Liquid/liquid Solvent Or Colloidal Extraction Or Diffusing Or Passing Through Septum Selective As To Material Of A Component Of Liquid; Such Diffusing Or Passing Being Effected By Other Than Only An Ion Exchange Or Sorption Process Patents (Class 210/634)
  • Patent number: 8257593
    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: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    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
  • Publication number: 20120184720
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a process for separating protein and an organic solvent from a defatted biomass comprising: a) contacting the defatted biomass with an aqueous solvent to: i) extract protein from the defatted biomass into the aqueous solvent and form an aqueous protein solution; and ii) reduce the concentration of the organic solvent in the defatted biomass and form an organic solvent fraction; b) separating the organic solvent fraction from the aqueous protein solution, wherein the organic solvent is present in the defatted biomass prior to the contacting step at a concentration of at least 100 ppm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Luis Rozenszain, Jocelyn Doucet
  • Patent number: 8221634
    Abstract: A process and an apparatus for separating and recovering waste alkali from a cyclohexane oxidation solution are provided. A gradient combination of the gravity separation technique, the vortex separation technique and the coalescence separation technique is used to carry out fine separation of the waste alkali liquor from the cyclohexane oxidation solution. The purified cyclohexane oxidation solution is fed into a down-stream apparatus. Most of the waste alkali liquor thus separated is recycled, while the remaining is expelled. The expelled waste alkali liquor is incinerated in an incinerator, followed by recovering the molten species using a pneumatic pulverization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: East China University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Zhishan Bai, Zhuoqun Qian, Ji Ma, Ping Zhou, Yanhong Zhang, Hualin Wang
  • Patent number: 8222437
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents For and On Behalf Of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Aniket Kale, Qiang Hu, Milton Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 8211309
    Abstract: A method for separating proteins from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting proteins from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal proteins from a wet algal biomass. These proteins are high value products which can be used as renewable sources of food and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of proteins can be used to generate renewable fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8211308
    Abstract: A method for separating polar lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting polar lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal polar lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. These polar lipids are high value products which can be used as surfactants, detergents, and food additives. Neutral lipids remaining in the algal biomass after extraction of polar lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8211307
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing algae are described in which a hydrophilic ionic liquid is used to lyse algae cells. The lysate separates into at least two layers including a lipid-containing hydrophobic layer and an ionic liquid-containing hydrophilic layer. A salt or salt solution may be used to remove water from the ionic liquid-containing layer before the ionic liquid is reused. The used salt may also be dried and/or concentrated and reused. The method can operate at relatively low lysis, processing, and recycling temperatures, which minimizes the environmental impact of algae processing while providing reusable biofuels and other useful products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Streamline Automation, LLC
    Inventors: Geoffrey Chew, Alton J. Reich, H. Waite H. Dykes, Jr., Roberto Di Salvo
  • Patent number: 8206593
    Abstract: New microfluidic devices, useful for carrying out chemical reactions, are provided. The devices are adapted for on-chip solvent exchange, chemical processes requiring multiple chemical reactions, and rapid concentration of reagents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Fluidigm Corporation, California Institute of Technology, The Regents of the University of California, Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Chung-cheng Lee, Guodong Sui, Arkadij Elizarov, Hartmuth C. Kolb, Jiang Huang, James R. Heath, Michael E. Phelps, Stephen R. Quake, Hsian-rong Tseng, Paul Wyatt, Antoine Daridon
  • Patent number: 8206590
    Abstract: A method is described for separating and processing liquid-borne particles within an aliquot thereof following injection into a field flow fractionator. Said fractionation method may be employed also to capture, for subsequent segregation, specific predefined classes of such particles. The unique fractionation method disclosed contains means to control the applied transverse flow at each designated location along the length of said channel. In one embodiment of the method a separate compartment lies below each distinct location and corresponding membrane supporting permeable frit segment of the fractionator, providing the individual means to control the localized flow through the membrane section thereabove. Employment of a corresponding concentric compartment implementation achieves the same type of compartmentalized cross flow when applied to a hollow fiber fractionation means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Wyatt Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Philip J. Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20120152835
    Abstract: In some aspects, the disclosure provides methods and materials for generating electrical energy from wastewater treatment materials. For example, the methods involve selecting a pair of materials from a wastewater treatment facility and forming a microbial fuel cell using the pair of materials as anode and cathode materials. There are provided various configurations suitable for adaptation to existing wastewater treatment facilities, as well as design parameters for new wastewater treatment facilities, devices, or schemes that take advantage of the methods of the disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Andres Cardenas, Toler Strawn, Tim Short, Walter McCracken, Larry Langebrake
  • Patent number: 8202425
    Abstract: A method for separating neutral lipids from plant material, in particular, intact algal cells, using an amphipathic solvent set and a hydrophobic solvent set. Some embodiments include dewatering intact algal cells and then extracting neutral lipids from the algal cells. The methods provide for single and multistep extraction processes which allow for efficient separation of algal neutral lipids from a wet algal biomass while avoiding emulsification of extraction mixtures. The neutral lipids are removed after first removing a polar lipid fraction and a protein fraction. These neutral lipids can be used to generate renewable fuels as well as food products and supplements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8201445
    Abstract: Environmentally friendly solvents used to dissolve or remove residues and/or substances from substrates wherein the residue and/or substance is contacted with a Generally Recognized As Safe solvent to dissolve the residue and/or substance in the solvent followed by the extraction of the residue and/or substance from the solvent such as by contact with carbon dioxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Ruben G. Carbonell, Peter Kilpatrick, Nael Zaki
  • Patent number: 8197691
    Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8192627
    Abstract: An emulsion-breaking additive is combined with an emulsion concentrate to yield a reaction product and the emulsion concentrate is produced in a process stream and contains entrapped bio-oil. Subsequent phase separating can be accomplished with gravity separation and/or mechanical processing. The emulsion-breaking additive can be native to the process stream. Related systems and methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: ICM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles C. Gallop, Theron Cooper, Kurt A. Dieker
  • Patent number: 8193307
    Abstract: A polymer for use in photoresist compositions is synthesized by effecting polymerization reaction to form a polymerization product mixture and subjecting the mixture to molecular weight fractionation by a liquid phase separation technique using a good solvent and a poor solvent. The fractionation step is iterated at least twice, and one iteration of fractionation includes adding a good solvent which is different from the good solvent added in the other iteration of fractionation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanobu Takeda, Tamotsu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8187463
    Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Publication number: 20120125836
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a separator and/or a discharger. A separator may include a separator channel, an influent portion configured to allow the passage of a first fluid into a separator channel, an effluent portion disposed above an influent portion and/or a fluid-lift portion between an influent portion and an effluent portion. A discharger may be disposed below a fluid-lift portion and/or may include a portion external to a separator channel, which may include a downward angle relative to an effluent portion and/or may be configured to minimize the passage of a second fluid into a discharger as the second fluid buoyantly travels in a separator channel from an influent portion to an effluent portion. A second fluid may have a density that is less than the density of a first and/or may be configured to lift a first fluid to a fluid-lift portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher Hintz, Amber Wilkinson
  • Publication number: 20120125842
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microfluidic system including a unit for extracting elements from one liquid phase to at least one other liquid phase, a use of said system for performing said extraction, preferably for gelling polymer capsules coating such elements by cross-linking, and a method for extracting said elements. Said system comprises a substrate in which a network of micro-channels is etched, including a unit (10) for extracting elements (E), including: a depleting micro-channel (11) which carries a first phase (A) to be depleted; at least one enriching channel (12) which carries a second phase (B) to be enriched, said micro-channels meeting at two junctions upstream (Ja) and downstream (Jb) and forming a transfer chamber (13) between said junctions, each junction being such that the micro-channels are axially parallel or form an acute angle on either side of the junction; and a transfer means (14) arranged in the depleting micro-channel for diverting the elements towards the enriching micro-channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Commissariat A L'Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Jean Berthier, Sophie Le Vot, Florence Rivera
  • Publication number: 20120130142
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be an extraction process. The extraction process can include extracting with a solvent degradable due to contact with oxygen, and automatically measuring the solvent to detect changes in the solvent color due to degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: UOP, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce R. Beadle, Robert J.L. Noe, Edward M. Casey
  • Patent number: 8182556
    Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, sequentially adding solvent sets to the algal biomass, and sequentially separating solid biomass fractions from liquid fractions to arrive at a liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids. The method also includes esterifying the neutral lipids, separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. The method also includes obtaining a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Haliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8182689
    Abstract: A method of dewatering algae and recycling water therefrom is presented. A method of dewatering a wet algal cell culture includes removing liquid from an algal cell culture to obtain a wet algal biomass having a lower liquid content than the algal cell culture. At least a portion of the liquid removed from the algal cell culture is recycled for use in a different algal cell culture. The method includes adding a water miscible solvent set to the wet algal biomass and waiting an amount of time to permit algal cells of the algal biomass to gather and isolating at least a portion of the gathered algal cells from at least a portion of the solvent set and liquid of the wet algal biomass so that a dewatered algal biomass is generated. The dewatered algal biomass can be used to generated algal products such as biofuels and nutraceuticals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8182745
    Abstract: An automatic analyzer having a positioning member connected to a nozzle support jig used to install a rinse nozzle having a suction member. The positioning member is present at a lower position than that of the suction member, has a vertically movable construction, and during a downward movement of the rinse mechanism, is brought close to/inserted into the reaction cuvette earlier than the suction member. Thus, the positioning member adjusts an inserting position of the suction member appropriately if the stopping position of the reaction cuvette deviates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hideyasu Chiba, Katsuaki Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20120097609
    Abstract: A method for treatment of an aqueous oily solution includes combining the aqueous oily solution with one or more miscible organic solvents to produce a mixture of precipitated solids and a liquid phase; separating the precipitated solids from the liquid phase; separating the liquid phase at least into an organic phase and an aqueous phase; and removing at least a portion of one or more oily substances from the organic phase. A system for treatment of an aqueous oily solution is also presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Jiyang Xia, Wei Cai, Rihua Xiong, Yiwen Sun, Chunjie Liu, George Randall Jones, William Fred Heins
  • Patent number: 8163182
    Abstract: A field flow fractionator to separate particles contained within an injected sample aliquot is described. As required, said fractionator may be used to capture, for subsequent removal, specific predefined classes of such particles. Based upon the cross flow or asymmetric flow field flow fractionators, the fractionator disclosed contains means to vary the applied transverse flows at a plurality of locations along the length of its separating channel. A plurality of separated compartments, each lying below a distinct and corresponding membrane supporting permeable frit segment, are provided individual means to control the localized flow through the membrane section thereabove. A corresponding concentric compartment implementation achieves the same type of compartmentalized cross flow when integrated with a hollow fiber fractionator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Wyatt Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Philip J. Wyatt
  • Publication number: 20120091059
    Abstract: An apparatus for passive sorting of microdroplets including a main flow channel, a flow stream of microdroplets in the main flow channel wherein the microdroplets have substantially the same diameter and wherein the flow stream of microdroplets includes first microdroplets having a first degree of stiffness and second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness wherein the second degree of stiffness is different than the first degree of stiffness. A second flow channel is connected to the main flow channel for the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness. A separator separates the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness from the first microdroplets and directs the second microdroplets having a second degree of stiffness into the second flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventors: Neil Reginald Beer, Abraham P. Lee, Andrew C. Hatch, Jeffrey S. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8158088
    Abstract: A mixed extractant solvent that includes at least one dialkyloxycalix[4]arenebenzocrown-6 compound, 4?,4?,(5?)-di-(t-butyldicyclohexano)-18-crown-6, at least one modifier, and, optionally, a diluent. The dialkyloxycalix[4]arenebenzocrown-6 compound is 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(octyloxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(decyloxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(dodecyloxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(2-ethylhexyl-1-oxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(3,7-dimethyloctyl-1-oxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, 1,3-alternate-25,27-di(4-butyloctyl-1-oxy)calix[4]arenebenzocrown-6, or combinations thereof. The modifier is a primary alcohol. A method of separating cesium and strontium from an aqueous feed is also disclosed, as are dialkyloxycalix[4]arenebenzocrown-6 compounds and an alcohol modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Dean R. Peterman, David H. Meikrantz, Jack D. Law, Catherine L. Riddle, Terry A. Todd, Mitchell R. Greenhalgh, Richard D. Tillotson, Richard A. Bartsch, Bruce A. Moyer, Laetitia H. Delmau, Peter V. Bonnesen
  • Patent number: 8157994
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting lipids of varying polarities from oleaginous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on Behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Aniket Kale, Qiang Hu, Milton Sommerfeld
  • Patent number: 8152870
    Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, sequentially adding solvent sets to the algal biomass, and sequentially separating solid biomass fractions from liquid fractions to arrive at a liquid fraction comprising neutral lipids. The method also includes esterifying the neutral lipids, separating a water miscible fraction comprising glycerin from a water immiscible fraction comprising fuel esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids. The method also includes obtaining a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Publication number: 20120080375
    Abstract: A method for producing filtered liquid, in particular sterile water, in a filtration device with at least one membrane unit during in each case a production cycle delimited by membrane backwash cycles of each membrane unit, in the production process at least one respective production liquid volume of a production cycle is temporarily stored before release for consumption until a verification of sterility has been obtained for the temporarily stored production liquid volume. In the device a membrane backwash system and a sterile-air test device are assigned to each membrane unit and at least one temporary store having a capacity corresponding at least to the production liquid volume arising during the production cycle is connected downstream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Dirk Scheu, Albert Link
  • Patent number: 8147782
    Abstract: A process for producing a purified nickel hydroxide precipitate from a nickel-containing leach solution with impurities including one or more of the following: manganese, copper, zinc, iron and/or cobalt, so that the purified nickel hydroxide is suitable for pelletization with iron-containing ores and/or stainless steel production, includes treating the leach solution with a base to form a slurry of mixed hydroxide precipitate and low-nickel barren solution, thickening the slurry to form filter cake, washing the filter cake and contacting it with acid to dissolve nickel and other metals to produce a concentrated nickel-containing solution, subjecting the concentrated nickel-containing solution to solvent extraction with an organic acid extractant to remove metals other than nickel from the nickel-containing solution and form a solvent extraction raffinate of purified nickel solution and treating the solvent extraction raffinate with a base to precipitate the purified nickel hydroxide precipitate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Vale Inco Limited
    Inventors: Marc Murray Rishea, Indje Ognianov Mihaylov, Mohamed Buarzaiga, Flavia Dutra Mendes
  • Patent number: 8142659
    Abstract: Methods for selective extraction and fractionation of algal lipids and algal products are disclosed. A method of selective removal of products from an algal biomass provides for single and multistep extraction processes which enable efficient separation of algal components. Among these components are neutral lipids synthesized by algae, which are extracted by the methods disclosed herein for the production of renewable fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC.
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8137555
    Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8137558
    Abstract: A method for producing biofuels is provided. A method of making biofuels includes dewatering substantially intact algal cells to make an algal biomass, extracting neutral lipids from the algal biomass, and esterifying the neutral lipids with a catalyst in the presence of an alcohol. The method also includes separating a water soluble fraction comprising glycerin from a water insoluble fraction comprising fuel esters and distilling the fuel esters under vacuum to obtain a C16 or shorter fuel esters fraction, a C16 or longer fuel ester fraction, and a residue comprising carotenoids and omega-3 fatty acids. The method further includes hydrogenating and deoxygenating at least one of (i) the C16 or shorter fuel esters to obtain a jet fuel blend stock and (ii) the C16 or longer fuel esters to obtain a diesel blend stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Heliae Development, LLC
    Inventor: Aniket Kale
  • Patent number: 8124420
    Abstract: A reagent for detecting and identifying a chemical substance. The reagent is an emulsion including a cobalt salt dissolved in water which also includes at least one organic solvent that is at least partly water-miscible and also including an organic compound which serves as an ion pair color changing indicator or a pH sensitive color changing indicator, the organic compound dissolved in an organic solvent only partly miscible with water. A two product kit for detecting and identifying a chemical substance is also taught. The kit includes the aforementioned reagent and a diazonium salt, typically a diazonium salt having electron withdrawing groups on its phenyl rings. A method for detecting and identifying a chemical substance using the two product kit is also discussed. The reagent, testing kit and method may be used for detecting and identifying controlled substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Mistral Detection Ltd
    Inventor: Shai Amisar
  • Patent number: 8122909
    Abstract: This invention relates to microchannel apparatus that includes microchannels with interior surface features for modifying flow; processes utilizing this microchannel architecture, and methods of making apparatus having these features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Velocys
    Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Bin Yang, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Ravi Arora, Kai Jarosch, Thomas D. Yuschak, Maddalena Fanelli, Tim Sullivan, Terry Mazanec
  • Patent number: 8123945
    Abstract: A method is provided for producing a high flux, high salt rejection cellulose acetate desalination membrane. In this method, cellulose acetate polymer is dissolved in a first solvent such as methylene chloride or 2-methyltetrahydrofuran to produce a solution. Further steps involve stirring the solution, and thereafter permitting the solution to settle, for a time sufficient for a majority of the cellulose acetate to precipitate out of the solution to form a cellulose acetate precipitate. Next, the cellulose acetate precipitate is stirred into an excess methanol. Thereafter, the cellulose acetate is filtered out and used in making the desalination membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Interior, The Bereau of Reclamation, Separation Systems Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Patrick Murphy, Saied Delagah, Robert Lee Riley
  • Publication number: 20120043278
    Abstract: PROBLEM: To provide a novel paint waste liquid treatment method that is of simple construction, may be handled with ease, is easy to operate, and has good efficiency. SOLUTION MEANS: A method of treating waste liquid containing paint associated with the present invention is characterized in that at least one of either a treatment solution or a waste liquid containing paint is atomized and supplied in droplet form to a treatment tank, and a treatment solution phase and a waste liquid phase are mixed to produce flowing material in an emulsified state (a flowing emulsion), to treat said waste liquid. The present invention makes it possible for treatment of paint waste liquid to be carried out more simply and more easily than is the case with biological waste liquid treatment techniques, and makes it possible for treatment to be carried out at sites where waste liquid is generated. SELECTED DRAWING: FIG.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Hirochika Naganawa, Nobuyuki Yanase, Tetsushi Nagano, Masaaki Hamada, Atsushi Sakamoto, Kohei Hamada
  • Patent number: 8119005
    Abstract: A desalination system and method are based on the biological mechanism occurring in the mammalian kidney which utilizes colloid osmotic pressure and hydrostatic pressure to recover diluted salt solution from a concentrated one. The desalination system includes fluidly connected chamber compartments, one of which is filled with a charged substance, for example, a charged colloid polymer, to form a colloid salt solution when filled with the concentrated salt solution. Peripheral chamber compartments are filled with the concentrated salt solution. A system of semi-permeable membranes, not permeable to the charged substance, separate the chambers one from another. The system operates in the filling, equilibration, dilute, and collecting cycles which are controlled by opening and closing of the semi-permeable membranes. Desalination is based on the transfer of water due to osmotic pressure gradient across the membranes and is driven by hydrostatic pressure, thus providing energy efficient process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Inventor: Gabriel George Pinter
  • Patent number: 8119004
    Abstract: A liquid-liquid extraction process that uses counterflowing liquid phases, especially in conjunction with a reciprocating plate extraction column, wherein one of the liquid phases has a lower density than the other and is at least partially saturated with a dispersible gas, requires less plate stack height or a smaller column diameter when plate-to-plate spacing is non-uniform rather than uniform and such non-uniform plate-to-plate spacing includes greater plate-to-plate spacing proximate to raffinate liquid discharge than proximate to feed of the lower density liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Timothy C. Frank, John J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8119007
    Abstract: Substantially pure water is produced via desalination using a directional solvent that directionally dissolves water but does not dissolve salt. The directional solvent is heated to dissolve water from the salt solution into the directional solvent. The remaining highly concentrated salt water is removed, and the solution of directional solvent and water is cooled to precipitate substantially pure water out of the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Anurag Bajpayee, Daniel Kraemer, Andrew Jerome Muto, Gang Chen, John H. Lienhard, Borivoje B. Mikic
  • Publication number: 20120037563
    Abstract: A bottom control type specimen filtering container consists of a seal plug (1), a top cap (2), a cylinder body (3), a piston rod (5), pistons (6), a clutch spring (7), a drainage needle (8) and a bottom cap (9). The piston rod (5) is disposed in a central hole (12) at the bottom of the cylinder body (3). The pistons (6) are tightly sleeved on the projections of the piston rod (5). The drainage needle (8) is fixedly connected to the lower end of the piston rod (5) through screw thread. One end of the clutch spring (7) is pressed against the bottom of the cylinder body (3), and the other end is against a flange of the drainage needle (8). Furthermore, a double-layer filtering system composed of a first layer of filter screen (4) and a second layer of filter screen (11) is arranged in the specimen filtering container. The shaft of the first layer of filter screen (4) penetrates through a middle hole of the second layer of filter screen (11) and is fixed in a hole at the top of the piston rod (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Qinghua Liao
  • Publication number: 20120018376
    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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: OUTOTEC OYJ
    Inventors: Hannu Laitala, Erkki Paatero, Bror Nyman, Eero Ekman
  • Patent number: 8097153
    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: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia in the City of New York
    Inventors: Edward F. Leonard, Alan C. West, Christian Paul Aucoin, Edgar E. Nanne
  • Patent number: 8097162
    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: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    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: 8092684
    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: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    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: 8088281
    Abstract: A method for the removal of entrained hydrocarbons, particularly aromatics, from water by extracting the hydrocarbons in the water with a hydrocarbon which is relatively less soluble in the water than the entrained hydrocarbon. The hydrocarbons are then separated from the water by a process of coalescence/separation. The extractant is suitably a paraffinic hydrocarbon which, while having an affinity for the entrained hydrocarbon, is relatively less soluble in water than hydrocarbons such as aromatics. The hydrocarbons removed from the water can be recirculated to the feed with the composition of the recirculating phase being controlled to achieve the desired level of hydrocarbon removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Falkiner, Bal K. Kaul
  • Patent number: 8088338
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and an apparatus for regenerating an ionic liquid catalyst, which has been deactivated by conjunct polymers during any type of reaction producing conjunct polymers as a by-product, for example, isoparaffin-olefin alkylation. The system and apparatus are designed such that solvent extraction of conjunct polymers, freed from the ionic liquid catalyst through its reaction with aluminum metal, occurs as soon as the conjunct polymers de-bond from the ionic liquid catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Huping Luo, Moinuddin Ahmed, Krishniah Parimi, Bong-Kyu Chang
  • Publication number: 20110315630
    Abstract: Simplified liquid-solid and liquid-liquid separations after centrifugal extraction are used to extract a target substance from a substance mixture into a solvent. An extraction container has a closed-end cylindrical shape, and is rotated around a central axis by an extractor rotor driven by a motor. The extraction container includes: an opening provided in a bottom portion thereof; and a valve (valve ball) provided at the opening, and opened or closed by a pressure difference between above and below the valve. In extraction, a substance mixture and a solvent are put into the extraction container. The extraction container is repeatedly subjected to normal rotation, pausing, reverse rotation, and pausing to thereby extract a target substance from the substance mixture into the solvent and to separate the liquids into upper and lower layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: UNIFLOWS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki MORIKAWA, Hideki Muraki
  • Patent number: 8083949
    Abstract: A system for selectively removing at least one undesirable ion from an acidic solution including a tank receiving the acidic solution, a chiller in fluid communication with the tank, the chiller being configured to reduce a temperature of the acidic solution, and an ion exchanger in fluid communication with the chiller, the ion exchanger including an ion exchange resin that is selective for the undesirable ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David A. Huebner, David L. Crump
  • Patent number: 8083945
    Abstract: A method of storing and dispensing a fluid includes providing a vessel configured for selective dispensing of the fluid therefrom. The vessel contains an ionic liquid therein. The fluid is contacted with the ionic liquid for take-up of the fluid by the ionic liquid. There is substantially no chemical change in the ionic liquid and the fluid. The fluid is released from the ionic liquid and dispensed from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrie L. Wyse, Robert Torres, Jr., Tadaharu Watanabe, Joseph V. Vininski