Bench Scale Patents (Class 422/130)
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Patent number: 8475729Abstract: A method of forming a honeycomb reactor or reactor component is disclosed, including the steps of providing a honeycomb structure having cells divided by cell walls, providing an array of cutting tools arrayed in a pattern so as to be able to simultaneously align with a first plurality of the cell walls at a first end of the structure, and cutting the walls of the first plurality, reducing their height. Systems utilizing the reactors or reactor components thus formed are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: James Scott Sutherland
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Patent number: 8476382Abstract: This present invention provides devices for the parallelization of the formation of droplets in a multiple droplet generator integrating two or more parallel flow-focusing devices (FFDs) with either identical, or different, geometries. In the parallel identical FFDs, emulsification generates droplets with a narrow (below 4%) polydispersity despite weak coupling between the identical flow-focusing devices. Formation of droplets in the integrated droplet generator comprising FFDs with different dimensions of the microchannels occurs with strong coupling between the FFDs and produces droplets with varying sizes and size distributions. For such devices the regime in which emulsification produces droplets with varying dimensions and a narrow size distribution have been identified. The results of this work can be used in scaling up the production of droplets and in the simultaneous production of droplets and particles with different dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Inventor: Eugenia Kumacheva
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Patent number: 8460606Abstract: The invention relates to a reaction device which is used to study the behavior of a catalyst in the presence of reactants. The inventive device includes: various different mass flow regulators, which are used to supply a known controlled stream of gases, a pump which supplies the system with liquid reactants from a container, a hot box, wherein there have been placed a supply current evaporator and preheater, a valve which can be used to select the process path, a reactor into which the catalyst is introduced inside a furnace, a system which can be used to separate the liquid and gaseous products by cold condensation under pressure and which controls the pressure in the line of output gases, and a system for controlling the level in the decantation operation, the system being automated and computerized.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientificasInventors: Jose Prieto Barranco, Consuelo Goberna Selma
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Patent number: 8450381Abstract: The present invention includes a removable microchannel unit including an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice in fluid communication with a plurality of microchannels distributed throughout the removable microchannel unit, and a pressurized vessel adapted have the removable microchannel unit mounted thereto, the pressurized vessel adapted to contain a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon at least a portion of the exterior of the removable microchannel unit. The invention also includes a microchannel unit assembly comprising a microchannel unit operation carried out within a pressurized vessel, where pressurized vessel includes a pressurized fluid exerting a positive gauge pressure upon an exterior of the microchannel unit operation, and where the microchannel unit operation includes an outlet orifice in fluid communication with an interior of the pressurized vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2012Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: William Allen Rogers, Paul William Neagle, Michael Alan Marchiando, Christopher Paul Well, Robert Dwayne Litt, Ronald Chester Pasadyn, G. Bradley Smith, Charles Robert Miele, Thomas Peter Forte, Jimmy Glen Pelham
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Patent number: 8449830Abstract: A microfluidic arrangement for extracting and optionally processing an extract from a sample and for transferring the extract in flowable form to a microfluidic chip using an extractor with a compressible extraction chamber and at least one opening thereof, a reactor that has a reaction chamber, an inlet opening that communicates with the at least one opening of the extractor, wherein the two openings define a flow path between the chambers, an outlet opening for fluidically connecting to the microfluidic chip and a ventilation opening of the reaction chamber, and having a filter arrangement installed in the flow path between the extractor and the reactor. A lab-on-a-chip system with such a microfluidic arrangement and a microfluidic chip that is rigidly connected to the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Institut fur Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbHInventors: Jan Claussen, Stephan Wittayer, Susanne Selzer, Frithjof Von Germar
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Patent number: 8449847Abstract: Device and method for handling multi-component mixtures, comprising at least two not completely mixable fluid phases. The device comprises an arrangement of at least two high-pressure separators, being operatively connected each with a low-pressure separator. Each high-pressure separator comprises an outlet line for volatile gaseous constituents. Each low-pressure separator is operatively connected to a gas collecting container or shares at least one gas collecting container with a further low-pressure separator. At least one high-pressure separator has at least one outlet connection for gaseous constituents, being connected with a part to the analysis. The device is used in high-throughput research or in combinatory chemistry, preferably for the research of multi-component mixtures produced in experiments with catalyst, or in connection with high-pressure processes.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: HTE Aktiengesellschaft The High Throughput Experimentation CompanyInventors: Alfred Haas, Uwe Vietze, Andreas Christian Moeller
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Modular system for radiosynthesis with multi-run capabilities and reduced risk of radiation exposure
Patent number: 8435454Abstract: Macro- and microfluidic devices and related technologies, and chemical processes using such devices. More specifically, the devices may be used for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in an efficient, compact and safe to the operator manner. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to an automated, multi-run, microfluidic instrument for the multi-step synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals, such as PET probes, comprising a remote shielded mini-cell containing radiation-handing components.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Arkadij M. Elizarov, Carroll Edward Ball, Jianzhong Zhang, Hartmuth C. Kolb, Reza Miraghaie, Todd L. Graves, Artem Lebedev, Keith E. Schleiffer -
Patent number: 8426783Abstract: An instrument for carrying out controlled microwave assisted chemical processes is particularly useful for handling relatively small samples. The instrument includes a needle, and a needle seal adjacent the needle and having a shaft coaxial with the needle and in communication with the needle. A pressure transducer is opposite the needle seal from the needle and in communication with the shaft. A housing holds the needle to the needle seal and the needle seal to the transducer. A chamber is formed between the housing and the needle seal. A lateral shaft goes through the needle seal from the coaxial shaft to the chamber in the housing, and a valve is in communication with the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: CEM CorporationInventors: Edward Earl King, James Edward Thomas
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Patent number: 8420017Abstract: A microfluidic device is described that has a slug mixing arrangement. A reaction well has an input flow channel with a first valve near the reaction well, and a second valve further from the reaction well. A fluid source is connected to the segment in between the two valves. A second fluid source is connected behind the second valve. The channel between the two valves receives the first fluid by blind filling when the two valves are closed. The reaction well receives the first fluid followed by the second fluid when the first and second valves are open.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: Fluidigm CorporationInventors: Robert C Jones, Jing Wang, Andrew May, David Cohen
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Patent number: 8383050Abstract: A method and a device for the parallel study of chemical reactions in at least two spatially separated reaction spaces is provided. A device for the parallel study of chemical reactions includes at least the following components: (a) at least two spatially separated reaction spaces; (b) on the reaction space input side, at least one common educt feed for the reaction spaces according to (a); (d) on the reaction space output side, at least one connection per reaction space to at least one holding gas feed common to all the reaction spaces, or subsets of them; (e) on the reaction space output side, and downstream of the connection to the holding gas feed according to (d) in the product flow direction, at least one restrictor per reaction space.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: HTE AGInventors: Alfred Haas, Wolfgang Strehlau, Armin Brenner, Oliver Koechel, Markus Friess, Torsten Zech
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Patent number: 8383054Abstract: Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results, and/or results that can not be achieved with any prior art devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Velocys, Inc.Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Sean P. Fitzgerald, Paul W. Neagle, Dongming Qiu, Matthew B. Schmidt, Steven T. Perry, David J. Hesse, Robert J. Luzenski, G. Bradley Chadwell, Ying Peng, James A. Mathias, Nathan P. Gano, Richard Q. Long, Wm. Allen Rogers, Ravi Arora, Wayne W. Simmons, Barry L. Yang, David J. Kuhlmann, Yong Wang, Thomas D. Yuschak, Thomas Forte, John Arthur Monahan, Robert Jetter
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Patent number: 8383049Abstract: Multiple catalytic processing stations couple with a system which produces volatile gas streams from biomass decomposition at discrete increasing temperatures. These catalytic processing stations can be programmed to maximize conversion of biomass to useful renewable fuel components based on input feedstock and desired outputs.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Assignee: Cool Planet Biofuels, Inc.Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Rajashekharam Malyala
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Patent number: 8361798Abstract: For testing performance levels and/ or changes over time of at least one catalyst (CAT) for a fixed-bed reactor: a device (CT) for a test, comprising at least one hollow metal cartridge (MC) containing the catalyst (CAT) is connected at a point A of an industrial chemical installation containing a reaction feedstock suitable for testing the catalyst (CAT); a liquid stream containing a fraction that is less than or equal to 1% of preheated reagents circulating in the industrial chemical installation is circulated in the cartridge (MC) through the catalyst (CAT) and sampled at a reaction temperature for a period (T), and returned to the industrial chemical installation at point B downstream of the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2008Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: IFP Energies NouvellesInventors: Olivier Ducreux, Fabienne Le Peltier, Cyril Collado
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Patent number: 8361406Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2012Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Errcive, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan, Jack A. Shindle
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Patent number: 8354062Abstract: A mixing method is disclosed. The mixing method includes providing a drop generating device including a first drop ejector, a second drop ejector and a collector. The mixing method also includes ejecting a plurality of drops of a first reactant from the first drop ejector and ejecting a plurality of drops of a second reactant from the second drop ejector and collecting the drops with the collector.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: David Allen Mantell, Peter Michael Gulvin, Pinyen Lin, Andrew W. Hays
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Patent number: 8354064Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus for producing liposomes and a method of producing liposomes by which it is made possible to produce liposomes under sterile conditions during the manufacturing process while monitoring in line the particle diameter of liposomes.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Nakamura, Keisuke Yoshino, Yasuo Kurosaki
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Patent number: 8329106Abstract: The present invention relates to a apparatus for quantitative continuous real-time monitoring to monitor a continuous reaction of biochemical reagent and the reaction, such as DNA. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a miniaturized apparatus for real-time monitoring of biochemical reaction, which comprises capillary tubes (100) wherein biochemical reaction mixture flow; a thermal conduction block (120) which is coiled with capillary tube several rounds in order and composed of several blocks for temperature control of which temperatures are different from each other for heating or cooling the biochemical reaction mixture which flow in capillary tube, and a temperature controller which controls the temperature of above temperature control block; a radiation part (130) to radiate the reaction mixture flowing through the capillary tube and a light receiving section (140) which receives and measures the intensity of the fluorescence generated from the capillary tubes.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Bioneer CorporationInventors: Han Oh Park, Hanee Park, Jong Soo Baek
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Patent number: 8322199Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic sampling and dilution apparatus for use in a polymer analysis system. The apparatus comprises (a) a primary mixing chamber; (b) a primary pump capable of continuously withdrawing a variable viscosity liquid from a reactor at a selectable, fixed withdrawal rate over a varying viscosity range of about 50 to about 5,000,000 centipoise (cP) for continuously conveying the variable viscosity polymer-containing liquid into the primary mixing chamber; (c) a first dilution pump for continuously delivering a first dilution solvent into the primary mixing chamber at a selectable, fixed flow rate to mix with the variable viscosity liquid in the mixing chamber and thereby form a diluted polymer-containing liquid therein; and (d) a secondary pump for continuously conveying the diluted polymer-containing liquid into a flow-through detector. A polymer analysis system utilizing the automatic sampling and dilution apparatus is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: The Administrators of the Tulane Educational FundInventor: Wayne F. Reed
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Patent number: 8309040Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic control apparatus that includes at least one control means and a microfluidic control chip. When the microfluidic control chip is loaded to the control means, a needle provided to the control means is inserted into a reaction solution storage chamber of the microfluidic control chip, in which the reaction solution storage chamber is sealed with a sealing tape. Thus, fluid connection is easily formed between the microfluidic control chip and the control means without leakage.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research InstituteInventors: Kwang Hyo Chung, Dae-Sik Lee, Hyun Woo Song, Yo Han Choi
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Patent number: 8287824Abstract: A micro-reactor system assembly comprises a stack of at least n process modules (1-6), wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, made from a rigid first material and comprising at least one reactive fluid passage (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 6A) for accommodating and guiding a reactive fluid, and at least n+1 heat exchange modules (7, 8) made from a ductile second material other than said first material and comprising at least one heat exchange fluid passage (7A, 8A) for accommodating and guiding a heat exchange fluid, wherein each process module (1-6) is sandwiched between two adjacent heat exchange modules (7, 8).Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Lonza AGInventors: Dominique Roberge, Nikolaus Bieler, Bertin Zimmermann, Rainald Forbert
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Patent number: 8283393Abstract: The instant invention is a device for producing dispersions and method of producing dispersions. The device for producing dispersions includes a first stator, a second stator, a shell encasing the first stator and the second stator, a rotor being disposed therebetween the first stator and the second stator thereby forming a first chamber and a second chamber, at least one first inlet port into the first chamber, and at least one outlet port out of the second chamber. The device may optionally include at least one additional second inlet port into the second chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLCInventors: Ken W. Skaggs, Bedri Erdem, Paul A. Gillis
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Patent number: 8282891Abstract: The instant application provides apparatus and methods for the generation of gas, preferably chlorine dioxide. The methods and apparatus of the invention use a removable reaction chamber for the reaction of precursor chemicals, e.g., chlorite salt and an acid. The methods and compositions of the invention provide gas for a number of personal and commercial applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: TBS Technologies, LLCInventors: Thomas J. Dee, Paul Sabin, Douglas Sabin
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Patent number: 8277743Abstract: Systems and methods for fabricating bodies (e.g., porous bodies) are described. Various aspects provide for reactors and the fabrication of reactors. Some reactors include surfaces that provide for heterogeneous reactions involving a fluid (and/or components thereof). A fluid may be a gas and/or a liquid. A contaminant in the fluid (e.g., a dissolved or suspended substance) may react in a reaction. Some reactors provide for independent control of heat transfer (between the fluid, the reactor, and the environment) with respect to mass transfer (e.g., fluid flow through the reactor).Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Errcive, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan
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Modular system for radiosynthesis with multi-run capabilities and reduced risk of radiation exposure
Patent number: 8273300Abstract: Macro- and microfluidic devices and related technologies, and chemical processes using such devices. More specifically, the devices may be used for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in an efficient, compact and safe to the operator manner. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to an automated, multi-run, microfluidic instrument for the multi-step synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals, such as PET probes, comprising a remote shielded mini-cell containing radiation-handing components.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Arkadij M. Elizarov, Carroll Edward Ball, Jianzhong Zhang, Hartmuth C. Kolb, Reza Miraghaie, Todd Graves, Artem Lebedev -
Patent number: 8192980Abstract: A microreactor is shown having an inlet or feed channel, an inlet or feed zone for a flow of fluid, a reaction zone, an outlet zone and an outlet or evacuation channel, the zones and channels being in fluid communication, and at least one compound such as an enzyme capable of producing a biological or biochemical reaction with at least one constituent of the flow of fluid, the compound being attached to the surfaces of the inlet zone, reaction zone, and outlet zone.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Philippe Combette, Olivier Constantin, Françoise Vinet, Gilles Marchand
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Patent number: 8187553Abstract: A microreactor may include a reaction channel having at least one curved microchannel, the at least one curved microchannel having an outer and inner curved surfaces and being configured to generate a centrifugal force, an inlet configured to supply at least one reactant into the reaction channel, and an outlet bifurcated into a first sub-outlet in communication with the inner curved surface of the at least one curved microchannel and a second sub-outlet in communication with the outer curved surface of the at least one curved microchannel.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLCInventor: Seh Kwang Lee
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Patent number: 8173073Abstract: Methods and devices for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in a fast, efficient and compact manner are disclosed. In particular, the various embodiments of the present invention provide an automated, stand-alone, hands-free operation of the entire radiosynthesis cycle on a microfluidic device with unrestricted gas flow through the reactor, starting with target water and yielding purified PET radiotracer within a period of time shorter than conventional chemistry systems. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is related to a microfluidic chip for radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound, comprising a reaction chamber, one or more flow channels connected to the reaction chamber, one or more vents connected to said reaction chamber, and one or more integrated valves to effect flow control in and out of said reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Arkadij M. Elizarov, Carroll Edward Ball, Jianzhong Zhang, Hartmuth C. Kolb, R. Michael Van Dam, Lawrence Diener, Sean Ford, Reza Miraghaie
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Patent number: 8163245Abstract: A microfluidics system for mixing at least two starting materials having a prescribed number of parallel and identical mixing or reaction branches, in which a number of supply ducts corresponding to the number of starting materials open into a mixing or reaction channel. Each of the supply ducts includes an intake line for each starting material, an injection pump for each supply duct and a valve circuit between each intake line for a starting material, where the supply ducts for a respective starting material and a respective injection pump are provided to each respective supply duct. The valve circuit is configured to connect the injection pumps to the suction line in a first valve position, shut off the injection pumps in a second valve position, and to connect the injection pumps to the associated inlet channels in a third valve position. Each of the injection pumps, which are connected to each valve circuit, have a common drive.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Astrid Lohf
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Patent number: 8153071Abstract: A fluid porting assembly for a microreactor comprising a process fluid passageway, a pliable seal, and a cooling fluid passageway is provided. The pliable seal is positioned in the vicinity of the process fluid outlet and is configured to define a sealing interface between the process fluid outlet and a fluid port of a microreactor. The cooling fluid passageway terminates at a cooling fluid interface and defines a dispensing gap between the cooling fluid interface and the sealing interface. The cooling fluid outlet is configured to distribute cooling fluid about a periphery of the pliable seal and to direct cooling fluid away from the periphery of the pliable seal through the dispensing gap when the pliable seal of the fluid porting assembly engages a fluid port of a microreactor. The cooling fluid removes heat from areas of the microreactor in the vicinity of the fluid port and pliable seal.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Olivier Lobet
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Patent number: 8153070Abstract: A microreactor capable of reducing a pressure drop in an entire system includes a mixer 103 having a mixing channel for mixing two kinds of raw materials 101 and 102, and a reactor 109 having a reaction channel connected to the downstream side of the mixing channel to receive the mixture flowing out from the mixing channel and cause chemical reactions of the mixture inside the reaction channel. The reactor 109 a first reactor unit 107 having a large surface-to-volume (S-V) ratio of the reaction channel at an upstream side, and a second reactor unit 108 having a small S-V ratio of the reaction channel at a downstream.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Yukako Asano, Tetsuro Miyamoto, Hajime Katou, Shigenori Togashi
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Patent number: 8128885Abstract: The invention relates to a microreactor having a substrate (10, 20, 80) with at least one catalytically active material arranged in and/or on a cavity structure (14, 24, 84). The substrate (10, 20, 80) has a first layer (11, 21, 80) and optionally at least one additional layer (12, 22) of a ceramic material, with the first layer (11, 21, 80) being formed from a first component of a crystalline ceramic material and/or a glass material as the matrix and a second component of an additional crystalline ceramic material. The surface areas of the crystals and/or crystal agglomerates of the second component in the first layer (11, 21, 80) are etched out in at least some areas to form the cavity structure (14, 24, 84).Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Micro Systems Engineering GmbHInventors: Dieter Schwanke, Mirco Harnack, Achim Bittner, Ulrich Schmid
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Patent number: 8114355Abstract: A metal tube in the present invention is a metal tube for pyrolysis reaction with superior characteristics of both the heat exchange and the pyrolysis reaction, which is suitable for use in a process in which hydrocarbons are pyrolytically decomposed. The tube is a metal tube for pyrolysis reaction consisting of 3 or 4 spiral ribs 1 provided on an inner surface which are inclined at 20 to 35 degrees to an axial direction of the metal tube, and characterized in that h/Di of 0.1 to 0.2 and h/w of 0.25 to 1.0 when a height of the rib 1 is defined as “h”, a width of the rib 1 at its bottom part is defined as “w” and an inner diameter of the tube at the bottom part is defined as “Di” in cross section of the spiral rib 1.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Higuchi, Kenji Hamaogi
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Patent number: 8110148Abstract: Methods and apparatus for facilitating the synthesis of compounds in a batch device are presented. Application of the batch type microfluidic devices to the synthesis of radiolabeled compounds is described. These methods and apparatus enable the selective introduction of multiple reagents via an enhanced rotary flow distribution valve through a single inlet port of the synthetic device. The sequential introduction of multiple reagents through a single inlet port allows an optimal delivery of highly concentrated reagents into the reactor and facilitates the synthesis of the desired products with a minimal loss of materials during transfers, which is critical to the synthesis of radiolabeled biomarkers.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Carroll Edward Ball, Arkadij M. Elizarov, Hartmuth C. Kolb, Reza Miraghaie, Jianzhong Zhang
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Patent number: 8105557Abstract: A microreactor assembly [100] is provided comprising a fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and plurality of fluidic microstructures. Interconnect input/output ports [12] of the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] are interfaced with microchannel input/output ports [14] of the fluidic microstructures at a plurality of non-polymeric interconnect seals [50]. Interconnect microchannels [15] are defined entirely by the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and extend between the non-polymeric interconnect seals [50] without interruption by additional sealed interfaces. At least one of the fluidic microstructures [20, 30, 40] may comprise a mixing microstructure formed by a molding process. Another of the fluidic microstructures [20, 30, 40] may comprise an extruded reactor body. Still another fluidic microstructure [20, 30, 40] may comprise a quench-flow or hydrolysis microreactor formed by a hot-pressing method.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Jean-Pierre Henri Rene Lereboullet, Olivier Lobet, Yann P M Nedelec, Ronan Tanguy
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Patent number: 8101128Abstract: A microreactor assembly is provided comprising a fluidic microstructure and an injector assembly. The injector assembly comprises a liquid inlet, a gas inlet, a liquid outlet, a gas outlet, a liquid flow portion extending from the liquid inlet to the liquid outlet, and a gas flow portion extending from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. Further, the injector assembly defines an injection interface with a microchannel input port of the fluidic microstructure. The injector assembly is configured such that the gas outlet of the gas flow portion is positioned to inject gas into the liquid flow portion upstream of the liquid outlet, into the liquid flow portion at the liquid outlet, or into an extension of the liquid flow portion downstream of the liquid outlet and is configured such that gas is injected into the liquid flow portion or the extension thereof as a series of gas bubbles.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Olivier Lobet, Stephane Poissy, Pierre Woehl
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Patent number: 8097220Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Errcive, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan, Jack A. Shindle
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Patent number: 8097226Abstract: A catalytic reaction device for fluid-solid heterogeneous catalytic reactions including a distributor, flow controllers, parallel reactors, temperature controllers, coolers and product receivers with reactive fluids flowing into the flow controllers to control the total flow of a fluid is provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Microvast Power Systems Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jiangping Yi, Li Huang, Wensheng Li, Xio Ping Zhou
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Patent number: 8092753Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2011Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: Errcive, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Ramberg, Stephen A. Dynan, Jack A. Shindle
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Patent number: 8071035Abstract: Methods and devices for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in a fast, efficient and compact manner are disclosed. In particular, the various embodiments of the present invention provide an automated, stand-alone, hands-free operation of the entire radiosynthesis cycle on a microfluidic device with unrestricted gas flow through the reactor, starting with target water and yielding purified PET radiotracer within a period of time shorter than conventional chemistry systems. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is related to a microfluidic chip for radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound, comprising a reaction chamber, one or more flow channels connected to the reaction chamber, one or more vents connected to said reaction chamber, and one or more integrated valves to effect flow control in and out of said reaction chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.Inventors: Arkadij M Elizarov, Carroll Edward Ball, Jianzhong Zhang, Hartmuth C. Kolb, R. Michael Van Dam, Lawrence Talcott Diener, Sean Ford, Reza Miraghaie
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Patent number: 8057743Abstract: Means for overcoming the problems which the conventional glass microchannel chips have are disclosed. That is, a microchannel chip in which microchannels can be formed at a low cost, and which has a high chemical resistance is disclosed. The microchannel chip is constituted by a substrate made of carbon, which has a channel in its surface; and a cover composed of a glass plate bonded to the substrate. The cover is bonded to the substrate by heating at least a part of the contact surface at which the substrate is in contact with the cover.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignees: Hipep Laboratories, Nippon Light Metal Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Nokihara, Yasuo Oka
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Patent number: 8052939Abstract: The present invention discloses to a channel reactor system having a first channel plate assembly in which an exothermic reaction is performed and a second channel plate assembly provided for heat-exchanging and constituted integrally with the first channel plate assembly so as to remove effectively heat, the channel reactor system comprising at least two channel units into which reaction gas and cooling fluid are separately introduced, each channel unit comprising a reaction channel plate assembly into which reaction gas is introduced and a heat-exchanging channel plate assembly into which cooling fluid is introduced; and at least one intermediate plate disposed between the upper and lower channel units, the intermediate plate supplying reaction gas and cooling fluid inflowed from the upper channel unit with new reactant and cooling fluid and supplying reaction gas and cooling fluid to the reaction channel plate assembly and the heat-exchanging channel plate assembly of the lower channel unit, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Jun Yeon Cho, Jung Uk Choi, Jae Hoon Choe, Kwang Cheon Park, Chang Houn Rhee, Sun Hyuk Bae, Kwang Ho Song
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Patent number: 8043571Abstract: Embodiments of a microchannel reactor comprise a microchannel housing comprising a plurality of channels and an upper microstructure disposed above the microchannel housing. The upper microstructure comprising a gas feed circuit, a liquid feed circuit, and at least one mixing cavity. The mixing cavity is in fluid communication with at least one reactive passage of the microchannel housing. The gas feed circuit comprises at least one gas feed inlet, and the liquid feed circuit comprises at least one liquid feed inlet and at least one liquid reservoir adjacent to the mixing cavity, wherein the liquid reservoir is operable to deliver a liquid feed into the mixing cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2009Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Thierry Luc Alain Dannoux, Pierre Woehl
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Patent number: 8043846Abstract: The invention features devices for mixing fluids, e.g., for lysing cells, and methods of use thereof. One device is based on the ability to control the flow of fluids, e.g., by contact angle and channel size. Fluids in this device can be divided to form segments of controlled volume, which are then brought together to initiate mixing. An exemplary use of the device is for the lysis of single cells. Another device is based on the ability to two mix two fluids in a channel and affinity capture of analytes. The devices can be integrated on the same chip with other devices, for example, for cell handling or analysis of DNA, mRNA, and proteins released from the lysis of a cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2004Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: The General Hospital CorporationInventors: Daniel Irimia, Mehmet Toner
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Patent number: 8029748Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and chemical systems for making vinyl acetate from ethylene, oxygen, and acetic acid.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 4, 2011Assignees: Velocys, Inc, Celanese International CorporationInventors: Terry Mazanec, Victor J. Johnston, Michael Huckman, Sean P. Fitzgerald, James A. Foster, Daniel Lindley, Anna Lee Tonkovich, Francis P. Daly, Leslie Wade, Tony Hammock, Thomas Yuschak, Bin Yang, Kai Jarosch
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Patent number: 8026094Abstract: During the light illumination period of a monomer addition cycle in synthesizing an DNA microarray, undesirable reflections of illumination light from various interfaces that the illumination light passes through near the synthesis surface of the substrate may reduce the light-dark contrast, and negatively affect the precision and resolution of the microarray synthesis. The present invention provides an flow cell that reduces the undesired reflections by constructing certain flow cell structures with materials that have similar refractive indexes as that of the solution that is in the oligomer synthesis chamber during the illumination period and/or constructing certain flow cell structures or covering the structures with a layer of a material that has a high extinction coefficient.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Roche Nimblegen, Inc.Inventors: Roland Green, Alan Pitas, Francesco Cerrina
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Patent number: 8021619Abstract: A separation module which contains at least one bundle of ceramic capillaries (9), in which, for controlling the material transport and the flow in the separation module, a certain distance is established between the capillaries (9) by joining. The separation module can be used in a variety of ways in the separation of substances by filtration, also in combination with further measures of chemical process engineering.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignees: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Hermsforfer Inst. fur Technische Keramik E.V.Inventors: Andreas Nickel, Olaf Stange, Ingolf Voigt, Gundula Fischer, Michael Stahn, Birgit Köhler
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Patent number: 8007730Abstract: An automatic synthesis device for fluorine-18-ACETATE ([18F]fluoroacetate) consists of a machinery housing that has multiple reactors and multiple raw material containers, and uses multiple control valves between each reactor and container, and operates the control valves through a control system to charge the raw material from each container to each reactor in an automatic and sequential fashion to execute the six procedures: fluorination, azeotropic dewatering, synthesis (reaction with precursors), purification and separation, hydrolysis and neutralization, purification and collection. The operation simply requires adding raw materials to the containers in advance, turning on power, charging reactive gases. In 50 minutes, the process to produce the product will be completed. The operation is really simple and can effectively improve production efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Institute of Nuclear Energy ResearchInventors: Ming-Hsin Li, Hsin-EII Wang, Chun-Yi Wu, Wuu-Jyh Lin
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Patent number: 7997297Abstract: The invention relates to a system for performing parallel chemical experiments. The system comprises an array of parallel flow through reactors each comprising a reaction chamber, a reactor inlet and a reactor outlet connected to the reactor chamber. Downstream of each reactor a corresponding active pressure regulating arrangement is provided for actively regulating the reactor pressure. The pressure regulating arrangement comprises a passage for reactor effluent with an inlet connected to the reactor outlet and an outlet for discharging reactor effluent at a reduced pressure with respect to the reactor pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2005Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Avantium International B.V.Inventors: Martin Smit, Gerardus Johannes Maria Gruter
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Patent number: 7988919Abstract: A process for hydrogenating a sample in a pressure range below supercritical pressure values includes supplying at least a solvent of the sample to be hydrogenated by a feed pump with a constant volume rate into a flow path to create a base solution; adding the sample being dissolved into the flow path; feeding hydrogen into the flow path through a valve configured to transmit hydrogen only into a single direction; leading the dissolved sample in the presence of a catalyst through a hydrogenation reactor, where the reactor is inserted into a section of the flow path located after the hydrogen feeding position; maintaining the pressure of the reaction in a given pressure range by element of a pressure-adjusting unit, and collecting a hydrogenate formed within the hydrogenation reactor in a product receptacle connected to the end of the flow path.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: ThalesNano ZrtInventors: Ferenc Darvas, Lajos Godorhazy, Tamas Karancsi, Daniel Szalay, Ferenc Boncz, Laszlo Urge
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Patent number: 7988936Abstract: The present invention discloses to a chemical reactor with high heat efficiency and small volume, the chemical reaction of the present invention comprises a first unit for performing heat exchange of exothermic reaction products with exothermic reaction raw material fed for exothermic reaction; a second unit including a plate assembly for exothermic reactions and a plate assembly for endothermic reactions; and a third unit for performing heat exchange of endothermic reaction products with endothermic reaction raw material fed for endothermic reactions.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Jun Yeon Cho, Jae Hoon Choe, Kwang Cheon Park, Gyea-Young Kwak, Chang Houn Rhee, Sun Hvuk Bae, Jung Uk Choi, Kwang Ho Song