Patents Issued in September 12, 2017
  • Patent number: 9758369
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for a MEMS element, by which both a microphone including a microphone capacitor and a pressure sensor including a measuring capacitor are implemented in the MEMS structure. The components of the microphone and pressure sensor are formed in parallel but independently in the layers of the MEMS structure. The pressure sensor diaphragm is structured from a first layer, which functions as a base layer for the microphone diaphragm. The fixed counter-electrode of the measuring capacitor is structured from an electrically conductive second layer which functions as a diaphragm layer of the microphone. The fixed pressure sensor counter-element is structured from third and fourth layers. The third layer functions in the area of the microphone structure as a sacrificial layer, the thickness of which in the area of the microphone structure determines the electrode distance of the microphone capacitor. The microphone counter-element is structured from the fourth layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Schoen, Bernhard Gehl
  • Patent number: 9758370
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for manufacturing a CMOS-MEMS device. A partial protective layer is deposited on a top surface of a layered to cover a logic region. A first partial etch is performed from the bottom side of the layered structure to form a first gap below a MEMS membrane within a MEMS region of the layered structure. A second partial etch is performed from the top side of the layered structure to remove a portion of a sacrificial layer between the MEMS membrane and a MEMS backplate within the MEMS region. The second partial etch releases the MEMS membrane so that it can move in response to pressures. The deposited partial protective layer prevents the second partial etch from etching a portion of the sacrificial layer positioned within the logic region of the layered structure and also prevents the second partial etch from damaging the CMOS logic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: John Zinn, Brett Diamond, Jochen Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 9758371
    Abstract: A semiconductor layer having an opening and a MEMS resonator formed in the opening is disposed between first and second substrates to encapsulate the MEMS resonator. An electrical contact that extends from the opening to an exterior of the MEMS device is formed at least in part within the semiconductor layer and at least in part within the first substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: SiTime Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron Partridge, Markus Lutz, Pavan Gupta
  • Patent number: 9758372
    Abstract: A method includes mounting a window substrate to a carrier tape. The window substrate has a window extending between an upper surface of the window substrate and a lower surface of the window substrate, the carrier tape sealing the window at the lower surface. Bond pads on an active surface of a MEMS die are flip chip mounted to terminals on the upper surface of the window substrate, a MEMS active area of the MEMS die being aligned with the window of the window substrate. A magnet is mounted to an inactive surface of the MEMS die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: AMKOR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Bob Shih-Wei Kuo, Shaun Michael Bowers, Russell Scott Shumway
  • Patent number: 9758373
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a protective layer for protecting an intermediate structural layer against etching with hydrofluoric acid, the intermediate structural layer being made of a material that can be etched or damaged by hydrofluoric acid, the method comprising the steps of: forming a first layer of aluminum oxide, by atomic layer deposition, on the intermediate structural layer; performing a thermal crystallization process on the first layer of aluminum oxide, forming a first intermediate protective layer; forming a second layer of aluminum oxide, by atomic layer deposition, above the first intermediate protective layer; and performing a thermal crystallization process on the second layer of aluminum oxide, forming a second intermediate protective layer and thereby completing the formation of the protective layer. The method for forming the protective layer can be used, for example, during the manufacturing steps of an inertial sensor such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Stefano Losa, Raffaella Pezzuto, Roberto Campedelli, Matteo Perletti, Luigi Esposito, Mikel Azpeitia Urquia
  • Patent number: 9758374
    Abstract: A centrifuge screening system and method of testing MEMS devices using the system. The wafer level centrifuge screening system can include a base centrifuge system and a cassette mounting hub coupled to the base centrifuge system. The method can include applying a smooth and continuous acceleration profile to one or more MEMS components via the base centrifuge system. Each of the one or more MEMS components can have one or more MEMS devices formed thereon. The one or more MEMS components can be provided in one or more cassettes configured on the cassette mounting hub. The method can also include identifying one or more target MEMS components, which can include identifying stiction in one or more MEMS devices on the one or more MEMS components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: mCube Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Merrill, Jr., Dave Paul Jensen, Yuan-Chun Liu
  • Patent number: 9758375
    Abstract: Process for treating a medium by the removal or destruction of one or more undesired substances present in said medium, comprising combining hydrogen peroxide and alkali hydroxide in an aqueous solution to form superoxide, and bringing the resultant superoxide-containing solution into contact with said medium. The process is useful for the destruction of halogenated organic pollutants and also for carbon dioxide removal from flue gases. The process can also be applied for soil remediation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: YISSUM RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM LTD.
    Inventors: Yoel Sasson, Uri Stoin, Zach Barnea
  • Patent number: 9758376
    Abstract: A process of producing degassed liquid sulfur using process gas containing H2S to agitate the liquid sulfur being degassed while in contact with a degassing catalyst. Process gas is less costly and less complicated and quickly accomplishes substantial degassing rendering the liquid sulfur much safer in storage and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: PHILLIPS 66 COMPANY
    Inventor: Alfred E. Keller
  • Patent number: 9758377
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides a method for extracting hydroxyapatite. The method includes washing fish scales with water, drying the washed fish scales, grinding the washed fish scales, mixing the ground fish scales with an ionic liquid, and centrifuging the mixture of the ground fish scales and the ionic liquid to collect a hydroxyapatite powder as a precipitate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: COMSATS Institute of Information Technology
    Inventors: Farasat Iqbal, Nawshad Muhammad
  • Patent number: 9758378
    Abstract: A device for producing exfoliated graphite from graphite flakes, intercalated graphite, or expanded graphite by means of microwave heating using single mode microwave cavities, a method of producing such materials and products from such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventors: Michael R. Knox, Scott L. Murray, Jeffri J. Narendra
  • Patent number: 9758379
    Abstract: Existing methods of producing high quality graphene/graphite oxides are generally accomplished by exfoliating graphite into flakes and oxidizing the graphite flakes with strong oxidizers under extreme conditions and require careful purification. The oxidizers are typically strong acids used in high concentrations at elevated temperatures requiring complicated purification processes to yield oxidized graphene/sheets. The existing processes can cost up to $12,000/gram. This invention uses a mild oxidant combined with mechanical processing where the sole products are oxidized graphite/graphene and water without the need for further purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Blair
  • Patent number: 9758380
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to graphene quantum dot and a method for preparing the graphene quantum dot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Hyoyoung Lee, Yong Hun Shin, Daesun Hyun, Jintaek Park, Kyoung Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9758381
    Abstract: A method of in-situ transfer during fabrication of a component comprising a 2-dimensional crystalline thin film on a substrate is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a layered structure comprising a polymer, a 2-dimensional crystalline thin film, a metal catalyst, and a substrate. The metal catalyst, being a growth medium for the two-dimensional crystalline thin film, is etched and removed by infiltrating liquid to enable the in-situ transfer of the two-dimensional crystalline thin film directly onto the underlying substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Kian Ping Loh, Libo Gao, Antonio Helio Castro Neto
  • Patent number: 9758382
    Abstract: Various implementations and embodiments relate to three-dimensional open cellular diamond micro-truss structures and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher S. Roper, William B. Barvosa-Carter, Alan J. Jacobsen, Tobias Schaedler
  • Patent number: 9758383
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting polychlorosilanes into hexachlorodisilane, by one or more trimeric polychlorosilanes or a trimeric polychlorosilane in a mixture with higher molecular weight polychlorosilanes being exposed to a gas discharge and hexachlorodisilane being formed and isolated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Juergen Erwin Lang, Hartwig Rauleder, Ekkehard Mueh
  • Patent number: 9758384
    Abstract: The present invention relates to internals useful for minimizing bubble size in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor. One use for the invention is in an apparatus and method for producing trichlorosilane in which metallurgical grade silicon is reacted with hydrogen chloride gas and while being fluidized by the hydrogen chloride gas, thereby producing trichlorosilane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Polycrystalline Silicon America Corporation (MIPSA), MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bryan Nettles, Matthias Colomb, Rick Deckbar
  • Patent number: 9758385
    Abstract: Novel colored compounds with a hibonite structure and a method for making the same are disclosed. The compounds may have a formula AAl12?x?yMaxMbyO19 where A is typically an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a rare earth metal, Pb, Bi or any combination thereof, and Ma is Ni, Fe, Cu, Cr, V, Mn, or Co or any combination thereof, and Mb is Ti, Sn, Ge, Si, Zr, Hf, Ga, In, Zn, Mg, Nb, Ta, Sb, Mo, W or Te or any combination thereof. Compounds with varying colors, such as blue, can be made by varying A, Ma and Mb and their relative amounts. Compositions comprising the compounds and methods for making and using the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Oregon State University
    Inventors: Munirpallam A. Subramanian, Arthur W. Sleight, Jun Li
  • Patent number: 9758386
    Abstract: A mesoporous metal oxide materials with a chiral organization; and a method for producing it, in the method a polymerizable metal oxide precursor is condensed inside the pores of chiral nematic mesoporous silica by the so-called “hard templating” method. As a specific example, mesoporous titanium dioxide is formed inside of a chiral nematic silica film templated by nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). After removing the silica template such as by dissolving the silica in concentrated aqueous base, the resulting product is a mesoporous titania with a high surface area. These mesoporous metal oxide materials with high surface area and chiral nematic structures that lead to photonic properties may be useful for photonic applications as well as enantioselective catalysis, photocatalysis, photovoltaics, UV filters, batteries, and sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: FPINNOVATIONS
    Inventors: Mark John MacLachlan, Kevin Eric Shopsowitz, Wadood Yasser Hamad
  • Patent number: 9758387
    Abstract: A method for fluid treatment that provides variable or alternative regeneration cycles within the same fluid treatment device. The duration of all stages of the regeneration cycle can be adjusted depending upon the amount of fluid treated so that regenerant resources such as water are not underutilized and waste is not discharged unnecessarily into the environment. Additionally or alternatively, a regeneration sequence may include a fluid release sequence in which a fluid is released from a water treatment tank by successive linear movement of a piston in a valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Water-Right, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Gruett, Guy Gruett, Gregory C. Gruett
  • Patent number: 9758388
    Abstract: A water filtration system uses previously used medical filters, such as dialysis filters, for water purification. After medical use the filters are cleaned and sterilized and mounted singly or in groups so as to receive input water under pressure. The system produces sterile filtered water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Nufiltration Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoram Lass
  • Patent number: 9758389
    Abstract: A system for separating contaminants from fluids provides a modular mobile continuously operable site configurable multi-phase filtering system having an oil water separator 100, a dwell tank 220, a waste tank 250, an electrocoagulator 120 having plural concentrically aligned perforated tubular sacrificial electrodes, a first and a parallel second particulate filter 300A, 300B, a first and parallel second step-down membrane filter 400A, 400B, an optional ultra filtration filter 500, an optional reverse osmosis filter 600, a mixing station 700 and a totalizer and sensor array 900 to analyze, filter and treat fluids by separating contaminants and particulates and adjusting chemical content to meet specifications desired which will allow the use and re-use of the filtered fluid and the separated contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Eco Squared Solutions, Inc
    Inventor: Charles B. Rau, III
  • Patent number: 9758390
    Abstract: Method for treating a fluid containing ionized particles, by means of an apparatus provided with a hydraulic circuit (100) intercepted by an immiscible storage tank and by a cyclically regenerating filtering unit (3, 3A, 3B), connected in parallel to the tank. The following are provided for: a supply pipe connected to the hydraulic circuit (100) upstream of the immiscible storage tank for introducing fluid to be purified and an extraction pipe (9) connected to the hydraulic circuit (100) downstream of the filtering unit (3, 3A, 3B) for conveying purified fluid to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: IDROPAN DELL'ORTO DEPURATORI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Tullio Servida
  • Patent number: 9758391
    Abstract: A capacitive deionization electrode may include a conductive material and a polymer on a surface of the conductive material. The polymer may have at least one functional group in a single polymer chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoo Seong Yang, Jae Eun Kim, Hyun Seok Kim, Seung Jae Lee, Hyo Rang Kang, Joon Seon Jeong
  • Patent number: 9758392
    Abstract: A system combines complete, ultra-thin cells into a monolithic and robust framework necessary for desalination applications which yields orders of magnitude faster desalination. The electrode pairs are located so that a flow of feed water flows through or around the electrode pairs with the flow perpendicular to sequentially applied electric potentials. The system is controlled to charge the series of electrode pairs sequentially or phased. That means the charging of the second electrode pair is delayed with regard to the charging of the first electrode pair and the charging of a third electrode pair is delayed with respect to the charging of the second electrode pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Michael Stadermann, Yatian Qu, Juan G. Santiago, Ali Hemmatifar
  • Patent number: 9758393
    Abstract: Provided is a fresh water generation system which filters biotreated water produced by microbiologically treating waste water via a primary semi-permeable membrane (8), and then mixes concentrated water rejected by the filtration with seawater, thereby to filter the mixed water via a secondary semi-permeable membrane (14). This system enables frequencies of chemical cleaning and replacement of the secondary semi-permeable membrane to be reduced. The fresh water generation system comprises: a primary semi-permeable membrane apparatus (9) which separates microorganism treating waste water into permeated water and concentrated water; a secondary semi-permeable membrane apparatus (13) which filters mixed water prepared by mixing the concentrated water into seawater. In the fresh water generation system, the primary semi-permeable membrane (8) has an equal to or a higher microorganism adhesive property than the secondary semi-permeable membrane (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: HITACHI, LTD., TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Noto, Kotaro Kitamura, Yusuke Okawa, Hiroo Takabatake
  • Patent number: 9758394
    Abstract: Systems and methods for treating contaminated water from gas wells by adding an inorganic coagulant and a low molecular weight polymer to the contaminated water to increase the size of solid particulates in the water and to thereby allow the solid particulates to be filtered or to otherwise be removed from the water are disclosed herein. While the inorganic coagulant can be any suitable coagulant, in some cases the coagulant is selected from aluminum chlorohydrate, polyaluminum chloride, aluminum sulfate, and ferric sulfate. Similarly, the polymer can comprise any suitable polymer, such as epi/dma, a condensation product of epichlorohydrin and dimethyl amine. The described systems and methods can clean the contaminated water so that the water can then be treated in a variety of other manners, which may include reverse osmosis, deionization, treatment with mixed bed deionizers, electro-separation, fraction distillation, distillation, and other suitable water cleansing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Stephen D. Allen
  • Patent number: 9758395
    Abstract: Lysine-based polymers, particularly copolymers of lysine and maleic acid, are useful as coagulants for clarification of wastewaters, including produced waters from oils sands mining operations. They can be advantageously used in combination with commercial coagulants, and in combination with flocculants. Such combinations may include dry blends. Also described are methods of preparation of lysine homopolymers and copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Aquero Company, LLC
    Inventor: C. Steven Sikes
  • Patent number: 9758396
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for removing particulate matter from a fluid, comprising a particle functionalized by attachment of at least one activating group or amine functional group, wherein the modified particle complexes with the particulate matter within the fluid to form a removable complex therein. The particulate matter has preferably been contacted, complexed or reacted with a tethering agent. The system is particularly advantageous to removing particulate matter from a tailing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Soane Mining, LLC
    Inventors: Michael C. Berg, John H. Dise, Kevin T. Petersen, David S. Soane, Kristoffer K. Stokes, William Ware, Jr., Atul C. Thakrar
  • Patent number: 9758397
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method of separating an oil-in-water emulsion formed during crude oil production into a water phase and an oil phase that includes adding 1 part-per-million (ppm) to 10000 ppm of an N-vinylpyrrolidone based cationic copolymer to the oil-in-water emulsion, based on the total volume of the oil-in-water emulsion, to form a water phase and an oil phase, and separating the water phase from the oil phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: M. J. Yanjarappa, Cecile Boyer, Stephen M. Hoyles, Michael K. Poindexter
  • Patent number: 9758398
    Abstract: A process and system for determining injection rate of treatment chemicals to eliminate or reduce downstream noxious gas emissions in a wastewater collection system. The process and system provides for treatment chemical injection at a pumping station or directly on a force main wherein dosage is calculated based on current and historical data relative to the pumping station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Vincent Parez, Jean-Luc Million
  • Patent number: 9758399
    Abstract: A process approach allows economical self-sustained operation of single vessel biotreatment systems for municipal wastewater treatment. The daytime solar powered treatment process is changed during darkness periods to operate the biotreatment system without electric grid powering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventors: Kaspar A. Kasparian, Eric H. Verret
  • Patent number: 9758400
    Abstract: A dual tank wastewater treatment system for performing an extended aeration process to provide a natural, biological breakdown of the organic matter in wastewater using, for example, but not limited to, a continuously operating air pump and diffuser bar system for aeration purposes and a flexible media filter. The air pump used is stronger than conventional air pumps and the diffuser bar is designed to provide more efficient oxygen transfer than conventional diffuser systems by mixing air against the system flow to provide better mixing and longer retention time in the aeration process. The flexible media filter provides a final filtration and polishing of the effluent before it passes through a flow equalization apparatus and exits the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Gregory D. Graves
  • Patent number: 9758401
    Abstract: A method enhancing biological digestion of wastewater sludge is provided. The method uses chlorine dioxide to accelerate and improve the efficiency of aerobic or anaerobic digestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: BCR ENVIRONMENTAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Frederick P. Mussari
  • Patent number: 9758402
    Abstract: Present invention relates to a method and apparatus for purification of water, said method comprises the steps of feeding the water into a reactor (4) through one or more inlet tubes (1) or inlet zones and feed water an substrate through carrier elements for bio film (5) which have a large protected surface (>200 m2/m3 carrier elements) and large pore volume (>60%), and that the carrier elements are fluidized for the removal of waste sludge, wherein the ratio of charge of the elements (5) by normal duty corresponds to an amount corresponding to 90%-100%, more preferred 92%-100%, and most preferred 92%-99% of the vet volume of the reactor (4), said carrier elements (5) is kept substantially at rest or hindered movement between the times surplus sludge is removed, and that the carrier elements being fluidised for removal of surplus sludge, said carrier elements (5) having a specific gravity in the area of 0.8-1.4, more preferred 0.90-1.1 and most preferred 0.93-0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: BioWater Technology AS
    Inventors: Thorbjorn Westrum, Terje Andersen, Jon G. Siljudalen, Bjorn Rusten
  • Patent number: 9758403
    Abstract: A lightweight, bioplastic, mobile, floating oil spill mechanical/biological recovery system is dimensionally compact, and quick to assemble. The floating platform can be readily positioned within any waterborne oil/contaminant spill area. After assembly, this platform or apparatus can be directed by either a hand-held digital radio control transmitter or GPS directed mechanism. A lower, multi-roller slip-on belt is designed to be mounted over a circular base support aeration hub assembly with alternating/spaced slotted ring water drainage separators. The belt and aeration assemblies dip bioaugmentation product into the contaminant site thereby exposing microorganisms to both oxygen and target contaminant for treatment and metabolism. Various mechanisms for enhancing metabolic activity of the bioaugmentation product operate in tandem with the primary belt and aeration assemblies to promote effective contaminant metabolism and overall treatment regimes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Walter J. Wasseluk
  • Patent number: 9758404
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for adjusting an angular orientation of a media unit having an opening are disclosed. The media unit may be secured to a rotating frame. In addition, a rotating frame including multiple media units at different angular orientations is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: WesTech Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan T. Richens
  • Patent number: 9758405
    Abstract: A process for the biological treatment of wastewater in which the performance of a conventional activated sludge system is improved by adding an aerobic granular biomass system in a hybrid parallel process configuration. Waste biomass and suspended material from the aerobic granular biomass system is introduced into the conventional activated sludge system for this purpose. In the hybrid process configuration the advantages of both systems are combined to produce new advantages, while drawbacks of the individual systems are reduced to great extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: HASKONINGDHV NEDERLAND B.V.
    Inventor: Tom Wil Theo Peeters
  • Patent number: 9758406
    Abstract: A wastewater or sludge treatment fixed film cross-flow distribution media corrugated sheet (84, 84?, 84?) and assemblies (118, 118?, 118?) thereof include corrugations (98, 98?, 98?), angled of about 10° to about 80° to the top and the bottom of the sheet and the assemblies. The sheet has a unitarily formed baffle (100, 100?, 100?) along at least a top portion of an exposed side of the sheet (96, 96?, 96?) or assemblies (130, 130?, 130?) exposed to denser wastewater or sludge outside of the assemblies than within the assemblies that is sufficient, when joined with either a like baffle (100, 100?, 100?) on a like sheet (84, 84?, 84?) or optional substantially planar interstitial sheets (132, 132?, 132?) adjacent the corrugated sheets, to substantially block air used in a sparging system from exiting or the denser wastewater or sludge being treated from entering the exposed side (96, 96?, 96?) of the sheet or the exposed side (130, 130?, 130?) of the assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Brentwood Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank M. Kulick, III
  • Patent number: 9758407
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant that employs an activated sludge process and a method of operating the same is described. Wastewater influent is provided to a bioreactor configured to perform activated sludge processing to develop mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS). The MLSS is passed from the bioreactor to a hydrodynamic separator (HDS) system, where separation operations are performed on the MLSS. The separation operations generate a low concentration MLSS stream and a high concentration MLSS stream. The low concentration MLSS stream is passed from the hydrodynamic separator system via a first output to a clarifier, and the high concentration wastewater stream is passed via a second output back to the bioreactor. The clarifier performs clarification operations on the cleaned wastewater stream and then outputs an effluent flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Huangpin B. Hsieh, Francisco E. Torres, Cory D. Lancaster, Armin R. Volkel, Ashutosh Kole, Kai Melde
  • Patent number: 9758408
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anaerobic reactor (10) for the treatment of industrial and other wastewaters at psychrophilic temperatures, the reactor comprising a mixing chamber (12) in which is located, during use, a granular sludge fluidized bed, the reactor further comprising a biofilm chamber (16) fed from the mixing chamber and housing a biofilm colonized pumice-based carrier material, and a separation chamber (18) in fluid communication with the biofilm chamber and in which treated effluent and biogas produced within the reactor are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: National University of Ireland, Galway
    Inventors: Vincent O'Flaherty, Dermot Hughes
  • Patent number: 9758409
    Abstract: Provided is a biological purifier, by which metal ions in untreated waste water containing the metal ions and sulfate ions can be removed in a low temperature environment with a water temperature of 15° C. or less for a long period of time. The biological purifier for untreated waste water containing metal ions and sulfate ions used for removing the metal ions from the untreated waste water by precipitating sulfides of the metal ions, the biological purifier includes chaff retaining sulfate-reducing bacteria; and an organic-containing material containing 5 mass % or more of crude protein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation
    Inventors: Takaya Hamai, Takuya Kodera, Hisatoshi Furuya
  • Patent number: 9758410
    Abstract: A method and system for treating wastewater is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes introducing the wastewater into an aerated anoxic treatment unit, flowing an oxygen containing gas into the wastewater in the aerated anoxic treatment unit at a first flow rate, measuring a concentration of a nitrogen species in the wastewater in the aerated anoxic treatment unit, comparing the measured concentration of the nitrogen species to a target nitrogen species concentration, adjusting the flow of the oxygen containing gas into the wastewater in the aerated anoxic treatment unit to a second flow rate in response to a difference in the nitrogen species and the target nitrogen species concentrations, and maintaining the second flow rate for a time period sufficient for the wastewater to be treated in the aerated anoxic treatment unit and form an anoxically treated liquid having a reduced concentration of the nitrogen species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael L. Doyle, Michael Casey Whittier
  • Patent number: 9758411
    Abstract: A bioreactor for anaerobic, aerobic and anoxic digestion of organic matter from wastewater, having a bottom anaerobic zone where the wastewater is fed where anaerobic bacteria produces biogas and the sludge produced is deposited on the bottom and subsequently extracted. An anoxic middle zone contains denitrifying bacteria which converts nitrates to nitrogen, and an aerobic zone at the upper part where at least one biological contact rotor is disposed, which degrade organic matter remaining in the water. The growth of nitrifying bacteria converts ammonia nitrogen into nitrites and nitrates. The tank has a plurality of rhomboids for biogas, sludge and scum collection that join together form a intermediate polyhedral separator panel. The rhomboids joined together define conical collectors with connecting nozzles of ducts from a capture and conduction network of biogas and funnel-shaped manifolds with connecting nozzles of ducts that define a capture and conduction network of sludge and scum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Francisco Xavier Valdes Simancas
  • Patent number: 9758412
    Abstract: A device for purifying liquid wastewater, includes: a container suitable for retaining a granulate consisting of solid particles, and for enabling the contact between the solid particles of the granulate and the liquid wastewater flowing in the container between: an inlet for the liquid wastewater to flow into the container, and an outlet for substantially decontaminated water to flow out of the container; a community of microorganisms extending so as to be in contact with the solid particles of the granulate; at least one live benthic invertebrate whose mean size is greater than 250 ?m and which is distributed in the granulate; and at least one live benthic invertebrate whose mean size is from 50 ?m to 250 ?m and which is distributed in the granulate, characterized in that the community of macrobenthic organism and meiobenthic organism species includes a proportion of 60% to 80% of invertebrate detrivorous organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignees: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (C.N.R.S.), INSTITUT NATIONAL POLYTECHNIQUE DE TOULOUSE, UNIVERSITÉ PAUL SABATIER (TOULOUSE III)
    Inventors: Magali Gerino, Philippe Vervier, Jose Miguel Sanchez Perez, Laury Gauthier
  • Patent number: 9758413
    Abstract: A process for treating contaminated water has the steps of filtering the contaminated water through a filter so as to produce a filtrate therefrom, introducing nutrients and a biomass into an interior volume of the of a light reactor, passing the filtrate into the light reactor, reacting light with the nutrients and the biomass so as to produce a light-reacted biomass, transferring the light-reacted biomass to a dark reactor, reacting the transferred light-reacted biomass with carbon dioxide in the dark reactor, and filtering the reacted biomass from the dark reactor so as to remove the biomass therefrom. The nutrients in the biomass are continuously stirred within the light reactor in a toroidal circulation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: MISSING LINK TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventor: Samuel L. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 9758414
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and a composition for the treatment of wastewater. The composition comprises of microbes, enzymes and cofactors along with the nutrients. The composition is a synergistic composition and wastewater can be treated effectively for the removal of pollutants by using the synergistic composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: RICHCORE LIFESCIENCES PVT. LTD.
    Inventors: Swati Sucharita Dash, Ramachandrappa Subramani, Dhinakar Sathyanathan Kompala
  • Patent number: 9758415
    Abstract: A method of preparing a microorganisms-immobilized felt-based resin includes the following steps: providing a mixture of an acrylate monomer, an initiator, a solvent, and water; adding a felt to the mixture; initiating a polymerization reaction of the mixture to form a felt-based resin; and immobilizing microorganisms on the felt-based resin to form the microorganisms-immobilized felt-based resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Soochow University
    Inventors: Jianmei Lu, Najun Li
  • Patent number: 9758416
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment process that produces primary sludge and biological sludge. The system and process hydrolyzes the biological sludge in a hydrolysis reactor. The primary sludge is directed to a pasteurization unit and pasteurized. Thereafter, the hydrolyzed biological sludge and the pasteurized primary sludge are directed to an anaerobic digester where the combined sludges are subjected to anaerobic digestion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Veolia Water Solutios & Technologies Support
    Inventors: Richard W. DiMassimo, Soren J. Hojsgaard
  • Patent number: 9758417
    Abstract: A system for processing drilling mud, the system including a primary separation tank having an inlet for receiving drilling waste and an outlet in fluid communication with a feed line, and an injection pump in fluid communication with a polymer tank and the feed line. The system also includes a clarifying tank in fluid communication with the feed line and a first collection tank, wherein effluent from the clarifying tank is discharged into the first collection tank, and a centrifuge in fluid communication with the clarifying tank and a second collection tank, wherein effluent from the centrifuge is discharged into the second collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: John O. Pruett, Gary E. Fout
  • Patent number: 9758418
    Abstract: Methods for producing a glass ribbon include drawing a quantity of molten material from a forming vessel into a glass ribbon with the forming vessel positioned within a first portion of a housing located within an upper chamber. The methods further include drawing the glass ribbon along a draw path passing through a second portion of the housing at least partially located within a lower chamber. The methods further include venting gas from an interior of housing through a wall of the second portion of the housing. In one example, the method further includes maintaining a pressure difference between the lower chamber and the upper chamber. In another example, the method includes maintaining a pressure difference between the interior of the housing and the upper chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Ahdi El-Kahlout, Soongyup Lee, Yi-Ming Liu, Douglas John Tanaka