Liquid As Separating Medium Patents (Class 210/511)
  • Patent number: 11927513
    Abstract: The extraction system according to the invention for extracting analytes from a sample comprises an extraction cell for receiving the sample, which has at least one first fluid connector for the supply or discharge of a fluid, and a clamping device for clamping the extraction cell, and a fluid connection device for establishing a fluid connection with the at least one first fluid connector of the extraction cell, wherein an extraction cell holder is provided for receiving the extraction cell, and the clamping device has a guiding and positioning arrangement for linearly inserting the extraction cell holder, together with the extraction cell, in order to position the extraction cell in an insertion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: LCTech GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Brandlhuber, Uwe Aulwurm
  • Patent number: 11858831
    Abstract: Disclosed is a desalination apparatus using a solvent extraction scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignees: Korea University Research and Business Foundation, RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jae Woo Lee, Young Chul Choi, Ou Kyung Choi, Gyu Dong Kim, Dan Dan Dong, Jun HO Seo
  • Patent number: 11833508
    Abstract: Described is a multi-dimensional double spiral (MDDS) microfluidic device comprising a first spiral microchannel and a second microchannel, wherein the wherein the first spiral microchannel and second spiral microchannel have different cross-sectional areas. Also described is a device comprising a multi-dimensional double spiral and system for recirculation. The invention also encompasses methods of separating particles from a sample fluid comprising a mixture of particles comprising the use of the multi-dimensional double spiral microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jongyoon Han, Hyungkook Jeon
  • Patent number: 11583785
    Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and systems for the supercritical fluid extraction of cannabinoids from cannabis. The supercritical fluid extraction of cannabinoids is performed with carbon dioxide (CO2) balanced with one or more hydrocarbons, such as propane, propene, and propadiene. As demonstrated, the extraction can be carried out at maximum efficiency and energy savings while keeping the wax formation at minimum by lowering temperature. The methods and systems disclosed herein reduce the production time and safety/environmental hazards and are suitable for proper and safe extraction in non-GMP and GMP environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Cannacraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmad Dehestani, Farhad Fazlollahi, Dennis F. Hunter
  • Patent number: 11566856
    Abstract: A method for improving heat transfer during distillation and concentration of extract with solvent includes providing a distillation vessel having a heat transfer surface and preparing the heat transfer surface with a plurality of surface features. A distillation and concentration system includes a distillation vessel having a heat transfer surface prepared with a plurality of surface features in accordance with the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: EXTRACTCRAFT, LLC
    Inventor: Lee Sutherland
  • Patent number: 11378494
    Abstract: A fluid sample collection system for directly collecting a fluid sample from a fluid source includes a fluid collector and a fluid line. The fluid collector includes (i) a sample vial including a sample vial body and a vial cap that is selectively coupled and sealed to the sample vial body; (ii) a collector body that defines a passenger vial chamber, the sample vial being positioned at least partially within the passenger vial chamber during collection of the fluid; and (iii) a cap access facilitator that is configured to engage a portion of the sample vial to enable a user to selectively couple the vial cap to the sample vial body to seal the sample vial so that the fluid is retained within the sample vial. The fluid line extends between the fluid source and the fluid collector to substantially directly transmit the fluid sample to the fluid collector without exposing the fluid sample to the ambient environment that surrounds the fluid sample collection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: BESST, Inc.
    Inventors: Noah R. Heller, Jacob Aman, Gaunt Murdock, Miles Koehler
  • Patent number: 10779923
    Abstract: The present invention provides dental amalgam recycling systems, useful for recycling particles from a dental liquid effluent drawn, for example, from a suctioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Solmetex, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nicholas Mozzicato, Richard Goulston, Robin Schofield, Michael Toole
  • Patent number: 10670579
    Abstract: A lab-on-chip device for the processing, in particular the separation, of a fluid mixture comprising two immiscible phases (liquid and/or solid), said device comprising a fluid line (1,2,5,6) which successively includes an inlet reservoir (1), a separation channel (2), a collection channel (5) and an outlet (6), said separation channel (2) being designed in a way as to allow a separation of the fluid mixture into said two phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DBS System SA
    Inventors: Steve Béguin, Aurélien Thomas, Julien Déglon
  • Patent number: 10646313
    Abstract: The present invention provides dental amalgam recycling systems, useful for recycling particles from a dental liquid effluent drawn, for example, from a suctioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Solmetex, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nicholas Mozzicato, Richard Goulston, Robin Schofield, Michael Toole
  • Patent number: 10543158
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, and processes are used in topical applications for human or animal skin. A combination of five (5) active ingredients: caffeine, trehalose, asparagus extract, ceramide 2 (2%) and a resurrection plant, Myrothamnus flabellifolia, extract are used in a topical formulation, such as a cream, lotion, spray or gel to boost or activate autophagy, the body's innate processes for repairing cell damage. The five active ingredients are combined in different formulations to provide at least six (6) products for topical application, including, but not limited to, a cleanser, a spray essence, a day cream, a night cream, a serum and a booster. The five (5) active ingredients provide a unique biological composition, hereinafter called, “autophagy activating complex,” that changes the way skin ages, restores and renews radiance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: W SKINCARE, LLC
    Inventors: Suzanne E. Graban, Richard C. Wang, Konstantinos M. Lahanas
  • Patent number: 9863017
    Abstract: A solvent extraction settler arrangement comprising a mixing unit for preparing a dispersion from mutually immiscible solutions and a settler having a feed end and a discharge end. The settler is arranged to separate solution phases from a dispersion fed from the feed end while the dispersion flows towards the discharge end. The arrangement further comprises a feeding device located at the feed end for feeding the dispersion prepared by the mixing unit to the settler. The feeding device comprises an elongated feed launder having a first end for receiving the dispersion from the mixing unit, and a second end. The feed launder extends alongside the feed end of the settler. The feed launder has a form of a conical tube with a cross-section converging towards the second end and an inclined bottom ascending towards the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Outotec (Finland) Oy
    Inventors: Jussi Vaarno, Rami Saario, Henri Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 9828270
    Abstract: A treatment system is provided and comprises a precipitation unit and a recovery unit. The precipitation unit is configured to treat a solution using one or more miscible organic solvents to produce a mixture of precipitate solids and a liquid. The recovery unit is in fluid communication with the precipitation unit and configured to facilitate separating the liquid at least into an organic phase liquid and an aqueous phase liquid comprising a portion of the one or more miscible organic solvents. The treatment system further comprises a purification unit comprising one or more membrane devices in fluid communication with the recovery unit and configured to separate at least a portion of the one or more miscible organic solvents in the aqueous phase liquid from the aqueous phase liquid. A treatment system and a treatment process are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jiyang Xia, Rihua Xiong, Wei Cai, Wenqing Peng, Zijun Xia, Yiwen Sun
  • Patent number: 9827563
    Abstract: Fluidic systems and methods for analyses are provided. In some embodiments, systems and methods for improved measurement of absorbance/transmission through fluidic systems are described. Specifically, in one set of embodiments, optical elements are fabricated on one side of a transparent fluidic device opposite a series of fluidic channels. The optical elements may guide incident light passing through the device such that most of the light is dispersed away from specific areas of the device, such as intervening portions between the fluidic channels. By decreasing the amount of light incident upon these intervening portions, the amount of noise in the detection signal can be decreased when using certain optical detection systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: David Steinmiller, Vincent Linder
  • Patent number: 9803259
    Abstract: A solvent extraction settler arrangement comprising a mixing unit for preparing a dispersion from mutually immiscible solutions and a settler having a feed end and a discharge end. The settler is arranged to separate solution phases from a dispersion fed from the feed end while the dispersion flows towards the discharge end. The arrangement further comprises a feeding device located at the feed end for feeding the dispersion prepared by the mixing unit to the settler. The feeding device comprises an elongated feed launder having a first end for receiving the dispersion from the mixing unit, and a second end. The feed launder extends alongside the feed end of the settler. The feed launder has a form of a conical tube with a cross-section converging towards the second end and an inclined bottom ascending towards the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Outotec (Finland) Oy
    Inventors: Jussi Vaarno, Rami Saario, Henri Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 9765279
    Abstract: A method for reducing neutral oil losses during a neutralization step including (1) mixing an acid-treated vegetable oil with a base to neutralize (a) free fatty acid and (b) added acid in the acid-treated vegetable oil to obtain a pretreated mixture; (2) subjecting the pretreated mixture to at least two successive cycles of localized shear effects, each cycle including a step of forcing the pretreated mixture at a pressure through one or more nozzles, each cycle of localized shear effects having a shear duration time of less than 5×10?5 seconds and a shear rate of at least about 6000 sec?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: ARISDYNE SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Oleg Kozyuk, Peter Reimers
  • Patent number: 9700884
    Abstract: Water softening compositions, and related systems and methods are disclosed. The present disclosure involves a composition for the regeneration of cation exchange media. The regenerant composition includes an alkali metal formate salt (and optionally a metal halide salt). The present disclosure also involves a systems and methods for treating a cation exchange medium in a water softener to replace hardness cations therefrom with alkali metal cations (such as Na+ and K+. The method includes contacting the media with a regenerant including an alkali metal formate salt (and optionally an alkali metal halide salt). The method also includes contacting the media with the regenerant in an amount sufficient to regenerant the ion exchange medium. According to the method, the hardness cations coupled to the cation exchange media are replaced with the alkali metal cations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert Scott Koefod
  • Patent number: 9631254
    Abstract: A solvent extraction method for hydrometallurgical liquid-liquid extraction processes, in which method solution phases are separated from a dispersion while the dispersion flows horizontally in a settler from a feed end to a discharge end. The mass flow of the dispersion and solution phases is divided into a plurality of parallel and mutually separated plug flows flowing in the settler from the feed end to the discharge end. The settler (1) comprises a plurality of elongated settler sections (4) which are mutually separated and side by side in parallel to each other, Inc settler sections (4) extending from the feed end (2) to the discharge end (3), forming a plurality of mutually separated parallel plug flow channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Outotec (Finland) Oy
    Inventors: Jussi Vaarno, Rami Saario, Henri Fredriksson, Jussi Pajala
  • Patent number: 9504937
    Abstract: A polar liquid mixture containing suspended or dissolved particles or solute is exposed to air or a hydrophilic surface. An exclusion zone having a reduced concentration of particles or solute is formed in the polar liquid adjacent to the interface with air or the hydrophilic surface. One or more fractions of purified polar liquid and/or concentrated particles or solute are collected. A sensor can provide feedback to the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: 4th-Phase, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald H. Pollack
  • Publication number: 20150126794
    Abstract: Removing ethanol from fuel by admitting the ethanol-containing fuel into a contained amount of water which is then mixed such that the ethanol-containing fuel may readily be separated into another container. Water and ethanol have an affinity for each other and separate away from the now ethanol-free fuel, and the water/ethanol mixture settles to a lower portion of the container. Once separated, the ethanol free fuel is readily removed into a separate container. The alcohol (ethanol) and water mixture is a valuable by-product of the invention, and is collected separately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Jason C. Jones
  • Publication number: 20150101982
    Abstract: An apparatus for the extraction of liquid hydrocarbons (MHC) has a mechanism for providing a process water composition (PWC) comprising a liquid emulsifier and water, an intake device (10) for collecting a liquid feedstock mixture comprising the hydrocarbons (MHC), a separating system connectable to the intake device, the separating system providing for a processing of the liquid feedstock mixture together with the process water composition so as to extract at least some of the hydrocarbons (MHC) from the liquid feedstock mixture, wherein the liquid emulsifier comprises a natural plant oil, an emulsifier, and preferably also a solubilizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: MAN OIL GROUP AG
    Inventor: Genadi Man
  • Patent number: 8986546
    Abstract: To promote mixture of fluids on a plurality of stages, flow channels include a plurality of merging portions which penetrate from a top surface to a back surface of a substrate. An end of each of the sub channels is disposed so as to overlap the main channel at each of positions separated along the direction in which the main channel extends, and each of the merging portions communicates the main channels and the ends of the sub channels with each other, thereby changing a flow direction of the second fluid flowing through the sub channels to the thickness direction of the substrate, and merges the second fluid with the first fluid flowing through the main channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Noishiki, Makoto Nishimura, Takeshi Yamashita, Daisuke Nishikawa
  • Publication number: 20150076065
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating aqueous fluid and apparatus therefor. The method comprises adding an organic compound to a mass of aqueous fluid comprising at least one Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitor (KHI). The organic compound comprises a hydrophobic tail and a hydrophilic head. The hydrophobic tail comprises at least one C—H bond and the hydrophilic head comprises at least one of: a hydroxyl (—OH) group; and a carboxyl (—COOH) group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ross ANDERSON, Saeid Mazloum VAJARI, Bahman TOHIDI
  • Patent number: 8980106
    Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising a flow channel that utilizes various principles of fluid dynamics to simplify the processes of preparing a sample prior to in vitro diagnostic analysis. A flow channel wherein flow conditions result in a Reynolds number no greater than about 2000, preferably no greater than about 1000, provides enhanced separation of blood cells from a liquid medium, i.e., serum or plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Tahua Yang
  • Patent number: 8961795
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing molybdenum and other possible impurities from an organic copper-containing extraction solution in connection with the liquid-liquid extraction related to copper recovery. The removal of impurities occurs in one or several removal units built into the organic extraction solution storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Hannu Laitala, Erkki Paatero, Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman
  • Patent number: 8936162
    Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The tube and barrier maintain stability of one or more analyte levels, including potassium and glucose, within 10% of their initial values before centrifugation for at least four days.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Jane Emerson
  • Publication number: 20140374349
    Abstract: A mixer settler [1] comprises a settling tank [30], an organic launder [40] provided within the settling tank [30], an aqueous launder [50] provided within the settling tank [30], and an isolated aqueous weir box [70] which is positioned internally or externally relative to an outer profile of the mixer settler [1], the isolated aqueous weir box [70] being at least partially operatively isolated from the settling tank [30] by the aqueous launder [50]. The isolated aqueous weir box [70] comprises an adjustable weir [76] which separates a recycle chamber [72] from an advance chamber [74] therein. The organic launder [40] is operably connected to an organic advance effluent pipe [80], and the aqueous launder [50] is operably connected to the isolated aqueous weir box [70].
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Keyser
  • Publication number: 20140332466
    Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid-liquid contacting tray, including: (i) a liquid-liquid contacting deck having a first side and a opposite second side, the deck comprising a perforated tray material; (ii) an outlet weir extending vertically from the first side of the contacting deck, the outlet weir defining an interior space of the outlet weir; (iii) an inlet weir extending vertically from the first side of the contacting deck, the inlet weir surrounding the outlet weir; and (iv) a tubular downcomer having a first end and a second end, the first end being in fluid communication with the interior space of the outlet weir, the downcomer extending away from the second side of the liquid-liquid contacting deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Tertel, Ronald M. Gatan
  • Publication number: 20140326653
    Abstract: A water purification system may include a water purification unit and a clean water receiving unit. The water purification unit includes a purification space that has a sealing unit at a predetermined position and communicating with outside the water purification unit. The purification space has a receiving space containing liquid with resonating molecules, wherein a purification channel is formed between an outer wall of the receiving space and the purification space, and the purification space has at least one water inlet and one water outlet, and the water inlet is connected to a water source. The clean water receiving unit that has a clean water receiving space that has at least one clean water inlet and clean water outlet, wherein the clean water inlet is connected to the water outlet of the purification space to receive clean water that has been processed by the water purification unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: TAIWELL TECH. CO.,LTD.
    Inventor: Chin-Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 8839962
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for separation of the antifungal cyclic hexapeptides Pneumocandin B0 from Pneumocandin C0 using a hydrophilic stationary phase and a hydrophobic mobile phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Xellia Pharmaceuticals APS
    Inventor: Anders Brunsvik
  • Publication number: 20140263052
    Abstract: A device for collecting and separating liquids, preferably liquefied gas such as LNG, the device having a first container having a bottom wall with a first tubular discharge pipe passing therethrough and opening out into a first storage tank; a second container contained inside said first container, comprising a bottom wall above the level of said first discharge pipe(s), and a top side wall including at least one drain orifice in its base communicating with a lateral passage, and a bottom side wall extending to below the level of the top end of the first discharge pipe, and a said lateral passage between the side walls of the two containers; and a liquid collector duct opening out into the second container, and a second discharge pipe extending from above second container and opening out into a second LNG storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Cyrille Fargier, Philippe Montrocher
  • Publication number: 20140238929
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining at least one aromatic amine from a liquid mixture comprising water and the at least one aromatic amine by extracting with at least one nitroaromatic in an extraction column (1) to form an essentially water-comprising raffinate stream and an extract stream comprising the at least one nitroaromatic and the aromatic amine. The extraction column (1) is divided by a dividing wall (3) into two regions (5, 7), and, in the case of an amount of liquid for separation which is less than a minimum cross sectional loading of the entire extraction column (1), the liquid mixture to be separated is fed only to one of the regions (5, 7) of the extraction column (1) divided by the dividing wall (3). The invention further relates to a process for preparing an aromatic amine and to an apparatus for separating a liquid mixture comprising water and at least one aromatic amine by extracting with at least one nitroaromatic, comprising an extraction column (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Tilmann Steinmetz, Michael Nilles, Lucia Koenigsmann, Andreas Heussler, Nikolaus Zafred
  • Publication number: 20140224735
    Abstract: This invention provides processes for extracting organic compounds from aqueous samples by using relatively small amounts of extraction solvent and of the aqueous sample to be extracted. This is accomplished by increasing the surface area of the extraction solvent while preventing evaporation of the extraction solvent, which allows for greater extraction efficiency. There is little or no restriction on the aqueous sample types from which organic compounds can be extracted with the processes of this invention. An apparatus that can be employed in these processes is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. CORKERN
  • Patent number: 8741136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning sample material, in particular nucleic acids. The cleaning process takes place by means of centrifugal microfluidics and the invention provides a simple compact construction and a simple procedure. If necessary, the sample material is easily mixed with a solvent buffer and proteases in the device. The cleaned sample material is in particular transferred directly to a container. Separate containers for the removal of excess liquid are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Peter Peters, Holger Bartos
  • Publication number: 20140138286
    Abstract: Systems and methods for removing fluid from a slurry fluid and a plurality of solid particles including flowing a slurry stream that includes the slurry through a slurry conduit, injecting a displacing fluid through a first perforated region that is in fluid communication with the slurry conduit, displacing at least a portion of the slurry fluid from the slurry, and producing a displaced fluid stream, which may include the displaced portion of the slurry fluid and/or a portion of the injected displacing fluid, from a second perforated region that is in fluid communication with the slurry conduit. The systems and methods also may include producing a product slurry stream from the slurry conduit, separating the components of the displaced fluid stream, separating the components of the product slurry stream, and/or recycling a portion of one or more of the streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventors: Robert D. Kaminsky, Matthew A. Dawson
  • Patent number: 8728320
    Abstract: This invention relates to a lignin sorbent, a lignin removal unit, a biorefinery, a process for removing lignin, a process for binding lignin, and a renewable material. The lignin sorbent includes a substrate, and a lignin binding material dispersed with respect to the substrate. The lignin binding process includes the step of adding a lignin binding material to an input stream, and the step of converting the input stream into a renewable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Borden
  • Patent number: 8664438
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide efficient, simple and inexpensive processes for the production of carbonyl difluoride, which is an attractive and important compound as a semiconductor etching gas or a semiconductor cleaning gas. A process for producing carbonyl difluoride of the invention includes a step of reacting phosgene and hydrogen fluoride in a gas phase in the presence of a fluorination catalyst to produce carbonyl difluoride and hydrogen chloride, and a step of mixing a mixture containing the carbonyl difluoride and the hydrogen chloride with an organic solvent that is azeotropic with hydrogen chloride but zeotropic with carbonyl difluoride, and distilling the resultant mixture to separate the carbonyl difluoride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Hiromoto Ohno, Toshio Ohi, Hidejiro Yokoo
  • Publication number: 20140001116
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for extraction of analytes of interest from a carrier liquid in a liquid solvent, the two liquids forming an interface between micro-pillars in an extraction chamber. The carrier liquid forms a wetting angle ?1 on the micro-pillars and a bottom wall of the extraction chamber, and a wetting angle ?2 on a top wall, the wetting angles satisfying equation 45°?(?1+?2)/2?135°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux ene alt
    Inventors: Jean Berthier, Nicolas Sarrut-Rio
  • Patent number: 8603328
    Abstract: Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of corn germ oil from corn germ utilizing extraction conditions adapted to a dry corn fractionation ethanol production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: MOR Supercritical, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth E. DeLine, Daniel L. Claycamp, Daniel Fetherston, Rodger T. Marentis
  • Patent number: 8580183
    Abstract: Methods of producing collection tubes are presented. The methods include providing a separator substance that can rapidly polymerize in a short time to a desired hardness and disposing the separator substance within the lumen of the tube. The separator substance is formulated to have a density between an average density of a serum fraction of whole blood and a cell-containing fraction of whole blood, and to be flowable with whole blood. Upon centrifugation of a tube having blood, the separator substance forms a barrier between the whole blood fractions. The barrier rapidly hardens forming a solid barrier when triggered by a suitable energy source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Jane F. Emerson
  • Patent number: 8540878
    Abstract: A cross-corrugated structure packing module is provided for use in mass transfer or heat exchange columns and has particular applicability in severe service applications in which fouling, coking, and erosion are of concern. The structured packing module has a plurality of upright, parallel-extending, corrugated plates. Spacer elements are used to maintain the corrugations of adjacent plates in spaced apart relationship to reduce the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the surfaces of the plates. The plates are also free of apertures or surface treatments that would increase the opportunity for solids to accumulate on the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, LP
    Inventors: Izak Nieuwoudt, Michael James Lockett
  • Publication number: 20130228530
    Abstract: A method of exchanging fluids with suspended particles includes providing a microfluidic device with a first inlet channel operatively coupled to a source of particles and a second inlet channel operatively coupled to an exchange fluid. A transfer channel is connected at a proximal end to the first inlet channel and the second inlet channel. First and second outlet channels are connected to a distal end of the transfer channel. The source of particles is flowed at a first flow rate into the first inlet channel while the exchange fluid is flowed at a second flow rate into the second inlet channel wherein the ratio of the second flow rate to the first flow rate is at least 1.5. Particles are collected in one of the first and second outlet channels while fluid substantially free of particles is collected in the other of the first and second outlet channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Dino Di Carlo, Daniel R. Gossett, Henry T.K. Tse
  • Patent number: 8506813
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method, devices, instrument and program for extraction an ingredient from a liquid sample by bidirectional transfer of an aliquot of fluid between compartments, the method can be applied to a wide variety of laboratory techniques such as; solid phase extraction by filter disc, column chromatography, magnetic separation, diagnostic tests and others, the system is suitable for single or multi sample handling, manual operation or integrated into an automated system, can be used in a lab or in field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Beno Alspektor
  • Patent number: 8491854
    Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: King Saud University
    Inventor: Abdullah Khalid Al-Rasheed
  • Patent number: 8475845
    Abstract: A method of co-formulating two or more pharmaceutically active compounds into a particulate product including contacting a dense, supercritical or near-critical fluid With a suspension of a first active compound in a medium that is miscible with the dense fluid and a solution of a second active compound in a solvent that is miscible with the dense fluid. The product may be the first active agent coated with the second active agent. The method may use coaxial nozzles for the fluid, media or solvents. The method may be applied to production of dry powders for inhalation including beta-agonists and corticosteroids. Apparatus for use in the method comprising means for streams of solvents, media and dense fluids to enter a precipitation chamber at substantially the same point and means for collection of particles under gravity in one or more collection chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: MAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Linda Sze Tu, Hubert Leonardus Regtop, Neil Russell Foster, Pascal Hickey
  • Patent number: 8470180
    Abstract: A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
  • Patent number: 8460550
    Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous processing and solids handling in first near-critical and supercritical fluids. The present invention also allows for treatment of the starting material with the first near-critical or supercritical fluid. The remaining raffinate is then continuously transferred and may be collected in a second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Thar Process, Inc.
    Inventors: Lalit Chordia, Jose Martinez, Andrew Kegler, Desai Bhishmakumar
  • Patent number: 8454824
    Abstract: A separation process for separating two or more immiscible liquids using contactors utilizing high surface area vertical hanging fibers is disclosed. This separation process is especially useful in the separation of disulfide oil formed during the oxidation of spent caustic solution that was used to remove sulfur contaminates from light hydrocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Merichem Company
    Inventors: Tiejun Zhang, V. Keith Turner
  • Patent number: 8454832
    Abstract: A system and process for treating a hydrocarbon feed mixture containing aromatic compounds is provided to separate the at least one aromatic compound from the hydrocarbon feed stream is provided. A supported ionic liquid membrane, which is a microporous polymeric support containing ionic liquid in its pores, is used to selectively extract aromatics. The hydrocarbon feed mixture is directed to a retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane. A permeate stream is drawn from the permeate, side of the supported ionic liquid membrane, which is an aromatic-rich hydrocarbon stream. An aromatic-lean hydrocarbon stream, which is the retentate portion of the original hydrocarbon feed, remains on the retentate side of the supported ionic liquid membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Esam Zaki Hamad, Ahmad Abdullah Bahamdan
  • Patent number: 8383538
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an apparatus for treating a hydrocarbon stream having one or more compounds with a boiling point of about 140° to about 450° C. The apparatus can include an extraction zone and a regeneration zone. The extraction zone can include at least one settler. Each settler can have a height and a length. Typically the length is greater than the height. Also, the settler can form a boot, which can be adapted to receive a feed at one end. The regeneration zone may include a regenerator for an ionic liquid. The regenerator can include a column adapted to provide a regenerated ionic liquid to the extraction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Manuela Serban, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Alakananda Bhattacharyya, Luigi Laricchia, John P. Brady, David N. Myers
  • Patent number: 8366917
    Abstract: A method of recovering minerals from hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A comminuted hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be contacted with an agent sufficient to remove minerals therefrom. The agent is typically a solution containing a solvent, leachant, chelating agent and the like via which minerals can be removed having value, toxic minerals, radioactive minerals and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Red Leaf Resources, Inc
    Inventors: Todd Dana, James W. Patten