Utilizing Electrical Or Wave Energy Directly Applied To Liquid Or Material Being Treated Patents (Class 210/748.01)
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Patent number: 8025801Abstract: Simultaneous source-sink flow, or radial counterflow, is driven by a centrifugal pump disposed within a casing. Radially outward source flow of brine goes into a shrouding tank and concentrates while a radially inward sink flow of fresh water flows back over the pump to axial extraction. An axial pump drives sink flow and axial extraction. Convergent sink flow passes under an inductor to an axial exhaust port. Induced viscosity and inductive repulsion hinder the passage of brine in sink flow, so only fresh water can reach the axial exhaust port. Crystallization of scale-forming salts is aided by Joule heating from the inductor. Solvent and gases are continuously axially extracted in sink flow, favoring crystallization. Sodium chloride is cooled and crystallized in the shrouding tank. Brine comprising other salts flows out of the tank to treatment by suitable means. Thus brine is separated into fresh water, crystallized salt, and concentrated brine.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: McCutchen Co.Inventor: Wilmot H. McCutchen
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Patent number: 8021530Abstract: Electric fields are applied parallel to and/or vertical to the interfaces on adjacent microfluid lamellae made of nonmiscible media containing said biomolecules and bioparticles to which they have different physico-chemical affinities in order to separate biomolecules and bioparticles and the biomolecules and bioparticles are electrophoretically separated.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Istitut fur Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbHInventor: Steffen Hardt
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Patent number: 8021523Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrostatic fluid filtration system suitable for removing sub micron insoluble contaminants known to cause varnish from fluids such as dielectric fluids. The electrostatic fluid filtration system is configured to remove both water and other contaminants from a target fluid (e.g. a dielectric fluid) and comprises a cabinet, a computer control unit, and one or more substantially cylindrical filtration units, including at least one of a water filtration unit and an electrostatic contaminant filtration unit. In the contaminant filtration unit, the target fluid flows radially through the filtration media that is positioned between the electrode plates in a generally horizontal flow pattern. This forces the target fluid to traverse multiple energy fields in a serpentine fashion and in a single pass through the contaminant filtration unit. After flowing through each layer of the filtration media, the target fluid is discharged from the electrostatic contaminant filtration unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Paul Jarvis
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Patent number: 8021557Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the modification of seawater, brine, or alike, to render it suitable for irrigation, industrial use, or for further treatment in a drinking water purification plant, as well as to extract desired substances from brines, such as boron, and to clear waste from mining processes, by reducing environment endangering contaminants, like petroleum hydro-carbons, or radioactive substances, as well as inactivating microorganisms and virus in biosolids, by means of exposing the substances to high-intensity macrosound, i.e., alternating mechanical energy radiation at (ultra-) sonic frequencies. The treatment enhances the separation of salt, or/and other desired materials, from the water, and activates in situ the adsorption of the materials on sorbefacient substances supplied to the desalination process in form of dust of pulverized, liquefied, or vaporized substances, or by elements (of walls) of treatment chambers, or filters.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2010Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Globe Protect, Inc.Inventors: Bertwin Langenecker, Christel E. Zeilinger
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Publication number: 20110220584Abstract: A method for removing undesired substances from liquid water may comprise the steps of: subjecting an oxygen-containing substance to an environment; increasing a temperature within said environment; ionizing said oxygen-containing substance; forming an electrostatically enhanced oxygen species; transferring at least some of said electrostatically enhanced oxygen species to said liquid water; processing said liquid water by action of said electrostatically enhanced oxygen species; creating a charged negatively electrostatically enhanced water species by the presence of said electrostatically enhanced oxygen species in said liquid water; and removing said undesired substances from said liquid water through action of said charged negatively electrostatically enhanced water species in said liquid water, perhaps with the goal of purifying water. Such water may be used in a variety of manners, including but not limited to reuse of the purified water in a closed loop system as a cleaning agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: THERMO TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dennis E.J. Johnson, Grigori A. Abramov, Richard A. Kleinke, Marcus A. Wiley
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Patent number: 8017087Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Jerry Kellgren
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Patent number: 8012355Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from an untreated fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated fluid or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: PSS Acquisitionco LLCInventor: Raymond Ford Johnson
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Publication number: 20110210077Abstract: A method and system of providing ultrapure water for semiconductor fabrication operations is provided. The water is treated by utilizing a free radical scavenging system and a free radical removal system. The free radical scavenging system can utilize actinic radiation with a free radical precursor compound, such as ammonium persulfate. The free radical removal system can comprise use of a reducing agent. The ultrapure water may be further treated by utilizing ion exchange media and degasification apparatus. A control system can be utilized to regulate addition of the precursor compound, the to intensity of the actinic radiation, and addition of the reducing agent to the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.Inventor: Bruce Lee Coulter
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Publication number: 20110198299Abstract: An apparatus and method of a fluid containing microorganisms purification, comprising a stack of sheets each having patterns of ribs protruding from its surfaces and an embedded conductive foil connectable to a voltage source. In-between the stacked sheets the ribs engage to form fluid passageways in which electric field is generated by connecting said foils to a voltage source. The protrusions of some ribs from the sheet surface is smaller than others and they are shaped to locally amplify the electric field, thereby gate zones are formed along said passageways where the intensity of the electric field is effective for destruction of microorganisms in the fluid flow. The gate zones also deflect the fluid flow generating localized turbulence such that the time the fluid is residing along the passageway is extended and the microorganisms destruction action by the amplified electrical field is further enhanced.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventors: Gideon Rosenberg, Avner Rosenberg
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Patent number: 7993527Abstract: A system for on site monitoring and controlling the characteristics of a body of water by measuring the water characteristics in a first position and adjusting the water characteristics in a second position through either adding dispensable materials to the water or changing the energy of the water or both.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Inventor: Joseph A. King
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Patent number: 7993110Abstract: A gas/air compressor system used for compressing a gas/air stream of air, oxygen, oxygen-enriched air and other combustible gases and delivering a moderate-to-high temperature, moderate-to-high pressure fluid to a pipeline connected to one or more injection wells. Fuel with cooling water is injected downhole for combustion in the compressed gas/air stream to be used for in-situ-retorting of oil shale, volatile coal beds, tar sands, heavy oil and other hydrocarbon or carbonaceous deposits. A preferred embodiment of the compressor system includes a compressor housing with a male screw rotor having helical lobes received in helical grooves in a female screw rotor. The housing includes a gas/air inlet for receiving the gas/air stream therein and a series of water/mineral injectors for injecting a water/mineral slurry into the rotating screw rotors. The water/mineral slurry acts as a sealant, a lubricant and also a coolant for male and female screw rotors during the compression cycle.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Inventor: Gilman A. Hill
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Patent number: 7993528Abstract: The output wavelengths of an electrodeless lamp are controlled by passing a fluid over the surface of the lamp to control its temperature. The stabilized temperature prevents thermal runaway of the lamp and stabilizes the output wavelengths of the lamp. When the fluid passing over the lamp is water, the lamp can be used for sanitary treatment of the water. The treatment can be enhanced by shaping the electrodeless lamp to provide maximally effective water treatment.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2007Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Inventor: David Richard NeCamp
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Patent number: 7981288Abstract: A fluid treatment device including a source of electrical voltage having a first and second terminal, a pulse generator connected to the first terminal and the second terminal and outputting a pulsed voltage wave signal between a third terminal and a fourth terminal, at least one coil positioned adjacent at least one fluid conduit, being electrically connected to the third and fourth terminals and at least one capacitor also being electrically connected to the third and fourth terminals to form a first circuit with an inductance L, a capacitance C and a resonant frequency. The pulse generator is arranged to generate a pulsed voltage wave with a frequency approximately equal to the resonant frequency. A further circuit element is arranged to cause the voltage pulse reaching the coil to repeatedly, alternate between a period of pulsed voltage at the frequency and a period of zero voltage, with each period extending for a time in a range of approximately 2 to 33 milliseconds.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Evapco, Inc.Inventors: Wilson E. Bradley, John W. Lane
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Patent number: 7981301Abstract: An apparatus includes integrated ultra-filtration and clarification, and an optional electrocoagulation capability. The apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters. Optionally, and upstream electrocoagulation unit and a downstream reverse osmosis unit are provided. Alternatively, the electrocoagulation function is provided by a plurality of reaction plates mounted to the interior sidewall of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventor: Scott W. Powell
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Patent number: 7981298Abstract: A method and system for removing from an aqueous system which is contaminated therewith: (1) mercury present as colloids, ions and/or organically bound compounds, and (2) hydrocarbons solubilized, dispersed, and/or emulsified in the said system. Pursuant to the invention the aqueous system to be treated (such as “produced water”) is passed successively through three filtration stages. The first filtration stage is provided with absorption media which effects reduction/removal of dispersed organically bound mercury species and of the dispersed and partially dissolved hydrocarbon phases, as well as of some colloidal mercury and other dissolved metallic species. The second filtration stage utilizes a salt modified reticulated granular filtration media for reduction/removal of slightly dissolved hydrocarbon phases, mercury in colloidal and ionic form and other dissolved metals.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventor: Hal Alper
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Patent number: 7981293Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treatment of contaminated liquid are provided including an integrated ultra-filtration and clarification apparatus, and an optional integrated electrocoagulation capability. The integrated apparatus comprises an outer tank, an inner casing, and a plurality of ultra-filtration filters contained within the inner casing. Clarification of liquid occurs in the gap between the casing and tank. Solid matter settles, and aggregates in the bottom portion of the tank. The accumulated solid material acts as a secondary filter by pre-filtering the liquid prior to contact with the ultra-filtration filters. Clarified liquid is retained in a chamber of the casing, and the clarified liquid is drawn through the ultra-filtration filters as initiated by a source of vacuum communicating with the ultra-filtration filters.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Inventor: Scott W. Powell
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Publication number: 20110163045Abstract: Methods and systems for treatment, remediation, and purification of contaminated water at an optimal pH for are provided herein, as well as a database for use in said methods and systems. The methods and systems are based on identifying one or more contaminants in the contaminated water, and identifying an optimal pH for performing direct photodegradation of the contaminant(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2009Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: Ramot at Tel-Aviv University Ltd.Inventors: Hadas Mamane, Dror Avisar, Yaal Lester, Igal Gozlan
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Patent number: 7972519Abstract: The present invention relates to a purification device for the purification of a liquid such as water, preferably drinking water, which purification device comprises at least one casing (1) having at least one insert (10), said casing (1) having at least one inlet (8) and at least one outlet (9) for the liquid and said insert (10) comprising at least one filter (15) located in a flow path of the liquid. The purification device comprises at least one galvanic couple (12, 14) located in said flow path. The present invention also relates to an insert and a method of purifying a liquid.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Nordaq Water Filter Systems ABInventors: Paul Koos, Robert Hahmann, Paulina Koos
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Patent number: 7972557Abstract: A plasmon filter may include an element supportive of plasmon energy and having a plurality of openings through which a material may pass. A system includes a fluid filter supportive of evanescent energy, an evanescent field generator, a sensor, and/or other components. A corresponding method may include generating plasmons on the filter and exposing a material to the plasmon energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Edward K. Y. Jung, William Henry Mangione-Smith, Nathan P. Myhrvold, John Brian Pendry, Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 7974076Abstract: A desalination system and method of desalinating liquids are provided. The desalination system includes a supercapacitor desalination unit. A first liquid source to be desalinated is provided to the supercapacitor desalination unit while the system is in a charging mode of operation. A second liquid source comprising saturated or supersaturated liquid is provided to the supercapacitor desalination unit when the system is in a discharging mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rihua Xiong, Wei Cai, Lei Cao, Chang Wei, Yu Du, Philip Mathew Rolchigo
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Patent number: 7968049Abstract: A component separating device includes a substrate, a fluid channel provided at the substrate, an actuator and a groove provided at a surrounding of the actuator, the fluid channel contains a fluid including a liquid component and a solid component, and the actuator generates a standing wave at inside of the fluid channel. By such a constitution, a vibration loss is reduced by reflecting a vibration by the groove to be transmitted to a side of the fluid channel, the standing wave having a strong intensity is generated at inside of the fluid channel, and the small-sized highly accurate component separating device is provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Makoto Takahashi, Masaya Nakatani
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Publication number: 20110150734Abstract: A process and reactor for liquid or gas treatment by photocatalytic reaction by using a catalytic membrane reactor comprising a pourous membrane as a contactor between two phases, that can be liquid or gas, a catalyst material and a liquid or gas phase, wherein as the catalyst material a phytocatalyst and/or change-transfer catalyst are used, and the liquid or gas is illuminated by a light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: SINVENT ASInventors: Izumi Kumakiri, Rune Bredesen, Henrik Reader, Christian Simon
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Patent number: 7964104Abstract: A method which comprises using a treatment apparatus comprising (1) a treatment tank, (2) a vibrating stirrer disposed inside the treatment tank, (3) a photocatalyst layer or a layer comprising a photocatalyst and a bactericidal metal, disposed on any surface inside the treatment tank, and (4) a light irradiator; placing water or a water-containing fluid to be treated in the treatment tank; carrying out the steps of (i) transmitting vibration between 10 and 200 Hz to a vibration vane by a vibration generator to causing the vibration vane to vibrate at an amplitude of 0.01 to 15 mm, and (ii) irradiating the photocatalyst or the layer comprising a photocatalyst and a bactericidal metal with light.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2004Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Japan Techno Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
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Patent number: 7947164Abstract: A grey-water utilisation system for an aircraft for treating grey water from the lavatory basins to become odourless clear water used for flushing the toilets. Freight compartment drainage can be by way of drainage valves embedded in the fuselage, or alternatively, by way of removal by suction into a waste-water collection tank.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbHInventors: Claus Hoffjann, Andreas Tutass, Hans-Juergen Heinrich
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Patent number: 7947184Abstract: Processes of using treatment chambers for separating compounds in an aqueous effluent are disclosed. More particularly, the treatment chambers use ultrasonic energy and an electrode potential to provide efficient and effective removal of compounds from aqueous effluents, such as textile effluents.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, Jr., Patrick Sean McNichols, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers
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Patent number: 7947185Abstract: Suspect contaminated water is sanitized by treating it to produce a clean water stream and a waste water stream. A portion of the waste water stream is electrolyzed to provide a solution containing hypochlorite ions, a quantity of which is mixed with the suspect water in sufficient quantity to sanitize the suspect water and maintain sufficient residual chlorine to prevent re-contamination.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventor: Gerald J. Grott
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Patent number: 7947221Abstract: Titania is a semiconductor and photocatalyst that is also chemically inert. With its bandgap of 3.0, to activate the photocatalytic property of titania requires light of about 390 nm wavelength, which is in the ultra-violet, where sunlight is very low in intensity. A method and devices are disclosed wherein stress is induced and managed in a thin film of titania in order to shift and lower the bandgap energy into the longer wavelengths that are more abundant in sunlight. Applications of this stress-induced bandgap-shifted titania photocatalytic surface include photoelectrolysis for production of hydrogen gas from water, photovoltaics for production of electricity, and photocatalysis for detoxification and disinfection.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Inventor: John M. Guerra
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Patent number: 7943087Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reclamation of waste fluids. A conditioning container is employed for receipt of waste material on a continuous flow for treatment within the container by immersible transducers producing ultrasonic acoustic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treated material exhibits superior separation properties for delivery into a centrifuge for enhanced solid waste removal. The invention discloses a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling of flowback, or frac water, which has been used to stimulate gas production from shale formations. The apparatus is mobile and containerized and suitable for installation at the well site.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
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Patent number: 7931811Abstract: A fluid treatment device and method are provided for generating an electric field across a gap between first and second electrode and for concentrating the electric field within a fluid treatment chamber located in the gap.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Regents of The University of MinnesotaInventors: Rongsheng Ruan, Shaobo Deng, Ling Chen, Xingyang Lin, Lloyd Metzger
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Patent number: 7931814Abstract: An alloy is created by melting aluminum, zinc, rare earth metals such as erbium and/or tellurium, and optionally vanadium. During cooling, the molten alloy is exposed to ultrasonic waves in order to prevent separation of the alloy into layers. The alloy is used for one electrode and a separate conductive element such as stainless steel or carbon is used for the other electrode in a water filter. A constant potential difference and electrical current is created between the two electrodes across the water. In an embodiment where carbon or zeolite is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase bonding of ions in the filtration medium with pollutants in the water. In an embodiment wherein a mixed bed resin containing sodium ions and potassium ions is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase the bonding of the sodium and potassium ions with residual chlorine ions in the water.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Inventors: Alvin A. Snaper, Maxwell J. Goldberg
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Patent number: 7931812Abstract: The present invention relates to applications of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures in the fields including photocatalysis, information writing-erasing-rewriting, microfiltration, controlled drug release, and tire making. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of photocatalytically decomposing organic pollutants. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of mixing a solution containing organic pollutants and a plurality of TiO2-containing, macro-sized nanostructures to form a mixture and exposing the mixture to UV irradiation to decompose the organic pollutants.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: University of Arkansas Technology Development FoundationInventor: Z. Ryan Tian
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Patent number: 7931813Abstract: A process to reduce or prevent biofouling, by destroying or deactivating microbiological content of feedwater, or other liquid, prior to its entrance into membranes or process equipment, such as heat transfer equipment. The process comprises the use of electrical discharge and/or electric fields to destroy microbes that result in the biofouling of surfaces. By destroying the microbiological content of the water the microbiology no longer is able to create a restricting biofilm upon or within said process equipment.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thangavelu Asokan, Setu Chokshi, Yuseph Montasser, David M. Polizzotti, Yatin Tayalia
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Patent number: 7927398Abstract: A multistage electromagnetic purification method of molten metal, which employs a multistage separator composed of two or more multichannel straight-pass separators bonded together with inorganic high-temperature adhesive. Each stage of the separators is set up in such a manner that the region of centerline of each channel in the former separators is occupied by the sidewall of the next separators at the corresponding position therein; while simultaneously the position in the next separators becomes a region close to sidewall. The multistage separator eliminates the “dead zone” of electromagnetic separation, realizes the transformation from “weak zone” to “strong zone” of electromagnetic separation, and significantly increases removal efficiency of inclusions in the melt with great volume under the effect of induced magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityInventors: Da Shu, Jun Wang, Haiyan Chen, Baode Sun
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Patent number: 7922909Abstract: Permeable polymeric monolithic materials are prepared in a column casing. In one embodiment, the permeable polymeric monolithic materials are polymerized while pressure is applied through a piston having a smooth piston head in contact with the polymerization mixture. The pressure eliminates wall effect and changes the structure in the column. Similarly, some columns that have a tendency to swell in the presence of aqueous solutions and pressurized while the solution is applied to prevent swelling and wall effect. This procedure also changes the structure in the column. The size of the separation effective openings can be controlled by the amount of the pressure and pores eliminated. Uniformity in the direction flow is improved by controlling polymerization with radiation rather than with conducted heat.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Dionex CorporationInventors: Robert W. Allington, Shaofeng Xie, Tao Jiang, Mingcheng Xu
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Patent number: 7922908Abstract: Permeable polymeric monolithic materials are prepared in a column casing. In one embodiment, the permeable polymeric monolithic materials are polymerized while pressure is applied through a piston having a smooth piston head in contact with the polymerization mixture. The pressure eliminates wall effect and changes the structure in the column. Similarly, some columns that have a tendency to swell in the presence of aqueous solutions and pressurized while the solution is applied to prevent swelling and wall effect. This procedure also changes the structure in the column. The size of the separation effective openings can be controlled by the amount of the pressure and pores eliminated. Uniformity in the direction flow is improved by controlling polymerization with radiation rather than with conducted heat.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Dionex CorporationInventors: Robert W. Allington, Shaofeng Xie, Tao Jiang, Mingcheng Xu
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Patent number: 7919042Abstract: Methods and systems for programmed dispensation of consumable compositions are provided. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A system for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting a sterilization status of a beverage container; and (b) controlling functionality of a controllable device according to the sterilization status. A method for sterilizing a beverage container may comprise: (a) detecting an identity of a consumable composition; and (b) controlling a sterilization of at least a portion of a beverage container according to the identity of the consumable composition.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 7919152Abstract: Method and apparatus for polymerizing photoactive materials included in a liquid material by electromagnetic radiation, by dispensing the liquid material layer-wise into a container and irradiating the accumulated layers by a curing radiation, wherein a substantial part of the radiation is well transmitted through the photoactive material.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Objet Geometries Ltd.Inventors: Eliahu M. Kritchman, Alexander Libinson, Michael Deriugin
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Patent number: 7919001Abstract: A method for purifying water, comprising separating a supply stream into a permeate stream and a reject stream, removing non-monovalent salt impurities from the reject stream to produce a treated stream; providing the treated stream to a concentrating compartment of an electrodeionization unit; and, producing an EDI product stream of purified water.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: GE Mobile Water, Inc.Inventors: William Haas, Joel Robinson, Abel Queen
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Patent number: 7910006Abstract: The water is at the origin of an entire series of geological and climatic processes and is primarily the basis of all forms of life. Actually, it is the majority component of all living organisms (50% to 98%); the human body contains 70% of the total mass thereof. The biosphere in its entirety consists of 80% water. Although this may be one of the most highly examined liquids, its properties comprising numerous anomalies have not yet all been elucidated. It plays an essential role in the structure and metabolism of all living beings. This biological role is due to its physical and chemical properties that are out of the ordinary. Bernal and Flower established a rule defining that each oxygen atom has two hydrogen atoms as neighbors and each hydrogen bond contains one hydrogen atom. The separation of the liquid water molecules produces the formation of hydroxyl ion (OH?) and hydronium ions (H3O+), which hampers this rule.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Inventor: Philippe Vallée
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Publication number: 20110065161Abstract: A high-voltage bipolar rectangular pulse generator using a high efficiency solid-state boosting front-end and an H-bridge output stage is described. The topology of the circuit generates rectangular pulses with fast rise time and allows easy step-up input voltage. In addition, the circuit is able to adjust positive or negative pulse width, dead-time between two pulses, and operating frequency. The intended application for such circuit is algae cell membrane rupture for oil extraction, although additional applications include biotechnology and plasma sciences medicine, and food industry.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: Alexis Kwasinski, Sung Woo Bae, Mark M. Flynn, Robert E. Hebner, Michael D. Werst, Siddharth B. Pratap, Aaron S. Williams
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Patent number: 7906003Abstract: A well fluid processing system has a separator for separating heavier and lighter components of well fluid flowing from a subsea well and directing the lighter components to flow to a surface processing facility. The separator has a cylindrical chamber having a length at least ten times its diameter. A coalescing unit located in the chamber causes water droplets in the well fluid flowing through the tubes to coalesce into larger droplets. A dielectrophoresis unit having undulating sheets spaced close to each other is also located in the chamber. The sheets of the unit are supplied with an electrical potential to force the water droplets into predetermined passage portions to form high water content sections of liquid. Bypass valves allow backflushing of one of the separators while others continue to operate.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Hamworthy PLCInventors: Jarle Michaelsen, Paal J. Nilsen
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Patent number: 7906023Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a produced water fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated produced water or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or a separator for further treatment.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: PSS Acquisitionco LLCInventor: Raymond Ford Johnson
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Patent number: 7901620Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a method for cleaning circulation water, which reduces the cost of operation and maintenance as much as possible, without a cumbersome cleaning operation such as by detaching electrode plates from an electrolysis cleaning tank and removing scale from inside the tank, and to provide a device used in this method.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2005Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Koganei CorporationInventors: Yoshiyuki Taguchi, Takayuki Nakano, Masahito Kato
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Patent number: 7901577Abstract: Desalination is carried out by a hybrid ion exchange-nanofiltration process in which ion exchange is followed by pressure-driven nanofiltration. Monovalent ions of sodium and chloride of saline water are exchanged for equivalent concentrations of poly-valent ions (for example, sodium ions for magnesium ions or chloride ions for sulfate ions) when passed through ion exchangers in the form of those poly-valent ions. The resultant solution has a lower osmotic pressure than the initial solution containing monovalent sodium and chloride ions, and requires less transmembrane pressure for membrane desalination compared to traditional reverse osmosis. The concentrated reject stream from the membrane process is used as regenerant for the exhausted ion exchanger, which has been converted to monovalent anionic or cationic form.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Inventors: Arup K. SenGupta, Sudipta Sarkar
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Patent number: 7887708Abstract: A method and a device for treating water using an electromagnetic field. The method comprising the steps of subjecting the water to the electromagnetic field generated utilizing an inductor coil; and varying a frequency of a driving signal for the inductor coil such that the generated electromagnetic field has a varying frequency.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Mass Technology (H.K.) LimitedInventor: Hwee Hong Chew
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Publication number: 20110033337Abstract: Process, apparatus and article for treating an aqueous solution containing biological contaminants. The process includes contacting an aqueous solution containing a biological contaminant with an aggregate composition comprising an insoluble rare earth-containing compound to form a solution depleted of active biological contaminants. The aggregate includes more than 10.01% by weight of the insoluble rare earth-containing compound. The insoluble rare earth-containing compound can include one or more of cerium, lanthanum, or praseodymium. A suitable insoluble cerium-containing compound can be derived from a cerium carbonate, a cerium oxalate or a cerium salt. The composition can consist essentially of cerium oxides, and optionally, a binder and/or flow aid. The aggregate includes no more than two elements selected from the group consisting of yttrium, scandium, and europium when the aggregate is to be sintered.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLCInventors: John L. Burba, III, Tim L. Oriard
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Publication number: 20110033591Abstract: An arrangement for the exposure of a pumpable medium to an electric field. The arrangement comprises, at least two power supplies (100) for the generation of electrical voltage, at least one non-conducting chamber (102) for pumping said pumpable medium, which said at least one chamber (102) is provided with a first (106) and a second electrode plate (108), a control means (104) for controlling said at least two power supplies (100). During control the control means (104), by synchronous control, establishes a series connection between at least two of said at least two power supplies (100), the first electrode plate (106) and the second electrode plate (108). A resulting composite voltage arises between the first (106) and the second electrode plate (108), which resulting composite voltage will result in an electric field between the first (106) and the second electrode plate (108). The pumpable medium is exposed to the electric field.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Applicant: ARC AROMA PURE ABInventor: Par H. Henriksson
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Patent number: 7879246Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective technique for achieving a higher level of water quality control in a water treatment apparatus. Representative water treatment apparatus according to the present invention may include a purifying section, a sterilizing section, a water storing section and a water quality detection sensor. The water quality detection sensor is immersed in the water storing section. The water quality detection sensor not only serves as a means for detecting the quality of water in the water storing section, but also as a means for detecting deposition of biomembrane on the detecting section of the water quality detection sensor due to deterioration of the sterilizing performance of the water storing section. As a result, an efficient water quality control system can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Fuji Clean Co., LtdInventors: Yukio Doi, Koichi Matsuo, Yosuke Tabata, Toshiyuki Iwama, Yoichiro Shimizu
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Publication number: 20110011801Abstract: The present invention pertains to an effective system and method for reducing or eliminating the formation of scale in desalination systems. The system utilizes at least one pair of electrodes in direct contact with a liquid to induce an oscillating electric field directly in a portion of the liquid or a liquid stream of the desalination system. The electric field is capable of inducing bulk precipitation of ions, minerals, salts, particulates, contaminants or a combination thereof from the liquid stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: DREXEL UNIVERSITYInventor: Young I. Cho
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Patent number: 7866380Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: OmniTherm, Inc.Inventors: W. James Masters, Douglas W. Fugate, Edwin E. Wilson, John T. Johnson, III, W. Jason Masters