With Programmed, Cyclic, Or Time Responsive Control Means Patents (Class 96/115)
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Patent number: 8192525Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing carbon monoxide consisting, during an adsorption step, in using N adsorbers (4A, 4B), wherein N is equal to greater than two, each of which follows, at an offset; the same period T cycle during which adsorption and regeneration phases succeed each other, in exposing, at the beginning of the adsorption phase, each adsorber to an eluting phase during which only a part of a nominal flowrate of the mixture is transferred to the adsorber until said adsorber is substantially carbon monoxide saturated while at least the second adsorber is maintained in the adsorption phase and a purified gaseous mixture is partially liquefied for producing a liquefied gaseous mixture, in storing said mixture in a capacity (7) and in transferring the liquefied gaseous mixture from the capacity to at least one column (11) for the separation thereof into a carbon monoxide rich product and, during at least one part of the adsorber eluting phases, the liquid level in the container is decreaType: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude Et l'Exploration des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventors: Guillaume Teixeira, Jean-Marc Peyron, Jean-François Rauch, Natacha Haik-Beraud, Jean Billy
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Publication number: 20120125194Abstract: Provided herein are methods and apparatus for capturing or otherwise decreasing the amount of CO2 in an exhaust stream. The separation process for removing CO2 from a waste stream preferably operates substantially at atmospheric pressure and at a preselected temperature, and without the need of thermal swing regeneration. This novel elimination of the heat up and cool down periods allows the inventive cycle herein to be run faster, and more efficiently than in previously known systems. Further, in some examples herein, the heat of adsorption is used to provide the heat of regeneration.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: LEHIGH UNIVERSITYInventors: Hugo S. Caram, Alberto I. LaCava
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Publication number: 20120103187Abstract: Dehumidifier for photovoltaic modules, of a series of photovoltaic concentration modules, formed by a common air inlet and outlet access that communicates all the modules, and which passes through a bed of moisture absorbing material, having an electrical self-adjusted resistance (15) installed therein. The circuit is completed with a solenoid valve (13), a flow switch (19), a non-return valve (12); a pressure switch (16) and a timer relay (20). The process is based on pressure differences existing within the photovoltaic modules throughout the day, and consists of two steps: drying air by passing through the bed of absorbent material before entering into the photovoltaic modules and the regeneration of the drying system, which can be automatically or manually by connecting a compressor or fan.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 4, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: ABENGOA SOLAR NEW TECHNOLOGIES, S.A.Inventors: Javier Roa Fresno, Alvaro Rayan Rodriguez
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Publication number: 20120055340Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system In some embodiment, an oxygen concentrator system includes improved charging and battery control circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2010Publication date: March 8, 2012Inventors: William R. Wilkinson, Allan Sten Westersten, Alaa Hassan
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Patent number: 8118912Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system and a method for purifying and storing water produced from atmospheric air to provide a safe, inexpensive source of potable water. Improvements over prior systems and methods include the use of two isolated air chambers, one for ambient air used to capture moisture from the atmosphere, and another for clean rechargeable air to convert the captured moisture into condensate and using a rotating mass of hygroscopic material and a condensation unit, each of which is periodically sterilized by heat.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Inventors: Felix Rodriguez, Nizar K. Khanji
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Publication number: 20120031273Abstract: An air processing device for a utility vehicle includes a compressor and two air dryer cartridges. The air dryer cartridges are located in two parallel paths. A control unit controls a regeneration of one of said air dryer cartridges independent from a load phase of the other of said air dryer cartridges.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: HALDEX BRAKE PRODUCTS GMBHInventor: Siegfried Heer
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Publication number: 20120012005Abstract: Regenerative air dryers are disclosed for feeding pressurized air with a controlled moisture content to a header. In one embodiment, a dryer comprises first and second chambers alternating between drying and regenerating phases. One of the chambers is at the drying phase while the other is at the regenerating phase. A controller is programmed to switch the phase of the chambers between drying and regenerating when the desiccant in the chamber at the drying phase has retained water to a predetermined capacity. A bypass line bypasses both chambers. An input provides air to the chamber at the drying phase and to the bypass line. A dew point feedback system controls a volume of air passing through the bypass line. Means are included for combining air from the bypass line with air exiting the chamber at the drying phase to provide air with a controlled dew point to the header.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2010Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: Nicholas Edward Burke
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Publication number: 20120006193Abstract: An apparatus and process for thermally-linked adsorption-desorption. The process involves (a) at least one pair of adjacent sorbent beds, referenced herein as first and second sorbent beds, each pair of adjacent beds being thermally-linked one to the other through a thermally conductive wall; wherein each sorbent bed comprises a heat conductive foam, such as a reticulated metallic foam or sponge, having a sorbent coated thereon; then (b) alternating a flowstream between the beds such that at least one bed operates in adsorption cycle to remove target compound(s) from the flowstream with generation of heat of adsorption, which is conductively transferred away from the first bed towards the second bed, while operating the second bed in desorption cycle to remove the adsorbed target compound(s).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2011Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Christian Junaedi, James Knox
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Publication number: 20110290109Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a rotary gas separation device, such as a rotary pressure swing adsorption device. The rotary pressure swing device can include, for example, a rotor with a plurality of adsorber elements, a stator with a plurality of conduits, and a rotary valve comprising a seal assembly positioned between the rotor and the stator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Soheil Alizedah Khiavi, Jeff Alvaji, Christopher R. McLean
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Patent number: 8025720Abstract: Systems and methods for processing methane and other gases are disclosed. A representative method in accordance with one embodiment includes directing a first portion of a gas stream through a first adsorbent while exchanging heat between a second adsorbent and a third adsorbent. The method can further include directing a second portion of the gas stream through the third adsorbent while exchanging heat between the first and second adsorbents. The method can still further include directing a third portion of the gas stream through the second adsorbent while exchanging heat between the first and third adsorbents. In further particular aspects, the adsorbent can be used to remove carbon dioxide from a flow of methane. In other particular aspects, a heat exchange fluid that is not in direct contact with the adsorbents is used to transfer heat among the adsorbents.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Prometheus Technologies, LLCInventors: John A. Barclay, Michael A. Barclay
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Patent number: 8016914Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a control system for controlling an adsorbent bed unit in which an adsorbent bed concentration of an impurity within an adsorbent bed of the adsorbent bed unit is measured. The adsorbent bed concentration is controlled by manipulating the feed cycle time during which an adsorbent bed is adsorbing the impurities to maintain the adsorbent bed concentration at a targeted adsorption bed concentration. The targeted adsorption bed concentration is determined such that the product impurity concentration is maintained at product impurity concentration targets. The method and control system can incorporate a supervisory level of control reactive to product impurity concentration levels and related targets to determine the targeted adsorption bed concentration and a primary level of control that calculates the feed cycle time based upon an error between the measured and targeted adsorption bed concentrations. Proportional integral control can be used for such purposes.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2009Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.Inventors: Paul W. Belanger, Mohamed Safdar Allie Baksh, Preeti Chandra, Andrew C. Rosinski
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Publication number: 20110209613Abstract: A method and apparatus for regenerating the media of a rotary sorption concentrator system includes passing a 600° F. to 1000° F. regeneration fluid stream through a rotating media in a first isolated zone to regenerate the media and remove contaminants from the media that are not removed during a typical desorption cycle of a rotary sorption concentrator system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2008Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventors: Christopher P. Jensen, Kevin Orff, Frank Giles
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Publication number: 20110201963Abstract: A filter assembly comprises an outer member and an inner member. The outer member is configured to allow a vacuum to be communicated through the outer member. The outer member comprises hydrophobic material and an interior cavity. The hydrophobic material is configured to substantially repel fluids at atmospheric pressure. At least a portion of the inner member is positioned within the interior cavity of the outer member. The inner member comprises occluding media configured to absorb fluids both at atmospheric pressure and when a vacuum is being communicated through the inner member. The filter assembly may be incorporated within a vacuum canister to be used in conjunction with a biopsy device as part of a biopsy system, although other suitable applications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: David A. Deupree
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Patent number: 7981194Abstract: An air drying arrangement for a commercial vehicle is provided having two or more desiccant canisters arranged in parallel on a single air dryer body. The arrangement may include an coupling device that attaches to the body and allows the two or more desiccant containing canisters to mount to the device. The arrangement may be configured to balance the flow of air to each of the desiccant containing canisters when drying air and/or when regenerating the desiccant.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLCInventors: Fred W. Hoffman, Leonard A. Quinn
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Publication number: 20110154985Abstract: A plant air purifier and associated method for purifying air, comprising: at least one grow container; a filter bed comprising a surface which is horizontal within 20 degrees of a horizontal plane; at least one plant which grows within the filter bed; a reservoir for containing water for watering the at least one plant; a mechanical watering device which waters the filter bed from the top down; a pump for pumping water from the reservoir to and through the mechanical watering device; and an air propulsion mechanism for propelling air through the filter bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2009Publication date: June 30, 2011Inventor: Martin Mittelmark
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Publication number: 20110154986Abstract: A high efficiency gas concentrating apparatus includes an air compressor for supplying high pressure air, first and second adsorption towers that are disposed above the air compressor and communicating with the air compressor to adsorb nitrogen and concentrate oxygen as the high pressure air is alternately supplied thereto, first and second concentrating passages that are disposed above the respective first and second adsorption towers to discharge the concentrated oxygen, and a cleaning tank that is disposed between the first and second concentrating passages to receive a portion of the concentrated oxygen from one of the first and second adsorption towers, temporarily store the received concentrated oxygen therein, and alternately remove adsorbed nitrogen by supplying the temporarily concentrated oxygen to the other of the first and second adsorption towers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2010Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicants: OXUS CO., LTD, Sogang University Industry-University Cooperation FoundationInventors: Tae Soo Lee, Yoon Sun Choi, Seung Kwon Oh, Shin Kyu Han
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Publication number: 20110146494Abstract: A modular and compact adsorbent bed structure is disclosed for use in an adsorption-based gas separation plant. The conventional adsorbent bed in a gas separation plant is replaced with a plurality of modular adsorbent bed units connected to make the adsorbent bed structure. The modular design requires lower fabrication and maintenance costs; is easier to transport; and is easier to load with adsorbent material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Ashwin Desai, Cem E. Celik, Mark William Ackley, James Smolarek
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Publication number: 20110120313Abstract: A sealed air purifier is disclosed. A housing is formed by connecting a first shell and a second shell. The first shell and the second shell communicate via separable connecting base and connector. A retractable bag encloses the connecting base and the connector. A sealing structure is provided between both ends of the bag. The first shell has an air inlet connecting the inside and the outside and a gate to control the airflow. A compression assembly is disposed in the first shell. The second shell has an air outlet connecting the inside and the outside and a blocking element to control the air outlet. The second shell has a sterilizing device and a super ULPA filter. When the gate closes the air inlet, the compression assembly, sterilizing device, and the air outlet close correspondingly, so that the inside of the housing is isolated. Thus, the viruses remaining therein do not spread with air.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Yu-Kuei Cho, Hsi-Chuan Huang
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Patent number: 7922789Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel compressor system which includes the use of free piston linear compressors so as to reduce power consumption, noise and vibration reduction.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Inogen, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Brenton Alan Taylor
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Publication number: 20100326272Abstract: Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus for reversibly sorbing a target gas. In one embodiment, an apparatus for reversibly sorbing a target gas is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inlet, a multi-channel monolith coupled to the inlet, the multi-channel monolith including a plurality of channels, each one of the plurality of channels includes one or more walls, wherein at least one of the one or more walls of at least one of the plurality of channels is porous and wherein one or more of the plurality of channels contain a sorbent and an outlet coupled to the multi-channel monolith.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2009Publication date: December 30, 2010Inventors: MARIANNA F. ASARO, Yigal Blum
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Publication number: 20100300285Abstract: Provided herein are new compact and miniature oxygen concentrator apparatus, as well as methods incorporating use of the apparatus. The apparatus and methods utilize selected cycle times, adsorbent specifications and novel conditions to produce a fast Pressure Swing Adsorption (“PSA”) system. The oxygen concentrator apparatus and methods herein have significant utility in the fields of biotechnology, engineering, and medicine. A particularly advantageous use of this invention is as a “snap on” portable oxygen concentrator, where piped compressed air is already available such as in civil and military hospitals, ambulances, air craft cabins, mobile fish tanks, etc. Those embodiments eliminate the need for dedicated moving machinery (blower, compressor, vacuum pump) normally associated with a conventional PSA oxygen concentrator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: LEHIGH UNIVERSITYInventors: Chai Siew-Wah, Shivaji Sircar, Mayuresh V. Kothare
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Publication number: 20100294127Abstract: The present system is an adsorption system for separating air into a concentrated gas component, which has an air supply, a compressor for receiving and compressing the air supply, providing a compressed air supply, and molecular sieve material for separating the compressed air supply into a concentrated gas component. The adsorption system delivers at least 5 liters per minute (LPM) of concentrated gas component from the molecular sieve material in which the system has a specific total weight per LPM <9 lbs/LPM. Additionally, an output quantity of the concentrated gas is delivered by the adsorption system and a purging quantity of the concentrated gas is dispensed into a sieve chamber of the adsorption system undergoing a purge cycle. The purging quantity has a value equal to or less than the difference between the maximum quantity and the output quantity, and the purging quantity is controlled based on the output quantity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: RIC INVESTMENTS, LLCInventor: Joseph T. DOLENSKY
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Publication number: 20100239373Abstract: A soil remediation system comprises an in-ground extraction well and separation apparatus connected to receive extracted soil vapors from the extraction well. The separation apparatus comprises plural pressure swing adsorption (PSA) components, respective ones of the PSA components containing a respective adsorption medium adapted to adsorb a respective species contained in the extracted soil vapors, the plural PSA components being connected in a serial succession to provide respective desorbed species flow streams of the respective species from the respective PSA components, some of the species being re-injected into the ground.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2009Publication date: September 23, 2010Applicant: Delta Environmental Consultants, Inc.Inventor: Marsaili Gillecriosd
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Publication number: 20100224067Abstract: Systems and methods for processing methane and other gases are disclosed. A representative method in accordance with one embodiment includes directing a first portion of a gas stream through a first adsorbent while exchanging heat between a second adsorbent and a third adsorbent. The method can further include directing a second portion of the gas stream through the third adsorbent while exchanging heat between the first and second adsorbents. The method can still further include directing a third portion of the gas stream through the second adsorbent while exchanging heat between the first and third adsorbents. In further particular aspects, the adsorbent can be used to remove carbon dioxide from a flow of methane. In other particular aspects, a heat exchange fluid that is not in direct contact with the adsorbents is used to transfer heat among the adsorbents.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: Prometheus Technologies, LLCInventors: John A. Barclay, Michael A. Barclay
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Patent number: 7771508Abstract: A method and system for the treatment of air, in particular for pneumatic brake systems of utility vehicles, is described. The method includes feeding compressed air to a compressed air storage tank through an air dryer, initiating a regeneration of the air dryer using regeneration air from the compressed air storage tank through the air dryer and discharged via a discharge valve, and calculating a theoretically required regeneration air quantity QReg,th. If a presence of condensate is not detected in a region downstream of the air dryer, a regeneration using the theoretically required regeneration air quantity QReg,th, is carried out. If the presence of condensate is detected, a regeneration is carried out using a corrected required regeneration air quantity QReg,corr, the corrected required regeneration air quantity QReg,corr being greater than the theoretically required regeneration air quantity QReg,th.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbHInventor: Eduard Hilberer
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Patent number: 7708815Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a composite hydrogen storage material comprising active material particles and a binder, wherein the binder immobilizes the active material particles sufficient to maintain relative spatial relationships between the active material particles.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Angstrom Power IncorporatedInventor: Joerg Zimmermann
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Patent number: 7694674Abstract: An electronic controller (16) controls the operation of an electrochemical oxygen generating system (14) producing a desired gas. The product gas is fed to a storage unit (12) or a regulator (28) and pulsing valve (28) controlling the gas flow to a user. A two-stage system (180) combines a low pressure 100 and a high pressure (150) gas generating subsystems. The low pressure subsystem (100) uses IMAT's (106) to pump oxygen from ambient air to generate a low-pressure. The high pressure subsystem (150) uses IMAT's (160) to pump oxygen to high-pressure oxygen storage devices (194).Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.Inventors: Victor P. Crome, Gary N. Byrd, Russell F. Hart, Scott R. Sehlin, Tuan Q. Cao, Courtney Joseph Monzyk, Timothy P. Raleigh, Lyle J. Berkenbosch, Craig L. Schledewitz
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Publication number: 20100077921Abstract: A system and method is presented for reducing a concentration of ambient air used in a feed stream to form an inerting gas in a pressure swing adsorption system. The method includes introducing ambient air into a pressure swing adsorption system to form an inerting gas, introducing the inerting gas to a large volume of atmosphere, thereby inerting at least a portion of the large volume of atmosphere to form an inerted atmosphere, and removing a portion of the inerted atmosphere and introducing the portion of inerted atmosphere to the pressure swing adsorption system to form the inerting gas, thereby reducing an amount of ambient air utilized to form the inerting gas in the pressure swing adsorption system.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: On Site Gas Systems, Inc.Inventors: Sean Haggerty, Guy Hatch, Sanh Phan
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Patent number: 7686870Abstract: An oxygen concentrator system that includes or can be expanded to include more than one compressor is provided. The system utilizes a controller that is adapted to selectively activate or deactivate one or more of the compressors to optimize system performance and efficiency. Multiple compressors can be selected to operate at the same time, thereby enabling the system to operate at a higher peak pressure, increase the recovery of the PSA cycle, and expand the product rate. The additional compressors can also be removed when not in use so as to reduce weight of the system. In some implementations, the system housing reserves a certain amount of space for accommodating additional compressors and related components, which can be added to the system as after market parts. In other implementations, the additional compressor can be located external to the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Inogen, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Lawrence Howes, Brenton Alan Taylor
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Patent number: 7662211Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Moretto SpA.Inventor: Critelli Federico
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Publication number: 20090188387Abstract: A continuous concentration system for volatile organic compounds for concentrating volatile organic compounds that undergo an absorption process and a removal process includes: a moving-bed chamber in which modules for absorbing volatile organic compounds are absorbed. An absorption bed line to which the volatile organic compounds are supplied to be absorbed to the module is provided on one side of the moving-bed chamber. A removal-cooling bed line for performing a removal process for removing the volatile organic compounds absorbed to the module and a cooling process for cooling the module that has undergone the removal process is provided on the other side of the moving-bed chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCHInventor: Sang-guk KIM
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Publication number: 20090120284Abstract: An active adsorbent pollutant reducing system includes a canister containing activated carbon, a pump and a series of valves connected to the canister and the pump. The valves and pump of the system are controlled so that vapor/air in the ullage of a gasoline storage tank is pumped to the canister/adsorbent material when tank pressure reaches a first level with vapor being adsorbed and air being discharged to atmosphere. When a second tank pressure level, lower than the first tank pressure level, is achieved, the valves are controlled to reconfigure the pump and canister so that continued pump operation pulls a vacuum on the canister resulting in adsorbed gasoline vapor being purged from the adsorbent material and returned to the storage tank. Tank pressure, HC content in the vapor flow and canister weight can be used for control of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: Rodger P. Grantham
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Publication number: 20090038476Abstract: The present invention relates to an air dryer (10) for a vehicle air system. The air dryer (10) includes a body (12) and a desiccant canister (14), the body (12) having an inlet (16) to receive air from an air source, an outlet (18) to supply air to a vehicle air system, a purge outlet and a regeneration inlet (24) to receive regenerative airflow from the vehicle air system. The body (12) is further provided with a chamber (28) containing a coalescing means (38) positioned between the inlet (16) and the desiccant canister (14), and a bypass valve (34) positioned between the chamber (28) and the purge outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2005Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: WABCO AUTOMOTIVE UK LIMITEDInventors: Andrew Blackwood, Ignitius Milomo, Mark Paling
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Publication number: 20090020014Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process including the step of separating a gas mixture by absorbing at least one gas component in an adsorbent mass provided within each vessel of a plurality of vessels. The separating step has a single pressure equalization cycle. The separating step is preferably performed with only four valves per vessel of the plurality of vessels. Additionally, a pressure swing adsorption system of the invention includes a plurality of vessels each containing therein an adsorbent mass configured to separate a gas mixture by absorbing at least one gas component in said adsorbent mass, where the system is configured to separate the gas mixture using a single pressure equalization cycle and includes only four valves per vessel of the plurality of vessels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: H2GEN INNOVATIONS, INC.Inventors: Franklin D. LOMAX, JR., John S. Lettow
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Patent number: 7479176Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling airflow in a desiccant drying system having a plurality of desiccant beds, in which each desiccant bed is located in a chamber, and multi-position valves can be operated to cause the gas to be dried to flow in a serial manner through a plurality of desiccant bed chambers while another desiccant bed is isolated from the gas flow and undergoing regeneration. Once regenerated, the multi-position valves are repositioned to establish a new serial flow gas path in which the freshly regenerated desiccant bed becomes the final bed in the series, and another bed undergoes regeneration.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Mann & Hummel Protec GmbHInventors: Robert R. Crawford, Donald D. Rainville
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Publication number: 20080289504Abstract: A process to purify biogases (i.e., landfill gas and municipal digester gas), to 5 enable such biogases to be utilized to generate electricity and heat. Biogases from these sources generally include small amounts of organosilicons (which are particularly harmful to power generation equipment, and especially harmful to micro-turbines, reciprocating internal combustion engines, and large turbines), and halogenated chemical species (which can foul expensive emission catalysts). A fluidized media bed reactor is configured to concentrate offending organics, and is coupled with another reactor vessel configured to strip the offending organics off saturated media with a hot inert gas. The removed organics are further concentrated into an inert gas stream that is conveyed to a small flare for greater than 99% destruction. The energy required to strip the organics from the spent media, and to energize the flare, is generated by the combustion of a small quantity of the purified biogas.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2008Publication date: November 27, 2008Inventor: Lowell Howard
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Patent number: 7445660Abstract: A gas generating system (S) has a plurality of product gas generating modules (18) each of which comprises a plurality of molecular sieve beds (bed 1, bed 2) generating a product gas acting in a repetitive cycle with each cycle having a period of the cycle with peak product gas flow (106). A manifold (52) combines the product gas from the plurality of modules (18). The processor (58) generates a control signal that is communicated to the gas generating modules (18) such that the peak product gas flow period (106) of the repetitive cycle of the modules (18) is adjusted in response to the control signal. The processor (58) causes the peak period (106) for the modules (18) to be timed across the repetitive cycles in a controlled distribution.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.Inventors: Russell F. Hart, Adrienne M. Jinks
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Patent number: 7396390Abstract: An oxygen enrichment apparatus includes an oxygen enriching unit for generating oxygen-enriched air and a discharge unit for discharging the oxygen-enriched air transferred from the suction unit. The oxygen-enriched air generated by the oxygen enriching unit has an oxygen concentration ranging from about 25% to 35%. The apparatus also includes a suction unit for suctioning the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit and a control unit for controlling the operation of the suction unit. The main body is provided with a display unit for indicating a state that the oxygen-enriched air is being discharged out by the discharge unit. The oxygen enriching unit has at least one oxygen enriching membrane for generating the oxygen-enriched air and a condensed water treating unit is installed at an air passage for guiding the oxygen-enriched air from the oxygen enriching unit to the discharge unit via the suction unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhiro Hayashi, Toshiyuki Yoshida, Yasuo Oshima, Yoshitaka Murata, Teruyuki Yasuda, Hiroyuki Senoo
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Patent number: 7332015Abstract: A dehydrator breather is provided that includes automatic purging of accumulated moisture by detecting absorbed moisture in the breather, and closing an intake air channel, while opening an exit moisture channel. Adjustment of a default time-based purging cycle is adjusted to account for fluctuations in the detected moisture. An external communication capability is provided to enable off-site monitoring of the breather or the tank the breather is attached to.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Waukesha Electric Systems, IncInventors: Thomas M. Golner, Shirish P. Mehta
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Patent number: 7156903Abstract: A portable pressure swing adsorption apparatus and conservation device for medical use, and a sound enclosure for the apparatus having two isolating sections to enclose the apparatus, the enclosure having an inlet in one of the sections for allowing ambient air into the enclosure and an outlet in the other section for enabling waste gases from the apparatus to exit the enclosure and causing the ambient air and waste gases substantially to change direction within the enclosure before entering or exiting the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: AirSep CorporationInventor: Norman R. McCombs
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Patent number: 7135059Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel single ended column design in which all flow paths and valves can be co-located on a single integrated manifold. The apparatus also can be used in conjunction with a satellite conserver and a mobility cart.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Assignee: Inogen, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Brenton Alan Taylor, Rex O. Bare, Bradley J. Sargent, Andrew J. Scherer
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Patent number: 7108736Abstract: A method of installing a molecular sieve bed gas enrichment system in a vehicle such as an aircraft. A system controller, a product gas distribution conduit, a high pressure gas supply conduit which extends from a high pressure gas source, and a plurality of molecular sieve beds are installed in the vehicle. Each sieve bed has a first port which delivers product gas through a check valve to an outlet duct. Each sieve bed also includes a second port connected to a valve assembly which is controlled by the system controller to connect the second port either to a gas supply duct during a charging phase or to a venting duct during a venting phase. The outlet duct for each sieve bed is connected to the product gas distribution conduit, and the gas supply duct for each sieve bed is connected to the high pressure gas supply conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Honeywell Normalair-Garrett (Holdings) LimitedInventor: Robert John Phillips
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Patent number: 7101414Abstract: A method of reducing the sorbate concentration of a process fluid stream using a sorption bed system includes the following steps. A mass of a sorbent material is rotated so that, in a cycle of operation, a given volume of the sorbent mass sequentially passes through first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth zones, before returning to the first zone. A process fluid stream is passed through the sorbent mass in the first zone, and a regeneration fluid stream is passed through the sorbent mass in the fourth zone. A first isolation fluid stream is recycled in a closed loop, independent of the process fluid stream and the regeneration fluid stream, between the sorbent mass in the second zone and in the sixth zone. A second isolation fluid stream, meanwhile, is recycled in a closed loop, independent of the process fluid stream, the regeneration fluid stream, and the first isolation fluid stream, between the sorbent mass in the third zone and in the fifth zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Munters CorporationInventors: Paul A. Dinnage, Stephen C. Brickley
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Patent number: 7066985Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel single ended column design in which all flow paths and valves can be co-located on a single integrated manifold. The apparatus also can be used in conjunction with a satellite conserver and a mobility cart.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Inogen, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey Frank Deane, Brenton Alan Taylor, Rex O. Bare, Andrew J. Scherer
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Patent number: 7022159Abstract: A process and an apparatus related to the reduction of the level of a component in a feed gas such as air involving passing the gas to at least three parallel thermal swing adsorption zones charged with an adsorbent and operating according to an adsorption cycle, wherein the cycle of each zone is phased with respect to that of the other zones so that at any point during the cycle, the number of zones in the adsorption step is greater than the number of zones not in the adsorption step.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Mohammad Ali Kalbassi, Paul Higginbotham
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Patent number: 7011693Abstract: A PSA unit for purifying hydrogen in a fuel processor system. The PSA unit employs rotary valves that cycle the pressurization of vessels, including an adsorbent, between a high pressure state and a low pressure state. The purified hydrogen is released from the vessels through a purified gas output port when the vessels are in the high pressure state and the impurities are released through an exhaust port when the vessels are in the low pressure state. The PSA unit also employs a mass flow control device and a pressure sensor in the purified gas output port. A controller receives a pressure signal from the pressure sensor, and controls the flow through the mass flow control device and the speed of the rotary valves so that the proper pressure is maintained at the hydrogen output port.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Kiran Mallavarapu, John B Ruhl, Craig S. Gittleman
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Patent number: 6991671Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an integrated gas cabinet assembly including such fluid storage and dispensing apparatus and/or a point-of-use ventilation gas scrubber in the vented gas cabinet. By the use of physical adsorbent and chemical sorbent media, the gas cabinet can be enhanced in safety of operation, e.g., where the process gas supplied from the gas cabinet is of a toxic or otherwise hazardous character.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Dennis Brestovansky, Michael J. Wodjenski, Jose I. Arno, J. Donald Carruthers
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Patent number: 6960246Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Assignee: Teijin LimitedInventor: Naotoshi Fujimoto
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Patent number: 6923849Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaki Ueno, Hideharu Yamazaki, Shiro Takakura, Yasuyuki Miyahara, Tetsuo Endo
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Patent number: RE42058Abstract: A dehydrator breather is provided that includes automatic purging of accumulated moisture by detecting absorbed moisture in the breather, and closing an intake air channel, while opening an exit moisture channel. Adjustment of a default time-based purging cycle is adjusted to account for fluctuations in the detected moisture. An external communication capability is provided to enable off-site monitoring of the breather or the tank the breather is attached to.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Waukesha Electric Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Golner, Shirish P. Mehta