Into Moving Fluid Patents (Class 264/14)
  • Patent number: 11575126
    Abstract: The instant invention includes a spherical porous secondary silicon-based particle and methods for producing the same. The spherical porous secondary silicon-based particle is comprised of agglomerated primary silicon-based nanoparticles. The secondary particle comprises a carbon coating that reduces the effective exposed surface area of the primary particles to the electrolyte, thus improving first cycle efficiency. The secondary particle further comprises porous regions that enable the silicon nanoparticles to expand during lithiation. Advantages include ease of castability with micron-sized spherical particles, ease of mixing spherical particles, ease of flow for spherical particles in various processing steps, and ease with obtaining higher loading, which translates to higher areal capacity and overall energy density of the cell. A readily scalable process for producing the particles using low-cost materials and low-cost processing methods is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Inventors: Christopher T Holt, Mary C Cramer, Paul H. Matter
  • Patent number: 11518863
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating plastic waste chips containing a blend of polypropylene and polyethylene in an amount of at least 83.0 wt.-% to less than 100 wt.-% and further containing C7 to C11 aldehydes in an amount of 8000 ppb to 20000 ppb and limonene in an amount of 5 ppm to 500 ppm, the process comprising subjecting said plastic waste chips, in a fixed bed without stirring under standard pressure or reduced pressure, to a gas flow for achieving a Reynolds number in the range of 35 to 1200 at a temperature in the range of 20° C. to a point 10° C. below the Vicat softening point (10N, ISO 306) of said plastic waste and recovering the treated plastic waste chips containing C7 to C11 aldehydes in a total amount of 50 ppb to less than 5000 ppb limonene in an amount of 0.5 to 5 ppm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Borealis AG
    Inventor: Sameer Vijay
  • Patent number: 11123703
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing fine particles having a particle formation mechanism and a particle-outlet micro-channel may include a unit-structure including first and second portions adjacent to each other; and a first inlet defined in the first portion at a first height. A continuous phase solution is injected into the first inlet; and a second inlet is defined in the first portion at a second height different from the second height. A dispersed phase solution is injected into the second inlet. A merging volume is defined in the second portion and is defined at third height equal to either the first height and the second height, or has a value therebetween. The continuous phase solution and the dispersed phase solution are merged in the merging volume, wherein fine particles are formed. A first micro-channel and a second micro-channel branching from the merging volume communicates with the first inlet and the second inlet, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: ENPARTICLE CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: Jeung Sang Go, Hyo Chang Cho, Hyeong Jin Jeon, Moon Jeong Kim
  • Patent number: 11069885
    Abstract: A porous reduced silica fiber material has a diameter of about 0.1 to about 20 microns and a surface area of about 5 m2/g to about 400 m2/g. The porous reduced fiber material may be used to form an electrode having a high capacity and improved cycle life over comparable commercial silicon electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: UNIFRAX I LLC
    Inventors: Bruce K. Zoitos, Adam Kelsall, Jonathan Cross, Chad Cannan
  • Patent number: 10981131
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for producing solid polymeric microparticles, the apparatus comprising a plurality of liquid droplet generators for forming liquid droplets of a first liquid, and a nozzle for forming a jet of a second liquid, wherein the plurality of liquid droplet generators and the nozzle are arranged relative to each other such that, in use, liquid droplets from the plurality of liquid droplet generators pass through a gas into said jet of second liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: MIDATECH PHARMA (WALES) LIMITED
    Inventors: Paul Seaman, Huw Jones, Liam McAleer
  • Patent number: 10682396
    Abstract: A controlled release system includes surfactant protein D (SPD) and a carrier suitable for controlled release that can be polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA). The system can be in the form of a nanoparticle. A pharmaceutical composition includes the system and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of treatment of a disease, disorder or condition associated with a decreased level of SPD in a subject, or for pulmonary delivery of SPD, include administering the pharmaceutical composition to a subject in need of such treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignees: B.G. NEGEV TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS LTD, CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
    Inventors: Joseph Kost, Tamar Traitel, Riki Goldbart, Shani Attias, Paul Scot Kingma, Jeffrey A. Whitsett, Giora Enden
  • Patent number: 10632442
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a large-scale production of monodisperse microspheres and biodegradable polymer-based drug delivery systems and design optimization method for the apparatus are provided. The method uses a plurality of microchips, each microchip having at least a first pathway, a second pathway and an outlet, wherein the first pathway and the second pathway merge at a cross point being one end of the outlet, and the method comprises preparing a polymer-phase solution including a degradable polymer and a water-phase solution including a surfactant, having the polymer-phase solution flow through the first pathway, having the water-phase solution flow through the second pathway, gathering a mixed solution flowing out of the outlet, and collecting the microspheres by filtering out the water-phase solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: INVENTAGE LAB INC.
    Inventor: Ju Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 10522836
    Abstract: The present application is directed to blends comprising a plurality of carbon particles and a plurality of lead particles. The blends find utility in any number of electrical devices, for example, in lead acid batteries. Methods for making and using the blends are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Leah A. Thompkins, Aaron M. Feaver, Henry R. Costantino, Alan Tzu-Yang Chang, Katharine Geramita, Avery Sakshaug, Matthew J. Maroon
  • Patent number: 10288348
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for generating electricity using a drive for the electrical generator that is powered by an engine (e.g., turbine). The method and system uses high pressure hot gases produced by combustion of a fuel and an oxygen-bearing gas, using at least a portion of the electricity generated to power manufacturing plant equipment. Additionally, hot waste gases from the heat engine are transported to a process dryer (e.g., rotary kiln dryers) to dry minerals, salt, pigments, sands, and clay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Compass Minerals America Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Pinkham
  • Patent number: 9676150
    Abstract: A method of forming a capsule, comprising: encapsulating a body of solid core material with a coating material and converting the core material from a solid to a liquid to form a capsule having a liquid core encapsulated by a solid coating. An apparatus configured to perform the method is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Seon Whiffen
  • Patent number: 9644138
    Abstract: A highly efficient process is disclosed for making proppants from generally non-spherical or discretized raw material, such as naturally occurring sand or pelletized refractory material. In one embodiment of the process, the discretized material is heated by a counter-current flow of hot gas in a first Moving Bed Gas-Solids Direct Contact Heat Exchanger (MBGSDCHX). The heated discretized material is then further heated to a transformative temperature by a raw material transformation means to a partially or fully melted state in which the discretized raw material assumes generally spherical shapes. The spheres are then cooled by a counter-current flow of cold gas in a second MBGSDCHX. The cooled spheres are then size-classified for use as proppants. In an alternate embodiment, refractory raw material is melted and then discretized into molten drops. The molten drops are cooled and frozen into generally spherical shapes. The cooled spheres are used as proppants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventor: Daniel Mark St. Louis
  • Patent number: 9617658
    Abstract: The apparatus (1) is used for producing melt-blown fibres (MF). It comprises a die head (104) with several spinning orifices, means (100, 101,102, 103) for extruding at least one melted polymeric material through the spinning orifices of the die head (104) in the form of meltblown filaments (f), and means (104a,104b) for blowing a hot primary gas flow (F1) towards the outlet of the die head (104) in order to draw and attenuate the polymeric filaments (f) at the outlet of the die head, and a drawing unit (105) that is positioned below the die head (104), and that is adapted to create an additional gas flow (F3) that is oriented downstream to further draw and attenuate the meltblown filaments (f).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: BOMA Engineering SRL
    Inventor: Galliano Boscolo
  • Patent number: 9259701
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Q CHIP LTD.
    Inventors: Daniel Palmer, Owen Shadick
  • Patent number: 9156016
    Abstract: An apparatus for making solid beads is provided, the apparatus comprising at least one liquid droplet generator operable to generate droplets comprising a solute dissolved in a solvent, and at least one flow channel for carrying a second liquid, at least one liquid droplet generator and at least one flow channel being spaced relative to one another so that, in use, liquid droplets pass through a gas into a second liquid provided in said flow channel, the solvent being soluble in the second liquid so as to cause the solvent to exit the droplets, thus forming solid beads. A method of preparing solid beads is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: MIDATECH PHARMA (WALES) LIMITED
    Inventors: Daniel Palmer, Owen Shadick
  • Patent number: 9028730
    Abstract: Speriodal polymer beads having a uniform size are prepared by polymerizing uniformly sized monomer droplets formed by dispersing a polymerizable monomer phase over double-walled cylindrical cross-flow membrane into an aqueous phase. A shear force is provided at a point of egression of the polymerizable monomer phase into the aqueous phase, the direction of shear substantially perpendicular to the direction of egression of the monomer phase. The polymer beads can be employed in applications where beads having uniform diameters of 10 to 200 ?m are useful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Purolite Corporation
    Inventor: Serguei Rudolfovich Kosvintsev
  • Publication number: 20150108671
    Abstract: A method for producing fine particles, including: discharging a fine particle material liquid, where solid materials to be formed into fine particles are dissolved or dispersed in a solvent or are melted, from two or more discharge holes in a downward vertical direction, to thereby form liquid droplets; and solidifying the liquid droplets discharged to form fine particles, wherein in the discharging a fine particle material liquid, gas flow is supplied at angle of greater than 0° but 90° or smaller to the downward vertical direction, and wherein an initial discharge velocity of the liquid droplets discharged from the discharge hole located at an upstream side of the gas flow in a flowing direction thereof is equal to or higher than an initial discharge velocity of the liquid droplets discharged from the discharge hole located at a downstream side of the gas flow in the flowing direction thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Norikane, Satoshi Takahashi, Masaru Ohgaki, Andrew Mwaniki Mulwa
  • Patent number: 8939755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the implementation of a method for the production of pellets of polyamide 6 or copolyamides. The method can include production of a melt of polyamide 6 or copolyamides by means of polymerization, production of pellets from the melt by means of underwater pelletization into a process fluid, removal of the pellets from a site of underwater pelletization in the process fluid, supply of the pellets in the process fluid to an extraction stage, extraction of low-molecular components as extract, and drying of the pellets after extraction, wherein the underwater pelletization stage and the extraction stage take place using the same process fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Automatik Plastics Machinery GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Deiss
  • Patent number: 8926300
    Abstract: Disclosed is a micro particle for a thermal control material capable of being applied as a highly thermal conductive material for thermal control, and an apparatus and a method of producing the micro particle for the thermal control material by using an ultrasonic high-temperature vibration scheme. More specifically, a Boron Nitride (BN) particle having a plate shape and an excellent thermal conductivity is coated on a PCM having a shape of a micro bead, to increase the thermal conduction to the inside PCM, so that a phase change is easily generated, and which allows an easy treatment of the PCM in a liquid state at a temperature equal to or higher than a melting point of the PCM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Han Saem Lee, Do Suck Han, Jin Woo Kwak, Chi Hoon Choi, Kyong Hwa Song, Byung Sam Choi
  • Patent number: 8877107
    Abstract: The present invention relates to increasing the molecular weight during a thermal treatment of polyester in combination with a latent heat granulation. With the newly-developed method, an SSP (Solid State Postcondensation) can be directly combined with an underwater granulation. The method differs from a conventional solid state postcondensation by an increase in the molecular weight being possible without additional heat input and hence only by using the residual heat and the crystallization heat present. A characterizing element is improved water separation and dehumidification during the granulation. Only in this way is an increase in viscosity possible even with a small granulate of an average particle weight less than 20 mg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Uhde Inventa-Fischer GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Hanimann, Rainer Schaller, Eike Schulz Van Endert
  • Patent number: 8846035
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods and tools for preparing a population of monodisperse polymer microparticles, which are of particular interest in the field of drug delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Rene Bohmer, Johannes Antonius Maria Steenbakkers, Suzanna Helena Petronella Maria De Winter, Anne Bechet, Rudolf Verrijk
  • Patent number: 8815131
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for fabricating an antimicrobial hybrid material of a natural antimicrobial particle and a carbon nanomaterial, capable of fully utilizing the antimicrobial property of a natural antimicrobial material and a carbon nanomaterial by maximizing adsorption of the natural antimicrobial material on the carbon nanomaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Gi Byoung Hwang, Gwi Nam Bae, Jae Hee Jung, Seung Bok Lee, Chu Won Nho, Bo Mi Kwon
  • Publication number: 20140103556
    Abstract: A spinneret, apparatus, and method are provided for making filaments for fibrous nonwoven fabrics with more uniform filament and fabric formation while minimizing filament breaks and hard spot defects in webs and fabrics made therefrom. The spinneret has a spinneret body that has an overall length to hydraulic diameter ratio and defines orifices that extend through the spinneret body, wherein the orifices comprise capillaries that open at a face of the spinneret body for polymer filament extrusion therefrom, wherein the capillaries are arranged in a plurality of different rows at the face of the spinneret body, and wherein the plurality of different rows are arranged into a plurality of different zones at the face of the spinneret body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: POLYMER GROUP, INC.
    Inventors: Sergio Rafael Diaz de Leon Izquierdo, Marcal Bargallo Alabart, John Arthur Street, John F. Steffen, Ralph A. Moody, III
  • Patent number: 8685294
    Abstract: Method of producing a dental ceramic structure by digitizing a model or partial model of the prosthesis to be produced and generating a CAD data set, cutting each section of the muffle based on the CAD data set to form the cavity, pressing the ceramic into the cavity by way of at least one sprue, removing the hardened ceramic from the cavity with the sprue or flash and removing the sprue or flash based on the CAD data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Degudent GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Fecher, Lothar Völkl
  • Patent number: 8668934
    Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical formulation comprises providing a solution comprising a first solvent, a second solvent, an active agent, and an excipient. The second solvent is less polar than the first solvent and the excipient is more soluble in water than the active agent. The first and second solvents are removed from the solution to produce particles comprising the active agent and the excipient. In one version, the excipient comprises an amino acid and/or a phospholipid. A pharmaceutical formulation made by a version of the invention comprises particles comprising an active agent and an excipient which at least partially encapsulates the active agent, wherein the excipient is more soluble in water than the active agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Vehring, Danforth P Miller, David Lechuga-Ballesteros
  • Publication number: 20130307171
    Abstract: This invention relates to a washing device for a porous hollow fiber membrane, including: n (n is an integer of 2 or greater) washing tanks that contain a washing liquid, through which the porous hollow fiber membrane sequentially passes; and at least one pressure applying unit that pressurizes or de-pressurizes the washing liquid on the outer side of the porous hollow fiber membrane immersed in the washing liquid to force the washing liquid to pass through a membrane part of the porous hollow fiber membrane, in which the pressure applying unit is accommodated in at least one of the first to (n?1)-th washing tanks. According to the invention, it is possible to provide a porous hollow fiber membrane production method that is capable of reducing the concentration of residual substances in membrane retained water and preventing reattachment of a hydrophilic polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI RAYON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Kurashina, Toshinori Sumi, Hiroyuki Fujiki, Yasuo Hiromoto
  • 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: 8585943
    Abstract: A method for producing particles, from a substance, having predetermined size and/or morphology characteristics. The method consists of mixing within a spray nozzle a solution stream containing the substance in dissolved or dispersed form with a supercritical fluid stream. Spraying the mixture through a nozzle into a particle collecting chamber and there separating the particles. The characteristic feature is an additional step, providing a make-up agent (modifier) to the fluid stream, possibly combined with recycling of the fluid and/or performing the method essentially simultaneously in several spray nozzles. Additional features are also a production system comprising functions for performing the method above and the introduction of the make-up agent, recycling of the fluid and performing several runs essentially simultaneously in the same production system. Also a pharmaceutical formulation in which particles produced according to the method has been used for its manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: XSpray Microparticles AB
    Inventor: Mustafa Demirbüker
  • Publication number: 20130300013
    Abstract: Disclosed are a wet spinning apparatus and a wet spinning method, which enable to manufacture fibers with excellent quality by controlling the flow of a coagulation liquid in a spinning bath and which enable to cope with high speed spinning (or high speed drawing). A wet spinning apparatus comprises a spinning bath at one end in which there are provided a nozzle for discharging a spinning raw liquid and coagulation liquid discharge ports and for discharging a coagulation liquid, at the other end in which there are provided a drawing roll for drawing coagulated filaments and a coagulation liquid recovery portion into which the coagulation liquid flows out. The spinning bath has a coagulation bath portion having a cross sectional area gradually reduced from one end to the other end, for coagulating the spinning raw liquid, and a filament running portion having a cross sectional area gradually enlarged from one end to the other end, for allowing the coagulated filaments to run therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI RAYON CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko IKEDA, Hiromasa Inada
  • Patent number: 8545739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of micro-particles of polysaccharides. The method includes preparing a feeding solution and a gelifying liquid to collect nebulized jets of the feeding solution. The feeding solution contains at least one polymer capable of forming micro-particle structures and at least one biologically active substance. The feeding solution is pressurized inside an air-less nebulizing unit and then nebulized through the unit itself so as to generate nebulized jets impacting the surface of the gelifying liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Moreno Cocchietto, Dario Voinovich, Laura Zorzin, Gianni Sava
  • Patent number: 8529805
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of water absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing drops, comprising at least one monomer in a gas phase surrounding the drops, wherein the drops are produced by surrounding a first monomer solution with a second monomer solution and polymerizing the second monomer solution to a higher cross-linked polymer than the first monomer solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Dennis Loesch, Matthias Weismantel, Marco Krüger, Antje Ziemer
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8454866
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of particles based on a thermoplastic polymer with a mean diameter of less than 1 mm. The process of the invention comprises more particularly a stage of preparation of a composition comprising the thermoplastic polymer and an additive, in the molten state, of cooling the composition and of disintegration of the thermoplastic polymer dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Rhodia Chimie
    Inventors: Pascal Herve, Christophe Paulo, Eric Roche, Mare Labeille, Franck Touraud
  • Patent number: 8455402
    Abstract: Fluid systems may contain elements to provide changes in bulk fluid density in response to various environmental conditions. One environmental driver to the variable density is pressure; other environmental drivers include, but are not limited to, temperature or changes in chemistry. The variable density of the fluid is beneficial for controlling sub-surface pressures within desirable pore pressure and fracture gradient envelopes. The variability of fluid density permits construction and operation of a wellbore with much longer hole sections than when using conventional single gradient fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry A. Watkins, Roger W. Fincher
  • Patent number: 8444887
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting molten sulfur to powder sulfur by gas cooling of atomized sprays of molten sulfur. Certain embodiments contemplate a vertical tower that allows molten sulfur to produce an atomized spray or mist of molten sulfur descending from the top of the vertical tower. Gas introduced to the bottom of the vertical tower flows upward intimately interfacing with the descending atomized molten sulfur spray. The molten sulfur in the form of an atomized sulfur spray is cooled by the gas to form a sulfur powder. In certain embodiments, the sulfur powder formed is sufficiently small to be suitable for combination with a base fluid for producing a slurry for convenient transport of the sulfur particulates. Advantages of certain embodiments include higher efficiencies, lower cost, and production of much smaller solid sulfur average particulate sizes, which in turn allows for easier sulfur transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Michael E. Vienot, Lee Chin, Riley B. Needham
  • Patent number: 8444886
    Abstract: Controlled geometry particles of thermoplastic polymers are prepared from compositions containing the thermoplastic polymer and two additives, in the molten state, by cooling the molten composition and disintegrating the resulting dispersion of thermoplastic polymer; powders obtained therefrom advantageously have mean particle diameters ranging from 0.1 to 800 ?m and are useful additives in, e.g., paints and coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Rhodia Operations
    Inventor: Pascal Herve
  • Patent number: 8425811
    Abstract: Sulfur seeds may be produced by spraying liquid molten sulfur from a sulfur spray nozzle into a moving stream of liquid. Some of the sulfur may pass through the liquid and some of the sulfur may be entrained in and transported by the stream of liquid, or all of the sulfur may be entrained in the stream of liquid. The sulfur droplets that are entrained in the stream of liquid may be carried by the liquid to a cooling tank, which may be a spiral dewaterer tank with an angled bottom and a screw conveyor. An opening may be made in the bottom surface of the screw conveyor housing of the spiral dewaterer tank for liquid to drain from the screw conveyor as it moves sulfur seeds from the tank to a the drum. A screen may be disposed across the opening, and a drain trough attached to the screw conveyor housing to capture any liquid and solids that move through the screen. A wash line may assist in moving solids that pass through the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Brimrock International Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio A. De Paoli, Jamsheed P. Irani
  • Patent number: 8419971
    Abstract: A process for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets, wherein the particle surface is coated at least partly with at least one polymer and/or wax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Uwe Stueven, Rüdiger Funk, Matthias Weismantel, Wilfried Heide, Marco Krüger
  • Patent number: 8348651
    Abstract: A facility that is especially suited for the freezing of juices and similar products, which includes a cooling tank that supplies the product by means of an impelling pump to a freezing chamber that receives a supply of a liquefied gas at a temperature of around ?140° C., preferably nitrogen, and pressurized air through an electro-valve to transform the juice into micro-drops or pellets and to freeze the droplets or the pellets inside the freezing chamber, which then exit the chamber through one or more dispensing valves, said freezing not affecting the original characteristics of the juice, in terms of its vitamin, protein and enzyme content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventor: Victorino Juan Mata
  • Patent number: 8329071
    Abstract: Multicomponent nanoparticles materials and apparatuses and processes therefor are disclosed. In one aspect of the disclosure, separate particles generated from solution or suspension or by flame synthesis or flame spray pyrolysis, and the resultant particles are mixed in chamber prior to collection or deposition. In another aspect of the disclosure, nanoparticles are synthesized in stagnation or Bunsen flames and allowed to deposit by thermophoresis on a moving substrate. These techniques are scalable allowing mass production of multicomponent nanoparticles materials and films. The foregoing techniques can be used to prepare composites and component devices comprising one or more lithium based particles intimately mixed with carbon particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hestia Tec, LLC
    Inventors: Hai Wang, Denis Phares
  • Patent number: 8313676
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods and tools for preparing a population of monodisperse polymer microparticles, which are of particular interest in the field of drug delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Rene Bohmer, Johannes Antonius Maria Steenbakkers, Suzanna Helena Petronella Maria De Winter
  • Patent number: 8252211
    Abstract: A drop pelletizing device and method for producing pellets from a low-viscosity plastic melt are provided. The drop pelletizing device can include a die plate with holes, in which the plastic melt can be subjected to a harmonic pressure oscillation such that the plastic melt emerging from the holes forms individual pellet droplets, a pressure vessel, in which prevails an overpressure above the ambient pressure, a discharge device adapted to discharge the individual pellet droplets from the pressure vessel and to reduce the overpressure, a separator adapted to separate the individual pellet droplets from the coolant; and at least one circulating device adapted to agitate the coolant to separated and unclump the individual pellet droplets in the coolant and for producing turbulence within the coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Automatik Plastics Machinery GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Dahlheimer, Stefan Deiss, Frank Gloeckner, Burkard Kampfmann
  • Patent number: 8168096
    Abstract: A process for producing polystyrene foam particles having a bulk density in the range from 40 to 400 g/l by extrusion of a polystyrene melt comprising carbon dioxide and/or water as blowing agent through a nozzle and underwater pelletization, wherein the underwater pelletization is carried out at a pressure in the range 1-30 bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Markus Allmendinger, Klaus Hahn, Joachim Ruch
  • Patent number: 8153036
    Abstract: A process for producing a thermoplastic polymer powder that is made by subjecting an acrylic triblock copolymer (B)(A)(B) to an underwater cutting process to obtain a thermoplastic polymer powder, wherein block (A) has structural units originating from an acrylic ester; and block (B) has structural units originating from a methacrylic ester, this thermoplastic polymer powder is suitable for use as molding, skin material, and the like which are excellent in weatherability, flexibility, mechanical strength, low-temperature properties, adhesion to polar resins, rubber elasticity, safety, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyoaki Kurihara, Kenichi Hamada
  • Patent number: 8147730
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for forming fine particles of a substance in a precipitation chamber, in which the apparatus has means to convey the fine particles from the precipitation chamber to at least one particle collection chamber, downstream of the precipitation chamber, the particle collection chamber having an inlet and an outlet separate from the inlet. The invention also provides a method of forming fine particles of a substance, the method comprising contacting a non-gaseous fluid containing the substance with a dense fluid to expand the non-gaseous fluid in a precipitation chamber, conveying a resulting mixture of fluid and the fine particles from the precipitation chamber to a collection chamber, the collection chamber having an inlet and an outlet separate from the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: MAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Russell Foster, Hubert Leonardus Regtop, Fariba Dehghani
  • Patent number: 8114325
    Abstract: A fluidized mixture is issued from a nozzle comprising a fan jet at the outlet, causing the mixture to spread as it is issued. The issued material is collected on a moving collection surface located a distance of between 0.25 and 13 cm from the outlet of the nozzle, prior to the onset of large scale turbulence in the fluid jet. The resulting product has good basis weight uniformity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Jack Eugene Armantrout, Robert Anthony Marin, Larry R. Marshall
  • Patent number: 8114320
    Abstract: A process for producing polymer particles by polymerizing liquid droplets in a gas phase by metering a liquid comprising at least one monomer from at least one feed by means of a multitude of bores into a reaction chamber comprising the gas phase, wherein ratio of length of the feed to greatest diameter of the feed in the region of the multitude of bores is at least 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Dennis Lösch, Carolin Nadine Dücker, Asif Karim, Andreas Daiss, Marco Krüger, Volker Spindler, Stefan Blei, Dieter Ehnes, Oliver Gampfer, Dieter Reimer, Michael Heeger
  • Patent number: 8011911
    Abstract: Relatively uniform spherical shaped solid pellets (prills) may be created by passing molten sulfur through a nested strainer to remove particles that would otherwise become trapped in the system, a drip tray with a heating channel attached on its underside, an injection conduit for delivery of a cooled zone of water to create solid prills, and thereafter moving the prills through a stationary curved screen to remove most of the excess water and a vibrating screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Brimcock International Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Koten
  • Patent number: 7985058
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for making substantially uniformly sized liposomes and other small particles are provided. Droplets of a first liquid are ejected into a laminar flow of a second liquid, each droplet having a volume of from 0.97V to 1.03V, where V is the mean droplet volume and 1 fL?V?50 nL, wherein the first and second liquids are no more than sparingly soluble in one another, and wherein the first liquid contains a solute dissolved, dispersed, or suspended therein; and the first liquid is then removed to form a plurality of substantially uniformly sized particles. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes liquid inlet and outlet channels, a plurality of transverse liquid channels extending from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet channel, a plurality of nozzles in liquid flow communication with the plurality of transverse liquid channels, one or more nozzle actuators coupled to the plurality of nozzles, and an evaporator coupled to the liquid outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Gray
  • Patent number: 7972543
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing microspheres that are solid microparticles or liquid microparticles for use as an emulsion employed in the food industry, production of medicine and cosmetic etc. or an emulsion for DDS (drug delivery system). The object is attained by a process for producing a microsphere including: separating a disperse phase from a continuous phase by a substrate 1 having a through-hole 7; and extruding the disperse phase into the continuous phase through the through-hole 7, in which the substrate having the through-hole 7 with a width of 0.5 to 500 ?m, a depth of 10 ?m to 6000 ?m and a ratio of the width to the depth of the through-hole 7 of 1 to 1/30 is a metal substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignees: National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Nakajima, Taiji Nishi, Seiichi Kanai, Takenori Kitani, Motohiro Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7968020
    Abstract: Systems and methods 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: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Kellogg Brown & Root LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Behelfer, Maury Schlossman