Ozonizers Patents (Class 422/186.07)
  • Patent number: 7512355
    Abstract: An ozone exhaust system in an image forming apparatus having a multiple number of process printing units, includes: exhaust ducts for exhausting ozone arising in the process printing units. In the ozone exhaust system, the exhaust ducts are mainly constituted of process printing unit's side exhaust ducts provided respectively along multiple charger cases and a main exhaust duct to which the process printing unit's side exhaust ducts are connected, and the process printing unit's side exhaust ducts are constructed so that the air current that flows into the charger cases and the air current that flows from the process printing unit's side exhaust ducts into the main exhaust duct are directed in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomohiko Fujii, Susumu Murakami, Takashi Hori
  • Patent number: 7493906
    Abstract: An apparatus for promoting the efficient use of gases dissolved in a liquid by limiting the amount of off-gassing or evaporation from the liquid. The apparatus is a distribution/retention plate, may be utilized in a portable food washing system. The food washing system is a portable unit having a treatment chamber with an access door for the placement of food products on a loading plate. A food product is placed in the chamber and sprayed with ozonated water containing diffuse concentrations of ozone which reacts with and destroys organic contaminants on the food product. The distribution/retention plate is located at the bottom of the treatment chamber, and divides the treatment chamber from a reservoir and controls the rate of ozone off-gassing from the reservoir, thereby increasing ozone concentration in the water in the reservoir. In an alternative embodiment, the distribution/retention plate is utilized in an automatic dishwashing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Sanist Technologies
    Inventor: Terrance Mulgrew
  • Publication number: 20090016942
    Abstract: An ozone infection control device includes a body portion having a channel or passageway for receiving a catheter so that the catheter may extend from outwardly of the device to a catheter exit site at a central area of the device. A plurality of air inlet openings are spaced around a peripheral skirt of the device. A negative ion ozone generator having a plurality of spaced pointed projections is located within the body portion inwardly of the peripheral skirt and in the path of flow of air flowing through the inlet openings to generate ozone from the air. An oppositely charged ground disk is mounted within the body portion inwardly of the ozone generator. Air flows along a path of flow from the inlet openings to the ozone generator where ozone is created. The path of flow then extends to the ground disk and to the catheter exit site to bathe the catheter exit site with anti-microbial ozone. The flow path would then exit from the device through the catheter passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Ivars V. Ivansons, Dudley W.C. Spencer
  • Publication number: 20090010835
    Abstract: Devices for generating and storing ozone. The device includes a tank for containing gas therein; an ozone generator for generating ozone and communicating the ozone with the tank; and at least one valve for admitting gas into the device, holding gas in the device, and discharging gas from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Amarante Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Ifland
  • Publication number: 20080267840
    Abstract: An ozone-water generator comprises a machine body, an ozone generator, a gas-liquid mixer and a light-controlled switch. The machine body is employed for holding the ozone generator, the gas-liquid mixer and the light-controlled switch. The ozone generator is connected to the gas-liquid mixer. The gas-liquid mixer is connected to the light-controlled switch. The light-controlled switch comprises a tube, two circuit boards, a movable valve and an elastic device. The movable valve is forwardly and backwardly shiftable within the tube. When the movable valve is shifted by the force of water current, two light-controlled devices on the respective circuit boards can be electrically conducted to form an electrical signal for actuating the ozone generator and thereby mixing the ozone and the liquid. The movable valve is so extremely light in weight that an extremely small force of water current is sufficient to shift the movable valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Kuo-Chung Yeh
  • Patent number: 7438870
    Abstract: An air cleaning device includes a bulb-shaped casing provided at one end with an attached portion to be attached an attaching portion and connected to a commercial power source and at the other end with an outlet, an ozone generator accommodated in the casing and an air supply portion formed in the casing for supplying air into the ozone generator. The ozone generator includes a needle first electrode having a distal end directed to the outlet and a cylindrical second electrode concentric with the first and second electrodes. Application of high voltage between the first and second electrodes induces electrical discharge therebetween, generates negative ions and ozone and releases a stream of air containing the generated negative ions and ozone from the first electrode to the second electrode and outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Koji Anno
  • Publication number: 20080216870
    Abstract: A surface of a target item is treated by directing a flow of solid carbon dioxide entrained in ozone towards it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Air Liquid Industrial U.S. LP
    Inventor: Ronald J. MERRITELLO
  • Publication number: 20080213140
    Abstract: An ozone generator for generating ozone by applying a specified process to oxygen by discharge includes a first raw material gas supply unit for supplying the oxygen as a first raw material gas, and a second raw material gas supply unit for supplying an oxide compound gas as a second raw material gas, in which, by excited light, excited and generated by a discharge in the oxygen and the oxide compound gas, the oxide compound gas is dissociated, or the oxide compound gas is excited accelerating dissociation of the oxygen, and ozone is generated. In this way, ozone generation efficiency is raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youichiro Tabata, Hajime Nakatani, Masaki Kuzumoto
  • Publication number: 20080206115
    Abstract: An ozone generator for generating ozone by applying a specified process to oxygen by discharge includes a first raw material gas supply unit for supplying the oxygen as a first raw material gas, and a second raw material gas supply unit for supplying an oxide compound gas as a second raw material gas, in which, by excited light, excited and generated by a discharge in the oxygen and the oxide compound gas, the oxide compound gas is dissociated, or the oxide compound gas is excited accelerating dissociation of the oxygen, and ozone is generated. In this way, ozone generation efficiency is raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Youichiro Tabata, Hajime Nakatani, Masaki Kuzumoto
  • Patent number: 7407624
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods utilizing ozone treatment for abating allergens, pathogens, odors, and volatile organic compounds. The methods can be employed to abate pollutants, bacteria, viruses, mold, dander, funguses, dust mites, animal and smoke odors, and the like. The methods employ specific combinations of ozone concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, temperature, and humidity delivered over a specified period of time to achieve satisfactory abatement of the allergen, pathogen, odor, or volatile organic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Prompt Care, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ross Cumberland, James L. Driver
  • Patent number: 7407633
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is described for neutralizing airborne pathogens in ventilated air, and in heating or air conditioning systems. The pathogen neutralization system is effective against a wide spectrum of pathogens, it incorporates commercially available components, and it can be readily integrated into commercial HVAC systems where it neutralizes airborne pathogens in large volumes of ventilated air in real time without any chemical reagents. Typically, the system has a flow-through reaction chamber that contains a UV light source that emits short intense flashes of broad-spectrum UV light, a source of water vapor or spray, and an ozone generator. The system generates highly reactive ozone intermediates by irradiating ozone gas with UV light in the presence of water droplets or water vapor. The pathogens that can be neutralized by this system include bacteria, viruses, spores, fungi and parasites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Richard S. Potember, Wayne A. Bryden
  • Patent number: 7402289
    Abstract: An ozone generator for generating ozone by applying a specified process to oxygen by discharge includes a first raw material gas supply unit for supplying the oxygen as a first raw material gas, and a second raw material gas supply unit for supplying an oxide compound gas as a second raw material gas, in which, by excited light, excited and generated by a discharge in the oxygen and the oxide compound gas, the oxide compound gas is dissociated, or the oxide compound gas is excited accelerating dissociation of the oxygen, and ozone is generated. In this way, ozone generation efficiency is raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Youichiro Tabata
  • Patent number: 7381380
    Abstract: A system and method for the removal of metals such as mercury from a gas stream. The method involves contacting a gas stream containing the target metals with reactive chemical species generated in a plasma device. The metal to be removed is chemically converted into forms enabling capture in either conventional particulate removal devices or in a wet scrubber for the capture of a soluble chemical species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Continental Research & Engineering
    Inventor: Christopher A. Herbst
  • Publication number: 20080075639
    Abstract: Apparatus, method and system for delivering sterile unit dose of ozone. System includes sterile vial containing oxygen and corona discharge assembly. Sterile vial is engaged to ozone conversion unit having high voltage transformer, ozone measurement mechanism, data input mechanism, and displayed read-out. When power is supplied to sterile vial containing corona discharge assembly, oxygen is converted to specified concentration of ozone. Sterile vial is disengaged from ozone conversion unit, drawing port is attached, and needle or similar extraction tool is used to withdrawal ozone for treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: David M. Hooper, Thomas Allen Foster
  • Patent number: 7344685
    Abstract: A sealed multi-chambered bag, that is a flexible container, is made of dielectric material and contains two electrode plates (preferably screen plates) that are separated by an internal wall of the bag. Materials to be sterilized are placed between one or the other or both of the electrode plates and the interior wall. The interior wall allows the plates to be contained within the bag without the risk of damaging high voltage discharges occurring between plates optimal ozone production occurs in the bag immediately adjacent to where the materials to be sterilized are located. The bag is placed within a chamber containing an aperture which is connected to the intake of a pump. A conductor connects each electrode plate to an opposed terminal of a high tension transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: James F. McNulty
  • Patent number: 7326387
    Abstract: Air decontamination devices in one example include a filter directly exposed to ultraviolet (“UV”) radiation on an upstream side and a downstream side. Ozone may be provided to permeate the filter, as well. Reflectors may be provided to reflect UV radiation emitted in a direction away from the filter, towards the filter. The filter may be a V-bank filter, for example. Air sampling ports and prefilters may be provided. The air decontamination units may be used to decontaminate the air after industrial and medical contaminations and terrorist biological, chemical and radiological attacks, for example. Mobile isolation units, and methods of decontaminating rooms, are disclosed, as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventors: Theodore A. M. Arts, James M. Thomsen, Paul J. Chirayath, Jerome Schentag
  • Publication number: 20080023386
    Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone treatment system which generates ozone and mixes the ozone with the fed-in water to supply to a user's end. The ozone treatment system according to the present invention is operated in an enclosed cabinet so that the apparatus is not exposed to the elements when it is operated in an adverse environment. The ozone treatment system according to the present invention is provided with a cooling system that is cost effective and is able to maintain the normal operating temperature for the apparatus in the cabinet and requires very low maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Huei-Tarng Liou
  • Patent number: 7314600
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating ozone is provided. An ozone generator comprises a substantially transparent element having ozone-generating means mounted on an inner element area and an outer element area. An enclosure is positioned over the element, and an oxygen-containing gas is directed through the inner element area, creating ozone from a portion of the oxygen-containing gas. The ozone and oxygen-containing gas is then redirected over the outer element area, so that the oxygen-containing gas is at least twice exposed to the ozone-generating means, thereby generating additional ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventor: Teruo Matsuzaki
  • Publication number: 20070258870
    Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for supplying a dry fluid and ozone to an engine and includes a dryer canister having a dryer material, an input valve adapted to input fluid from an air cleaner, to input fluid from the catalytic converter and to input fluid from the ambient atmosphere. The dryer canister receives the air cleaner fluid in a first phase, receives the exhaust fluid in a second phase and receives the ambient fluid in a third phase and a processor to control the dryer canister and the first valve. The dryer canister includes a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and an output valve to control the output of the dryer canister. The output valve can direct the output of the dryer canister to the exhaust muffler, the output valve can direct the output of the dryer canister to the ambient and the output valve can direct the output of the dryer canister to the air intake manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel Mac Brown, Bobby Joe Farmer
  • Patent number: 7272925
    Abstract: The nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) content of lean-burn engine exhaust is beneficially prepared for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of these oxides to nitrogen by two sidestream additions to the exhaust. An ozone-containing air stream is added to the exhaust to affect oxidation of NO to NO2. And a hydrocarbon(s) fuel constituent is added to a second humidified ozone-containing air stream and that mixture subjected to UV radiation. Strongly oxidizing hydroxyl radicals are formed by interaction of ozone, water, and UV radiation for reaction with the hydrocarbon. The resulting partially oxidized hydrocarbons (Pox) are added to the exhaust, providing effective reduction materials for the SCR of NO2 to nitrogen and water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth B. Gross, Steven J. Schmieg, Byong K. Cho, Jerome P. Ortmann, Daniel Dziedzic, Thomas J. Chapaton
  • Patent number: 7250145
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing various articles includes a chamber defining an airtight space and an entrance and exit. A vacuum pump is coupled to the chamber for withdrawing air therefrom which reduces the chamber air pressure. An ozone generator is coupled to the chamber for introducing ozone at atmospheric pressure therein following air withdrawal. This causes efficient diffusing of the ozone into the article for sterilizing it against anthrax. The ozone is then withdrawn into an ozone filter having a non-consumable catalyst for converting the ozone back into oxygen. The apparatus may be implemented using single or multiple chambers. In multiple chamber embodiments, a conveyor extending through water chambers may be utilized for conveying textile articles while more traditional conveyors may be utilized for mail articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventors: Jimmie D. Miller, Blair Sutton
  • Patent number: 7226677
    Abstract: Ozone is made by exposure of oxygen to ultraviolet light and is supplied to a fuel cell to increase its efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Ernest Gladstone
  • Patent number: 7198765
    Abstract: An ozone generator in which a discharge region may be enlarged without damaging ozone generating performance. In the ozonizer, an alternating current is applied between a first electrode and a second electrode, and a discharge is produced in a gap into which oxygen is injected. In the first electrode, an ozone gas passage for retrieving ozone gas generated in the discharge region is located between an electrode surface facing the discharge region and a side. The ozone gas passages are dispersed in the first electrode. The ozone gas passages collect ozone generated at discharge region locations inside the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Youichiro Tabata, Akaru Usui, Yujiro Okihara, Tetsuya Saitsu, Norimitsu Esaki, Hajime Nakatani
  • Patent number: 7166259
    Abstract: An air purifier (10) held in a housing (12, 14) with an ambient air inlet (16) and an air outlet (18) and defining an airflow path therethrough for treating ambient air, a filter (disposed in the airflow path and having an air permeable media for communicating air therethrough while retaining particles carried in the flow of air. A purification device attaches to an intermediate chassis in the airflow path for treating the air moved by a fan (70) into operative engagement with the purification device within the housing and out the air outlet. A controller operates the purification device by sensing an operative status of the purification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: EcoQuest International, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Paul Beam, James Normark, David Sutton, Tom Greene, Neal Morris
  • Patent number: 7156959
    Abstract: A system and method for the removal of metals such as mercury from a gas stream. The method involves contacting a gas stream containing the target metals with reactive chemical species generated in a plasma device. The metal to be removed is chemically converted into forms enabling capture in either conventional particulate removal devices or in a wet scrubber for the capture of a soluble chemical species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Continental Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Herbst
  • Patent number: 7150780
    Abstract: An electrostatic air cleaning device includes an array of electrodes. The electrodes include corona electrodes connected to a suitable source of high voltage so as to generate a corona discharge. Laterally displaced collecting electrodes include one or more bulges that have aerodynamic frontal “upwind” surfaces and airflow disrupting tailing edges downwind that create quite zones for the collection of particulates removed from the air. The bulges may be formed as rounded leading edges on the collecting electrodes and/or as ramped surfaces located, for example, along a midsection of the electrodes. Repelling electrodes positioned between pairs of the collecting electrodes may include similar bulges such as cylindrical or semi-cylindrical leading and/or trailing edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kronos Advanced Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Igor A. Krichtafovitch, Vladimir L. Gorobets
  • Patent number: 7121079
    Abstract: The invention proposes a system (16) for treating the exhaust gases (G) of a motor vehicle combustion engine (10), particularly a lean-burn diesel engine or engine, comprising a burnt gas (G) exhaust circuit (14), of the type in which the exhaust circuit (14) comprises a burnt gas (G) ionization system (22), characterized in that the exhaust circuit (14) comprises an ionized air injection system (24) upstream and/or downstream of the burnt gas (G) ionization system (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignees: Renault S.A.S., Peugeot Citroen Automobiles
    Inventors: Sabine Calvo, Sandrine Dupre, Stephane Eymerie, Alice Goldman, Max Goldman, Yvane Lendresse
  • Patent number: 7108836
    Abstract: An ozonizer has a flat plate-shaped low voltage electrode, flat plate-shaped first and second high voltage electrodes facing the low voltage electrode, a first dielectric, and a first spacer, located between the low voltage electrode and the first high voltage electrode, a second dielectric, and a second spacer between the electrode and the second high voltage electrode. The ozonizer also has a first electrode cooling sheet facing the first high voltage electrode at a side opposite a first discharge gap, a second electrode cooling sheet facing the second high voltage electrode, a first thermally conducting and electrically insulating sheet sandwiched between the first high voltage electrode and the first electrode cooling sheet, and a second thermally conducting and electrically insulating sheet sandwiched between the second high voltage electrode and the second electrode cooling sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Toshiba Mitsubishi-Electric Industrial Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Yujiro Okihara, Youichiro Tabata, Akaru Usui, Hiromichi Komiya, Yuji Ganryu, Masaki Kuzumoto, Noboru Wada, Koji Ohta, Shigenori Yagi, Hirozoh Kanegae
  • Patent number: 7098462
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for ionizing airborne particulates. The system includes an insulating substrate and a first electroplated structure on the insulating substrate. This first electroplated structure includes an anchor and a probe structure on the anchor that is separate from the insulating substrate. A second electroplated structure is included on the insulating substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Beelee Chua, Anthony S. Wexler, Norman C. Tien, Debbie A. Niemeier, Britt A. Holmén
  • Patent number: 7071626
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plasma generator, in which a plasma forming space, into which the air is introduced, is provided, band plate-like first and second electrodes are arranged in opposed relation to each other through a dielectric in the plasma forming space, and plasma is generated by discharge caused by applying voltage between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged in a state relatively displaced in a surface direction of the dielectric so as to satisfy the specific relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Marukomu
    Inventor: Manabu Harada
  • Patent number: 7067102
    Abstract: A method of producing ozone comprises the steps of generating intermittent bursts of corona discharge in an electrode region 20.2, and passing oxygen-containing fluid through the region, thereby to cause ionization of the oxygen. The electrode is energized by a train of voltage pulses. Each pulse has a rise time of better than 2 kV/100 ns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education
    Inventor: Barend Visser
  • Patent number: 7043902
    Abstract: An exhaust gas purification system equipped, from an upstream side toward downstream side through which an exhaust gas flows, with a plasma reactor and a catalyst unit charged with a catalyst acting on NOx in the exhaust gas in this order, and equipped with a reducing agent supplying device to supply a reducing agent at an upstream side of the plasma reactor, wherein the catalyst has an NO2 adsorptive catalyst layer and an NO2 selective reduction catalyst layer contacting the NO2 adsorptive catalyst layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Nakanishi, Kenji Dosaka, Keizo Iwama, Shinya Ishimaru, Masanobu Miki
  • Patent number: 7045096
    Abstract: Pathogens, toxins, and some chemical warfare agents inside an enclosure are destroyed using hydroxyl free radicals. The hydroxyl free radicals can be generated by, for example, reacting ozone with water in the presence of ultraviolet light or reacting hydrogen with nitrogen dioxide in the presence of ultraviolet light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Argentara Five, Inc.
    Inventor: Luca D'Ottone
  • Patent number: 7029637
    Abstract: An ozone generation cell has a first conductor generally having a line geometry and a second conductor having a first groove formed in a surface thereof, and having first and second flanks on opposite sides of the first groove. The second conductor and the first groove are arranged such that the first groove follows the first conductor in parallel spaced-apart relation. The ozone generation cell also has a first dielectric having a first passage-defining portion positioned between the first conductor and the first groove. The first dielectric has first and second side portions on opposite sides of the passage-defining portion that are generally parallel to the first and second flanks respectively. The first passage-defining portion is spaced-apart from only one of the first conductor and the first groove to form a first fluid passageway defined in part by the first passage-defining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: H203, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek J. Hogarth, Jun Fu
  • Patent number: 7008596
    Abstract: A device for the preparation of a plasma for producing ozone and/or oxygen ions in the air following the principle of dielectrically impeded discharge is disclosed. The device comprises: a) a flat, electrically insulating support (1, 7), the material thereof having a dielectric constant ?r which is at least higher than 30 (that is, ?r>thirty); b) an electrode (4) is placed on one of the main surfaces of the support (1, 7), c) at least one electrically insulating layer (2, 8) made of a dielectric material is placed on the other side of the support (1,7); d) the dielectric constant of the support (1, 7) and that of the insulating layer (2, 8) are different, e) an electrode (3, 10) made of an electrically conductive material is mounted an the insulating layer (2, 8), said electrode covering only partially the insulating layer (2, 8) and a high voltage of an AC generator is applied to both electrodes (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Automotive AG
    Inventors: Hanns Rump, Olaf Kiesewetter
  • Patent number: 6994832
    Abstract: An ozone generator system (1) in which a multitude of plate type ozone generators (2) are arranged adjacent to each other in a block (3). Each ozone generator comprises a chamber, adapted for converting oxygen to ozone by a corona discharge, and each chamber is provided with an inlet for oxygen or an oxygen-rich gas and an outlet for ozone. Said ozone generators are arranged in a block module (26) in which they are affixed by a block rack (4). Said block rack comprises an inlet port (5) adapted for introduction of oxygen gas, and an outlet port (6) adapted for discharge of ozone created through conversion within the generators comprised in the block module. A multitude of first conduits (7), each running between said inlet port and one chamber inlet, and a multitude of second conduits (8), each running between said outlet port and one chamber outlet, are provided within said block rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ozonator Production AB
    Inventor: Jan Borgström
  • Patent number: 6991532
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for passenger vehicles, including light and heavy truck, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, particularly HVAC systems, using oxidants to reduce contaminants and increase passenger comfort levels in such vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Climate Control Corp.
    Inventor: Samuel W. Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 6991768
    Abstract: An odor removal system to neutralize odors and VOC emissions in commercial and/or industrial air streams utilizes Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) to create a range of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to cause the oxidation and/or reduction of odor causing molecules and VOC's. The ROS is generated by drawing atmospheric and/or odorous air through a Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Generation Cell (DBDPGC). The gas is activated by passing it through the non-thermal plasma field in the DBDPGC, producing the ROS that are then immediately mixed into the odorous gas to be treated. If the odorous gas is passing through the NTP field, it is inherently mixed. When large volumes of gas, and/or extremely high odor loads in large gas volumes must be treated, multiple units can be combined in parallel. The DBDPGC has hermetically sealed hot electrodes and may be used in other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: IONO2X Engineering L.L.C.
    Inventors: Allan D. Keras, Douglas P. Lanz
  • Patent number: 6984364
    Abstract: A process and reactor for chemical conversion is taught. The process allows the selective breaking of chemical bonds in a molecule by use of fast rise alternating current or fast rise pulsed direct current, each fast rise portion being selected to have a suitable voltage and frequency to break a selected chemical bond in a molecule. The reactor for carrying out such a process includes a chamber for containing the molecule and a generator for generating and applying the selected fast rise current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: ATI Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Ernest Conrad, Richard Stanley Phillips, Andrew Richard Henry Phillips, Helmut Gerhard Conrad
  • Patent number: 6984361
    Abstract: A gaseous blend of Ox and a method for significantly reducing the biological load, including anthrax, on mail and shipping parcels is disclosed. The gaseous blend of Ox consists at least in part of O3. The method involves applying a continuous stream of oxygen-containing, i.e., Ox, gas to the mail or shipping parcel at a predetermined temperature, pressure and relative humidity. The continuous stream of Ox gas is prepared in an Ox generation cell, which contains a means for generating the Ox gas at a pressure less than 20 lbs/in2 using, for example, one or more of the following: corona discharge, high frequency electrical discharge, ultraviolet light, x-ray, radioactive isotope and electric beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Cosmed Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Carman, Stephen K. Wirtz
  • Patent number: 6974560
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulates from the air creates an airflow using no moving parts. The airflow is subjected to UV radiation from a germicidal lamp within the device. The conditioner includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrodes, a second array of collector electrodes, and a high voltage generator. The device can also include a third or leading or focus electrode located upstream of the first array of emitter electrodes, and/or a trailing electrode located downstream of the second array of collector electrodes, and/or an interstitial electrode located between collector electrodes, and/or an enhanced emitter electrode with an enhanced length in order to increase emissivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Shek Fai Lau, Andrew J. Parker, Tristan M. Christianson, Gregory S. Snyder, Edward C. McKinney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6972117
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing ozone gas for use in the beauty treatment of skin, comprising a sealed vessel (1) containing a gas and means for supplying to the vessel a potential difference (9), thereby causing the gas to become charged, whereby placing the vessel close to the skin of a user causes the charged gas to discharge by creating an electrical spark which jumps between the vessel and the skin, the spark resulting in the production of ozone gas in the vicinity of the skin, wherein the apparatus additionally comprises a guard (1a) for the vessel to protect the vessel from breakage, the guard having apertures therein to permit the vessel to discharge to the skin of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Newford Company Limited
    Inventor: Chun Kwok Sanny Chiu
  • Patent number: 6969494
    Abstract: A system and method for the removal of metals such as mercury from a gas stream. The method involves contacting a gas stream containing the target metals with reactive chemical species generated in a plasma device. The metal to be removed is chemically converted into forms enabling capture in either conventional particulate removal devices or in a wet scrubber for the capture of a soluble chemical species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Continental Research & Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Christopher A. Herbst
  • Patent number: 6967008
    Abstract: An ozone generator that serves the double functions of providing a light source and providing ozone is disclosed. Particularly, the ozone generator may be located in a generally closed appliance, such as a refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer or drier or the like. In addition, a stand-alone embodiment is disclosed that may simply be mounted or placed in storage or other areas such as closets, pantries, laundry rooms, clothes hampers, bed linen storage trunks and others. In some embodiments, timers are used to periodically raise ozone levels to relatively high levels and then allow the levels to fall, sanitizing and deodorizing the areas within which they are located. In other embodiments, advanced oxidation techniques are used by using a pair of ultraviolet tubes, one emitting radiation at a wavelength of 185 nm and the other emitting radiation at 254 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald L. Barnes
  • Patent number: 6967009
    Abstract: An ozone generator is proposed which comprises a plurality of plate-like ozone generating elements, stacked one on top of the other, which are in at least partial contact with a process water stream, each of the ozone generating elements having at least one plate-like, electrically insulated inner electrode and at least one likewise plate-like counterelectrode, between which a space is provided for a gas discharge. According to the invention, the ozone generating elements are situated at a distance from one another, perpendicular to their plate-like extension, in such a way that process water is able to flow between the ozone generating elements over substantial surface regions of the plate-like ozone generating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro-Elektrik GmbH
    Inventor: Bruno Bachhofer
  • Patent number: 6958134
    Abstract: An electro-kinetic air conditioner for removing particulates from the air creates an airflow using no moving parts. The conditioner includes an ion generator that has an electrode assembly including a first array of emitter electrodes, a second array of collector electrodes, and a high voltage generator. Preferably, a third or leading or focus electrode is located upstream of the first array of emitter electrodes, and/or a trailing electrode is located downstream of the second array of collector electrodes. The device can also include an interstitial electrode located between collector electrodes, an enhanced collector electrode with an integrally formed trailing end, and an enhanced emitter electrode with an enhanced length in order to increase emissivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Sharper Image Corporation
    Inventors: Charles E. Taylor, Jim L Lee
  • Patent number: 6956220
    Abstract: A radiation source module comprising a support member, a radiation source assembly connected to the support member, the radiation source assembly comprising at least one elongate radiation source having a source longitudinal axis and a module-to-surface seal disposed on a first elongate surface of the module, the first elongate surface comprising a first longitudinal axis transverse to the source longitudinal axis, the seal operable to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the first surface and a second surface which is adjacent to the first surface. A fluid treatment system employ the radiation source module is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Trojan Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Traubenberg, Steven M. Bakker, Kuang-Ping Chiu
  • Patent number: 6955786
    Abstract: A gaseous blend of CO2 and Ox and a method for applying a continuous stream of a gaseous blend of CO2 and Ox to a material are disclosed. The gaseous blend and the method significantly reduce the biological load on consumer products, such as food products, botanicals and cosmetic ingredients; in building structures; on transportation containers; and in soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Cosmed Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary B. Carman, Steven K. Wirtz
  • Patent number: 6951633
    Abstract: An ozone generator utilizing an ultraviolet light tube for generating ozone is disclosed. In this ozone generator, efficiency in converting oxygen to ozone is increased by imposing an electrical field around the light tube. This electrical field causes a theta pinch in the plasma of the light tube, increasing luminescence in the ultraviolet spectral range and exciting diatomic oxygen molecules passing through the electrical field. Thus excited, the diatomic oxygen is easier to disassociate and become converted to ozone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald L. Barnes
  • Patent number: 6912841
    Abstract: A device and a method for treating the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine are proposed, comprising an ozone reactor for supplying ozone to the exhaust gas at a delivery location (54), an oxidation reactor (20) for the at least partial oxidation of nitrogen oxides and/or hydrocarbons being positioned upstream from the delivery location (54), the oxidation reactor being active independently of the operating state of the internal combustion engine, especially also at the exhaust-gas temperatures prevailing at the start or during the warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Pfendtner, Patrik Hartherz, Igor Orlandini