Gaseous Compositions Patents (Class 252/372)
  • Publication number: 20040169019
    Abstract: The protective gas according to the invention for the non-vacuum electron-beam welding of metallic materials, particularly light metals in automotive production, consisting of a cold gas in the form of inexpensive nitrogen or helium, allows cost-effective as well as high-quality processing of the materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Bernd Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 6770426
    Abstract: A method for removing organic material in the fabrication of structures includes providing a substrate assembly having an exposed organic material and removing at least a portion of the exposed organic material using a composition including sulfur trioxide (SO3) in a supercritical state. For example, the exposed organic material may be selected from the group of resist material, photoresist residue, UV-hardened resist, X-ray hardened resist, carbon-fluorine containing polymers, plasma etch residues, and organic impurities from other processes. Further, organic material removal compositions for performing such methods are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian A. Vaartstra
  • Patent number: 6752852
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reducing moisture content of fluids comprising moisture and a sulfur-containing compound are disclosed. The methods use an acid gas resistant molecular sieve, and the sulfur-containing compounds are preferably selected from the group consisting of carbondisulfide, carbonylsulfide, and compounds within the formula Y—S—X , wherein S is sulfur, and X and Y are the same or different and are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, oxygen, and alcohol. Compositions comprising the reduced moisture fluids are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracey Jacksier, Karine Saint-Cyr
  • Patent number: 6735980
    Abstract: A method for recovering krypton and xenon from air comprises (a) separating an air feed stream into oxygen-enriched and nitrogen-enriched product streams; (b) reacting the oxygen-rich product stream with a hydrocarbon feed in a synthesis gas generation process to yield a synthesis gas stream comprising hydrogen, carbon oxides, krypton, and xenon, which synthesis gas stream contains essentially no oxygen; (c) introducing the synthesis gas stream into a synthesis gas conversion process and converting the synthesis gas stream into a liquid synthesis product stream and an unreacted synthesis gas stream; (d) recycling at least a portion of the unreacted synthesis gas stream to the synthesis gas generation process; (e) reducing the pressure of the liquid synthesis product stream to yield a two-phase reduced-pressure product stream, and separating the two-phase reduced-pressure product stream into a final liquid synthesis product stream and a gas stream enriched in krypton and xenon; and (f) separating the gas strea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen John Cook, John Louis Griffiths
  • Patent number: 6733732
    Abstract: A reactor comprising a body made of a heat-resistant material and having an inlet and an outlet for water/moisture gas, having a gas-diffusing member provided in an internal space of the body, and having a platinum coating on an internal wall surface of the body. Hydrogen and oxygen fed from the inlet are diffused by the gas-diffusing member and then come into contact with the platinum coating to enhance reactivity, thereby producing water. A temperature of the reactor is held to be below an ignition temperature of hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas. The platinum-coated catalyst layer on the internal wall of the reactor body is formed by treating the surface of the internal wall of the body, cleaning the treated surface, forming a barrier coating of a nonmetallic material of an oxide or nitride on the wall surface, and forming the platinum coating on the barrier coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Koji Kawada, Yoshikazu Tanabe, Takahisa Nitta, Nobukazu Ikeda, Akihiro Morimoto, Keiji Hirao, Hiroshi Morokoshi, Yukio Minami
  • Publication number: 20040056234
    Abstract: Homogeneous compressed gas mixtures of perfluorinated and/or partially fluorinated hydrocarbons and a gas of lesser density are produced using an optionally mobile mixing station including at least the following components: a gas pre-mixing stage in which separately provided gases are brought together; a static mixer and/or buffer tank connected to the pre-mixing stage; and a compressor connected to the static mixer or buffer tank. If a buffer tank is used, a return line may be provided from the compressor outlet to the buffer tank. Mixtures of perfluorinated and/or partially fluorinated hydrocarbons and/or ethers and inert gases such as noble gases, CO2 or N2 and/or SF6, are obtained which are suitable as insulating gases for current-carrying underground cables or gas-insulated switches. High flow rates can be processed using the method, and mass flow meters ensure accuracy and reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Solvay Fluor und Derivate GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz-Joachim Belt, Michael Pittroff, Thomas Schwarze
  • Publication number: 20040051080
    Abstract: The invention is a method and composition for producing carbon dioxide that is based on the reaction or activation of at least one carbon-containing compound with protons. The carbon-containing compound can be in the form of a powder, an impregnated carrier (e.g. zeolite crystals) or an aqueous solution and is preferably selected from the group consisting of carbonates, bicarbonates or sesquicarbonates. The protons are preferably provided by a proton-generating species such as an acid or metal salt. The method and composition can further include a water-retaining substance and/or a chlorine dioxide-producing compound in accordance with the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: ICA TriNova, LLC
    Inventors: William Ernst, Joel Tenney, Tom Isaac
  • Publication number: 20040031314
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for evaluating the properties of hydrogen to improve the safety of hydrogen fuel, and provides a method for selecting proper odorants for hydrogen. Odorized hydrogen containing suitable odorants in appropriate concentrations with hydrogen are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Flynn, Michael Sprague
  • Patent number: 6685754
    Abstract: A method for the production of a hydrogen-containing gas composition, such as a synthesis gas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide (H2:CO) in the synthesis gas can be well-controlled to yield a ratio that is adequate for the synthesis of useful products such as methane or methanol, without the need to remove carbon oxides from the gas stream to adjust the ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Alchemix Corporation
    Inventors: James Kelly Kindig, Thomas E. Weyand
  • Publication number: 20040016441
    Abstract: The plasma cleaning gas for CVD chamber according to the present invention is a gas for cleaning silicon-containing deposits on the surface of a CVD chamber inner wall and the surfaces of members placed inside the CVD chamber after film forming treatment on a substrate by a plasma CVD apparatus. The cleaning gas comprises 100% by volume of fluorine gas which gas can generate plasma by electric discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Akira Sekiya, Yuki Mitsui, Yutaka Ohira, Taisuke Yonemura
  • Patent number: 6676855
    Abstract: A blood-flow decrease preventing agent is used to negate or reduce the decreased oxygen delivery in abdominal organs caused by insufflating gas. Preferably a gas is delivered into the abdominal cavity consisting essentially of the insufflating gas and the blood-flow decrease preventing agent. Very preferably, a gas is used consisting essentially of carbon dioxide as the insufflating gas and ethyl nitrite as the blood-flow to abdominal organ decrease preventing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Stamler
  • Publication number: 20030234385
    Abstract: In a process for the production of a shielding gas mixture argon is withdrawn from a liquid argon supply, vaporized and mixed with a gas premix. The gas premix contains helium and/or argon and a doping gas. A shielding gas mixture prepared this way is outstandingly suited, especially because of the helium content, for arc welding of aluminum and aluminum alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: LINDE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Ernst Miklos, Burkhard Haas
  • Publication number: 20030230558
    Abstract: Binary gas mixture for welding using a laser beam of up to 12 kW, consisting of 30% to 60% nitrogen by volume, the remainder (up to 100%) being helium. Application of this gas mixture to the welding of steel, stainless steel or titanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Francis Briand, Karim Chouf, Philippe Lefebvre, Eric Verna
  • Publication number: 20030230556
    Abstract: Binary gas mixture for welding using a laser beam of up to 8 kW, consisting of 60% to 80% nitrogen by volume, the remainder (up to 100%) being helium. Application of this gas mixture to the welding of steel, stainless steel or titanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Francis Briand, Karim Chouf, Philippe Lefebvre, Eric Verna
  • Publication number: 20030198585
    Abstract: A method for removing or scavenging hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and/or mercaptans from supercritical and/or liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) using triazine scavenging agents is described. Preferred triazines are hexahydrotriazines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Tauseef Salma, Doug Elledge, Paula Kolb, Scot Haines
  • Patent number: 6595291
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process of preparing of a gas composition suitable for the injection in an oil-containing field to increase the degree of recovery and simultaneously reduce the discharge of CO2 to the atmosphere. However, injection of a gas composition containing large amounts of oxygen will result in a degraded submarine formation which is not desirable. The present invention relates to a process for the production of a gas composition comprising N2, CO2, minor parts of NOx, VOC (volatile organic compounds) and about 0-2.0 mole % O2 from an oxygen containing exhaust gas, wherein a stream of an exhaust gas from the combustion of air and natural gas in a gas turbine containing 18% by weight O2 or less, is combusted with natural gas, whereupon the desired gas composition is discharged as a flue gas. Further, a process of recovering oil from submarine formations is also described, where said gas composition is compressed and injected into a submarine formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Naturkraft AS
    Inventors: Torbj{haeck over (o)}rn A. Lia, Simen Elvestad, Auke Lont
  • Publication number: 20030085207
    Abstract: The novel inert gas mixture for the laser welding of aluminum materials has a proportion of 45-70% of nitrogen (N2) by volume, the remainder being helium (He).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Bernd Hilderbrandt, Wolfgang Schagun
  • Patent number: 6537380
    Abstract: A homogeneous non-aqueous composition containing a fluorinated solvent, ozone, and optionally a co-solvent and the use of these compositions for cleaning and oxidizing substrates is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Zazerra, Frederick E. Behr, Michael J. Parent, Paul E. Rajtar
  • Publication number: 20030032917
    Abstract: A blood-flow decrease preventing agent is used to negate or reduce the decreased oxygen delivery in abdominal organs caused by insufflating gas. Preferably a gas is delivered into the abdominal cavity consisting essentially of the insufflating gas and the blood-flow decrease preventing agent. Very preferably, a gas is used consisting essentially of carbon dioxide as the insufflating gas and ethyl nitrite as the blood-flow to abdominal organ decrease preventing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: DUKE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Jonathan S. Stamler
  • Publication number: 20030001134
    Abstract: The first chamber cleaning gas and the first silicon-containing film-etching gas of the present invention comprise at least one compound selected from the group consisting of FCOF, CF3OCOF and CF3OCF2OCOF, and O2 in the specific amount, and optionally other gases. The second chamber cleaning gas and the second silicon-containing film-etching gas comprise CF3COF, C3F7COF or CF2(COF)2 and O2 in specific amounts, and optionally may comprise other gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Akira Sekiya, Yuki Mitsui, Ginjiro Tomizawa, Katsuya Fukae, Yutaka Ohira, Taisuke Yonemura
  • Patent number: 6468446
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preparing gaseous compositions comprising a metal carbonyl, preferably at ppm concentration, are disclosed. The methods comprise placing metal, preferably in the form of filings, of the metal carbonyl to be produced into a first test vessel at a first temperature, and then pressurizing the first test vessel with a gas comprising carbon monoxide from a carbon monoxide source vessel. The contents of the first vessel are then heated to a second temperature and at a rate sufficient to initiate metal carbonyl formation, thereby forming a gas composition comprising a metal carbonyl. The reaction is then quenched by transferring some of the gas composition comprising a metal carbonyl from the first test vessel to a second test vessel which is at a third temperature, the third temperature being lower than the second temperature. Finally, the gas composition is diluted in the second test vessel with an inert gas (preferably argon) from an inert gas source container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignees: American Air Liquide, Inc., L'Air Liquide-Societe' Anonyme a'Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Explotiation des Procedes George Claude
    Inventors: Tracey Jacksier, Reha Tepe, David N. Vassallo
  • Patent number: 6432357
    Abstract: Non-flammable sterilizing gas compositions of ethylene oxide and a flame suppressant comprising pentafluoroethane and heptafluoropropane are useful in the gaseous sterilization of heat and/or moisture sensitive materials. The sterilizing gas compositions are environmentally acceptable and are more efficient and safer to use than conventional sterilant gas mixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Richard, Barbara Ruth Decaire, Stephen Alan Conviser
  • Publication number: 20020096660
    Abstract: A semi-closed combined cycle power system 100 is provided which can also convert an open combined cycle gas turbine 10 into a non-polluting zero emissions power system. The prior art open combined cycle gas turbine 10 includes a compressor 20 which compresses air A′ and combusts the air A′ with a fuel, such as natural gas. The products of combustion and the remaining portions of the air form the exhaust E′ which is expanded through the turbine 40. The turbine 40 drives the compressor 20 band outputs power. The exhaust E′ exits the turbine 40 and then can optionally be routed through a heat recovery steam generator 50 to function as a combined cycle. According to this invention, the exhaust E′ is not emitted into the atmosphere, but rather is routed to a divider 110. The divider 110 includes two outlets for the exhaust E′ including a return duct 120 and a separation duct 130 which both receive a portion of the exhaust E′.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Fermin Viteri, Roger E. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20020091166
    Abstract: Process for the production of thermally converted light products from residual feedstock and electricity from syngas obtained from thermal conversion residue as feedstock, in which process flue gas exiting from the electricity producing unit is fed through a heat recovery unit providing at least part of the heat required in the thermal conversion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Jacobus Henricus Gerardus Beurskens, Johannes Didericus De Graaf, Anthony Malcolm Rigby
  • Patent number: 6383413
    Abstract: A process and a device are provided for for thinning phosphine with air without a danger of burning. The process is carried out in this way that the mixing of phosphine and air is carried out under water or in the presence of water. The device consisting of a water-container which carries at least one introducer pipe for phosphine and at least one introducer pipe for air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Pedro Miguel Horn
  • Patent number: 6372700
    Abstract: A homogeneous non-aqueous compositions containing a fluorinated solvent, ozone, and optionally a co-solvent and the use of these compositions for cleaning and oxidizing substrates is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Zazerra, Frederick E. Behr, Michael J. Parent, Paul E. Rajtar
  • Publication number: 20020038862
    Abstract: The novel inert gas mixture for the laser welding of aluminum materials has a proportion of 45-70% of nitrogen (N2) by volume, the remainder being helium (He).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Inventors: Bernd Hildebrandt, Wolfgang Schagun
  • Patent number: 6361715
    Abstract: Apparatus and a method of providing a water-based fluid with active hydrogen having selected characterstics including providing at least one material (10) having selected characteristics and supply of hydrogen atoms from at least one material (10) to fluid, whereby the fluid receives hydrogen atoms from the material (10), which hydrogen atoms have the selected characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: David Reznik
  • Patent number: 6334962
    Abstract: A process of supplying moisture at low flow rates which permits high precision control of the flow of moisture to a semiconductor manufacturing line from an apparatus for the generation of moisture, characterized in that the flow of hydrogen to a moisture-generating reactor is controlled by means of a flow controller in such a way that an amount of hydrogen as fed is gradually increased from the start and reaches a specific set level such that when a specific time has passed, a predetermined rate of moisture begins to be produced and supplied to the semiconductor manufacturing line. The moisture is generated in the apparatus for generation of moisture in which hydrogen and oxygen are (a) fed into a reactor provided with a coat of platinum on the wall in the interior space, (b) enhanced in reactivity by the platinum catalytic action, and (c) caused to instantaneously react with each other at a temperature lower than the ignition point to produce moisture without undergoing combustion at a high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Yukio Minami, Koji Kawada, Yoshikazu Tanabe, Nobukazu Ikeda, Akihiro Morimoto
  • Patent number: 6315965
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for generating a mixture of phosphine and diluent gas(es). A hydrolysable metal phosphide, preferably magnesium phosphide, is released directly into liquid water under an atmosphere of gas inert to phosphine and in a free-flowing particulate form, composed of loose metal phosphide particles. The generated mixture of phosphine and inert carrier gas, e.g. CO2, is used as such or is diluted into a gas mixing chamber with air to a concentration below the ignitability limit before being used in fumigation. Using argon as a carrier gas the phosphine mixture is suitable for semiconductor doping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Degesch de Chile LTDA
    Inventors: Franziskus Horn Feja, Christoph Reichmuth
  • Patent number: 6303156
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for changing the body temperature of a patient by having them hyperventilate a gas mixture containing sulfur hexafluoride and oxygen. The method may be applied to cool patients in any clinical situation where induced hypothermia is desirable or to rapidly rewarm hypothermic patients. The invention also includes the gas mixtures used in the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital Inc.
    Inventor: Massimo Ferrigno
  • Patent number: 6280701
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of a methanol reforming catalyst includes pre-aging the catalyst by baking it out in a dry atmosphere in order thereby to complete its inherent initial loss of volume before the start of the methanol reforming reaction. The method may be used for methanol reforming reactors in fuel-cell-operated motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignees: Xcellsis GmbH, BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rainer Autenrieth, Otto Krumberger
  • Publication number: 20010006229
    Abstract: An inert-gas mixture for use in metal inert-gas welding, in particular of nickel materials, is distinguished by a proportion by volume of N2 of 0.5-2.0%, and the rest is argon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Achim Wakum, Ulrich Sroka
  • Patent number: 6221280
    Abstract: A method of processing sulfur-containing heavy hydrocarbon fuels in the substantial absence of steam through catalytic partial oxidation is described. The process comprises the steps of vaporizing a heavy hydrocarbon fuel and bringing the vaporized fuel and oxidizer mixture in contact with a noble metal catalyst supported on an open channel structure. The hydrocarbon fuel is considered to be a liquid hydrocarbon having at least six carbon atoms and a sulfur content of at least 50 ppm. The feed, containing only the vaporized fuel and oxygen in the oxidizer mixture, is subsequently routed through a reactor containing a noble metal catalyst (typically Rh/Alumina) at contact times of not more than about 500 milliseconds and a LHSV of not less than about 0.5 h−1. The feed is partially oxidized by a catalytic reaction occurring at a temperature of no less than about 1050° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Amarendra Anumakonda, Jean Yamanis, Joe Ferrall
  • Patent number: 6207109
    Abstract: The invention is directed to sterilant gas compositions of pentafluorodimethyl ether and ethylene oxide which possess improved environmental properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Richard, James Batt, Barbara Decaire, Ian Shankland
  • Patent number: 6159395
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a synthesis gas mixture containing carbon oxides and hydrogen from a hydrocarbon feedstock material comprising: providing a reforming zone having a plurality of chambers charged with a catalyst effective for catalysis of at least one reforming reaction; supplying to the chambers of the reforming zone a vaporous mixture of the hydrocarbon feedstock and a reforming reagent; maintaining the reforming zone under suitable reforming conditions for reforming of the hydrocarbon feedstock and reforming reagent to form the synthesis gas mixture by supplying to the reforming zone a fuel for heating the chambers by combustion and by supplying to the steam reforming zone a vaporous steam comprising combustion oxygen in which the fuel may be combusted; humidifying the vaporous steam comprising combustion oxygen; exchanging heat between the humidified vaporous steam comprising combustion oxygen entering the reforming zone and the synthesis gas mixture exiting th
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Kvaerner Process Technology Limited
    Inventors: Simon Robert Early, Timothy Douglas Gamlin, Mark Andrew Linthwaite
  • Patent number: 6153167
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preparing gaseous compositions comprising a metal carbonyl, preferably at ppm concentration, are disclosed. The methods comprise placing metal, preferably in the form of filings, of the metal carbonyl to be produced into a first test vessel at a first temperature, and then pressurizing the first test vessel with a gas comprising carbon monoxide from a carbon monoxide source vessel. The contents of the first vessel are then heated to a second temperature and at a rate sufficient to initiate metal carbonyl formation, thereby forming a gas composition comprising a metal carbonyl. The reaction is then quenched by transferring some of the gas composition comprising a metal carbonyl from the first test vessel to a second test vessel which is at a third temperature, the third temperature being lower than the second temperature. Finally, the gas composition is diluted in the second test vessel with an inert gas (preferably argon) from an inert gas source container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignees: American Air Liquide, L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et, l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Tracey Jacksier, Reha Tepe, David N. Vassallo
  • Patent number: 6126858
    Abstract: A plasmagenic gas comprising a ternary mixture of helium, argon and hydrogen. The gas contains less than 30% helium, at least 55% argon, and from 5.5 to 15% hydrogen. The gas is useful in a thermal treatment process, such as the plasma projection of a refractory or metallic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Vincent Gourlaouen, Francois Remy
  • Patent number: 6099294
    Abstract: According to the present invention, the ignition, combustion and explosion of hydrogen-air mixtures are dependent primarily on the presence of active intermediates (free atomic hydrogen, atomic oxygen and hydroxyl radicals) that serve as chain carriers and enable the propagation of reaction chains. These active intermediates rather than thermal energy are of primary importance to the oxidation process. The proposed inhibitor molecules capture these active intermediates. This capturing in turn suppresses the reaction chains. As a result, the oxidation of hydrogen in air, including the transition to combustion, the intensity of combustion, the transition from combustion to explosion and the intensity of explosion vary inversely with the inhibitor content. Even when the amount of inhibitor is too small to prevent ignition, a greater ignition source is needed and the intensity of combustion is reduced. The transition from combustion to explosion is also made more difficult or prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventors: Vylen Vagarshovich Azatyan, Alexandr Grigoryevich Merzhanov, Rafik Grantovich Aivazyan, Vladimir Ivanovich Kalachyov
  • Patent number: 6083425
    Abstract: A method for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen gas and carbon dioxide within a reformer 10 is disclosed. According to the method, a stream including an oxygen-containing gas is directed adjacent to a first vessel 18 and the oxygen-containing gas is heated. A stream including unburned fuel is introduced into the oxygen-containing gas stream to form a mixture including oxygen-containing gas and fuel. The mixture of oxygen-containing gas and unburned fuel is directed tangentially into a partial oxidation reaction zone 24 within the first vessel 18. The mixture of oxygen-containing gas and fuel is further directed through the partial oxidation reaction zone 24 to produce a heated reformate stream including hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide. Steam may also be mixed with the oxygen-containing gas and fuel, and the reformate stream from the partial oxidation reaction zone 24 directed into a steam reforming zone 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Arthur D. Little, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence G. Clawson, William L. Mitchell, Jeffrey M. Bentley, Johannes H. J. Thijssen
  • Patent number: 6069336
    Abstract: The invention relates, on the one hand, to an electric-arc work process, such as a plasma cutting or TIG welding process, in which a torch is supplied with at least one non-oxidizing gas, the said torch being provided with at least one electrode made of pure or alloyed metal, such as a tungsten electrode, characterized in that the said non-oxidizing gas contains a concentration of impurities of the oxygen type [O.sub.2 ] of less than 80 ppmv and a concentration of impurities of the water vapor type [H.sub.2 O] of less than 400 ppmv and, on the other hand, to such a welding gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Andre Borne, Francis Remy
  • Patent number: 6051162
    Abstract: A process for the generation of a protective nitrogen-based atmosphere for the performance of heat treatments of metal articles in three phases, including an initial phase in which a gaseous hydrocarbon feed and an oxidant containing oxygen react on a first catalyst to form a reaction product, a second phase in which the reaction product is added to nitrogen contaminated by the presence of oxygen and a third phase in which the reaction product is conveyed to a second catalyst to form a low-dew point gaseous mixture as a protective atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jaak Stefaan Vandensype, Gianluca Porto
  • Patent number: 6027667
    Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for generating a mixture of phosphine and diluent gas(es). A hydrolyzable metal phosphide, preferably magnesium phosphide, is released directly into liquid water under an atmosphere of gas inert to phosphine and in a free-flowing particulate form, composed of loose metal phosphide particles. The generated mixture of phosphine and inert carrier gas, e.g. CO.sub.2, is used as such or is diluted into a gas mixing chamber with air to a concentration below the ignitability limit before being used in fumigation. Using argon as a carrier gas the phosphine mixture is suitable for semiconductor doping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Degesch de Chile Ltda
    Inventors: Franziskus Horn Feja, Christoph Reichmuth
  • Patent number: 6007742
    Abstract: A process and device for electrically assisted partial oxidation of light hydrocarbons by oxygen. The purpose of the process and device is to produce gases rich in CO and H.sub.2 that may also have high contents of C.sub.2 H.sub.4 and C.sub.2 H.sub.2, without any formation of soot or coke by assisting with gliding electric discharge plasma the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons, accompanied by their steam reforming and/or reforming with CO.sub.2,. This mixture of products is achieved in a plasma reactor with gliding electric discharges that glow in the compartment brought to a temperature lower than 1200.degree. C. and at a pressure of less than 6 bars. The discharges act directly in an exothermic reactive medium consisting of hydrocarbons mixed with gaseous oxygen of any origin, and possibly with H.sub.2 O and/or CO.sub.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Laxarco Holding Limited
    Inventors: Piotr Czernichowski, Albin Czernichowski
  • Patent number: 6001332
    Abstract: A medical gas mixture which comprises from 20 to 70% oxygen, from 1 to 10% carbon dioxide and the balance, except for incidental constituents not adversely affecting the basic properties of the gas mixture, being helium. The subject mixtures are useful in the treatment of asthma and in enhancing magnetic resonance imaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventor: Michael E. Garrett
  • Patent number: 5976554
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions of ethylene oxide and heptafluoropropane and a method of sterilization using same. These environmentally acceptable compositions are chemically stable, minimally segregating, compatible with the objects being sterilized; provide sufficient vapor pressure to deliver the blend to the sterilization chamber, and possess improved flammability suppressant characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Richard, Barbara R. Fellows-Decaire, Ian Robert Shankland, James Albert Batt
  • Patent number: 5965231
    Abstract: The present invention relates to thermal insulation gas mixtures comprising cyclopentane and argon for filling cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Udo Rotermund, Anne-Kathrin Merten, Norbert Krollmann
  • Patent number: 5766514
    Abstract: A method of storing and transporting acetylene comprises mixing acetylene gas and carbon dioxide gas and then reducing the temperature of the gas mixture thus obtained to obtain either a liquid-vapour or solid-vapour mixture and storing the liquid-vapour mixture or solid-vapour mixture in a pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: The BOC Group plc
    Inventors: Silvia Beatriz Dougill, Wasyl Michael Sajik, Shuen-Cheng Hwang
  • Patent number: 5716549
    Abstract: A new set of effective, environmentally safe, nonflammable, low-toxicity refrigerants, solvents, foam blowing agents, propellants, and firefighting agents is disclosed. The agents are clean, electrically nonconductive, and have short atmospheric lifetimes, zero ozone-depletion potential, and low global warming potentials. The agents comprise at least one fluoroiodocarbon agent satisfying the general formula C.sub.a H.sub.b Br.sub.c Cl.sub.d F.sub.e I.sub.f N.sub.g O.sub.h, wherein a is between and including 1 and 8; b is between and including 0 and 2; c, d, g, and h are each between and including 0 and 1; e is between and including 1 and 18; and f is between and including 1 and 2, either neat or mixed with additives selected from the group consisting of: alcohols, esters, ethers, fluoroethers, hydrocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ikon Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Shelley Nimitz, Lance Harrell Lankford
  • Patent number: 5714092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the endothermic catalytic conversion of gaseous hydrocarbons with steam to form a gaseous mixture containing hydrogen, utilizing a reform catalyst based on nickel provided on a thermostable support, wherein at least 90% of the nickel particles (based on the number) are smaller than 10 nm and at least a part of the thermal energy required for the endothermic conversion is generated in the reaction mixture through a controlled catalytic reaction of a part of the hydrocarbon with oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Gastec, N.V.
    Inventors: Francine van Looij, John Wilhelm Geus