Including Supersonic Or Ultrasonic Energy Generation Means Patents (Class 422/128)
  • Publication number: 20140058161
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A supersonic reactor is used for receiving the methane feed stream and heating the methane feed stream to a pyrolysis temperature. A high temperature carrier stream passes through the reactor chamber at supersonic speeds. According to various aspects, a static mixer is provided for mixing the methane feed stream and the carrier stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Robert L. Bedard, Christopher Naunheimer, Gavin P. Towler
  • Publication number: 20140058155
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of carbon monoxide from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of carbon monoxide in the hydrocarbon stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140058159
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Robert L. Bedard, Christopher Naunheimer, Gavin P. Towler
  • Publication number: 20140058158
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Robert L. Bedard, Christopher Naunheimer, Gavin P. Towler
  • Publication number: 20140058146
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes processing the acetylene to form a stream having butadiene. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream is be treated to convert acetylene to butadiene. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of carbon monoxide to prevent undesired reactions in downstream processing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffery C. Bricker, John Q. Chen, Peter K. Coughlin, Debarshi Majumder
  • Publication number: 20140058127
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes processing the acetylene to form a stream having vinyl acetate. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream is treated to convert acetylene to vinyl acetate. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of carbon monoxide to prevent undesired reactions in downstream processing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffery C. Bricker, John Q. Chen, Peter K. Coughlin
  • Publication number: 20140058095
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of water, carbon dioxide and other condensable contaminants in the hydrocarbon stream by use of a fluid separation assembly such as a supersonic inertia separator. In addition, one or more adsorbent beds may be used to remove remaining trace amounts of condensable contaminants. The fluid separation assembly has a cyclonic fluid separator with a tubular throat portion arranged between a converging fluid inlet section and a diverging fluid outlet section and a swirl creating device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140058085
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of water from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of water in the hydrocarbon stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140056770
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Bedard, Christopher Naunheimer, Gavin P. Towler, Laura E. Leonard, Gregory O. Woodcock, Donald L. Mittendorf
  • Publication number: 20140058138
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to butanediol. The method includes processing acetylene as an intermediate stream to form a hydrocarbon stream including butanediol. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream is treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of carbon monoxide to prevent undesired reactions in downstream processing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffery C. Bricker, John Q. Chen, Peter K. Coughlin
  • Publication number: 20140058083
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of organic oxygenates from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of organic oxygenates in the hydrocarbon stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140058096
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of heavy metals from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of heavy metals in the hydrocarbon stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140058118
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of acids from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of acids in the hydrocarbon stream by use of adsorbents or basic solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140056767
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Bedard, Christopher Naunheimer, Gavin P. Towler, Laura E. Leonard, Richard S. Hatami
  • Publication number: 20140056769
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Bedard, Christopher Naunheimer, Gavin P. Towler, Laura E. Leonard, Rodolphe Dudebout, Gregory O. Woodcock, Donald L. Mittendorf
  • Publication number: 20140058142
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes processing the acetylene to form a hydrocarbon stream having vinyl chloride. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream is be treated to convert acetylene to other hydrocarbon processes. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of carbon monoxide in the hydrocarbon stream to limit downstream side reactions in the downstream processing units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffery C. Bricker, John Q. Chen, Peter K. Coughlin
  • Publication number: 20140058091
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. The method includes removing at least a portion of mercury containing compounds from a hydrocarbon stream. The hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process. The method according to certain aspects includes controlling the level of organic, ionic or suspended mercury compounds by first converting these compounds to elemental mercury or to inorganic mercury compounds and then removing them by use of an adsorbent bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
  • Publication number: 20140058165
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A supersonic reactor is used for receiving the methane feed stream and heating the methane feed stream to a pyrolysis temperature. A high temperature carrier stream passes through the reactor chamber at supersonic speeds. According to various aspects, a static mixer is provided for mixing the methane feed stream and the carrier stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Bedard, Christopher Naunheimer, Gavin P. Towler, Laura E. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20140058172
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for converting methane in a feed stream to acetylene. A hydrocarbon stream is introduced into a supersonic reactor and pyrolyzed to convert at least a portion of the methane to acetylene. The reactor effluent stream may be treated to convert acetylene to another hydrocarbon process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Robert L. Bedard, Christopher Naunheimer, Gavin P. Towler, Laura E. Leonard, Rodolphe Dudebout, Gregory O. Woodcock, Donald L. Mittendorf
  • Publication number: 20140044600
    Abstract: Devices for treating chemical compositions of a sample and methods for use thereof are disclosed here. In one embodiment, for example, a device may include a container; an opening; a magnetic component that induces a magnetic field across a portion of the device; and a sorptive media loaded within the container. The device may further comprise a magnetizable fluid loaded within the container. The sorptive media may be configured to filter a composition from a magnetizable fluid. The magnetic field may be configured to drive filtration of the magnetizable fluid containing composition after reacting the composition in order to remove or separate constituents of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8647514
    Abstract: A standing wave in a water current, which is subject to purification, is swirled in the lower mass-exchange chamber in order to create negative pressure along the central axis, the atmosphere air intake and crating of two countercurrents interacting with each other, resulting in a standing wave and oxygenation of the water current. A cylindrical mixing chamber, which is divided into the upper mass-exchange chamber and the lower mass-exchange chamber by dividing walls with a coaxial orifice towards the air-supply pipe and peripheral bypass channel. In the lower mass-exchange chamber, water, which is subject to purification, is swirled and under the negative pressure in the center it intakes air from the air-supply pipe, creating hydrosol and reaction area of ion exchange due to forming of the standing acoustic wave. Part of the processed current is outlet into the volume through a permeable wall in the side surface of the upper mass-exchange chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Leonid Jurievich Vorobiev
  • Publication number: 20140023559
    Abstract: A cleaning tool that includes an acoustic cavitation duct that cleans particles within a continuous flow of slurry. In one embodiment, the acoustic cavitation duct includes an elongated fluid passageway for carrying the flow of slurry. A number of ultrasonic transducers are spaced from one another along the length of the passageway and induce cavitation into the slurry as it travels through the duct. The cavitation promotes the cleaning of the slurry particles. In one example, the transducers operate at differing frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Guilherme Santana Lopes Gomes, Victor Loureiro Dos Santos
  • Publication number: 20140023558
    Abstract: A method for disinfecting a volume or surfaces bounding a volume comprising nebulising a solution comprising a sterilizing agent in a solvent having a lower boiling point than the sterilizing agent, for example ultrasonic nebulization of aqueous hydrogen peroxide, to form a nebulant. The nebulant is subjected to energy of a kind and for a duration sufficient to vaporize solvent in preference to sterilizing agent, eg heating element means, infra red, laser, microwave, RF or other radiation generating means; induction heating means; heat exchanger means; conduction means; convection means; or mechanical energy transfer means to increase the concentration of the agent in the nebulant particles. Vaporized solvent is removed from the gas stream at or above atmospheric pressure and, if necessary, the nebulant is cooled to below 70° C. The volume or surfaces are exposed to the nebulant for a time sufficient to sterilize said volume or surfaces. Also, apparatus for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SABAN VENTURES PTY LIMITED
    Inventor: SABAN VENTURES PTY LIMITED
  • Publication number: 20140008304
    Abstract: Operation of an oil-water separator or other liquid mixture separator is monitored. The separator uses a vessel through which a mixture of different liquid components flows horizontally. A plurality of ultrasound transducers is provided on a wall of the vessel at different heights at a common stage along the direction of the horizontal flow. Ultrasound at a plurality of different ultrasound wavelengths is transmitted through the vessel between transducers and ultrasound arriving transducers is detected. Parameter values of a model are fitted to the detection. A model is used that relates height dependent properties of liquid in the vessel to properties of the detected ultrasound transmission between transceivers, the model comprising at least a fittable parameter of a height dependent droplet size distribution in a least a sub-range of a height of liquid in the vessel. The model relating the droplet size distribution to ultrasound wavelength dependence of the properties of ultrasound transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurweten schappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Rik Jansen, Arno Willem Frederik Volker, Peter Van Capel
  • Publication number: 20130336845
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor and a method for the production of high purity silicon granules. The reactor includes a reactor chamber; and the reaction chamber is equipped with a solid feeding port, auxiliary gas inlet, raw material gas inlet, and exhaust gas export. The reaction chamber is also equipped with an internal gas distributor; a heating unit; an external exhaust gas processing unit connected between a preheating unit and a gas inlet. The reaction chamber is further equipped with a surface finishing unit, a heating unit and a dynamics generating unit. The reaction is through decomposition of silicon containing gas in densely stacked high purity granular silicon layer reaction bed in relative motion, and to use remaining heat of exhaust gas for reheating. The present invention is to achieve a large scale, efficient, energy saving, continuous, low cost production of high purity silicon granules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: SUNNYSIDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Xi Chu
  • Patent number: 8609029
    Abstract: A device for sanitizing and disinfecting a space includes a tank having an interior space for holding an aqueous sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing liquid, a bottom sector, an air inlet sector, and an exhaust sector, inner walls of the exhaust sector and the air inlet sector forming a substantially V-shaped air pathway within the interior space. A liquid cascading reactor vessel is positioned within the bottom sector of the tank, a top edge of the reactor vessel in adjustably spaced relation from a notch in the V-shaped air pathway. A vibratable ultrasonic head array is positionable within and beneath a top edge of the reactor vessel and is submergable within the reactor vessel for vibrating the disc to form atomized micro-particles from the liquid. Air can be drawn into the air inlet, and the formed atomized micro-particles can be exhausted from the exhaust outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Zimek Technologies IP, LLC
    Inventors: Kurt E. Grosman, David W. Sparks
  • Publication number: 20130330239
    Abstract: A method of damaging a parasite while being a resident in or on a surface of a body of a mammal. The method comprises irradiating the parasite with ultrasound radiation at a frequency of from about 1 MHz to about 2.6 MHz for a period of at least one second.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mor Miri Cohen
  • Publication number: 20130326937
    Abstract: For increasing the concentration of stable water clusters in water solution an external electric field is applied to provide an alignment of electric dipole moments of the stable water clusters and for growing of the latter, the water solution with the stable water clusters is subjected to vigorous shaking by ultrasound to break the stable water clusters into a greater number of smaller stable water clusters, and products are produced with increased concentration of the stable water clusters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: D & Y Laboratories
    Inventors: Shui Yin Lo, David L. Gann
  • Publication number: 20130302213
    Abstract: An acoustic standing wave is utilized to separate components from a multi-component fluid, such as oil from an oil-water mixture, in a fluid flow scheme with an acoustophoresis device. For example, the flow scheme and device allows for trapping of the oil as the oil coalesces, agglomerates, and becomes more buoyant than the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Bart Lipkens, Jason Dionne, Ari Mercado, Brian Dutra, Walter M. Presz, JR., Thomas J. Kennedy, III, Louis Masi
  • Patent number: 8563300
    Abstract: An incubator comprising: a culture chamber configured to accommodate culture; a dish structure configured to contain a liquid; an ultrasonic vibrator provided in a part of the dish structure, the ultrasonic vibrator configured to atomize the liquid; and a gas-liquid contact structure configured to bring the atomized liquid into contact with air in the chamber to be cultured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Busujima, Yoshihiro Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20130264189
    Abstract: A method for curing a resin includes the steps of placing the resin into a reaction vessel, drawing a vacuum in the reaction vessel, positioning the reaction vessel in a gaseous coupling fluid, and applying ultrasonic energy to the coupling fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrd, Masood A. Zaidi, John A. Petty
  • Publication number: 20130251824
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for extracting cannabinoids from cannabis plant material plant material and for transporting low concentrations of cannabinoids in a solution of solvent includes at least a solvent tank, a hopper, and one or more pumps. Plant material may be soaked, washed, and/or rinsed with a solvent that extracts essential elements from cannabis plant matter. The process minimally includes filling a hopper with plant mater, moving solvent from a solvent tank to the hopper, and moving solvent back to the solvent tank after an extraction. The best mode of the invention extracts cannabinoids and/or cannabis related essential elements from the cannabis plant matter and stores it in a solvent bath in a low density per unit volume of the solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew David Hospodor, Robert James Rapp
  • Publication number: 20130244242
    Abstract: Methods and systems for acoustically treating material using a continuous process in which material may be caused to flow in a continuous or intermittent fashion into/out of an acoustic treatment chamber where the material is exposed to focused acoustic energy. The methods and systems may be arranged to permit continuous processing for extended periods while an acoustic energy source operates at a relatively high power output. Treatment chambers may include features such as an acoustic window, a heat exchanger, inlet/outlet flow arrangements, an inspection window, insert elements that define a treatment volume size or shape, etc. Treatment system configurations relating to arrangements of a treatment chamber relative to an acoustic source and coupling medium, material flow paths, and others are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, JR., Xiaoyin He
  • Publication number: 20130244285
    Abstract: Methods and systems for acoustically treating material using a continuous process in which material may be caused to flow in a continuous or intermittent fashion into/out of an acoustic treatment chamber where the material is exposed to focused acoustic energy. The methods and systems may be arranged to permit continuous processing for extended periods while an acoustic energy source operates at a relatively high power output. Treatment chambers may include features such as an acoustic window, a heat exchanger, inlet/outlet flow arrangements, an inspection window, insert elements that define a treatment volume size or shape, etc. Treatment system configurations relating to arrangements of a treatment chamber relative to an acoustic source and coupling medium, material flow paths, and others are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, JR., Carl Beckett, Xiaoyin He
  • Publication number: 20130240411
    Abstract: A device and a method for separating mixtures that contain oil or bitumen and additives. The device and the method are applicable in particular to separating stone chippings and bitumen in excavated asphalt road surfaces. In the case of oil sands and oil shale, a mineral phase can be separated from an oil phase and separation of bitumen and carrier felt can be induced in recycling of bitumen felt, oil binder and oil. The individual components of the mixture are separated from one another using a solvent, wherein the solvent takes up the oil or bitumen. The oil and bitumen are subsequently separated from the solvent so that the solvent can be reused.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Waldemar Karsten, Thomas Winter
  • Publication number: 20130224093
    Abstract: Provided is a process for integrating treatment of off gas through NOx removal, SOx removal and mercury removal, which could avoid high energy consumption resulting from high temperature required for the reaction, and a corresponding apparatus thereof. The process comprises the splitting of the off gas to a sub-stream off gas flow line as a carrier for the oxidizing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GREENVILLE ENVIROTECH CO., LTD.,
    Inventors: Liang Xiong, Heguang Zhu
  • Publication number: 20130197216
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for extracting active principles from natural sources, using a counter-flow extractor assisted by a sound transduction system, which allows a cavitation sound field to be applied in the zone containing the material formed by the raw material of the natural product and a solvent extraction medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: NATURAL RESPONSES S.A.
    Inventors: María Graciela Cares Pacheco, Luis Francisco Javier Gaete Garreton, Yolanda del Pilar Vargas Hernández, John Gabriel Alarcon Camacho, Javier Ignacio Sainz Lobo
  • Patent number: 8486338
    Abstract: A contactor for reacting a flow of gas with a liquid, comprises a vessel, a first chamber in the vessel and a second chamber in the vessel, the first and second chambers being linked only by a porous wall, and means for directing ultrasonic noise into at least one of the first and second chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Theodore E. Dickinson, David J. Parkinson, Kevin E. Collier
  • Publication number: 20130177922
    Abstract: This invention relates to systems and methods for applying acoustic energy to a sample. According to one aspect of the invention, a system comprises a housing, a chamber for receiving the sample, an acoustic energy source for providing a focused acoustic field to the sample according to a treatment protocol, a processor for determining the treatment protocol, a sensor for detecting information about the sample, and a user interface for communicating with a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventor: Covaris, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8480859
    Abstract: An apparatus to decrease viscosity of crude oil or bitumen and increase the rate of fractional extraction by breaking the high molecular chains in crude oil or bitumen undergoing treatment which includes a flow of crude oil or bitumen inside the treatment unit under simultaneous affection by cavitations and vibrations on different frequencies and between at least two opposite conical jets formed inside the diffusers having the same axis of symmetry and interacting with each other under the conditions of an auto-oscillations of the periodic backward flows of fluid inside each conical jet due to a periodic negative pressure inside each conical jet and the periodic negative pressure is determined in accordance with the following formulae: P a = P 0 - ? ? ? ? ? V 2 2 , ? wherein ? ? V = f ? ( D 4 - 2 ? R ) Sh , Pa is negative pressure in backward flow between the opposite conical jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Sergey A Kostrov, Sergey V Bortkevitch, Aleksey M Boldyrev, William O Wooden
  • Publication number: 20130137162
    Abstract: Systems and methods for disinfecting medical instruments are provided. In one embodiment, a system can include a hood to provide a clean zone, a chamber to dispose within the clean zone, and an ultrasonicator. More specifically, the chamber can include a volume and can be configured to retain a fluid and receive medical instruments. The chamber can also include a portal through which fluids enter or leave the chamber. The ultrasonicator can be used to sonicate the volume when the fluid is present. A related method of disinfecting medical instruments can be accomplished using the systems of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Brian G. Larson, Daryl J. Tichy
  • Patent number: 8431387
    Abstract: Exothermic and/or endothermic chemical reactions in combination with phase change materials can produce output temperature(s) within strict tolerances without requiring expensive and complicated external equipment to generate and maintain an output temperature. Similarly, an exothermic phase change material, which generates heat as a consequence of crystallizing a supercooled liquid, can generate heat at a constant temperature, without requiring expensive and complicated external equipment, as a consequence of the liquid form of the exothermic phase change material being in equilibrium with the solid form of the exothermic phase change material. Numerous biological and chemical processes and/or diagnostic devices require a constant temperature or temperatures for set periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Program for Appropriate Technology In Health
    Inventors: Paul Donald LaBarre, Jay Lewis Gerlach, Bernhard Hans Weigl, Gonzalo Jose Domingo-Villegas
  • Patent number: 8430555
    Abstract: Provided are an agitation apparatus, a vessel, and an analysis apparatus including the agitation apparatus that have excellent energy transmission efficiency, and simplified structure allowing downsizing, and are easy to perform maintenance. An agitation apparatus (20), a vessel (5), and an analysis apparatus (1) including the agitation apparatus agitate a liquid retained in the vessel (5) using sound waves. The agitation apparatus (20) includes a power transmitter (21) that transmits power, an electric terminal (24c) that receives the power transmitted from the power transmitter and changes a relative arrangement with respect to the power transmitter when an arrangement of at least one of the power transmitter and the electric terminal (24c) changes, and a sound wave generator (24b) that generates sound waves by converting the power received by the electric terminal (24c) to agitate the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Miyuki Murakami, Nobuyoshi Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20130101468
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the cyanobacteria comprising a floatation platform having anchor means to position said platform on a body of water, an ultrasonic generator secured to said platform and adapted to generate ultrasonic waves at below and top of said body of water, and supply means to cause said ultrasonic generator suspended at a predetermined depth to emit ultrasonic waves, of a predetermined frequency, at a predetermined power level, to sever the chemical link existing between an accessory pigment and the chlorophyll a, both present in the photosynthesis system of the cyanobacteria, as well as a method for preventing, controlling or inhibiting the cyanobacteria population in a body of water
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Marcel Boutin, Linda Yergeau
  • Publication number: 20130092524
    Abstract: Example methods and systems are directed to controlled fragmentation of genetic samples that include chains of nucleic acid. Waveform inputs to a transducer configured as Fresnel Annular Sector Actuator (FASA) are used to focus acoustic energy at the genetic sample in a controlled fragmentation process that reduces the genetic sample to a desired average fragment size for the resulting chains of nucleic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Microsonic Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Microsonic Systems Inc.
  • Patent number: 8420016
    Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating articles, such as medical, dental, veterinary and mortuary instruments and devices. The system includes vibration means for producing ultrasonic waves to facilitate drying after the completion of a liquid microbial deactivation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Ozlem Yardimci, Alan M. Solomon, Phillip S. Mallory, David Jesurun
  • Publication number: 20130089480
    Abstract: A contactor for reacting a flow of gas with a liquid, comprises a vessel, a first chamber in the vessel and a second chamber in the vessel, the first and second chambers being linked only by a porous wall, and means for directing ultrasonic noise into at least one of the first and second chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
    Inventor: Specialist Process Technologies Limited
  • Publication number: 20130089469
    Abstract: The present invention is disclosed an array-type-transducer-based high-power ultrasound delivery system which includes a support bracket, an array-type ultrasound transducer, and a plurality of containers. The support bracket includes a plurality of grooves, and the array-type ultrasound transducer includes a clamp and N ultrasound transducers. The clamp includes a plurality of wedges configured for engaging in the grooves of the support bracket and thereby connecting the array-type ultrasound transducer to the support bracket. The containers are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix so that the ultrasound transducers of the array-type ultrasound transducer can dip into and leave the ultrasound-conducting medium in the containers vertically. The disclosed system features high operation speed and low labor requirement. Moreover, the depth by which and the time for which the ultrasound transducers dip into the ultrasound-conducting medium in the containers can be controlled and quantified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: Mackay Memorial Hospital
    Inventors: Cheng-Huang Su, Hung-I Yeh
  • Publication number: 20130084215
    Abstract: A hydrogen-peroxide-gas generator includes: an atomizing unit to atomize hydrogen-peroxide solution stored in a storage portion by applying ultrasonic vibration; a heater provided above the atomizing unit, the heater configured to heat and gasify the hydrogen-peroxide solution atomized in the atomizing unit; an internal cylindrical portion, made of metal, whose internal space has the heater arranged therein, the internal cylindrical portion configured to guide upward the hydrogen-peroxide solution atomized in the atomizing unit flowing together with a carrier gas; and an external cylindrical portion, double-pipe constructed, whose internal space has the internal cylindrical portion arranged therein, having a gas-flow path for the carrier gas flowing downward toward the storage portion formed between the external cylindrical portion and the internal cylindrical portion, the carrier gas flowing through the gas-flow path caused to contact the internal cylindrical portion heated by the heater, the heated carrier
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130058834
    Abstract: An ultrasonic oscillation machine for manufacturing porous collagen matrices has a hollow body, a vessel, a conveyor, multiple frames, multiple oscillation devices and an ultrasonic mechanism. The vessel is mounted in the body. The frames are connected to the conveyor. The conveyor moves the frames to leave from or to be put into the vessel. Each frame has multiple containers to carry subjects. The oscillation devices are connected respectively to the frames. The ultrasonic mechanism is mounted in the vessel. During the manufacturing process, the oscillation devices and the ultrasonic mechanism operate to provide affection. Then the connective tissues in the containers gradually become porous collagen matrices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Lynn L.H. HUANG