Temperature Sensing Means Patents (Class 96/112)
  • Patent number: 8182583
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer readable storage medium for managing powdered activated carbon (PAC) injections for controlling mercury emissions from coal-fired boilers. A mercury concentration value received from a mercury continuous emissions monitor is stored in the plant control system database. A PAC injection rate from an activated carbon injection system also is stored in the plant control system database. If the mercury concentration value is greater than the mercury setpoint, a signal is sent to the activated carbon injection system to increase PAC injection by a predetermined value. If the mercury concentration value is less than the mercury setpoint, a signal is sent to the activated carbon injection system to decrease PAC injection by a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Southern Company Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Damon Eric Woodson, Charles Walter Conner, Lawrence Petoia, Calvin J. Hohenshell
  • Publication number: 20120118143
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for dehumidifying a desired area using a desiccant dehumidifier. The desiccant dehumidifier of the present invention provides substantial advantages over known desiccant dehumidifiers in terms of simplified manufacture and improved efficiency. The dehumidifier of the present invention includes a single chamber with an intake and an exhaust end, a desiccant, a fan and a heater located in the chamber, and one or more regulators for directing intake and/or output of air in relation to the chamber. This configuration does not require a rotor motor or cycling multichamber apparatus in order to change operation of the apparatus from drying air to reactivating the desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Ronald E. Foreman
  • Publication number: 20120097030
    Abstract: A device for drying fuel, e.g., in a motor vehicle, has a storage reservoir for a desiccant which absorbs moisture at temperatures below a regeneration temperature, and releases it again at temperatures above the regeneration temperature. Furthermore, a connection between the storage reservoir and a fuel tank storing the fuel is provided, the air situated above the fuel coming into operative connection with the desiccant via the connection. Using a heating device for heating the desiccant to a temperature above the regeneration temperature, the desiccant is able to be regenerated. The device for drying fuel enables removal of water contained in the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Volker Haas, Robert Barunovic
  • Publication number: 20120000364
    Abstract: A system for removing carbon dioxide from an atmosphere to reduce global warming including an air extraction system that collects carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a medium and removes carbon dioxide from the medium; a sequestration system that isolates the removed carbon dioxide to a location for at least one of storage and generation of a renewable carbon fuel; and one or more power supplying units that supply heat to the air extraction system to remove the carbon dioxide from the medium, at least one of the one or more power supplying units being a fossil fuel plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Peter Eisenberger, Graciela Chichilnisky
  • Patent number: 8080095
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment steady state tracking desorption system achieves steady tracking of either a fixed sorbate output set point, or a set point that changes over time. The system includes an electrically heated thermal adsorption/desorption device A temperature sensor senses the temperature of an adsorbent material within the adsorption/desorption device. A sorbate sensor senses a sorbate level from an outlet of the adsorption/desorption device. A power sensor senses the power supplied by the desorption device. A controller interprets levels sensed by the temperature sensor, the sorbate sensor and the power sensor and provides a signal to achieve steady set point tracking of a sorbate level from the outlet of the adsorption/desorption device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: Mark J. Rood, K. James Hay, Byung J. Kim, Hamidreza Emamipour, Zaher M. Hashisho
  • Publication number: 20110252962
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a gas storage and supply system and its operation processes having pre-selected temperature and pressure limits are disclosed. Various temperature and pressure profiles may be used to supply stored gas to a gas consuming device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Rittmar Von Helmolt, Ulrich Eberle, Dieter Hasenauer
  • Publication number: 20110247489
    Abstract: A natural gas dehydration system and method includes a contactor, a flash tank, and a still interconnected by a desiccant circulation system. A continuously fired reboiler is coupled to the still and the flash tank to bum the flash gas from the flash tank and heat the desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph A. Witherspoon
  • Patent number: 7988771
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling odor within a refrigeration appliance is provided. The apparatus includes a frame removably positioned within an airflow path configured to supply cooled air to a food storage compartment of the refrigeration appliance. The frame defines a chamber. A filter medium is positioned within the chamber. The filter medium is configured to filter air channeled therethrough and remove odorous molecules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Sanjay Manohar Anikhindi, Mark Wilson, Sheena Ritchie
  • Publication number: 20110113957
    Abstract: A system and System for removing CO2 from an input gas stream. The system comprises a carboniser segment configured such that a solid sorbent reacts therein with the input gas stream to remove CO2 from the input gas stream; a calciner segment configured such that the solid sorbent from the carboniser segment reacts therein to release the CO2 into a substantially pure gas stream; a heat exchanger unit for exchanging heat between the carboniser and calciner segments; a first conditioning unit for controlling a CO2 partial pressure in the carboniser segment; and a second conditioning unit for controlling a CO2 partial pressure in the calciner segment; wherein the first and second conditioning units are configured such that a difference between the CO2 partial pressures in the carboniser and calciner segments respectively is controlled such that heat is provided from the carboniser to the calciner through the heat exchanging unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Geoffrey Sceats
  • Publication number: 20110061539
    Abstract: An aircraft fuel tank ventilation system, comprising a desiccative dehumidifying device including a desiccant medium disposed in flow communication between a vent open to the atmosphere and a fuel tank, and a microwave energy transmitter for energizing liquid water in the desiccant medium to facilitate regeneration of the medium. Also, a method of regenerating a desiccant medium of a dehumidifying device of an aircraft fuel tank ventilation system, the method comprising directing air through the desiccant medium, and transmitting microwave energy into the desiccant medium for energizing liquid water in the desiccant medium to facilitate regeneration of the medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Joseph K-W LAM, Franklin TICHBORNE, Simon MASTERS, David PARMENTER
  • Patent number: 7866315
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator comprises a plurality of adsorbent columns, each having an inlet, an outlet and abed of adsorbent material. The oxygen concentrator also includes a vacuum pump for removing separated nitrogen rich gas from the column inlets, a control valve for controlling flow of fluids in and out of the columns, and a breakthrough sensor for signaling the position of a mass transfer zone (MTZ), the breakthrough sensor controlling operation of the control valve as a function of the breakthrough sensor signal. An electric control module (ECM) receives the signal from the breakthrough sensor, and adjusts the control valve based on the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: VBox, Incorporated
    Inventors: Theodore W. Jagger, Nicholas P. Van Brunt, John A. Kivisto, Perry B. Lonnes
  • Patent number: 7833312
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a heatable dehumidifier. The heating of the dehumidifier is to be actuated only when several congruent time windows within which a temperature gradient is greater than or equal to 0 could be determined during a certain period of time, i.e. the heating is to be actuated only when no air flows into the interior of the expansion vessel of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Viereck, Reiner Brill, Kai Haemel, Alexander Lodig
  • Patent number: 7833311
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with temperature-based breakthrough detection systems, as well as to hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same, and to methods of operating the same. The detection systems are adapted to detect a measured temperature associated with adsorbent in an adsorbent bed of a PSA assembly and to control the operation of at least the PSA assembly responsive at least in part thereto, such as responsive to the relationship between the measured temperature and at least one reference temperature. The reference temperature may include a stored value, a previously measured temperature and/or a temperature measured elsewhere in the PSA assembly. In some embodiments, the reference temperature is associated with adsorbent downstream from the adsorbent from which the measured temperature is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventor: James A. Givens
  • Patent number: 7789937
    Abstract: Ice-clad machinery and equipment in very cold environments are made more easily recoverable by enclosing the machinery and equipment in an environmentally contained area and introducing desiccant dehumidified air into the contained area to lower the vapor pressure in fostering a “sublimation” process conversion from the solid state of the ice to a gaseous state which can be exhausted without first going through any intermediate liquid state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Spencer W. Hess
  • Patent number: 7789938
    Abstract: Device for drying a compressed gas which consists of a compressed gas supply (2), two pressure vessels (33 and 34) which are provided with an input (37, respectively) and an output (39, 40 respectively) and a take-up point (32) for users of compressed dried gas, whereby at least two layers of desiccant (35 and 36) are provided in the pressure vessels (33 and 34), a first layer (35) made of a waterproof desiccant and a second layer (36) which is not necessarily made of a waterproof desiccant respectively, and whereby the pressure vessels (33 and 34) are provided with a second input (41, 42 respectively) for the supply of compressed gas to regenerate desiccant from the first layer (35).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Airpower, naamloze vennootschap
    Inventor: Filip Gustaaf M. Huberland
  • Patent number: 7785405
    Abstract: Systems and processes are provided for gas separation using high-speed permanent magnet variable-speed motors to accelerate and decelerate centrifugal compressors suitable for use in pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Manning, James Smolarek, Ahmed Abdelwahab, Murali Chinta
  • Publication number: 20100154629
    Abstract: An oxidizing gas purification apparatus (1) for a fuel cell (7) has a compressor (2) that compresses oxidizing gas and sends the oxidizing gas; a cooling apparatus (4), disposed downstream from the compressor (2), that cools the oxidizing gas passing therethrough; an adsorbent unit (5b), disposed downstream from the cooling apparatus (4), that houses an adsorbent (5a) that adsorbs impurities included in the oxidizing gas sent from the cooling apparatus (4) at a prescribed adsorption temperature and releases the adsorbed impurities at a prescribed thermal regeneration temperature that is above the prescribed adsorption temperature by control of the operation of the cooling apparatus (4) to cool the oxidizing gas that has a temperature above the prescribed adsorption temperature and that is sent from the compressor (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Hiroshi Fujitani
  • Publication number: 20100147146
    Abstract: A method and system for automated control of the operating temperature setpoint of a circulating fluidized bed (CFB) scrubber within a pre-determined range of approach temperatures to the adiabatic saturation temperature of the CFB scrubber exhaust stream to maintain an optimal operating temperature, thereby reducing low temperature sulfuric acid corrosion and deposition of wet materials, and high temperature excess reagent use. A Dewcon® Moisture Analyzer (or equivalent) is connected in the exhaust stream of the CFB scrubber. The Dewcon® Moisture Analyzer transmits adiabatic saturation temperature data of the exhaust stream to the CFB scrubber system controller. Based on pre-programmed parameters, the system controller adjusts the CFB scrubber temperature setpoint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Paul E. Petty
  • Patent number: 7727305
    Abstract: A system for recycling vented atmosphere gas discharged from a heat treatment chamber utilizing a protective atmosphere gas therein. The system includes an atmosphere recycling apparatus configured to receive the vented atmosphere gas. The atmosphere recycling apparatus includes a gas separator configured to separate the vented atmosphere gas into a purified atmosphere gas stream and an impure stream. The atmosphere recycling apparatus is configured to feed the purified atmosphere gas stream to the heat treatment chamber. A storage vessel can be provided to receive the purified atmosphere gas stream from the atmosphere recycling apparatus, and configured to supplement an atmosphere gas supply to the heat treatment chamber with the purified atmosphere gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Lummus Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Franklin D. Lomax, Jr., Gregory S. Carr, Richard S. Todd
  • Publication number: 20100064886
    Abstract: An on-board inert gas generation system is disclosed that includes an air separation module that is configured to produce nitrogen enriched air from a non-enriched air. The non-enriched air to the air separation module has a desired operating temperature range. A compressor system is in fluid communication with the air separation module. The compressor system is configured to rotate at a speed and provide the non-enriched air to the air separation module. A controller is in communication with the compressor system and is configured to reduce the speed in response to a parameter reaching an undesired value, which would result in a non-enriched air temperature that would exceed the desired operating temperature range. The reduced speed is selected to maintain the non-enriched air temperature within the desired operating temperature range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Eric Surawski, Brigitte B. Falke, James P. Hurst
  • Patent number: 7662211
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a granular-material dehumidification plant including at least one silo or hopper arranged to receive granular material to be dehumidified at the top thereof and provided with a controlled lower delivering mouth, at least one feeding duct designed to be dipped in the granular material contained in each hopper to supply hot and dry processing air thereto, and at least one exhaust duct for humid processing air; at least two molecular sieve towers arranged alternatively to supply hot and dry processing air to the at least one hopper, each tower delimiting therein a space for housing molecular sieves and a chamber for housing heating means, the space and the chamber being in fluid communication with one another at one end thereof, while being in fluid communication at the other end thereof, with a respective air inlet/outlet duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Moretto SpA.
    Inventor: Critelli Federico
  • Patent number: 7655077
    Abstract: An air treatment system includes a recirculation line (24) through which air from the enclosed space can be recirculated, and a contaminant adsorption assembly (36) is provided in an auxiliary supply conduit (31). In the event that contaminants are detected in atmospheric air, air from the enclosed space can be recirculated for conditioning and then readmitted to the enclosed space. Oxygen that is breathed by occupants of the enclosed space can be replenished by admitting air from atmosphere, which is treated using the adsorption assembly and then mixed with air that is in the enclosed space or being recirculated for admission to the enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Domnick Hunter Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Michael Fielding
  • Publication number: 20090320679
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to processes and systems for recovering helium from low helium-containing feed gases (i.e., containing less than about 10 volume % helium and more typically, less than about 5 % helium by volume). The present invention more particularly relates to processes and systems for recovering helium from low helium-containing feed gases using temperature swing adsorption (TSA) systems and multiple (e.g. two) stage vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) systems. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the first stage VPSA system is configured to provide regeneration gas for the TSA system, and/or the VPSA second stage tail gas is recycled to the first stage VPSA system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Mohamed Safdar Allie Baksh
  • Publication number: 20090293725
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment steady state tracking desorption system achieves steady tracking of either a fixed sorbate output set point, or a set point that changes over time. The system includes an electrically heated thermal adsorption/desorption device. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of an adsorbent material within the adsorption/desorption device. A sorbate sensor senses a sorbate level from an outlet of the adsorption/desorption device. A power sensor senses the power supplied by the desorption device. A controller interprets levels sensed by the temperature sensor, the sorbate sensor and the power sensor and provides a signal to achieve steady set point tracking of a sorbate level from the outlet of the adsorption/desorption device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Mark J. Rood, K. James Hay, Byung J. Kim, Hamidreza Emamipour, Zaher M. Hashisho
  • Patent number: 7566358
    Abstract: A carbon canister to adsorb hydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon air mixture in a UST system to prevent fugitive emissions due to overpressurization. The carbon canister has an inlet port at one end coupled to the UST system. An outlet port on the opposite end of the canister is connected to a flow-limiting orifice with a known calibrated flow rate that vents in a controlled fashion to the atmosphere. When UST pressure rises slightly above ambient pressure, fuel vapors and air from the UST system enters, via the inlet port, into the canister, where hydrocarbons are adsorbed onto the surface of the activated carbon. The cleansed air vents through the controlled flow outlet port to atmosphere, thereby preventing excessive positive pressure from occurring in the UST system. The activated carbon is purged of hydrocarbons by means of reverse air flow caused by negative UST pressures that occur during periods of ORVR vehicle refueling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Hart, Kent Reid
  • Publication number: 20090165643
    Abstract: Device for drying a compressed gas which consists of a compressed gas supply (2), two pressure vessels (33 and 34) which are provided with an input (37, respectively) and an output (39, 40 respectively) and a take-up point (32) f or users of compressed dried gas, whereby at least two layers of desiccant (35 and 36) are provided in the pressure vessels (33 and 34), a first layer (35) made of a waterproof desiccant and a second layer (36) which is not necessarily made of a waterproof desiccant respectively, and whereby the pressure vessels (33 and 34) are provided with a second input (41, 42 respectively) for the supply of compressed gas to regenerate desiccant from the first layer (35).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Filip Gustaaf M. Huberland
  • Publication number: 20090078114
    Abstract: Ice-clad machinery and equipment in very cold environments are made more easily recoverable by enclosing the machinery and equipment in an environmentally contained area and introducing desiccant dehumidified air into the contained area to lower the vapor pressure in fostering a “sublimation” process conversion from the solid state of the ice to a gaseous state which can be exhausted without first going through any intermediate liquid state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Spencer W. Hess
  • Publication number: 20090025555
    Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate to compositions, apparatus, and methods comprising sorbent fibers. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention are directed towards sorbent fiber compositions for temperature swing adsorption processes. Various embodiments of the present invention comprise sorbent fiber compositions, apparatus comprising a plurality of sorbent fibers, and methods of using the same for the capture of at least one component from a medium, for example CO2 from flue gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicants: Georgia Tech Research Corporation, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Ryan Lively, Ronald R. Chance, William J. Koros, Harry Deckman, Bruce T. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7449050
    Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating a vaporous substance, which comprises: a sorbent material capable of capturing a vaporous substance; a first housing in which the sorbent material is located, a heating element proximate the exterior of the housing; a second housing defining a chamber within which the first housing resides, the first housing being located in said chamber such that there is a space permitting gas flow between the outside of the first housing and the inside of the second housing; and a pump capable of causing an exhaust gas to flow through the space in contact with the outside of the first housing; and methods for making and utilizing such apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Microsensor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Wohltjen, Mark Klusty
  • Publication number: 20080237131
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for purifying gases, such as for example semiconductor process gases. The invention more particularly relates to fluid purification methods and systems having improved heat transfer capabilities and controls such that the purified fluid produced from the process contains reduced impurity levels and/or exhibits more uniform concentrations within the final product. In another aspect of the invention, the activation time for adsorbent beds used in such processes and systems can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Lloyd Anthony Brown, Thomas Justin Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080196592
    Abstract: The invention concerns a plant comprising a portion wherein the fluid path (I/O) is deflected and equipped with a distributor with, in series in the downstream direction (O), a first zone (5) with distribution passages (orifices 6) and a second zone (3), typically a grid or fine-mesh sieve forming diffusion passages, the first passages (6) having a total cross-section not exceeding 20% of the surface of the distributor and the second passages having a total cross-section more than 40% of the surface of the distributor. The invention is applicable to gas treatment by adsorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Christian Monereau, Philippe Merino
  • Publication number: 20080156193
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable pressure swing adsorption (“PSA”) oxygen generator with at least one partition board disposed inside its housing; an oil-free compressor and a control valve assembly are disposed in one of the separated space isolated by at least one fixing board and the at least one partition board; wherein a fan is disposed inclined or vertically on the partition board outside of the isolated space so that air can be blown into the isolated space directly by an air outlet of the fan. The present invention is built in compact structure with small size and light weight to carry and move, and works safely with a choice of three different types of power supplies, which enable the oxygen generator of the present invention to be used more widely than conventional ones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Dong-lei WANG
  • Patent number: 7393382
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with temperature-based breakthrough detection systems, as well as to hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same, and to methods of operating the same. The detection systems are adapted to detect a measured temperature associated with adsorbent in an adsorbent bed of a PSA assembly and to control the operation of at least the PSA assembly responsive at least in part thereto, such as responsive to the relationship between the measured temperature and at least one reference temperature. The reference temperature may include a stored value, a previously measured temperature and/or a temperature measured elsewhere in the PSA assembly. In some embodiments, the reference temperature is associated with adsorbent downstream from the adsorbent from which the measured temperature is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: IDATECH LLC
    Inventor: James A. Givens
  • Patent number: 7393380
    Abstract: A method for guaranteeing at least one characteristic of a fluid used for producing food products. This method utilizes a system for piping and delivering the fluid, combined with means for producing the products, in order to use the fluid for producing the products; the measuring a value of the characteristic; the comparing the measured value with a predetermined threshold value; the act of executing an action if the measured value departs from the threshold value; the combining the measured value with first information for identifying at least one product; and then the storing the associated value and the associated information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-François Vie, Henry Ledon, Philippe Girardon, Christel Girault
  • Publication number: 20080148935
    Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) assemblies with temperature-based breakthrough detection systems, as well as to hydrogen-generation assemblies and/or fuel cell systems containing the same, and to methods of operating the same. The detection systems are adapted to detect a measured temperature associated with adsorbent in an adsorbent bed of a PSA assembly and to control the operation of at least the PSA assembly responsive at least in part thereto, such as responsive to the relationship between the measured temperature and at least one reference temperature. The reference temperature may include a stored value, a previously measured temperature and/or a temperature measured elsewhere in the PSA assembly. In some embodiments, the reference temperature is associated with adsorbent downstream from the adsorbent from which the measured temperature is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: IdaTech, LLC
    Inventor: James A. Givens
  • Publication number: 20080134887
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for abating toxic and/or hazardous gas species in a diluent gas stream line deriving from a by-pass line of a semiconductor process tool, comprising contacting the diluent gas stream with a dry resin sorbent material having an affinity for the toxic and/or hazardous gas species to effect the removal of at least a portion of the toxic and/or hazardous gas species by a chemisorbent or physisorbent reaction between the sorbent bed and the toxic gas component effectively reduces the concentration of the toxic gas component in the process diluent stream to below TLV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: John Michael Sherer
  • Patent number: 7326275
    Abstract: A flow-through carbon adsorption device is provided with leads for imposing an electric current and with a temperature sensor at the desorption flow exit. The temperature sensor and electric current source are controlled by a controller. In adsorption mode, no current flows through the device. Hydrocarbons are adsorbed in the device before reaching atmosphere. In desorption mode, the temperature sensor and electric source are activated by the controller. Electric energy is converted to heat energy within the device. Air is drawn in reverse flow through the device. Because desorption is endothermic, the carbon bed becomes progressively cooler during desorption. When desorption is complete, the temperature of the device begins to rise and the controller shuts down the temperature probe and the electric heating system. Thus, full desorption of the device is assured without significant waste of electricity or compromise of subsequent adsorptive capacity of the device after desorption is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris C. Begley
  • Patent number: 7306644
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for generation of nitrogen enriched air for inerting aircraft fuels tanks. One embodiment of the present invention includes a duct assembly; a primary heat exchanger; a gas generating system heat exchanger; a first temperature sensor; a second temperature sensor; a controller monitor; a valve; an air separation module assembly having a primary module and a secondary module; at least one flow control orifice; and a pressure sensor. The present invention utilizes a minimal complement of components and streamlined processes, thus minimizing structural and operational costs while optimizing performance and safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Leigh, Kader A. Fellague, Giorgio C. Isella, Paul J. Roach
  • Patent number: 7115152
    Abstract: A regenerable filter system includes a flow path along which a stream of fluid flows between an inlet and an outlet. A first filtering unit is located in the flow path. The first filter unit includes first and second regenerable filter beds, wherein each bed has a first adsorbent for removing a first contaminant from the fluid stream. A first valve is located between the inlet and the first and second filter beds for selectively directing the fluid stream through one of the first and the second filter beds. The other of the first and second filter beds is removed from the flow path. A second filtering unit is located in the flow path between the first filtering unit and the outlet. The second filtering unit includes third and fourth regenerable filter beds for removing a second contaminant from the stream of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Inventors: David K. Friday, John L. Creed
  • Patent number: 7081153
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for generation of nitrogen enriched air for inerting aircraft fuel tanks. One embodiment of the present invention includes a duct assembly; a primary heat exchanger; a gas generating system heat exchanger; a first temperature sensor; a second temperature sensor; a controller monitor; a valve; an air separation module assembly having a primary module and a secondary module; at least one flow control orifice; and a pressure sensor. The present invention utilizes a minimal complement of components and streamlined processes, thus minimizing structural and operational costs while optimizing performance and safety features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Leigh, Kader A. Fellague, Giorgio C. Isella, Paul J. Roach
  • Patent number: 6960246
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating an oxygen enhanced gas by removing nitrogen gas from air, includes a compressor, absorption columns for removing the nitrogen gas from the pressurized air supplied from the compressor, a flow rate measuring device provided downstream of the absorption columns, a manner of measuring ultrasonic oxygen concentration that includes a manner of generating a correction coefficient for a ratio between oxygen and argon gases contained in the oxygen enhanced gas based on the flow rate of the oxygen enhanced gas measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventor: Naotoshi Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 6949133
    Abstract: A compact and highly portable combination pressure swing adsorption apparatus and product gas conservation device for medical use, to produce efficiently a gas with a high concentration of oxygen and to deliver the oxygen concentrated gas to a user at selectable times and in selectable doses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: AirSep Corporation
    Inventors: Norman R. McCombs, Robert E. Casey, Michael A. Chimiak, Andrezj Klimaszewski
  • Patent number: 6929678
    Abstract: A purge and trap concentrator and a method for drying a stream of sample gas in a gas analysis instrument. A dryer tube has an inlet that receives a stream of sample gas during a drying interval and receives a stream of dry gas during a regeneration interval. The dryer tube also has an outlet and an interior passageway between the inlet and an outlet. Support material comprising polymer sorbent is placed in the interior passageway and provides a support surface area for a hygroscopic coating comprising lithium chloride. A controller controls a heater to increase the temperature of the dryer tube to between 100 and 300 degrees centigrade during the regeneration interval and controls the heater to decrease the temperature of the dryer tube to below 100 degrees centigrade during the drying interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Teledyne Tekmar Company
    Inventor: Thomas M. Hartlein
  • Patent number: 6923849
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon adsorbent state determining apparatus is provided for compensating the ability of a hydrocarbon adsorbent to adsorb moisture for fluctuations due to a change in the flow velocity of exhaust gases to accurately determine the state of the hydrocarbon adsorbent, including a deterioration thereof, irrespective of the change in the flow rate of exhaust gases. The hydrocarbon adsorbent state determining apparatus determines the state of a hydrocarbon adsorbent disposed in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine for adsorbing hydrocarbons and moisture within exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Ueno, Hideharu Yamazaki, Shiro Takakura, Yasuyuki Miyahara, Tetsuo Endo
  • Patent number: 6911065
    Abstract: A fluid purifying apparatus that includes a manifold that includes a first branch and a second branch, a first check valve coupled to the first branch of the manifold, and a purifier unit that includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the second branch of the manifold. Also, a fluid purifying apparatus that includes a vessel that includes a first interior compartment for containing a purifier material and a second interior compartment for containment of a fluid containing impurities, wherein the first interior compartment is separated from the second interior compartment by a fluid permeable support, and a rupturable seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadaharu Watanabe, Robert Torres, Jr., Joseph Vininski
  • Publication number: 20040231509
    Abstract: A purge and trap concentrator and a method for drying a stream of sample gas in a gas analysis instrument. A dryer tube has an inlet that receives a stream of sample gas during a drying interval and receives a stream of dry gas during a regeneration interval. The dryer tube also has an outlet and an interior passageway between the inlet and an outlet. Support material comprising polymer sorbent is placed in the interior passageway and provides a support surface area for a hygroscopic coating comprising lithium chloride. A controller controls a heater to increase the temperature of the dryer tube to between 100 and 300 degrees centigrade during the regeneration interval and controls the heater to decrease the temperature of the dryer tube to below 100 degrees centigrade during the drying interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: TELEDYNE TEKMAR COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas M. Hartlein
  • Patent number: 6821316
    Abstract: A method comprising two adsorbers which follow each a phase-shifted cycle successively consisting in an adsorption phase, at high pressure of the cycle, and a regeneration phase, ending in repressurizing of the adsorber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et, l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Alain Guillard, Jan-Marc Peyron
  • Patent number: 6767390
    Abstract: A method to control the performance of desiccant dryers is disclosed that senses multiple variables and optimizes the regeneration cycle to deliver the gas at the desired dew point. The length of the stripping step is reduced or eliminated depending on the desired set point and the operating conditions of the compression system. The control system has the capability to switch to high efficiency mode of operation should the dew point set point be changed. The savings come from not purging as much or any gas during stripping should the system requirements be only to meet the ISA standards for instrument air, despite the system capability of delivering far dryer air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Cooper Turbocompressor, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Battershell, Charles Impastato, Alfredo R. Longo
  • Patent number: 6736883
    Abstract: A particulate separation system for accurate measurement of vapor-phase mercury in a flue gas stream uses an inertial gas sampling filter in which the skin temperature of the filter element is controlled to allow vapor-phase mercury measurements while minimizing measurement artifacts caused by: (1) mercury thermally desorbing off particulates into the gas stream; and (2) mercury being removed from the vapor phase by collection on particulate matter at the gas/particle separation interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Apogee Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Sjostrom, Timothy Ebner, Richard Slye
  • Patent number: 6709499
    Abstract: An air-routing household appliance includes an improved removable and washable filter in that the filter is of a flexible fiber material and is finished such that it can bind and/or decompose odorous substances. Such a filter can be disposed, in particular, in the closed process-air circuit of a condensation laundry dryer to free laundry of unpleasant odorous substances. The odor filter is produced, in particular, from a textile material and can, therefore, advantageously be cleaned in a washing machine. For the binding of odorous substances, the fibers of the filter can be treated with particles that can bind odorous substances and from which the odorous substances can also be washed out again to regenerate the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Harald Moschütz