Biological (e.g., Sterilizing, Etc.) Patents (Class 205/701)
  • Patent number: 8173006
    Abstract: An electrolyzed water production apparatus and method safely and simply produce electrolyzed water having a sterilizing action, having a physiologically neutral pH value, and, in addition, simultaneously with strong acidic electrolyzed water and strong alkaline electrolyzed water depending upon the structure. The electrolyzed water production apparatus has an electrolyzer tank with an end that receives or stores raw water, and a power supply. The interior portion of the electrolyzer tank is partitioned by a plurality of diaphragms into a plurality of regions. An anode and a cathode (constituting an electrode pair) are positioned on either side of the diaphragm. In a certain region of the electrolyzer tank, an anode and a cathode are arranged so as to face each other without a diaphragm sandwiched between them. When raw water for electrolysis is electrolyzed, electrolyzed water having a desired pH of a neutral range is produced during electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Osaka Electro-Communication University
    Inventors: Koichi Umimoto, Shunji Nagata
  • Publication number: 20120103831
    Abstract: A method for membrane permeabilization of biological cells contained in a product is disclosed. According to one aspect, the method is applied in a treatment device including at least one treatment chamber emitting a pulsed electric field. According to another aspect, the method includes supplying the treatment device with a product including biological cells at a predetermined supply flow rate from a supply unit, introducing the product including the biological cells into the treatment chamber at an introduction flow rate, treating the product introduced into the chamber with a pulsed electric field, and reintroducing the treated product, at a predetermined feedback flow rate at a point that is downstream from the supply unit. According to some aspects, the introduction flow rate includes the feedback flow rate and the supply flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: Commissariat a renergie atomique et auxqenergies aux energies altenatives
    Inventors: Luc Schrive, Guy Lumia, Florian Pujol
  • Patent number: 8142624
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method of normal saline solution and cleansing apparatus for contact lens, more particularly, a cleansing apparatus for contact lens comprising: a lens receiver for accommodating lenses, at least one electrode unit including a negative electrode and a positive electrode which set apart from the negative electrode each other, a power supply for supplying electric current to the negative electrode and the positive electrode, thereby effectively disinfecting and sterilizing viruses and bacteria and to remove foreign substances within the short time and protein on contact lenses in the lens receiver by oxidants generated by electrolysis in the electrode unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8110089
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for creating at least two flows of water from a reactor, derived from substantially pH7 water, for various applications and having widely divergent pH readings between 2 and 14 without need for chemicals. In addition, the reactor generates said divergent flows without need of an RF or A/C generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Inventor: Craig A Mortensen
  • Patent number: 8080150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of treating contaminated water containing microorganisms comprising feeding a contaminated water stream at a volumetric flow of about 1 to about 1000 m3/h through an electrolyser zone, said water stream having a conductivity from about 0.0001 to about 100 S/m, electrolysing said water stream in said electrolyser zone defined by at least one electrode pair enabling treatment of microorganisms, said at least one electrode pair comprising an anode and a cathode without separator means, said water stream being guided substantially perpendicularly through said at least one anode and cathode while imposing a voltage across said anode and cathode and supplying a direct current to said anode and cathode, withdrawing from the electrolyser zone a treated water stream. The invention also relates to an electrolytic cell in which said process can be performed, and to the use of the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: RWO GmbH
    Inventors: Lars Nyman, Fredrik Herlitz, Jonas Echardt, Takayuki Shimamune, Helga Hakansson
  • Patent number: 8025787
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for receiving a cleaning liquid having a pH in a range between pH6-pH8 and an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) between ±50 mV. The liquid is converted into an anolyte liquid and a catholyte liquid having respective pHs outside of the range between pH6-pH8 and having respective ORPs outside the range between ±50 mV. The anolyte and catholyte liquids are applied to a surface, wherein the anolyte and catholyte liquids are, for example, in a combined state on the surface and substantially neutralize to a pH between pH6-pH8 and an ORP between ±50 mV within one minute of the time at which the anolyte and catholyte liquids are converted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 8017087
    Abstract: An oxygenation device consists of a first vertically oriented tube having electrically conductive plates for forming oxygen by electrolysis. Above the plates is a pump formed by a second length of tube fitted within the first tube with a spacing between the walls of the first and second lengths of tubing thereby forming a cavity. Compressed air is admitted into the cavity. The second length of tubing has an open lower end for receiving air from the cavity. Air enters the second tube in belches that form large bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry Kellgren
  • Publication number: 20110215000
    Abstract: A process for controlling the pH and level of target ions of a liquid composition, more particularly the use of Reverse Electro-Enhanced Dialysis (REED) for extraction of low-molecular, charged species generated in a reactor. Even more particularly the invention relates to a process for pH control and control of inhibitors in bioreactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Jurag Separation A/S
    Inventors: Arvid Garde, Jens-Ulrik Rype
  • Patent number: 8012339
    Abstract: A hand-held spray apparatus is provided, which includes a tank for holding a supply of liquid to be treated and a functional generator carried by the hand-held spray apparatus. The functional generator receives the liquid from the tank and has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and electrochemically activates the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. A spray output is coupled to an output of the functional generator and dispenses the electrochemically activated liquid as an output spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 7959785
    Abstract: A hand-held spray apparatus is provided, which includes a tank for holding a supply of liquid to be treated and a functional generator carried by the hand-held spray apparatus. The functional generator receives the liquid from the tank and has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and electrochemically activates the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. A spray output is coupled to an output of the functional generator and dispenses the electrochemically activated liquid as an output spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20110095225
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for extracting non-polar lipids from microalgae are achieved using a lipid extraction device having an anode and a cathode that forms a channel and defines a fluid flow path through which an aqueous slurry is passed. An electromotive force is applied across the channel at a gap distance in a range from 0.5 mm to 200 mm to cause the non-polar lipids to be released from the algae cells. The non-polar lipids can be extracted at a high throughput rate and with low concentrations of polar lipids such as phospholipids and chlorophyll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: ORIGIN OIL, INC.
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Eckelberry, Michael Philip Green, Scott Alexander Fraser
  • Patent number: 7897030
    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: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Dong-Seok Suh, Ray Henry Baughman, Anvar Abdulahadovic Zakhidov
  • Publication number: 20110042233
    Abstract: A permeable electrochemical reactive biobarrier used to prohibit the diffusion of groundwater contaminated by organic compounds is disclosed. The permeable electrochemical reactive biobarrier includes at least a conductive fiber layer and at least a cathode. The conductive fiber layer is applied with a proper voltage, and the cathode is disposed at one side of the conductive fiber layer. Herein, the conductive fiber layer can be used as the electron acceptor for respiration occurred by local soil microorganisms, which grow on the surface of the conductive fiber layer. Accordingly, the biodegradation of organic compounds can be continued without additional oxidants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Yung-Fu Wang, Wei-Ji Chen, Hsu-Wen Hung, Po-Tseng Pan, Sheng-Shung Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110034406
    Abstract: A system and method for treating persister cells with an electrochemical process, alone or in combination with antibiotics. Weak electric currents are used to effectively eliminate persister cells and the efficacy can be further improved through synergistic effects with antibiotics. The method may be adapted for novel therapies of chronic infections and strategies to control persistent biofouling. The system has a broad spectrum applications in treating chronic and drug resistant infections, such as those caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and may also be used for decontamination of medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Dacheng Ren, Mi Zhang, Tagbo Niepa, Jeremy Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7871508
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process and apparatus are used to process biological and organic materials to provide hydrogen and oxygen for use as fuel in numerous types of equipment. Waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures to avoid any possible formation of either dioxins or furans. The oxidation process may be enhanced by the addition of ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Publication number: 20100276301
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes first and second liquid lines, a container and a dispenser. The first liquid line is configured to receive a liquid. The container is coupled to the first liquid line and is configured to retain media of at least one liquid-activating material. The media of the at least one liquid-activating material is configured to modify an oxidation reduction potential of the received liquid to provide a treated liquid. The second liquid line is coupled to the container and is configured to receive the treated liquid from the container. The dispenser is operably coupled to the second liquid line at a location downstream from the container and is configured to dispense the treated liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 7824537
    Abstract: An electrochemical device including: (a) a semiconductor layer, wherein the semiconductor is silicon or silicon carbide, and where the layer has a thickness from 1 to 1000 ?m; (b) a TiO2 layer on the semiconductor layer, where the layer may include an alkaline earth oxide MO up to an amount where the layer is MtiO3, and where the layer has a thickness from 5 nm to 1 mm; (c) a grid of inert metal on the TiO2 layer, arranged so as to be able to apply a electric field across the TiO2 layer; and (d) an ohmic contact on the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Gen-X Power Corp
    Inventors: Paul Andrew Christensen, Nicholas George Wright, Terrence Arthur Egerton
  • Publication number: 20100261158
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatus, systems and method for detecting separately and substantially simultaneously light emissions from a plurality of localized light-emitting analytes. A system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure comprises a sample holder having structures formed thereon for spatially separating and constraining a plurality of light-emitting analytes each having a single nucleic acid molecule or a single nucleic acid polymerizing enzyme, a light source configured to illuminate the sample holder, an optical assembly configured to collect and detect separately and substantially simultaneously light emissions associated with the plurality of light emitting analytes. The system may further include a computer system configured to analyze the light emissions to determine the structures or properties of a target nucleic acid molecule associated with each analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: APPLERA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric S. Nordman, Mark F. Oldham, Timothy Woudenberg
  • Patent number: 7749370
    Abstract: This invention provides the oxidative mixed water with pH around 7.4 ranging from the weak acidity to weak alkalinity, high power of killing microorganisms, and high power of healing wound by electrolysis using the three-compartment cell composed of an anode compartment, a cathode compartment, and a middle compartment between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment. Mixing anode water with cathode water produced using the three-compartment device forms the oxidative mixed water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Osao Sumita
  • Patent number: 7740749
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrolytic cell that is completely sealed during the electrolysis operation during production of oxidant. Gasses generated within the electrolysis operation, primarily hydrogen that is liberated at the cathode surface, increase the pressure within the cell, and the gas pressure is ultimately utilized to expel the oxidant from the cell chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: MIOX Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney E. Herrington, Greg C. Mich, Kevin Schwarz
  • Publication number: 20100147701
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided, in which and electroporation electrode is configured for example to apply an alternating electric field through liquid dispensed from the apparatus to a surface or volume being treated and thereby cause electroporation of microorganisms in contact with the liquid. The liquid may be suspended from the surface by charged nanobubbles and/or another mechanism to enhance application of the electric field to the microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 7713403
    Abstract: In a water treatment method, a first embodiment of the treatment method comprises the steps of producing electrolyzed acid water by electrolysis of raw water in an anode chamber of an electrolytic cell with an ion permeable partition membrane; removing volatile component in an acid property of the electrolyzed water; and producing electrolyzed neutral water without the volatile component by electrolysis of the electrolyzed acid water in a cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshinori Kamitani
  • Patent number: 7695606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolytic device for disinfecting water in a water supply system using active chlorine, comprising an electrolytic cell having electrodes and a generator driven by the water, a part of the water being guided through the electrolytic cell and at least a part of the feeding of the electrolytic cell being guided through a salt dosing device containing a compound capable of supplying chloride ions to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Johannes Petrus Paulus Tholen
  • Patent number: 7691324
    Abstract: In a reaction chamber, which constitutes a component of a process installation for obtaining foodstuffs or foodstuff components, biological products in harvested form that are whole or in pieces are subjected to pulsed electric fields as they pass through said reaction chamber, said electric fields forming pores in the cell walls so as to irreversibly open the latter, thus making the content of the cells more easily accessible. This is achieved by electrode groups, which can be energized to a high voltage and are located in the wall of a longitudinal passage of the reactor through which the process material is moved past grounded electrodes located in an opposing longitudinal wall area. Each electrode group is connected to an electric energy accumulator such as for example, a Marx generator, by means of a switch, in order to rapidly establish electric fields of multiple directions between the charged and the grounded electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignees: Südzucker AG, Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Schultheiss
  • Patent number: 7691251
    Abstract: Sharps are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the sharps with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize sharps and the biological waste on the sharps and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7611620
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat and destroy organic waste materials. The materials are introduced into an apparatus containing an electrolyte having the oxidized form of one or more redox couples. The oxidized couples oxidize the organic waste materials and are converted into their reduced form. The reduced forms are reoxidized by electrochemical anodic oxidation in the anode compartment of an electrochemical cell or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples. The redox cycle continues until the desired degree of oxidation is reached. The process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100° C., to avoid the formation of dioxins or furans. The oxidation process may be enhanced by the addition of reaction enhancements, such as: ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Scimst, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Publication number: 20090205974
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for controlling molecular interactions where at least one member of a pair of chemical entities having a pH-dependent affinity is immobilized on the surface of an electrode. By changing the potential difference between the electrode and a counter electrode, the affinity of the pair of chemical entities is changed, changing the tendency of the pair to bind or to dissociate. Disclosed are also devices useful for implementing the methods of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventors: Uri Sivan, Elad Brod
  • Publication number: 20090178932
    Abstract: A process for increasing the rate of biocatalysis reactions, which comprises applying a direct current electric field to a reaction mixture, wherein the reaction mixture and the electrodes used to apply said electric field are separated such that the reaction mixture does not come into contact with said electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher John Knowles, Simon Andrew Jackman, Li Hong, Roberta Mustacchi, John Garry Sunderland
  • Publication number: 20090159457
    Abstract: A cleaning and sterilizing method for removing organic matter adhered to the surface of an endoscopic camera instrument, and effectively exhibiting bacteria-killing and virus-killing effects of acidic water uses, as a cleaning bath, an alkaline-water-producing electrolysis bath partitioned by a separating membrane and having electrodes on both sides, and conducts preliminary cleaning of an endoscopic camera instrument inserted in the cleaning bath by ultrasonic cleaning with city tap water. Subsequently, saline solution is provided to the electrolysis bath to conduct electrolysis, conduct ultrasonic cleaning with alkaline water obtained by the electrolysis, introduce acidic water in the acidic water generation bath and conduct sterilization-cleaning, and further to conduct ultrasonic cleaning with city tap water. Then, the endoscopic camera instrument is dried with warm air as the case requires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicants: KRIPTON CO., LTD, SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY INTERACT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahisa HAMADA, Takehisa Nakayama, Kazuko Ichimiya
  • Patent number: 7550089
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for disinfecting water using ultraviolet light. An apparatus with an ultraviolet light source is floated in a water container such that the ultraviolet light source is suspended beneath the water surface and is capable of emitting ultraviolet light into the surrounding water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Meridian Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Kuhlmann, Dan R. Matthews
  • Patent number: 7531080
    Abstract: A medicated electrochemical oxidation process is used for sterilization/disinfection of contaminated instruments and infectious waste. Contaminated instruments and waste are introduced into an apparatus for contacting the infectious waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the infectious waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable infectious waste species have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place at temperatures between ambient and approximately 100 degree celsius. The oxidation process will be enhanced by the addition of reaction of reaction enhancements, such as: ultrasonic energy and/or ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7517445
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat, oxidize and destroy food waste materials, such as manure, biological residue, hay, straw, animal byproducts, bones, horns, blood, biological items, pathological waste and combined waste. Food waste is introduced into an apparatus for contacting the waste with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced by anodic oxidation in an electrochemical cell. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The process takes place at temperatures between zero degrees centigrade and below the boiling point of the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Publication number: 20090071842
    Abstract: The binding specificity of a monoclonal antibody is altered by exposing the monoclonal antibody to an oxidizing agent or an electric potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: JOHN A. McINTYRE
  • Patent number: 7494582
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroionic apparatus for treating an aqueous solution, including a flow cell through which the aqueous solution may flow, and a high frequency AC power source. A pair of electrodes within the flow cell are in contact with the aqueous solution and coupled to the AC power source. The AC power source generates a signal that is transmitted to the electrodes to generate an electromagnetic field and an ionic current within the aqueous solution in the flow cell. Each electrode includes a plurality of perforations defined through the plate electrode. Electrodes within the flow cell may be formed of materials having a catalytic effect upon the electroionic reactions within the flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Bioionix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Schlager, Dale Buechler
  • Patent number: 7488409
    Abstract: Animal waste is contacted with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms. The redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place between zero degrees centigrade and slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte, avoiding formation of either dioxins or furans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7479215
    Abstract: A mediated electrochemical oxidation process is used to treat, oxidize and destroy halogenated hydrocarbon waste materials. The waste materials are introduced into an apparatus for contacting with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, at least one of which is produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the halogenated hydrocarbon waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms and the redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Publication number: 20090000957
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a biochip comprising at least two measurement electrodes, a synthesis electrode, a ground electrode, a gap between the at least two measurement electrodes, a porous dielectric isolation layer and a gel comprising a probe in the gap, wherein the porous dielectric isolation layer is between the synthesis electrode and the gel. Yet other embodiments relate to the method of manufacturing the biochip and using the biochip for electrical detection of bio-species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Valery M. Dubin, Nikolay Suetin
  • Patent number: 7452456
    Abstract: A water sanitization apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a power unit, a housing with inlet and outlet openings for permitting the passage of water containing a bromide salt into the housing and water containing a free bromine and a sanitizing metal ion out of the housing, respectively, and first and second electrodes electrically connected to the power unit. The first electrode has a graphite or carbon substrate doped with copper, silver, and/or zinc. When operated as an anode, the first electrode converts bromide salt to free bromine and oxidize doped metal to sanitizing metal ion. Also provided are related water treatment systems and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Pioneer H2O Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Birkbeck
  • Publication number: 20080280780
    Abstract: Methods for building sensor arrays using electrical signals to selectively functionalize individual electrodes in an array of electrically addressable electrodes are provided. These methods are useful for providing sensor arrays for use in chemical and biochemical assays. The method is based on the sequential electrochemical reduction of functional groups on individual electrodes in order to selectively promote the functionalization of selected electrodes with selected binding entities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Hamers, Sarah Baker, Chang-Soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7387719
    Abstract: Mediated electrochemical oxidation to treats, oxidizes and destroys biological waste, medical, infectious, pathological, animal, sanitary, mortuary, ship, veterinary, pharmaceutical and combined waste. Electrolytes contain oxidized forms of reversible redox couples produced. Oxidized forms of redox couples are produced by anodic oxidation or reaction with oxidized forms of other redox couples. Oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the biological waste molecules and are reduced and reoxidized. The redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste and intermediate reaction products have undergone oxidation. Temperatures between ambient and 100° C. avoid formation of dioxins or furans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7374655
    Abstract: An electrolytic water purification system and method use provides a water filtration device with a plurality of electrolytic cells having anodes and cathodes specifically selected to remove contaminants from water. The device is capable of efficiently removing nearly all contaminants from water and is also capable of purifying the water by destroying micro-organisms which are in the water. Many minerals are removed from the purified water, and it is not necessary to add chemicals to the water during or after the purification process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Novastron
    Inventors: Gary D. Roberts, David W. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7361255
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for application of electrostatic charges to compounds to change the physical characteristics of the compounds. The compound is located within a container, that can be sealed or open, in proximity to an electrode so that there is capacitive coupling between the electrode and the compound. A high frequency, high voltage signal is applied to the electrode for a time sufficient to increase negative ions in the compound, thus changing its physical characteristics. The method can increase the pH and decreases oxidation-reduction potential. A grounded platform is provided for use with a non-conductive container, and the entire apparatus can be provided in a housing enclosure to permit safe application of electrical potential to the compound being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony B. Kuhry
  • Patent number: 7335291
    Abstract: There are provided a water treating method and water treating apparatus which can significantly improve an effect of eliminating microorganisms contained in water intended for drinking and cooking or waster water and a hydroponics system using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Kondo, Yasuhiko Shimizu, Masahiro Iseki
  • Patent number: 7264738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to gaseous discharge and applied biotechnology. In particularly, the present invention relates to a method for killing organisms in the course of conveying ballast water in ship, comprising applying a voltage with frequency of 400-40000 Hz between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode of the free radical generator, thereby forming strong ionization discharge of electric field strength of 250-600 Td between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, ionizing, dissociating, and exciting O2 and H2O, or O2, processing into active particles comprising O3, OH. and HO2, dissolving excitedly to obtain free radical solution mainly consisted of OH, adding the free radical solution to conveying pipeline of ballast water, conveying for 2-20 s in the pipeline, thereby killing organisms of ballast water selected from the group consisted of bacteria, single cell alga, and protozoan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Dalian Maritime University
    Inventors: Mindong Bai, Xiyao Bai, Xiaojian Zhou, Zhitao Zhang, Mindi Bai, Bo Yang, Chengwu Yi
  • Patent number: 7244348
    Abstract: A system and method 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 a stream of ballast water. A chlorine analyzer is positioned downstream from the electrolytic cells to determine the chlorine concentration of the treated ballast water. A hydrogen separator is connected to the hypochlorite electrolytic cells for venting hydrogen. In the method of this invention, water is taken aboard the ship for ballast in one port. A treatment stream is separated from the ballast water stream and piped to hypochlorite electrolytic cells. Hypochlorite is generated into the treatment stream and the hydrogen byproduct is separated by the hydrogen separators. The treatment stream is then reintroduced to the ballast water to eliminate marine species and pathogenic bacteria from ballast water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Severn Trent de Nora, LLC
    Inventors: Randolfo Fernandez, David W. Hill, Rudolf C. Matousek, James B. Moore
  • Patent number: 7238272
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for producing electrolytic water using three chambers, rigid plates and ion exchange membranes. Benefits include reduced scale production and increased long-term bactericidal effects of the water produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: Yoichi Sano
  • Patent number: 7235169
    Abstract: An alkaline electrolyte solution is electrolyzed by a diaphragm-less electrolyzer to provide electrolytic water as purging and disinfecting water. The alkaline electrolyte solution is a mixture of at least one alkaline electrolyte selected from caustic sodium carbonate, caustic potassium carbonate, phosphorous sodium carbonate and sodium hypochlorite, and at least one neutral salt selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide and potassium bromide. The purging and disinfecting water is added to a water circulatory system. The result is that contaminants and noxious chemicals in the circulatory system are oxidation decomposed to thereby purge the circulating water, and noxious microorganisms such as germs, yeasts, fungi, and viruses, growing in the water circulatory system and causing degradation of water or development of slime are disinfected and thereby purged from the water circulatory system. The purging and infecting method can be carried out in a simple manner with minimum cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Omega Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Kunihiko Fukuzuka, Jingo Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7156962
    Abstract: There are provided an electrode for electrolysis which takes into consideration safety to human bodies and environmental pollution upon disposal of the electrode, produces ozone with high efficiency and has excellent durability, a production process of the electrode, and an active oxygen producing device using the electrode. In an electrode 5 for electrolysis which has an electrode catalyst at least on the surface and produces ozone or active oxygen in for-treatment water by electrolysis, the electrode catalyst contains a dielectric which constitutes more than 70% of the surface area of the electrode catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohito Koizumi, Naoki Hiro, Tsuyoshi Rakuma, Katsuhiko Mushiake, Masahiro Iseki, Hiroyuki Umezawa, Yurika Koizumi, Yasuhito Kondo
  • Patent number: 7033481
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electroionic processing system having a high frequency alternating current (AC) power source for treating potable water, process water, wastewater, biosolids, sludge, primary effluent, secondary effluent, and other biochemical processing functions, including producing hydrogen peroxide and other useful chemicals. An electromagnetic field is generated and coupled to an electrolytic treatment apparatus by a direct coupling apparatus and method, a capacitive coupling apparatus and method, and an inductive coupling apparatus and method. The present invention further comprises a process controller and a plurality of analyzers for monitoring various treatment process variables to adjust and optimize the process as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Bioionix, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Schlager, Stephen H. Gorski
  • Patent number: 7011739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of sanitizing the shells of eggs, which are used for human consumption and also as hatchlings. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of sanitizing eggs using an electrostatic sprayer with electrolyzed oxidizing water produced from an electrolyte solution. It is the overall objective of the present invention to provide a method for sanitizing eggs comprising the steps of passing an electrolyte solution through a water electrolysis machine in combination with feed water to produce electrolyzed oxidizing water, and then spraying the eggs with the electrolyzed oxidizing water by using an electrostatic sprayer which creates a negative charge on the spray droplets as they leave the sprayer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Gene Harkins, Brian Warren