Visible Light Patents (Class 210/748.09)
  • Patent number: 11857924
    Abstract: The Invention describes photocatalytic reactor systems that employ fluidization of the photocatalyst. These systems are useful for performing chemical transformations on a chemical containing fluid, including for VOCs. Aspects of the invention include non-imaging optics, abrasion resistant coatings and photoreactor designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Sonata Scientific LLC
    Inventors: Peter C. Van Buskirk, Trevor E. James, Melissa A. Petruska, Jeffrey F. Roeder
  • Patent number: 11439956
    Abstract: Apparatus for in-line liquid exchanging a biomolecule-containing liquid is provided. The apparatus comprises a means for mixing at least two liquids comprising a multiple inlet flow-controller, the means for mixing also comprising an outlet in fluid connection with a tangential flow filtration device configured in single-pass mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK Limited
    Inventors: Charles Heise, Tibor Nagy
  • Patent number: 11376577
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a photocatalytic structure. The photocatalytic structure includes a substrate, a photocatalytic active layer, and a metal layer. The substrate, the photocatalytic active layer, and the metal layer are arranged in succession. The substrate includes a base and a patterned bulge layer on a surface of the base. The patterned bulge layer is a net-like structure comprising a plurality of strip-shaped bulges intersected with each other and a plurality of indents defined by the plurality of strip-shaped bulges. The plurality of strip-shaped bulges is an integrated structure. The photocatalytic active layer is on the surface of the patterned bulge layer. The metal layer includes a plurality of nanoparticles located on the surface of the photocatalytic active layer away from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ying-Cheng Wang, Yuan-Hao Jin, Xiao-Yang Xiao, Tian-Fu Zhang, Qun-Qing Li, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 11242266
    Abstract: A fluid treatment device includes a pipe including an inlet, an outlet, an internal space through which a fluid moves and including a light source part disposed in the internal space and providing a light to the fluid. The light source part includes at least one light source unit having a substrate and a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate and emitting the light. A ratio of a first distance between two light sources adjacent to each other to a second distance between each light source and an inner circumferential surface of the pipe is 1:1.25 or less when viewed in a longitudinal-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: SEOUL VIOSYS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Young Choi, Kyu Won Han, Yeo Jin Yoon, Woong Ki Jeong
  • Patent number: 11072544
    Abstract: A fluid treatment device includes a pipe including an inlet, an outlet, an internal space through which a fluid moves and including a light source part disposed in the internal space and providing a light to the fluid. The light source part includes at least one light source unit having a substrate and a plurality of light sources disposed on the substrate and emitting the light. A ratio of a first distance between two light sources adjacent to each other to a second distance between each light source and an inner circumferential surface of the pipe is 1:1.25 or less when viewed in a longitudinal-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SEOUL VIOSYS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Young Choi, Kyu Won Han, Yeo Jin Yoon, Woong Ki Jeong
  • Patent number: 10907143
    Abstract: An enzyme formulation includes an encapsulated fungal enzyme which is effective for degrading at least one material selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, vulcanized rubber, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, vulcanized polymers and perfluorinated compounds. A degradation method includes treating one of the above-mentioned materials with an encapsulated fungal enzyme to degrade the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Katarzyna Hanna Kucharzyk, Ramanathan Lalgudi
  • Patent number: 10315934
    Abstract: A filter device and method for making the device is disclosed. The filter device can include a chemical filtration disk in which QDs (QD) are deposited. In one example, cadmium sulfide (CdS) is combined with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) to form a CdS-TOPO QDs sorbent that is arranged on an ODS disk. The method of fabricating the device is presented, as well as its many benefits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventors: Alireza Ghiasvand, Samira Koonani, Fatemeh Yazdankhah, Saeid Farhadi
  • Patent number: 9034252
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a fuel decontamination unit comprises a decontamination region containing fuel; and an ultraviolet light located in the decontamination region; wherein the ultraviolet light is configured to irradiate the fuel. In an embodiment, a method of decontaminating fuel comprises flowing a contaminated fuel into a decontamination unit; irradiating the fuel with ultraviolet radiation that is emitted from the ultraviolet light such that the contaminated fuel becomes a purified fuel; flowing the purified fuel out of the decontamination unit; wherein a microorganism level in the purified fuel is less than that of the contaminated fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Phoenix Environmental, Inc.
    Inventor: Casey Joe Smith
  • Publication number: 20150065688
    Abstract: A method for generating layered structures is disclosed. The method comprises reacting an azide-functionalized material with an alkyne-functionalized material, one of which can be a nanoparticle or a microparticle and the other can be a substrate or another nanoparticle or microparticle. The method also includes generating layered structures having multiple layers which can be built up in multiple azide-alkyne reaction steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Regina Ragan, Sri Sivakumar, Raj Ganesh S. Pala, Arun Prakash Upadhyay
  • Patent number: 8962235
    Abstract: A method for sorting particles, in particular cells A and B. The method uses a single channel with only one input and only one output. A particle mix A and B in a fluid is introduced into the channel and particles within the channel are sorted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: Michael MacDonald, Kishan Dholakia, Igor Andreev
  • Publication number: 20140346124
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the decontamination of contaminated liquid, as well as a reactor for implementing a decontamination method. The method comprises a step of mixing the contaminated liquid under stirring with at least one persulphate ion with the exception of ammonium persulphate, and at least iron, an iron atom or an iron ion in its ferrous or ferric form at a concentration between 50 ?M and 600 ?M, preferably between 100 ?M and 400 ?M, a second step in which the mixture obtained is subjected for a sufficient time to at least one UV/visible irradiation having a narrow wavelength spectrum comprised between 153 nm and 560 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicants: UNIVERSITE D'AIX MARSEILLE, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE(CNRS)
    Inventors: Stephane Barbati, Serge Chiron, Moussa Mahdi Ahmed, Hichem Bouzidi
  • Patent number: 8852430
    Abstract: A water treatment device includes a control module communicating with a feed line; an energy pipe communicating with the control module; a light wave pipe assembly communicating with the energy pipe; and magnetizing pipe communicating with the light wave pipe assembly through the second manifold then with an exit line. The light wave pipe assembly communicates with the light wave generator so that the wave guide tube grants the light wave energy to the water liquid. The magnetic energy of magnets of the magnetizing pipe magnetizes the water liquid. Furthermore, with the use of multiple loops which refine molecules of the water liquid, the energy of the water liquid increases to allow the water liquid to be easily absorbed by human body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Hann Huang
  • Patent number: 8809817
    Abstract: A method and irradiator apparatus used for wort sterilization by radiation for production of ethanol from sugar cane, comprising a modular irradiation drum, radioactive source, ducts for transmission of a fluid through an apparatus for irradiation, and application of radiation to a fluid within an apparatus for sterilization of such fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Marcelo Gianatto Moreira, Airton Deppman, Pedro Carlos Russo Rossi
  • Publication number: 20140183141
    Abstract: The present invention refers to lightweight and settable photocatalytic compositions and solid composites; methods of preparing the compositions and solid composites; and their use in water purification. The compositions are comprised of photocatalysts such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO), lightweight glass bubbles, and a hydraulic cementing binder. The lightweight and settable photocatalytic compositions can be formed into lightweight photocatalytic solid composites and/or structures by mixing with water and moist curing. This invention also describes relatively simple, fast, and cost effective methodologies to photodope the TiO2—ZnO compositions and composites with silver (Ag), to enhance and extend the photocatalytic activity from the ultraviolet into the visible light spectrum. The lightweight and settable TiO2—ZnO and Ag—TiO2—ZnO compositions are used in making solids, structures, coatings, and continuous or semi-continuous water purification panels for purifying contaminated water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Deepika Saraswathy Kurup
  • Patent number: 8753891
    Abstract: A method of particle separation, wherein a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam is provided. The collimated light source beam includes a beam cross-section. A body is provided, wherein the body defines a wall and a first channel in a first plane. The first channel includes a first channel cross-section, the first channel being oriented to receive the collimated light source beam such that the beam cross-section completely overlaps the channel cross-section. The collimated light source beam is transmitted through the channel. A fluid sample is transmitted through the channel, fluid sample including a plurality of particles of a same type. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are separated axially along the collimated light source beam. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are retained against the wall in the collimated light source beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Sean J. Hart, Alexander V. Terray
  • Patent number: 8741156
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a hybrid photocatalyst which is a layered aluminosilicate, possibly organically modified, containing compounds introduced into the aluminosilicate galleries bearing groups such as porphyrin, rose bengal, anthracene, pyrene, perylene, tetracene, rubrene, naphthalene, phthalocyanines, coumarins, and methylene blue, which are organic chromophores able to absorb visible and/or ultraviolet light and sensitize photochemical reactions. The invention includes also the methods of synthesis and application of the photocatalysts for the photocatalytical degradation of water pollutants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Uniwersytet Jagiellonski
    Inventors: Maria Nowakowska, Krzysztof Szczubialka, Dominik Drozd
  • Patent number: 8728327
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the controlled application of ultrasonic energy for conditioning of mixtures of gas and liquids by evolving and/or agglomerating gas bubbles existing with or in a liquid or for coalescing droplets of liquid dispersed in another liquid. The invention in preferred embodiments thereof comprises a coalescing apparatus for increasing the droplet size of a mixture formed as a liquid dispersed in another liquid, and a de-gassing apparatus arranged to evolve and/or agglomerate gaseous bubbles in a gas/liquid mixture. In the apparatuses, ultrasonic transducers are used to impart vibrational energy to the mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Cyclotech Limited
    Inventors: David Hadfield, Alastair Sinker, Ian Charles Smyth
  • Publication number: 20140134307
    Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: IMMUNOLIGHT, LLC.
    Inventor: Frederic A. BOURKE, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140131286
    Abstract: A system for disinfecting a water sample includes a pipe having an inlet for engaging a source of the water sample, a storage reservoir connected to an outlet of the pipe for holding the water sample, an array of photovoltaic cells coupled to the pipe for converting solar radiation into a current, and an array of light emitting diodes coupled to the pipe and powered by the current, wherein the array of light emitting diodes emits a germicidal wavelength of radiation. A method for disinfecting a fluent water sample includes generating a current using an array of photovoltaic cells, using the current to power an array of light emitting diodes, wherein the array of light emitting diodes emits a germicidal wavelength of radiation, and exposing the fluent water sample to the radiation while transporting the fluent water sample from a source to a storage reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Anirban Basu, Stephen W. Bedell, Wilfried E. Haensch, Davood Shahrjerdi
  • Patent number: 8673157
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor for the photocatalytic treatment of liquid or gaseous streams, which reactor comprises a tube through which the stream to be treated flows, wherein, in the tube, there are arranged at least one light source, at least one flat means M1 provided with at least one photocatalytically active material and at least one flat means M2 reflecting the light radiation radiated by the at least one light source, wherein the reflecting surface of the at least one means M2 and the inner wall of the tube are at an angle greater than or equal to 0°, in such a manner that the light exiting from the light source is reflected by the at least one means M2 onto the photocatalytically active material, and to a method for the photocatalytic treatment of liquid or gaseous streams by irradiation with light in the reactor according to the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Grigorios Kolios, Florina Corina Patcas, Goetz-Peter Schindler, Alexandra Seeber, Gerrit Waters
  • Publication number: 20140054240
    Abstract: A method for providing a dose of visible light in covered drinking water storage facilities to control nitrification. In one embodiment, the method includes irradiating the water with a dose of visible light sufficient to inhibit microbial nitrification of the water. In one embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 400 Hz to approximately 700 Hz. In another embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 550 Hz to approximately 700 Hz. In a further embodiment, the dose of visible light has a wavelength from approximately 380 Hz to approximately 430 Hz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Nelson White
  • Publication number: 20130343953
    Abstract: Provided are devices, device systems, and methods to intercept and kill fluid borne cancer cells to slow or prevent metastases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Eric V. Kline
  • Publication number: 20130334145
    Abstract: Mixed chloride-bromide bismuth oxyhalide compounds, with the molar ratio chloride:bromide being equal to or greater than 1:1, in the form of microspheres exhibiting flower-like surface morphology, are disclosed. Processes for preparing the compounds, formulations of the compounds and a method for purifying water using said compounds are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Yissum Research Development Company of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem LTD.
    Inventors: Hani Gnayem, Yoel Sasson, Sanaa Shenawi-Khalil
  • Publication number: 20130319954
    Abstract: A method of particle separation, wherein a collimated light source operable to generate a collimated light source beam is provided. The collimated light source beam includes a beam cross-section. A body is provided, wherein the body defines a wall and a first channel in a first plane. The first channel includes a first channel cross-section, the first channel being oriented to receive the collimated light source beam such that the beam cross-section completely overlaps the channel cross-section. The collimated light source beam is transmitted through the channel. A fluid sample is transmitted through the channel, fluid sample including a plurality of particles of a same type. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are separated axially along the collimated light source beam. All of the particles of the plurality of particles are retained against the wall in the collimated light source beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventors: Alexander V. Terray, Sean J. Hart
  • Publication number: 20130248459
    Abstract: Blood or other fluid can be treated with UV or other light, such as using an apparatus that can include a cuvette. The cuvette can include an elongated tube configured to permit passage of light of a desired wavelength into the tube, which can include a fluid inlet at a first end and a fluid outlet at a longitudinally opposing second end. A turbulator within the tube can include a helical baffle segment configured to induce mixing and rotation of fluid flow about a longitudinal axis of the tube. The method can include passing a fluid, from a fluid inlet at a first end of an elongated tube to a fluid outlet at a longitudinally opposing second end of the elongated tube. Mixing and rotational flow of the fluid can be induced within the tube about a longitudinal axis of the tube and light of a desired wavelength can be permitted into the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. Lowe
  • Patent number: 8486274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the separation of materials from heterogeneous fluids and provides a means of effecting stimulant-sensitive flocculation and consolidation of solid suspensions within a liquid medium. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of controlling the state of a suspension of solid particles in a liquid, including applying to the suspension a stimulus adapted to control inter-particle forces between the solid particles. The stimulus is reversibly operable to control attraction and/or repulsion. Means of consolidating a sediment bed and of separating the resultant liquids-rich and solids-rich phases are also within the ambit of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Newcastle Innovation Limited
    Inventors: George V. Franks, Graeme John Jameson, Yao-de Yan, Simon Richard Biggs
  • Publication number: 20130156905
    Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium disposed in an artificial container. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one of a plasmonics agent and an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy through the artificial container to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the plasmonics agent or the energy modulation agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Immunolight, LLC
    Inventor: Immunolight, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130081957
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130056648
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Richard W. Fahs, II, Matthew D.W. Fahs
  • Patent number: 8388844
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for intimately coupling advanced oxidation process (AOP) with biodegradation for the treatment of contaminated water. The system comprises a particulate bed having carrier particles that have a microbial film effective for biodegrading contaminants in the contaminated water. An advanced oxidation reagent is irradiated by a radiation source to provide an advanced oxidation reagent effective for oxidizing recalcitrant compounds in the contaminated water to form biodegradable byproducts. The microbial film is effective for biodegrading the byproducts substantially immediately after they are produced. The carrier particles are also effective for protecting the microbial film from the radiation and/or the recalcitrant compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents for and on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Michael Marsolek, Bruce E. Rittmann
  • Patent number: 8337708
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing green-energy water, including: conducting water flow through a self-support visible-light photocatalytic reaction device, which decomposes the water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions; conducting the hydrogen ions and the hydroxide ions through an ion separation device, which separates the hydrogen ions and the hydroxide ions from each other; and conducting the separated hydroxide ions into an amount of water to form an amount of alkaline green-energy water and conducting the separated hydrogen ions into another amount of water to form an amount of acidulous green-energy water. The green-energy water manufactured in this way is environmentally friendly and can be used in cleaning purposes of photoelectric and semiconductor industries, processing of waste water, organic cultivation, organic agriculture, purification of water, sterilization of medical facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: S.A.W. Green Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Tien-Tsai Lin
  • Publication number: 20120318749
    Abstract: A system for disinfecting a fluid, including: a flow cell including one or more inlet ports and one or more outlet ports, wherein the flow cell is configured to communicate a fluid containing a biological contaminant from the one or more inlet ports to the one or more outlet portions through an interior portion thereof; and one or more point radiation sources disposed about the flow cell, wherein the one or more point radiation sources are operable for delivering radiation to the biological contaminant; wherein an interior surface of the flow cell is operable for reflecting the radiation delivered to the biological contaminant by the one or more point radiation sources; and wherein the interior surface of the flow cell is operable for reflecting the radiation delivered to the biological contaminant by the one or more point radiation sources such that a radiation intensity is uniform throughout the interior portion of the flow cell. In one exemplary embodiment, the flow cell is an integrating sphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: Edward Brittain STOKES, Jennifer Godwin PAGAN, Thomas Andrew SCHMEDAKE
  • Publication number: 20120279927
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided solar water pasteurizers that are portable, efficient, inexpensive and easy to use. In its simplest form, the solar pasteurizer includes a transparent container such as a bag or envelope that contains at least one energy converting structure and has sufficient insulation to enable heating water to a temperature of at least 65° C. (and preferably to a temperature of at least 70° C.) for a time sufficient to achieve pasteurization (at 65-70° C., a period of only about 6 minutes is required for pasteurization). Invention solar pasteurizers are particularly useful for pasteurizing water. In additional embodiments, invention solar pasteurizers include additional features, such as, for example, a water pasteurization indicator, and a receptacle for retaining same within the invention container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Frank D. Husson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120267321
    Abstract: The disclosure provides relates to compositions and methods for water treatment. It also addresses a method for synthesizing TiO2 (and other metal oxides) with or without dopants. This method enables control over size, phase, morphology and porosity and specific surface area of these materials. The disclosure also provides metal oxide composites that can be used in photocatalysts, photovoltaics, and solar hydrogen applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: David Kisailus, Nichola Kinsinger
  • Publication number: 20120234771
    Abstract: A system and method for treating wastewater using concentrated solar energy are described herein. The system includes a lens that is positioned either on or adjacent, or forms part of a façade of a building. A fluid passageway, through which the wastewater is circulated, is positioned either within or adjacent the lens. The lens is configured to direct solar energy onto the wastewater to treat the wastewater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Anna Dyson, Jason Vollen, Mark Mistur, Peter Stark, Kristin Malone, Matt Gindlesparger
  • Publication number: 20120168300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor for the photocatalytic treatment of liquid or gaseous streams, which reactor comprises a tube through which the stream to be treated flows, wherein, in the tube, there are arranged at least one light source, at least one flat means M1 provided with at least one photocatalytically active material and at least one flat means M2 reflecting the light radiation radiated by the at least one light source, wherein the reflecting surface of the at least one means M2 and the inner wall of the tube are at an angle greater than or equal to 0°, in such a manner that the light exiting from the light source is reflected by the at least one means M2 onto the photocatalytically active material, and to a method for the photocatalytic treatment of liquid or gaseous streams by irradiation with light in the reactor according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Grigorios Kolios, Florina Corina Patcas, Goetz-Peter Schindler, Alexandra Seeber, Gerrit Waters
  • Publication number: 20120111801
    Abstract: Disclosed is a near-field photocatalyst using a ZnO (ZnO) nanowire. The photocatalyst is advantageous in that low-priced zinc is used instead of titanium, conventionally used as a photocatalyst to reduce expenses, and that it is possible to obtain overvoltage which is sufficient to generate hydrogen using an optical near field formed around an end of a ZnO nanowire without the application of additional external voltage, thus the use of a costly electrode, such as platinum, is avoided and a process is simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicants: Seoul National University R & DB Foundation, POSTECH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Gyu-chul Yi, Motoichi Ohtsu, Takashi Yatsui
  • Publication number: 20120067827
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating liquids flowing in a thin film around a source of wave energy to directly expose the liquid to the wave energy, preferably generated in whole or part by an electrical arc between carbon electrodes. In addition to the wave energy generated by the electrical arc, energy generated by cavitation of the flowing liquid may be used in treating the liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20120067828
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for producing modified titanium dioxide based photocatalysts via a sol-gel process. The present invention also relates to photocatalysts produced according to the methods of the invention and uses of the photocatalysts for the degradation of contaminants in samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Fang Han, Venkata Subba Rao Kambala, Ravendra Naidu
  • Publication number: 20120031852
    Abstract: An electrode is described completely made of graphenes or containing high amounts of these compounds in mixture with nanostructured or non-nanostructured carbon-based materials. An electrooxidation process for the removal of contaminants from liquids, and a reactor for performing the process, based on the use of said electrodes, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SA ENVITECH S.R.L.
    Inventor: Ivano Aglietto
  • Publication number: 20110297623
    Abstract: A method for treating a substance using an apparatus having: (a) a volute or cyclone head, (b) a throat connected to the volute or cyclone head, (c) a parabolic reflector connected to the throat, (d) a first wave energy source comprising a first electrode within the volute or cyclone head that extends through the outlet into the first opening of the throat along the central axis of the throat, and a second electrode extending into the parabolic reflector proximate to the focus wherein the second electrode is spaced apart and axially aligned with first electrode, and (e) a second wave energy source disposed inside the throat, embedded within the throat or disposed around the throat. The substance is supplied to the inlet of the volute or cyclone head and is irradiated with one or more wave energies produced by the first and second wave energy sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: FORET PLASMA LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Todd Foret
  • Publication number: 20110210080
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for removal of organics in liquids, especially dilute, toxic organics in water, wherein the liquid is contacted with microcapsules containing oxidizing agents, in combination with a photo-catalytic membrane. The invention is also related to a system for removal of organics in liquids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: SINVENT AS
    Inventors: Izumi Kumakiri, Rune Bredesen, Piotr Warszynski, Pawel Nowak, Yang Juan, Christian Simon
  • Publication number: 20110150734
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SINVENT AS
    Inventors: Izumi Kumakiri, Rune Bredesen, Henrik Reader, Christian Simon
  • Publication number: 20110147317
    Abstract: Composition production methods are provided that can include providing PdO nanoparticles on a nitrogen-doped titanium oxide surface to form a catalytic mixture. Catalytic compositions and/or bactericides are provided that can include a substrate supporting Ti, O, N, and Pd. Water purification methods are provided that can include exposing an aqueous solution to a composition comprising at least a substrate supporting Ti, O, N, and Pd. Photocatalytic methods are provided that can include: providing a composition comprising one or both of Ti and Pd; exposing the composition to visible radiation to activate the composition; and in the substantial absence of the visible radiation, contacting the composition with an aqueous solution to purify the aqueous solution. Embodiments of the disclosure provide visible light photocatalysts that can demonstrate faster photocatalytic disinfection rates on Escherichia coli (E.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Qi Li, Yin Wai Li, Pinggui Wu, Rongcai Xie, Jian ku Shang
  • Publication number: 20100254868
    Abstract: A system and method (60) for a purifying a fluid (such as air or water) containing contaminants includes removing the contaminants from the fluid (70) using a capturing device, such as an adsorbent and/or a particle filter. The contaminants may include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microorganisms. The method (60) further includes generating ozone molecules using an ozone generating device (62). An ozone decomposition device is used to decompose at least a portion of the ozone molecules into oxygen and oxygen radicals (68). The captured contaminants (VOCs and microorganisms) react with the oxygen radicals and the ozone molecules to denature the contaminants (72), rendering them less harmful than the original contaminants in the fluid. In some cases, the contaminants may be reduced to carbon dioxide and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy N. Obee, Stephen O. Hay, Susan D. Brandes, Leland G. Brandes, Thomas Henry Vanderspurt, Wayde R. Schmidt, Norberto O. Lemcoff
  • Publication number: 20100176067
    Abstract: A coil-shaped reactor and process are provided to degrade or remove contaminants from water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Joel E. Boyd, Luke H. Loetscher
  • Publication number: 20100051543
    Abstract: A fine channel device including a fine channel provided with at least two inlet ports for feeding fluid, inlet channels communicated with the inlet ports, a confluent portion communicated with the inlet channels, a branch portion communicated with the fine channel, from which at least two outlet channels are branched to feed predetermined amounts of fluid, and outlet ports communicated with the outlet channels. The fine channel is provided with a plurality of partition walls arranged along a boundary formed by at least two kinds of fluid fed from the inlet ports so as not to cause mutual contamination of fluid. Furthermore, the plurality of partition walls are spaced apart at intervals in a flowing direction of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: TOSOH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toru FUTAMI, Tomohiro Ohkawa, Tomoyuki Oikawa, Akira Kawai, Koji Katayama, Keiichiro Nishizawa