Concentration Sensed Patents (Class 95/8)
  • Patent number: 7077884
    Abstract: A hydrogen sulfide scrubber includes first and second scrubber tanks with scrubber media contained therein. Scrubbing solution circulators each include a dispenser for dispensing scrubbing solution into contact with the scrubber media, a sump for collecting the scrubbing solution after contact with the scrubber media, and a circulating pump for circulating the scrubbing solution from the sump back to the dispenser after contact with the scrubber media. A polymeric amine supply is provided for supplying a polymeric amine to the scrubbing solution in the second tank. The scrubbing solution in the first tank may be charged with the polymeric amine by a charging line extending from the second tank to the first tank. In other embodiments, a regenerative blower and associated nozzle may be used to generate a scrubbing solution mist in the space beneath the scrubber media and above the sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Precision Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry M. Davis, James E. Cheshire
  • Patent number: 7048776
    Abstract: A method and system removes nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) agents from an air stream from a facility HVAC. The system includes an irradiation zone, a saturation zone and a precipitation zone. A contaminant detection apparatus controls the irradiation, saturation and precipitation of the air stream. The irradiation destroys biological agents along with saturation of air stream with a water based solution. The biological debris and dissolved chemical agents are precipitated out of the air stream by condenser coils. Nuclear agents are removed from the air stream by a diverting the air stream though a bypass filter containing high mass particulate filters and activated charcoal. The contaminants are stored for later removal and destruction. The contaminate detection apparatus includes NBC sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Radian, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne K. Moore, Daniel B. Nickell
  • Patent number: 7041157
    Abstract: An apparatus for separating and converting exhaust particulates from a stream of exhaust gas, especially a diesel engine, into gaseous substances, in which the exhaust gas is guided through a honeycomb filter (6) made from a porous ceramic material whose axially extending channels (1, 2) are open merely at one face side of the filter and are closed off at the respective other face side, and a voltage is applied to electrodes (3, 4) extending parallel to the channels (1, 2) of the honeycomb filter (6). The closure of the channels (1, 2) at the face side is made in such a way that the channels (1, 2) each extending at the same normal distance from one of the electrodes (3, 4) are either all open or all closed off at their face side (9). The channels (1, 2) are mutually offset in a brickwork-like way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: Carl Maria Fleck
  • Patent number: 7025801
    Abstract: The treatment unit comprises N adsorption units, N being greater than or equal to 1, operating on a parametrized cycle split uniformly into at most N phase times. Further more, use is made of a control unit for controlling the treatment unit, designed to modify at least one parameter of the cycle. Each time there is a predicted change in the composition of the feed gas, the control unit is sent a pre-established signal representing this change. The processing unit then processes the signal to determine the parameters of an exceptional operating cycle of the treatment unit which cycle is suited to the predicted change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme àl Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventor: Christian Monereau
  • Patent number: 7018443
    Abstract: A system and method for passive hypoxic training provides a person with a low oxygen (hypoxic) environment. Oxygen sensors automatically monitor and control oxygen levels to maintain the altitude desired. CO2 levels are monitored and CO2 is eliminated so that the air a person breathes is substantially clean and fresh. Exposure to a high altitude environment produces physiological changes in a person's body, which becomes more efficient at absorbing and transporting oxygen. Using the present method and system, athletes obtain the benefits of sleeping at a simulated altitude in the user's own home for six to twelve hours, rather than traditional altitude therapies in which athletes spend two to three weeks at high altitude before an athletic competition to obtain similar benefits. This system allows for “live high train low” altitude training that has been shown in controlled studies to provide superior benefits to “live high train high” training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Colorado Altitude Training LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Kutt, Mark Jellison, Joseph Boatman
  • Patent number: 7001444
    Abstract: An automated method for suppressing fugitive dust dissemination is disclosed. The method provides for automated measurement of dust levels at remote locations, transmission of the measurements to a centralized monitoring and control system which sends a signal to remote dust suppression treatment application apparatus which apply the appropriate dust suppression treatment chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: GE Betz, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence P. Small
  • Patent number: 6997970
    Abstract: A gas generation method and apparatus, capable of use in an aircraft, generates oxygen with at least one On Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS) and generates an inert gas with at least one On Board Inert Gas Generating System (OBIGGS) and selectively supplies an auxiliary supply of inert gas utilizing a waste gas output of the at least one OBOGS. The inert gas can include nitrogen. An auxiliary source of oxygen can also be provided. Control valves can be used to selectively supply the waste gas output of the at least one OBOGS to the atmosphere or to either of two locations. The oxygen can be used in a passenger compartment of the aircraft and the inert gas used in either a fuel tank or cargo bay of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor P. Crome
  • Patent number: 6989045
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filtering particulate from an internal combustion engine by use of monolithic particulate trap systems having porous walls (2c, 24c). The porous walls (2c, 24c) filter the particulate. The filtered particulate on inner surfaces of the porous walls is periodically removed or regenerated via back flow of previously filtered exhaust gas. The back flow is caused by creating a pressure difference across the porous walls. The back flow of the previously filtered exhaust gas is simultaneously or sequentially coupled with high velocity through flow of exhaust gas in the channels. In addition, the particulate trap system can be an adsorber-catalyst particulate trap system for filtering particulate and reducing NOx via an adsorber-catalyst trap systems to achieve the EPA 2007 standards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Valley Holding Co.
    Inventors: John M. Bailey, Donald J. Waldman, Marianne F. Waldman
  • Patent number: 6969413
    Abstract: A flow rate of gas supplied to a diesel particulate filter is increased when it is determined that rapid combustion of collected particulates, which are collected by the particulate filter, is likely to occur based on an operating state of an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, the flow rate of gas supplied to the filter is increased when it is determined that rapid combustion of the collected particulates is initiated based on a state of the particulate filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeto Yahata, Makoto Saito, Tsukasa Kuboshima, Shinichiro Okugawa, Masumi Kinugawa
  • Patent number: 6962654
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying dissolved gases (such as oxygen, ozone, chlorine etc.) for chemical and biological processes is described. The methods and apparatus described are particularly suitable for use in the biodegradation of organic matter (such as in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment), and other uses. The apparatus may comprise a dissolved gas supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Patent number: 6955704
    Abstract: A method and mobile system for cleaning dirty gas from a newly stimulated gas well. The entire system is supported on a trailer or other mobile support so that it can be driven from well site to well site for short-term, post-stimulation use only. The system comprises a gas separator, such as a membrane separator. The system also includes a pretreatment assembly for preparing the gas for the gas separator. The pretreatment assembly may include separators, a heater, a guard vessel and a polishing filter. A chiller or heat exchanger cools the treated gas to a marketable temperature. A generator and a hydraulics plant provide power to the system. Each mobile system will be designed to treat gases with widely different operating conditions varying from well to well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Ronald L. Strahan
  • Patent number: 6955706
    Abstract: A system for producing and maintaining high purity degassed layup water for use in a power plant system during a layup period is disclosed. The liquid degassing system includes a degassing assembly for removing a predetermined amount of the undesired gases under vacuum pressure from the layup solution such that the amount of desired gases within the layup solution remains at or below standard values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Dominion Engineering INC
    Inventors: Robert D Varrin, Jr., Sotaro Kaneda
  • Patent number: 6913636
    Abstract: An inerting system provides air with reduced oxygen content by flowing and directing air through an air separation module. Optimal working pressure for the air separation module is obtained with two compressors. A first compressor elevates air from the aircraft cabin to a second pressure. The second pressure is at an intermediate level below the working pressure of the air separation module. A second compressor elevates air from the second pressure to the working pressure. The second compressor is driven by air that is exhausted through a turbine. The pressure difference between air at the working pressure and air required by the fuel distribution system is used to power the turbine and drive the second compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Defrancesco, Thomas Zywiak, Harold W. Hipsky
  • Patent number: 6913637
    Abstract: An air purifier includes a main body defining an air passage therein to allow sucked air to pass therethrough prior to being discharged, and a first filter installed in the main body to be switched between a closed state and an open state. The first filter removes contaminants from the sucked air in the closed state, and allows the sucked air to pass through the air passage in the open state. The air purifier may include a main body to suck and discharge air, with a bypass passage formed in the main body so that the bypass passage is opened or closed by a door, and a first filter installed in the main body. The sucked air passes through the first filter prior to being discharged when the door is closed, and passes through the bypass passage prior to being discharged when the door is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 6846347
    Abstract: A method of operating a life support system for an aircraft, the system including a plurality of oxygen supply apparatus, each of which in use is operable to supply product gas, which may be pure oxygen or oxygen enriched gas, to a breathing gas supply apparatus, at least one of the oxygen supply apparatus being a main oxygen supply apparatus and the remainder of the oxygen supply apparatus being auxiliary oxygen supply apparatus, the main oxygen supply apparatus being operable independently of the auxiliary oxygen supply apparatus, characterized in that the method includes operating the main oxygen supply apparatus and supplying product gas to each of the auxiliary oxygen supply apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell Normaliar-Garrett (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: Robert John Phillips, Adrian Simons, Norman Francis Charles Barns
  • Patent number: 6842998
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank for performing semiconductor manufacturing. In one aspect, the invention is a method of supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: supplying a gas stream through at least one hydrophobic tube; exposing the outside surface of the hydrophobic tube to a liquid so that the liquid permeates the hydrophobic tube and enters the gas stream, forming a gas-liquid vapor inside the tube; and transporting the gas-liquid vapor to the process tank. In another aspect, the invention is an apparatus for supplying a gas-liquid vapor to a process tank comprising: at least one hydrophobic tube adapted to carry a gas; and a housing forming a chamber that surrounds the tube, the chamber adapted to receive a liquid that can permeate the tube, forming a gas-liquid vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Akrion LLC
    Inventors: Ismail Kashkoush, Richard Novak, Larry Myland
  • Patent number: 6827760
    Abstract: A system and method for passive hypoxic training provides a person with a low oxygen (hypoxic) environment. Oxygen sensors automatically monitor and control oxygen levels to maintain the altitude desired. CO2 levels are monitored and CO2 is eliminated so that the air a person breathes is substantially clean and fresh. Exposure to a high altitude environment produces physiological changes in a person's body, which becomes more efficient at absorbing and transporting oxygen. Using the present method and system, athletes obtain the benefits of sleeping at a simulated altitude in the user's own home for six to twelve hours, rather than traditional altitude therapies in which athletes spend two to three weeks at high altitude before an athletic competition to obtain similar benefits. This system allows for “live high train low” altitude training that has been shown in controlled studies to provide superior benefits to “live high train high” training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Colorado Altitude Training LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Kutt, Mark Jellison, Joseph Boatman
  • Publication number: 20040216608
    Abstract: An automated method for suppressing fugitive dust dissemination is disclosed. The method provides for automated measurement of dust levels at remote locations, transmission of the measurements to a centralized monitoring and control system which sends a signal to remote dust suppression treatment application apparatus which apply the appropriate dust suppression treatment chemicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Terrence P. Small
  • Publication number: 20040216609
    Abstract: The invention comprises a gas recycling system comprising: a) a source of gas having a predetermined purity (28); b) an application system (6) that uses said gas and adds contaminants to said gas; c) an adsorption system (1) for removing said contaminants from said gas to produce a purified gas, and a waste gas; d) a gas purity analyzer (100) for measuring the amount of said contaminants in said waste gas; e) conduits ((5), (8), (9) (13) and (15) connecting the gas source (4) to said application system, said application system (6) to said adsorption system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Mohamed Safdar Allie Baksh, Scot Eric Jaynes, Bernard Thomas Neu, James Smolarek, Mark Thomas Emley
  • Publication number: 20040173092
    Abstract: A method and system removes nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) agents from an air stream from a facility HVAC. The system includes an irradiation zone, a saturation zone and a precipitation zone. A contaminant detection apparatus controls the irradiation, saturation and precipitation of the air stream. The irradiation destroys biological agents along with saturation of air stream with a water based solution. The biological debris and dissolved chemical agents are precipitated out of the air stream by condenser coils. Nuclear agents are removed from the air stream by diverting the air stream though a bypass filter containing high mass particulate filters and activated charcoal. The contaminants are stored for later removal and destruction. The contaminate detection apparatus includes NBC sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Wayne K. Moore, Daniel B. Nickell
  • Patent number: 6783571
    Abstract: For cleaning of crankcase gas produced by an internal combustion engine, that is arranged for propelling a vehicle, use is made of a centrifugal separator having a centrifugal rotor that is mounted on the vehicle. The cleaning efficiency of the centrifugal separator is changed by changing the rotational speed of an electrical motor, that is connected to a source of current on the vehicle and arranged for driving said centrifugal rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Corporate AB
    Inventor: Mats Ekeroth
  • Patent number: 6773582
    Abstract: A drinking water treatment system includes a pump for pumping water from an aquifer, an aerator connected downstream from the pump for generating an outlet water flow and a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow, and a hydrogen sulfide scrubber for scrubbing the hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow from the aerator. The hydrogen sulfide scrubber includes at least one scrubber tank and scrubber media contained therein. A scrubbing solution circulator includes a dispenser for dispensing scrubbing solution into contact with the scrubber media, a sump for collecting the scrubbing solution after contact with the scrubber media, and a circulating pump for circulating the scrubbing solution from the sump back to the dispenser after contact with the scrubber media. A triazine compound supply is provided for supplying a triazine compound to the scrubbing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Precision Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Anthony
  • Publication number: 20040118276
    Abstract: An air purifier discharges air directly to a room without forcing the air to pass through a HEPA filter when the level of contaminations in the air, such as dust particles, is determined to be sufficiently low. The air purifier thus minimizes air pressure loss and attenuates operational noise caused by the HEPA filter, through which air passes. In an aspect, the air purifier includes a main body defining an air passage therein to allow sucked air to pass therethrough prior to being discharged, and a first filter installed in the main body to be switched between a dosed state and an open state. The first filter removes contaminants from the sucked air in the dosed state, and allows the sucked air to pass smoothly through the air passage in the open state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20040112211
    Abstract: This invention provides systems and methods of supplying oxygen-enriched air to an enclosed space or compartment. The systems and methods may distill oxygen from ambient air by a molecular sieve pressure cycle mechanism, such as a pressure swing absorption, may generate oxygen from water using electricity or may use oxygen enriched air produced by membrane filtration. The invention helps people improve their wellness, productivity and comfort, improve performance of mental and/or physical tasks, increase their alertness, quality of life and pleasure, reduce their drowsiness, and aid in curing and preventing disease by increasing the percentage of oxygen in the enclosed space to a beneficial and safe level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Udi Meirav
  • Patent number: 6740139
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is an automated system for transporting and deoxygenating a solution. The system is designed to: 1) transport a solution through a deoxygenating device 2) continuously monitor the oxygen content of the deoxygenated solution 3) collect the solution in a reservoir and automatically maintain solution level 4) automatically dispense the solution as requested and 5) perform automated solution prepare, startup, and shutdown operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Todd Aldridge Russell, Milos Sidlo, Robert Donlon
  • Publication number: 20040083885
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method characterised in that it consists in: determining online at least an ultraviolet spectrum portion of at least one of the compounds present in one or the other of the waste water feeding circuits (7, 13) or of the column (8) waste water output (16); qualitatively and quantitatively determining, by mathematical processing of the measured intensity levels, at least a contaminant present in the samples; on the basis of the results obtained and by comparing with pre-defined setpoint values, in restoring said data in the form of electric signals, which control the waste water supply and the stripping column water vapour flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Buisson, Frederic Pouly
  • Publication number: 20040065195
    Abstract: Filter media and filter structure or media pack can be engineered to exhibit high initial efficiency and to surface load particulate removed from a gaseous stream. The filter technology protects engine operation from ingested particulate and accumulates the particulate as a surface loaded layer visible on the surface of the structure. The particulate accumulates as a surface loaded layer until it achieves a certain depth of particulate or gray scale characteristic or color depth indicative of the end of the useful life of the filter prompting a change of the filter structure. The filter structure is characterized by its ability to surface load particulate, avoid accumulation of particulate in the depth media and enhance the characteristics of the material through surface loading. Such technology is particularly useful in light duty vehicle maintenance technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Mark A. Gogins
  • Patent number: 6716406
    Abstract: In an air conditioning system which includes a catalytic air purifier, a control system is provided for sensing the level of predetermined conditions in a space and for responsively modulating the air purification process in a manner which optimizes the process in terms of its effectiveness and its economical use. The conditions that are sensed include the levels of VOC's, CO2, and biological contaminants, as well as degree of occupancy, relative humidity and air flow. The air purification process is modulated by varying the power to a UV lamp, turning one or more UV lamps on or off, varying the effectiveness of the catalyst, varying the volume or speed of the air flowstream and/or varying the relative humidity in the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley Reisfeld, Robert H. L. Chiang, Olivier Josserand, Kevin B. Dunshee, Thierry Jomard
  • Patent number: 6712877
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator system includes at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system and a plenum subsystem. The at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system produces oxygen-enriched air which is outputted to both the oxygen concentrator system output and to a plenum chamber within the plenum subsystem. The plenum chamber is trickle charged with the oxygen-enriched air when the at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system produces an excess amount of oxygen-enriched air. Should the demand for oxygen-enriched air exceed the capability of the at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system, additional oxygen-enriched air is provided by the plenum chamber until such time that the capability of the at least one oxygen concentrator sub-system exceeds the demand of oxygen-enriched air. At that time, oxygen-enriched air is no longer provided by the plenum chamber but rather the plenum chamber is again trickle charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tuan Q. Cao, Gary Byrd, Lyle Berkenbosch, Craig Schledewitz
  • Publication number: 20040055463
    Abstract: A drinking water treatment system includes a pump for pumping water from an aquifer, an aerator connected downstream from the pump for generating an outlet water flow and a hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow, and a hydrogen sulfide scrubber for scrubbing the hydrogen sulfide-containing gas flow from the aerator. The hydrogen sulfide scrubber includes at least one scrubber tank and scrubber media contained therein. A scrubbing solution circulator includes a dispenser for dispensing scrubbing solution into contact with the scrubber media, a sump for collecting the scrubbing solution after contact with the scrubber media, and a circulating pump for circulating the scrubbing solution from the sump back to the dispenser after contact with the scrubber media. A triazine compound supply is provided for supplying a triazine compound to the scrubbing solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: Precision Control Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6709482
    Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds and carbon monoxide in reactive fluids such as ammonia, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, and chlorine are reduced to sub-ppb levels using gas purifying systems that contain a preconditioned ultra-low emission (P-ULE) carbon. P-ULE is capable of removing impurities from a reactive fluid down to parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels without concurrently emitting other impurities such as moisture or carbon dioxide into the purified reactive fluid. The P-ULE carbon is prepared by heating a carbon material to temperatures from 300° C. to about 800° C. in an ultra-dry, inert gas stream, to produce an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material, subjecting the ULE carbon to a second activation process under a reactive gas atmosphere to produce a P-ULE carbon and storing the P-ULE carbon in an environment that minimizes contamination of the P-ULE prior to its use in a gas purifier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans H. Funke, Dan Fraenkel, Virginia H. Houlding
  • Patent number: 6702873
    Abstract: An inertial inlet particle separator system (14) for a vehicle engine (12) is provided. The system (14) includes a particle sensor (60) that generates a contamination signal. An inertial inlet particle separator (56) is also included in the system (14) and has a fluid parameter adjusting system (58) mechanically coupled within the inertial inlet particle separator (56). A controller (62) is electrically coupled to the particle sensor (60) and the clean fluid parameter adjusting system (58). The controller (62) adjusting a fluid parameter of the inertial inlet particle separator (56) in response to the contamination signal. A method of performing the same is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Peter A. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6669758
    Abstract: A controller system for a molecular sieve device controls a product gas generated by n molecular sieve beds for separating a gas from an input gas supply. A valve assembly with n states has an input receiving the input gas and n outlets. Each valve state in a first position creates an open passageway from the input of the slide valve to an outlet. Transitioning a valve from the first to a second position creates a variable amount of restriction in the flow of gas between the input and a selected outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell F. Hart, Charles B. Hager
  • Patent number: 6666905
    Abstract: A thermoelectric particle precipitator for removing and collecting particles from a fluid stream. The thermoelectric particle precipitator utilizes one or more thermoelectric modules to create a temperature gradient which causes suspended particles in a fluid stream to undergo thermophoretic movement and precipitate on a surface on the cooled side of the temperature gradient. The collection surface may be a cooled surface of the thermoelectric module or a cooled surface of a thermal mass. The collected particles may be analyzed to determine their composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Midwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Andrew E. Page, Plamen G. Doynov, Mary Ann Grelinger, Chatten Cowherd, Jr., Timothy J. Sheeran
  • Publication number: 20030209140
    Abstract: A system and method for passive hypoxic training provides a person with a low oxygen (hypoxic) environment. Oxygen sensors automatically monitor and control oxygen levels to maintain the altitude desired. CO2 levels are monitored and CO2 is eliminated so that the air a person breathes is substantially clean and fresh. Exposure to a high altitude environment produces physiological changes in a person's body, which becomes more efficient at absorbing and transporting oxygen. Using the present method and system, athletes obtain the benefits of sleeping at a simulated altitude in the user's own home for six to twelve hours, rather than traditional altitude therapies in which athletes spend two to three weeks at high altitude before an athletic competition to obtain similar benefits. This system allows for “live high train low” altitude training that has been shown in controlled studies to provide superior benefits to “live high train high” training.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Colorado Altitude Training LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Kutt, Mark Jellison, Joseph Boatman
  • Publication number: 20030196548
    Abstract: An inertial inlet particle separator system (14) for a vehicle engine (12) is provided. The system (14) includes a particle sensor (60) that generates a contamination signal. An inertial inlet particle separator (56) is also included in the system (14) and has a fluid parameter adjusting system (58) mechanically coupled within the inertial inlet particle separator (56). A controller (62) is electrically coupled to the particle sensor (60) and the clean fluid parameter adjusting system (58). The controller (62) adjusting a fluid parameter of the inertial inlet particle separator (56) in response to the contamination signal. A method of performing the same is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Peter A. Hartman
  • Patent number: 6602323
    Abstract: A method of reducing PFC emissions during a semiconductor manufacturing process that includes a set of sub-processes each of which produces at least one PFC includes the steps of exhausting PFC's produced by each sub-process to a common line to form a combined exhaust stream, treating the combined exhaust stream from each sub-process using a separate PFC abatement system, combining the treated exhaust streams to form a combined treated stream, and wet scrubbing the combined treated stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung-Ki Chae, Sang-Gon Lee, Sang-Hyuk Chung, Seong-Jin Heo
  • Patent number: 6565624
    Abstract: A system and method for passive hypoxic training provides a person with a low oxygen (hypoxic) environment. Oxygen sensors automatically monitor and control oxygen levels to maintain the altitude desired. CO2 levels are monitored and CO2 is eliminated so that the air a person breathes is substantially clean and fresh. Exposure to a high altitude environment produces physiological changes in a person's body, which becomes more efficient at absorbing and transporting oxygen. Using the present method and system, athletes obtain the benefits of sleeping at a simulated altitude in the user's own home for six to twelve hours, rather than traditional altitude therapies in which athletes spend two to three weeks at high altitude before an athletic competition to obtain similar benefits. This system allows for “live high train low” altitude training that has been shown in controlled studies to provide superior benefits to “live high train high” training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Colorado Altitude Training LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Kutt, Mark Jellison, Joseph Boatman
  • Publication number: 20030056646
    Abstract: A gas removal filter has an ion exchanger for adsorbing a gas and at least a pair of electric resistance measuring electrodes disposed on the ion exchanger. By measuring a change in the electric resistance between at least the pair of electric resistance measuring electrodes disposed on the ion exchanger, it is possible to estimate an ion exchange group consumption ratio of the ion exchanger. The ion exchange group consumption ratio of the ion exchanger can be detected in a short period of time, and a remaining adsorption capability of the ion exchanger can be known with ease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Tanaka, Yoko Suzuki, Takashi Kishi
  • Patent number: 6537347
    Abstract: A chemical filter unit 10 is made of a chemical filter 12 and a filter life detection sensor 1. The filter life detection sensor 1 is provided with an adsorption state detection sensor 3 and a reference sensor 4 to which a flow of air is blocked. The sensors 3 and 4 are made of the same filter material as the chemical filter 12 with a pair of electrodes sandwiching the filter material. An oscillation circuit, in which the sensors 3 and 4 constitute a part of the oscillating conditions, detects changes in impedance of the sensors 3 and 4 based on the changes in oscillation frequencies. A measurement of the adsorption state detection sensor 3 is corrected with a measurement of the reference sensor 4 in order to remove effects of temperature and humidity, obtain a measurement corresponding to the amount of adsorption of chemical substances, and decide on the timing of replacing the chemical filter based on the corrected measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignees: Omron Corporation, Tokyo Electron LTD
    Inventors: Satoshi Motouji, Iichi Hirao, Teruyuki Hayashi, Misako Saito
  • Patent number: 6508858
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating exhaust gases. The apparatus includes an adsorbing tower containing an adsorbent to adsorb an impurity gas included in the exhaust gases. A desorbing tower heats the adsorbent to desorb the impurity gas from the adsorbent so that the adsorbent can be re-used. A transfer unit circulates the adsorbent between the adsorbing tower and the desorbing tower. A controller controls the temperature of the adsorbent. A helical heater is arranged in the desorbing tower to heat the adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hideki Hirose, Mikio Hachikawa, Kouji Teramoto
  • Patent number: 6500547
    Abstract: A sensor assembly can detect at least one target material in an environment. The sensor assembly comprises at least one sensor and an amorphous fluoropolymer material coating disposed on a surface of the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Radislav Alexandrovich Potyrailo
  • Patent number: 6491828
    Abstract: A contaminated aqueous composition is withdrawn from a groundwater extraction well and the groundwater is treated in a pump and treat system to remove a contaminant. The treating of the aqueous composition is monitored from a location remote from the groundwater extraction well and the treating is adjusted to remove a contaminant in accordance with the monitoring. A system to treat a contaminated aqueous composition comprises a capture zone to intercept a contaminated aqueous composition and a surface pump and treat system to receive and treat the contaminated aqueous composition from the capture zone. The system also includes a sensor that senses a contaminant in the contaminated aqueous composition and a monitor to receive information concerning the contaminant from the sensor and to consequently control the pump and treat system to treat the contaminated aqueous composition. The monitor is situated at a location remote from the pump and treat system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Sivavec, Patricia Denise Mackenzie, Sunita Singh Baghel, Joseph James Salvo
  • Publication number: 20020134233
    Abstract: A method of reducing PFC emissions during a semiconductor manufacturing process that includes a set of sub-processes each of which produces at least one PFC includes the steps of exhausting PFC's produced by each sub-process to a common line to form a combined exhaust stream, treating the combined exhaust stream from each sub-process using a separate PFC abatement system, combining the treated exhaust streams to form a combined treated stream, and wet scrubbing the combined treated stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Seung-Ki Chae, Sang-Gon Lee, Sang-Hyuk Chung, Seong-Jin Heo
  • Patent number: 6451210
    Abstract: In a method for treating a contaminated fluid stream, a characteristic of a flow of the composition to a carbon adsorption zone is sensed. The sensing is remotely monitored to determine a treatment for the contaminated fluid stream. The contaminated fluid stream is then treated according to the monitoring. A system for treating a contaminated fluid stream comprises a sensor that senses a characteristic of a flow of a contaminated fluid stream prior to treatment and a monitor to receive information concerning the characteristic from the sensor and to consequently control the carbon adsorption zone to treat the contaminated fluid stream. The monitor is situated at a location remote from the carbon adsorption zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Sivavec, Patricia Denise Mackenzie, Joseph James Salvo, Sunita Singh Baghel
  • Publication number: 20020112605
    Abstract: A chemical filter unit 10 is made of a chemical filter 12 and a filter life detection sensor 1. The filter life detection sensor 1 is provided with an adsorption state detection sensor 3 and a reference sensor 4 to which a flow of air is blocked. The sensors 3 and 4 are made of the same filter material as the chemical filter 12 with a pair of electrodes sandwiching the filter material. An oscillation circuit, in which the sensors 3 and 4 constitute a part of the oscillating conditions, detects changes in impedance of the sensors 3 and 4 based on the changes in oscillation frequencies. A measurement of the adsorption state detection sensor 3 is corrected with a measurement of the reference sensor 4 in order to remove effects of temperature and humidity, obtain a measurement corresponding to the amount of adsorption of chemical substances, and decide on the timing of replacing the chemical filter based on the corrected measurement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: OMRON CORPORATION and TOKYO ELECTRON LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Motouji, Iichi Hirao, Teruyuki Hayashi, Misako Saito
  • Patent number: 6436710
    Abstract: A headspace sampling system monitors materials in wastewater. The headspace sampling system comprises a sample receptacle that can contain a wastewater sample; a sparger chamber vapor column; a sample receptacle cover assembly that connects the sparger chamber vapor column to the sample receptacle; a sparger tube; at least one sensing device; and at least one analytic device. The sparger tube and the sample receptacle define a headspace. The sparger chamber vapor column is in communication with the sample receptacle and is closed by a sparger chamber vapor column cover at a second end that is opposed to the sample receptacle. The sparger tube extends into the sample receptacle and the wastewater sample in the sample receptacle. The sparger tube is connected to a source of inert gas at a first end opposed to the sample receptacle and comprises a dispersion device at an end opposed to the first end. The sensing device is disposed in the headspace sampling system in the headspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Mark Sivavec, Sunita Singh Baghel, Don Royall Houston, Angelo Anthony Bracco
  • Patent number: 6435113
    Abstract: A method for decreasing the concentration of a chlorinated aromatic compound in the exhaust gas from a combustion furnace. The exhaust gas from the combustion furnace is passed through a bag filter. The concentration of the chlorinated aromatic compound in the exhaust gas is measured and the operating temperature of the bag filter is adjusted based on the measured concentration of the chlorinated aromatic compound in order to decrease the concentration of the chlorinated aromatic compound in the exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: NKK Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Miyazawa, Hideki Nagano, Satoshi Fujii, Manabu Kuroda, Takashi Yokoyama, Takaaki Kondo
  • Patent number: 6361696
    Abstract: A method for the decontamination of fluid (liquid or supercritical) carbon dioxide fluid, especially of hydrocarbon contaminants, down to ≦100 ppb concentration are described. The critical component is a high silica zeolite, preferably a high silica Y-type zeolite, ZSM-5 or a high silica mordenite, which in a variety of physical forms is capable of decontaminating such fluid CO2 to ≦100 ppb, ≦10-50 ppb, or ˜1 ppb, without being detrimentally affected by the supercritical operating environment. The high silica zeolite may be produced by the removal of alumina from a natural or synthetic zeolite while retaining the desirable zeolite structure, to a silica:alumina ratio of from 20-2000:1. Preferably the zeolite is disposed in separate quantities in at least two vessels, which operate alternately. A portion of the purified product from the operating vessel is directed to the other vessel and there used to remove accumulated contaminants from that vessel's zeolite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Aeronex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Daniel Alvarez, Jr., Peter K. Shogren, Joshua T. Cook
  • Patent number: 6350303
    Abstract: A solid powder trapping system for filtering out solid powder from a mixture of gaseous reactants that also includes a device capable of determining the degree of powder accumulation inside the trap. The powder trapping system uses a powder trap to catch the solid powder within the gaseous mixture. A magnetic flux sensor is also installed inside the trap for measuring a magnetic flux whose strength depends on the amount of solid powder inside the trap. The magnetic flux sensor is connected to a display device so that reading from the display device reflects the amount of solid powder accumulated inside the powder trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventor: Jack Wu