Organic Patents (Class 205/688)
  • Patent number: 11629418
    Abstract: An electrolytic reactor comprises at least one electrolytic cell with an anode compartment and a cathode compartment separated by a separator, in particular a semipermeable membrane. The anode compartment comprises an inlet and an outlet for anolyte at opposed ends, said inlet and outlet being connected with each other via an anolyte circulation pipe equipped with a storage means for anolyte, an anolyte vessel and at least one adsorption filter for adsorbing molecular impurities. When molecular impurities comes from the cathode compartment through the separator, the electrolytic reactor acts also as a cleaning device for the catholyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Sedo Engineering SA
    Inventors: David Crettenand, Grégoire Chappot, Ludovic Chappot, Herbert Gübeli
  • Patent number: 11431025
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for a gel polymer electrolyte, a gel polymer electrolyte prepared using the same and an electrochemical device including the same, and specifically provides a composition for a gel polymer electrolyte including an oligomer which includes a compound represented by Formula 1 and a compound represented by Formula 2, provides a gel polymer electrolyte prepared using the same, and provides an electrochemical device including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventors: Kyoung Ho Ahn, Jung Hoon Lee, Chul Haeng Lee, Jeong Woo Oh, Sol Ji Park
  • Patent number: 11365137
    Abstract: Electro oxidation membrane evaporator 1 comprises sweep air handler 60; fluid tank 20 defining a fluid container; fluid contactor/separator 30; oxidation cell 40; and scrubber 80. Electro oxidation membrane evaporator 1 may allow higher percent water recovery from wastewater prior to delivering brine to a brine water recovery system and can allow O2 from air such as cabin air to continuously diffuse into the wastewater as O2 is consumed to generate oxidants, helping to eliminate the low oxidant environment at the end of the cycle that causes pH to remain high, and low pH prevents precipitates from forming for longer so more water can be evaporated from the wastewater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Arai, John Fricker
  • Patent number: 10980220
    Abstract: Provided are physico-chemical processes for continuous and simultaneous water disinfection, oxidation of off flavor agents, minimization of trihalomethane (THM) production, reduction of nitrate and nitrite production and oxidation of ammonia so as to remove nitrogen species, in saline (for example, seawater) based aquaculture systems. The aquaculture system may be any handling/storage/transport system, for example, recirculated aquaculture systems (RAS), for fish or other aquaculture species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: TECHNION RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION LIMITED
    Inventors: Ori Lahav, Raz Ben-Asher, Youri Gendel, Liat Birnhack
  • Patent number: 10829694
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating hydrocarbons from solid particles in a hydrocarbon-particulate-aqueous mixture. The apparatus comprises: a container for the mixture; a shockwave generator comprising two electrical terminals; and a pulsed power supply. The pulsed power supply is configured to apply a series of one or more voltage pulses to the terminals, such that, when each voltage pulse is applied to the terminals, a shockwave is applied to the mixture to promote separation of the components of the mixture. This may mitigate the need to heat the mixture and/or add chemicals to facilitate separation of hydrocarbons from solid particles such as sand or soil, mineral or carbonate particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: 3P TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Trent Hunter
  • Patent number: 10570347
    Abstract: Rheology modifying agents and methods of modifying the rheology of a slurry are disclosed. Methods for the prevention of fouling and methods for monitoring the rheology of a slurry are also provided. The slurry can be a lime slurry or a magnesium oxide slurry, for example. The rheology modifying agent can be polymer-grafted nanocrystalline cellulose. The rheology modifying agent can optionally include other components, such as a chelating agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Shayan Moghadam, Rangarani Karnati, Heinrich E. Bode, Jasbir S. Gill
  • Patent number: 10556813
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for treating a condensate stream from a condenser that contains odorous compounds, such as various condensate streams produced in a rendering process. In one embodiment, the condensate stream is treated by adding an oxidizer to the liquid condensate stream to oxidize odor-causing compounds in the stream prior to being treated in a waste water pre-treatment system. In this manner, the odor resulting from these compounds can be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Stephen R. Temple
  • Patent number: 10252926
    Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and compositions for removing COD-causing contaminants from water, such as cosmetic product manufacturing wastewater and personal care product manufacturing wastewater. The methods involve controlling system parameters in order to hold iron as an iron(II) species. Iron(II) has increased solubility and therefore is more active against the specific contaminants present in the wastewaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Nugraha Yohanes Arifpin, Isa Alfadila
  • Patent number: 9944545
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to methods for sludge reduction for pretreatment of nitrotoluene wastewater using electro-catalytic redox. The embodiments may include (a) adjusting a pH of the nitrotoluene wastewater to 1.5 to 2.0, standing for precipitation, draining sludge of the nitrotoluene wastewater at the bottom, obtaining supernatant of nitrotoluene wastewater, placing the supernatant through a cathode inlet into a cathode chamber of an electrochemical reactor; (b) performing electrochemical treatment, wherein reduction reaction of the supernatant of the nitrotoluene wastewater takes place at the cathode chamber, the nitrotoluene wastewater is placed into the anode chamber for oxidation reaction through the cathode outlet, the catholyte tank, and the anode inlet in sequence; (c) adjusting the nitrotoluene wastewater treated in step (b) via the anolyte tank, and then discharging the nitrotoluene wastewater into a biochemical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NANJING UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Aimin Li, Yeli Jiang, Changming Wang, Qing Zhou, Zhaolian Zhu, Baijun Wang, Zixiao Xu, Mengqiao Wang
  • Patent number: 9770742
    Abstract: An object to be decontaminated contaminated with radioactive material is introduced into an acid eluting solvent to dissolve the radioactive material. The radioactive material dissolved is concentrated and separated from the eluting solvent in the present method. The object to be decontaminated comprises contaminated soil and contaminated liquid. One or both of the contaminated soil and the contaminated liquid are collected and introduced into the eluting solvent. The radioactive materials and the object to be decontaminated dissolved in the eluting solvent are separated into solid and liquid. The decontaminated soil separated from the eluting solvent is collected. The eluting solvent used for separating the radioactive material and in which radioactive material is dissolved is concentrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignees: Morita Miyata Corporation
    Inventors: Hideo Yoshida, Yasuhiro Suyama
  • Patent number: 9618495
    Abstract: A carbon quantifying cell (20) configured to receive a fluid is provided, including two or more electrodes (22) positioned at least partially in the fluid, and meter electronics (21) configured to place an electrical oxidization, polarization, and/or adsorption program across the two or more electrodes (22) and at least partially oxidize carbon materials in the fluid, apply an AC voltage of a predetermined amplitude across the two or more electrodes (22), measuring the resulting AC current across the two or more electrodes (22), wherein a ratio of amplitudes and a phase angle difference provides information for calculating a fluid impedance, receive an electrical response of the fluid to the electrical oxidization, polarization, and/or adsorption program, quantify the carbon materials in the fluid using the electrical response, and detect interfering materials in the fluid using the fluid impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventor: Vishnu Rajasekharan
  • Patent number: 9478589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus which contains an electronically active material and an oxygen ion pump for removing oxygen from the apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of an oxygen ion pump for removing oxygen from an electronic apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Kuntz, Junyou Pan, Volker Hilarius
  • Patent number: 9308507
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for revaporizing natural gas. Provided is a device for revaporizing natural gas hydrate pellets, comprising: a pellet charging portion for charging pellets which is formed with an upper valve and a lower valve so as to divide space for adjusting pressure; a storing portion, which communicates with the lower portion of the pellet charging portion, for receiving pellets when the lower valve is opened; a transfer screw, one end of which couples to the lower portion of the storing portion, for transferring the pellets in the storing portion; and a dissolving reaction tub, which is coupled to the other end of the transfer screw, receives pellets from the lower portion of the dissolving reaction tub, and which accommodates heating water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignees: Dongguk University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Samsung Heavy Ind. Co., Ltd., Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd., Sung-Il Turbine Co., Ltd., Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung Ho Song, Yong Seok Yoon, Hye Jung Hong, Jung Huyk Ahn, Mun Keun Ha, Seok Ku Jeon, Hoon Ahn, Ta Kwan Woo
  • Patent number: 9120799
    Abstract: Described herein are methods of generating 4,4?-bipyridinium radical cations (BIPY•+), and methods for utilizing the radical-radical interactions between two or more BIPY•+ radical cations that ensue for the creation of novel materials for applications in nanotechnology. Synthetic methodologies, crystallographic engineering techniques, methods of physical characterization, and end uses are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Albert C. Fahrenbach, Jonathan C. Barnes, Hao Li, J. Fraser Stoddart, Ashish Neil Basuray, Srinivasan Sampath
  • Patent number: 9090814
    Abstract: Viscosifying polymers are effectively degraded during a well treatment operation with an ylide breaker or a vitamin B cofactor. The vitamin B cofactor is an ylide, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B9 or vitamin B12 or mixtures thereof. Such breakers are effective at room and elevated temperatures and high pH environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles David Armstrong, Stanley Gunawan
  • Patent number: 9085535
    Abstract: Methods for the synthesis of N-substituted carboxylated pyridinium compounds by reaction of a pentamethine precursor with a primary amine are provided. In this reaction an N-substituted alkoxycarbonyl pyridinium heterocycle is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Dieter Heindl, Peter Gebauer
  • Publication number: 20150075999
    Abstract: Process and station for stabilizing an aqueous solution of an iron salt of an organic acid with a ferric component and a ferrous component of less solubility than the ferric component, such as the aqueous solution based on the Fe3+ salt of meso-tartaric acid. To stabilize the content of the dissolved ferric salt, the solution is at least partly subjected to electrolytic oxidation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Hans Lammers, Johannes Albertus Maria Meijer
  • Publication number: 20150021194
    Abstract: Solution-phase (e.g., homogeneous) or surface-immobilized (e.g., heterogeneous) electrode-driven oxidation catalysts based on iridium coordination compounds which self-assemble upon chemical or electrochemical oxidation of suitable precursors and methods of making and using thereof are. Iridium species such as {[Ir(LX)x(H2O)y(?-O)]zm+}n wherein x, y, m are integers from 0-4, z and n from 1-4 and LX is an oxidation-resistant chelate ligand or ligands, such as such as 2(2-pyridyl)-2-propanolate, form upon oxidation of various molecular iridium complexes, for instance [Cp*Ir(LX)OH] or [(cod)Ir(LX)] (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl, cod=cis-cis,1,5-cyclooctadiene) when exposed to oxidative conditions, such as sodium periodate (NaIO4) in aqueous solution at ambient conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Stafford Wheeler Sheehan, Ulrich Hintermair, Julianne M. Thomsen, Gary W. Brudvig, Robert H. Crabtree
  • Patent number: 8871146
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently sterilize microorganisms present in or on a surface of a liquid. Plasma is generated in a vicinity of or in a manner to make contact with a liquid whose pH value is adjusted to become 4.8 or lower, more preferably 4.5 or lower. The plasma is generated in an atmospheric gas containing nitrogen, e.g., in the air. Superoxide anion radicals (O2?.) that are generated by the plasma react with protons (H+) in the liquid to form hydroperoxy radicals (HOO.). Further, nitrogen and oxygen included in the air are combined together by the action of plasma to form nitrogen oxide such as nitric oxide (NO.). The nitric oxide (NO.) combines with the hydroperoxy radicals (HOO.) to become peroxynitrite (ONOOH(ONOO?)) having a high microbiocidal activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Satoshi Ikawa, Katsuhisa Kitano, Satoshi Hamaguchi
  • Patent number: 8795536
    Abstract: Process for degrading organic substances in an aqueous composition comprising a step (a) wherein, in a liquid reaction medium, said aqueous composition is reacted with at least one composition comprising hydroxide ions (OH?) and hypochlorite in a molar ratio between hydroxide and hypochlorite higher than or equal to 0.001 and lower than 1.5, in order to oxidize said organic substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Patrick Gilbeau, Ward Blancke
  • Patent number: 8685255
    Abstract: A method of operating a capacitive deionization cell using a regeneration cycle to increase pure flow rate and efficiency of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Voltea B.V.
    Inventors: Sean Knapp, Marshall L. Leffew, II
  • Publication number: 20140069822
    Abstract: A method of cleaving disulfide bonds is provided, which comprises: (a) introducing a liquid sample having disulfide bonds (e.g., proteins) into an electrochemical cell; and (b) subjecting the sample to a reducing potential to reduce the disulfide bonds, wherein the electrochemical cell comprises (i) a working electrode that contains titanium and (ii) an auxiliary electrode. An electrochemical flow cell for processing a sample fluid is also provided, which comprises: (a) a body comprising a flow path having inlet and an outlet; (b) a working electrode in fluid communication with the flow path; and (c) an auxiliary electrode; wherein the working electrode comprises at least 20 wt. % titanium in the form of elemental titanium, titanium-containing substances and/or titanium-containing alloys; and wherein the outlet is connected to an electrochemical detection (ECD) device, a NMR spectrometer or a mass spectrometer (MS) when the working electrode is a ruthenium-plated titanium electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Agnieszka Urszula Kraj, Hendrik-Jan Brouwer, Jean-Pierre Chervet
  • Publication number: 20130291488
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Brandon L. Herdt, Junzhong Li
  • Publication number: 20130281607
    Abstract: Described herein is a composition comprising an aqueous polymerization reaction product of fluorinated monomers and wherein the polymerization is initiated (i) in the absence of a fluorinated emulsifier and whereby no fluorinated emulsifier is added during polymerization or (ii) in the presence of an fluorinated emulsifier selected from: [Rf—O-L-COO-]i Xi+ (I) wherein L represents a linear or branched, non-fluorinated, partially fluorinated, or fully fluorinated alkylene group, Rf represents a linear or branched partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group or a linear or branched partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group interrupted with at least one oxygen atom, Xi+ represents a cation having the valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3; wherein the reaction product and/or the resulting aqueous phase are substantially free of di- and tri-alkylamines and substantially free of low molecular weight fluoroorganic compounds and methods thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Klaus Hintzer, Michael Juergens, Gunther J. Kaempf, Harald Kaspar, Kai H. Lochhaas, Andre Streiter, Oleg Shyshkov, Tilman C. Zipplies, Herbert Koenigsmann
  • Patent number: 8557101
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for electrochemical conversion of dibenzothiophene type molecules of petroleum feedstreams selectively to mercaptan compounds that can then be more easily removed from the electrochemically treated product stream by either caustic extraction or thermal decomposition of the thiol functionality to hydrogen sulfide. The conversion of dibenzothiophenes to mercaptans is performed by electrochemical means in the substantial absence of hydrogen and in the substantial absence of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Greaney, Kun Wang, Frank C. Wang
  • Patent number: 8535509
    Abstract: Embodiments include membrane restoration process. A membrane can be restored by replacing an anolyte and a catholyte of a cell with a solution having an organic acid. The cell can include an anode, a cathode and a membrane fouled with a metal. A cheleate can be formed with the metal and the organic acid of the solution and an electric current can be provided between the anode and the cathode of the cell to protect the cell from corrosion while forming the chelate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Jianqing Zhou
  • Publication number: 20130213821
    Abstract: A method for automated in situ determining an analyte content of a liquid sample by means of a bioanalyzer, wherein a measurement duct has at least one substrate, comprising a repeatedly performable sequence of steps as follows: (i) preparing a sensor matrix, which has a plurality of receptors, which bind the analyte and/or a further target molecule, or bring about a chemical conversion of the analyte or of the further target molecule, leading through the measurement duct a preparation solution of at least a first chemical species, wherein a plurality of the first chemical species are bound on the substrate via the functional group binding on the substrate, wherein the other functional group of the plurality of the first chemical species bound on the substrate serves as a receptor or for subsequent binding of a receptor; (ii) leading the liquid sample, through the measurement duct, wherein analyte contained in the liquid sample or in the liquid to be measured, and/or other target molecules contained in the li
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Michael Hanko, Angela Eubisch, Axel Fikus
  • Patent number: 8480873
    Abstract: Device for the removal of ions from a polar liquid, e.g. water, including at least one compartment which includes at least one inlet for an entering polar liquid flow and at least one outlet for an outgoing deionized liquid flow, in which the compartment an electrochemically regenerable ion-exchange material fills a zone through which zone a liquid flow is able to pass, the device including one sensor of at least one dimensional change of the ion-exchange material. The sensor can include a photo-sensor or a sensor of mechanical stress. Preferably an apparatus connected to the sensor is able to analyze this dimensional change and to control the electric current. Also disclosed is a method of using the device, whereby the electrical current applied to the device is controlled according to the expansion of the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventor: Andrej Grabowski
  • Patent number: 8475645
    Abstract: A cooling water circulation apparatus is capable of limiting attachment of microorganisms and scale in an environmentally friendly manner. An electrolytic device 10 is provided on a cooling water circulation route R1. In the arrangement, mineral contents such as calcium ions and magnesium ions contained in cooling water W are deposited as scale S on an electrode 12A or 12B in an electrolytic step, thereby enabling the mineral contents to be removed from the cooling water W. Even if the hardness of the cooling water W is increased by evaporation of the water with elapse of time, the hardness can be reduced by the electrolytic processing. Thus, the deposition of the scale S in the circulation route R1 can be reduced. Further, the scale S deposited on the electrode 12A or 12B can be easily separated by operating while reversing the polarities of the electrodes 12A and 12B at predetermined time intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Innovative Design & Technology Inc., Daiken Data L.T.D.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Tatsuya Hibino
  • Publication number: 20130118914
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing oxygen from a water containing reaction medium. A pair of electrodes (cathode and anode), are added to the medium, with a surfactant attached to the surface of at least one of the cathode and anode. The medium is kept at an acidic pH, and an electrical current is applied. Oxygen is drawn to the electrodes, displacing surfactant, and reacts with H+ ions and H2O molecules to form H2O2, which can then be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Zaki Yusuf, Ahmad D. Hammad
  • Publication number: 20130108718
    Abstract: A simple extraction method for preparing an organic certifiable stevia extract with high sweetness and optionally with antioxidant properties is provided. The extraction method involves extraction of stevia leaves that have been dried and grinded with a hot solvent generally regarded as safe (GRAS), allowing the dissolution of the sweetening compounds naturally present therein. These sweetening compounds include steviosides and rebaudioside A, which are purified from the extracts by two or more successive chromatographic purifications steps. The sweetening compounds are then eluted with an appropriate elution solvent. The simplicity and organic certification of the method provide advantages over the methods currently employed in the stevia industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: JUSTBIO INC.
    Inventors: Sophie Chabot, Martin Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 8425755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for reducing the chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and total solids of non-contaminating residues from ethanol distilleries, by means of electro-flotation/oxidation techniques using an electrolytic cell outfitted with galvanized steel electrodes as a function of the initial pH of the medium, the current density and the concentration of H2O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Universidad Del Valle
    Inventors: Fiderman Machuca Martinez, Nilson de Jesus Marriaga Cabrales, Javier Andres Davila Rincon
  • Publication number: 20130087466
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for electrochemical digestion of organic molecules. In one example, among others, a method includes providing an electrolyte fluid including organic molecules between the electrodes of a reaction vessel and applying a voltage wave shape to the electrodes of the reaction vessel to digest the organic molecules. No separator exists between the electrodes of the reaction vessel. In another example, a system for digesting organic molecules includes a reaction vessel, an electrolyte fluid including the organic molecules, and a power source. The reaction vessel includes a plurality of electrodes where no separator exists between the electrodes. The electrolyte fluid is provided between the plurality of electrodes of the reaction vessel and the power source can applies a voltage wave shape to the electrodes of the reaction vessel to digest the organic molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Brian Dopp
  • Patent number: 8382992
    Abstract: An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive-second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, said field comprising a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform, comprising a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 2 kHz: and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Bio Concept, LLC
    Inventor: Sven Mierswa
  • Publication number: 20120298524
    Abstract: An electrochemical catalytic method for the hydrodesulfurization of a petroleum-based hydrocarbon stream is described involving a hydrogen-containing gas in an electrochemical cell employing Non Faradic Electrochemical Modification of Electrochemical Activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Ahmad D. HAMMAD, Esam Zaki Hamad, Mohamed Saber Mohamed Elanany
  • Patent number: 8298396
    Abstract: The invention is directed to processes and apparatuses for the production of chemical compounds, in particular fermentation products. According to the invention there is provided a process for the production of one or more chemical substances, which process comprises a fermentation step, wherein said substances are formed; and a separation step, wherein at least one pair of electrodes is used to induce a precipitation of said substances, which pair comprises at least one precipitation electrode and at least one counter electrode, through which an electric current is directed is used to precipitate said one or more substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Earl Lawrence Vincent Goetheer, Joost van Erkel, Koen Peter Henri Meesters, Roel Johannes Martinus Bisselink
  • Patent number: 8263488
    Abstract: The invention relates to the deposition or attachment of materials to surfaces. It relates to a process for coating a surface with a first material and a second material, comprising the following steps: placing the first material on the said surface, inserting into the first material placed on the said surface precursor molecules of the second material, converting the said precursor molecules of the second material inserted into the first material into the said second material such that this second material becomes formed on the said surface to be coated and within the said first material placed on the said surface. The object of the process of the invention is to allow the deposition of materials of any type onto surfaces of any type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Pascal Viel, Sami Ameur, Christophe Bureau
  • Patent number: 8241484
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a membrane treatment method and a membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module, which are capable of inhibiting the formation of scale on the membrane surface to reduce fouling, using a simple installation. [Means for Solving the Problem] The membrane treatment method and the membrane treatment apparatus for ballast water using a membrane module according to the invention, having a membrane treatment tank 2 and a membrane module 1 provided in the tank for continuously performing filtration while ballast water is being passed thereto as raw water; wherein a positive electrode and a negative electrode are provided in the membrane treatment tank 2 so as to come into contact with raw water in the tank, and a current passing means is provided in the tank for applying a voltage between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Saito, Gaku Taniguchi, Taishi Sato, Satoru Okada
  • Patent number: 8241483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of stable iodate-exchanged hydrotalcite with zero effluent discharge. The iodate-exchanged hydrotalcite produced is useful as iodizing agent. The invention further relates to utilization of alkaline effluent generated in the process of ion exchange of iodate into SHT so as to fully recycle the residual iodate anion and also utilize the alkali generated in the process for production of additional quantities of iodate through reaction with iodine crystals followed by electrochemical oxidation to obtain pure aqueous solution of iodate salt which can be reused for preparation of the stable iodizing agent. The process gives zero effluent discharge hence economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
    Inventors: Pushpito Kumar Ghosh, Mahesh Ramaniklal Gandhi, Satish Hariray Mehta, Ramachandraiah Gadde, Jatin Rameshchandra Chunawala, Mirnal Vinodbhai Sheth, Girirajsinh Sabalsinh Gohil
  • Patent number: 8226811
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating time variant and invariant electric fields (E-fields) for various applications. Generating the E-field utilizes high impedance dielectric materials having a collection of three imperative material properties: high permittivity (?), high volume resistivity (?) and high maximum allowable E-field stress (?) and physical geometries that take advantage of the manner in which E-fields are divided or distributed in series capacitance networks. The generated E-field can act upon a subject material, including a gas, liquid or solid, wherein the material is stationary or in motion. The method allows an E-field of given intensity to be set up in the subject material with a significantly lower applied voltage ?a, or conversely, a significantly higher E-field intensity with a given applied voltage ?a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: May-Ruben Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. May, Peter Ruben
  • Patent number: 8216445
    Abstract: A nanoporous insulating oxide deionization device, method of manufacture and method of use thereof for deionizing a water supply (such as a hard water supply), for desalinating a salt water supply, and for treating a bacteria-containing water supply. The device contains two composite electrodes each constructed from a conductive backing electrode and a composite oxide layer being an insulating oxide or a non-insulating oxide and an intermediate porous layer. The composite layer being substantially free of mixed oxidation states and nanoporous and having a median pore diameter of 0.5-500 nanometers and average surface area of 300-600 m2/g. The composite layer made from a stable sol-gel suspension containing particles of the insulating oxide, the median primary particle diameter being 1-50 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Marc A. Anderson, Kevin C. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20120164433
    Abstract: Nano-composites include a graphite material such as nanotubes or graphene sheets and a partial or complete coating of a polymer including sufficient ?-conjugated moieties to interact with surfaces of the graphite material. The polymers may also include electropolymerizable or oxidatively polymerizable moieties so the films may be crosslinked. The films may be used to form layers on substrates or patterned layers on substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON SYSTEM
    Inventor: Rigoberto Advincula
  • Patent number: 8157981
    Abstract: The present electrolytic system and method for extracting components includes a means for providing a carrier fluid; a means for providing a pair of electrodes interposed by a permeable membrane to create a first channel and a second channel; a means for flowing the carrier fluid through the first and second channel; a means for applying a voltage to the pair of electrodes to produce a first ionized carrier fluid in the first channel and a second ionized carrier fluid in the second channel; a means for injecting at least one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid into the subsurface reservoir to release the components; and a means for recovering the at least one of the first ionized carrier fluid and the second ionized carrier fluid and the components from a subsurface strata or ex-situ mineral deposit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Strategic Resource Optimization, LLC
    Inventors: Michael J. Peters, David D. Faulder
  • Patent number: 8152989
    Abstract: A system and process for treating ballast water within an ocean going vessel by generating hypochlorite for treating the ballast water. The system comprises one or more hypochlorite electrolytic cells in fluid communication with ballast water. The total organic carbon content of the ballast water is ascertained and the amount of hypochlorite generated is modulated in response to the total organic carbon content of the ballast water. In one embodiment the system comprises a total organic carbon analyzer for measuring total organic carbon content. In one embodiment of the process of the invention, hypochlorite production is modulated so that the residual halogen-containing oxidizing agent is maintained in the ballast water. In another embodiment of the process, hypochlorite production is modulated to maintain a weight ratio of hypochlorite to total organic carbon in the ballast water ranging from about 1.0 to about 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Severn Trent De Nora, LLC
    Inventors: Harold E. Childers, II, Randolfo Fernandez, Rudolf C. Matousek, James B. Moore, David W. Hill
  • Patent number: 8133380
    Abstract: A method and device for regenerating an ion exchanger can regenerate an ion exchanger easily and quickly, and can minimize a load upon cleaning of the regenerated ion exchanger and disposal of waste liquid. A method for regenerating a contaminated ion exchanger includes: providing a pair of a regeneration electrode and a counter electrode, a partition disposed between the electrodes, and an ion exchanger to be regenerated disposed between the counter electrode and the partition; and applying a voltage between the regeneration electrode and the counter electrode while supplying a liquid between the partition and the regeneration electrode and also supplying a liquid between the partition and the counter electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Saito, Tsukuru Suzuki, Yuji Makita, Kaoru Yamada, Masayuki Kumekawa, Hozumi Yasuda, Osamu Nabeya, Kazuto Hirokawa, Mitsuhiko Shirakashi, Yasushi Toma, Itsuki Kobata
  • Patent number: 8133379
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing at least one hydrophilic area on a hydrophobic substrate. The method consists in performing an electrochemical reduction of the surface under the following conditions: the reduction is performed in an electrochemical cell which contains an electrolytic solution containing a compound that is a precursor of a reducing agent, said compound having a standard potential of less than ?2.7 V relative to the saturated calomel electrode (SCE); the reducing electrode is placed relative to the substrate surface to be treated such that said surface is facing the surface of the electrode, which is the image of the area to be reduced; the reducing electrode is subjected to the formation potential of the reducing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Catherine Combellas, Frédéric Kanoufi, Adrien Fuchs
  • Patent number: 8114267
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a substrate patterning process, where at least two electrodes are used to apply a voltage to the substrate to cause a reaction in a portion of the substrate, that includes recording a current driven by said voltage as a function of time and/or as a function of a position of the substrate or a patterning mask. Also disclosed are a device and a computer program product for monitoring the substrate patterning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Acreo AB
    Inventors: Staffan Nordlinder, Nathaniel D. Robinson, Payman Therani
  • Patent number: 8101061
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to processes for the combination of injecting charge in a material electrochemically via non-faradaic (double-layer) charging, and retaining this charge and associated desirable properties changes when the electrolyte is removed. The present invention is also directed to compositions and applications using material property changes that are induced electrochemically by double-layer charging and retained during subsequent electrolyte removal. In some embodiments, the present invention provides reversible processes for electrochemically injecting charge into material that is not in direct contact with an electrolyte. Additionally, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to devices and other material applications that use properties changes resulting from reversible electrochemical charge injection in the absence of an electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Dong-Seok Suh, Ray Henry Baughman, Anvar Abdulahadovic Zakhidov
  • Patent number: 8080149
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to processes for the combination of injecting charge in a material electrochemically via non-faradaic (double-layer) charging, and retaining this charge and associated desirable properties changes when the electrolyte is removed. The present invention is also directed to compositions and applications using material property changes that are induced electrochemically by double-layer charging and retained during subsequent electrolyte removal. In some embodiments, the present invention provides reversible processes for electrochemically injecting charge into material that is not in direct contact with an electrolyte. Additionally, in some embodiments, the present invention is directed to devices and other material applications that use properties changes resulting from reversible electrochemical charge injection in the absence of an electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Dong-Seok Suh, Ray Henry Baughman, Anvar Abdulahadovic Zakhidov
  • Publication number: 20110303554
    Abstract: An enzyme electrode that enables rapid degradation of bisphenol-A (BPA) in a contaminated sample and/or monitoring of BPA concentration in a contaminated sample. The enzyme electrode includes a working electrode having one or more selected enzymes that are capable of degrading BPA linked to the working electrode. The selected enzymes linked to the working electrode are capable of degrading BPA at an enhanced rate in response to an applied voltage. The electrode can be used to monitor BPA concentration in a contaminated sample by measuring current flow through the electrode in response to an applied voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLC
    Inventor: Shinobu Oguchi