By Impinging Plural Liquid Masses Patents (Class 264/11)
  • Patent number: 11439171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an edible 3D printer filament that incorporates an active ingredient such as an oil (e,g, cannabis) extract for taste, odor or medicinal benefit, and which is capable of retaining this benefit despite the repeated thermal extrusion involved in 3D printing. The filament is made by mixing the active ingredient extraction with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), starch, and super disintegrant, and spray drying the result to a powderized form. The powderized water soluble polymer with active ingredient is mixed with excipient ingredients including a plasticizer, colored/dyed arabic gum, a gelling agent, fillers, flour, a binding or thickening agent (which also gives the benefit of being a stabilizer), a lubricant, and a preservative, and is heated. The result is hot melt extruded into a filament with a diameter of 1.75 mm or 3 mm. When printed, the thermoplastic has good strength, stiffness, and physical properties, and can be 3D-printed in any shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventors: Ashley G. Herr, Paige Elizabeth Colen
  • Patent number: 11097347
    Abstract: A method of producing an atomized powder includes: an atomizing step of forming magnetic alloy particles from a molten metal by an atomizing method, to obtain a slurry in which the magnetic alloy particles are dispersed in an aqueous dispersion medium; a slurry concentration step of causing magnetic separation means to separate the magnetic alloy particles from the slurry to form a concentrated slurry having the magnetic alloy particles of more than 80% by mass, the magnetic separation means using a rotary drum including a magnetic circuit part fixedly disposed at a position where at least a part of the magnetic circuit part is immersed in the slurry and an outer sleeve capable of rotating outside the magnetic circuit part; and a drying step of causing drying means using an air flow dryer to dry the concentrated slurry to form a magnetic alloy powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazunori Nishimura, Shin Noguchi, Nobuaki Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 10981130
    Abstract: Device for producing pulverulent plastics with a spherical structure comprises: a container delimiting an interior space, a nozzle device disposed in an upper region of the interior space and connected to a supplying conveyor pipe for a hot melt of the product, wherein the melt exits the nozzle device and separates into small droplets that fall downward in the interior space, a supply unit for a cryogas in a predominantly liquid state having several outlet openings, wherein a cryogas flow, which comes into contact with the small droplets, exits into the interior space. The supply unit is located above or at the same level as the nozzle device, and method wherein, the hot melt of the product exits the nozzle device in the shape of a spray cone, the cryogas flow exits the supply unit in the shape of a cone, and the spray cone is located within the cone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Axel Dressler
  • Patent number: 10858781
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating cellulose pulp for use in regeneration of cellulose including the steps of: i) preparing an alkaline metal hydroxide solution having a concentration of 4-10% by weight; ii) adding cellulose pulp to form a slurry; iii) heating the slurry to a temperature of 40-100° C.; and iv) dissolving the treated cellulose pulp in an alkaline solution having a temperature within the range of ?10° C. to 12° C.; wherein the percentage by weight is based on the total weight of the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventors: Caroline Löfgren, Linda Friman, Linda Svedberg
  • Patent number: 10844181
    Abstract: Particulate compositions solid at 20° C. and comprising at least one copolymer based on at least the following comonomers a) to d) a) conjugated diene, b) ?,?-unsaturated nitrile, c) at least one polyfunctional radically polymerizable comonomer and d) at least one carboxyl-, hydroxyl-, epoxy- and/or amino-group-functional radically polymerizable comonomer, which possess an average particle diameter of the primary particles of 5 to 500 nm, characterized in that these compositions possess a pourability to EN DIN 6186:1998 (funnel diameter 15 mm) of not more than 33 s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Arlanxeo Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Schmidt, Christopher Kohl, Jiawen Zhou, Thomas Fruh
  • Patent number: 10722860
    Abstract: A mixing reactor for precipitating nanoparticles by mixing a precursor fluid with a second fluid at a higher temperature than the precursor fluid. The reactor comprises: a first fluid conduit with an inlet region configured to receive a flow of the precursor fluid, and an outlet region configured to output a mixed flow; and a second fluid conduit configured to receive a flow of the second fluid. The second fluid conduit extends into the first fluid conduit in a direction substantially perpendicular to the flow within the first fluid conduit, and has an opening for introducing the second fluid into the first fluid conduit. Related processes for producing nanoparticles are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: The University of Nottingham
    Inventors: Edward Lester, Thomas Huddle
  • Patent number: 10391558
    Abstract: The present invention provides a power manufacturing apparatus capable of preventing particle growth when fine powder is formed through a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a molten steel providing part for providing molten steel; and a cooling fluid spraying part which is arranged at a lower part of the molten steel providing part and sprays a cooling fluid on the molten steel in order to pulverize the molten steel provided by the molten steel providing part, wherein the cooling fluid spraying part forms a first flow for cooling the molten steel so as to pulverize the molten steel and a second flow for forming a descending air current in the molten steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: POSCO
    Inventors: Tae-Jong Ha, Si-Won Yoon, Hae-Kwon Jeong
  • Patent number: 10293408
    Abstract: A method and device for producing shots are provided where the yield is improved. In a space (5) for forming molten drops, which space is surrounded by water (1) in a tank (20), by a cover (3) to cover an area surrounding a disc (2) that is located above the water and rotates, and by a tundish (4) that penetrates through the cover, a gas is discharged though an opening (6) that is formed in the cover and the film (9) of the water is formed on the inner surface of the cover. The molten metal (10) flows through the hole (11) in the bottom of the tundish to be supplied onto the rotating disc. The molten drops are formed by centrifugal force from the molten metal that has been supplied to the disc. Then the molten drops are caused to collide with the film of the water on the inner surface of the cover, to be divided into the droplets that are smaller than the molten drops. The droplets are cooled and solidified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: SINTOKOGIO, LTD.
    Inventors: Masayuki Ishikawa, Naoya Tanuma, Tomohiro Togari
  • Patent number: 10132005
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous, scalable and parallelizable method for preparing strong and stiff fibers (filaments) or films. The fiber or film is prepared by utilizing hydrodynamically induced alignment of the constituents of a dispersion in combination with surface-charge controlled gel transition to produce fibers with a high degree of alignment of the constituents (polymer(s), fibrils etc). The invention also relates to the fibers or films so formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: RISE Innventia AB
    Inventors: Daniel Söderberg, Fredrik Lundell, Andreas Fall, Karl Håkansson, Mathias Kvick, Lars Wågberg
  • Patent number: 9919280
    Abstract: Polyelectrolyte complex microcapsules are prepared by a novel template- and surfactant-free method. The microcapsules are produced spontaneously by ultrasonically spraying a solution of complex into a hot water reservoir which enhances diffusion and relaxation of polymer. The size and wall thickness of microcapsules are precisely controlled. Encapsulation of polymers and nanoparticles by mixing them with polyelectrolyte solutions is demonstrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Schlenoff, Qifeng Wang
  • Patent number: 9730909
    Abstract: The invention provides naphthofuran compounds, polymorphs of naphthofuran compounds, naphthofuran compounds in particle form, purified compositions that contain one or more naphthofuran compounds, purified compositions that contain one or more naphthofuran compounds in particle form, methods of producing these naphthofuran compounds, polymorphs, purified compositions and/or particle forms, and methods of using these naphthofuran compounds, polymorphs, purified compositions and/or particle forms to treat subjects in need thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: BOSTON BIOMEDICAL, INC
    Inventors: Chiang Jia Li, David Leggett, Youzhi Li, Wei Li
  • Patent number: 9722246
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing inorganic particles using a hydrothermal synthesis device, including introducing a precursor liquid or slurry stream including a reaction precursor for preparation of an inorganic material into a hydrothermal synthesis reactor, introducing a supercritical liquid stream including water into the hydrothermal synthesis reactor, preparing an inorganic slurry by hydrothermal reaction in the hydrothermal synthesis reactor and discharging the inorganic slurry therefrom, and filtering the discharged inorganic slurry, wherein the precursor liquid or slurry stream includes an NH3 source at a high temperature of the supercritical liquid stream and thus clogging of the stream in the hydrothermal synthesis reactor is inhibited by pH changes in the hydrothermal reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Kuk Noh, Hong Kyu Park, Ji Hoon Ryu, Wang Mo Jung, Sang Seung Oh, Chi Ho Jo
  • Patent number: 9587329
    Abstract: A system and process for making a polymeric fibrous material having increased beta content is provided herein. The system is configured for meltblowing polymer into a fibrous material having high beta crystalline content and has an extruder for melting and moving a polymer to a meltblowing die. The meltblowing die has a longitudinally extending die tip with a plurality of spinnerets substantially equidistantly spaced from each other and a longitudinal fluid material flow through passage disposed along each longitudinal side of the die tip configured to axially attenuate the melted polymer from the die tip in fibrous form. A plurality of liquid spray nozzles are configured and disposed to spray a liquid into the fibrous melted polymer attenuated from the die tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Kyung-Ju Choi
  • Patent number: 9249266
    Abstract: Micro- and nano-sized particles, agglomerates and fibers are generated from high molecular weight water-soluble biopolymers applying supercritical fluid technology. A method of producing micro- or nanoparticles from an aqueous solution of a high molecular weight biopolymer includes the step of spraying the aqueous solution together with a mixture of a compressible gas and a water-soluble co-solvent/antisolvent into a pressurized chamber. The method may be adapted to impregnate the micro- or nanoparticles with a bioactive material. A method for microencapsulating a bioactive material with a biopolymer is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Feral Temelli, Bernhard Seifried
  • Patent number: 9217211
    Abstract: Nanofibers are fabricated in a continuous process by introducing a polymer solution into a dispersion medium, which flows through a conduit and shears the dispersion medium. Liquid strands, streaks or droplets of the polymer solution are continuously shear-spun into elongated fibers. An inorganic precursor may be introduced with the polymer solution, resulting in fibers that include inorganic fibrils. The resulting composite inorganic/polymer fibers may be provided as an end product. Alternatively, the polymer may be removed to liberate the inorganic fibrils, which may be of the same or smaller cross-section as the polymer fibers and may be provided as an end product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Orlin D. Velev, Stoyan Smoukov, Peter Geisen, Miles C. Wright, Sumit Gangwal
  • Patent number: 9214286
    Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell including an inorganic dye containing all of Pb, Hg and S as a photo-sensitive dye and a manufacturing method of the same are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: Research & Business Foundation Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: Nam-Gyu Park, Jin-Wook Lee, Dae-Yong Son
  • Patent number: 8980143
    Abstract: A method for transforming a selected polymeric material into a plurality of reaction products via supercritical water is disclosed. The method comprises: conveying the selected polymeric material through an extruder, wherein the extruder is configured to continuously convey the selected polymeric material to a supercritical fluid reaction zone; injecting hot compressed water into the supercritical fluid reaction zone, while the extruder is conveying the selected polymeric material into the supercritical fluid reaction zone so as to yield a mixture; retaining the mixture within the reaction zone for a period of time sufficient to yield the plurality of reaction products. The reaction zone may be characterized by a tubular reactor having an adjustably positionable inner tubular spear, wherein the tubular reactor and the inner tubular spear further define an annular space within the reaction zone, and wherein the mixture flows through the annular space and into a reaction products chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas E. Loop, James D. Flynn, Graham Allan, Steven C. Van Swearingen, Kevin O. Gaw
  • Publication number: 20140328937
    Abstract: The invention provides a microsphere formulation for the sustained delivery of an aptamer, for example, an anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor aptamer, to a preselected locus in a mammal, such as the eye. In addition, the invention provides methods for making such formulations, and methods of using such formulations to deliver an aptamer to a preselected locus in a mammal. In particular, the invention provides a method for delivering the aptamer to an eye for the treatment of an ocular disorder, for example, age-related macular degeneration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Inventors: Karen G. Carrasquillo, Anthony P. Adamis, Joan W. Miller, Evangelos S. Gragoudas
  • Publication number: 20140264985
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of fibres and fibres prepared by the process. The process can provide discontinuous colloidal polymer fibres in a process that employs a low viscosity dispersion medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CYTOMATRIX PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Alessandra Sutti, Tong Lin, Mark Alexander Kirkland
  • Patent number: 8801979
    Abstract: Embodiments of a continuous-flow injection reactor and a method for continuous material synthesis are disclosed. The reactor includes a mixing zone unit and a residence time unit removably coupled to the mixing zone unit. The mixing zone unit includes at least one top inlet, a side inlet, and a bottom outlet. An injection tube, or plurality of injection tubes, is inserted through the top inlet and extends past the side inlet while terminating above the bottom outlet. A first reactant solution flows in through the side inlet, and a second reactant solution flows in through the injection tube(s). With reference to nanoparticle synthesis, the reactant solutions combine in a mixing zone and form nucleated nanoparticles. The nucleated nanoparticles flow through the residence time unit. The residence time unit may be a single conduit, or it may include an outer housing and a plurality of inner tubes within the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Oregon State University
    Inventors: Chih-hung Chang, Hyungdae Jin
  • Patent number: 8721936
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for devices, methods for forming non-spherical particles, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: University of Georgia Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Leidong Mao, Jason J. Locklin, Taotao Zhu, Gareth Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20140084504
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuous pelletization and crystallization of a polymer includes a unit for forming a polymer pellet material and cooling the pellet material in a liquid cooling medium. An after-connected drying unit has an exit opening for exporting gas and a crystallizer for crystallizing the pellet material. The crystallizer communicates via a connection line with the pre-connected unit for separating the liquid cooling medium from the pellet material and drying the pellet material. The crystallizer communicates with an inert gas tank, whereby the pressure in the crystallizer can be increased relative to the pressure in the drying unit. A related process is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Bühler Thermal Processes AG
    Inventors: Andreas Christel, Brent Allan Culbert, Fernando Eusebio
  • Publication number: 20140005312
    Abstract: A method of introducing an additive into a polymeric material comprises using a liquid formulation comprising an additive, for example a colourant, and a vehicle comprising an aliphatic or aromatic tri- or di-carboxylic acid covalently linked by ester bonds to two or more chains. The method involves contacting the liquid formulation with the polymeric material in a melt processing apparatus. The cavity transfer mixer may be used in the process. A fibre is suitably subsequently produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Colormatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: John Goulbourn, Andrew Stuart Overend, Christine Leeming
  • Patent number: 8585942
    Abstract: A method for producing particles of predetermined sized and/or morphology of a substance in a production arrangement comprising the steps of: i) mixing within a spray nozzle and under flow conditions a stream of a liquid solution in which the substance is dissolved with a stream of a fluid, and ii) passing the mixture in the form of a spray through a spray outlet of the nozzle into a particle collecting container, and iii) separating and collecting within the container the particles. The characteristic feature is that the solvent is a liquid and the fluid is an aqueous liquid in a subcritical state. Preferred nozzles have two coaxial internal transport conduits. One aspect is a production arrangement that can be used in the method. Its characteristic features are functions for a) recycling fluid used in the process, b) for including a make-up agent in the fluid stream, and/or increasing production by paralleling particle formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: XSpray Microparticles AB
    Inventor: Mustafa Demirbüker
  • Patent number: 8551763
    Abstract: In a method and system for forming concentrated volumes of microbeads, a polymer solution and/or suspension includes a polymer dissolved and/or dispersed in a medium. Streams of a focusing fluid and of the polymer solution and/or suspension flow towards a fluid bath, and into intersection with one another, so &s to focus the polymer solution and/or suspension. The polymer solution and/or suspension stream forms microbeads in the fluid bath. Some of the focusing fluid is drawn from the fluid bath, so as to concentrate the microbeads in die fluid bath. The system includes a flow focusing apparatus and a liquid-containing cell. The focusing apparatus includes polymer and focusing nozzles. The cell contains the fluid bath and has an outlet port, through which the focusing fluid is drawn from the fluid bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: FIO Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Fournier-Bidoz, Warren Che Wor Chan
  • Publication number: 20130256931
    Abstract: A method of forming solid beads, the method comprising: Providing a first liquid comprising a solute and a solvent Forming liquid droplets of the first liquid Contacting the liquid droplets with a second liquid so as to cause the solvent to exit the droplets, thus forming solid beads, the solute comprising a polymer, the concentration of polymer in the first liquid being at least 7% w/v., the solubility of the solvent in the second liquid being at least 5 g of solvent per 100 ml of second liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: Q CHIP LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel Palmer, Owen Shadick
  • Patent number: 8546285
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nanostructured composite material of ?-alumina-doped zirconia stabilised with cerium oxide and zirconia-doped ?-alumina, the process for obtaining it and the applications thereof, such as knee prostheses, hip prostheses, dental implants, mechanical components for pumps, alkaline batteries, ceramic components for stereotactic neurology, cutting tools, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC)
    Inventors: Ramón Torrecillas San Millan, Luis Antonio Díaz Rodríguez
  • Publication number: 20130244032
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing hollow silica particles. First, an amine-ketimine compound is mixed with water to obtain a hydrophobic core dispersion, and then an organic siloxane compound and/or a coupling reagent is added into the hydrophobic core dispersion to form a core-shell silica dispersion. Then, the core-shell silica precipitate is separated from the core-shell silica dispersion, and then it is further dispersed and washed by a low carbon alcohol solution. Finally, hollow silica particles in accordance with the present invention are produced. In addition, the present invention also provides hollow silica particles produced by the afore-mentioned method without using any additional surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: National Chin-Yi University of Technology
    Inventors: Hsu-Tung Lu, Mei-Hui Tsai, I-Hsiang Tseng, Shih-Liang Huang
  • Patent number: 8524173
    Abstract: A microchannel structure including a dispersed-phase introduction channel which communicates with a dispersed-phase introduction inlet; a continuous-phase introduction channel which communicates with a continuous-phase introduction inlet; a discharge channel which communicates with a discharge outlet; a fine-particle formation channel; and a plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction which are microchannels; wherein one end of the fine-particle formation channel in a fluid traveling direction communicates with the continuous-phase introduction channel whereas the other end thereof communicates with the discharge channel; and wherein a side part of the dispersed-phase introduction channel and side part of the fine-particle formation channel communicate via the plurality of branch channel for dispersed-phase introduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Maho Yamanaka, Akira Kawai, Koji Katayama, Hiroki Takamiya
  • Publication number: 20130183246
    Abstract: A system for producing microbeads includes a microfluidic device defining a supply channel and a shearing channel, a microbead precursor material disposed in the supply channel, a carrier fluid disposed in the shearing channel, and a pressure distribution system fluidly connected to each of the supply channel and the shearing channel to control at least relative pressures of the microbead precursor material and the carrier fluid. The supply channel includes a check valve adapted to be subjected to a bias pressure that is sufficient to close the check valve to flow of microbead precursor material when a supply pressure of the microbead precursor material is below a threshold pressure and is open to flow of the microbead precursor material when the supply pressure of the microbead precursor material is greater than the threshold pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Tza-Huei Wang, Weijie Beh, Dara L. Kraitchman, Hsa-Quan Mao
  • Publication number: 20130101849
    Abstract: Micro- and nano-sized particles, agglomerates and fibers are generated from high molecular weight water-soluble biopolymers applying supercritical fluid technology. A method of producing micro- or nanoparticles from an aqueous solution of a high molecular weight biopolymer includes the step of spraying the aqueous solution together with a mixture of a compressible gas and a water-soluble co-solvent/antisolvent into a pressurized chamber. The method may be adapted to impregnate the micro- or nanoparticles with a bioactive material. A method for microencapsulating a bioactive material with a biopolymer is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Feral Temelli, Bernhard Seifried
  • Patent number: 8389013
    Abstract: A process for producing particles of a substance is described wherein a solution of the substance in a solvent is delivered in at least one shot into a supercritical fluid. The supercritical fluid is a non-solvent for the substance and is miscible with the solvent. Particles of the substance distributed in a mixture of the solvent and the supercritical fluid are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Newsouth Innovations PTY Limited
    Inventors: Neil Russell Foster, Roderick Peng Tze Sih
  • Publication number: 20130012598
    Abstract: Nanofibers are fabricated in a continuous process by introducing a polymer solution into a dispersion medium, which flows through a conduit and shears the dispersion medium. Liquid strands, streaks or droplets of the polymer solution are continuously shear-spun into elongated fibers. An inorganic precursor may be introduced with the polymer solution, resulting in fibers that include inorganic fibrils. The resulting composite inorganic/polymer fibers may be provided as an end product. Alternatively, the polymer may be removed to liberate the inorganic fibrils, which may be of the same or smaller cross-section as the polymer fibers and may be provided as an end product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventors: ORLIN D. VELEV, STOYAN SMOUKOV, PETER GEISEN, MILES C. WRIGHT, SUMIT GANGWAL
  • Publication number: 20120267810
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for devices, methods for forming non-spherical particles, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Leidong Mao, Jason Locklin, Taotao Zhu, Gareth Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20120248007
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing fiberboard by preparing a fiber slurry mixture including containing cellulose fibers and water then atomizing a liquid bituminous material, such as asphalt. The liquid bituminous material is atomized by mixing it with a pressurized gas, such as compressed air, forming a mist comprising droplets of bituminous material having a diameter between 20 microns and 50 microns. A water spray solidifies the bituminous material droplets thereby forming bituminous particles which fall into the fiber slurry within the spray chamber. From there the slurry is sheared, dewatered, and dried, forming a finished fiberboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: W.R. Meadows, Inc.
    Inventor: Tariq Mahmood Malik
  • Patent number: 8256091
    Abstract: A method of producing equal-sized spherical shaped beads of a wide range of materials is described. These beads are produced by forming the parent bead material into a liquid solution and by filling equal volume cells in a sheet with the liquid solution. The sheet cells establish the volumes of each of the cell mixture volumes which are then ejected from the cells by an impinging fluid. Surface tension forces acting on the ejected equal sized solution entities form them into spherical beads. The ejected beads are then subjected to a solidification environment which solidifies the spherical beads. The beads can be solid or porous or hollow and can also have bead coatings of multiple material layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne O. Duescher
  • Publication number: 20120217665
    Abstract: A method for preparing uniquely sized nanoparticles of CaF2 by simultaneously spray drying a first NH4F and a biocompatible salt solution and a second Ca(OH)2 and biocompatible salt solution to form CaF2 solid particles in a soluble salt matrix wherein the salt is more soluble than CaF2. The salt matrix may then be dissolved and the separate CaF2 nanosized particles collected for use as a dental therapeutic material. The technique is useful in the preparation of other discrete, nanoparticle sized compounds and combinations by carefully choosing the solvents and solutes of the two spray dried solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: ADA Foundation
    Inventors: Laurence C. Chow, Limin Sun
  • Patent number: 8221105
    Abstract: Systems for pelletizing hot asphaltenes are provided. Asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be dispersed to provide two or more asphaltenic particles. The asphaltenic hydrocarbons can be at a temperature of from about 175° C. to about 430° C. The asphaltenic particles can be contacted with a film of cooling medium. The film can have a thickness of from about 1 mm to about 500 mm. At least a portion of the asphaltenic particles can be solidified by transferring heat from the asphaltenic particles to the cooling medium to provide solid asphaltenic particles. The solid asphaltenic particles can be separated from at least a portion of the cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Behelfer, Maury Schlossman
  • Publication number: 20120161347
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing water-treatment particles comprises respectively preparing a particle-fabricating solution that comprises chitinous composition and a forming solution first. Next, a complex solution is prepared by adding calcium sulfite into the particle-fabricating solution. Finally, the complex solution is pumped into the forming solution to form water-treatment particles. In addition, water-treatment particles manufactured by the method above are also disclosed in the specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: TAIWAN TEXTILE RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Su-Chen Chen, Jui-Sheng Lee
  • Publication number: 20120160693
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing bichromal balls including first and second supply containers; a pair of microchannels for moving the first and second liquids; a pair of nozzles at which the microchannels contact each other; and an actuator, and a method for manufacturing bichromal balls using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yong-Il KWON, Hwansoo Lee, Subong Jang, Seungjoo Shin, Younghoon Kwak
  • Patent number: 8206623
    Abstract: Provided are a ceramic-fine-particle producing process making it possible to produce, with ease, ceramic fine particles which have a spherical shape close to a complete round and an excellent mono-dispersibility, and are made only of a solid component of a simple ceramic material without making a fine channel structure complicated, and an apparatus used therein for producing ceramic fine particles. The process includes the step (S100) of feeding a dispersion phase made of an aqueous liquid containing a gelling agent to act upon cooling and a ceramic material into a continuous phase made of an oily liquid containing a surfactant, thereby producing fine droplets; the step (S110) of collecting and cooling the produced fine droplets; the step (S120) of washing the cooled fine droplets; the step (S130) of drying the washed fine droplets; and the step (S140) of firing the dried fine droplets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Covalent Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Goto, Hideo Uemoto, Tomoki Sugino
  • Publication number: 20120083179
    Abstract: A method for preparing a polyglutamic acid (?-PGA) fiber having antibacterial and water absorption properties is provided. The method includes providing a ?-PGA fiber and immersing it in a sodium hypochlorite solution. A relation exists between an immersing time T of the ?-PGA fiber and a concentration X of the sodium hypochlorite solution as shown in the formula below: 10.2?(T?64.55X2+50X)?15.2, wherein X is 0.006-0.4 wt %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: FAR EASTERN NEW CENTURY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jo-Wei Huang, Chia-Chang Liu, Ying-Nan Tsai
  • Patent number: 8114319
    Abstract: The invention provides a device (1, 301, 501) for producing a spherical segmented flow of fluid, which device includes: a functional fluid conduit (6, 506) arranged to contain a functional fluid (15, 515); at least two carrier fluid conduits (7, 8, 507, 508), each carrier fluid conduit arranged to carry a carrier fluid (16, 514), the functional fluid conduit merging with the carrier fluid conduits at a junction (9) to form an encased flow conduit (9a, 529) thereby permitting functional fluid to be sandwiched (or encased) by the carrier fluid to form an encased flow, the encased flow conduit having a discontinuity (10, 510) therein such that the encased flow forms into a flow of alternate segmented spheres after the discontinuity, wherein the device is provided with a segmented flow conduit (11, 511) downstream of the encased flow conduit, the encased segmented flow conduit being provided with an enlargement (21, 512) in cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Q Chip Limited
    Inventors: Robert Huw Davis, Daniel David Palmer
  • Publication number: 20110254384
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: William K. Leonard
  • Patent number: 8025824
    Abstract: To provide a process for producing high-purity highly oxidized refractory particles easily with good productivity by treating a spent refractory containing ZrO2 and Al2O3 to reduce components other than ZrO2 and Al2O3 to levels unproblematic for practical use as raw material for electrofused refractories and to increase the content of the ZrO2 and/or Al2O3 component. A process for producing refractory particles, which comprises introducing to and melting in a melting furnace both a spent refractory which contains, by mass % as chemical components, from 75 to 97% of ZrO2 and/or Al2O3, from 2 to 25% of SiO2, from 0.4 to 7% in total of Na2O, K2O and Li2O(Na2O+K2O+Li2O), at most 2% of CaO and at most 2% of MgO, and carbon particles in an amount of from 1 to 8% by outer mass percentage based on the spent refractory, and after the melting, tapping the melt while blowing compressed air against the melt to form refractory particles having the content of ZrO2 and/or Al2O3 increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: AGC Ceramics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Ushimaru
  • Patent number: 8021582
    Abstract: A continuous phase liquid and a dispersed phase liquid are permitted to flow together through a co-flow channel. Preferably, the dispersed phase liquid is arranged to flow within the flowing body of the continuous phase liquid in the co-flow channel so that the dispersed phase liquid is sheathed by the continuous phase liquid. The continuous phase and dispersed phase liquids are comminuted into microparticles in the co-flow channel by intermittently blocking the co-flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: National Cheng Kung University
    Inventors: Gwo-Bin Lee, Cheng-Tso Chen
  • Publication number: 20110221083
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of controlled release of drugs, proteins, nucleic acids, and other pharmaceuticals. It also relates to delivery systems for these agents and other compounds. The invention also relates to stable encapsulation of cells and molecules. The invention provides a population of microstructures comprising a permeable polymer shell, wherein the standard variance in the volume of the microstructures is usually less than or equal to 20%, preferably 10%, of the mean, and wherein the diffusion characteristics of the polymer shell vary within the population of microstructures. It also provides for an apparatus and a method of forming a population of microstructures, which method for making microstructures by introducing drops of a polymer solution into a receiving solution under conditions that permit cross-linking of the polymer in the receiving solution. Microstructures of calcium-cross-linked alginate with a chitosin capsule are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Engineered Release System, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan E. Laulicht, Sasha Bakhru
  • Publication number: 20110217553
    Abstract: “Frozen ionic liquid” microparticles and nanoparticles are disclosed, as are alternative methods of making the particles. The particles may be monodisperse or polydisperse, with spherical or other shapes. The particles may be prepared without specialized equipment, and without harsh conditions. The microparticles and nanoparticles have uses in biomedical, materials, analytical, and other fields.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventors: Isiah M. Warner, Aaron Tesfai, Bilal M. El-Zahab, David Bwambok, Gary A. Baker, Sayo O. Fakayode, Mark Lowa, Michael P. Tolocka, Sergio De Rooy
  • Publication number: 20110212169
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method for preparing a powder containing a nanoparticulated sparingly soluble drug, a powder prepared thereby, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same. The disclosed method includes: providing a uniformly dispersed solution of a sparingly soluble drug which is formed into nanoparticles in the presence of a surface stabilizer; mixing the uniformly dispersed solution with a water-soluble dispersant solution; and drying the mixed solution to obtain the powder. When the powder containing the nanoparticulated sparingly soluble drug obtained by the disclosed method is redispersed in an aqueous solution, the sparingly soluble drug retains a particle size in the nano scale while the solubility and the dissolution rate of the drug are increased, thereby providing enhanced bioavailability. Consequently, the present disclosure can be useful in the development of preparations of a sparingly soluble drug for oral or parenteral administration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Amorepacific Corporation
    Inventors: Joon-Ho Bae, Hyeok Lee, Deok-Ki Hong, Jong-Hwi Lee
  • Publication number: 20110182994
    Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing nanoparticles. A source of a carrier fluid is connected to an inlet of a flow conduit, such as an intravenous solution administration tube with injection ports, such that the carrier fluid flows through the conduit. A substance (e.g., a drug solution or other substance solution) is introduced into the conduit at a first location causing substance nanoparticles to form within and continue to flow thought he conduit. A stabilizer is introduced into the conduit at a second location to cause a stabilizing effect on the nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the stabilizer may limit or deter agglomeration or growth of the nanoparticles, thereby limiting the size of the nanaparticles produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicants: S.K. PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Julia Ann Kornfield, Richard Charles Flagen, Bahar Bingol, John Yol Park