Plural Layers (e.g., Laminated Barrier, Etc.) Patents (Class 96/11)
  • Patent number: 7927405
    Abstract: Porous composites comprise a porous membrane having a structure defining a plurality of pores extending therethrough, nonporous discontinuous surface layer affixed to said porous membrane, in which the nonporous discontinuous surface layer forms regions of gas permeability, and regions of gas impermeability, and a coating disposed upon the porous composite which renders at least a portion of the porous composite oleophobic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, John L. DiMeo, Alex R. Hobson, Klaus Meindl
  • Patent number: 7922795
    Abstract: A nanoscale membrane exposed on opposite sides thereof and having an average thickness of less than about 100 nm, and a lateral length to thickness aspect ratio that is more than 10,000 to 1 is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making such membranes, and use thereof in a number of devices including fuel cells, sensor devices, electrospray devices, and supports for examining a sample under electron microscopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: University of Rochester
    Inventors: Christopher C. Striemer, Philippe M. Fauchet
  • Patent number: 7923105
    Abstract: A hydrogen separator comprising a porous substrate composed mainly of a ceramic having a large number of pores connecting from one surface of the substrate to other surface, and a hydrogen-separating layer made of a hydrogen permselective metal formed on the porous substrate via an intermediate layer made of an electron-conductive ceramic. The hydrogen separator hardly generates defects such as peeling, cracks or the like in the hydrogen-separating layer and is suitable for use even when the hydrogen separator is exposed to a heat cycle, used under high temperature conditions or/and used for long-term.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ken-ichi Noda, Osamu Sakai
  • Publication number: 20110081712
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air comprising an anion exchange material formed in a matrix exposed to a flow of the air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments. The present invention contemplates the extraction of CO2 from air using conventional extraction methods or by using one of the extraction methods disclosed; e.g., humidity swing or electro dialysis. The present invention also provides delivery of the CO2 to greenhouses where increased levels of CO2 will improve conditions for growth. Alternatively, the CO2 is fed to an algae culture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Allen B. Wright, Klaus S. Lackner, Ursula Ginster
  • Patent number: 7914611
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a support system includes a multi-layer cover sheet with a number of layers. In certain embodiments, a source to move air inside and outside the multi-layer cover sheet can be provided. The source can include a source of positive pressure or negative pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Vrzalik, Alan L. Bartlett, Royce Johnson
  • Patent number: 7909917
    Abstract: A porous substrate with a seed crystal-containing layer for manufacturing a zeolite membrane includes: a ceramic porous substrate, and a seed crystal-containing layer containing a zeolite powder to function as a seed crystal for forming a zeolite membrane and a ceramic powder and being loaded on a surface of the ceramic porous substrate and fired to fix the seed crystal-containing layer on the porous substrate. The porous substrate with a seed crystal-containing layer used for manufacturing a zeolite membrane inhibits a defect such as a crack from being generated in the zeolite layer upon manufacture or use by manufacturing a zeolite membrane by the use of the substrate which then can be subjected to air-spraying, washing, and processing for the purpose of removing a foreign substance, etc., prior to hydrothermal synthesis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Nonaka, Kunio Nakayama, Kenji Yajima
  • Patent number: 7909911
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Klaus S. Lackner, Alan C. West, Jennifer L. Wade
  • Publication number: 20110048228
    Abstract: The filter of the invention is a cartridge filter comprising a structure that can maintain a filter medium in an air stream to filter particulates to protect a gas turbine power system. The filter combines a mechanically adequate filter structure and an effective filter medium for to obtain a useful system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Michael W. Handley, Mark Brandenhoff, Kirit Patel, Timothy D. Sporre
  • Patent number: 7896948
    Abstract: A membrane suitable for separating a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, from a gas mixture containing the gas is provided by a blend of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylamine (PVAm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Liyuan Deng, May-Britt Hagg, Taek-Joong Kim
  • Patent number: 7891499
    Abstract: A carbon membrane laminated body includes: a porous substrate, a first porous carbon membrane as a carbon membrane underlayer disposed on a surface of the porous substrate, and a second porous carbon membrane as a carbon membrane separation layer disposed on a surface of the carbon membrane underlayer, having a smaller film thickness, and a smaller average pore diameter, compared with those of the carbon membrane underlayer. It is preferable to form the carbon membrane underlayer and the carbon membrane separation layer by carbonizing a carbon membrane underlayer precursor disposed on a surface of the porous substrate and the carbon membrane separation layer precursor disposed on a surface of the carbon membrane underlayer precursor at 400 to 1000° C. in a non-oxidation atmosphere. The carbon membrane laminated body is a separation membrane excellent in both separation performance and flux when it is used as a separation membrane of a mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akimasa Ichikawa, Miyuki Yabuki
  • Patent number: 7892321
    Abstract: An integrated heating system for adding heat to a feed fuel within a module by way of an integrated heating element within the body or casing of the module. The heat may be selectively added to maintain a selected temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Diane Lee Aagesen, Kandaswamy Duraiswamy
  • Publication number: 20110036237
    Abstract: A CO2-facilitated transport membrane of excellent carbon dioxide permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity, which can be applied to a CO2 permeable membrane reactor, is stably provided. The CO2-facilitated transport membrane is formed such that a gel layer 1 obtained by adding cesium carbonate to a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid copolymer gel membrane is supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2. More preferably, a gel layer supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2 is coated with hydrophilic porous membranes 3 and 4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Osamu Okada, Masaaki Teramoto, Reza Yegani, Hideto Matsuyama, Keiko Shimada, Kaori Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20110030382
    Abstract: A porous membrane structure is disclosed, which includes a porous substrate, a mesoporous, aluminum oxide layer disposed on the substrate; and a relatively thin, continuous, microporous barrier layer disposed on the mesoporous aluminum oxide layer, also formed from aluminum oxide. The membrane is capable of improving hydrogen selectivity within a gas stream, e.g., a synthesis gas composition. Membrane supports containing these structures are also described, as well as gas separation modules, and related processes. Power plants which incorporate the gas separation modules are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Geoffrey Mark Eadon, Anthony Yu-Chung Ku, Vidya Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20110023717
    Abstract: A process for preparing a composite membrane comprising a porous support layer and a discriminating layer, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a porous support layer; (b) incorporating an inert liquid into the pores of the support layer; (c) applying a curable composition to the support layer; and (d) curing the composition, thereby forming the discriminating layer on the porous support. The process is particularly useful for preparing gas separation composite membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Yujiro Itami
  • Patent number: 7879137
    Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus (1) includes a support configured to support a patterning device (MA), the patterning device configured to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern. The apparatus has a substrate (W) table configure to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The apparatus also has a purge gas supply system (100) configured to provide a purge gas near a surface of a component of the lithographic projection apparatus. The purge gas supply system (100) includes a purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to generate a purge gas mixture which includes at least one purging gas and moisture. The purge gas mixture generator has a moisturizer (150) configured to add the moisture to the purge gas and a purge gas mixture outlet (130) connected to the purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to supply the purge gas mixture near the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Bipin S. Parekh, Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Robert S. Zeller, Russell J. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20110020192
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite membrane for selective gas separation, comprising a layer system having a through-and-through porous, mechanically stable carrier layer, which has an average pore size in the ?m range, further having at least one through-and-through porous intermediate layer, which is disposed on the carrier layer and has an average pore size in the range between 2 and 200 nm, and further having a gas-tight functional layer, which is disposed on the intermediate layer and is made of mixed-conductive material having a maximum layer thickness of 1 ?m. The carrier layer comprises structural ceramics, a metal or a cermet and has a layer thickness of no more than 1 mm. The intermediate layer is present in a total layer thickness of no more than 100 ?m and has an average pore size in the range of 10 and 100 nm. The functional layer comprises a perovskite, a fluorite, or a material having a K2NiF4structure, such as La1-xSrxCo1-yFeyO3-?(LSCF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JÜLICH GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Baumann, Jose Manuel Serra Alfaro, Wilhelm Albert Meulenberg, Hans-Peter Buchkremer, Detlev Stoever
  • Patent number: 7871456
    Abstract: A membrane for use in an implantable glucose sensor including at least one crosslinked substantially hydrophobic polymer and at least one crosslinked substantially hydrophilic polymer; wherein the first and second polymers are different polymers and substantially form an interpenetrating polymer network, semi-interpenetrating polymer network, polymer blend, or copolymer. The membranes are generally characterized by providing a permeability ratio of oxygen to glucose of about 1 to about 1000 in units of (mg/dl glucose) per (mmHg oxygen). Three methods of making membranes from hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers formed into polymer networks are provided, wherein according to at least two of the methods, the monomers may be substantially immiscible with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: David A. Gough, Joseph Y. Lucisano, Joe T. Lin, Hwai-Min Tsay, Drahoslav Lim, Jana Limova, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7867324
    Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel deoxygenator for removing oxygen from a liquid fuel. A vaporizer is in fluid communication with the fuel deoxygenator. The vaporizer vaporizes at least a portion of the liquid fuel to produce vaporized fuel. At least a portion of the vaporized fuel pre-mixes with oxidizer to reduce formation of undesirable emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander G Chen, Jeffrey M. Cohen
  • Patent number: 7862648
    Abstract: Thin layers of a mixed composition are deposited on a porous substrate by chemical vapor deposition in an inert atmosphere at high temperature. The resulting membrane has excellent stability to water vapor at high temperatures. An exemplary membrane comprises an amorphous mixed-element surface layer comprising silica and at least one oxide of additional element, an optional porous substrate on which said surface layer is deposited, and a porous support on which said substrate or mixed-element surface layer is deposited, wherein the permeance of the membrane is higher than 1×10?7 mol m?2s?1Pa?1 and the selectivity of H2 over CO, CO2, and CH4 is larger than 100, and wherein the H2 permeance of the membrane after exposure to a stream containing 60 mol % water vapor at 673 K for 120 h is at least 50% of its initial H2 permeance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: S. Ted Oyama, Yunfeng Gu
  • Patent number: 7862643
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a hydrogen separation membrane comprises the steps of forming an intermediate layer suitable for controlling oxidation of a hydrogen permeable metal layer on the surface of the hydrogen permeable metal layer on the surface of the hydrogen permeable metal used as a substrate; and attaching a catalytic metal in a granular form on the surface of the intermediate layer. This method can be used to manufacture a hydrogen separation membrane in which the quantity of catalytic metal used is controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20100319535
    Abstract: A high-temperature, steam-selective membrane for adding steam to or removing steam from various types of chemical reactions is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, such a membrane includes a polymer layer (a Nafion or sulfonated PEEK polymer layer, for example) exhibiting high selectivity to the transport of steam relative to other gas species. The polymer layer is sandwiched between substantially rigid porous layers that are steam permeable. The rigid porous layers substantially immobilize the polymer layer and reduce the tendency of the polymer layer to shrink and/or expand in response to changes in temperature or humidity. The rigid porous layers may also retain water to keep the polymer layer moist. The physical support and moisture retention provided by the rigid porous layers enable the polymer layer to operate in a temperature range of about 100° C. to 500° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Ashok V. Joshi, Feng Zhao
  • Patent number: 7854788
    Abstract: A filter membrane includes a substrate, a polymer layer provided on the substrate and a plurality of filter openings each having a width of from about 2 nanometers to about 5 nanometers provided in the polymer layer. A method of controlling pore size of a filter membrane and a method of decontaminating a filter membrane are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Norman R. Byrd, James P. Huang, Gwen Gross
  • Publication number: 20100313754
    Abstract: Provided are a method of efficient separation/purification of hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing gas that contains, in addition to hydrogen, at least one component of water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen in an amount of at least 1% where the hydrogen permeability is kept high; a hydrogen separation membrane for use in the method; and a hydrogen purification apparatus. The hydrogen purification method for separation/purification of hydrogen from a hydrogen-containing gas that contains at least one component of water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen in an amount of at least 1% is characterized by using a hydrogen separation membrane produced by adhering fine particles of palladium to the surface of a palladium alloy membrane; the hydrogen separation membrane is for use for the method; and the hydrogen purification apparatus comprises the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Eiji Okada, Jun Yoshihara, Futoshi Ikoma, Noboru Takemasa, Tatsunori Tayama, Kenji Otsuka
  • Publication number: 20100313758
    Abstract: A membrane is used for separating carbon dioxide from a gas phase. The membrane includes a substrate having micro-pores that extend through the substrate and a thin hydrophobic coating on one side of the substrate in which the pores of the substrate are substantially unobstructed by the coating so that the gas phase can penetrate the pores. The coating opposes or substantially resists a liquid solvent for absorbing carbon dioxide from penetrating the pores of the membrane from the side having the coating. The membrane may also be used for separating carbon dioxide in a flue gas of a coal fired power station. Further, the coating may be relatively inert to the liquid solvent compared to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: CO2CRC TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD.
    Inventors: Geoff Stevens, Jilska Perera, Julianna Franco, Sandra Kentish
  • Patent number: 7850764
    Abstract: Generally, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, thereby reducing the concentration of the vapor phase contaminant in the gas stream. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for removing a vapor phase contaminant from a gas stream, comprising contacting a gas stream comprising a vapor phase contaminant with a first side of a membrane; sorbing the vapor phase contaminant using the membrane; reacting the vapor phase contaminant into an reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant; transporting the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant through the membrane to a second side of the membrane; contacting the second side of the membrane with a liquid; and dissolving the reacted form of the vapor phase contaminant into the liquid. Methods for making a membrane comprising a metal for use in the present invention is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. DeBerry
  • Patent number: 7846237
    Abstract: The concentration of adsorbate in the feed gas to an on-stream bed of a cyclical swing adsorption process is monitored and the data processed to predict the time required to complete the on-stream mode of that bed and the purge flow rate and/or other regeneration mode operating condition of the concurrently off-stream bed is modified in response to changes in said predicted time whereby the regeneration mode of the off-steam bed is completed at the same time as the on-stream mode of the concurrent on-stream bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew David Wright, Mohammad Ali Kalbassi, Timothy Christopher Golden, Christopher James Raiswell
  • Publication number: 20100294132
    Abstract: Disclosed is an asymmetric membrane having a porous layer and a dense layer adjacent to the porous layer. The porous layer and the dense layer are made of a polymer material. The porous layer and/or the dense layer contains a filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicants: SHIN-ETSU POLYMER CO., LTD., DENSO CORPORATION, SHIN-ETSU CHEMICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junya Ishida, Mitsuaki Negishi, Yuzo Morioka, Mika Kawakita, Katsunori Iwase, Manabu Maeda, Masahiko Minemura, Mamoru Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 7837763
    Abstract: The invention under consideration concerns novel his-molecular-weight polyazoles, which are suitable for the production of fibers, films, membranes, and molded articles, on the basis of their high molecular weight, expressed as intrinsic viscosity, of at least 1.3 dl/g. Moreover, the invention under consideration describes a method for the production of high-molecular-weight polyazoles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventors: Gordon Calundann, Oemer Uensal, Brian Benicewicz, Bobby G. Dawkins, J. Dean Baker, Rita H. Joiner
  • Patent number: 7837764
    Abstract: An oxygen exchange manifold converts oxygenate air into an oxygen depleted air stream for use in inerting an otherwise flammable environment. A system including the oxygen exchange manifold may be utilized to inert fuel tanks of an aircraft or another environment. Methods of inerting such environments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: William C. Sanford
  • Patent number: 7833313
    Abstract: A process of producing an asymmetric membrane of multicomponent polyimide. The process includes the steps of (1) preparing a multicomponent polyimide blend solution by mixing a polyimide component A having a number-averaged polymerization index NA and a polyimide component B having a number-averaged polymerization index NB, wherein NA and NB satisfies equation 1: 2.35×NA?2.09<NB<450×NA?1.12??1 (2) subjecting the multicomponent polyimide blend solution to further polymerization and imidation reaction, and (3) causing a phase inversion in the resulting multicomponent polyimide blend solution to form an asymmetric membrane. The polyimide component A is raw materials of polyimide A containing a fluorine atom in the chemical structure thereof and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials. The polyimide component B is raw materials of polyimide B and/or a polymerization and imidation reaction product of the raw materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimune Yoshinaga, Kenji Fukunaga, Yoji Kase
  • Patent number: 7833321
    Abstract: There is provided a protective filter 1 for an extracorporeal circulation circuit pressure monitor, having a dialysis device side housing 2, an extracorporeal circulation circuit side housing 3, and a hydrophobic filter 4 held between both the housings, which allows passage of a gas but does not allow passage of a liquid, characterized in that a plurality of ribs 27 and 38 capable of supporting the hydrophobic filter 4 are respectively provided in both housings, and a protective member 5 for preventing direct contact between the ribs 38 and the hydrophobic filter 4 is interposed between the ribs 38 provided in the extracorporeal circulation circuit side housing 3 and the hydrophobic filter 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Katsunori Kawai, Akinobu Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20100282085
    Abstract: A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen-permeable membrane to purify hydrogen from mixed gases containing hydrogen is disclosed. Improved mechanical support for the permeable membrane is described, enabling forward or reverse differential pressurization of the membrane, which further stabilizes the membrane from wrinkling upon hydrogen uptake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Peter David DeVries
  • Patent number: 7824470
    Abstract: A fuel system for an energy conversion device includes a deoxygenator system with a multitude of flow impingement elements which are interleaved to provide a fuel channel with intricate two-dimensional flow characteristics. The flow impingement elements break up the boundary layers and enhance the transport of oxygen from the core of the of the fuel flow within the fuel channel to the oxygen permeable membrane surfaces by directing the fuel flow in a direction normal to the oxygen permeable membrane. The rapid mixing of the relatively rich oxygen core of the fuel with the relatively oxygen-poor flow near the oxygen permeable membrane enhances the overall removal rate of oxygen from the fuel. Because this process can be accomplished in fuel channels of relatively larger flow areas while maintaining laminar flow, the pressure drop sustained is relatively low.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Louis Chiappetta, Louis J. Spadaccini, He Huang, Mallika Gummalla, Dochul Choi
  • Publication number: 20100274200
    Abstract: This invention relates to a packing for a medical device comprising a fabric or non-woven based layer e.g. provided with an adhesive surface or another layer for securing a device to the skin of a patient. The packing comprises at least one layer (1) impenetrable to gas which layer has at least one opening (5), said opening (5) is covered by a filter layer (11) which is permeable for sterilization gas, wherein the filter layer (11) is a part of the medical device to be sterilised. According to one embodiment the part of the filter layer (11) surrounding the opening (5) is placed in close contact with two opposing parts of the packing where a first part of the packing (1) which is provided with the opening (5) is in close contact with a first side of the filter layer (11) and the second part of the packing (8) is in close contact with the opposite side of the filter layer (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Jens Egebjerg Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7819955
    Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Idatech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 7819944
    Abstract: A dehydration method by which water is selectively separated from a water-containing mixture 31 with a separation membrane. The separation membrane is a DDR type zeolite membrane 2. The dehydration method includes bringing the mixture 31 into contact with one side of the DDR type zeolite membrane 2 and causing a pressure difference between that side of the DDR type zeolite membrane 2 which is in contact with the mixture and the other side of the DDR type zeolite membrane 2 to thereby cause the water to selectively permeate and separate out. By the dehydration method, water can be selectively separated from a water-containing mixture without the need of a high energy cost. The separation membrane has excellent acid resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Yajima, Kunio Nakayama, Makiko Niino, Toshihiro Tomita
  • Patent number: 7819956
    Abstract: Porous polymeric membranes formed from a hydrophobic polymer, such as halar having membrane pores of a size sufficient to permit gas and/or vapor permeation 0.05 ?m to 5 ?m without permitting the flow of a hydrophilic fluid across the membrane. Pore distribution is uniform and porosity is high, in some cases up to 80%. Membranes may be in the form of a flay sheet or hollow fibre for example and can be used in a variety of applications such as stripping HF gas, degassing of caustic solution, chlorine gas/alkaline filtration, degassing tap water to remove dissolved chlorine. Processes used to make such membranes can be carried out using relatively non toxic solvents such as citric acid ethyl ester or glycerol triacetate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies Corp.
    Inventor: Heinz-Joachim Muller
  • Patent number: 7811359
    Abstract: A membrane and method for separating carbon dioxide from a mixture of gases, where the membrane includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and polysiloxane. The membrane is highly stable and can separate carbon dioxide at high flux in harsh environments and high temperatures, such as exhaust gases from power plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Kunj Tandon, Umakant Rapol, Ullash Kumar Barik, Rajappan Vetrivel
  • Publication number: 20100251888
    Abstract: An oxygen-ion conducting membrane structure comprising a monolithic inorganic porous support, optionally one or more porous inorganic intermediate layers, and an oxygen-ion conducting ceramic membrane. The oxygen-ion conducting hybrid membrane is useful for gas separation applications, for example O2 separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Curtis Robert Fekety, Yunfeng Gu, Lin He, Youchun Shi, Zhen Song
  • Patent number: 7806967
    Abstract: A fuel cell separator is provided with a separator substrate made of metal which has at least one open portion through which a fluid can pass provided in a predetermined position, and a film coating member that coats a predetermined area including the open portion of the separator substrate. A portion of the film coating member that corresponds to at least a peripheral edge portion of the open portion is adhesion treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoharu Sasaoka
  • Patent number: 7806962
    Abstract: The present invention is for novel high performance cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes and the use of such membranes for separations such as for CO2/CH4, H2/CH4 and propylene/propane separations. More specifically, the invention involves the preparation of cross-linkable and cross-linked mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The cross-linkable MMMs were prepared by incorporating microporous molecular sieves or soluble high surface area microporous polymers (PIMs) as dispersed microporous fillers into a continuous cross-linkable polymer matrix. The cross-linked MMMs were prepared by UV-cross-linking the cross-linkable MMMs containing cross-linkable polymer matrix such as BP-55 polyimide. Pure gas permeation test results demonstrated that both types of MMMs exhibited higher performance for CO2/CH4 and H2/CH4 separations than those of the corresponding cross-linkable and cross-linked pure polymer matrices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Chunqing Liu, Jeffrey J. Chiou, Stephen T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7789948
    Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen separation membrane characterized by comprising a structure obtained by sintering atomized powder having a composition of NixMyZr100-x-y (wherein M is Nb and/or Ta, 25?x?40, 25?y?40) and an average grain size of 50 ?m or less. The prepared hydrogen separation membrane does not require the use of costly Pd metal, and can be used as a substitute for conventional high-cost bulk metallic glass obtained by quenching of molten metal. This hydrogen separation membrane is free from problems such as defects in the hydrogen separation membrane and unevenness of composition, has a uniform structure, and is capable of separating hydrogen at low cost. Further provided are a sputtering target for forming such as hydrogen separation membrane and its manufacturing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignees: Nippon Mining & Metals Co., Ltd, Tohoku University
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakamura, Masataka Yahagi, Akihisa Inoue, Hisamichi Kimura, Shin-ichi Yamaura
  • Patent number: 7789941
    Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: IdaTech, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
  • Patent number: 7789940
    Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus (1) includes a support configured to support a patterning device (MA), the patterning device configured to pattern the projection beam according to a desired pattern. The apparatus has a substrate (W) table configure to hold a substrate, a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. The apparatus also has a purge gas supply system (100) configured to provide a purge gas near a surface of a component of the lithographic projection apparatus. The purge gas supply system (100) includes a purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to generate a purge gas mixture which includes at least one purging gas and moisture. The purge gas mixture generator has a moisturizer (150) configured to add the moisture to the purge gas and a purge gas mixture outlet (130) connected to the purge gas mixture generator (120) configured to supply the purge gas mixture near the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Bipin S. Parekh, Jeffrey J. Spiegelman, Robert S. Zeller, Russell J. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7776137
    Abstract: A polyimide MMC membrane useful for the production of oxygen-enriched air or nitrogen-enriched-air, for the separation of carbon dioxide from hydrocarbons or nitrogen, and the separation of helium or hydrogen from various streams. Membranes of polyimide polymers, such as polyimide polymers sold under the tradename P-84, are mixed with molecular sieve materials, such as SSZ-13, to make MMC membranes. The MMC membranes of the invention provide improved membrane performance compared to polymer only membranes, particularly when used to form asymmetric film membranes or hollow fiber membranes. The MMC films exhibit consistent permeation performance as dense film or asymmetric membranes, and do not interact with components of the process streams, such as organic solvents. The membranes of the invention exhibit particularly surprisingly good selectivity for the fluids of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Sudhir S. Kulkarni, David J. Hasse
  • Publication number: 20100202243
    Abstract: A screw machine for treating at least partially powdery bulk material has a housing with at least one housing bore and a screw arranged in the housing bore. A vacuum housing portion is provided, which is formed as a vacuum housing insert, which is releasably attached in the housing, in which a metal nonwoven is exchangeably held as a gas-permeable wall portion on a base body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Coperion GmbH
    Inventor: Thorsten Stirner
  • Patent number: 7772139
    Abstract: Packaging using Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based Film extends the shelf life of various fresh fruits and vegetables and vase life of fresh cut flowers by changing the atmosphere in which these living products are stored and respires. The high oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of the Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based Film establishes an ideal atmosphere for the specific perishable item, and therefore extends its shelf life. The establishment of lower oxygen and carbon dioxide atmospheres inside packages using Gas Permeable Non-Woven Fabric based film, also leads to reduction in the respiration rate of the perishable items. The reduction in the respiration rate prevents loss of moisture, production of metabolic heat, and yellowing, browning, reduction in production levels of ethylene. Thus the created atmosphere is able to extend shelf life, maintain high quality and preserve nutrients of fresh produce items by naturally regulating respiration of said produce/flower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Shubham Chandra
  • Patent number: 7771520
    Abstract: A hydrogen separation membrane and its associated method of fabrication. The hydrogen separation membrane has a first material layer that is permeable to atomic hydrogen. The first material has a first catalytic ability to disassociate molecular hydrogen into atomic hydrogen. Complex particles are applied to the first material layer, either to produce a second layer or to act as a barrier between the first layer and a subsequent layer. The complex particles are hollow bucky structure, filled bucky structures or core particles coated with a hydrogen permeable metal. The complex particles prevent material from opposite sides of the hydrogen separation membrane from interdiffusing over time. Consequently, palladium based materials and Group V based materials can be used on opposite sides of the hydrogen separation membrane. This produces a hydrogen separation membrane that is more permeable to hydrogen in one direction than it is in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Peter R. Bossard
  • Patent number: 7771519
    Abstract: Ion transport membrane system comprising (a) a pressure vessel comprising an interior, an exterior, an inlet, an inlet conduit, an outlet, and an outlet conduit; (b) a plurality of planar ion transport membrane modules disposed in the interior of the pressure vessel and arranged in series, each membrane module comprising mixed metal oxide ceramic material and having an interior region and an exterior region, wherein the inlet and the outlet of the pressure vessel are in flow communication with exterior regions of the membrane modules; (c) a gas manifold having an interior surface wherein the gas manifold is in flow communication with the interior region of each of the planar ion transport membrane modules and with the exterior of the pressure vessel; and (d) a liner disposed within any of the inlet conduit, the outlet conduit, and the interior surface of the gas manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Francis Carolan, Christopher Francis Miller
  • Patent number: 7771518
    Abstract: An asymmetric hollow-fiber gas separation membrane is made of a soluble aromatic polyimide that is composed of a specific repeating unit. The tetracarboxylic acid component of the unit has a diphenylhexafluoropropane structure and a biphenyl structure. The diamine component of the unit essentially contains diaminobenzoic acids and any of diaminodibenzothiophenes, diaminodibenzothiophene=5,5-dioxides, diaminothioxanthene-10,10-diones, and diaminothioxanthene-9,10,10-triones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimune Yoshinaga, Kenji Fukunaga, Yutaka Kanetsuki, Hiroshi Uchida, Minoru Shigemura, Nozomu Tanihara