For Deodorizing Of, Or Chemical Purification Of, Or Generation Of, Life-sustaining Environmental Gas Patents (Class 422/120)
  • Patent number: 6419882
    Abstract: An oxygen vending system including a control housing being in communication with a source of oxygen. The control housing has a timer with corresponding valve for selectively allowing a flow of oxygen through a flow restrictor. The control housing has a front face. The front face has a plurality of oxygen outputs in communication with the flow restrictor for dispensing a quantity of oxygen from the source of oxygen. A money handling housing is positioned adjacent to the control housing. The money handling housing has a money receiving slot in communication with the timer of the control housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Jeffrey Matthews
  • Patent number: 6416720
    Abstract: An oxygen generator of an emergency chemical oxygen generating system is mounted on a sliding mechanism that displaces the oxygen generator vertically and horizontally away from the walls of the oxygen generator container when the door of the module is opened, in order to reduce the heating of the container walls and the surrounding areas. The sliding mechanism can be a telescoping assembly having multiple sliding segments, a slot in the side of the module wall with a tab attached to the generator such that the tab slides within the slot allowing for downward sliding of the generator, or an arrangement of channels and rollers. The movement of the generator from a stowed position to a use position can also initiate the flow of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: B/E Aerospace Incorporated
    Inventor: James C. Cannon
  • Publication number: 20020076359
    Abstract: The present invention is substantially an air filter that is composed of an air permeable container having a special chemical composition therein, and can be used in any area wherein the environmental air is to be freshened. Also, this invention is unique because the chemical composition can be used for soil aeration purposes for delivering oxygen to the roots of plants after it has been used as an air filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Cathy D. Santa Cruz, Stan Gittelman
  • Patent number: 6391654
    Abstract: A kit for testing male fertility comprises a vessel, a base unit, a liquid supply containing liquid and two filters. The first filter is a sample separation filter which forms a hindrance to transmission of spermatozoa. The second filter of the kit is a spermatozoa detection filter comprising a reagent for identifying spermatozoa. Activation of the kit is prevented until a transport medium, such as the liquid, fills a gap allowing spermatozoa to transmit to a detection zone. The kit may be of one-piece construction and utilizes a thin piece of filter material to separate motile from non-motile spermatozoa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Genosis Limited
    Inventor: Paul North Bateman
  • Publication number: 20020025364
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for decreasing the bacteria count of a food commodity without affecting its overall organoleptic quality (taste, odor, and color). This is accomplished using a treatment fluid comprising ozone, which is injected into a treatment chamber containing the food commodity. Some water is preferably added to obtain better contact of the ozone with the food by forming a thin film of ozonated water on the food surface. Spices and/or other ingredients may preferably be added with the water. The food is placed in a tumbler and the tumbler is set in motion. During treatment good contact between the treatment fluid and the food commodity is obtained by reversibly oscillating the tumbler. A log reduction of 40% or more in bacteria count may be obtained as compared without the ozone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Stephane Audy, Fabrice Laberge, Edward F. Steiner, James T.C. Yuan
  • Publication number: 20020015668
    Abstract: A device (10) for the atomization of cleaning and disinfecting liquids, comprises a portable container (11), divided into at least a first and second compartment (14, 15), wherein inside the first compartment (14) there is a body (16), which has an inlet channel (17) for a cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid, and means for grasping the neck of the cleaning and/or disinfecting liquid jar (20). On the bottom of the body (16) for containing and dosing the above liquid, there are piezoelectric elements (24), activated by an electronic circuit (25) in order to create the immediate atomization of the liquid to be applied. The device is also equipped with an exit channel (18), for the atomized liquid and the vapor generated starting from said liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Lucio Dell'Acqua, Michelotti Luca
  • Patent number: 6344489
    Abstract: A gas-enriched liquid delivered at a site of interest that is substantially bubble free after delivery into a lower pressure liquid or gas environment. The delivered gas-enriched liquid is produced by a process comprising the steps of: a) preparing a mixture of gas and liquid; b) compressing the mixture to a pressure such that the gas completely dissolves in the liquid to form a gas-enriched liquid; c) enclosing the gas-enriched liquid within a confined space while retaining substantially the same pressure. The confined space has at least one dimension less than about 0.2 mm, and has at least one opening to a liquid or gas environment site of interest having a lower pressure than that of the pressure of the confined space; and d) delivering the gas-enriched liquid from the confined space out through the at least one exit opening to the lower pressure environment without formation of bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Wayne State University
    Inventor: J. Richard Spears
  • Patent number: 6340447
    Abstract: A regimen for hunting includes using a number of activated carbon-containing personal items in connection with a hunter's apparel and body to reduce the hunter's scent for improved hunting. The personal items include mouthwash, deodorant/anti-perspirant, body and boot powder, bar and liquid soap for cleansing the body and hair, laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Each of the personal items includes an effective amount of activated carbon, so that use of the personal items reduces the available scent to be detected by animals in the wild.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Louis B. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020001548
    Abstract: The present invention provides an effective oxygen generating materials, carbon dioxide absorbing materials, and transport system and transport method of live fishery products for use upon transporting live fishery products. An oxygen generating materials of the present invention is prepared by packaging solid peroxide and peroxide decomposition catalyst with a moisture-permeable material having a cup method moisture permeability (40° C., 90% RH) of more than 20 g/m2/24 hr and being impervious to water at normal pressure. Furthermore, a carbon dioxide absorbing materials are prepared by packaging alkaline earth metal hydroxide and/or oxide with a gas-permeable material having a Gurley method gas permeability (JIS P8117) of 0.1˜3000 sec./100 ml of gas and being impervious to water at normal pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yoshida, Yasuo Hiro, Jun Kokubo, Chiharu Nishizawa, Susumu Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20010055540
    Abstract: A method of using an air enhancing disc and a hair dryer. The hair dryer has a cold air inlet and an air outlet. In one embodiment, the air enhancing disc has a plurality of holes for allowing passage of air therethrough. The air enhancing disc has a first surface and a second surface. The air enhancing disc is releasably engaged to an outer surface of the cold air inlet. Air is allowed through the plurality of holes and through the cold air inlet. A stream of enhanced air is released from the air outlet of the hair dryer. The air enhancing disc may include perfume, cologne, scents, deodorant, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the air enhancing disc may include vitamins or materials adapted to assist in stimulating growth or regeneration of hair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: EMMETT J. BONAMARTE
  • Patent number: 6319477
    Abstract: The present invention is a oxygen generating device which comprises: a container having a mouth and a neck surrounding the mouth; a tank which has an annual flange for establishing a gas tight seal between the tank and the neck; a dome assembly which is engageable with the neck and extends upwardly to define a dome chamber above the neck; and means for permitting oxygen generated in the tank to flow into the dome chamber by bubbling through a liquid contained in the dome base; the dome base having an outlet connection through which oxygen can leave the chamber and where at least part of the dome is transparent so as to render the inside thereof visible from the outside of the dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Advent Aerobe Ltd.
    Inventor: William Du Toit
  • Patent number: 6315959
    Abstract: A salt sculpture air freshener is formed of a sodium chloride material, such as halite, formed into a sculpted shape and having a coated material thereover. It is mounted to a base having an electrical heater, such as an electric lamp, mounted therein for heating the coated salt material. The salt material may have a light tunnel therethrough for passing the heat and light from the electric heater so that the coated material is heated to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound. The process of making an air freshener includes forming the salt material into a sculpted shape, selecting and coating the formed salt material with a coating material having bactericidal properties, mounting the coated salt material to a base having a heater therein, and heating the salt material to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Theodore O. Mandish
  • Publication number: 20010038805
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes an envelope, and a sachet within the envelope that contains reactant, which generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a barrier layer, a sachet layer disposed adjacent to the barrier layer, a reactant disposed between the barrier layer and the sachet layer that generates a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, and an envelope layer disposed adjacent to the sachet layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Inventors: Richard Hamilton, John Warner
  • Patent number: 6312507
    Abstract: A hand-holdable electro-kinetic electro-static ionic air refreshener-conditioner for a pet shelter or litter box includes a self-contained ion generator that provides electro-kinetically moved air with ions and safe amounts of ozone. The ion generator includes a high voltage pulse generator whose output pulses are coupled between first and second electrode arrays. Preferably the first array comprises one or more pin-like electrodes and the second array comprises one more washer-like electrodes. Preferably a ratio between effective area of an electrode in the second array compared to effective area of an electrode in the first array exceeds about 15:1 and preferably is about 20:1. An electric field produced by the high voltage pulses between the arrays produces an electrostatic flow of ionized air containing safe amounts of ozone. Optionally, a sensor detects odor adjacent the refreshener-conditioner causes the ion generator to be activated when sensed odor exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau
  • Publication number: 20010036421
    Abstract: Method and system for generating chlorine dioxide gas in a controlled release manner by combining at least one metal chlorite and a solid material that reacts with the metal chlorite in the presence of water vapor, but does not react with the metal chlorite in the substantial absence of liquid water or water vapor to produce chlorine dioxide gas in a sustained amount of from about 0.025 to 1,000 ppm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: ENGELHARD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K. Speronello, Appadurai Thangaraj, Xiaolin Yang
  • Patent number: 6306352
    Abstract: The present invention provides an effective oxygen generating materials, carbon dioxide absorbing materials, and transport system and transport method of live fishery products for use upon transporting live fishery products. An oxygen generating materials of the present invention is prepared by packaging solid peroxide and peroxide decomposition catalyst with a moisture-permeable material having a cup method moisture permeability (40° C., 90% RH) of more than 20 g/m2/24 hr and being impervious to water at normal pressure. Furthermore, a carbon dioxide absorbing materials are prepared by packaging alkaline earth metal hydroxide and/or oxide with a gas-permeable material having a Gurley method gas permeability (JIS P8117) of 0.1˜3000 sec./100 ml of gas and being impervious to water at normal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yoshida, Yasuo Hiro, Jun Kokubo, Chiharu Nishizawa, Susumu Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20010031225
    Abstract: A salt sculpture air freshener is formed of a sodium chloride material, such as halite, formed into a sculpted shape and having a coated material thereover. It is mounted to a base having an electrical heater, such as an electric lamp, mounted therein for heating the coated salt material. The salt material may have a light tunnel therethrough for passing the heat and light from the electric heater so that the coated material is heated to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound. The process of making an air freshener includes forming the salt material into a sculpted shape, selecting and coating the formed salt material with a coating material having bactericidal properties, mounting the coated salt material to a base having a heater therein, and heating the salt material to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: Theodore O. Mandish
  • Patent number: 6270720
    Abstract: A salt sculpture air freshener is formed of a sodium chloride material, such as halite, formed into a sculpted shape and having a coated material thereover. It is mounted to a base having an electrical heater, such as an electric lamp, mounted therein for heating the coated salt material. The salt material may have a light tunnel therethrough for passing the heat and light from the electric heater so that the coated material is heated to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound. The process of making an air freshener includes forming the salt material into a sculpted shape, selecting and coating the formed salt material with a coating material having bactericidal properties, mounting the coated salt material to a base having a heater therein, and heating the salt material to reduce airborne microbiological agents adjacent thereto and to freshen the air therearound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Theodore O. Mandish
  • Patent number: 6241944
    Abstract: An apparatus for the remote or local delivery of stored or real-time aroma sensory information to an end user of a multimedia device. The present invention includes an aroma converter for encoding aroma information into electrical signals, a delivery system for delivering the electrical signals, and a retrieval system for receiving and processing the electrical signals to control the aroma or combination of aromas emitted by one or more aroma release chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Mark Budman
  • Patent number: 6237368
    Abstract: A method for regulating or controlling the content of NOx in the exhaust gases of a glass-melting furnace having several burners operated in alternation, wherein both the beginning and the end of a combustion break (FP+, FP−) are supplied to a binary signal generator (8) which passes a signal to a regulator (4) with a time delay and upon receipt of the time-regulator (4), and the amount of NH3 supplied to the denitrating plant is adjusted to a lower constant fixed value F1 via a control, and by means of a memory element (7) a higher constant fixed value F2 is calculated as amount of NH3 and supplied to the regulator (4), whereupon as soon as the regulator (4) has received the signal of the time-delayed end of a combustion break, the fixed value F1 is adjusted to the fixed value F2 via a control, and subsequently the regulation is directly continued.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Beisswenger, Klaus Hasselwander, Hansjörg Herden, Gernot Mayer-Schwinning, Gurudas Samant, Peter Ludwig
  • Patent number: 6207119
    Abstract: A sealed system for handling, manipulating and formulating materials in an isolated environment which includes an isolation system for performing operations on the materials, an accessory for receiving, performing a procedure, and providing items, and a sealing device interconnecting the isolation system and the accessory. The isolation system has an interior at least partially defined by a plurality of walls and a transfer port positioned on one of the walls for transferring items into and out of the isolation system. The accessory is selectively coupled to the transfer port and has an interior accessed by an opening. The sealing device includes a trough of predetermined configuration and a blade of corresponding configuration. The trough has a sealing substance disposed therein, and the blade and the trough each surround one of the transfer port and the opening. The blade is sealingly mounted to a mounting member which is sealingly mounted to the accessory to seal the interior of the accessory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Diccianni, Eric Anthony Diccianni
  • Patent number: 6190607
    Abstract: A room air freshener adapted to be used in connection with a register vent. The structure of the freshener is especially formed to be attached to the vent register and includes a formed handle adapted to keep the freshener material adjacent to the grid of the register vent. A certain range in the amount of mass of the freshener is required for a certain volume of air for best operation of the freshener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Mike Farmer
  • Patent number: 6187276
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for effectively conducting removal of an indoor volatile organic substance in a closed system without ventilation so that a volatile organic substance given off by bakeout is oxidized and removed in the presence a catalyst, especially a noble-metal-base oxidation catalyst in a closed system without ventilation of the indoor while using a heat source for the bakeout as a heat source for heating the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Naoaki Sata
  • Patent number: 6143251
    Abstract: An oxygen generating apparatus according to the present invention includes a reaction vessel and a cartridge. The cartridge is constructed for insertion into the reaction vessel, and includes a cartridge plate and a plurality of reagent tubes holding oxygen-producing reagents. The reagent tubes, which include at least one short tube and a plurality of standard tubes, each have an upper end coupled to the cartridge plate and a lower end which has an opening or port. When the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel, each of the plurality of standard tubes extends substantially to a floor of the reaction vessel, while the at least one short tube extends to a point remote from the floor of the reaction vessel. The cartridge may include an activation plate which causes the release of the reagents into the reaction vessel by pulling up a retaining sleeve when the cartridge is inserted into the reaction vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignees: David E. Beller, Steven R. Broder
    Inventors: David Edward Beller, James Millington Howard, II, Mary-Jo Lyons, Steven Robert Broder
  • Patent number: 6106775
    Abstract: Evaporation devices and associated methods for introducing humidity into an atmosphere. The evaporation device includes a substantially rigid shell encasing an absorbent material and having a plurality of holes extending therethrough to permit air flow between the exterior and interior of the shell. The absorbent material can be a natural or synthetic sponge capable of absorbing and retaining water. After applying water to the evaporation device, it is placed in an environment to which humidity is to be introduced. Evaporation of water can be enhanced by placing a mixture of aspirin and sodium bicarbonate on the absorbent material. Examples of methods for using the evaporation device include placing the evaporation device in produce bins, produce refrigerators, cheese and meat refrigerators, and containers of dry foods, such as cookies and brown sugar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Humidity Technologies
    Inventor: Peter E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6099806
    Abstract: A chemical oxygen or other gas generator which has a container composed of thermally-conductive and gas-impervious material which contains pyrotechnic material, the container being in heat transfer relation with a block of oxygen-producing material for transfer of heat from burning of the pyrotechnic material within the container directly to the block of oxygen-producing material for initiation of decomposition thereof. The container is sealingly attached to the casing so that all of the evolved gases from burning of the pyrotechnic material are segregated from the produced breathable oxygen. The evolved gases are vented from the oxygen generator so as to reduce the ignition chamber pressure and/or allow a greater amount of pyrotechnic material to be burned within the ignition chamber so that a sufficient amount of heat may be generated within the ignition chamber for application to the block of oxygen producing material for initiation of decomposition thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Scott Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur Cortellucci, Itamar Bodek, Roy J. Grabski, James R. Valentine
  • Patent number: 6099805
    Abstract: A singlet-delta oxygen generator suitable for use in a COIL-type chemical laser system is provided wherein the generator has a gaseous reactant distributor which includes (a) side, top and bottom walls to form a distribution chamber; (b) a thin distribution plate disposed vertically within one of the side walls adjacent to the falling droplet zone, the distribution plate having a plurality of holes to allow the passage of gaseous first reactant therethrough; (c) a plurality of gaseous first reactant inlet openings for allowing the influx of gaseous first reactant into the distribution chamber; and (d) a liquid drain disposed in the bottom wall. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gaseous reactant inlet openings are conduits which direct the influx of gaseous first reactant away from the distribution plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Hartlove
  • Patent number: 6090344
    Abstract: The system for and a method of generating a scent and an image based upon a coded signal transmitted from a remote location, and the scent is generated from a dry scent carrying medium which contains a plurality of independent sources of scent causing agents. The coded signal is indicative of simultaneously activating the independent sources of scent causing agents so as to generated a complex mixture of the scents on the fly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Yamauchi, Noboru Murayama
  • Patent number: 6080367
    Abstract: An aromatic container has a rotating device, a disk vessel disposed on the rotating device, a ring disposed on the disk vessel, a pivot seat engaging with the rotating device, and a clamp device engaging with the pivot seat. The ring has a plurality of lower columns, a plurality of circular apertures, and a center opening receiving a center cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Jun-Ru Lin
  • Patent number: 6066301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a deodorizing system for reducing the size of a facility and realizing the thermal efficiency much higher than the prior art, wherein a deodorizing furnace 1 is connected with thermal equipment 8 which uses a heated gas current as a heat source through an out-of-furnace circulating path 4 in order to circulate combustion exhaust gas in a deodorizing furnace 2 which has been used for incineration or thermal decomposition of odor components. When the combustion exhaust gas passes through a regenerative bed 5A or 5B on an intake side of the out-of-furnace circulating path, a part of sensible heat of the combustion exhaust gas is recovered in the regenerative bed 5A or 5B and the combustion exhaust gas is turned into a heated gas current that can be used in the thermal equipment 8 to be then supplied to the thermal equipment 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Furnace Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Matsuo, Ryoichi Tanaka, deceased, by Hiroko Tanaka, Kanako Maehara, by Rie Oshima, by Shinichi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6066295
    Abstract: A method and device for remotely analyzing an agent dispersed in the atmosphere is disclosed in which a body is dispensed into a volumetric region of the atmosphere overlapping the region containing the agent. The body is tailored to induce changes in an electromagnetic response of the volumetric region including the agent due to body the reactive probe and the agent. By sensing electromagnetic radiation from the region, information may be gained concerning the agent based upon the new electromagnetic response of the volumetric region induced by the reactions. Since a probe is used, source need not be known, and the electromagnetic signature may be tailored to atmospheric and device limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Spectral Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence Steven Bernstein, Mitchelle Ross Zakin
  • Patent number: 6059865
    Abstract: Apparatus for removing odor from the air exhaust of animal confinement buildings is described. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a plenum housing attached to an existing exhaust fan on an animal confinement building. The plenum housing has an entrance and an exit, and houses a baffle having a roughened surface. Water is delivered to the baffle surface by spray headers which are configured to spray water from a top edge of the baffle. A water curtain is generated by spray nozzles at the plenum housing exit. A trough is configured to collect a water effluent from a bottom edge of the baffle. In use and according to the methods described, an air stream consisting of exhaust air from an animal confinement building is directed toward the water-flooded baffle surface. Odor particles in the air stream impinge on the baffle surface and are adsorbed by the water. The air stream continues to flow past the baffle surface and through the water screen at the plenum housing exit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Innoventor Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jere Poteat
  • Patent number: 5985113
    Abstract: A ceramic element is provided which can be injection molded from an electrolyte and a binder. The ceramic element includes a tube support portion and a plurality of tubes extending from the tube support portion. The plurality of tubes are arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of vias extend from one surface of the tube support portion to an opposite surface of the tube support portion. The ceramic element is coated with an electrically conductive coating and a current collector coating. The vias are coated with the electrically conductive coating and plugged. After the coatings are removed in selected areas of the ceramic element, the tubes of the ceramic element form a series-parallel array because tubes in the same column are connected in parallel electrically and tubes in adjacent rows are connected in series electrically. Two ceramic elements are sealed together to form a modular electrochemical device. The electrochemical device can be either an oxygen generator or a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Paul Crome, Russell Frank Hart, Scott Richard Sehlin
  • Patent number: 5980823
    Abstract: A garbage processor has a vessel for receiving garbage, a rotary pulverizer/stirrer for crushing and stirring the garbage in the vessel and a first heater for drying the garbage in the vessel. Steam is generated upon heating and drying of the garbage. An air blower feeds high pressure ambient air into the vessel to force the steam out of the vessel. A steam separator is provided for separating the steam into water and a gas. A second heater is provided downstream of the steam separator for oxidizing the gas emanating from the steam separator to reduce the smell of the gas. The gas is deodorized before it is discharged to the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Jidosha Buhin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadaaki Nekozuka, Kiyoshi Fukushima, Hirohide Nakao, Tomio Terayama, Akihiro Shirata, Sinichiro Fujita, Kenichi Ueda, Masami Hatayama, Hiroshi Ohdate
  • Patent number: 5980835
    Abstract: A hazardous gas mixing apparatus includes a mixing chamber wherein air is mixed with such a gas to render same inert. An air inlet assembly admits an air flow induced into the mixing chamber and includes an air flow sensor having a probe located in a housing of the assembly. Differential air pressures detected by the probe are provided to a signal generating transmitter and signal converter serving a logic controller providing a display correlated to linear feet per minute air flow in the apparatus mixing chamber. A honeycomb air straightener serves to provide a laminar flow of air past the sensor probe. An intake screen on the housing reduces the intake of foreign particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Innovative Engineering Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon B. Porozni
  • Patent number: 5968455
    Abstract: In a first aspect of the invention, an ultraviolet air sterilization device includes a housing and one or more mounts which connect to germicidal lamp units which protrude into the air stream of an air handling duct. Each lamp has an integral receptacle with an electrical connection for attachment to a source of power from within the housing. The receptacle/lamp combination provides stiffening reinforcement to the lamp. The receptacles connect to their corresponding mounts by means of a threaded connection which enables the lamp units to be easily removed from within the air handling duct. In a second aspect of the invention, a mobile ultraviolet sterilization is provided. The mobile ultraviolet sterilization device includes the sterilization device of the first aspect mounted to a mobile platform or frame. A handle is also provided enabling an operator to traverse the sterilization device over a floor covering at a desired speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: James Lawrence Brickley
  • Patent number: 5968454
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating chlorine dioxide. Reagents are introduced into the lower end of a reaction column through "V" inlets. The reagent column surrounds a center column through which motive fluid moves upwardly into a nozzle and venturi throat to produce a zone of reduced pressure at the upper end of the reaction column. The reagents move upwardly through the column interacting throughout 360.degree.. Reaction product exits the generator through the venturi throat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Vulcan Chemical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter W. Deacon, Jess McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 5965091
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a filled paper for gas filtration, with a high adsorption and absorption capacity. This paper, consisting of cellulose fibers, is filled with organic and/or inorganic powders adapted in quantity and in quality to the gas to be treated.It finds its application in the petroleum, chemical, agri-foodstuffs and papermaking industries, in apartment buildings and in office and hospital buildings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignees: Elf Antar France, Ahlstrom
    Inventors: Francois-Pierre Navarre, Bernard Bossand, Pierre Girard, Joseph Dussaud
  • Patent number: 5961929
    Abstract: The present invention includes an oxygen generator having a ceramic honeycomb body. The honeycomb body includes one or more oxygen collection channels which extend laterally across a plurality of second channels in which oxygen is generated via the conduction of oxygen ions from a source gas residing in or passing through a plurality of first channels. The oxygen collection channels are located either positionally along a face of the generator, on one longitudinal end of the generator or are staggered about the side face such that the oxygen collection channels do not substantially impact the structural integrity of the honeycomb body. In addition, a method in which a honeycomb body having oxygen collection channels at its face includes extruding a ceramic body and forming one or more channels at a face of the extruded body. The method further includes forming electrodes within the body and sealing selected channels for the collection of oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: CeramPhysics, Inc.
    Inventor: William N. Lawless
  • Patent number: 5958346
    Abstract: An article deodorizer system and method which is suitable for fixed, mobile, and vehicular mounting and complete interfacing with their air systems at any sites including homes, businesses, airplanes, ships, railcars, automobiles, etc., providing for air improvement by deodorizing selected air streams continuously by effecting the induction of desired interchangeable deodorizing additives into air streams whether conditioned or not improving human conditions. A control system provides for either stand-alone or complete automated operation and complete interfacing with other small and/or supervisory or complex, large control systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Bennie L. Evans, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5935516
    Abstract: An apparatus to contain a closed ecological system, wherein the apparatus includes a closed, air-tight chamber to contain an atmosphere. The chamber includes at least one access opening designed to allow plants, animals, raw materials, and other items to be placed within the chamber. The chamber includes a system for introducing oxygen and/or carbon dioxide into the chamber and for maintaining the oxygen and/or carbon dioxide at a predetermined concentration percentage of the atmosphere. Preferably, the closed ecological system of the present invention also includes a system for establishing a magnetic field within the chamber of a predetermined strength and orientation. The chamber may also include systems for elevating the atmospheric pressure within the chamber and for maintaining the atmosphere within the chamber at a predetermined temperature and humidity level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Carl E. Baugh
  • Patent number: 5928610
    Abstract: An improved oxygen generator (20) includes an air compressor (21) having a pressure port (22) and a suction port (23) and being selectively operable to produce a flow of air from the suction port to the pressure port; a molecular sieve (30) having an inlet communicating with the compressor and having an outlet, the sieve being adapted to adsorb nitrogen from a flow of gas passing therethrough; a storage tank (33) communicating with the sieve outlet and adapted to store oxygen-rich gas passing through the sieve; and a control valve (24) operatively arranged between the compressor and the sieve and being selectively movable between a first position in which air flows from the compressor suction port through the sieve to the storage tank and a second position in which oxygen-rich gas flows from the storage tank through the sieve and control valve to desorb nitrogen in the sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Oxygen Generating Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. Moran, Joseph M. McMahon, Shane R. Manning
  • Patent number: 5908601
    Abstract: A bad odor eliminating device especially useful at the throw-in gate of the closed type waste receiving space such as a garbage storage tank, a resources recovery case etc., when the/throw-in gate is opened, the device can create negative pressure around the throw-in gate, so that air in the waste receiving space will not sread out, and therefore bad odor will not be released. The device includes mainly a window frame, a wind drawing pipe and a filter, a fan is also provided to create the above stated negative pressure on an air guiding groove at the circumference of the window frame and the throw-in gate to absorb air with bad odor to filter out dust in the air and do ion exchanging with the filter to eliminate bad odor. An object of getting sanitary circumstances can thus be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Chien-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 5904901
    Abstract: A purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus which can carry out a deodorization/odor-removal/disinfection work even on a large-scaled matter such as a room etc. effectively and efficiently. A deodorization/odor-removal/disinfection apparatus of this invention is equipped with an ozone generator (1), an ozone blow-off mechanism which blows generated ozone from a blow-off port (12), a device (2) which atomizes aqueous hydrogen peroxide, and an aqueous hydrogen peroxide blow-off mechanism which blows the atomized aqueous hydrogen peroxide from a blow-off port (32). This apparatus generates ozone and at the same time produces aqueous hydrogen peroxide under atomized state, makes the both contact each other and then makes them contact with an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Duskin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kikuo Shimono, Eiichi Tominaga, Masao Kajimaki
  • Patent number: 5902552
    Abstract: An ultraviolet air sterilization device includes a housing and one or more mounts which connect to germicidal lamp units which protrude into the air stream of an air handling duct. Each lamp has an integral receptacle with an electrical connection for attachment to a source of power from within the housing. The receptacle/lamp combination provides stiffening reinforcement to the lamp. The receptacles connect to their corresponding mounts by means of a threaded connection which enables the lamp units to be easily removed from within the air handling duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: James Lawrence Brickley
  • Patent number: 5900219
    Abstract: In order to improve a generator for generating a product gas by means of a chemical reaction between an educt gas and a liquid, comprising a closed reaction chamber with a liquid supply, a liquid discharge, an educt gas supply, a product gas discharge, a liquid bath arranged within the reaction chamber and a substrate member arranged for rotation in the reaction chamber, the axis of rotation of this substrate member being arranged such that during a rotation of the substrate member at least part of the surface of the substrate member alternatingly dips into the liquid bath and emerges from the liquid bath wetted by the liquid, such that a motor arranged outside the reaction chamber for rotating the substrate member can be dispensed with and the requirement of a pressure-tight passage for a drive shaft of the substrate member through a wall of the reaction chamber is not applicable it is suggested that the generator comprise a flow generator for generating a continuous flow of the liquid in the reaction chambe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fuer Luft -ung Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schall, Willy L. Bohn
  • Patent number: 5888277
    Abstract: Smoky gas in conduit or closed space is disinfected by a box body, a blower which is arranged within said box body, an input openings and two output opening which can be switched alternately, a feedback pipe connected to the input opening, a vaporization device and a water collection tank connected to above two output opening, respectively, wherein the vaporization device is extended outside the box body with a circulation pipe and the water collection tank extended outside the box body with a gas outlet pipe; during its operation, feedback pipe and circulation pipe are connected to distal end of conduit or closed space, the disinfecting gas generated by vaporization device is sent to conduit or closed space with the help of blower; after finishing disinfecting work, the gas in feedback pipe is filtered by water collection tank and the purified gas is discharged to atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Lacidem International Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 5874050
    Abstract: A device for sterilizing a air within a structure, the device having a housing structured to permit air to freely flow therethrough, a base structure coupled with the housing to maintain a bottom of the housing a distance above an underlying surface so as to not obstruct air flowing into the housing, and at least one ceramic heating bundle disposed within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Inventor: Carlos J. D. Matias
  • Patent number: 5871624
    Abstract: A ceramic oxygen generator is described which is capable of modular construction to permit the oxygen generation capacity to be expanded. An ionically conducted ceramic electrolyte is formed into a series of rows and columns of tubes on a tube support member and like electrolyte bodies can be connected together to form a manifold therebetween for oxygen produced in the interiors of the rubes. An electrical connection between tubes is formed such that the anodes and cathodes of tubes in a column are connected in parallel while the tubes in the row are, respectively, connected anode to cathode to form a series connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor P. Crome
  • Patent number: 5837206
    Abstract: A V-shaped singlet delta oxygen manifold for a chemical iodine oxygen laser wherein singlet delta oxygen is produced in one or more reaction zones and enters the interior of the V-shaped manifold. The V-shape of the integral manifold causes the singlet delta oxygen containing gas to undergo rapid change in flow area and a consequent rapid increase in velocity. The integral manifold also directs the singlet delta oxygen entering the V-shaped manifold to the open end of the V which is connected to a nozzle for injecting singlet delta oxygen into a laser cavity for providing energy to a laser beam. The V-shape enables a uniform pressure along its arms for introducing the singlet delta oxygen to the inside of the singlet delta oxygen manifold and directs the flow of the singlet delta oxygen to the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Boeing North American, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Traffenstedt, Alan Z. Ullman