Sound Waves Patents (Class 210/748.02)
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Patent number: 11414327Abstract: A system can include a multi-material fluid having a mixture of a first material and a second material. The system can also include a first vessel into which the multi-material fluid is disposed. The system can further include a first sonication device disposed, at least in part, in the multi-material fluid in the first vessel. The first sonication device, when operating, can emit ultrasound waves into the multi-material fluid. The ultrasound waves separate the first material and the second material from each other in the first vessel.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignees: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC., ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITYInventors: Carl W. Lam, Hong Luo, Yuanming Guo, Emmy Pruitt, Paul Dahlen
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Patent number: 10967355Abstract: A continuous acoustic chemical microreactor system is disclosed. The system includes a continuous process vessel (CPV) and an acoustic agitator coupled to the CPV and configured to agitate the CPV along an oscillation axis. The CPV includes a reactant inlet configured to receive one or more reactants into the CPV, an elongated tube coupled at a first end to the reactant inlet and configured to receive the reactants from the reactant inlet, and a product outlet coupled to a second end of the elongated tube and configured to discharge a product of a chemical reaction among the reactants from the CPV. The acoustic agitator is configured to agitate the CPV along the oscillation axis such that the inner surface of the elongated tube accelerates the one or more reactants in alternating upward and downward directions along the oscillation axis.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Resodyn CorporationInventors: Lawrence C. Farrar, Grayson Sperry, Zachary Ruprecht Martineau
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Patent number: 10774400Abstract: A copper/molybdenum separation processor is provided featuring a slurry/media mixture stage configured to receive a conditioned pulp containing hydrophobic molybdenite and hydrophilic copper, iron and other minerals that is conditioned with sodium hydrosulfide together with an engineered polymeric hydrophobic media, and provide a slurry/media mixture; and a slurry/media separation stage configured to receive the slurry/media mixture, and provide a slurry product having a copper concentrate and a polymerized hydrophobic media product having a molybdenum concentrate that are separately directed for further processing. The slurry/media mixture stage include a molybdenum loading stage configured to contact the conditioned pulp with the engineered polymeric hydrophobic media in an agitated reaction chamber, and load the hydrophobic molybdenite on the engineered polymeric hydrophobic media.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2016Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: CiDRA Corporate Services LLCInventors: Paul J. Rothman, Mark R. Fernald, Peter A. Amelunxen
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Patent number: 10427956Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for separation of particulate from water using ultrasonically generated acoustic standing waves.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2016Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.Inventors: Jason Dionne, Bart Lipkens, Edward Rietman
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Patent number: 9034180Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dennis McGuire
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Patent number: 9023658Abstract: A method for concentrating materials in a liquid involves pouring the liquid into a material-containing receptacle and irradiating the liquid by acoustic waves so that a stationary flow pattern with different flow rate areas is formed in the receptacle. A concentration device and reaction method using such concentration are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2006Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Beckman Coulter, IncInventors: Christoph Gauer, Wolfgang Mann
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Patent number: 9011698Abstract: A method and devices comprise a low frequency high energy ultrasound system having at least one sonotrode projecting into a reactor vessel through which the liquid passes via at least one inlet orifice and at least one outlet orifice. To avoid cavitation at the sonotrode, in a close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure/amplitude combination close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line is generated at which considerably reduced or no cavitation occurs and in the adjacent region in the vessel at least in a region and at least at times a pressure/amplitude combination is maintained below the pressure-amplitude characteristic line at which cavitation is generated. A device has an inlet orifice arranged such that the liquid impacts directly onto the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface, and is shaped that in the close region of the oscillation-transducing sonotrode surface a pressure close to or above the pressure-amplitude characteristic line prevails.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Dr. Hielscher GmbHInventors: Harald Hielscher, Holger Hielscher, Thomas Hielscher
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Patent number: 8999154Abstract: Disclosed is a water treatment apparatus for treating Lake Okeechobee water. The treatment apparatus operates on a continuous flow of water which is subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone and electrolysis. The treatment system provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process for cleaning contaminated water that is directed into estuaries, lagoons, intracoastal waterway, everglades, and the ocean. Treatment includes addressing various levels of contaminants such as aerobic bacteria, often called a green slime that produces a bio-film. The apparatus can be mounted on a vessel to permit targeting of algae blooms.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Dennis McGuire
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Patent number: 8999173Abstract: An electrochlorination and electrochemical system for the on-site generation and treatment of municipal water supplies and other reservoirs of water, by using a custom mixed oxidant and mixed reductant generating system for the enhanced destruction of water borne contaminants by creating custom oxidation-reduction-reactant chemistries with real time monitoring. A range of chemical precursors are provided that when acted upon in an electrochemical cell either create an enhanced oxidation, or reduction environment for the destruction or control of contaminants. Chemical agents that can be used to control standard water quality parameters such as total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and the like are introduced via the chemical precursor injection subsystem infrequently or in real time based on sensor inputs and controller set points.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Global Water Holdings, LLCInventors: David T. Schwartzel, Michael L. Fraim
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Publication number: 20150068984Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for treating and regenerating a spent caustic solution at ambient temperatures and pressure which includes oxidizing spent caustic wastewater with a hydrogen-peroxide/ozone mixture, supported by a board rang irradiation of the spent caustic wastewater by ultrasound. A range of wastewater treatment techniques may also be included to reach a desired effluent quality level.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Veselin Milosevic, Fernando Naranjo, Kosanic Drago, Jack Zarczynski, Clint Stewart
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Patent number: 8968576Abstract: A method of treating contaminated air, gas and surfaces is accomplished through the nebulization of gas and/or liquid oxidants through a field of electromagnetic radiation or sonic waves. The contaminated gas and/or liquid streams are blended with gaseous and/or liquid oxidants by the nebulizer and directly injected in the energy field. Free radicals produced from oxidants in the presence of the energy field instantaneously oxidize a large effective surface area of the contaminated media. Surfaces are treated more efficiently with the energy field situated directly above and parallel to but not on the surface; a high-frequency energy field may be used to create a large concentration of free radicals without damaging the surface in a collimated beam of the field situated parallel to the surface. A catalyst may be employed at the tip (i.e. discharge orifices of gas and/or liquid) of the nebulizer or blended into the nebulized cloud to increase the formation of free radicals.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: The Administrators of the Tulane Educational FundInventors: Jennifer E. Holland, Robert S. Reimers
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Patent number: 8956538Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for desalination of salt water based on an engineered acoustic field that causes constructive and destructive interference at pre-computed spatial positions. The engineered acoustic field can cause high-pressure and low-pressure regions where desalination membranes are located. The induced pressure from the acoustic field can force pure water through the membranes leaving ionic and dissolved molecular species behind.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: FloDesign Sonics, Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Rietman, Bart Lipkens
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Patent number: 8906242Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment apparatus. The treatment apparatus is pressurized and operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to hydrodynamic waves, acoustic ultrasonic waves in combination with injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The ozonated fluid is further electro chemically treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
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Patent number: 8900461Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method for treating ship ballast water, wherein electron beams are irradiated into the ballast water to induce radiolysis of the water, and harmful marine organisms present in the ballast water are killed by radicals produced by the radiolysis. The electron beams are continuously irradiated into the ballast water under operating conditions of an energy of 0.5-5 MeV, an electron beam irradiation dose of 0.1-30 kGy and a flow rate of 1-200 m3/hr.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2011Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: EB-Tech Co., Ltd.Inventors: Bum Soo Han, Jin Kyu Kim, Yu Ri Kim, Ho Kang
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Publication number: 20140326681Abstract: A system and method for treating flowing water systems with a plasma discharge to remove or control growth of microbiological species. The system and method protect other components of the water system from being damaged by excess energy from the electrohydraulic treatment. The system and method also recycle ozone gas generated by a high voltage generator that powers the plasma discharge to further treat the water. A gas infusion system upstream of or inside a plasma reaction chamber may be used to create fine bubbles of ozone, air, or other gases in the water being treated to aid in plasma generation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: NCH CORPORATIONInventors: Adrian J. Denvir, David F. Vela, Matt M. Holloway
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Publication number: 20140305877Abstract: Several methods and devices are provided herein to generate shock waves that are used in the oil industry for well drilling, hydrocarbon or gas exploitation, fracking process or improved oil recovery (IOR), enhanced oil recovery (EOR), cleaning of process waters, oil spills byproducts and oil pipes, which can be used as independent systems or as auxiliary systems concomitantly with other existing technologies. The different devices consist of generating shock waves utilizing either one or more laser sources, or a self-generated combustible gas supply, or a micro-explosive pellet, or piezocrystals, or a piezofiber composite structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: October 16, 2014Inventors: Iulian CIOANTA, Cary MCGHIN
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Patent number: 8852441Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying liquids, in particular for purifying ballast water.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2009Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Gea Westfalia Separator Group GmbHInventors: Uwe Mueller, Wilfried Riggers
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Patent number: 8784663Abstract: A trap Including: an inlet configured to receive a fluid conveying nanostructures; ionic liquid configured to trap the nanostructures; and an outlet for the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Nokia CorporationInventors: Di Wei, Zoran Radivojevic, Markku Antti Kyosti Rouvala, Teuvo Tapani Ryhänen
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Publication number: 20140138324Abstract: A machine or apparatus featuring a first processor and a second processor. The first processor is configured to receive a mixture of fluid, valuable material and unwanted material and a functionalized polymer coated member configured to attach to the valuable material in an attachment rich environment, and provide an enriched functionalized polymer coated member having the valuable material attached thereto. The second processor is configured to receive a fluid and the enriched functionalized polymer coated member in a release rich environment to release the valuable material, and provide the valuable material released from the enriched functionalized polymer coated member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: CIDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC.Inventors: Paul J. Rothman, Mark R. Fernald, Francis K. Didden, Christian V. O'Keefe, Douglas H. Adamson
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Patent number: 8721898Abstract: Disclosed is an improved water treatment cavitation reactor cone. The tank operates on a continuous flow of fluids which are subjected to ultrasonic waves in combination with a high level of injected ozone. The treatment tank includes a tangential inlet that induces a rotating flow into the tank thereby increasing the mixing of the ozone within the effluent. The effluent is further treated with DC current. The treatment tank provides a cost efficient and environmentally friendly process and apparatus for cleaning and recycling fluids as contaminated as frac water, used to stimulate gas production from shale formations, as well as other types of fluids having various levels of contaminants such as aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and suspended solids. The calcium carbonate scaling tendency is reduced to an acceptable level without the use of acids, ion exchange materials, or anti scaling chemicals which is of economical and environmental significance and benefit.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
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Patent number: 8709250Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field and/or acoustic energy to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventors: Justin S. Kniep, Aniket Kale
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Patent number: 8685317Abstract: Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Sanuwave, Inc.Inventors: Iulian Cioanta, Yannick Spenninck
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Patent number: 8679338Abstract: A system is provided that includes one or more acoustic microfilters through which is flowed a mixture of a fluid and a particulate to selectively filter particles from the fluid. Also included are one or more phononic crystal units coupled to the acoustic microfilter(s) to further selectively filter particles from the fluid. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Flodesign Sonics, Inc.Inventors: Edward A. Rietman, Bart Lipkens, Jason Dionne
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Patent number: 8668827Abstract: Described herein are systems, methods, and apparatuses for aggregating microorganism in an aqueous suspension. In particular, are systems, methods, and apparatuses that apply an electrical field and/or acoustic energy to an aqueous suspension comprising microorganisms as the aqueous suspension follows a flow path to cause aggregation of the microorganisms. The electrical field may be continuous or pulsed. In some embodiments, the flow path for the aqueous suspension may vary.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Heliae Development, LLCInventors: Justin S. Kniep, Aniket Kale
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Publication number: 20140054238Abstract: A method of treating water, applicable to sterilise water for drinking or to treat ballast water, may include flowing water through a conduit containing a reduced pressure zone arranged to reduce the pressure of the flow by at least 102 to a sub-atmospheric pressure. The method may include passing water through a siphon conduit having a headspace provided with a gas removal pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2011Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Seafarm Products ASInventor: Morten Aga
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Patent number: 8641908Abstract: A method of recovering polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from municipal waste sludge includes: (a) measuring a solid content in the municipal waste sludge in terms of a volatile suspended solid in the municipal waste sludge; (b) removing supernatant from the municipal waste sludge; (c) freezing the municipal waste sludge; (d) conducting a pretreatment of the municipal waste sludge that has been frozen; (e) adding a surfactant into the pretreated sludge to obtain a slurry; (f) adding a controlled amount of sodium hypochlorite solution to the municipal waste sludge obtained in step (e), a ratio of a volume of the sodium hypochlorite solution to the solid content of the municipal waste sludge ranging from 0.67 mg/ml to 1.25 mg/ml and being defined as a liquid-solid ratio; and (g) separating PHAs from non-PHAs substances in the municipal waste sludge obtained in the step (f).Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: National Chi Nan UniversityInventors: Yung-Pin Tsai, Meng-Shan Lu, Chih-Chi Yang, Shou-Te Chen
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Patent number: 8641907Abstract: A method of recovering polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from municipal waste sludge includes: (a) removing coarse particles in the municipal waste sludge and measuring a solid content in the municipal waste sludge in terms of a volatile suspended solid in the municipal waste sludge; (b) removing a supernatant from the municipal waste sludge; (c) freezing the municipal waste sludge; (d) adding a controlled amount of sodium hypochlorite solution to the municipal waste sludge that has been frozen, a ratio of the solid content of the municipal waste sludge to a volume of the sodium hypochlorite solution added in step (d) ranging from 0.67 mg/ml to 4 mg/ml and being defined as a liquid-solid ratio; and (e) separating PHAs from non-PHAs substances in the municipal waste sludge obtained in the step (d).Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: National Chi Nan UniversityInventors: Yung-Pin Tsai, Meng-Shan Lu, Chih-Chi Yang, Shou-Te Chen
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Publication number: 20140014592Abstract: The invention refers to a methodology for the removal of inorganic components such as potassium, sodium, chlorine, sulfur, phosphorus and heavy metals from biomass of different origins, such as from agricultural, forest or urban origin and any mixture therefrom, from low quality coals such as peat, lignite or sub-bituminous and/or bituminous coals, from urban and/or industrial origin residues and wastes, which are possible to include as much organic—>5 wt %—as inorganic—<95 wt %—material and from sludges that are obtained from sewage treatment plants. The method includes the following steps: providing a salt, mixing water with the salt to produce an aqueous solution that contains salt, leaching the raw material with the aqueous solution that contains salt, preferably a salt containing zirconium or yttrium.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2011Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventor: Emmanuel G. Koukios
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Publication number: 20130343953Abstract: Provided are devices, device systems, and methods to intercept and kill fluid borne cancer cells to slow or prevent metastases.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: Eric V. Kline
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Patent number: 8592753Abstract: This invention refers to an ion mobility spectrometer in a fluid subjected to an electric field and an acoustic wave for the selective detection, classification and quantitative determination of the concentration of charged particles, based on their electrical mobility. The functioning of this device is based on the application of an electric field in a classification region occupied by a fluid. The electric field provokes drift of the charged particles through the classification region. The drifting particles suffer a lateral perturbation in their trajectory due to an oscillatory movement of the fluid in which they are immersed when this is subjected to an acoustic wave. Both the spectrometer and the method of discrimination and detection of the current of charged particles is the object of this invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2009Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Ramem S.A.Inventor: Fernando Briones Fernández-Pola
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Publication number: 20130277316Abstract: A system for removing lipids from blood during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is disclosed. The system uses an acoustophoretic separator having improved trapping force. The transducer of the acoustophoretic seperator includes a ceramic crystal. Blood flows through the separator, and lipids are trapped and removed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: FloDesign Sonics Inc.Inventors: Brian Dutra, Bart Lipkens
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Patent number: 8562839Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Drexel UniversityInventor: Young I. Cho
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Patent number: 8535500Abstract: Provided herein is a surface acoustic wave (“SAW”) sensor device including an isolation component of a target biomolecule. A sample containing the target biomolecule is separated by its size using electrophoresis, and sequentially reacts with a SAW sensor. In other words, the device is capable of detecting the target biomolecule by separating biomolecules using electrophoresis, and applying the separated biomolecules to the SAW sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Ajou University Industry-Academic Cooperation FoundationInventors: Hun Joo Lee, Soo Suk Lee, Mi Jeong Song, Kyung Yeon Han, Jae Ho Kim
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Publication number: 20130233807Abstract: A microreactor for separating heterogeneous liquids including a series or baffles and passageways is disclosed herein along with a methods for using such microreactors, and methods for manufacturing such microreactors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicant: EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT LLCInventor: Timothy Patrick Boyle
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Publication number: 20130161266Abstract: A method for utilizing microwave generated multi-bubble plasma to treat an effluent is provided. The method comprises: providing a microwave field; flowing an effluent and gas bubbles in the effluent across the microwave field; enhancing electromagnetic field in a path of the gas bubbles in the microwave field via an electrode; triggering plasma in the gas bubbles as the gas bubbles reach a region of enhanced electromagnetic field; and coupling microwave to the plasma.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Mahesh Chandran, Nagaveni Karkada, Laurent Cretegny, Vasile Bogdan Neculaes, Brian Christopher Moore
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Publication number: 20130081957Abstract: A method for treating a liquid using an apparatus includes: (a) a pump volute or hydrocyclone head having an inlet, and a throat having an outlet and a central axis, (b) a tank connected to the second opening of the throat, wherein the tank has a maximum inner diameter that is larger than an inner diameter of the outlet of the throat, and (d) a wave energy source having a first electrode within the pump volute or hydrocyclone head that extends through the outlet of the throat along the central axis, and a second electrode within the tank that is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode along the central axis. The method includes the steps of providing the above-described apparatus, supplying the liquid to the inlet of the pump volute or hydrocyclone head, and irradiating the liquid with one or more wave energies produced by the wave energy source.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2012Publication date: April 4, 2013Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLCInventor: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
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Publication number: 20130056648Abstract: A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. This process can be used for the remediation of water, particularly ballast water.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2012Publication date: March 7, 2013Inventors: Richard W. Fahs, II, Matthew D.W. Fahs
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Patent number: 8387803Abstract: A particle sorting cell (10) comprises a cavity (12), an inlet (16) of a fluid flow (14) into the cavity, a first outlet (18) of a first part (22) of the fluid flow out from the cavity and a second outlet (20) of a second part (24) of the fluid flow out from the cavity. The second outlet is displaced from the first outlet in a first direction (Y) transverse to the flow direction (X). An acoustic generator (40) is arranged to apply an acoustic standing wave. The standing wave is transverse to the flow direction as well as to the first direction. A controller (42) is arranged to control a selective operation of the acoustic generator in dependence of an input data signal (44) associated with a particle (32) comprised in the fluid flow. The particle (32) can selectively be separated into the first outlet or the second outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences ABInventors: Sara Thorslund, Linda Johansson
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Publication number: 20130048565Abstract: Systems and methods for cleansing blood are disclosed herein. The methods include acoustically separating undesirable particles bound to capture particles from formed elements of whole blood. After introducing the capture particles to whole blood containing undesirable particles, the whole blood and capture particles are flowed through a microfluidic separation channel. At least one bulk acoustic transducer is attached to the microfluidic separation channel. A standing acoustic wave, imparted on the channel and its contents by the bulk acoustic transducer, drives the formed elements and undesirable particles bound to capture particles to specific aggregation axes. After aggregating the particles, the formed elements exit the separation channel through a first outlet and are returned to the patient. The undesirable particles, bound to the capture particles, exit through a second outlet and can be discarded to saved for later study.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Jason O. FIERING, Shivshankar Sundaram
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Patent number: 8343420Abstract: Shock waves are applied to clean and sterilize fluids in containers and conveyances. Shock waves destroy pathogens and pollutants in blood, water, food liquids and other fluids.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Sanuwave, Inc.Inventors: Iulian Cioanta, Yannick Spenninck
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Patent number: 8333893Abstract: A filtration separation method for waste resin containing highly radioactive uranium powder and device thereof is mainly used for the waste resin after water treatment process in a nuclear facility. The uranium powder contained in the waste resin is highly radioactive. Thus, prior to the treatment of the waste resin, it is necessary to filter and separate the highly radioactive uranium powder to reduce the radioactivity. It is to put the uranium powder containing waste resin into an underwater holding tank and withdraw the waste resin by an underwater pump into a uranium powder filtration box. Then the uranium powder filtration box is lifted by a hoist to move to an underwater ultrasonic cleaner. High-pressure water flushing is applied and followed by underwater ultrasonic cleaning. Then the cleaning water (containing precipitated uranium powder) from the ultrasonic cleaner is drained to uranium powder collection device.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy ResearchInventors: Kuo-Yuan Chang, Ling-Huan Chiao, Chin-Teng Hsu, Chin-Chun Chu Ko, Bing-Rong Wu
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Patent number: 8329043Abstract: In a method of treating a liquid, a liquid to be treated is introduced into a space, a mechanical cavitation element acts upon the liquid while gas is supplied into the region of the surface of the cavitation element and introduces the gas into the liquid by moving the cavitation element, and sound waves are introduced directly into the liquid by at least one acoustic power transducer.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Ultrasonic Systems GmbHInventor: Guenter Poeschl
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Publication number: 20120305495Abstract: A liquid contaminant-extraction apparatus arranged for submersion in liquid such as water and comprising a draft tube arrangement extending from an upper region of the apparatus to a lower region thereof, floatation means provided at the upper region, gas introduction means located at the lower region and arranged for the introduction of gas into the draft tube arrangement to create an air lift for water therethrough and for the said extraction of contaminants therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: Aquafide Engineering LimitedInventor: Mehdi Siami
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Patent number: 8318027Abstract: 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 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: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Ecosphere Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
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Patent number: 8273252Abstract: A solution reactor allows the solution L to contact with the reactant gas G, and the component contained in the solution L is chemically changed by means of the reactant gas G. The reactor includes a nozzle 41 for spraying the solution L into a state of mists M, and a pressure feed unit 42 for feeding the reactant gas G, which is pressurized, into the nozzle 41. Further, in the reactor, the pressure feed unit 42 feeds such pressurized reactant gas G to the nozzle 41 to be flown fast, so that the nozzle 41 allows the fast flowing reactant gas G to contact with the solution and the solution L is broken into the state of mists M to be jetted out, and thus the component contained in the solution L is chemically changed by means of the reactant gas G.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Ultrasound BreweryInventors: Kazuo Matsuura, Susumu Nii
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Patent number: 8273253Abstract: The present application is directed to the separation of—a solid fraction from a fluid sample particularly a therapeutic cellular fraction from a biological sample such as a bone marrow sample by a porous filter (2) which separates a filtration unit (1) into an upper pre-filtration chamber (3) into which a fluid sample (4) requiring cell separation is introduced and a lower post-filtration chamber (5) into which a fluid (6) capable of transmitting an acoustic standing wave is introduced. An acoustic element (8) is coupled to a substrate (7) which is located within and at the bottom of the lower chamber (5) and which resonates in response to the acoustic generating element (8) and generates a standing wave through the two fluid phases and the filter to agitate the sample (4). Simultaneously, a cyclic process of vacuum draw (9). causes movement of the sample (4) downwards through the filter (2).Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLCInventor: Stephen Curran
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Publication number: 20120211426Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated method and system for treating a contaminated fluid. The integrated system and method is configured to simultaneously perform multiple functions, for example, transportation, mixing, treatment and separation. The contaminated fluid and treating agents are pumped simultaneously into a processing tank and vigorously mixed by at least one pump-mixer. The at least one pump-mixer is configured to simultaneously perform combined functions such as fluid transportation, rapid and vigorous mixing and treatment. The rapid and vigorous mixing by at least one pump-mixer enhances the processing rates considerably. The contaminants and the disaggregated particles undergo treatment as a result of their reactions with the treating agents. The process residuals, usually in the form of sludge, are separated from the treated fluid. The separation system is also configured to simultaneously perform multiple functions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: August 23, 2012Inventors: Oronzo Santoro, Tiziano Pastore, Mostafa Moghaddami, Mehrdad Raisee, Ferdinando Crapulli, Domenico Santoro
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Publication number: 20120006758Abstract: A method of recovering polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from municipal waste sludge includes: (a) removing coarse particles in the municipal waste sludge and measuring a solid content in the municipal waste sludge in terms of a volatile suspended solid in the municipal waste sludge; (b) removing a supernatant from the municipal waste sludge; (c) freezing the municipal waste sludge; (d) adding a controlled amount of sodium hypochlorite solution to the municipal waste sludge that has been frozen, a ratio of the solid content of the municipal waste sludge to a volume of the sodium hypochlorite solution added in step (d) ranging from 0.67 mg/ml to 4 mg/ml and being defined as a liquid-solid ratio; and (e) separating PHAs from non-PHAs substances in the municipal waste sludge obtained in the step (d).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: NATIONAL CHI NAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Yung-Pin TSAI, Meng-Shan LU, Chih-Chi YANG, Shou-Te CHEN
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Patent number: 8080202Abstract: A vibrator has a large strength of a standing wave even with a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation. A device according to the present invention includes a substrate having a channel groove provided in an upper surface of the substrate, a seal provided above the substrate so as to cover an upper opening of the channel groove, a projection provided on an outer side wall opposite to the channel groove, and a vibrator causing the projection to warp and vibrate in a depth direction of the channel groove. The warping vibration of the projection is amplified due to effect of leverage, and generates a large stress on the outer wall of the channel groove having the projection provided thereon. Consequently, the strength of a standing wave in the channel groove increases even for a low driving voltage, thereby improving the accuracy of component separation.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2007Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Makoto Takahashi, Masaya Nakatani
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Patent number: RE43332Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for disinfecting and purifying liquids and gasses comprising; a) passing said liquids or gasses through a reactor or a combination of reactors, having a truncated compounded concentrator geometry; and b) simultaneously delivering and concentrating diversified electromagnetic and acoustic energies into a specific predetermined inner space of said compounded concentrator reactor, forming a high energy density zone in said reactor or reactors over a predetermined period of time. The reactor according to the present invention is preferably a compounded parabolic concentrator or a compounded ellipsoidal concentrator. The electromagnetic energy delivered and concentrated into and inside the reactor can be of any range of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultra-violet, visible, infra-red, microwave etc., or combination thereof. The acoustic energy is of any suitable frequency.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Atlantium Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Zamir Tribelsky, Michael Ende