods of using are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nathan E. Marks, Thomas J. Hamlin, Gokhan Kuruc
  • Patent number: 10352574
    Abstract: A falling film of liquid desiccant in direct contact with a gas stream is formed, which allows water vapor transfer between a gas stream (air) and the desiccant, enabling dehumidification and/or humidification of air. Thin films are created in one way by a wettable layer that is in contact with a support structure and in another way directly on the support structure. The devices can be installed on an absorber (conditioner) side or a desorber (regenerator) side or both of air conditioning systems; for example, liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, Rajeev Dhiman, Laurence W. Bassett
  • Patent number: 10112153
    Abstract: Provided are thin film composite membrane structures comprising: a selective membrane layer for ion rejection attached to a support layer, the support layer comprising a multi-zone microfiltration membrane comprising: a porous support material; and at least two microfiltration zones, where a first zone comprises a first membrane and a second zone that is attached to the first zone and that coats at least a portion of the porous support material. Thin film composite membrane structures may be provided in reverse osmosis systems or nanofiltration systems. Also, thin film composite membrane structures may be provided in direct osmotic concentration systems, forward osmosis systems, or pressure retarded osmosis systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. McCutcheon, Thomas J. Hamlin, Mark T. Meyering, Liwei Huang
  • Publication number: 20170370598
    Abstract: A falling film of liquid desiccant in direct contact with a gas stream is formed, which allows water vapor transfer between a gas stream (air) and the desiccant, enabling dehumidification and/or humidification of air. Thin films are created in one way by a wettable layer that is in contact with a support structure and in another way directly on the support structure. The devices can be installed on an absorber (conditioner) side or a desorber (regenerator) side or both of air conditioning systems; for example, liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, Rajeev Dhiman, Laurence W. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20170363305
    Abstract: A falling film of liquid desiccant in direct contact with a gas stream is formed, which allows water vapor transfer between a gas stream (air) and the desiccant, enabling dehumidification and/or humidification of air. Thin films are created in one way by a wettable layer that is in contact with a support structure and in another way directly on the support structure. The devices can be installed on an absorber (conditioner) side or a desorber (regenerator) side or both of air conditioning systems; for example, liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, Rajeev Dhiman, Laurence W. Bassett
  • Publication number: 20160377302
    Abstract: Provided are flexible panel devices that use desiccants for heat and mass transfer processes, including but not limited to air conditioning systems, for example, liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) applications wherein the liquid desiccant is contained in a panel that comprises at least one hydrophilic separation layer, which allows water vapor transfer between the air and liquid desiccant and enable dehumidification and humidification of the air. The flexible panel devices can be installed on an absorber (conditioner) side or a desorber (regenerator) side or both of a LDAC system. The devices have two flexible layers, at least one of which comprises a flexible and water vapor permeable hydrophilic separation layer, that form a desiccant flow channel and a desiccant flow distributor located therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, Laurence W. Bassett, Rajeev Dhiman
  • Publication number: 20160138817
    Abstract: Provided are flexible panel devices that use desiccants for heat and mass transfer processes, including but not limited to air conditioning systems, for example, liquid desiccant air conditioning (LDAC) applications wherein the liquid desiccant is contained in a panel that comprises at least one hydrophobic separation layer, which allows water vapor transfer between the air and liquid desiccant and enable dehumidification and humidification of the air. The flexible panel devices can be installed on an absorber (conditioner) side or a desorber (regenerator) side or both of a LDAC system. The devices have two flexible layers, at least one of which comprises a flexible and water vapor permeable hydrophobic separation layer, that form a desiccant flow channel and a desiccant flow distributor located therein. The two flexible layers may both be permeable hydrophobic separation layers, or they may comprise one permeable hydrophobic separation layer along with a non-porous layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2014
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, Laurence W. Bassett, Rajeev Dhiman, Scott A. Baum
  • Publication number: 20150068987
    Abstract: Fluid filtration systems that have openings in their sump closures are provided. Spouts for processed fluid may be added to direct flow of processed fluid. The spouts may be attached, permanently or removably, to the sump closures or to media cartridges. The system comprises: an inlet, an unprocessed fluid outlet, and a processed fluid outlet; a sump housing and a sump closure operatively associated therewith, the processed fluid outlet being located through the sump closure; a media cartridge located in the sump housing, the media cartridge providing processed fluid upon contact with unprocessed fluid; and a diverter. Flow of processed fluid may be directed through any desired angle when a rotatable structure is included in the system. Filtration systems may easily be cleaned and/or sanitized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Laurence W. Bassett, Thomas J. Hamlin, Robert E. Astle
  • Publication number: 20150060364
    Abstract: Provided are thin film composite membrane structures comprising: a selective membrane layer for ion rejection attached to a support layer, the support layer comprising a multi-zone microfiltration membrane comprising: a porous support material; and at least two microfiltration zones, where a first zone comprises a first membrane and a second zone that is attached to the first zone and that coats at least a portion of the porous support material. Thin film composite membrane structures may be provided in reverse osmosis systems or nanofiltration systems. Also, thin film composite membrane structures may be provided in direct osmotic concentration systems, forward osmosis systems, or pressure retarded osmosis systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. McCutcheon, Thomas J. Hamlin, Mark T. Meyering, Liwei Huang
  • Publication number: 20130306552
    Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising introducing a mixture into a mold, the mixture comprising a plurality of susceptor particles and a plurality of polymeric binder particles. Eddy currents are induced in the susceptor particles by subjecting the mixture to a high-frequency electromagnetic field, the eddy currents being sufficient to elevate the temperature of the susceptor particles to cause adjacent polymeric binder particles to be heated to at least a softening point. The susceptor particles bind with the heated polymeric binder particles in the mold to form a coherent mass. The coherent mass is cooled to form the filter element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Satishkumar Chamyvelumani, Richard A. Kirchner, Thomas J. Hamlin, William J. Feil, III, Keith D. Solomon
  • Publication number: 20130304532
    Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising retrieving information from a remote computer node including a database circuit. The database may store usage, status, and location information from a plurality of fluid monitoring apparatus for respective fluid treatment systems located at a respective customer site. It may be determined, from the information, whether at least one of the fluid treatment systems is in need of service. The method may include determining automatically whether one or more additional fluid treatment systems, located in a predefined area surrounding another fluid treatment system, is in need of service. The method may include generating, for display, a service plan for a service agent including a service route and location of one or more fluid treatment systems to be serviced, and indicating type of service or estimated duration of service to be performed on each fluid treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Michael N. Cormier, Thomas J. Hamlin
  • Patent number: 8453849
    Abstract: Provided are an anti-microbial matrix and filtration systems containing the same. The matrix comprises a surface-modified inorganic component and a polymeric binder comprising particles having an irregular, convoluted surface. The surface-modified inorganic component comprises a reaction product of an anti-microbial component and an inorganic component. The anti-microbial component comprises a quaternary ammonium salt containing an epoxide group. A covalent bond is, for example, between the quaternary ammonium cation and a hydroxyl group of the inorganic component. The quaternary ammonium salt can be poly(methyldiallylamine epichlorohydrin). Further, the quaternary ammonium salt can have the formula according to I: (Formula I), wherein n is in the range of 5 to 24. The inorganic component can be diatomaceous earth. The polymeric binder can comprise ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE). Methods of making and using the same are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hamlin, Mark T. Meyering, Hemang R. Patel, Derek A. Daigle, Robert A. Governal, Rebecca A. Lucht, Keith D. Solomon, Eshan B. Yeh
  • Patent number: 8403152
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides fail-safe mechanisms for final filters. The fail-safe mechanisms of the present disclosure include a prefilter that is essentially transparent or translucent to TOC contaminants and a microporous filter downstream from the prefilter that filters contaminants by means of size-exclusion, mechanical interception, coagulation, or a combination thereof, the filter being adapted to significantly reduce fluid flow and undergo blockage under a challenge by TOC contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Pur Water Purification Products, Inc., 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hemang Patel, Keith Wesner, Thomas J. Hamlin, Robert A. Governal, Guillermo M. Vidal, Dimitris I. Collias, Jeannine R. Bahm
  • Patent number: 8119012
    Abstract: A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeannine Rebecca Bahm, Andrew Thomas Pearks, Guillermo Matias Vidal, Dimitris Ioannis Collias, Michael Donovan Mitchell, Robert E. Astle, Katharine L. K. Faye, Robert Andrew Governal, Thomas J. Hamlin, Rebecca A. Lucht, Hemang Patel
  • Patent number: 8075720
    Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising the steps of preparing a plurality of upstanding pleats each having first and second pleat legs, wherein the first pleat leg of one pleat is joined to the second pleat leg of a preceding pleat by a medial pleat section; moving the upstanding pleats into an overlapped condition wherein each medial pleat section becomes part of the second leg of a preceding pleat; and forming the overlapped pleats into a cylindrical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian L. Fall, Thomas J. Hamlin, Mahesh Z. Patel, John L. Pulek, Aaron Spearin
  • Publication number: 20110259812
    Abstract: A filter cell element for use in a housing to form a filtering assembly. The filter element has a media pack having an interior and a separator element having a passage therein for radial fluid communication between the media pack interior and an edge of the media pack. An overmold seal at the media pack edge seals the media pack to the separator element. Methods of making the filter element and methods of using are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Nathan E. Marks, Thomas J. Hamlin, Gokhan Kuruc
  • Publication number: 20110155661
    Abstract: A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Jeannine Rebecca Bahm, Andrew Thomas Pearks, Guillermo Matias Vidal, Dimitris Ioannis Collias, Michael Donovan Mitchell, Robert E. Astle, Katharine L.K. Faye, Robert Andrew Governal, Thomas J. Hamlin, Rebecca A. Lucht, Hemang Patel
  • Publication number: 20110152054
    Abstract: A method of forming a filter element is disclosed comprising the steps of preparing a plurality of upstanding pleats each having first and second pleat legs, wherein the first pleat leg of one pleat is joined to the second pleat leg of a preceding pleat by a medial pleat section; moving the upstanding pleats into an overlapped condition wherein each medial pleat section becomes part of the second leg of a preceding pleat; and forming the overlapped pleats into a cylindrical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Brian L. Fall, Thomas J. Hamlin, Mahesh Z. Patel, John L. Pulek, Aaron Spearin
  • Patent number: 7922008
    Abstract: A filter and filter material for providing or treating potable water is provided. The filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, a filter material disposed within the housing, the filter material formed at least in part from a mixture of a plurality of mesoporous and microporous activated carbon particles. Preferably, at least some of the mesoporous activated carbon filter particles are coated with a cationic polymer, and even more preferably, at least some of the particles are coated with a cationic polymer and silver or a silver containing material. Kits comprising filters and information relating to the reduction, killing or removal of bacteria, viruses, microbials, and TTHM are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jeannine Rebecca Bahm, Andrew Thomas Pearks, Guillermo Matias Vidal, Dimitris Ioannis Collias, Michael Donovan Mitchell, Robert E. Astle, Katharine L. K. Faye, Robert Andrew Governal, Thomas J. Hamlin, Rebecca A. Lucht, Hemang Patel
  • Patent number: 7922006
    Abstract: A filter assembly is provided which includes an outer filter sleeve formed at least in part by a plurality of pleats, an inner filter sleeve formed at least in part by a plurality of pleats, wherein the inner and outer filter sleeves define a passage therebetween. An inlet cap is secured to a first end of the inner and outer filter sleeves and it has at least one inlet port communicating with the passage, and an end cap is secured to a second end of the inner and outer filter sleeves and it has an end surface closing the passage. Methods of forming such a filter assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian L. Fall, Thomas J. Hamlin, Mahesh Z. Patel, John L. Pulek, Aaron Spearin