Including Specific Material Of Construction Patents (Class 422/240)
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Patent number: 6966973Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing (meth)acrylic acid and a process for producing (meth)acrylic acid with this apparatus wherein the apparatus enables the production of (meth)acrylic acid stably for a long period of time by effectively inhibiting the polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid in its production process (for example, in a reboiler). At least a part of the apparatus is made of a nickel-chromium-iron alloy with a molybdenum content of 3 to 20 mass %, but not including 3 mass %, or with a molybdenum content of 1 to 4 mass % and a copper content of 0.5 to 7 mass %.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sei Nakahara, Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Yukihiro Matsumoto, Kenji Sanada, Masatoshi Ueoka
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Patent number: 6955793Abstract: A reaction vessel which includes internally placed temperature controlling mixing baffles in which liquid is boiled, resulting in an isothermal heat sink. The energy of vaporization is supplied by the reaction vessel contents. The vapor produced by the boiling is directed to channel coils which surround the outside of the reaction vessel wall. The channel coils contact the outside wall of the reaction vessel perpendicularly, and provide mechanical support for the reaction vessel. The mechanical support from the channel coils allows for a decrease in the thickness of the reaction vessel wall and corresponding increased heat transfer efficiency between the channel coil contents and the reaction vessel contents. The entire above described apparatus is enclosed within an evacuated shell to provide additional insulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventor: José P. Arencibia, Jr.
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Patent number: 6919056Abstract: A reactor for generating moisture wherein ignition of hydrogen gas, backfire to the gas supply source side, and the peeling off of the platinum coat catalyst layer inside are all prevented more completely to further increase the safety of the reactor for generating moisture, and wherein the dead space in the interior space is reduced to further reduce the size of the reactor shell. The reactor has a reactor shell A with an interior space; a reflector on an inlet side facing a gas feed port in the interior space of the reactor; a reflector on an outlet side facing a moisture gas take-out port in the interior space; and a platinum coat catalyst layer 8 formed on an inside wall of a reactor structural component on the outlet side. Hydrogen and oxygen fed into the interior space of the reactor react without combustion.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignees: Fujikin IncorporatedInventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Kouji Kawada, Nobukazu Ikeda, Akihiro Morimoto, Yukio Minami, Kenji Tubota, Teruo Honiden, Touru Hirai, Katunori Komehana, Keiji Hirao
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Patent number: 6841140Abstract: As to a reactor which is used in a process for producing hydrogen fluoride through a reaction of fluorite with sulfuric acid, and which comprises means for applying a shearing force to a content therein between the means and an inner surface thereof, a metal material is used for at least a portion of a part of the means which part is opposed to the inner surface, the metal material comprising tungsten carbide and a material comprising at least one element, or an alloy comprising two or more elements, selected from the group consisting of nickel, chromium, cobalt, iron, tungsten and carbon, the metal material comprising 30 to 90% by weight of tungsten carbide. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the wear of an edge of the means for applying the shearing force to the content (the reaction mixture) between the means and the inner surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hironobu Nishimura, Toshinobu Takeuchi, Yukio Homoto, Norio Ema
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Patent number: 6827912Abstract: The invention relates to a reactor vessel and method for the gasification of carbon-containing fuel, residual and waste materials using an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent and in a reaction chamber which is designed as an entrained-bed reactor, at pressures between ambient pressure and 80 bar, preferably between ambient pressure and 30 bar, the contour of the reaction chamber being delimited by a cooling system, and the pressure in the cooling system always being held at a higher level than the pressure in the reaction chamber, and the cooling system withstanding the maximum possible pressure difference with respect to the reaction chamber, which has been depressurized to atmospheric pressure, which reactor vessel is distinguished by the fact that cooling channels are formed by webs which are in contact both with a refractory protective layer and with the pressure shell.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Noell-KRC Energie-und Umwelttechnik GmbHInventors: Manfred Schingnitz, Christian Reuther, Dietmar Degenkolb
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Patent number: 6822125Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing dimethylether from methanol using a membrane reactor, more particularly to a method for preparing dimethylether from methanol using a membrane capable of carrying out a reaction and a separation at the same time while preparing dimethylether from methanol. Because water vapor generated by dehydration of methanol can be selectively removed from the catalytic reaction zone, decrease in catalytic activity can be prevented and thus life span of a catalyst can be extended. Further, reaction efficiency can be improved even at a temperature milder than the conventional one for dimethylether preparation, and also additional steps of separation and purification after completion of the reaction is no longer necessary.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical TechnologyInventors: Kew-Ho Lee, Bongkuk Sea, Min Young Youn, Dong-Wook Lee, Yoon-Gyu Lee
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Patent number: 6818189Abstract: A continuous flow chemical reaction apparatus comprises a tubular reactor having a length and having a first fluid reactant inlet at a first end and a product outlet at a second end, said tubular reactor having a central tube/interior conduit extending lengthwise within said tubular reaction zone, said conduit having at least one injector within the length of said conduit, said injector capable of introducing a controlled amount of a second fluid reactant into said tubular reactor.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Saudi Basic Industries CorporationInventors: Alaa Eldin Mostafa Adris, Friedrich Gutlhuber
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Patent number: 6805848Abstract: An apparatus for purifying a gaseous product delivered from a horizontal container containing a supply of a fluid includes an elongated hollow tube inside the container and a purifying medium inside the tube. The tube has a first opening, a second opening spaced apart from the first opening, and an internal axis between the first and second openings. The first opening is in fluid communication with a port and the second opening is in fluid communication with a vapor space in the container. A portion of the internal axis adjacent the second opening is at an angle greater than zero degrees relative to the horizontal longitudinal axis of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventor: Benjamin Lee Hertzler
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Patent number: 6797238Abstract: Apparatus for the vaporization of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock with steam includes a frusto-conically-shaped element which is capable of inducing a gentle swirl pattern to a liquid-containing stream, which device is connected to the feed inlet pipe of the mixing nozzle. This swirl-inducing device effects a 90° bending of the flow direction of the hydrocarbon feedstock while simultaneously effecting a swirl pattern of the liquid part thereof, thereby forcing the liquid against the wall of the feed inlet pipe extending downwardly to the mixing nozzle with such velocity component perpendicular to the tube's longitudinal axis that an annular flow pattern is re-established.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Krishnamoorthy Chandrasekharan, Antonius Gijsbertus Johannes Kloth, Jeroen Van Westrenen
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Publication number: 20040161654Abstract: A fuel cell power system is protected from electromagnetic pulse energy damage through the use of a protective enclosure. In addition, electrical lines entering or exiting the system contain voltage or current spike suppression devices sufficient to prevent damage to the electronics contained within the enclosure. Also, any openings in the enclosure will have electromagnetic pulse attenuating grids or honeycomb covers, and any viewing ports through the enclosure may be protected with transparent conductive materials, such as indium tin oxide coated onto glass.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: Peter David DeVries
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Patent number: 6746496Abstract: A compact solid source of hydrogen gas, where the gas is generated by contacting water with micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as cobalt or ruthenium. The micro-disperse particles can have a substantially uniform diameter of 1-10 microns, and preferably about 3-5 microns. Ruthenium or cobalt catalytic nanoparticles can be incorporated in the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride, which allows a rapid and complete reaction to occur without the problems associated with caking and scaling of the surface by the reactant product sodium metaborate. A closed loop water management system can be used to recycle wastewater from a PEM fuel cell to supply water for reacting with the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in a compact hydrogen gas generator. Capillary forces can wick water from a water reservoir into a packed bed of micro-disperse fuel particles, eliminating the need for using an active pump.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Sandia CorporationInventors: Stanley H. Kravitz, Andrew M. Hecht, Alan P. Sylwester, Nelson S. Bell
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Patent number: 6737175Abstract: A method for inhibiting metal dusting corrosion of surfaces exposed to supersaturated carbon environments comprising constructing said surfaces of, or coating said surfaces with a copper based alloy. The invention is also directed to a composition resistant to metal dusting.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: Trikur Anantharaman Ramanarayanan, Changmin Chun, James Dirickson Mumford
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Patent number: 6733732Abstract: A reactor comprising a body made of a heat-resistant material and having an inlet and an outlet for water/moisture gas, having a gas-diffusing member provided in an internal space of the body, and having a platinum coating on an internal wall surface of the body. Hydrogen and oxygen fed from the inlet are diffused by the gas-diffusing member and then come into contact with the platinum coating to enhance reactivity, thereby producing water. A temperature of the reactor is held to be below an ignition temperature of hydrogen or a hydrogen-containing gas. The platinum-coated catalyst layer on the internal wall of the reactor body is formed by treating the surface of the internal wall of the body, cleaning the treated surface, forming a barrier coating of a nonmetallic material of an oxide or nitride on the wall surface, and forming the platinum coating on the barrier coating.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignees: Fujikin IncorporatedInventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Koji Kawada, Yoshikazu Tanabe, Takahisa Nitta, Nobukazu Ikeda, Akihiro Morimoto, Keiji Hirao, Hiroshi Morokoshi, Yukio Minami
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Publication number: 20040081600Abstract: A chemical processing apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pressure vessel and a microreactor disposed within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is constructed and arranged to maintain the pressure vessel and the microreactor at elevated pressure when a chemical operation is performed within the apparatus. A method of operating a microreactor at high pressure is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Maxime Moreno, Pierre Woehl
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Publication number: 20040067195Abstract: A hydrogen generating system regulates its rate of hydrogen generation by monitoring one or more parameters of the hydrogen generation process and then providing relative movement between the fuel tank and the catalyst chamber so as to increase or decrease the rate of hydrogen generation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Michael Strizki, Shailesh Shah
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Publication number: 20040065013Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Peter David DeVries
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Publication number: 20040047794Abstract: The invention relates to a fluidized-bed reactor for the production of trichlorosilane by reacting silicon with silicon tetrachloride, hydrogen and optionally hydrogen chloride at a high pressure and high temperature. According to the invention, the fluidized-bed reactor, at least on the surface facing towards the reaction chamber, is made of a nickel-chrome-molybdenum-(NiCrMo)-alloy with a chrome proportion of at least 5 weight percent, an iron proportion of less than 4 weight percent and an additional proportion of 0-10 weight percent consisting of other alloy elements. The invention also relates to a method for producing trichlorosilane in said fluidized-bed reactor and to the use of said trichlorosilane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Matthias Pfaffelhuber, Rainer Weber
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Patent number: 6703103Abstract: The honeycomb structure of the present invention is formed from a nonwoven fabric in which a biologically soluble fiber is used, and exhibits superior biological solubility and high heat resistance.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Nichias Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Tanaka, Haruko Sasaki
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Publication number: 20040037762Abstract: This invention provides a stepped heating cycle for the pre-treatment of phenolic microballoons prior to carbonization thereof, wherein the heating cycle comprises the steps of sequentially: gradually elevating the temperature of the microballoons to a temperature in the range 100° C.-170° C., holding the microballoons at the elevated temperature for 1-24 hours; and gradually cooling the microballoons. This invention also provides a heat-dissipation reactor (11, 21, 31) which comprises a walled reaction chamber having a bottom and no top, the reaction chamber being fitted with high thermal conductivity inserts. When used in accordance with this invention (61), the volume within the walls of the reaction chamber is charged with phenolic resin microballoons. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction chamber (11, 21) is subdivided into a plurality of subchambers by a vertical grid of aluminum plates (19, 29).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Terence B. Walker, Laurie A. Booker
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Publication number: 20040006249Abstract: According to the invention, a fluorination treated substance remarkably reduced in the light absorption loss of a substance to be treated, such as a fluoride thin film, a fluorination treatment apparatus capable of producing the fluorination treated substance, and a process for producing a fluorination treated substance can be provided. Disclosed is a process for producing a fluorination treated substance, comprising an enclosure step of enclosing a substance to be treated in a reactor and a fluorination reaction step of introducing a fluorine gas into the reactor to bring the substance to be treated into contact with the fluorine gas and thereby carry out fluorination reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K., NIKON CORPORATIONInventors: Yasuyuki Hoshino, Yusuke Taki
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Publication number: 20030194369Abstract: A gas generation system includes a chemical reactor integrated with a liquid/gas separator. The reactor is configured to receive a continuous stream of aqueous solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2002Publication date: October 16, 2003Inventors: Ravi Prasad, John A. Devos, Philip Harding, Joseph W. Tsang
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Publication number: 20030140558Abstract: The refractory protected, replaceable insert for a gasifier includes a replaceable floor edge insert that is formed with a predetermined mating profile that is complementary to a finished mating profile of the gasifier floor. The geometry of the mating profiles of the replaceable floor edge insert and the gasifier floor permit removable engagement between the floor edge insert and the mating profile of the gasifier floor. The replaceable floor edge insert is protected by a ring-like arrangement of hanging refractory bricks that each include an appendage. Each brick appendage covers a portion of the inner radial edge of the replaceable floor edge insert and also covers an upper surface portion of an underlying quench ring, thus prolonging the life of the floor and the quench ring. A refractory ceramic fiber paper can be provided between the hanging brick and the floor edge and quench ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Applicant: Texaco Development Corporation and Texaco, Inc.Inventors: John Corwyn Groen, John D. Winter
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Patent number: 6599483Abstract: The invention relates to a metal model pressurized reaction vessel for conducting chemical reactions at different pressures, comprising a bowl-shaped bottom part (1) and a soldered lid (2). According to the invention, the outer lid edge (2b) is shaped as a joint edge running parallel to the outer edge of the bowl-shaped bottom part. The lid (2) and the bowl-shaped bottom part (1) are soldered only on the outer edge.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventors: Volkhard Seiffert, Gerd Ihlenfeld
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Patent number: 6579331Abstract: The present invention provides a CO2-selective membrane process that is useful for the purification and/or water gas shift reaction of a reformed gas, generated from on-board reforming of a fuel, e.g., hydrocarbon, gasoline, diesel, methanol or natural gas, to hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles. Another embodiment of the present invention is directed toward a composition comprising a hydrophylic polymer and at least one ammonium halide salt, the ammonium halide salt being present in an amount ranging from about 10 to 80 wt % based on the total weight of the composition. The composition is suitable in formation of a membrane useful for separating CO2 from a CO2-containing gas, particularly from an on-board reformed gas for the CO2-selective membrane process.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventor: Win-Sow Winston Ho
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Patent number: 6572830Abstract: A multilayered microfluidic device having a substantially monolithic structure is formed by sintering together a plurality of green-sheet layers. The substantially monolithic structure has an inlet port for receiving fluid, an outlet port for releasing fluid, and an interconnection between the inlet port and the outlet port. The substantially monolithic structure may also include a variety of components to enable useful interaction with the fluid, such as electrically conductive pathways, heaters, fluid sensors, fluid motion transducers, and optically transmissive portions. The components are preferably fabricated using thick-film or green-sheet technology and are preferably co-fired with and sintered to the green-sheet layers to become integral with the substantially monolithic structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Jeremy W. Burdon, Rong-Fong Huang, David Wilcox, Nicholas J. Naclerio, Cynthia Ann Gorsuch Briscoe, Piotr Grodzinski, Huinan Yu, Robert Marrero, Sean Ross Gallagher, Yuk-Tong Chan, Barbara McNeil Foley, Xunhu Dai
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Publication number: 20030072699Abstract: 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. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for free flow through the chamber. 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Gary Roberts, Steven T. Perry, Sean P. Fitzgerald
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Patent number: 6548030Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reforming hydrocarbons comprising contacting the hydrocarbons with a catalyst in a reactor system of improved resistance to carburization and metal dusting under conditions of low sulfur.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LPInventors: John V. Heyse, Bernard F. Mulaskey, Robert A. Innes, Daniel P. Hagewiesche, Gale L. Hubred, Steven C. Moore, Paul F. Bryan, Robert L. Hise, Steven E. Trumbull, Randall J. Harris
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Publication number: 20030044334Abstract: The present invention concerns a fuel reformer for reforming a hydrocarbon base fuel into a hydrogen rich gas, the fuel reformer of claim 1, wherein at least a part of material composing the reformer is a material containing at least Cr, Ni, Si, made of Cr 15 to 25 mass %, Ni 8 to 35 mass %, Si 2 to 4 mass % and the remaining ingredients of Fe and inevitable impurities (C, Mn, P, S or others) provides the sigma brittleness resistance and the cementation resistance at the same time, and also a light weight, low cost and cheap price, high reliability, and long life, the fuel reformer of claim 2 of the present invention wherein at least a part of material composing the reformer is a material containing at least Cr, Ni, Si, Nb, and made of Cr 15 to 25 mass %, Ni 8 to 35 mass %, Si 2 to 4 mass %, Nb 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Masataka Kadowaki, Akira Fuju
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Publication number: 20030044333Abstract: This invention relates to a sterilisation chamber for use in a sterilisation device or the like, said chamber being adapted to enclose goods to be sterilised during a sterilisation process. The chamber has a self-supported structure being essentially manufactured from a polymeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Johan Wanselin, Gert Linder
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Publication number: 20030007913Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating encapsulated micro-channels in a substrate is described. The apparatus includes the formation of a thin film layer over an area of a substrate. Following the formation of the thin layer, a periodic array of access windows are formed within the thin film layer along dimensions of one or more desired micro-channels. Following formation of the access windows, the one or more micro-channels are formed within an underlying layer of the substrate. Finally, the one or more micro-channels are encapsulated, thereby closing the one or more access windows along the dimensions of the desired micro-channels. Accordingly, the apparatus is suitable in one context for rapid prototyping of micro-electromechanical systems in the areas of, for example, RF micro-systems, fluidic micro-systems and bio-fluidic applications. In addition, the apparatus enables the rapid prototyping of integrated circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Jeremy A. Rowlette, Paul Winer
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Publication number: 20020187091Abstract: A cracking tube includes a lining of a fouling resistant and corrosion resistant iron aluminide alloy. The iron aluminide alloy can include 14-32 wt. % Al, at least 2 vol. % transition metal oxides, 0.003 to 0.020 wt. % B, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. % Mo, 0.05 to 1.0 wt. % Zr, 0.2 to 2.0 wt. %Ti, 0.10 to 1.0 wt. % La, 0.05 to 0.2 wt. % C., balance Fe, and optionally≦1 wt. % Cr, and the coefficient of thermal expansion of the iron aluminide alloy is substantially the same as the coefficient of thermal expansion over the temperature range of ambient to about 1200° C. of an outer metal layer. A cracking tube utilizing the iron aluminide alloy can be formed from powders of the iron aluminide alloy by consolidation methods including cold isostatic pressing (CIP), hot isostatic pressing (HIP), reaction synthesis, spraying techniques, or co-extrusion with a second material of the cracking tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventor: Seetharama C. Deevi
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Patent number: 6489132Abstract: Methods and apparatus for qualitatively or quantitatively determining one or more analytes in matrices such as foods, biological fluids, etc. An embodiment for determination of a single analyte comprises a sample receiving vessel, a first membrane and a reagent-containing well. The prepared sample passes through the first membrane whereby extraneous matter is removed, and a filtrate enters the reagent-containing well to provide a filtrate-reagent admixture from which the analyte may be determined. An embodiment for determination for multiple analytes includes one or more additional membranes in series with the first membrane, each such additional membrane being operative to capture one or more analytes. Each of the additional analytes may then be eluted from the membrane upon which it has been captured, into a separate reagent-containing well to provide eluant-reagent admixture from which each desired analyte may be determined. Formulations for preparation additives are also included.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1999Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Safety Associates, Inc.Inventors: Virginia C. Gordon, John T. Sorensen, Soheila Mirhashemi, Michael Mittelstein, John F. Elias
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Patent number: 6485852Abstract: A compact integrated thermal management and fuel reformation system and method includes a thermally insulated wall forming an envelope having an interior chamber housing, a solid oxide fuel cell stack and a mixed mode heat exchanger. A recuperator having interior walls that are color graded to provide temperature zones effecting a positive temperature gradient in the direction of the solid oxide fuel cell stack is disposed within the chamber and close coupled to the fuel cell stack for absorbing radiation therefrom. The recuperator further heats the partially preheated oxidant gas and partially or fully reforms incoming fuel gas. Manifolds having oxidant and fuel channels for conducting reformed fuel and heated oxidant from the recuperator to fuel cell oxidant and fuel inlets are arranged to maximize fuel flow at the portions of each fuel cell adjacent the recuperator and to maximize oxidant flow near central portions of each fuel cell. A method for providing a tailored anode fuel stream is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Carl Elmer Miller, Bruno Depreter, Haskell Simpkins, Jean Joseph Botti
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Publication number: 20020165407Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing (meth)acrylic acid and a process for producing (meth)acrylic acid with this apparatus wherein the apparatus enables to produce (meth)acrylic acid stably for a long period of time by effectively inhibiting the polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid in its production process (for example, in a reboiler). At least a part of the apparatus is made of a nickel-chromium-iron alloy with a molybdenum content of 3 to 20 mass %, but not including 3 mass %, or with a molybdenum content of 1 to 4 mass % and a copper content of 0.5 to 7 mass %.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2002Publication date: November 7, 2002Inventors: Sei Nakahara, Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Yukihiro Matsumoto, Kenji Sanada, Masatoshi Ueoka
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Patent number: 6471921Abstract: The invention relates to mixed phase materials for the preparation of catalytic membranes which exhibit ionic and electronic conduction and which exhibit improved mechanical strength compared to single phase ionic and electronic conducting materials. The mixed phase materials are useful for forming gas impermeable membranes either as dense ceramic membranes or as dense thin films coated onto porous substrates. The membranes and materials of this invention are useful in catalytic membrane reactors in a variety of applications including synthesis gas production. One or more crystalline second phases are present in the mixed phase material at a level sufficient to enhance the mechanical strength of the mixture to provide membranes for practical application in CMRs.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Eltron Research, Inc.Inventors: Pamela Van Calcar, Richard Mackay, Anthony F. Sammells
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Patent number: 6403041Abstract: A reaction vessel including an oxygen-containing gas chamber separated from a source gas chamber by an oxygen-permeable membrane that allows oxygen selectively to pass therethrough to contact and react with source gas contained in the source gas chamber. The ratio of at least one of (i) the volume of the oxygen-containing gas chamber to the total volume of the vessel and (ii) the volume of the source gas chamber to the total volume of the vessel, is outside a range within which explosion would occur if the oxygen-containing gas and source gas were allowed to combine directly. Preferably, the ratio also is outside a range within which explosion would occur if the oxygen-containing gas and products resulting from reactions between oxygen supplied through the oxygen-permeable membrane and the source gas were allowed to combine directly. The vessel is safer to operate in that the risk of explosion, due to direct mixing of the gases when the oxygen-permeable membrane is damaged or cracked, is greatly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1998Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Tomonori Takahashi, Manabu Yoshida
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Publication number: 20020032356Abstract: A gold-lined pyrolysis reactor is used to pyrolyze compounds to form fluoroolefins like tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene in high yield, with minimum to no formation of perfluoroisobutylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, coke, salts, or polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Peter Gideon Gelblum, Norman Herron, Charles Joseph Noelke, Velliyur Nott Mallikarjuna Rao
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Patent number: 6342186Abstract: Ceramic liners for use with closed bomb devices are disclosed. The closed bomb devices measure performance properties of energetic materials, such as solid propellant, explosive, and pyrotechnic formulations. The closed bomb devices include a body and a ceramic liner. Alumina silicate and boron nitride are two currently preferred ceramic liner materials which have low compressibility, low thermal conductivity, and excellent durability.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1993Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Cordant Technologies Inc.Inventors: Horace L. Wingfield, III, David R. Dillehay
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Patent number: 6335402Abstract: The inner wall of a solids reactor for carrying out reactions in the gas phase is coated with an antistatic layer having a thickness of 0.1-800 &mgr;m and consisting essentially of a poly-&agr;-olefin and a nonvolatile antistatic agent.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Basell PolyolefineInventors: Shahram Mihan, Armin Lange, Wolfgang Rohde
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Patent number: 6293978Abstract: A process for converting organic compounds using composite materials in membrane reactors. The composite materials include a gas-tight ceramic, a porous metallic support, and an interfacial zone therebetween eliminate the need for mechanical seals between two such dissimilar materials. Oxygen ion-conducting dense ceramic membranes are formed on a porous metallic alloy to provide an interfacial zone identifiable by a gradient of composition in at least one metallic element across the interfacial zone between the dense ceramic membrane and the porous support. Processes using composite materials in accordance with the invention are, for example, used for production of synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen, whereby the synthesis gas is, advantageously, free of deleterious and/or inert gaseous diluents such as nitrogen.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: Mark S. Kleefisch, Carl A. Udovich, Joseph G. Masin, Thaddeus P. Kobylinski
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Patent number: 6258330Abstract: A fuel gas reformer assembly for use in a fuel cell power plant includes fuel gas passages, some of which contain a particulate alumina packing in which a vaporized steam-hydrocarbon fuel stream mixture is heated. The walls of the fuel gas passages are provided with an alumina coating which protects the walls of the passages from corrosion. The alumina coating of the walls, and alumina packing are both overlain by an alkaline earth metal oxide layer, such as a calcium oxide layer, that acts to limit carbon build-up on the surfaces of the coated passage walls. Limiting of carbon build-up in the reformer passages prevents premature clogging of the passages. The carbon build-up-limiting layer is formed on components of the reformer passages by applying a water-based slurry of alkaline earth metal compounds to the reformer passage surfaces, and then drying the slurry so as to solidify it.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: International Fuel Cells, LLCInventors: Roger R. Lesieur, Herbert J. Setzer
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Publication number: 20010005763Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing (meth)acrylic acid and a process for producing (meth)acrylic acid with this apparatus wherein the apparatus enables to produce (meth)acrylic acid stably for a long period of time by effectively inhibiting the polymerization of (meth)acrylic acid in its production process (for example, in a reboiler). At least a part of the apparatus is made of a nickel-chromium-iron alloy with a molybdenum content of 3 to 20 mass %, but not including 3 mass %, or with a molybdenum content of 1 to 4 mass % and a copper content of 0.5 to 7 mass %.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2000Publication date: June 28, 2001Applicant: Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sei Nakahara, Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Yukihiro Matsumoto, Kenji Sanada, Masatoshi Ueoka
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Publication number: 20010003232Abstract: Composite materials of the invention, which include a gas-tight ceramic, a porous metallic support, and an interfacial zone therebetween eliminate the need for mechanical seals between two such dissimilar materials. Oxygen ion-conducting dense ceramic membranes are formed on a porous metallic alloy to provide an interfacial zone identifiable by a gradient of composition in at least one metallic element across the interfacial zone between the dense ceramic membrane and the porous support. Processes using composite materials in accordance with the invention are, for example, used for production of synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen, whereby the synthesis gas is, advantageously, free of deleterious and/or inert gaseous diluents such as nitrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2001Publication date: June 14, 2001Inventors: Mark S. Kleefisch, Carl A. Udovich, Joseph G. Masin, Thaddeus P. Kobylinski
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Patent number: 6200541Abstract: Composite materials of the invention, which include a gas-tight ceramic, a porous metallic support, and an interfacial zone therebetween eliminate the need for mechanical seals between two such dissimilar materials. Oxygen ion-conducting dense ceramic membranes are formed on a porous metallic alloy to provide an interfacial zone identifiable by a gradient of composition in at least one metallic element across the interfacial zone between the dense ceramic membrane and the porous support. Processes using composite materials in accordance with the invention are, for example, used for production of synthesis gas comprising carbon monoxide and molecular hydrogen, whereby the synthesis gas is, advantageously, free of deleterious and/or inert gaseous diluents such as nitrogen.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: BP Amoco CorporationInventors: Mark S. Kleefisch, Carl A. Udovich, Joseph G. Masin, Thaddeus P. Kobylinski
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Patent number: 6177054Abstract: A reactor vessel comprising (a) a cylindrically shaped, hollow core element as the inner wall, which element is open at both ends; and (b) at least one layer of high performance fibers, preferably having a tensile strength of at least 100 MPa, arranged around the core element in an essentially circumferential orientation, wherein the fibers are embedded in a rigid polymeric or resinous matrix. The reactor vessel is suitably part of a high pressure reactor, which further includes two plugging elements arranged in the opposing open ends of the vessel, which plugging elements are mounted on a common frame for balancing the forces exerted on the plugging elements. The reactor is very suitable for use in high pressure operations.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1997Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Instituut Voor Agrotechnologisch Onderzoek (ATO-DLO)Inventor: Paul Vincent Bartels
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Patent number: 6174509Abstract: An article of relatively pure silica, and a furnace and method of producing the article. The article is produced by collecting molten silica particles (24) in a refractory furnace in which at least a portion of the refractory has been exposed to a halogen-containing gas to react with contaminating metal ions in the refractory.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Robert S. Pavlik, Jr., Daniel R. Sempolinski, Michael H. Wasilewski
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Patent number: 6165420Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supplying hydrogen chloride gas from a hydrogen chloride gas generator to an absorbing reactor through a gas supply pipe, and a method for producing hydrochloric acid by allowing the gas absorbed in water in an absorbing reactor. The apparatus obtains a large amount of high purity hydrochloric acid having extremely low impurity concentration with a simple system. The inner wall of the gas supply pipe is constructed with such materials from which impurities are not eluted by hydrochloric acid at least to the position of the wall which is reached by the backward flow or splash of produced hydrochloric acid, vapor of the hydrochloric acid or water in an absorbing reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1997Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignees: Tsurumi Soda Co., Ltd., Kanto Kagaku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masanori Inoko, Kazunori Akiyama, Kenji Hayashi, Kouichi Tomisawa, Tadashi Koganei, Tatsuharu Obara, Suehiro Oshima, Mitsuru Kageyama, Kazuyuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 6139810Abstract: A reactor comprising: a hollow shell defining a hermetic enclosure; a plurality of tube sheets disposed within said hermetic enclosure, a first one of said plurality of tube sheets defining a first chamber; at least one reaction tube each having a first end and an opposing second end, said first end being fixedly attached and substantially hermetically sealed to one end of said plurality of tube sheets and opening into said first chamber, the second end being axially unrestrained; each of said reaction tubes is comprised of an oxygen selective ion transport membrane with an anode side wherein said oxygen selective ion transport membrane is formed from a mixed conductor metal oxide that is effective for the transport of elemental oxygen at elevated temperatures and at least a portion of said first and second heat transfer sections are formed of metal; each of said reaction tubes includes first and second heat transfer sections and a reaction section, said reaction section disposed between said first and secondType: GrantFiled: June 3, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignees: Praxair Technology, Inc., The Standard Oil CompanyInventors: Christian Friedrich Gottzmann, Ravi Prasad, Joseph Michael Schwartz, Victor Emmanuel Bergsten, James Eric White, Terry J. Mazanec, Thomas L. Cable, John C. Fagley
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Patent number: 6117578Abstract: A fuel gas reformer assemblage for use in a fuel cell power plant is formed from a composite plate assembly which includes spaced-apart divider plates with interposed columns of individual fuel gas and burner gas passages. The fuel gas passages are provided with walls which are wash coated with a catalyzed alumina complex. The catalyst complex includes a nickel catalyst and a cerium and/or lanthanum oxide component which stabilizes the alumina against recrystalization in the catalyst complex. The catalyst complex also includes a calcium oxide component which inhibits carbon formation on the alumina surface. The cerium or lanthanum oxide and calcium oxide combine to provide a synergistic improvement in both alumina stabilization and also in inhibition of carbon deposits on the washcoated surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: International Fuel Cells, LLCInventor: Roger R. Lesieur
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Patent number: 6090936Abstract: Device for the isolation of nucleic acids from a liquid sample by introducing the liquid into the device through an inlet opening and passage of the sample through a nucleic acid binding material and discharging of the resulting liquid through an outlet opening, wherein the nucleic acid binding material is inserted through the outlet opening during the manufacture of the device and the outlet opening is narrowed in order to hold the material. The device is particularly simple and reliable to manufacture but yet ensures that nucleic acids can be isolated without contamination.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Boehringer Mannheim GmbHInventors: Thomas Walter, Michael Fritz, Herbert Harttig, Hans Lange, Rolf Lerch